Graphite-Enhanced Bonded Aggregate Blocks for Faster Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems using sand as a medium suffer from inefficiencies due to poor thermal conductivity, leading to suboptimal heat storage and retrieval performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage system incorporating a bonded aggregate material with 0.01% to 10% graphite by weight, enhanced by a fluid transport via pressing against the external surface with a force of at least 7 Newtons per meter, and a combined elasticity of less than 1.2 GPA, to improve heat transfer rates by at least 50%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sand is used as thermal energy storage medium, then cost is reduced and specific heat capacity is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates leading to inefficiency in heat storage and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining sand particles with graphite particles to create a bonded aggregate material. The graphite content ranges from 0.01% to 10% by weight, forming a composite that leverages the low cost and high specific heat capacity of sand while incorporating the high thermal conductivity of graphite. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining the economic advantages of sand while overcoming its poor thermal conductivity through the graphite enhancement.
2Productivity
If fluid transport via presses against the storage block, then heat transfer rate is improved, but contact deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the force applied by the fluid transport via to at least 7 Newtons per meter, which increases heat transfer rate by at least 50%. Additionally, the combined elasticity E* of the via and block is controlled to be less than 1.2 GPA, and the aggregate contact deformation distance is maintained at at least 7 nm. These parameter optimizations resolve the contradiction by achieving high heat transfer rates while managing contact deformation through controlled elastic properties.
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 achieves rapid and efficient thermal energy storage and retrieval, capable of absorbing large quantities of heat with minimal temperature differences, suitable for applications in heat pumps and other thermal energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid transport via presses against the first block with a force of at least 7 Newtons per meter
Implementation Method 2
The graphite is disposed in a vicinity of at least said portion of said external surface so as to increase by at least 50% an aggregate rate of heat transfer between that portion of the external surface and a remainder of the first block
Implementation Method 3
Sand and the like have superior specific heat capacity and, as discussed by authors of that article, can be obtained cheaply
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal storage system includes a first block comprising (i) a bonded aggregate material, and (ii) between 0.01% and 10%, by weight, of graphite. A fluid transport via is disposed on or adjacent to at least a portion of an external surface of the first block and is in thermal coupling therewith. The fluid transport via presses against the first block with a force of at least 7 Newtons per meter. The graphite is disposed adjacent to at least said portion of said external surface so as to increase an aggregate rate of heat transfer over an entire volume of the first block.