Joint Active Fluid Motion Device for Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of duct systems for charging and discharging cycles in heat exchange systems used for managing fluctuating renewable energy sources limits their widespread adoption and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange system with a single active fluid motion device for both charging and discharging modes, combined with passive fluid control devices like flaps and valves, reduces the need for separate active devices and optimizes heat transfer through a thermally insulated chamber with a heat storage material like stones or sand, allowing for efficient thermal energy storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate active fluid motion devices are used for charging and discharging cycles, then reliable fluid flow control is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of charging and discharging fluid motion control into a single active fluid motion device. This device can operate in different modes (charging mode and discharging mode) to control heat transfer fluid flow during both charging and discharging cycles, eliminating the need for separate active devices for each cycle and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single active fluid motion device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both charging and discharging operations. By incorporating passive fluid control devices (flaps, valves) that can be actively controlled, the system achieves universal functionality for bidirectional heat transfer fluid flow management without requiring multiple dedicated active devices.
2Productivity
If separate active fluid motion devices are used for charging and discharging cycles, then optimal heat transfer is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the active fluid motion control into a single device that serves both charging and discharging cycles. This consolidation reduces the number of components that need to be installed and maintained, thereby lowering installation costs while still achieving optimal heat transfer through proper control of the heat transfer fluid flow in both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces passive fluid control devices (flaps, valves) as intermediaries between the single active fluid motion device and the heat transfer fluid flow paths. These passive devices help optimize heat transfer by controlling flow distribution and direction, allowing the system to achieve optimal heat transfer efficiency with reduced active components and lower installation costs.
3Ease of operation
If multiple active fluid motion devices are used, then precise flow control is achieved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple active fluid motion devices into a single device with multiple control functions. This single device uses passive fluid control elements (flaps, valves) that can be actively adjusted to achieve precise flow control during charging and discharging cycles, thereby maintaining operational precision while reducing the number of active devices and lowering operational energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive fluid control devices (flaps, valves) in the system are designed to respond to flow conditions and control parameters automatically, reducing the need for continuous active intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain precise flow control with minimal energy input to the single active fluid motion device, thereby reducing operational costs while preserving flow control precision.
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
This configuration lowers installation and operational costs while maintaining efficient thermal energy storage and conversion, enabling effective use of renewable energy sources by reducing the need for multiple active fluid motion devices and enhancing thermal energy storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange flow of the heat transfer fluid through the heat exchange chamber interior causes a heat exchange between the heat storage material and the heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 2
thermally insulated chamber with a heat storage material like stones or sand
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange system with at least one heat exchange chamber with heat exchange chamber boundaries which surround at least one heat exchange chamber interior of the heat exchange chamber, wherein the heat exchange chamber boundaries include at least one first opening for guiding in an inflow of at least one heat transfer fluid into the heat exchange chamber interior and at least one second opening for guiding out an outflow of the heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchange chamber interior is provided. At least one heat storage material is arranged in the heat exchange chamber interior such that a heat exchange flow of the heat transfer fluid through the heat exchange chamber interior causes a heat exchange between the heat storage material and the heat transfer fluid.