Energy storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems are limited in their application scope and do not efficiently store and convert heat and cold into electrical energy, nor do they provide a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution for decentralized energy management.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system that incorporates an energy converter capable of generating electrical energy from heat and cold, and vice versa, using a control unit to switch between operating modes, with heat and cold stores and exchangers, and a heat transfer medium for efficient thermal energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional energy storage systems (batteries, compressed air, pump storage) are used, then electrical energy can be stored, but the field of application is limited and conversion efficiency between thermal and electrical energy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a reversible energy converter that can operate in multiple modes: generating electrical energy from thermal energy (heat engine mode), generating thermal energy from electrical energy (heat pump mode), and providing direct thermal energy storage. This multi-functionality allows the same system to serve diverse energy storage and conversion needs, significantly expanding the field of application beyond conventional single-purpose systems.
2Quantity of substance
If high-capacity energy storage systems are implemented, then more electrical energy can be stored, but investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase change materials that undergo parameter changes (phase transitions) at specific temperatures, enabling high-density thermal energy storage. By leveraging these natural phase change properties, the system achieves high storage capacity without requiring expensive high-capacity battery technologies, thereby reducing investment costs while maintaining substantial energy storage capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy is used for energy storage, then electrical energy can be stored indirectly, but the conversion process requires complex systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the heat engine, heat pump, and thermal storage functions into a single integrated reversible energy converter. This unified design eliminates the need for separate conversion systems and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to convert between thermal and electrical energy efficiently.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional battery storage is used, then electrical energy can be stored directly, but maintenance requirements increase and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, maintenance-intensive battery systems with a thermal storage system using phase change materials and a reversible energy converter. The thermal storage components have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance, while the energy converter can be replaced as a modular unit, effectively reducing both maintenance requirements and overall system cost over the extended service life.
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 provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and efficient means of storing and generating electrical energy from thermal energy, offering long-term storage and decentralized energy management with lower investment costs and a long service life.
Implementation Method 1
the energy converter is configured to generate electrical energy from heat and cold
Implementation Method 2
the energy converter is configured to generate electrical energy from heat and cold and to generate heat and cold from electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
the energy converter is in heat exchanging contact with a hot heat exchanger and with a cold heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
Heat exchangers and pumps can be used for this purpose that convey a heat transfer medium, with the heat transfer medium serving the transport of thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an energy storage system for storing heat and coldness and for providing electrical energy, characterized by an energy converter, wherein the energy converter is designed to produce electrical energy from heat and coldness and to produce heat and coldness from electrical energy, the energy converter being in heat-transferring contact with a hot heat exchanger and with a cold heat exchanger, the hot heat exchanger being connected to a heat reservoir and the cold heat exchanger being connected to a coldness reservoir, and a control unit being provided, which operates the energy storage system in a first operating mode, in which heat and coldness are formed from electrical energy by means of the energy converter, and in a second operating mode, in which electrical energy is produced from heat and coldness.