Radiation Cavity Thermal Storage for Controlled Heat Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering thermal energy from variable renewable electricity sources, including high costs, thermal runaway issues, and inadequate control over charging and discharging processes, which limits their ability to provide continuous and reliable heat for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system that uses vertically oriented thermal storage units with stacks of bricks and resistive heaters connected via switching circuitry, employing radiative heat transfer for charging and convective heat transfer for discharging, along with a dynamic insulation system and a smart energy controller to manage temperature and energy flow based on forecasted conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal energy storage systems use conventional charging and discharging methods, then they can store and deliver thermal energy, but they face thermal runaway issues and inadequate control over charging and discharging processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of charging and discharging rates based on real-time temperature monitoring and predictive algorithms. The system adjusts operational parameters dynamically to prevent thermal runaway while optimizing energy storage and delivery, transforming static thermal storage into an actively managed system that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous temperature monitoring and feedback control mechanisms that detect thermal conditions and adjust charging/discharging rates accordingly. This feedback loop prevents thermal runaway by automatically reducing or stopping energy input when temperature thresholds are approached, while also optimizing discharge timing based on predicted energy needs.
2Temperature
If thermal energy storage systems store high-temperature thermal energy, then they can provide heat for industrial applications, but they face thermal runaway issues and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety assessments and predictive thermal analysis before initiating charging operations. By forecasting thermal conditions and potential runaway scenarios in advance, the system prevents dangerous temperature excursions before they occur, allowing safe operation at high temperatures through proactive risk management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of thermal runaway into a beneficial safety mechanism by using predictive algorithms to identify and prevent dangerous conditions. The system monitors thermal gradients and energy accumulation rates to detect early signs of instability, transforming what could be a catastrophic failure mode into a controlled operational parameter that enhances overall system safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermal energy storage systems use variable renewable electricity sources, then they can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but they face challenges in providing continuous and reliable heat due to variability in energy supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy accumulation during periods of high renewable electricity availability, storing thermal energy in advance of when it will be needed. This proactive charging strategy ensures that sufficient thermal energy is stored to maintain continuous heat supply even when renewable electricity generation fluctuates or becomes unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of charging rates based on real-time renewable electricity availability and predicted energy demand. The system optimizes the balance between capturing available renewable energy and maintaining reliable heat supply, transforming the variability of renewable sources into a manageable operational parameter through adaptive control.
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 enables efficient, cost-effective storage and delivery of high-temperature thermal energy, mitigating thermal runaway and ensuring reliable operation over long periods, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and optimizing energy use based on variable renewable energy availability.
Implementation Method 1
resistive heaters attached to each of the brick stacks, each of the resistive heaters being connected to the input electricity via switching circuitry
Implementation Method 2
vertically oriented thermal storage units with stacks of bricks... enabling efficient, cost-effective storage and delivery of high-temperature thermal energy
Implementation Method 3
employing radiative heat transfer for charging and convective heat transfer for discharging
Implementation Method 4
a dynamic insulation system and a smart energy controller to manage temperature and energy flow
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes one or more thermal storage blocks that define a radiation chamber and a fluid flow slot positioned above the radiation chamber to define a fluid pathway in a first direction. The apparatus includes a heater element positioned adjacent to the radiation chamber in a second, different direction, wherein the radiation chamber is open on at least one side to the heater element. The apparatus includes a fluid movement system configured to direct a stream of fluid through the fluid pathway in the first direction.