Multi-Layer Thermal Insulation System for Long-Duration Heat Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing thermal energy for long durations with minimal heat loss, particularly for indoor and stationary cooking applications, and do not effectively accommodate different qualities of heat based on intended applications.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a combination of thermal insulation layers (Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3) with a heat-resistant and thermal insulation paint, along with a reflector or foil between insulation layers to minimize radiative heat loss, allowing for customizable insulation arrangements based on heat retention requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple layers of insulation materials are used, then heat retention duration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat retention durationVSAvoidinsulation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation system is divided into multiple layers with different material grades (Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3) where each layer serves a specific thermal retention function. This segmentation allows optimization of heat retention duration by selecting appropriate combinations of insulation materials for different time duration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different grades of insulation materials are applied at different locations around the thermal storage unit based on the intended application's heat retention requirements. Grade 1 materials are used where maximum retention is needed, while Grade 3 materials suffice for shorter duration applications, optimizing both performance and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If reflector and insulation paint are added, then radiative heat loss is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiative heat lossVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts radiative heat loss, which is normally a harmful energy loss, into a beneficial effect by using reflective materials (foil or paper) that bounce thermal radiation back into the storage chamber. The heat-resistant insulation paint further enhances this by reflecting radiant heat while protecting the outer insulation layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution combines multiple materials with complementary properties: reflector materials (foil/paper) for radiative heat reflection, heat-resistant insulation paint for additional radiation barrier and protection, and multiple grades of thermal insulation materials. This composite approach addresses radiative heat loss effectively while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If customized insulation arrangements are implemented, then heat retention efficiency is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat retention efficiencyVSAvoidapplication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves customized insulation arrangements by changing the parameters of the insulation configuration - specifically the number of layers, the grades of materials used, and the thickness of each layer - to match different heat retention efficiency requirements for various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides a universal insulation system that can be adapted to multiple applications (indoor cooking, stationary cooking, water heating, power generation) by selecting appropriate combinations of the standardized insulation materials and configurations, making the system versatile despite its customized nature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves efficient and reliable heat storage with minimal conductive and radiative heat losses, enabling long-duration heat retention suitable for various applications, including both stationary and portable systems, with average standby heat loss less than 7% per hour.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of thermal insulation layers (Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3) adapted to retain heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a glass or aluminum reflector or a foil or a paper (4) inserted between each layer of insulation adapted to reduce the further radiation losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a heat resistant and thermal insulation paint (5) coated on outer side of a heat storage material adapted to minimize the radiative heat loss

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20230132472A1System and method for efficient heat storage and retention
Publication Date: 2023.05.04 INDIAN OIL CORP LTD
  • US20230132472A1 patent drawing
  • US20230132472A1 patent drawing
  • US20230132472A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a highly efficient system and method for heat storage for modular indoor cooking and other engineering applications comprising of set of carefully selected insulation materials and their arrangement so as to maximize the storage of heat for the desired time duration.