System and method for thermochemical storage of energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermochemical heat storage systems face challenges with high storage density, especially at higher temperatures, due to issues like melting, coagulation, volume changes, scaling, corrosion, and decomposition, and require improvements in heat and sorbent transport properties.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger system with a thermal exchange circuit and a thermochemical module comprising parallel-oriented fibers and planar thermoconductive strips that separate heat transport from sorbent flow, enhancing directional transport properties and reducing unwanted chemical reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If thermochemical materials are used in the form of hygroscopic salts to achieve high storage density, then storage density improves (1-3 GJ/m³), but the materials suffer from melting, coagulation, volume changes, scaling, corrosion, and decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous ceramic support structures and porous walls in fibers to provide a stable framework that contains the thermochemical material. The porous structure allows for sorbate transport while the ceramic material resists melting, coagulation, and decomposition at high temperatures, thereby maintaining material stability while achieving high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite structures by combining thermochemical materials with ceramic supports and fibrous matrices. This composite approach allows the system to achieve high storage density from the thermochemical material while the ceramic components provide resistance to melting, coagulation, and other degradation mechanisms.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat exchanger fluid is used to transport heat, then heat transport efficiency improves, but heat transport in the same direction as sorbent flow causes unwanted chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transport functions by creating separate pathways: porous walls in fibers provide sorbent transport channels, while distinct heat exchanger circuits provide heat transport. This segmentation ensures that heat and sorbent flow in different directions, preventing unwanted chemical reactions while maintaining efficient heat transport through dedicated heat exchange surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ceramic porous walls and fibrous structures as intermediaries that separate the heat transport function from sorbent transport. These intermediary structures allow heat to be transferred through conductive pathways while sorbent moves through porous channels, preventing direct contact between heat-exchanger fluid and sorbent that would cause unwanted reactions.
3Productivity
If homogeneous porous structures are used to improve transport properties, then transport efficiency improves, but the amount of additives increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating anisotropic transport properties: porous walls are provided specifically where sorbent transport is needed (in the radial direction through fibers), while heat conduction is enhanced in specific directions through structured ceramic supports. This localized approach improves transport efficiency without requiring homogeneous addition of porous materials throughout the entire structure, minimizing additive usage.
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 achieves higher heat storage density and efficient heat exchange by optimizing transport properties in the required direction, minimizing additives and reducing negative effects like melting and scaling, while maintaining low desorption temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a thermochemical material that stores and releases heat by a thermochemical exchange process under release or binding of a sorbate
Implementation Method 2
planar structure of thermoconductive strips that extend between the fibers and the circuit walls and that thermomechanically connects to the circuit walls
Implementation Method 3
a microporous wall that defines a first channel that comprises thermochemical material... a multitude of second channels is formed in the complementary space between the fibers, to provide an exchange of the sorbate to the thermochemical material via the microporous wall to the second channels
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention discloses a heat exchanger system for thermochemical storage and release. The system comprises a thermal exchange circuit with a heat exchanger fluid, the circuit further in thermal connection with a thermochemical module. The thermochemical module comprises a thermochemical material that stores and releases heat by a thermochemical exchange process under release or binding of a sorbate. The thermochemical module comprises a compartment structure that compartments the thermochemical material and further comprises a channel structure. This provides an exchange of the sorbate and the thermochemical material via the channel structure to the compartment structure.