Modular Thermal Storage Enclosure for Transportable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal storage enclosures are not suitable for large-scale energy storage due to their monolithic structure, which makes them difficult to transport and assemble in isolated locations with weak electrical grids, and they require complex labor and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage enclosure with a lightweight, modular design comprising an external part, an internal part with horizontal layers of thermal storage material supported by perforated plates, and a floating structure that simplifies transport and assembly by using prefabricated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a monolithic structure is used for thermal storage enclosure, then structural strength and stability are improved, but transportability and ease of assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into modular sections that can be assembled together, allowing the structure to be both strong when assembled and easy to transport when disassembled. Each module maintains structural integrity while enabling flexible assembly and disassembly for transport purposes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a monolithic structure is used for thermal storage enclosure, then structural stability is improved, but transportability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into transportable modules that can be moved individually to isolated locations and then assembled together, achieving both stability when assembled and transportability when disassembled.
3Reliability
If complex assembly requirements are used, then structural integrity is improved, but labor and equipment requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into standardized modules with simple connection interfaces that maintain structural integrity while requiring minimal specialized labor and equipment for assembly, making deployment in isolated areas feasible.
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
Facilitates easy transport and rapid assembly of large-scale thermal storage systems in isolated areas without specialized equipment, reducing construction time and costs while ensuring structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Excess electricity is therefore converted into heat and stored in a material as a temperature increase. This energy is then released by lowering the average temperature of the materials.
Implementation Method 2
Heat input and recovery are achieved through the forced circulation of a gas (typically air) set in motion by a set of turbomachinery (turbines, compressors), which serves as the heat transfer fluid for heat exchange.
Implementation Method 3
The material is placed in enclosures for thermal insulation from the environment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A thermal storage enclosure (1), and a corresponding set of construction elements (2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 19, 21) for thermal storage enclosures, comprising a thermally insulated (9) cylindrical outer wall (6) fixed to a base (2) anchored to foundations (8), and closed by a lid (4), suitable for connection via heat transfer gas outlets (3, 5) to a renewable electricity generation storage system. An inner part (7), comprising a liner (21) not connected to the outer wall (6), forms a floating structure made up of several layers of a thermal storage material (10) separated by metal grids (11, 19) supported without fixed connection by interlocking tubular segments (12). All the constituent elements (2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 19, 21) are factory-made and easily transportable as a kit for simplified assembly without specific equipment or manpower.