Method for energy storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for energy storage systems that can efficiently store energy produced by electricity generators when demand is low and convert it back into electrical energy when demand increases, while being cost-effective and minimizing energy losses.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an energy storage apparatus with two fluidic circuits containing phase change materials and a heat pump, operating in charging, storage, and discharge modes to store and release thermal energy, utilizing expanders to produce mechanical work that can be converted into electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If energy is stored as thermal energy, then energy storage capacity is improved, but energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that transition between solid and liquid phases to store and release thermal energy. During charging, the PCM absorbs thermal energy during melting; during discharge, it releases thermal energy during freezing. This phase transition mechanism enables high energy storage capacity while minimizing energy losses through latent heat utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the phase change materials to control energy storage and release. By maintaining the PCM at specific temperature ranges during phase transitions, the system optimizes energy storage capacity while reducing thermal losses through controlled parameter changes.
2Productivity
If heat pump is used for energy transfer, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pump acts as an intermediary device that efficiently transfers thermal energy between the first and second fluidic circuits containing phase change materials. By using the heat pump as a mediator, the system achieves high energy transfer efficiency while isolating the complexity of heat transfer mechanisms within a single component.
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 approach provides a commercially viable energy storage solution with low energy losses, allowing for efficient storage and conversion of energy, suitable for scalable applications and low-grade waste heat recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump having a cold side heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluidic circuit and a hot side heat exchanger thermally coupled to the second fluidic circuit; operating the energy storage apparatus in a charging mode by energising the heat pump to cool the first phase change material and heat the second phase change material
Implementation Method 2
a first fluidic circuit containing a first phase change material; a second fluidic circuit containing a second phase change material having a boiling point greater than a boiling point of the first phase change material
Implementation Method 3
operating the energy storage apparatus in a discharge mode by vaporising the condensed first phase change material and expanding the vaporised first phase change material in the first expander, and/or expanding the vaporised second phase change material in the second expander
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An energy storage apparatus comprising a first fluidic circuit containing a first phase change material, the first fluidic circuit including a first storage vessel and a first expander, and a second fluidic circuit containing a second phase change material having a boiling point greater than a boiling point of the first phase change material, the second fluidic circuit including a second storage vessel and a second expander. The energy storage apparatus further comprises a heat pump having a cold side heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluidic circuit and a hot side heat exchanger thermally coupled to the second fluidic circuit. The apparatus is operable in a charging mode, a storage mode following the charging mode, and a discharge mode following the storage mode. In the charging mode the heat pump is energised to cool the first phase change material and heat the second phase change material. In the storage mode the first phase change material is stored in the first storage vessel and the second phase change material is stored as a pressurised vapour in the second storage vessel. In the discharge mode vaporised first phase change material is expanded by the first expander, and/or the vaporised second phase change material is expanded by the second expander.