Thermal energy storage array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems, such as 'ice-on-coil' and 'encapsulated ice' systems, face inefficiencies due to inconsistent ice nucleation, poor heat transfer efficiency, and a significant footprint, making them unsuitable for commercial buildings, which experience peak energy demand. These systems suffer from low discharge rates, material fatigue, and degradation over time, leading to inefficient energy storage and release.
Innovation Solution
A modular thermal energy storage system comprising interconnectable ice bricks with capsules containing a phase-change medium, where the bricks are arranged in a modular structure with insulation on the outer surface, and a fluid distribution system that allows for controlled fluid flow and temperature management, enhancing heat transfer efficiency through turbulent flow and bi-directional fluid passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional ice-on-coil storage systems are used to store thermal energy, then thermal energy can be stored by utilizing phase change of water into ice, but the system suffers from significant loss of efficiency due to ice build-up around the coil forming a thermal insulator layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage tank into multiple compartments with separate cooling coils in each compartment. This segmentation prevents ice build-up from forming a continuous insulating layer around a single large coil, as ice forms in isolated sections around individual coils, maintaining better thermal contact and heat transfer efficiency throughout the storage tank.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional encapsulated ice storage systems are used, then thermal energy can be stored using containers with water as PCM, but the system lacks efficiency and reliability due to slow or inconsistent ice nucleation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates ice nucleation agents into the water before freezing to ensure reliable and consistent ice formation. This preliminary action addresses the nucleation issue by preparing the water with substances that promote predictable ice crystal formation, eliminating the need for super-cooling and ensuring reliable ice production during the charging cycle.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional thermal energy storage systems are used, then energy can be stored during off-peak hours, but the systems have a significant footprint requiring expensive real estate assets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermal energy storage tanks within the building structure itself, nesting the storage system within existing architectural elements such as floors, walls, or basements. This allows the storage capacity to be incorporated into the building's existing footprint rather than requiring additional external space, making the system suitable for commercial buildings with limited real estate assets.
4Reliability
If conventional ice storage systems operate at very low temperatures to prevent ice build-up, then ice formation can be maintained, but the chiller's COP (coefficient of performance) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple cooling coils distributed throughout the storage tank, each operating independently at moderate temperatures. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain reliable ice formation without requiring extremely low temperatures, as the distributed coils can operate at higher efficiencies while collectively achieving the desired freezing效果 throughout the water volume.
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 improved thermal energy storage and discharge efficiency, maintaining a high average discharge rate and reducing the thermal barrier effect, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems by providing a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution for commercial energy storage needs.
Implementation Method 1
a phase-change medium, wherein the capsules are surrounded by a first fluid for exchanging heat with the phase-change medium
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid for exchanging heat with the phase-change medium
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage unit is disclosed. The system comprising: a tube having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a first fluid; a plurality of plate-shaped or box-shaped capsules having a second fluid therein, wherein the plurality of capsules is arranged inside the tube to form a plurality of stacks of capsules; wherein: the first fluid is a heat transfer fluid for exchanging heat with the second fluid; the second fluid is a phase-change medium; wherein a plurality of defined narrow flow paths for the first fluid is provided between the capsules. The defined flow paths increase the efficiency of the system.