Transportable Thermal Energy Modules for Renewable Grid Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to renewable energy sources faces challenges in energy storage and transportation, particularly due to the geographical limitations of renewable energy production and the intermittency of sources like wind and solar, which can lead to grid instability and energy scarcity, especially as fossil fuel reserves dwindle and global energy demand increases.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising transportable containment modules that store thermal energy from renewable or geothermal sources, connected to energy conversion equipment on sea-based facilities, allowing for the transfer of thermal energy to drive steam turbines and provide grid support, with communication links for operational control and adaptive energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy facilities are located away from demand centers, then land availability and environmental quality are improved, but energy distribution efficiency and grid stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy distribution function into multiple mobile transport units, each capable of independent operation. These segmented units can be distributed to different locations and connected to local grids, enabling renewable energy to be brought closer to demand centers without requiring large centralized facilities far from cities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile transport units provide dynamic energy distribution capability, allowing the system to adapt to varying demand patterns and location requirements. The units can move between different demand centers and adjust their output dynamically, improving energy distribution efficiency while maintaining environmental benefits of decentralized renewable energy locations.
2Reliability
If renewable energy production is increased, then energy security is improved, but grid stability deteriorates due to intermittency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy conversion and storage by capturing renewable energy when available and converting it to usable forms for later distribution. The mobile transport units can store energy and release it during periods of high demand, performing the useful action of grid support in advance and smoothing out intermittency issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates communication arrangements that provide feedback between the mobile transport units and grid operators. This enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of energy output to maintain grid stability, with the units responding to grid conditions and adjusting their operation accordingly to prevent instability while maximizing renewable energy utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile transport units are deployed, then energy distribution flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile transport units are designed as universal platforms capable of performing multiple functions: energy storage, thermal energy conversion, electrical energy generation, and grid support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each function, thereby managing system complexity while providing versatile energy distribution capabilities across different locations and applications.
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
This system enables reliable and efficient storage and transportation of renewable energy, supporting grid stability by dynamically varying energy input and output, and can recharge during surplus energy periods, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
Implementation Method 1
A transportable containment module capable of storing thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
an arrangement to transfer thermal energy typically used to drive steam turbines generating electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An energy transportation and grid support system utilizes at least one transportable containment module capable of storing thermal or chemical energy typically produced from renewable or geothermal sources and providing connectivity with energy conversion equipment typically located in a land or sea-based operating facility. The system includes circuitry to hookup to an adjacent electricity grid for the provision of grid support and/or piping to move thermal energy typically used to drive steam turbines generating electricity. The operating facility also includes a communication arrangement to link with and exchange operations control data with a grid or heating operator and the energy transportation operator. The invention is directed to both apparatus and method for the energy transportation and grid support system.