Redox Heat Storage Reactor Segmentation to Prevent Metal Sintering

Solution Overview

Problem

Chemical combustion reactor-based energy storage systems face issues such as sintering of metals within the reactor, leading to reduced performance and incomplete redox reactions due to rapid heat exchange.

Innovation Solution

A chemical combustion reactor design featuring reactor segments with at least two active fixed beds separated by an inactive insulating layer, both partially surrounded by an insulating mantle, which helps maintain a continuous reaction front and reduces sintering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a chemical combustion reactor is used for energy storage, then heat can be generated through redox reactions, but the metal undergoes sintering which reduces performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat generation capabilityVSAvoidreactor performance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reactor is divided into multiple segments along the flow path, with each segment containing active fixed beds separated by inactive insulating layers. This segmentation allows the reaction front to progress through discrete zones while maintaining thermal isolation between segments, preventing heat accumulation that causes sintering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inactive insulating layers are introduced as intermediary elements between active fixed beds. These layers act as thermal barriers that slow down heat transfer in the longitudinal direction, allowing the reaction front to maintain a sharp profile while preventing excessive heat buildup that would cause metal sintering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If heat exchange is rapid in the reactor, then energy can be quickly supplied, but the redox reactions become incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply rateVSAvoidreaction completion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reactor is divided into multiple segments along the flow path, with each segment containing active fixed beds separated by inactive insulating layers. This segmentation allows the reaction front to progress through discrete zones while maintaining thermal isolation between segments, preventing heat accumulation that causes sintering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inactive insulating layers are introduced as intermediary elements between active fixed beds. These layers act as thermal barriers that slow down heat transfer in the longitudinal direction, allowing the reaction front to maintain a sharp profile while preventing excessive heat buildup that would cause metal sintering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the reactor operates for extended periods, then more energy can be stored and supplied, but sintering accumulates and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifespanVSAvoidenergy storage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reactor is divided into multiple segments along the flow path, with each segment containing active fixed beds separated by inactive insulating layers. This segmentation allows the reaction front to progress through discrete zones while maintaining thermal isolation between segments, preventing heat accumulation that causes sintering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inactive insulating layers are introduced as intermediary elements between active fixed beds. These layers act as thermal barriers that slow down heat transfer in the longitudinal direction, allowing the reaction front to maintain a sharp profile while preventing excessive heat buildup that would cause metal sintering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enhances energy storage and supply efficiency by maintaining a sharp reaction front and reducing sintering, thereby optimizing heat transfer and extending the reactor's operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

surrounded by an insulating mantle in the longitudinal direction of said reactor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a flow path (2) is provided in the longitudinal direction of said reactor, said reactor comprising a reactor segment (3) that comprises at least one porous active fixed bed (4) comprising a metal and/or oxide thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

In the oxidizing reactor, a metal is brought into contact with an oxygen-containing gas (also referred to as an oxidizing gas, e.g. air) to produce metal oxides and heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentUS12298084B2Internal configuration for redox-based heat storage systems

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 NEDERLANDSE ORG VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO

AI summary

The invention is directed to a system for energy storage comprising a chemical combustion reactor comprising a reactor segment that comprises at least two porous active fixed beds that are separated by an inactive insulating layer which are at least partially surrounded by an insulating mantle. The active beds comprise a metal and/or oxide thereof.