Heat-storing apparatus with solid filling material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat-storing systems face limitations in efficiently storing and utilizing thermal energy due to the low boiling point of water, leading to wasted energy, large space requirements, and inability to manage heat intermittently, especially in domestic heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A heat-storing apparatus with a solid filling material, such as basalt grit, within a heat-insulated housing, utilizing a gaseous heat transfer medium like air, allowing for independent operation of heat input and removal units, and featuring a thermal shielding unit to prevent overheating, enabling controlled and efficient storage and release of thermal energy at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water is used as heat storage medium, then heat storage capacity is sufficient for low temperatures, but storage temperature is limited by low boiling point (about 100°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the heat storage medium from liquid (water) to solid (granular material such as ceramics, rocks, or metals). This phase change enables the system to operate at temperatures above 100°C without the limitations of water's boiling point, while maintaining high heat storage capacity through the solid material's thermal properties and density.
2Quantity of substance
If heat storage tank volume is increased to meet heat demand, then heat storage capacity increases, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from liquid to solid heat storage medium, the system achieves higher density and specific heat capacity per unit volume. The granular solid material allows for more compact storage configurations, reducing the overall tank volume required to achieve the same or greater heat storage capacity compared to water-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining granular solid heat storage material with a matrix material or containment structure. This composite approach optimizes both heat storage capacity and space utilization, allowing efficient packing of the granular material while maintaining structural integrity and thermal performance.
3Loss of energy
If intermittent heat input is required to match heat demand, then energy efficiency improves, but combustion apparatus cannot achieve intermittent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heat storage during periods when heat supply exceeds demand. The solid heat storage medium accumulates thermal energy in advance, allowing the combustion apparatus to operate continuously at optimal efficiency while the storage system buffers the thermal energy for later use when demand exceeds supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid heat storage medium enables continuous heat supply to the heating system by decoupling the continuous operation of the combustion apparatus from the intermittent heat demand. The stored thermal energy in the solid medium provides a continuous buffer, ensuring uninterrupted heat delivery while allowing the combustion system to maintain steady, efficient operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If water-based heat storage is used, then heat transfer is efficient, but temperature must be reduced below 100°C for safe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from liquid to solid heat storage medium, fundamentally changing the thermal transfer mechanism. The solid granular material conducts and convects heat efficiently through its particle-to-particle contact and airflow pathways, maintaining high heat transfer effectiveness while enabling operation at temperatures far exceeding water's boiling point.
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 effectively stores and releases thermal energy at high temperatures, increasing storage capacity per unit volume, allowing for efficient, long-term, and adaptable heat management suitable for both residential and industrial applications, while preventing overheating and optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a particulate or granular solid heat storage medium allowing a gaseous heat transfer medium, preferably air to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The heat-storing apparatus effectively stores and releases thermal energy at high temperatures
Implementation Method 3
allowing a gaseous heat transfer medium, preferably air to flow therethrough
Implementation Method 4
a heat-insulated housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
A heat-storing apparatus with solid filling material for storing thermal energy for use in a heating apparatus or other heat recovery system. The heat-storing apparatus is operable at high temperatures, said heat-storing apparatus comprising a heat-insulated housing (A), a particulate or granular solid heat storage medium (B) allowing a gaseous heat transfer medium, preferably air to flow therethrough, said heat storage medium being arranged in the heat-insulated housing (A). Said apparatus further comprising a heat input unit (C) connected to a heat source, and a heat removal unit (D) connected to a heat recovery system, wherein said heat input unit (C) and said heat removal unit (D) are at least in part located within the heat-insulated housing (A). The heat removal unit (D) comprises a heat exchanger (5) within the heat-insulating housing (A). Said heat exchanger being connected to the heat recovery system, wherein the heat exchange between said heat exchanger (5) and the solid heat storage medium (B) is achieved by the heat transfer medium, preferably internal air (12), isolated from the ambient air and being capable of flowing through the solid heat storage medium (B). The circulation of said heat transfer medium within the insulated housing (A) is controlled by the rotational speed of a radial blower impeller (4) depending on the thermal energy required by the heat recovery system, said radial blower impeller being arranged inside the insulated housing (A) cooperating with a heat absorption side of the heat exchanger (5). The heat exchanger (5) can be insulated from the heated solid heat storage medium (B) by a thermal shielding unit (8) when no heat is removed by the heat recovery system. The heat removal unit (D) is optionally formed by a Stirling-motor (20).