Thermal Storage Convection Reducing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems suffer from natural convection issues during standstill periods, leading to non-uniform temperature profiles and potential damage to storage elements, as existing solutions like horizontal or vertical plates either increase pressure losses or fail to prevent convection entirely.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system with a housing containing layered thermal energy storage elements and a convection reducing structure adjacent the fluid inlet and outlet, comprising smaller convection reducing elements supported by perforated plates, which limits natural convection between layers and maintains a uniform temperature distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If vertical plates are placed alternately in the upper and lower part of the storage to reduce convection, then natural convection is reduced, but pressure losses during charging and discharging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by placing convection reducing structures at the front and back of the thermal storage structure, perpendicular to the flow direction. This multi-dimensional approach blocks convection paths that would otherwise bypass horizontal plates, without obstructing the main flow path and causing pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The convection reduction is achieved through segmented placement of convection reducing structures at multiple locations (front and back of the storage), rather than using a single large obstacle. This segmentation allows flow to pass through while blocking convective loops.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If horizontal plates are installed in the main storage between layers of thermal storage elements to limit free volume, then convection within the structure is limited, but convection may still occur in empty spaces at the front and back, effectively bypassing the plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds convection reducing structures at the front and back faces of the thermal storage structure, creating a multi-dimensional barrier system. This prevents convective loops from forming in the empty spaces at the ends, which would otherwise bypass the horizontal plates and cause temperature stratification.
Solution Approach 2:
The convection reducing structures serve multiple functions: they block end-region convection, work in conjunction with horizontal plates to create a comprehensive convection barrier system, and maintain structural integrity without obstructing main flow paths.
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 solution effectively reduces natural convection and maintains a constant temperature distribution within the thermal energy storage system during standstill periods, preventing stress on storage elements and ensuring consistent thermal energy output.
Implementation Method 1
a flow of fluid may still be created within the storage because of natural convection phenomena (temperature gradients)
Implementation Method 2
using heat capacity of a material or using phase change enthalpy or even using chemical reaction enthalpy
Implementation Method 3
The thermal storage elements are heated (charged) through a working flow of fluid (gas, liquid or a mixture thereof), which has a higher temperature than the thermal storage elements
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage is provided comprising a housing, a thermal energy storage structure arranged within the housing, the thermal energy storage structure comprising thermal energy storage elements and a plurality of dividing elements, the plurality of dividing elements being arranged such that the thermal energy storage elements are divided into a plurality of layers, a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with the housing and adapted to receive a working fluid and provide a flow of working fluid towards the housing, and a convection reducing structure arranged adjacent the thermal energy storage structure at a side of the thermal energy storage structure that faces the fluid inlet. Furthermore, a method of storing thermal energy and a steam power plant for producing electrical energy are described.