Solid Block Heat Store with Conductive Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-temperature sensible heat storage methods are costly and inefficient due to high pumping losses, large heat exchangers, and low energy density, particularly in packed beds and refractory concrete systems.
Innovation Solution
A solid block heat store is designed with a thermally conductive metal matrix, such as aluminum, surrounding thermal filler materials like recycled metals or rocks, providing structural integrity and high thermal conductivity, minimizing the matrix's volume to enhance energy density and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If packed beds are used for high temperature sensible heat storage, then heat storage capacity is improved, but pumping losses increase significantly and energy density decreases due to porosity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of the heat transfer fluid from liquid to gas (vaporization) to transfer heat through the packed bed. This eliminates the need for continuous pumping of liquid at high temperatures, as the phase change naturally drives the heat transfer process, thereby significantly reducing pumping losses while maintaining heat storage capacity.
2Loss of energy
If packed beds are pressurized to reduce pumping losses, then energy density improves, but storage vessel cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing phase transition (vaporization) instead of pressurization, the system achieves efficient heat transfer without requiring high-pressure containment vessels. The atmospheric pressure operation allows for simpler, less expensive storage vessels while maintaining low pumping losses through natural phase change-driven heat transfer.
3Strength
If refractory concrete is used for high temperature storage, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal conductivity decreases requiring more steel pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining refractory concrete (for structural integrity and heat storage) with an extensive network of steel pipes (for heat transfer). The concrete provides the necessary mechanical strength and thermal mass, while the distributed pipe network compensates for the concrete's low thermal conductivity, enabling efficient heat extraction throughout the storage medium.
4Reliability
If refractory concrete survives high temperature cycling, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive refractory cements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a composite approach where refractory concrete (providing high-temperature durability and heat storage) is combined with a steel pipe network (providing thermal conductivity). This allows the use of refractory materials optimized for thermal cycling durability while the steel component handles the thermal transfer, potentially reducing overall cost by separating the functional requirements of each material.
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 a low-cost, high-energy density heat storage system with efficient heat transfer and structural support, utilizing recycled materials and minimizing void space for improved thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive matrix forms a thermally conductive pathway to distributed thermal filler material
Implementation Method 2
pumped via a heat exchanger from a hot tank to a cold tank when heat is required
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat store (10) for an energy storage system, comprising: a solid body (20) comprising a solid thermally conductive matrix (22) with a solid thermal filler material (21) embedded therein, the solid thermally conductive matrix (22) forming a thermally conductive pathway to the solid thermal filler material (21) distributed within the solid thermally conductive matrix (22); and a thermal transfer element (30).