Fluid-Flow Insulation for Uniform Thermal Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing variable renewable energy (VRE) due to high costs, thermal runaway, and non-uniform temperature distribution, which leads to material failure and inefficiencies in delivering high-temperature heat for industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing vertically oriented thermal storage units (TSUs) with bricks and heaters, insulative layers, and controlled air flow to manage temperature uniformity and reduce thermal stress, coupled with dynamic insulation and smart control systems to optimize charging and discharging based on weather and demand forecasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal energy is stored using conventional systems, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but thermal runaway and non-uniform temperature distribution occur leading to material failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the insulation thickness and thermal properties at different locations within the storage system. The insulation layer is designed with non-uniform thickness to compensate for heat accumulation patterns, ensuring more uniform temperature distribution throughout the thermal energy storage material and preventing localized thermal runaway that would cause material failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary insulation layer between the thermal energy storage material and the external environment. This intermediary layer acts as a buffer that moderates heat transfer, preventing extreme temperature gradients and reducing thermal stress on the storage material, thereby improving reliability while maintaining temperature uniformity.
2Loss of energy
If insulation is added to reduce heat loss, then energy efficiency improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insulation system into multiple distinct layers with different thermal properties rather than using a single uniform insulation layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform a specific function (e.g., primary thermal barrier, secondary protection layer), achieving superior heat loss reduction while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite insulation structures combining different materials with complementary thermal properties. This composite approach optimizes heat loss reduction by leveraging the strengths of each material while managing overall system complexity through integrated design of the multi-material insulation system.
3Quantity of substance
If high-temperature heat is stored for industrial processes, then energy density increases, but thermal stress and material failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-installing expansion joints, flexible connections, and stress-absorbing structural elements in the thermal energy storage system. These features are designed in advance to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction cycles, cushioning the mechanical stress before it can cause material failure, thereby enabling high-temperature operation with maintained material strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and designing materials with specific thermal expansion coefficients and strength characteristics optimized for high-temperature operation. The system parameters including material composition, structural geometry, and insulation properties are adjusted to maintain adequate material strength while achieving high energy density through elevated storage temperatures.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective storage and delivery of high-temperature heat from VRE, reducing material failures and ensuring continuous energy supply for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
an insulative layer interposed between the plurality of TSUs, the roof and at least one of the sides
Implementation Method 2
a blower that blows relatively cooler fluid such as air or another gas (e.g. CO2) along the flow path
Implementation Method 3
The unheated air along the flow path forms an insulated layer and is preheated by absorbing heat from the insulator
Implementation Method 4
each of the heaters being connected to the input electricity via switching circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage system with fluid flow insulation, the system including heated thermal storage blocks positioned within a housing, and a method for operating the thermal energy storage system, including providing a flow of fluid into the housing, the fluid convectively extracting heat from a top region, a side region and a bottom region of the thermal energy storage system, to generate heated fluid that insulates the thermal storage blocks from the housing and a foundation of the thermal energy storage system.