Thermal Storage System Using Building Structure Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal storage systems face challenges such as high costs, size constraints, lack of reliability, and installation difficulties, particularly in efficiently storing thermal energy for heating and cooling in buildings, which hinders the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage system that utilizes modular, insulated tanks with heat exchangers and AI-driven software to optimize energy storage and distribution, leveraging water as a low-cost, non-toxic medium for storing thermal energy, and integrating with existing building systems to manage heating, cooling, and domestic hot water needs, while also acting as a virtual battery to balance grid demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If latent thermal energy storage using phase change materials is used, then energy density is improved, but material availability and system cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from latent heat storage (phase change) to sensible heat storage (temperature change), changing the thermal energy storage mechanism parameter. This allows using readily available materials like water and concrete instead of specialized phase change materials, resolving the contradiction between energy density and material availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available materials such as water, concrete, and standard insulation materials rather than expensive specialized phase change materials. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and material availability over maximum energy density.
2Ease of manufacture
If sensible thermal storage systems are used, then material availability is improved, but system size and installation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates thermal storage into existing building structures that serve multiple functions: concrete floors provide both structural support and thermal mass, water tanks serve both storage and thermal storage purposes, and insulation layers provide both thermal protection and structural function. This multi-functionality reduces the additional volume required for dedicated thermal storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines thermal storage functionality with existing building components rather than adding separate dedicated storage systems. Concrete floors, water tanks, and insulation are merged to simultaneously provide structural, storage, and thermal regulation functions, minimizing additional system size.
3Quantity of substance
If hydronic thermal storage systems are used, then thermal energy storage capability is improved, but system weight and installation complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the building's existing infrastructure (floor slabs, water tanks, insulation layers) to provide thermal storage functionality without requiring separate heavy-duty storage vessels. The building structure itself serves the thermal storage function, eliminating the need for additional weighted components.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing building components are designed to serve dual purposes: structural elements provide both support and thermal mass, water systems provide both utility function and thermal storage, reducing the need for dedicated heavy thermal storage equipment.
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 addresses the limitations of existing thermal storage by providing a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable means to store thermal energy, enabling better integration of renewable energy sources and reducing peak demand on the grid without compromising user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy between the thermal storage medium and the building HVAC system
Implementation Method 2
The tank is wrapped in an insulation layer to minimize thermal energy loss
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal storage system that includes one or more thermal storage tanks having a tank body that defines a tank cavity configured to hold a tank thermal storage medium; a heat exchanger assembly disposed in the tank cavity configured to run a flow of working thermal storage medium through the one or more thermal storage tanks so that heat exchange occurs between the flow of working thermal storage medium and the tank thermal storage medium; one or more cables that extend to one or more rooms of the building; and one or more heat exchange elements disposed within the one or more rooms configured to receive a flow of the working thermal storage medium from the one or more cables so that heat exchange occurs between the flow of the working thermal storage medium and an environment of the one or more rooms of the building.