Thermal Energy Storage for Continuous 1000°C Calcination Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering thermal energy at varying temperatures, managing thermal runaway, and integrating with variable renewable energy sources to meet continuous industrial demands, while also being cost-effective and durable.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system using solid media with dynamic insulation and controlled fluid flow, integrated with a calcination process to store and deliver high-temperature heat efficiently, utilizing variable renewable energy sources and minimizing thermal imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If thermal energy is stored using conventional systems, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but thermal runaway and temperature control issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system is divided into multiple discrete thermal storage units (TSUs), each containing individual heating elements and thermal media. This segmentation allows independent control of each unit, preventing thermal runaway from propagating across the entire system and enabling localized temperature management.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the heating elements and thermal storage units, monitoring temperatures and regulating heat input. This intermediary control mechanism prevents thermal runaway by detecting temperature anomalies and adjusting heating parameters in real-time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable renewable energy sources are integrated, then sustainability is improved, but continuous industrial demand fulfillment becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy in advance when renewable energy is available, converting variable renewable energy into storable thermal form. This allows the system to decouple energy generation from energy consumption, ensuring continuous supply regardless of renewable energy availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by converting electrical energy from renewable sources into thermal energy stored at different temperatures. This parameter transformation enables the system to match the thermal requirements of industrial processes while accommodating the variable nature of renewable energy input.
3Productivity
If high-temperature heat is delivered efficiently, then energy delivery performance is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage units utilize the thermal properties of their own media to maintain and deliver heat. The system design allows the stored thermal energy to naturally maintain temperature gradients and deliver heat on-demand without requiring complex active control mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining efficiency.
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 thermal energy, mitigates thermal runaway, and optimizes energy use with variable renewable sources, providing continuous and cost-effective industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
receives electrical energy from a variable renewable energy source and stores the electrical energy as thermal energy in a second section
Implementation Method 2
delivers the stored energy in an amount and at a temperature corresponding to an industrial application's heat transfer fluid requirements
Implementation Method 3
an insulative layer interposed between the plurality of TSUs, the roof and at least one of the sides
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system (TES) converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. 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 TES provides higher-temperature heat through non-combustible fluid to an alumina calcination system used to remove impurities or volatile substances and/or to incur thermal decomposition to a desired product.