Thermal Fluid Energy Storage for Location-Independent Grid Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems, such as pumped hydroelectric storage, compressed air energy storage, and battery energy storage, face limitations in scalability, location dependency, high costs, and safety concerns for utility-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed energy storage system consists of two in-ground fluid storage tanks, a heating unit, a cooling unit, and an energy conversion unit that converts temperature differences between the fluids into electrical energy, either directly or through mechanical work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pumped hydroelectric storage is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but location dependency increases due to topography requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gravity-based pumped hydroelectric system with a thermal energy storage system using heated and cooled fluid tanks. The energy storage mechanism transitions from mechanical potential energy (water elevation) to thermal energy (fluid temperature differences), eliminating the need for specific topography while maintaining large-scale energy storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter for energy storage from mechanical position (elevation difference) to thermal state (temperature difference). By storing energy as thermal energy in fluids rather than mechanical potential energy in elevated water, the system becomes adaptable to any location without requiring specific topographic features
2Quantity of substance
If compressed air energy storage is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but location dependency increases due to subsurface geology requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressed air system requiring subsurface caverns with a thermal fluid storage system. Energy is stored as thermal energy in liquid or gaseous fluids within above-ground or shallow-buried tanks, eliminating the need for specific subsurface geological formations while maintaining utility-scale energy storage capacity
3Quantity of substance
If battery energy storage is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cost increases for utility scale applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive fluid materials (water, oils, or gases) as the energy storage medium, replacing expensive battery chemistries. The fluids can be readily obtained, are non-toxic, and can be replaced or replenished if needed, providing a cost-effective solution for utility-scale energy storage without the high material costs of lithium-ion or other battery technologies
4Quantity of substance
If battery energy storage is used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety risk increases due to toxic materials and fire/explosion hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses innocuous fluids such as water, conventional oils, or gases as the energy storage medium, eliminating the toxic materials and flammable chemicals inherent in battery systems. These fluids pose no fire, explosion, or toxicity hazards, providing inherent safety while maintaining utility-scale energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the typically problematic issue of heat management in energy storage into the core storage mechanism itself. By intentionally creating and maintaining temperature differences in safe fluids, the system stores energy as thermal energy, turning what would be waste heat into the primary energy carrier without safety risks
5Device complexity
If flywheel energy storage is used, then simplicity is improved, but scalability worsens for utility level applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into separate thermal zones (heated tank and cooled tank) that can be independently scaled. Each tank can be sized and configured according to specific energy storage requirements, allowing modular expansion from smaller to utility-scale applications while maintaining the simple thermal storage principle
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 provides a scalable, location-independent, and cost-effective method for energy storage and discharge, with the ability to selectively manage energy release based on demand and price parameters, while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit operably connected to the first fluid storage tank and adapted to heat the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit operably connected to the second fluid storage tank and adapted to cool the second fluid
Implementation Method 3
a thermoelectric generator exposed to the first fluid and the second fluid. The thermoelectric generator is adapted to convert a temperature difference between the first fluid and the second fluid directly to electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
a heat engine exposed to the first fluid and the second fluid. The heat engine is adapted to convert a temperature difference between the first fluid and the second fluid to rotational motion
Implementation Method 5
In an example, the heat engine is a Stirling engine that is connected to an electric motor for generating electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The technical description relates to energy storage systems and methods. Specific examples described herein relate to methods of selectively discharging electrical energy from an energy storage system. An example method includes initializing an energy storage system, evaluating demand for electricity, evaluating tank temperatures, and updating the operational status of the energy storage system.