Latent Heat Storage Containers for Flexible Short- and Long-Term Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat storage systems lack flexibility and efficiency in managing heat storage and distribution, particularly in providing both short-term and long-term heat solutions without energy losses or contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage system utilizing multiple storage containers filled with a latent heat storage medium, such as salt hydrate, which can operate in two modes: using sensible heat for short-term storage and heat of fusion for long-term storage, controlled by a central unit that selectively manages heat supply and demand through valves and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a heat storage system uses only sensible heat storage, then the system structure is simple, but the storage capacity and duration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing phase transition temperature of the latent heat storage medium. The system stores heat during phase change (solid-liquid transition) at a constant temperature, enabling long-term storage without continuous temperature increase. This resolves the contradiction by changing the thermal storage parameter from sensible heat (temperature-dependent) to latent heat (phase-change-dependent), thereby extending storage duration while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies phase transitions by using a latent heat storage medium that undergoes solid-liquid phase change. During charging, the medium melts and absorbs latent heat; during discharging, it crystallizes and releases latent heat. This phase transition mechanism enables long-term heat storage with controlled system complexity, as the phase change occurs at constant temperature and pressure, simplifying the thermal management system compared to high-temperature sensible heat storage.
2Quantity of substance
If a heat storage system uses latent heat storage medium with phase change, then the storage capacity increases, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the heat storage system into multiple independent storage containers, each containing latent heat storage medium with different phase transition temperatures. This segmentation allows selective operation of containers based on heat demand, simplifying control logic. The control system only needs to manage which containers to activate rather than controlling a single complex phase-change system, thereby reducing control complexity while maintaining high storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling flexible switching between different operating modes (sensible heat mode, latent heat mode, combined mode) based on real-time heat demand. The system dynamically adjusts which storage containers are active and which heat release mechanism is used, optimizing performance while keeping control complexity manageable through adaptive operation rather than fixed complex control architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system operates in both sensible heat mode and latent heat mode, then the versatility and adaptability improve, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing automatic mode switching based on heat demand conditions. The control system dynamically selects between sensible heat mode, latent heat mode, or combined mode according to real-time requirements, providing high versatility without requiring complex manual intervention. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system intelligent and self-regulating rather than manually controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically manage its own operation across different modes. The control system autonomously determines when to use sensible heat storage, when to utilize latent heat storage, and how to combine them, without requiring external complex control input. This self-managing capability provides operational versatility while keeping the control architecture relatively simple.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage containers are used with individual control, then the heat management flexibility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using multiple independent storage containers, each with its own control valve. This segmentation enables selective activation of containers based on heat demand, providing flexible heat management. The valve system complexity is managed by using simple on/off control for each container rather than complex flow regulation, thereby achieving flexibility with acceptable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by enabling selective operation of individual storage containers or groups of containers. Rather than controlling all containers simultaneously with complex coordination, the system can activate only the necessary number of containers based on demand, simplifying the control valve system while maintaining heat management flexibility through modular activation.
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 efficient, flexible, and space-saving heat management, allowing for simultaneous or sequential use of both heat modes to meet varying demands, reducing energy losses and contamination risks, and integrating with various heat sources.
Implementation Method 1
the heat of fusion of the latent heat storage medium is used
Implementation Method 2
a latent heat storage medium, for example a salt hydrate or preferably another medium which crystallizes when heat is dissipated
Implementation Method 3
Heat can be supplied to the latent heat stores via the supply lines and heat can be removed from them via the discharge lines
Implementation Method 4
Heat can be supplied to the latent heat stores via the supply lines and heat can be removed from them via the discharge lines if required
Implementation Method 5
"Sensible heat" means the heat or the heat content of the latent heat storage medium that can be drawn off without a phase change occurring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a heat storage system with a plurality of storage containers, in which there is a latent heat storage medium, and with a line system with supply lines for supplying heat to the storage containers and with discharge lines for dissipating heat from the storage containers, the line system having one or more valves by means of which at least one supply line to at least one of the storage containers and/or at least one discharge line from at least one of the storage containers can be shut off or the flow rate can be changed, and with a control unit which is connected to the valve or valves and is designed in such a way that it controls this.