Thermal Cascade Heat Exchanger for Stable Solid Oxide Heat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering high-temperature heat for industrial applications, particularly from variable renewable energy sources, due to issues such as thermal runaway, non-uniform heating, and inefficient energy management, which lead to high costs and reduced system lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system integrated with solid oxide electrolysis, utilizing a container with vertically oriented thermal storage units, dynamic insulation, and a controller for managing energy flow based on weather and demand forecasts, enabling efficient storage and delivery of high-temperature heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal energy storage systems use conventional heating methods, then high-temperature heat can be stored, but thermal runaway and non-uniform heating occur reducing system lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system is divided into multiple thermal storage units arranged in series, where each unit operates at a different temperature level. This segmentation prevents thermal runaway by distributing heat storage across multiple controlled zones and ensures uniform heating through staged temperature progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-heats thermal energy storage media in a controlled sequence through the thermal cascade, gradually increasing temperature across different storage units before full operation. This preliminary staged heating prevents thermal shock and non-uniform temperature distribution that would otherwise reduce system lifespan.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable renewable energy sources are used for thermal energy storage, then fossil fuel reliance is reduced, but inefficient energy management and high costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal cascade system dynamically adjusts heat flow rates and temperature gradients based on real-time renewable energy input variability. The controller modulates the thermal energy transfer between storage units to maximize utilization of intermittent renewable sources while maintaining optimal efficiency, adapting to changing weather conditions and demand patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as heat transfer coefficients, storage unit temperatures, and flow rates to optimize efficiency under varying renewable energy conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high productivity despite the variable nature of renewable energy inputs.
3Quantity of substance
If thermal energy is stored in a single high-temperature unit, then storage capacity is maximized, but thermal runaway risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total thermal energy storage capacity is distributed across multiple storage units operating at different temperature levels in the thermal cascade. This segmentation maintains high overall storage capacity while preventing thermal runaway by isolating heat in controlled zones with gradual temperature transitions between units.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal cascade acts as an intermediary system between the heat source and individual storage units, mediating heat transfer through staged temperature reductions. This intermediary approach allows high-temperature heat to be stored safely by progressively transferring it through intermediate temperature zones, preventing direct high-temperature concentration that causes thermal runaway.
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 effectively stores and delivers high-temperature heat for industrial applications, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of solid oxide electrolysis systems.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal energy storage system integrated with solid oxide electrolysis, utilizing a container with vertically oriented thermal storage units
Implementation Method 2
stores electrical energy in the form of thermal energy, which can be used for the continuous supply of hot air, carbon dioxide (CO2), steam or other heated fluids
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a container with vertically oriented thermal storage units, dynamic insulation
Implementation Method 4
solid oxide electrolysis system and a thermal cascade heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system (TES) converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. The delivered heat which may be used for processes including power generation and cogeneration. In one application, the energy storage system provides higher-temperature heat to a solid oxide system to maintain in an operating temperature range during operation and nonoperation, thereby increasing the efficiency of the temperature control.