Concrete-Encased Compressed Air Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, are limited in capacity, costly, and geographically restricted, while flywheels offer high power but low energy density, necessitating a more efficient and versatile energy storage solution.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage apparatus comprising a hollow unit for storing water and compressed gas, surrounded by a concrete layer with a thermal path and inner protection layer, allowing for efficient heat management and pressure containment, and optionally incorporating a hydrogenerator for electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If advanced batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries) are used for energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but production cost increases and energy application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive advanced batteries with a low-cost compressed air energy storage system using concrete structures and common materials. The system uses inexpensive components like concrete vessels, steel tanks, and water reservoirs to achieve energy storage without the high production costs of lithium-ion batteries.
2Quantity of substance
If pumped hydro storage is used for energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but geographical location is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compressed air as an intermediary medium to enable energy storage without requiring the specific geographical conditions of pumped hydro storage. The compressed air system can be deployed in various locations including underground caverns, above-ground concrete vessels, and integrated with existing infrastructure, providing geographical versatility while maintaining energy storage capacity.
3Power
If flywheels are used for energy storage, then power output is improved, but energy density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of compressed air energy storage with thermal management systems and hydrogenerators to create an integrated energy storage solution. This combination allows the system to achieve both high power output through rapid gas expansion and high energy density through efficient thermal recovery and water-based energy conversion, overcoming the limitations of flywheel systems.
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 solution provides a durable and practical energy storage system with enhanced capacity and flexibility, capable of storing and releasing energy efficiently, reducing the need for high-strength metal components and offering a scalable, geographically adaptable energy storage solution.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal path passed through the concrete layer and the inner protection layer, wherein the thermal path can be a heat conductive material (such as a metal wire or tube, e.g., a copper tube) for conducting heat in or out of the storage system
Implementation Method 2
a hollow energy storage unit for storing water and/or compressed gas
Implementation Method 3
a water inlet to deliver the water into the hollow energy storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage apparatus includes a energy storage for storing water and compressed gas; a concrete layer surrounded the energy storage; an inner protection layer arranged on an inner surface of the energy storage.