Particle Heater for Thermal Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems for renewable energy sources like wind and solar are limited by high costs and inefficiencies, particularly in battery technologies and molten salt storage, which face stability and corrosion issues, and pumped hydro storage is constrained by geological conditions.
Innovation Solution
A particle heater system that uses electric heating elements to raise the temperature of solid particles from 250°C to 1200°C, enabling efficient thermal energy storage and conversion back to electricity, thereby addressing the limitations of existing energy storage methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery technologies are used for energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cost becomes too expensive for grid-scale applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive solid particles (such as sand, gravel, or ceramic beads) as the heat storage medium instead of expensive battery materials. These particles can be easily replaced and provide long-duration energy storage at a fraction of the cost of battery technologies, making grid-scale storage economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and temperature parameters of solid particles to store thermal energy. By heating particles to high temperatures (e.g., 500-1000°C) and maintaining them in a stable solid state, the system achieves high energy density storage without the chemical complexity and cost of battery systems.
2Quantity of substance
If molten salt storage is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but stability and corrosion issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces molten salt with inert solid particles that do not corrode storage containers or piping. These particles maintain structural integrity and chemical stability at operating temperatures, eliminating the corrosion and stability problems inherent in molten salt systems while providing equivalent or superior energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite structures where solid particles are contained in robust, insulated vessels with heat transfer fluids. This composite approach combines the stability of solid particles with efficient heat transfer capabilities, achieving both reliability and energy storage capacity without the corrosion issues of molten salt.
3Quantity of substance
If pumped hydro storage is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but geological conditions constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical pumped hydro system with a thermal energy storage system using heated solid particles. This substitution eliminates the need for elevated reservoirs, pumps, and specific geological formations, allowing energy storage to be deployed in diverse locations including urban areas and regions without suitable hydrogeology.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid particle thermal storage system serves multiple functions: storing excess renewable energy, providing baseload power, and enabling flexible dispatch. The system can be deployed in various configurations and locations without being constrained by geological conditions, making it a universal solution for grid-scale energy storage.
4Productivity
If heating elements are added to heat solid particles, then thermal energy storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid particles themselves serve as both the storage medium and the heat transfer medium. When heated by relatively simple heating elements (such as resistive heaters or heat exchangers), the particles maintain thermal energy through their high specific heat capacity and can be directly used to generate electricity or provide heat, eliminating the need for complex intermediate systems.
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 particle heater system provides a cost-effective and efficient means to store and convert electrical energy into thermal energy, enhancing the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid by achieving high energy density and low costs.
Implementation Method 1
A particle heater system that uses electric heating elements to raise the temperature of solid particles from 250°C to 1200°C
Implementation Method 2
enabling efficient thermal energy storage and conversion back to electricity
Implementation Method 3
the channel is oriented to enable the gravitational flow of the plurality of solid particles through the channel
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to particle heaters for heating solid particles to store electrical energy as thermal energy. Thermal energy storage directly converts off-peak electricity into heat for thermal energy storage, which may be converted back to electricity, for example during peak-hour power generation. The particle heater is an integral part of an electro-thermal energy storage system, as it enables the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy. As described herein, particle heater designs are described that provide efficient heating of solid particles in an efficient and compact configuration to achieve high energy density and low cost.