Stabilized thermal energy output system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphite-based thermal energy storage systems face limitations in operating at ultra-high temperatures due to the thermal tolerance constraints of downstream equipment and supporting structures, which restrict the maximum operating temperature of the graphite medium and require insulative materials that compromise structural strength.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow mixing manifold that reduces the temperature of the thermal energy transfer fluid using a divided housing with a mixing chamber and cooling input ports, incorporating ceramic materials capable of withstanding high temperatures, and a controller to regulate fluid flows, ensuring the output temperature is safe for conventional equipment, typically below 700°C, while allowing the use of stronger, less insulative materials for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the graphite storage body operates at ultra-high temperatures (above 700°C), then energy density and efficiency are improved, but the downstream equipment (heat exchangers and turbines) cannot tolerate these temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal energy transfer process into two distinct temperature zones: an ultra-high temperature zone (above 700°C) for energy storage in the graphite body, and a lower temperature zone for downstream equipment operation. This is achieved through separate fluid circuits - a first fluid circulates through the graphite storage body at ultra-high temperatures, while a second fluid circulates through downstream equipment at tolerable temperatures, with heat transfer occurring between the fluids without direct thermal contact.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger serves as an intermediary device between the ultra-high temperature graphite storage body and the lower temperature downstream equipment. The heat exchanger allows thermal energy to be transferred from the first fluid (contacting the graphite body) to the second fluid (supplying downstream equipment) without allowing the equipment to directly exposure to ultra-high temperatures, thus enabling the system to operate at high temperatures while protecting sensitive components.
2Loss of energy
If carbon foam insulation is used to insulate the outer vessel from the high temperature core, then thermal insulation is improved, but the support structure requires stronger materials which have lower insulating capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: an inner support structure positioned close to the graphite storage body that withstands ultra-high temperatures, and an outer support structure at lower temperatures. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the inner structure uses materials suitable for high-temperature strength while the outer structure can use materials with better insulating properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials and structural properties are applied to different locations within the support structure. The inner support structure near the graphite body uses materials with high temperature strength characteristics, while the outer support structure uses materials optimized for thermal insulation. This local differentiation of material properties allows the system to achieve both structural strength where needed and thermal insulation where appropriate, without compromising either requirement.
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
Enables the operation of high-temperature energy storage systems above 700°C, effectively managing thermal energy transfer to prevent equipment damage and optimizing energy efficiency by controlling fluid temperatures and using suitable materials for both high-temperature components and conventional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing chamber includes a series of mixing members that cause the thermal energy transfer working fluid arriving from the graphite body to blend with the cooling mixing fluid
Implementation Method 2
cause the thermal energy transfer working fluid arriving from the graphite body to blend with the cooling mixing fluid before exiting
Implementation Method 3
The ceramic base includes one or more cooling channels that act as a thermal separating segment positioned between the hot thermal storage body and a cool lower portion of the base. A fluid can circulate through these cooling channels
Implementation Method 4
graphite-based thermal energy storage systems typically heated with electrical heating elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal energy storage system utilizes a high temperature storage segment having flow passages extending through the storage segment whereby a working fluid can extract energy from the storage system for powering conventional downstream equipment. A mixing manifold cooperates with an outlet manifold for reducing the temperature of the working fluid to a temperature safe for the downstream equipment. The mixing manifold, an outlet manifold, an inlet manifold and a support base for the high temperature storage segment, are all of a high temperature tolerant material allowing the high temperature storage segment to operate at temperatures in excess of 1000°C and preferably to temperatures above 1400°C. The temperature of the working fluid provided to the conventional equipment can be managed to be below a maximum temperature which in many cases may be about 700°C.