Molten Silicon Thermal Storage Insulation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems, particularly battery-based systems, face challenges in long-term storage of renewable energy from solar and wind sources due to high energy loss, short service life, and environmental concerns related to material scarcity and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A novel energy storage system (YKES2) that stores thermal energy in molten silicon using advanced thermal insulation and heat exchanger systems, minimizing radiative, conductive, and convective heat losses, and integrating with renewable energy sources to power steam turbines efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If battery-based energy storage systems are used, then energy can be stored for short-term use, but service life is limited to less than 10 years and performance deteriorates quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage medium from chemical batteries to thermal energy storage using molten salt, fundamentally altering the storage mechanism. This allows for indefinite service life as the molten salt can be continuously circulated and reheated without degradation, resolving the contradiction between service life and performance stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of molten salt between liquid and solid states to store and release thermal energy. The salt is melted using solar thermal energy during the day and solidifies at night, providing continuous energy storage and release cycles indefinitely, thus achieving both long service life and reliable performance
2Quantity of substance
If battery-based energy storage systems are used, then energy storage capacity can be achieved, but supply-limited materials such as lithium and nickel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, supply-limited battery materials with abundant, inexpensive molten salt (typically nitrate salts). The salt is a common industrial material that can be sourced indefinitely without depletion concerns, achieving high energy storage capacity while eliminating material scarcity issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite molten salt formulations (e.g., mixtures of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and calcium nitrate) that combine the advantages of different salts to achieve optimal melting points, heat capacity, and stability, providing abundant energy storage capacity using readily available materials
3Duration of action of stationary object
If battery-based energy storage systems are used, then energy can be stored, but environmental disaster results from disposal of huge amounts of expired systems
Solution Approach 1:
The molten salt system is inherently environmentally benign and requires no special disposal infrastructure. The salt can be simply drained, solidified, and stored indefinitely without creating environmental hazards, allowing for indefinite storage duration with zero environmental impact from disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of battery disposal into a benefit by using a material (molten salt) that is naturally non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The system transforms the disposal problem into an advantage where the storage medium itself becomes a harmless substance that can be safely managed indefinitely
4Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal energy is stored in hot materials, then long-term storage is achieved, but thermal energy losses through radiation, conduction, and convection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is divided into multiple zones with molten salt circulating through heat exchanger loops. This segmentation allows for better thermal management, reducing temperature gradients and minimizing heat loss through conduction and convection while maintaining long-term storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary heat transfer fluid (additional molten salt or thermal oil) that circulates between the storage medium and the heat exchangers. This intermediary enables efficient heat transfer while isolating the primary storage medium, reducing direct thermal losses and allowing for insulated containment that preserves thermal energy over long periods
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
YKES2 achieves long-term storage of renewable energy with enhanced efficiency and extended service life, reducing environmental impact by avoiding rare materials and minimizing thermal energy losses, thereby increasing the viability of renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber; a container located within the vacuum chamber
Implementation Method 2
multiple layers of thermal radiation shielding spaced apart from one another within the vacuum chamber and surrounding the container
Implementation Method 3
a heater located within the vacuum chamber
Implementation Method 4
a heat receiver located within the vacuum chamber and spaced apart from the container
Data Source
AI summary
Heat energy storage systems described herein can be used for long-term storage of large amounts of thermal energy. In some cases, such systems receive electrical energy from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. Using novel techniques, the heat energy storage systems covert the electrical energy to thermal energy that is stored in hot materials such as molten silicon or any other material that can store large amounts of heat. The heat energy storage systems incorporate extremely good thermal insulation of the thermal energy storage tank that contains the hot materials. The systems are also configured to release thermal energy in an efficient manner to one or more electricity-producing steam turbines and/or to one or more industrial heating systems of manufacturing plants, using novel heat exchanger systems and techniques described herein. The energy storage systems described herein have higher overall real-world efficiencies than energy storage systems currently available.