Modular Concrete Thermal Storage Cassettes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems are costly, difficult to build and transport, have high heat loss, and are not feasible for modular scaling, leakage containment, or easy maintenance, limiting their efficiency and versatility for high-temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
A high-temperature thermal energy storage system is developed using self-supported concrete cassettes with embedded heat exchangers, a thermally insulated foundation, and a pipe system for efficient thermal energy input and output, allowing for modular design, reduced footprint, and easy maintenance, with features like reversible inlet/outlet arrangements and isolation of blocks for improved efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional thermal energy storage systems are built, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but construction cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is divided into multiple modular concrete cassettes, each containing heat exchanger elements. These cassettes can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled on-site, transforming a complex monolithic construction into manageable modules that reduce overall construction complexity while maintaining total storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete cassettes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide thermal energy storage capacity, contain embedded heat exchangers for thermal transfer, and form self-supported structural elements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing construction complexity and cost while achieving the required energy storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional thermal energy storage systems are built, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but heat loss increases due to high surface to volume ratio
Solution Approach 1:
Heat exchanger elements are nested within the concrete cassettes, with the heat exchangers embedded inside the thermal mass. This nested configuration maximizes the volume-to-surface area ratio by placing the heat transfer surfaces within the bulk material rather than on the exterior, reducing the exposed surface area and thereby minimizing heat loss while maintaining storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional thermal energy storage systems are built, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but ease of maintenance and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into discrete, transportable concrete cassettes that can be individually accessed, removed, and replaced. If maintenance or repair is needed, specific cassettes can be isolated and worked on independently without shutting down the entire system, significantly improving maintenance accessibility while preserving total storage capacity through parallel operation of other modules.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional thermal energy storage systems are built, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but adaptability for modular scaling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is composed of standardized, interchangeable concrete cassettes that can be added or removed to scale the system capacity. This modular segmentation allows the storage capacity to be adaptively adjusted by simply adding or removing modules, providing excellent scalability and versatility for different energy storage requirements without redesigning the entire system.
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 system enhances the thermal energy/cost ratio, reduces heat loss, and facilitates easier installation, maintenance, and scalability, making it more efficient and cost-effective for high-temperature operations compared to prior art thermal energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchangers embedded in the concrete of said concrete thermal energy storage elements... for circulating fluid through said heat exchangers for thermal energy input to or output from said thermal energy storage elements
Implementation Method 2
circulating fluid through said heat exchangers for thermal energy input to or output from said thermal energy storage elements
Implementation Method 3
arrange thermal insulation around and on top of the self-supporting cassettes containing concrete thermal energy storage elements
Data Source
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AI summary
High temperature thermal energy storage, distinctive in that the storage comprises: a thermally insulated foundation, at least one self-supported cassette arranged on said foundation, which cassette is a self-supporting frame or structure containing a number of concrete thermal energy storage elements, some or all of said elements comprising embedded heat exchangers, a pipe system, the pipe system comprising an inlet and an outlet for thermal input to and output from the storage, respectively, and connections to said heat exchangers for circulating fluid through said heat exchangers for thermal energy input to or output from said thermal energy storage elements, and thermal insulation around and on top of the at least one self-supported cassette with concrete thermal storage elements. The invention also provides a method of building and methods of operating the storage.