Radiative Thermal Storage Layout for Low-Gradient Heat Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges such as material sourcing issues, high costs, and performance limitations, particularly in solid-state solutions where thermal gradients can lead to mechanical failures and inefficiencies in heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state thermal storage system that includes an insulated container with a thermal storage medium, a heating element capable of various heating methods (radiative, conductive, inductive, etc.), and a mechanism to control heat transfer, utilizing thermophotovoltaic heat engines and radially symmetric designs to optimize energy conversion and reduce thermal gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat is extracted via conduction from the surface of a solid storage medium, then heat transfer occurs, but large thermal gradients develop causing mechanical failure and leaving portions undischarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/conductive heat extraction systems with a radiative heat transfer system. A heating element emits thermal radiation that penetrates the storage medium, and a heat receiving unit captures discharged heat radiatively, eliminating the need for physical contact and mechanical stress on the storage medium while maintaining efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal radiation as an intermediary mechanism for heat transfer. Instead of direct conduction through the storage medium surface, heat is transferred via electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate and distribute energy throughout the medium without creating mechanical stress or thermal gradients.
2Productivity
If conventional liquid or gas thermal storage systems are used, then heat transport is achieved, but system complexity and safety risks increase due to pump networks and heat exchangers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump and heat exchanger system with a radiative heat transfer system. Thermal radiation naturally propagates heat without requiring mechanical pumping, eliminating complex networks of pipes, pumps, and heat exchangers while maintaining effective heat transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiative heat transfer system operates autonomously without external mechanical assistance. Thermal radiation self-propagates from the heating element through the storage medium to the heat receiving unit, eliminating the need for pumps, valves, and complex control systems required in conventional liquid/gas thermal storage.
3Quantity of substance
If existing battery technologies are used, then energy storage is achieved, but material sourcing challenges and high costs persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from electrochemical energy storage to thermal energy storage. This paradigm shift allows the use of abundant, inexpensive materials for the storage medium and heating elements, eliminating dependence on rare earth metals and complex battery chemistries while maintaining high energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available materials for the thermal storage medium and system components. Rather than using expensive, difficult-to-source battery materials, the system uses common materials that can be manufactured at low cost, making energy storage economically viable.
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 enhances energy storage efficiency, reduces thermal gradients, and improves scalability and cost-effectiveness by allowing independent operation of unit cells, thereby addressing the limitations of existing thermal energy storage technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using thermal radiation
Implementation Method 2
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using conduction
Implementation Method 3
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using induction
Implementation Method 4
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using radio frequency
Implementation Method 5
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium by passing electrical current through the thermal storage medium, thereby increasing the temperature of the thermal storage medium through Joule heating
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal storage solution system is disclosed herein. The system includes an insulated container having a thermal storage medium, a heating element configured to heat the thermal storage medium, a heat receiving unit (e.g., thermophotovoltaic (TPV) heat engine, heat transfer fluid, an industrial process component) configured to convert heat into electric energy, and a mechanism configured to control a view factor between the thermal storage medium and the heat engine. In another embodiment, the system includes multiple thermal storage media as unit cells in a single enclosure or container with insulation between adjacent unit cells.