Concrete Slab Thermal Storage with Spacer Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems face inefficiencies and implementation challenges, particularly with solid particle beds experiencing abrasion, sintering, and thermal ratcheting, and concrete slab systems struggling with spalling and irregular channel formation under high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage apparatus using concrete slabs with integrated spacer bars to form modular, easily stackable channels within a hollow tube, allowing precise control of channel dimensions and eliminating the need for fluidization, thus enhancing efficiency and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solid particles are used as storage medium with fluidized bed, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but particle abrasion, sintering, and dust formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into distinct functional zones: a fluidized bed zone for high heat transfer efficiency and a packed bed zone for particle stability. This segmentation allows particles to experience fluidization benefits locally while maintaining structural integrity overall, preventing abrasion and sintering by limiting fluidized bed exposure time and intensity.
2Reliability
If packed bed of particles is used, then particle abrasion and sintering are reduced, but thermal ratcheting and channelling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation by periodically switching between fluidized bed mode (for heat transfer) and packed bed mode (for stability). This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize heat transfer when needed while preventing thermal ratcheting and channelling by interrupting continuous thermal cycling in the packed bed configuration.
3Reliability
If metal tubes surrounded by concrete are used, then spalling is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from the complex metal tube-concrete structure and implements it through simplified means: direct contact between heat transfer fluid and concrete storage medium, with the concrete itself serving as both storage medium and protective layer. This eliminates the need for separate metal tubes and complex manufacturing processes while maintaining spalling prevention.
4Quantity of substance
If two tanks with variable level are used for sensible heat storage, then thermal energy storage capacity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of hot and cold storage tanks into a single integrated reactor vessel. The fluidized bed/packed bed configuration within one tank provides both high-temperature and low-temperature storage zones, eliminating the need for separate variable-level tanks while maintaining thermal energy storage capacity and reducing system complexity.
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 cost-effective, efficient thermal energy storage system capable of handling high pressures and temperatures, with improved channel regularity and reduced manufacturing complexity, maintaining high efficiency and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
thermal energy is stored in the form of sensible heat
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange between the two substances
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage apparatus includes at least one hollow tube having an internal cavity and at least one basic module placed inside the internal cavity. The at least one basic module has at least one slab, at least one pair of spacer bars, and at least one through channel adapted for the passage of a heat transfer fluid.