Thermal Battery Assemblies with Integral Control for Charge Prediction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems using phase change materials struggle with predicting the charge state and energy reserves effectively, as they rely on numerous temperature sensors, which are impractical and costly for high-demand commercial or industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage system with integral control means, including internal heat exchangers, phase change materials, and a system controller that uses temperature and pressure sensors to manage charging, discharging, and energy balance, providing efficient charging, predicting charge state, and protecting against over-pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of temperature sensors are used inside the batteries to predict charge state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single temperature sensor mounted on the external housing serves multiple functions: it monitors battery temperature for thermal management, provides charge state prediction through correlation algorithms, and detects abnormal conditions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple internal sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correlation model that translates external housing temperature measurements into internal battery charge state information. This mathematical intermediary allows accurate charge state prediction without direct internal sensing, reducing sensor quantity while maintaining precision.
2Quantity of substance
If thermal energy storage systems are implemented for high-demand commercial or industrial applications, then energy storage capacity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is divided into multiple independent battery modules, each with its own phase change material containers. This segmentation allows the system to scale capacity by adding modules rather than increasing individual component complexity, making large-scale industrial applications more manageable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase change materials that undergo solid-liquid transitions at specific temperature ranges (e.g., 10-20°C). By selecting PCMs with appropriate phase change parameters for different applications, the system can optimize energy storage capacity without increasing structural complexity, as the same basic module design can be adapted by changing material parameters.
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 accurate prediction of energy reserves, efficient charging, and protection against over-pressurization, enhancing energy management and operational efficiency in commercial and industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
the phase changing material within each battery, will during its most active energy storage and release phase, change from solid to liquid and vice versa over about a 6°C temperature range
Implementation Method 2
phase change materials (PCMs) to effect the energy conversion via their inherent solid-liquid phase changing properties
Implementation Method 3
heat batteries having internal heat exchangers and PCMs
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)
AI summary
There are herein described energy storage systems. More particularly there are provided thermal energy storage systems comprising battery assemblies containing phase change materials and a monitoring system therefor. In addition there are provided thermal stores comprising battery assemblies having integral control means for management of the thermal energy provided by the battery assembly.