Electrical Resistance Tubular Elements for Thermal Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sustainable energy generation systems, such as solar and wind turbines, face challenges in storing excess energy efficiently and providing it consistently due to varying production levels and timing, which hinders large-scale adoption and often result in environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising tubular elements with electrical resistance that convert excess electrical energy into heat, stored in an energy storage material, allowing for efficient storage and later conversion back into electrical energy, using a heat transport fluid circulated through a reservoir with a control unit to manage temperature and fluid flow, enabling flexible energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If excess electrical energy from sustainable sources is converted into heat and stored in energy storage material, then energy can be stored for extended periods (up to a year), but the system complexity increases due to required tubular elements, circulating units, and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple tubular elements that are distributed within the energy storage material. Each tubular element contains heat transport fluid and can be independently controlled by the circulating unit, allowing the system to store large amounts of energy over extended periods while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A heat transport fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance that circulates between the tubular elements and the energy storage material. This fluid mediates the transfer of thermal energy, enabling efficient heat distribution throughout the storage medium and facilitating long-term energy retention without direct contact between the heating elements and the bulk storage material
2Reliability
If traditional power stations are used to meet energy demand, then energy availability is reliable and adjustable, but environmental impact increases due to combustion gas emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts excess electrical energy from sustainable sources (which would otherwise be wasted) into thermal energy that can be stored and later utilized. By transforming surplus renewable energy into storable heat form, the system eliminates waste while providing reliable energy availability, replacing the need for combustion-based power stations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the energy storage parameter from electrical to thermal form. By converting electrical energy into heat and storing it in energy storage material, the system enables long-term energy retention (up to a year) with high efficiency, providing reliable energy availability without the environmental harm of traditional combustion power stations
3Object-generated harmful factors
If solar collectors or wind turbines are used for sustainable energy generation, then environmental impact is reduced, but energy production variability increases due to weather dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing excess thermal energy in the energy storage material during periods when renewable energy production exceeds demand. This advance storage of energy ensures that consistent power supply can be maintained during periods when renewable generation is insufficient, compensating for weather-related variability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the thermal energy content in the storage material and the current energy demand, adjusting the circulation of heat transport fluid and the operation of heating elements accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures stable energy output by balancing stored thermal energy with actual demand, compensating for variations in renewable energy generation
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 allows for reliable and efficient storage of electrical energy for extended periods, up to a year, without external hindrances like weather, and provides a sustainable alternative to traditional power stations by ensuring energy availability when needed.
Implementation Method 1
The heating unit can convert electricity into heat because the tubular elements are manufactured from material with a determined electrical resistance, such that an electric current will start to run when an electric voltage is for instance applied over a determined length of a tubular element
Implementation Method 2
The heat will gradually spread through the energy storage material. The heat can further be distributed in the energy storage material by transport (circulation) of the heated heat transport fluid through the rest of the tubular elements
Implementation Method 3
The circulating unit is preferably configured to spread the heat transport fluid heated in the one or more tubular elements over all tubular elements by means of circulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for storing electrical energy in the form of heat, the system comprising: - a reservoir; - a quantity of energy storage material arranged in the reservoir; - a system of tubular elements embedded in the energy storage material and manufactured from heat and electricity-conducting material; - circulating unit for circulating a heat transport fluid through the tubular elements; - connecting elements configured to connect at least a number of the one or more of the tubular elements to at least one external electrical energy source; wherein the connecting elements are configured to conduct an electric current over the length of said number of the one or more tubular elements.