Co2 gas-liquid phase transition-based multistage compression energy storage apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage technologies fail to effectively utilize thermal energy from sources like geothermal, solar thermal, and waste incineration, leading to energy waste and inefficiencies in power grid management due to intermittent renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage compression energy storage device that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy using CO2 gas-liquid phase transition, comprising a gas storage reservoir, liquid storage tank, energy storage and releasing assemblies, and a heat exchange system, which compresses and expands CO2 to store and release energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal energy from geothermal, solar thermal, and waste incineration is directly released into the environment, then the system is simple, but energy waste occurs and energy conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes CO2 phase transitions (gas-liquid-supercritical) as the core mechanism for energy storage and release. During compression, CO2 transitions through different phases, storing thermal energy from geothermal, solar thermal, or waste incineration sources. The phase transition enables efficient energy capture and subsequent release to drive turbines for electricity generation, directly addressing the energy waste problem.
Solution Approach 2:
CO2 serves as an intermediary substance between the thermal energy sources and the turbine system. The CO2 absorbs thermal energy, undergoes phase transitions, and then expands to drive the turbine. This intermediary approach allows the system to convert various forms of thermal energy into mechanical work efficiently, while the heat exchange assembly acts as another intermediary to manage thermal transfer between components.
2Productivity
If multi-stage compression is used to store thermal energy, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process is divided into multiple stages, with each stage performing a specific compression function. The first compressor performs initial compression, followed by the second compressor for further compression. This segmentation allows for more efficient energy storage by progressively increasing pressure and temperature, while distributing the complexity across manageable modular units rather than requiring a single complex compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the heat exchange assembly is integrated within the multi-stage compression system. The heat exchange assembly, which includes channels for heat transfer, is positioned to interact with the CO2 at different compression stages. This nesting allows thermal energy to be captured and transferred efficiently during the compression process, improving energy storage efficiency while utilizing the existing compression infrastructure.
3Power
If CO2 is compressed and expanded through phase transitions, then thermal energy is converted to mechanical energy, but the system requires precise temperature and pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the heat exchange assembly, which continuously monitors and adjusts thermal transfer during CO2 compression and expansion. The heat exchange channels facilitate real-time thermal feedback, allowing the system to maintain optimal temperature and pressure conditions for phase transitions. This feedback control enables precise management of the energy conversion process, ensuring efficient transformation of thermal energy to mechanical energy while managing the complexity of control requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces energy waste by recycling thermal energy, enhances energy storage efficiency, and stabilizes power grids by converting thermal energy into mechanical energy for electricity generation, thereby reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser configured to condense the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
the evaporator is configured to evaporate the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
each compression energy storage member includes a compressor configured to compress the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 4
the expansion energy releasing member includes an energy releasing heat exchanger and an expander, the expander is configured to release energy
Implementation Method 5
a heat exchange assembly connected to the energy storage heat exchanger and the energy releasing heat exchanger, wherein the energy storage heat exchanger is configured to temporarily store the energy generated by the energy storage assembly into the heat exchange assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A CO2 gas-liquid phase transition-based multistage compression energy storage apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, including: a gas storage; a liquid storage tank; an energy storage assembly, which includes compressors and energy storage heat exchangers; an energy release assembly (400), which includes energy release heat exchangers and expanders; a heat exchange assembly the energy generated by the energy storage assembly, and the energy release heat exchangers being capable of receiving the energy temporarily stored by the heat exchange assembly; and a driving assembly, which includes an energy input member and a first driving member, the energy input member absorbing external thermal energy to drive the first driving member to work, and the first driving member being used for driving the compressors to work.