Graphite Thermal Storage With Shutter-Controlled Heat Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient energy storage technologies that can store thermal energy for various industrial and energy applications, as existing battery systems primarily focus on electrical energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage system using a graphite structure that is thermally isolated and equipped with a thermal shutter to control the release of thermal radiation to a thermal energy receiver, allowing for controlled heating rates and temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the graphite thermal storage block is thermally isolated to store energy efficiently, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but the ability to release thermal energy on demand deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal shutter assembly acts as an intermediary component between the thermally isolated graphite storage block and the external environment. The shutter controls the release of thermal energy by selectively blocking or permitting thermal radiation passage, thus maintaining isolation during storage while enabling controlled release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal shutter assembly is made dynamic and controllable, transitioning between open and closed states based on operational requirements. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to switch between energy storage mode (shutter closed) and energy release mode (shutter open), resolving the contradiction between isolation and accessibility.
2Power
If the thermal shutter is opened to release thermal energy, then thermal energy transfer to receiver is improved, but thermal loss to environment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal shutter serves as a controlled intermediary that mediates between the thermal storage block and both the receiver and environment. When opened, it directs thermal radiation primarily toward the receiver while the insulated chamber design minimizes environmental thermal loss, allowing high transfer rate without proportional increase in waste loss.
3Quantity of substance
If the graphite block temperature is raised to maximum operation temperature to increase storage capacity, then energy storage capacity is improved, but system safety and material stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes by operating the graphite block at elevated temperatures (up to maximum operation temperature) to increase specific heat energy storage capacity. The controlled thermal environment and insulation maintain material stability within safe operating parameters, allowing high-temperature operation without compromising reliability.
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 effectively stores and releases thermal energy, enabling efficient thermal processing and power generation, with the graphite structure's high specific heat capacity and stability at high temperatures, and the thermal shutter's precise control over energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
Energy may be stored in the graphite thermal storage block by applying energy to the block to raise the temperature of the block
Implementation Method 2
a thermal shutter assembly that is operable to expose thermal radiation emitted by the graphite thermal storage block to a thermal energy receiver
Implementation Method 3
the graphite thermal storage block, which is thermally isolated by insulation
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a thermal storage system for storing energy in a graphite thermal storage structure and a thermal shutter assembly configured to control the transmission of heat from the graphite thermal storage structure to a thermal energy receiver, such as a heat exchanger or material processing crucible. A thermal storage block, which may be made of graphite, may be isolated by insulation except for the thermal shutter assembly. Energy may be stored in the graphite thermal storage block by applying energy to the block to raise its temperature to maximum operation temperature. Stored energy may then be harvested in a controlled manner by a control system actuating the thermal shutter to expose the thermal energy receiver to thermal radiation.