Concentric Heat Storage Volumes with Variable Wall Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems are inefficient due to the loss of heat energy during compression and the need for additional heat storage systems, leading to high costs and bulkiness, as only mechanical energy is utilized, and heat produced during compression is not effectively reused.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage device with at least two concentric heat storage volumes, where the thickness of the central volume's wall is greater than the peripheral volume's wall, reducing pressure differences and optimizing mass and cost, using metal walls and insulating materials to efficiently store and recover heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the outer wall is made thick to withstand large pressure difference, then the pressure resistance is improved, but the mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage system is divided into multiple concentric volumes (central and peripheral), each with its own wall thickness optimized for the local pressure conditions. The central volume wall is thinner since it experiences lower pressure differential, while the peripheral wall is thicker to withstand the full pressure difference between the stored high-pressure fluid and ambient environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different wall thicknesses are applied at different locations within the system. The wall delimiting the central storage volume has a first thickness, while the outer wall has a second, greater thickness. This local differentiation allows each wall section to have the minimum necessary thickness for its specific pressure loading conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate heat storage systems are used to store heat at specific temperatures and pressures, then the heat storage capability is improved, but the footprint and system bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat storage volumes are arranged concentrically, with the central volume nested within the peripheral volume. This nesting configuration allows multiple heat storage functions to be performed within a compact footprint, as the volumes share the same spatial envelope rather than requiring separate ground area for each storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heat storage volumes operating at different pressures are combined into a single integrated device with concentric architecture. The central and peripheral volumes work together as one system, sharing common structural support and insulation, thereby reducing the overall footprint compared to separate standalone storage systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform wall thickness is used in concentric heat storage volumes, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the pressure resistance and mass optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different wall thicknesses are specified for different locations: the wall delimiting the central storage volume has a first thickness, while the outer wall has a second, greater thickness. This local differentiation optimizes each wall section for its specific pressure loading conditions while remaining manufacturable through standard fabrication processes.
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 design allows for efficient storage and recovery of heat at high pressures while minimizing the thickness and mass of the heat storage device, reducing costs and space requirements, and optimizing energy yield in CAES systems.
Implementation Method 1
The walls delimiting these storage volumes are configured in a manner such that the thickness of the wall delimiting the central storage volume is greater than the thickness of the wall delimiting the peripheral storage volume. Thus, it is possible to store the heat obtained from a fluid at a high pressure in the central volume, and the heat obtained from a fluid at a lower pressure in the peripheral volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device and a process for the storage and restitution of heat which comprises at least two concentric heat storage volumes (TES1, TES2, TES3). The walls (2) delimiting these storage volumes are configured in a manner such that the thickness of the wall delimiting the central storage volume is greater than the thickness of the wall delimiting the peripheral storage volume.