Solid-State Thermal Storage With Embedded Heat Transfer Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid state thermal energy storage systems face inefficiencies in charge and discharge processes, limited temperature and pressure ranges, complexity, and high costs, making them less effective for large-scale energy production and storage.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system utilizing a solid state material with a heat transfer fluid contained within a single, continuous heat transfer container, allowing for efficient heat transfer by convection, conduction, and radiation, and featuring a compact, scalable design with integrated energy input and output means, suitable for high temperatures and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If separate channels are arranged through the solid state storage medium for heat transfer fluid flow, then heat transfer capability is improved, but device complexity increases and maximum temperature/pressure ranges are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the heat transfer fluid channels directly into the solid state storage medium by forming cavities within the storage medium itself, eliminating the need for separate external channels. This integration simplifies the device structure while maintaining effective heat transfer capability, as the fluid flows directly through the storage medium's internal cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer fluid channels are nested within the solid state storage medium by forming cavities inside the storage material. This nested arrangement allows the channels to be embedded within the storage medium, reducing external complexity while enabling direct heat transfer through the storage material's internal structure.
2Power
If separate channels are arranged through the solid state storage medium, then heat transfer is enhanced, but the maximum temperature and pressure ranges are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the heat transfer channels directly into the solid state storage medium through internal cavity formation, the invention eliminates thermal barriers between separate components. This direct integration enables more efficient heat transfer and allows the system to operate at higher temperatures without the thermal resistance and structural limitations of separate external channel arrangements.
3Productivity
If multiple separate channels are used for heat transfer fluid flow, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple heat transfer channels into a unified structure by forming cavities directly within the solid state storage medium. This merger reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the productivity benefits of multiple flow paths for rapid charge and discharge operations.
4Reliability
If separate channels are arranged at a distance from the storage medium, then stress and displacement levels are reduced, but heat transfer efficiency and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the heat transfer channels within the solid state storage medium by forming cavities inside the storage material. This nested configuration allows the channels to be embedded within the storage medium's volume, achieving system compactness while the surrounding storage material provides structural support and stress resistance, eliminating the need for channels to be positioned at a distance.
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 system enables efficient and rapid charging and discharging of thermal energy, operates over a wide temperature range, reduces complexity and costs, and enhances versatility, making it suitable for various energy sources and grid balancing applications.
Implementation Method 1
all heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer container
Implementation Method 2
all heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer container
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a thermal energy storage and heat exchange unit, comprising a solid state thermal storage material, a heat transfer fluid and means for energy input and output, distinctive in that: the storage comprises at least one heat transfer container, solid state thermal storage material is arranged around the heat transfer container, and the heat transfer container contains the heat transfer fluid and the means for energy input and output, so that all heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer container. Method of building the thermal energy storage, plant comprising the storage, method using the plant and use of the storage or plant.