Solid Heat Storage Device with Monolithic Thermal Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid heat storage systems face inefficiencies in energy conversion and storage, particularly when storing electrical energy, due to the need for additional heat transfer mediums and increased technical effort for heat insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A solid heat storage system featuring a thermally conductive heat transfer element with integrated heating and heat transfer devices, allowing direct thermal contact with memory modules for efficient energy storage and retrieval without the need for additional heat carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a heat transfer medium is used to transfer energy to the heat storage unit, then energy can be transferred, but conversion losses increase and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heat transfer medium from the system by enabling direct thermal contact between the heating element and the heat storage unit. This extraction of the intermediate medium eliminates the associated conversion losses and reduces system complexity while maintaining effective energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is designed with an asymmetric configuration where one side directly contacts the heat storage unit while the other side receives electrical energy. This asymmetric design enables direct energy transfer without requiring a symmetric heat transfer medium system, reducing complexity and losses.
2Loss of energy
If electrical energy is stored directly, then conversion losses are minimized, but additional technical effort is required for heat insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element and heat transfer functionality into a single integrated component. The heating element directly contacts the heat storage unit, merging the energy conversion and heat transfer functions into one element, which simplifies heat insertion and removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it converts electrical energy to thermal energy, transfers heat directly to the storage unit, and facilitates both heat insertion and removal operations. This multi-functionality reduces the technical effort required compared to separate dedicated components.
3Temperature
If solid materials are used for heat storage at high temperatures, then operation without pressure is achieved, but technical complexity increases for heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex heat transfer medium system by enabling direct thermal contact between the heating element and solid heat storage material. This extraction allows high-temperature operation without pressure while eliminating the technical complexity associated with managing heat transfer fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element itself acts as the thermal intermediary, directly conducting heat from the electrical energy source to the solid heat storage material. This eliminates the need for separate heat transfer mediators and simplifies the system while maintaining high-temperature capability.
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
This solution significantly reduces conversion losses by enabling direct energy transfer from heating elements to memory modules, enhancing storage efficiency and making it suitable for fluctuating energy sources like wind turbines and solar systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element (2) which is in thermally conductive contact with the at least one storage module (1)
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat transfer device (3) which is in thermally conductive contact with the at least one storage module (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a heat transfer element (11) made of thermally conductive material, which is monolithic and comprises: - at least one receiving device (5, 7) for receiving at least one heating element (2) arranged in the heat transfer element (11); - at least one guide device (6, 8) for guiding at least one heat transfer device (3) arranged in the heat transfer element (11); - wherein the heat transfer element (11) has at least two flat outer surfaces parallel to the at least one receiving device (5, 7) and/or the at least one guide device (6, 8), which can be brought into planar contact with a heat storage module (1). The present invention further relates to a solid-state heat storage device and a total storage device (100).