Thermal energy storage array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal energy storage systems, such as 'ice-on-coil' and 'encapsulated ice' systems, face inefficiencies due to inconsistent ice nucleation, poor heat transfer efficiency, and a large thermal insulation barrier, leading to reduced discharge rates and system performance degradation over time, making them unsuitable for commercial buildings.
Innovation Solution
A modular thermal energy storage system comprising interconnectable ice bricks with capsules containing a phase-change medium, where the bricks are arranged in a modular structure with insulation on the outer surface, and a fluid distribution system that activates subsets of bricks based on temperature thresholds to optimize cooling and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional ice-on-coil storage systems are used to store thermal energy, then thermal energy can be stored in a tank with water/ice, but ice builds up around the coil forming a massive block that increases insulation and makes it increasingly difficult to freeze the whole volume of the storage tank
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is divided into multiple compartments with separate cooling coils in each compartment. This segmentation prevents ice from building up into a single massive block that would insulate the entire tank, allowing continuous efficient freezing across all compartments while maintaining high thermal energy storage capacity.
2Temperature
If very low temperatures are used to cool the coil to overcome ice build-up, then the storage tank can be cooled, but the chiller's COP (coefficient of performance) is hurt and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage tank into multiple compartments, each with its own cooling coil, the system can operate at higher temperatures in each compartment compared to attempting to freeze the entire volume at once. This segmentation allows the chiller to operate more efficiently with better COP while still achieving the required cooling effect across the entire storage system.
3Quantity of substance
If encapsulated ice storage systems are used with containers containing water as PCM, then thermal energy can be stored, but the contact between storage fluid and heat transfer fluid is limited due to growing water barrier, low packing factor, or poor container design
Solution Approach 1:
The capsules containing water as PCM are designed with flexible thin-walled containers that can deform and maintain intimate contact with the heat transfer fluid throughout the charging and discharging cycles. This flexible shell design eliminates the growing water barrier problem and ensures consistent high heat transfer efficiency while maximizing the packing factor and thermal energy storage capacity.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional thermal energy storage systems are installed in commercial buildings, then thermal energy can be stored, but the systems require significant footprint and expensive real estate assets
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling coils are nested inside the storage tank compartments, with the coils positioned within the water/ice volume. This nested configuration allows the heat transfer mechanism to be integrated within the storage structure itself, maximizing thermal energy storage capacity within a compact footprint and eliminating the need for separate large-scale external storage facilities.
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 thermal energy storage efficiency by maintaining a high discharge rate, reducing energy consumption, and extending the system's operational lifespan through improved heat transfer and modular installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
each of said ice bricks comprises a plurality of capsules; wherein said ice bricks are interconnected for fluid communication of a first fluid flowing through said ice bricks
Implementation Method 2
the array further comprises insulation panels surrounding the outer surface of said modular structural arrangement of said bricks
Implementation Method 3
a fluid distribution system that activates subsets of bricks based on temperature thresholds to optimize cooling and heating
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage unit is disclosed. The system comprising: a tube having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a first fluid; a plurality of plate-shaped or box-shaped capsules having a second fluid therein, wherein the plurality of capsules is arranged inside the tube to form a plurality of stacks of capsules; wherein: the first fluid is a heat transfer fluid for exchanging heat with the second fluid; the second fluid is a phase-change medium; wherein a plurality of defined narrow flow paths for the first fluid is provided between the capsules. The defined flow paths increase the efficiency of the system.