Thermal Brick Storage Cavities for Continuous High-Temperature Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering high-temperature heat from variable renewable energy sources, including issues with thermal runaway, high costs due to convective heating systems, and the need for continuous operation despite intermittent energy supply.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system utilizing vertically oriented thermal storage units with resistive heaters and a dynamic insulation design, allowing for efficient radiant heat transfer and controlled air flow to manage temperature uniformity and reduce energy losses, while integrating with steam generators and other industrial applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If convective heating systems are used to store thermal energy, then thermal energy can be stored and delivered, but the system cost increases and thermal runaway risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces convective heating systems with resistive electric heaters that transfer heat through radiation and conduction directly to the storage medium. This substitution eliminates the need for complex fluid circulation systems, fans, and ducts associated with convective heating, thereby reducing system complexity and eliminating thermal runaway risks while maintaining effective thermal energy storage and delivery capabilities.
2Loss of energy
If static insulation is used to reduce heat loss, then energy loss decreases, but the system cannot adapt to varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic insulation systems that can adjust their thermal resistance properties in response to varying operational conditions such as temperature differentials, heat storage rates, and delivery demands. This allows the insulation to optimize heat retention during charging phases while permitting heat release during discharge phases, thereby simultaneously reducing energy loss and adapting to different operational requirements.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If variable renewable energy is used as heat source, then fossil fuel consumption decreases, but continuous energy supply cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermal energy storage systems that pre-store thermal energy during periods when variable renewable energy sources are available and production exceeds demand. This preliminary storage of thermal energy enables continuous energy supply during periods when renewable generation is insufficient or unavailable, thereby decoupling energy supply continuity from instantaneous renewable generation while maintaining low fossil fuel consumption.
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 reliable and efficient storage and delivery of high-temperature heat, reducing costs and operational stress, and enabling continuous energy supply from intermittent renewable sources.
Implementation Method 1
resistive heaters
Implementation Method 2
efficient radiant heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
controlled air flow
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. An array of bricks incorporating internal radiation cavities is directly heated by thermal radiation. The cavities facilitate rapid, uniform heating via reradiation. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. Gas flows through structured pathways within the array, delivering heat which may be used for processes including calcination, hydrogen electrolysis, steam generation, and thermal power generation and cogeneration. Groups of thermal storage arrays may be controlled and operated at high temperatures without thermal runaway via deep-discharge sequencing. Forecast-based control enables continuous, year-round heat supply using current and advance information of weather and VRE availability. High-voltage DC power conversion and distribution circuitry improves the efficiency of VRE power transfer into the system.