Energy storage device with phase change material and method for storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges in ensuring satisfactory supply of thermal energy in terms of quality and quantity during peak demand, particularly in heat networks where production units operate at low capacity and rely on polluting backup generators.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage device using phase change material (PCM) that integrates both thermal and electrical heat sources, allowing for simultaneous storage and recovery of thermal and electrical energy without interference, optimizing energy availability during peak consumption periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal storage systems use only thermal heat sources, then the system structure is simple, but the energy availability during peak demand is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal heat sources (heat transfer fluid circuit) and electrical heat sources (electric heaters) into a single integrated energy storage device. Both heat sources charge the same phase change material storage medium, allowing the system to accumulate thermal energy from multiple sources and ensure adequate energy availability during peak demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device is designed to accept and store thermal energy from multiple types of heat sources (both thermal and electrical). The phase change material serves as a universal storage medium that can be charged by any heat source, making the system versatile and adaptable to different energy inputs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If thermal storage systems increase storage capacity to meet peak demand, then energy availability improves, but the volume and cost of the tank increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase change parameter of the storage medium, which allows it to absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy at constant temperature during phase transitions (melting/freezing). This latent heat storage mechanism significantly increases the energy density of the storage system, allowing more energy to be stored in a smaller volume compared to sensible heat storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid states to store and release thermal energy. During charging, the material melts and absorbs latent heat; during discharge, it freezes and releases latent heat. This phase transition mechanism provides high energy storage capacity in a compact volume, reducing both tank size and associated costs.
3Reliability
If thermal storage systems use electrical heat sources to charge during low demand, then energy availability during peak demand improves, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between thermal and electrical heat sources based on real-time conditions such as demand levels, energy prices, and heat source availability. During low-demand periods when electricity is cheaper or more abundant, the electrical heaters charge the storage. During peak demand, the stored thermal energy is discharged, reducing the need for additional electrical consumption and optimizing overall energy efficiency.
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 integration of electrical and thermal heat sources enhances energy availability, particularly during peak demand, enabling efficient storage and recovery of energy, reducing reliance on polluting generators and improving energy independence in local networks.
Implementation Method 1
storage occurs via the phase change of a material. It is the enthalpy of phase change, most often during the change of solid/liquid state, which is stored
Implementation Method 2
The amount of thermal energy stored during the phase change is expressed with the following relationship: m Mass [kg] h Mass enthalpy of phase change [kJ/kg]
Implementation Method 3
a fluid network allowing the transport of calories to users via a heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 4
The heat transfer fluid and the PCM will exchange heat. The heat transfer fluid will transfer heat to the PCM during charging
Implementation Method 5
an electrical heat source configured to only supply heat to said PCM. The electrical heat source makes it possible to generate heat transmitted to the PCM which stores the thermal energy of electrical origin
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for storing energy using a phase-change material (PCM) comprising an enclosure intended to contain a phase-change material (6) and a thermal heat source comprising a heat-transfer fluid (4) passing through said enclosure and configured to store and extract heat of and from said PCM (6), characterized in that the device comprises an electrical heat source placed in said enclosure and configured to only store heat in said PCM (6). The field of the invention is that of thermal storage systems (TSS) using phase change materials (PCM) and more specifically the integration of a system that allows the availability of stored thermal energy to be optimized. The invention will find an application in urban or rural electrical and heat networks.