Segmented Thermal Storage Accumulators for Higher Heating Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices with heat accumulators have low heating power, making them unsuitable for primary heating and requiring a significant volume for thermal energy storage, which increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage device comprising two heat accumulators with insulating enclosures and dual heat transfer fluid lines, allowing for efficient thermal energy distribution and consumption, with each container having a volume less than 5 m3, and a system for selective circulation of heat transfer fluids to optimize energy storage and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If heat accumulators are used for heating, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but heating power is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal energy storage function into multiple independent containers (first and second containers) with separate heat transfer fluid lines. Each container can be selectively activated through independent circulation circuits, allowing the system to provide higher total heating power by engaging multiple storage units simultaneously while maintaining the ability to use smaller individual container volumes.
2Power
If significant thermal energy is stored, then heating capacity is improved, but volume of heat accumulators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is segmented into multiple smaller containers rather than one large accumulator. This allows the system to achieve significant total thermal energy storage capacity through aggregation of multiple compact units, reducing the volume requirement for any single heat accumulator while maintaining overall heating capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic selective circulation that can activate different containers based on heating demands. The circulation device can direct heat transfer fluid through specific containers (first or second) or both simultaneously, allowing the system to adaptively provide significant heating capacity only when and where needed, effectively reducing the active volume of heat accumulators at any given time.
3Quantity of substance
If large volume heat accumulators are used, then thermal energy storage is sufficient, but energy consumption for storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the thermal storage into multiple smaller containers with independent circulation control, the system can activate only the necessary number of containers based on actual heating demands. This reduces the total volume of heat accumulators that need to be maintained at storage temperature, thereby decreasing the energy consumption required for thermal energy storage while still providing sufficient total storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by selectively circulating heat transfer fluid through only the required containers (first, second, or both) based on heating needs. Instead of continuously maintaining all heat accumulators at optimal storage temperature, the system activates only the partial subset needed, reducing the energy consumption for storage while maintaining sufficient thermal energy storage quantity.
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 solution provides a compact and efficient thermal energy storage system that enhances heating power, reduces energy consumption, and allows for selective thermal energy distribution, making it suitable for both individual and collective dwelling heating.
Implementation Method 1
each container comprising an insulating enclosure containing earth crossed by at least one first line for the circulation of a first heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 2
at least one second line for the circulation of a second heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 3
each container comprising an insulating enclosure containing earth
Data Source
AI summary
A device including first and second heat accumulators, each including thermal energy storage containers. Each container includes an insulating enclosure containing earth crossed by at least one first line for the circulation of a first heat transfer fluid and at least one second line for the circulation of a second heat transfer fluid. For each accumulator, the first lines of the containers are connected in parallel and the second lines of the containers are series-connected. The heating device includes a device for delivering thermal energy to the first heat transfer fluid connected to the first and second accumulators by a first circuit for distributing the first heat transfer fluid capable of selectively circulating the first heat transfer fluid in the first line of each container of the first accumulator or in the first line of each container of the second accumulator.