Thermal Energy Storage Device with Removable Heat Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, are expensive, pose safety risks due to fire hazards, and have unsustainable production, making them inefficient for cost-effective and safe energy storage in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A device that converts electrical energy into thermal energy using an electric heating element, storing it in a heat storage material like basalt or magnetite, with a removable heat extraction element and thermal conductor, allowing for efficient and cost-effective energy storage and retrieval, particularly for heating buildings during energy shortages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium-ion batteries are used for energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage from chemical energy (batteries) to thermal energy (heat storage material). By using basalt or magnetite as heat storage material and thermal oil as heat transfer medium, the system achieves energy storage without the high costs and safety issues of lithium-ion batteries, while maintaining effective energy storage capacity through phase change and specific heat capacity of the thermal materials.
2Quantity of substance
If lithium-ion batteries are used for energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety risks increase due to fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, hazardous lithium-ion batteries with inexpensive, fire-safe thermal storage materials like basalt and magnetite. These materials cannot catch fire, eliminating the fire hazard entirely while providing sufficient energy storage capacity through their thermal properties, effectively using simple, safe materials to replace complex, dangerous ones.
3Ease of manufacture
If heat storage material is used instead of batteries, then cost and safety are improved, but energy retrieval flexibility may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal oil as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the heat storage material (basalt/magnetite) and the heat exchanger. This intermediary allows efficient thermal energy transfer and retrieval, maintaining operational flexibility despite using thermal storage instead of batteries. The thermal oil circulates through the heat exchanger, enabling on-demand heat retrieval while keeping the system simple and cost-effective.
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 device provides a cost-efficient and safe means to store excess energy generated by solar panels, enabling its effective use during energy shortages, with enhanced storage capacity and reduced risk of fire hazards, using materials like basalt and magnetite with thermal oil for efficient heat transfer and storage.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical energy can be converted into thermal energy by the electric heating element of the heat storage element
Implementation Method 2
the heat created by the electric heating element is then relinquish to the energy storage material
Implementation Method 3
The thermal energy stored in the energy storage material can be relinquish to the fluid flowing through the conduit by the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
with a removable heat extraction element and thermal conductor, allowing for efficient and cost-effective energy storage and retrieval
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for storing energy, a system and method therefor. The device for storing energy comprises: - a storage space comprising an energy storage material; - a number of individual tubes arranged in the energy storage material, wherein the number of tubes is provided with a separate opening; - at least one heat storage element comprising an electric heating element which is arranged in at least one of the tubes for the purpose of heating the energy storage material; and - at least one heat extraction element comprising a heat exchanger which comprises a conduit provided with an inner space, wherein the inner space is configured for throughfeed of a fluid for the purpose of extracting heat from the energy storage material, wherein the at least one heat storage element is removable from the opening of the number of tubes.