Forecast-Controlled Thermal Storage for Continuous High-Temp Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering thermal energy from variable renewable electricity sources, including high costs, thermal runaway issues, and inadequate control over charging and discharging processes, which limits their ability to provide continuous and reliable heat for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system that uses vertically oriented thermal storage units with stacks of bricks and resistive heaters connected via switching circuitry, employing radiative heat transfer for charging and convective heat transfer for discharging, along with a dynamic insulation system and a smart energy controller to manage temperature and energy flow based on forecasted conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal energy storage systems use variable renewable electricity sources, then cost-effectiveness and sustainability are improved, but reliability and continuity of heat supply deteriorate due to the variable and intermittent nature of VRE
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy in advance when VRE is available, then delivers it during periods of high demand or low VRE availability. The controller forecasts VRE availability and schedules charging/discharging operations proactively, ensuring continuous heat supply despite the intermittent nature of renewable sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on forecasted VRE availability, ambient conditions, and demand patterns. The controller adjusts charging rates, discharging rates, and temperature setpoints to optimize both cost-effectiveness and reliability, transitioning between different operating modes to balance these conflicting objectives.
2Reliability
If thermal energy storage systems increase storage capacity to ensure continuous supply, then reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control strategies that adjust operational parameters in real-time based on forecasts and actual conditions. Rather than oversizing the storage system, the controller dynamically optimizes charging and discharging rates, temperature profiles, and heat transfer fluid flow to maximize the utility of available storage capacity, thereby reducing the required system size while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from sensors monitoring temperature, energy levels, and operational status, combined with forecasts of VRE availability and demand, to continuously optimize system operation. This closed-loop control ensures reliable heat supply while minimizing the required storage capacity and system cost by making intelligent dispatch decisions based on real-time and predicted conditions.
3Productivity
If thermal energy storage systems use high temperatures for industrial applications, then energy density and efficiency are improved, but thermal runaway risk and safety issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary thermal energy storage medium (such as molten salt or phase-change materials) that acts as a buffer between the high-temperature industrial process and the heat transfer fluid. This intermediary allows the system to maintain high temperatures for energy density while providing additional safety margins and control mechanisms to prevent thermal runaway, as the intermediary material is specifically selected for its thermal stability at operating 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
The system enables efficient, cost-effective storage and delivery of high-temperature thermal energy, mitigating thermal runaway and ensuring reliable operation over long periods, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and optimizing energy use based on variable renewable energy availability.
Implementation Method 1
resistive heaters connected via switching circuitry, employing radiative heat transfer for charging
Implementation Method 2
employing radiative heat transfer for charging and convective heat transfer for discharging
Implementation Method 3
along with a dynamic insulation system to manage temperature and energy flow
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. An array of bricks incorporating internal radiation cavities is directly heated by thermal radiation. The cavities facilitate rapid, uniform heating via reradiation. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. Gas flows through structured pathways within the array, delivering heat which may be used for processes including calcination, hydrogen electrolysis, steam generation, and thermal power generation and cogeneration. Groups of thermal storage arrays may be controlled and operated at high temperatures without thermal runaway via deep-discharge sequencing. Forecast-based control enables continuous, year-round heat supply using current and advance information of weather and VRE availability. High-voltage DC power conversion and distribution circuitry improves the efficiency of VRE power transfer into the system.