Heat Pump Phase-Change Storage for Flexible Grid Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently matching electricity supply with demand, particularly due to the geographical constraints and high costs associated with existing large-scale solutions like pumped-storage hydroelectricity, and there is a need for effective waste heat recovery and storage methods.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic cycle apparatus comprising two reservoirs with different storage media, a heat pump, and thermodynamic circuits for energy storage and conversion, allowing for independent operation in charging, storage, and discharge modes, utilizing auxiliary heat sources and sinks to optimize energy utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pumped-storage hydroelectricity is used for large-scale energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but geographical constraints and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gravitational system of pumped-storage hydroelectricity with a thermodynamic system using heat pumps and phase change materials. This substitution eliminates the need for geographical features like mountains and reservoirs, allowing energy storage in any location with available space for the storage tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase change materials as an intermediary medium to store thermal energy, which is then converted to electrical energy through thermodynamic cycles. This intermediary approach decouples the storage mechanism from geographical constraints, enabling flexible deployment.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional energy storage systems are used, then energy storage is achieved, but system complexity and capital costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials that undergo parameter changes (phase transitions) at specific temperatures to store and release energy. This natural physical phenomenon simplifies the storage mechanism compared to complex electrochemical systems, reducing both device complexity and capital costs while maintaining storage capacity.
3Loss of energy
If waste heat is captured and converted, then useful energy recovery is improved, but temperature requirements and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials that transition between solid and liquid phases at relatively low temperatures to capture waste heat. This approach allows recovery of low-grade waste heat that would otherwise be unusable, converting it into useful energy without requiring high temperature conditions or complex thermal management systems.
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 apparatus efficiently stores and converts energy, addressing the mismatch in electricity demand and providing a cost-effective solution for waste heat recovery, with the ability to operate at modest temperatures using abundant heat sources, thereby simplifying engineering and reducing capital costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump having a cold side thermally coupled to the first reservoir for cooling the first storage medium and a hot side thermally coupled to the second reservoir for heating the second storage medium
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator for evaporating the first working fluid to create a first pressurised vapour
Implementation Method 3
a first expander arranged to expand the first pressurised vapour
Implementation Method 4
a first condenser arranged to condense first working fluid received from the first expander
Implementation Method 5
a second evaporator for evaporating the second working fluid to create a second pressurised vapour, the second evaporator being thermally coupled to the second reservoir
Implementation Method 6
a second expander arranged to expand the second pressurised vapour
Implementation Method 7
a second condenser arranged to condense second working fluid received from the second expander
Data Source
AI summary
A thermodynamic cycle apparatus is provided. The thermodynamic cycle apparatus includes: (i) a first reservoir containing a first storage medium; (ii) a second reservoir containing a second storage medium; (iii) a heat pump having a cold side thermally coupled to the first reservoir for cooling the first storage medium and a hot side thermally coupled to the second reservoir for heating the second storage medium; (iv) a first thermodynamic circuit of a first working fluid; (v) a second thermodynamic circuit of a second working fluid; (vi) an auxiliary heat input thermally connected to the first thermodynamic circuit so that auxiliary heat may contribute to the creation of the first pressurized vapor; and (vii) an auxiliary heat output thermally connected to the second thermodynamic circuit so that the second working fluid can lose heat to an auxiliary heat sink.