Heat accumulator and method for operating a heat accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat accumulators are limited to storing and releasing thermal energy, failing to utilize electrical energy efficiently and convert it into other forms of energy, and they do not effectively address the challenge of storing large amounts of electrical energy at reasonable costs.
Innovation Solution
A heat accumulator system that uses an electrical heating device to convert electrical energy into thermal energy, which is stored in a metal heat storage medium, allowing for efficient storage and subsequent conversion of energy into other forms, with the ability to heat the medium above its melting point for latent heat energy storage and controlled release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrical heating devices are used to convert electrical energy into thermal energy for storage, then the ability to store large amounts of electrical energy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical energy storage systems (such as pumped hydro storage requiring dams and turbines) with a thermal energy storage system using electrical heaters and phase change materials. This substitution achieves comparable or greater energy storage capacity while dramatically simplifying the mechanical infrastructure required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change materials that undergo transitions between solid and liquid states at specific temperatures. By controlling the temperature parameter during charging (melting) and discharging (freezing), the system efficiently stores and releases large amounts of electrical energy through latent heat transfer, thereby improving storage capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat storage medium is heated to high temperatures for efficient energy storage, then the energy density is improved, but the risk of thermal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials (PCMs) that absorb and release large amounts of latent heat during phase transitions between solid and liquid states. This mechanism enables high energy storage density at controlled temperature ranges, preventing excessive temperature rises that would cause thermal damage while maintaining efficient energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat transfer fluid as an intermediary between the phase change material and the external environment. This mediator controls the rate of heat transfer, preventing rapid temperature changes that could cause thermal shock or damage to the storage system components, while still enabling efficient energy storage and retrieval.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heat accumulators are used that only store thermal energy, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the versatility of energy storage applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal energy storage system that can accept electrical energy input through heating elements and store it as thermal energy in phase change materials. The same system can then release this energy as thermal energy for direct heating applications or convert it to electrical energy through heat exchangers connected to turbines or thermoelectric generators, thereby achieving multi-functionality and broad application versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a dynamic energy storage system where the phase change materials can transition between solid and liquid states based on energy input and output requirements. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to varying energy storage and release demands, enabling flexible operation across different applications from grid-scale storage to localized heating, thereby improving versatility without requiring fundamentally different system configurations.
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 the efficient storage of large amounts of electrical energy as thermal energy, allowing for its efficient use or conversion back into electrical energy, addressing the limitations of existing systems by providing a cost-effective solution for energy storage and utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heating device is provided, which is set up to convert electrical energy into thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
the heat storage medium heated by the electrical heater is a metal... heating the medium above its melting point for latent heat energy storage
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger is arranged in such a way that heat can be transferred from the heat storage medium to the heat transfer fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat storage device comprising a housing for receiving a heat storage medium, a heat storage medium contained within the housing, and a heat exchanger in which a heat transfer fluid can be transported and which is arranged such that heat can be transferred from the heat storage medium to the heat transfer fluid. According to the invention, the heat storage device is characterized by the inclusion of an electric heating element configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy. The electric heating element is arranged such that it heats the heat storage medium during operation, wherein the heat storage medium heated by the electric heating element is a metal. A corresponding method is also disclosed.