Cyclic Thermal Storage Medium with Sensor-Controlled Heat Front
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems are inefficient, bulky, and lack flexibility for cyclical processes, requiring external heat sources and sinks, and suffer from high pressure loss and energy dissipation due to their design and material conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for cyclic energy storage using a low thermal conductivity material with high specific heat capacity, where a heat front is controlled by sensors to manage energy transfer between hot and cold sides, allowing for dynamic adaptation to process cycles with minimal energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional heat exchanger systems with high thermal conductivity materials are used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but energy dissipation and inability to store heat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the heat exchanger material from high to low. The heat exchanger is made of a low thermal conductivity material (thermal conductivity ≤ 0.5 W/(m·K)) that can store heat temporarily, enabling the system to hold thermal energy and release it when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and energy dissipation.
2Loss of energy
If external heat sources and heat sinks are used, then heat recovery is achieved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchanger and heat storage functions into a single integrated component. The heat exchanger made of low thermal conductivity material simultaneously performs heat transfer and heat storage, eliminating the need for separate external heat sources and heat sinks, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining high heat recovery rates.
3Loss of energy
If heat exchanger size is increased to improve heat recovery, then heat transfer surface area increases, but installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter to enable heat storage functionality, which allows for a more compact design. The low thermal conductivity material retains heat within the heat exchanger volume, eliminating the need for additional external heat storage components, thus achieving high heat recovery rates in a compact form factor.
4Power
If turbulent flow is generated to improve heat exchange, then heat transfer efficiency increases, but pressure drop and energy expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous heat storage and release within the heat exchanger, maintaining effective heat transfer without requiring continuous high-velocity turbulent flow. The low thermal conductivity material continuously retains and releases heat, allowing for more energy-efficient flow conditions while maintaining heat transfer effectiveness.
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
Achieves efficient, compact, and flexible energy storage with minimal pressure loss, enabling rapid energy transfer and recovery rates up to 99.99%, suitable for dynamic cyclical processes.
Implementation Method 1
heating the energy storage medium (W) on the hot side (H) with a hot medium (HM) to initiate internal heat transfer to the energy storage medium from the hot side to the cold side
Implementation Method 2
using a low thermal conductivity material with high specific heat capacity
Implementation Method 3
energy storage medium (W) made of a material with low thermal conductivity through which a fluid medium can flow
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a device for performing cyclical energy storage for a process region in a cyclical operation using an energy storage medium having a hot side and a cold side, the method comprising the following method steps, which are repeated in a cycle time. The energy storage medium is heated on the hot side by means of a hot medium in order to initiate internal thermal conduction in the energy storage medium from the hot side to the cold side. The temperature on the cold side of the energy storage medium is continuously captured by means of a temperature sensor and is compared with a preset limit temperature. After the limit temperature has been reached, a cold medium is fed to the cold side of the energy storage medium and the stored energy is discharged beginning from the cold side toward the hot side of the energy storage medium. At the start of a new energy storage cycle, the energy storage medium is heated on the hot side again.