Movable Secondary Chamber for Thermal Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat storage and transfer systems, particularly in solar energy harvesting and steam cycle power plants, face inefficiencies in storing and releasing thermal energy, leading to significant thermal losses and low operating efficiency, which hampers the use of renewable energy sources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact heat storage and transfer system comprising a thermally insulated primary chamber with a recess and a secondary chamber that moves into the recess for intimate heat transfer, utilizing high thermal capacity materials like concrete composite and iron, and a movable thermal barrier to minimize heat loss, allowing efficient transfer of thermal energy from the primary to the secondary chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If thermal energy is stored in hot water tanks for later use, then energy storage capability is improved, but thermal energy is lost rapidly if not used swiftly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal storage into two distinct chambers: a primary heat storage chamber containing a heat storing solid (such as concrete composite or iron) and a secondary chamber for the liquid to be heated. This segmentation allows the high thermal capacity solid to store energy efficiently while the liquid is heated only when needed through controlled thermal contact, reducing overall thermal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermally insulating casing acts as an intermediary between the primary heat storage chamber and the external environment, minimizing thermal loss. Additionally, the system uses a controlled thermal barrier or insulation layer between the primary and secondary chambers to regulate heat transfer, ensuring energy is transferred only when required.
2Ease of operation
If electrical water heaters are used to heat water, then flexibility and convenience are improved, but running costs and thermal losses are quite considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase transition materials or high thermal capacity solids (such as concrete composite or iron) in the primary chamber that can absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy during phase changes or temperature variations, providing efficient energy storage and release without continuous electrical heating, thereby reducing thermal losses while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If steam cycle power stations operate to meet energy needs, then national energy requirements are satisfied, but operating efficiency remains low at 33% and below
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the primary heat storage chamber with high thermal capacity materials and the secondary chamber for steam generation or water heating into an integrated unit. This merging allows efficient thermal energy transfer from the stored heat to the working fluid, improving the overall efficiency of steam cycle power stations by reducing thermal losses and optimizing heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite materials such as concrete composite in the primary heat storage chamber, which combine high thermal capacity with structural integrity. These composite materials enable more efficient thermal energy storage and transfer, thereby improving the operating efficiency of power stations while meeting energy demand requirements.
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 significantly improves the efficiency of thermal energy storage and release, enhancing the operational efficiency of steam cycle power plants and providing a cost-effective means for heating water or generating electricity from renewable sources by minimizing thermal losses and optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a primary heat storage chamber or body that is thermally insulated and which in use contains a heat storing liquid or solid
Implementation Method 2
utilizing high thermal capacity materials like concrete composite and iron
Implementation Method 3
a heat transfer mechanism to selectively transfer thermal energy from the heat storing liquid or solid of the primary heating chamber or body to the liquid or steam to be heated in the secondary chamber
Implementation Method 4
a primary heat storage chamber or body that is thermally insulated
Data Source
AI summary
A heat storage and transfer system that incorporates a primary heat storage chamber or body that is thermally insulated and which in use contains a heat storing liquid or solid; and a secondary chamber external to and adjacent the primary heat storage chamber or body through which a liquid, heat transfer fluid or steam to be heated is passed in use, the system having a heat transfer mechanism to selectively transfer thermal energy from the heat storing liquid or solid of the primary heating chamber or body to the liquid or steam to be heated in the secondary chamber. The heat transfer mechanism has a drive that moves the secondary chamber from a first position that is thermally separated from the primary chamber into a second position that is substantially inserted in a void or recess within the primary chamber or body.