Energy storage device, method for storing and supplying energy using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy supply equipment for cooling and heating consumes significant electrical energy, leading to high operating costs, especially in places like shopping malls and hotels.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage device featuring a phase-change energy storage tank with thermal insulation and intelligent temperature control systems, allowing for efficient storage and supply of cold/hot water energy by controlling valve operations and circulation paths based on temperature settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional energy supply equipment is used to produce cold or heat energy, then cooling and heating needs are met, but electrical energy consumption is high leading to high operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools or pre-heats water during off-peak hours when electricity consumption is low, storing this energy in a thermal energy storage tank. This preliminary action allows the system to meet high energy demands during peak hours without consuming excessive electrical energy, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy supply productivity and electrical energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by shifting energy production timing from peak demand periods to off-peak periods. By producing and storing thermal energy when electrical energy consumption is low, and then supplying stored energy during peak periods, the system reduces overall electrical energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling and heating supply.
2Loss of energy
If phase-change energy storage tank is used to store energy during off-peak hours, then energy consumption during peak hours is reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple valves and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates intelligent temperature control sensors that automatically monitor water temperature and control the opening/closing of valves without human intervention. This self-service capability allows the complex multi-valve system to operate autonomously, reducing the need for manual control while maintaining the energy storage and supply functionality, thereby justifying the increased device complexity through automated energy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature control sensors to continuously monitor the thermal state of water in the storage tank and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of valve positions to optimize energy storage and retrieval operations, ensuring that the increased device complexity is managed through intelligent control that maximizes energy efficiency during peak and off-peak hours.
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 device effectively stores energy during off-peak hours and supplies it during peak hours, reducing energy consumption and operating costs by utilizing phase-change materials and intelligent temperature control to manage energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the second housing comprises a phase change material
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material is introduced to and discharged out of the second housing
Implementation Method 3
the first housing comprises a thermal insulation material
Implementation Method 4
a circulating water pump
Implementation Method 5
allowing cold/hot water in the first liquid inlet pipe to enter the energy storage device where the cold/hot water exchanges heat energy with the phase change material
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage device includes a phase-change energy storage tank, a first liquid inlet pipe, a first liquid outlet pipe, a second liquid inlet pipe, a second liquid outlet pipe, and a pipeline. The phase-change energy storage tank includes a first housing and a second housing disposed in the first housing. The second housing includes a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a feeding hole, and a discharge hole. The first housing includes a thermal insulation material. The second housing includes a phase change material. The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are disposed on two ends of the second housing, respectively. The phase change material is introduced to and discharged out of the second housing via the feeding hole and the discharge hole, respectively. The first liquid inlet pipe, the phase-change energy storage tank, and the first liquid outlet pipe are connected sequentially to form an energy storage unit.