Concentric Multi-Layer Thermal Storage with Segmented Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges in achieving suitable rates of heat transfer, acceptable thermodynamic efficiency, and effective integration into heating and cooling energy systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage thermal energy storage (mTES) device with a core of heat storage materials surrounded by concentric multi-layer shells in thermal insulation material, allowing for fluid heat transfer through embedded tubes or as pressurized fluid, and utilizing grooved bricks for enhanced thermal capacity and controlled flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional TES applications use storage media such as water, rocks, minerals, and phase-change materials, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but suitable rates of heat transfer in and out of the TES are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The TES system is divided into multiple discrete heat exchange units (HEUs) arranged in series, where each unit contains storage media and heat transfer components. This segmentation allows independent optimization of heat transfer surfaces and fluid flow paths in each unit, enabling high heat transfer rates while maintaining overall storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional single-dimension heat transfer to multi-dimensional heat exchange by incorporating both direct fluid-to-storage media heat transfer and indirect heat transfer through heat exchanger surfaces within each HEU, creating parallel heat transfer pathways that increase overall heat transfer rate.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional TES applications use storage media such as water, rocks, minerals, and phase-change materials, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but acceptable levels of thermodynamic efficiency are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the thermal state of each HEU and adjust the flow rate and temperature of the heat transfer fluid dynamically. This feedback control optimizes heat transfer efficiency while minimizing thermal losses and ensures operation near optimal thermodynamic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies operating parameters such as heat transfer fluid flow rate, temperature, and pressure based on real-time thermal conditions of the storage media. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high thermodynamic efficiency across different operating conditions and storage states.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional TES applications use storage media such as water, rocks, minerals, and phase-change materials, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but effective integration of TES into heating and cooling energy systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each heat exchange unit is designed as a universal module that can function in both heating and cooling modes by simply reversing the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid. The system can integrate with various energy sources (solar thermal, waste heat, electrical heating) and loads (space heating, domestic hot water, industrial processes), providing versatile integration capability while maintaining storage capacity.
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
The mTES device efficiently adjusts thermal energy supply and demand by utilizing multiple temperature zones and feedback loops, optimizing heat transfer rates and thermodynamic efficiency, and effectively integrating with heating and cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The heat storage material in mTES are solid material, fluid material, or phase changing material
Implementation Method 2
the fluid heat transfer materials can be fluid materials such as gas or liquid. In yet other embodiments, the heat transfer materials travel through the space within the heat storage material in form of pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 3
the heat storage material is a stacked bricks with geometric shapes and grooves on surfaces. The geometric design and arrangement of the grooves on the bricks will allow bricks to form honeycomb shape space or various size and shapes of the spaces in between when stack up with different orientations
Implementation Method 4
a core of heat storage materials surrounded by at least two layers of concentric multi-layer shells in thermal insulation material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system and method for concentric multi-layer thermal energy storage device for thermal energy storage and powering other thermal energy consumption devices has a core of thermal storage material surrounded by concentric multi-layer thermal insulation material shells with thermal storage materials filled in the chambers between adjacent layers, inlets, and outlets for each chamber to allow thermal transfer material travel through the thermal energy storage materials between chambers within or between any one of the different energy storage devices and energy consumption devices.