Serial Thermal Storage Units With Bypass for Steam Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems face inefficiencies in energy storage density and temperature control, particularly in systems using thermal storage, due to the use of intermediate media and complex equipment, leading to parasitic losses and reduced robustness.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage device comprising a series connection of thermal energy storage units with a bypass conduit, allowing flexible adaptation of the number of units based on charging state, and using direct electrical heating of solid materials to control fluid temperature through stratified temperature distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If intermediate media (air, molten salt) are used for thermal energy storage and steam generation, then thermal energy can be stored and transferred, but parasitic losses increase and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate medium (air, molten salt) from the thermal energy storage system. Instead of using these intermediaries to transfer heat, the invention directly heats water to steam within the thermal storage unit itself, thereby removing the source of parasitic losses and simplifying the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional intermediate media with water as the direct heat transfer medium. Water serves both as the thermal energy storage medium and the working fluid for steam generation, eliminating the need for separate intermediate heat transfer media and reducing system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If solid storage materials (graphite, metals, MGA) are used to store thermal energy, then energy storage density improves, but temperature control becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage unit is segmented into multiple zones with different thermal capacities. This segmentation allows different regions of the storage material to operate at different temperatures, enabling precise control over the temperature of generated steam while maintaining high overall energy storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the thermal storage material are assigned different thermal capacities and temperature ranges. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain high energy storage density while providing controlled temperature output, as each zone contributes differently to the overall thermal energy release.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pipes are used to guide water along storage material, then heat transfer occurs, but thermal contact resistance increases and steam parameters require overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat transfer function with the steam generation function by directing water flow directly through or along the thermal storage material. This eliminates the need for separate pipes and heat exchangers, reducing thermal contact resistance and allowing steam to be generated at the optimal temperature without excessive overheating.
4Ease of manufacture
If thermal storage elements are heated by electrical heating devices, then charging process is simplified, but heating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical heating devices operate in periodic cycles, heating the thermal storage material during periods of high renewable energy availability and then allowing natural cooling or steam generation during periods of demand. This periodic operation simplifies the charging process while managing heating time efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically, adjusting the power level and duration of electrical heating based on real-time conditions. This allows the charging process to be optimized for simplicity while minimizing total heating time through intelligent parameter management.
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 enhances efficiency and temperature control by allowing scalable and adaptable thermal energy storage, reducing losses and complexity, while maintaining robustness and compatibility with existing power plants.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heating device for heating the thermal storage element by means of electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a thermal storage element made of a solid material, for storing thermal energy
Implementation Method 3
a conduit which is adapted to guide a fluid through or along the thermal storage element, in order to transfer thermal energy from the thermal storage element to the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage device having a plurality of thermal energy storage units which each has a thermal storage element made of a solid material, an electrical heating device and a conduit. The electrical heating device serves for heating the thermal storage element. The conduit is adapted to guide a fluid for transferring thermal energy from the thermal storage element to the fluid. At least two of the thermal energy storage units are connected in series, and a bypass conduit is provided which allows the fluid to bypass at least one thermal energy storage unit of the at least two serially connected thermal energy storage units. A method for storing energy by means of such an energy storage device is also indicated.