Resistive Powder-Bed Thermal Storage Without Step-Down Transformers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems require transformers to convert high voltage electrical energy from renewable sources into a lower voltage for heating the storage medium, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage device using a powder bed with an electrical resistivity of 500 Ωm to 50,000 Ωm, embedded electrodes, and a heat transfer tube thermally coupled via an electrically insulating material, allowing direct connection to an electrical energy supply without transformers, and utilizing semiconductor materials like silicon carbide for efficient heat generation and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If transformers are used to convert high voltage electrical energy to lower voltage for heating the storage medium, then the electrical energy can be converted to a usable form, but the system becomes more costly and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transformer component from the system by using a powder bed with inherently suitable electrical resistivity (500-50,000 Ωm) that can directly accept high voltage electrical energy from renewable sources. This extraction of the transformer eliminates the associated energy losses and system complexity while maintaining the heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical resistivity parameter of the storage medium to a specific range (500-50,000 Ωm) that enables direct heating from high voltage sources. This parameter change allows the system to operate without voltage conversion equipment, improving efficiency and reducing complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If contact electrodes are used to generate electric current within the storage medium, then electrical energy can be converted to thermal energy, but large and expensive transformers are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transformer from the system architecture by selecting a powder bed material whose electrical resistivity enables direct current generation and heating from high voltage sources. The electrodes remain for current generation, but the voltage conversion step is eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical resistivity parameter of the storage medium to fall within 500-50,000 Ωm, which enables the system to directly utilize high voltage electrical energy without requiring step-down transformers, thus simplifying the device while maintaining energy conversion capability.
3Power
If electrically conductive medium with low electrical resistivity is used for heating, then electrical energy can be converted to thermal energy, but the system requires expensive transformers for voltage conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrical resistivity parameter to a moderate range (500-50,000 Ωm) rather than using very low resistivity materials. This moderate resistivity enables effective heating power while allowing direct connection to high voltage sources, eliminating the need for transformers and reducing system complexity.
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 reduces costs, enhances durability, and provides better control over local peak temperatures, enabling efficient energy conversion and storage with semiconductor materials that self-heal and maintain effective contact during repeated cycles.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electrodes, embedded in the powder bed and arranged to heat the powder bed by providing an electrical current therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the heat transfer tube and the powder bed are thermally coupled via an electrically insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a thermal energy storage device (100) comprising a powder bed (110), at least two electrodes (301, 302, 303), and at least one heat transfer tube (200). The powder bed (110) has an electrical resistivity in a range of 500-50,000 Qm. The at least two electrodes (301, 302, 303) are embedded in the powder bed (110) and arranged to heat the powder bed (110) by providing a voltage between the electrodes (301, 302, 303). The at least one heat transfer tube (200) is arranged to contain a heat transfer fluid and has an inlet (210) and an outlet (220) connectable to a thermal energy consumer (30). The heat transfer tube (200) and the powder bed (110) are thermally coupled via an electrically insulating material.