Modular Concrete Structural Member for Thermal Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building structures lack modular, structural members that can efficiently store thermal energy from renewable sources while also serving as load-bearing and earthquake-resistant components, with existing solutions being either non-structural or expensive and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
Development of modular reinforced concrete structural members with integrated thermal energy storage units, heat exchangers, and flexible insulation, designed to be mounted and demounted, which can act as both structural load-bearing walls and thermal energy storage units, utilizing special coupling means for easy assembly and integration with renewable energy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If heat storing elements are designed solely for thermal energy storage, then thermal storage capacity is improved, but structural load-bearing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing heat storing elements that simultaneously serve as both thermal energy storage units and structural load-bearing members. The concrete core provides both thermal mass for heat storage and structural strength, eliminating the need for separate structural and storage components. This resolves the contradiction by making a single element perform multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the thermal storage function and structural support function into a single integrated concrete element. The concrete core serves dual purposes: storing thermal energy and providing mechanical strength. This combination resolves the contradiction between thermal storage capacity and structural capability by unifying previously separate functions.
2Ease of operation
If modular structural members are used for easy assembly and replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the building structure into modular heat storing elements that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module is a self-contained unit with coupling means for connection, allowing easy assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design. This resolves the contradiction by enabling flexibility without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses coupling means as intermediary elements to connect modular heat storing units together. These coupling means facilitate easy assembly and disassembly while ensuring structural stability is maintained. The intermediaries allow the system to be modular and flexible yet remain structurally sound when assembled.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional heat storing blocks are used, then thermal storage function is provided, but device complexity increases due to separate structural and storage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate structural and thermal storage components into a single integrated concrete heat storing element. This eliminates the need for separate structural members and storage blocks, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both structural and thermal storage functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete heat storing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, thermal energy storage, and insulation. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function.
4Quantity of substance
If phase changing materials are used for heat storage, then thermal storage efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses conventional, readily available concrete materials instead of expensive phase changing materials. Concrete is a cheap, abundant material that provides sufficient thermal storage capacity without the high cost of specialized phase changing materials, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes thermal storage efficiency by adjusting concrete parameters such as thermal conductivity, density, and heat capacity rather than using expensive phase changing materials. These parameter changes in conventional materials achieve efficient thermal storage at lower cost.
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, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly storage of thermal energy, enhancing the use of renewable energy sources in buildings, improving seismic resistance, and allowing for easy replacement and retrofitting of damaged sections, thus contributing to net-zero energy consumption and reduced construction costs.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchangers, designed to be mounted and demounted
Implementation Method 2
flexible insulation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The application claims a modular structural member (1,2) that can store energy obtained from renewable energy sources or from any other type of heat source. At the same time the member serves as a structural element in building the support structure for buildings. The structural member comprises a heat storage unit (1.1,2.1) made of concrete that can store heat and which a heat exchanger (1.5,2.5) is embedded, the heat storage unit being surrounded by a flexible material (1.2, 2.2) followed by a highly porous cement based insulation layer (1.3, 2.3) and a box shaped concrete reinforced structural member (1.4, 2.4) located at the outermost section.