Floating Piston Ring With Articulating Segments for Thermal Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal energy storage systems face high initial costs, large footprints, inefficiencies, and scalability issues, limiting their adoption for renewable energy storage applications.
Innovation Solution
A piston ring configuration using interconnected arc segments with articulating joints and spring elements, designed for floating pistons in thermal energy storage systems, separates hot and cold working fluids efficiently, reducing costs and enhancing scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-piece piston ring is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to thermal expansion and contraction is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The piston ring is divided into multiple arc segments (typically 2-4 segments) that are interconnected by articulating joints. This segmentation allows each segment to independently expand and contract with thermal changes while maintaining the overall sealing function, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joints between arc segments provide dynamic movement capability, allowing the piston ring to change its shape and circumference in response to thermal expansion and contraction. This dynamic structure enables the ring to adapt to dimensional changes while maintaining sealing contact, solving the adaptability issue without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.
2Reliability
If a rigid piston ring is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the sealing efficiency under thermal stress is poor
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rigid piston ring into multiple articulated arcs, the structure can now flex and maintain sealing contact under thermal stress while still being manufacturable using standard processes. The segmentation allows the ring to conform to thermal deformations, improving sealing reliability without requiring complex manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joints introduce a degree of flexibility that changes the mechanical parameters of the piston ring from rigid to semi-flexible. This parameter change allows the ring to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining sealing effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a custom-fitted piston ring is used, then the sealing precision is high, but the manufacturing cost and scalability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with standardized articulating joints allows for modular manufacturing. Each arc segment can be produced using standard manufacturing processes and then assembled, eliminating the need for custom-fitting while maintaining sealing precision. This modular approach significantly improves manufacturing scalability and reduces costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic, flexible nature of the articulated segments allows the piston ring to self-adjust to the vessel dimensions, replacing the need for custom-fitted rigid rings. This self-adjusting capability maintains sealing precision while enabling standardized, scalable manufacturing of the individual segments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a solid piston ring is used, then the structural strength is high, but the ability to accommodate vessel deformation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with articulating joints distributes mechanical stresses across multiple connection points, maintaining overall structural strength while allowing localized deformation. Each segment can flex independently to accommodate vessel deformation, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic articulating joints enable the piston ring to flex and accommodate vessel deformation while the interconnected segments maintain structural integrity. This dynamic structure allows the ring to absorb deformation stresses without compromising overall strength, solving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.
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 enables a low-cost, efficient, and scalable thermal energy storage system that can support renewable energy generation by effectively separating and managing hot and cold fluids, improving energy storage capacity and reducing thermal losses.
Implementation Method 1
Each arc segment may include a recess on an inner surface to receive a spring element
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of arc segments may be interconnected with an articulating joint
Data Source
AI summary
A piston ring configured to be disposed in a floating piston for use in a vessel of a thermal energy storage system to separate a hot working fluid from a cold working fluid, wherein the piston ring comprises of a plurality of arc segments, each arc segment interconnected by a joint.