Rankine Engine Thermal Storage Slurry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage solutions for vehicles, such as batteries, are inefficient due to poor charge time to discharge ratios and toxicity, while traditional thermal energy storage methods are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A Rankine engine with a rapidly rechargeable thermal energy storage bank using a slurry of powdered metal and ceramic matrix in silicone oils, heated by microwave energy via a network of waveguides, allowing for efficient heat transfer and extended vehicle operation without constant electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used for energy storage in vehicles, then electrical energy can be stored and discharged, but the charge time to discharge ratio is poor and toxicity occurs upon disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a thermal energy storage system using a Rankine cycle engine. The working fluid absorbs thermal energy during the day and releases it at night, substituting mechanical/chemical energy conversion with thermal energy storage and phase change mechanisms, thereby eliminating charging time limitations and toxicity issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the Rankine cycle working fluid between liquid and vapor states to store and release thermal energy. During phase change, the fluid absorbs or releases large amounts of latent heat, enabling efficient thermal energy storage without time constraints associated with battery charging.
2Quantity of substance
If batteries are used for energy storage, then electrical energy can be stored, but significant expense and hours of recharging are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces battery-based electrical energy storage with a thermal energy storage system using the Rankine cycle. The system stores thermal energy in a working fluid that can be rapidly heated and then releases energy through phase change and expansion, providing equivalent or superior energy storage capacity without the time and cost penalties of battery recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage from chemical/electrical to thermal energy. By utilizing temperature and phase changes of the working fluid rather than electrochemical reactions, the system achieves rapid energy storage and release cycles that are not constrained by battery charging times.
3Productivity
If thermal energy storage is implemented, then rapid recharging is achieved, but system complexity increases with heat exchangers and working fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the Rankine cycle system: the working fluid serves as both the thermal energy storage medium and the power generation working fluid. The heat exchanger system simultaneously performs heating, cooling, and phase change functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the rapid recharging capability.
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
Enables quick and efficient thermal energy storage and release, reducing recharging time and environmental impact, with the potential for universal recharging stations like traditional fueling stations.
Implementation Method 1
Microwave energy is supplied to the system via a network of waveguides
Implementation Method 2
The slurry provides a mixture of a compressed powdered metal/ceramic matrix and silicone oils/heat retentive viscous media functioning as the working fluid in the hot side of the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
A closed, highly insulated, triple-expansion, reciprocating Rankine cycle engine capable of operating under the computer control via a high pressure micro-atomized steam working medium is provided to propel the vehicle
Implementation Method 4
The thermal storage bank comprises a slurry in a heat exchanger capable of sustaining operation of the engine without requiring constant powering of the microwave source
Data Source
AI summary
The Rankine engine with efficient heat exchange system provides a rapidly rechargeable thermal energy storage bank operably connected to a heat engine capable of propelling a vehicle. Microwave energy is supplied to the system via a network of waveguides. Thermal storage bank has a slurry in a heat exchanger capable of sustaining operation of the engine without requiring the microwave source. The slurry provides a mixture of powdered stainless steel and silicone oils functioning as the working fluid in the hot side of the heat exchanger. The slurry may be heated by plugging the system into standard AC power for a predetermined microwave heat charging duration. A closed, triple-expansion, reciprocating Rankine cycle engine capable of operating under computer control via a high pressure micro-atomized steam working medium is provided to propel the vehicle. A variety of working fluids are capable of powering the Rankine cycle engine.