Multi-zone Flat-bottom Tank Thermal Storage with Intermediate Ceilings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems, particularly flat-bottom tanks, face challenges such as corrosion risks, high maintenance costs, inefficient thermal stratification, and limited temperature increases due to single- or two-zone designs, which restrict their operational flexibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone thermal energy storage system with a flat-bottom tank design featuring a lower storage zone, an upper storage zone separated by a fixed intermediate ceiling, and a compensation zone above, allowing for independent operation and temperature balancing through a floating blanket and external pressure compensation, enhancing temperature range and operational safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single-zone or two-zone storage tank design is used, then the storage tank structure is simple, but the temperature increase is limited and thermal stratification is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is divided into multiple storage zones (at least three zones: first storage zone, second storage zone, and third storage zone) separated by intermediate ceilings. This segmentation allows different temperature ranges in each zone, enabling the bottom zone to reach temperatures above 100°C while maintaining thermal stratification and improving overall storage efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed intermediate ceiling is used to separate storage zones, then thermal stratification is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate ceilings are designed with specific local properties: they are thermally insulated to maintain temperature differences between zones, liquid-tight to prevent water mixing, and equipped with integrated diffusers for controlled water distribution. Each ceiling serves the specific needs of its adjacent storage zones.
3Temperature
If the storage tank operates at higher temperatures, then energy storage capacity increases, but corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the storage tank into multiple temperature zones, the system can operate the bottom zone at high temperatures (>100°C) for maximum energy storage while keeping upper zones at lower temperatures, reducing overall corrosion risk and allowing the use of less expensive materials in upper sections.
4Stress or pressure
If a floating roof with exposed water surface is used, then pressure equalization is simple, but condensation causes heat losses
Solution Approach 1:
The floating roof is designed to dynamically adjust its position based on water level changes and thermal expansion. It moves up and down freely while maintaining sealing, allowing pressure equalization while reducing the exposed water surface area to minimize condensation and heat losses.
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
This design achieves higher storage temperatures, improved thermal stratification, and reduced maintenance costs, enabling safer and more flexible operation while optimizing storage volume usage.
Implementation Method 1
The floating ceiling SD is arranged on the equalization zone A and can move vertically between a lower and an upper dead center in response to changes in water level and thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
The fundamental principle behind energy storage systems in grids is to improve system behavior by preventing the immediate switching on or off of generators... Sufficient charge level and/or temperature are prerequisites
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal energy storage device, in particular a multi-zonal storage device in the form of a flat-bottomed tank, having a bottom in the form of a base, a roof and a cylindrical shell arranged between the bottom and the roof, wherein the energy storage device has at least two storage zones for storing a heat transfer medium (water), there being arranged a lower, first storage zone and a second storage zone above the first storage zone, wherein the first and second storage zone are separated from one another by a first, securely arranged intermediate roof, and wherein a further, second intermediate roof that upwardly bounds the storage zone is arranged above the second storage zone, and above the second intermediate roof there is a fluid-filled (heat transfer medium/water) equalizing zone whose weight acts on the second storage zone, and wherein a floating roof is arranged on the equalizing zone.