Serial Thermal Storage Units With Bypass for Faster Charging
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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 energy storage, due to the use of intermediate media for heat transfer, which leads to parasitic losses and system complexity.
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 electrical heating devices with ceramic tubes and resistive heaters to control fluid temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single large-scale thermal energy storage tank is used, then the storage capacity is sufficient, but the charging time becomes excessively long (weeks to months)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large-scale thermal energy storage tank into multiple smaller thermal energy storage units connected in series. Each unit has its own heat exchanger and can be charged independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the same total storage capacity while reducing the charging time by enabling parallel charging operations across multiple units.
2Loss of time
If multiple thermal energy storage units are used in parallel, then the charging time is reduced, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where multiple thermal energy storage units are arranged in series and connected through a common fluid distribution manifold. The manifold serves as a central hub that distributes thermal fluid to each unit's heat exchanger in sequence, creating a compact integrated system that reduces overall complexity compared to fully parallel configurations.
3Device complexity
If multiple thermal energy storage units are used in series, then the system complexity is reduced, but the charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the thermal fluid flow through the series-connected units. The system can adjust flow rates, flow distribution, and operating parameters in real-time based on charging demands and thermal conditions. This dynamic operation enables the series-connected system to optimize charging speed while maintaining reduced complexity.
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 achieves efficient thermal energy storage with precise temperature control and reduced losses, enabling scalability and adaptability to varying energy demands.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal energy storage unit (110) having a first thermal storage medium (141) that stores first thermal energy (Q1)
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger (121) that comes into contact with the first thermal storage medium (141) and through which a first thermal storage fluid (111) flows
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An energy storage device is indicated comprising a plurality of thermal energy storage units (1) which each comprise a thermal storage element (3) made of a solid material, an electrical heating device (5) and a conduit. The electrical heating device (5) serves for heating the thermal storage element (3). The conduit (41) is adapted to guide a fluid (W, S) for transferring thermal energy from the thermal storage element (3) to the fluid (W, S). At least two of the thermal energy storage units (1) are connected in series, and a bypass conduit (16) is provided which allows the fluid (W, S) to bypass at least one thermal energy storage unit (1) of the at least two serially connected thermal energy storage units (1). A method for storing energy by means of such an energy storage device is also indicated.