Solid Thermal Storage Heat Transfer for Lower Thermal Gradients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges such as material sourcing issues, high costs, and performance limitations, particularly in solid-state solutions where thermal gradients can lead to mechanical failures and inefficiencies in heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state thermal storage system that includes an insulated container with a thermal storage medium, a heating element capable of various heating methods (radiative, conductive, inductive, etc.), and a mechanism to control heat transfer using a heat receiving unit, such as a thermophotovoltaic engine, to manage thermal gradients and optimize energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat is extracted via conduction from the surface of a solid storage medium, then heat transfer occurs, but a large thermal gradient develops causing mechanical failure risk and leaving portions undischarged
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer fluid (liquid or gas) is introduced as an intermediary medium between the thermal storage medium and the external environment. The fluid circulates through channels in contact with the storage medium, absorbing heat through convection and conduction at the fluid-storage medium interface, then transporting it externally. This mediator prevents direct high-rate conduction from the storage medium surface that would create damaging thermal gradients, while maintaining efficient heat extraction through the fluid's circulation and heat capacity.
2Productivity
If conventional liquid or gas thermal storage systems are used, then heat transport is achieved, but numerous problems and risks arise from pumping and heat exchanger networks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex network of pumps, pipes, and heat exchangers from conventional liquid/gas thermal storage systems. By using a solid thermal storage medium with integrated heat transfer channels that directly contact a simplified heat transfer fluid circulation system, the design removes the need for complex external heat exchanger networks and multiple pumping stages, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining heat transport functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical pumping and heat exchanger system with a simplified fluid circulation system that directly contacts the solid thermal storage medium through integrated channels. This substitution eliminates numerous mechanical components (pumps, valves, external heat exchangers) while maintaining effective heat transport through the simplified circulation architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If existing battery technologies are used, then energy storage is achieved, but material sourcing challenges, high cost, and performance limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental energy storage parameter from electrochemical (batteries) to thermal energy storage using phase-change materials or sensible heat storage in solids. This parameter change enables the use of abundant, inexpensive materials like rocks, ceramics, or phase-change materials instead of costly battery materials, while providing scalable energy storage capacity through the selection and arrangement of solid thermal storage media.
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 enhances energy storage efficiency by reducing thermal gradients, preventing mechanical failures, and enabling scalable and cost-effective large-capacity energy storage solutions for renewable energy integration.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using thermal radiation
Implementation Method 2
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using conduction
Implementation Method 3
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using induction
Implementation Method 4
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using radio frequency
Implementation Method 5
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium by passing electrical current through the thermal storage medium, thereby increasing the temperature of the thermal storage medium through Joule heating
Implementation Method 6
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using arc heating
Implementation Method 7
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using plasma heating
Implementation Method 8
the heating element is configured to heat the thermal storage medium using laser heating
Implementation Method 9
Conventional thermal energy storage systems pump a liquid or gas storage medium through a network of pipes and heat exchangers to bring heat to a heat engine via convection and conduction
Implementation Method 10
Conventional thermal energy storage systems pump a liquid or gas storage medium through a network of pipes and heat exchangers to bring heat to a heat engine via convection and conduction
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal storage solution system is disclosed herein. The system includes an insulated container having a thermal storage medium, a heating element configured to heat the thermal storage medium, a heat receiving unit (e.g., thermophotovoltaic (TPV) heat engine, heat transfer fluid, an industrial process component) configured to convert heat into electric energy, and a mechanism configured to control a view factor between the thermal storage medium and the heat engine. In another embodiment, the system includes multiple thermal storage media as unit cells in a single enclosure or container with insulation between adjacent unit cells.