Modular Thermal Energy Storage Element with Embedded Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage technologies face challenges in reducing cost, enhancing performance, and improving durability and operational efficiency, particularly in transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A scalable and durable element for thermal energy storage is provided, featuring a metal shell with embedded heat exchangers and a thermally insulated housing, allowing easy scaling and maintenance, with options for stagnant or dynamic heat transfer fluids, and a method of casting that integrates heat exchangers directly into the concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal energy storage technologies are used, then energy storage capacity can be achieved, but cost is high and durability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is divided into multiple modular elements that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and replaced. Each element contains a heat exchanger module embedded in concrete, allowing standardized mass production to reduce costs while maintaining system durability through modular replacement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining concrete with embedded metal heat exchanger components. The concrete provides structural integrity and thermal mass, while the metal heat exchangers provide efficient heat transfer, creating a durable and cost-effective composite structure that leverages the strengths of each material.
2Quantity of substance
If thermal energy storage systems are scaled up for large-scale renewable energy integration, then energy storage capacity increases, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as an assembly of identical modular elements that can be scaled by simply adding or removing modules. This segmentation allows linear scaling of energy storage capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each module follows the same design and installation protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular element is designed to be universally applicable in the system, with standardized connection interfaces and uniform dimensions. This universality allows any number of elements to be combined in various configurations without requiring custom designs, simplifying large-scale deployment while maintaining flexibility.
3Strength
If heat exchangers are embedded in concrete for thermal energy storage, then structural integrity and durability are improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger modules are pre-assembled and positioned within the concrete formwork before the concrete is poured. This preliminary action ensures correct positioning and orientation of the heat exchangers, achieving the required embedding precision while allowing the concrete to provide structural integrity without requiring post-installation adjustments.
4Ease of repair
If conventional thermal energy storage systems are used, then energy storage function is provided, but maintenance and repair operations are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The modular element design allows individual heat exchanger modules to be independently accessed and replaced without affecting other parts of the system. This segmentation enables quick maintenance operations where a faulty module can be rapidly swapped out, minimizing downtime and simplifying repair procedures compared to conventional integrated systems.
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 solution reduces costs, simplifies installation and maintenance, and enhances energy storage efficiency by facilitating turbulent flow and high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for large-scale renewable energy integration.
Implementation Method 1
all heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the heat transfer container
Implementation Method 2
all heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the heat transfer container
Implementation Method 3
an element for a thermal energy storage, wherein the thermal energy storage is easily scalable by stacking, combining or arranging elements closely together side by side vertically standing or horizontally laying inside a thermally insulated housing
Data Source
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AI summary
Thermal energy storage (TES) and element for the thermal energy storage, wherein the element ensures an easily scalable thermal energy storage by stacking, combining or arranging elements closely together side by side vertically standing or horizontally laying inside a thermally insulated housing of the thermal energy storage. The element is distinguished in that it comprises: an outer shell being a combined casting form and ring reinforcement, wherein the armouring or reinforcement of the element consists of the outer shell, , a hardened concrete solid thermal storage medium, which concrete has been cast and hardened into said outer shell, and a pipe heat exchanger, for heat input and output; cast into the concrete and thus embedded into the element, with ends or connections extending out of the concrete, wherein the hardened concrete solid thermal storage medium completely fills a volume between an inside of the outer shell and the pipe heat exchanger of the element and any spacers, the volume extending from a closed end of the outer shell up to a prescribed level from where pipe heat exchanger ends or connections extend up above the hardened concrete solid thermal storage medium if seen with the element as standing vertical, wherein said volume inside the outer shell consists of concrete solid thermal storage medium.