Green energy thermal storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to green energy sources has led to the premature shutdown of fossil-fired power plants, resulting in wasted capital assets and the need for energy storage systems to stabilize fluctuating power generation levels, while traditional Rankine power generation cycles are inefficient and polluting.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system using phase change materials (PCMs) to store thermal energy from the electric grid, which can be converted into steam for power generation or hot water for district heating, replacing fossil fuel boilers with a 'Green Boiler' that functions as both an energy storage device and on-demand steam generator, utilizing molten salt beds to absorb and release heat as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fossil-fired power plants are shut down to transition to green energy sources, then environmental pollution is reduced, but capital assets and existing infrastructure are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fuel parameter from fossil fuels to electricity (from green energy sources), while maintaining the same Rankine cycle infrastructure. This allows the existing power plant equipment to continue operating with a cleaner energy source, avoiding asset waste while reducing pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions: it generates electricity during peak demand periods, stores thermal energy, and can provide process heat. This multi-functionality maximizes the utilization of existing infrastructure while integrating green energy sources.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If green energy sources are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but power generation levels oscillate and require energy storage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy during periods of excess green energy production. The thermal storage system accumulates heat when electricity is abundant, preparing energy for later use when demand peaks, thus stabilizing power generation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces thermal energy storage as an intermediary between intermittent green energy sources and the Rankine cycle power generation system. This mediator smooths out oscillations by storing excess energy and releasing it when needed, stabilizing the overall power generation.
3Power
If traditional Rankine power generation cycles are used, then electricity can be generated, but the process is inefficient and polluting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes the chemical combustion process (mechanical/chemical system) with an electrical heating process (thermal system). Instead of burning fossil fuels to heat water, electricity from green sources directly heats the thermal storage medium, eliminating combustion-related pollution while maintaining efficient electricity generation through the Rankine cycle.
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 solution allows for the decarbonization of power generation, reduces capital and operating costs, eliminates fossil fuel consumption, and provides a cost-effective means to stabilize power grid demand by using surplus energy for peak load generation, while minimizing environmental impact and maintaining employment in existing power plant communities.
Implementation Method 1
one or more thermal energy containment vessels which contain a bed of phase change material (PCM) which absorbs and stores heat derived from an electric power source
Implementation Method 2
The PCM heats the working fluid which flows through the vessel(s) on demand for various purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage system includes one or more containment vessel comprising an internal cavity containing a bed of phase change material (PCM) operable to store thermal energy, an array of heaters embedded in the molten phase change material, and a tube bundle. The heaters are electrically coupled to an electric power source and operable to heat and melt the PCM to a molten state. The tube bundle comprises heat exchanger tubes embedded in the molten PCM and configured to convey a working fluid (e.g., water or other) through a tube-side of the tubes. The tubes may be arranged in plural individual tube cartridge each insertable and removable from the vessel. In operation, the working fluid is heated by absorbing stored thermal energy from the molten phase change material. The PCM may be heated by power extracted from the power grid during off-peak demand periods.