Movable-Partition Thermal Storage Tank for Vehicle Energy Recuperation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved energy recuperation systems in vehicles, particularly for storing braking energy and efficiently cooling systems like fuel cell systems.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system comprising a tank with a movable partition, a biasing device, a heat transfer fluid, and a fluid control assembly, which allows for the storage of energy in both thermal and mechanical forms using recuperated energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a battery is used to recuperate braking energy, then energy storage capability is improved, but system complexity and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal energy storage and mechanical energy storage into a single integrated tank system. The tank stores both hot and cold thermal energy in separate zones, and simultaneously stores mechanical potential energy through a movable partition that can be positioned at different levels. This merging eliminates the need for separate battery systems and their associated cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage tank performs multiple functions: it stores thermal energy (both hot and cold) and stores mechanical energy through the movable partition. The same tank structure and fluid system serve both thermal storage and mechanical energy recovery purposes, reducing overall system complexity compared to dedicated battery systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fuel cell system is used for electric propulsion, then energy efficiency is improved, but cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the thermal energy that would normally be wasted as waste heat from the fuel cell system into useful stored energy. The heat transfer fluid absorbs thermal energy from the fuel cell cooling system, and this stored thermal energy is then reused for heating or cooling applications, turning a harmful waste product into a beneficial resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers thermal energy from the fuel cell cooling process that would otherwise be discarded. The heat transfer fluid circulates through the fuel cell system to absorb waste heat, stores this thermal energy in the tank, and later releases it when needed, thereby recovering what would have been lost energy.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy is stored in a heat transfer fluid, then energy storage capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is segmented into different zones (first volume and second volume) separated by a movable partition. Each zone can independently store thermal energy at different temperatures or store mechanical energy, allowing flexible energy management while using a single integrated tank structure rather than multiple separate storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on energy storage and release requirements. The partition can move to accommodate varying volumes of heat transfer fluid as thermal energy is stored or released, and can also store/release mechanical potential energy through its movement, providing dynamic adaptability to different operating conditions.
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 effectively stores recuperated energy from braking and other sources, enabling its use for both heating and cooling applications, thus enhancing energy efficiency and cooling capabilities in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer arrangement arranged for altering the temperature of the heat transfer fluid from a first temperature when in the first volume to a second temperature when in the second volume
Implementation Method 2
the energy storage tank further comprising a biasing device being arranged such that movement of the partition away from the minimum energy storage position corresponds to storing energy in the biasing device, and movement towards the minimum energy storage position corresponds to releasing energy from the biasing device
Implementation Method 3
a fluid control assembly for providing a pressure implying a flow of the heat transfer fluid from the first volume to the second volume via the heat transfer fluid duct
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage tank defining a tank volume for heat transfer fluid and comprising a partition dividing the tank volume into a first volume and a second volume, wherein the partition is movable to/from any position between a minimum energy storage position corresponding to a minimum second volume, and a maximum energy storage position corresponding to a maximum second volume, the energy storage tank further comprising a biasing device being arranged such that movement of the partition away from the minimum energy storage position corresponds to storing energy in the biasing device, and movement towards the minimum energy storage position corresponds to releasing energy from the biasing device.