Thermal Energy Storage Power Modulation for Continuous High-Heat Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering thermal energy at varying temperatures and rates, particularly from variable renewable energy sources, while avoiding thermal runaway and integrating with existing industrial infrastructure, and ensuring seismic stability.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system with vertically oriented thermal storage units, dynamic insulation, and mechanical power modulation, coupled with steam generators, to manage temperature uniformity and energy delivery, and integrate with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If thermal energy is stored at high temperatures to improve energy density, then the amount of energy stored per unit volume increases, but thermal runaway becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system is divided into multiple independently controllable heating zones with separate heating elements. Each zone can be controlled individually to prevent localized overheating and thermal runaway while maintaining high overall energy density. The segmentation allows for distributed temperature management across the storage medium.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat transfer fluid serves as an intermediary between the heating elements and the thermal storage medium. This fluid enables controlled heat distribution throughout the system, preventing direct contact between high-power heating elements and the storage material, thereby reducing thermal runaway risk while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable renewable energy sources are used to reduce fossil fuel dependence, then environmental sustainability improves, but the intermittent and variable nature of the energy supply creates challenges for continuous thermal energy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous thermal energy delivery by storing excess energy during high-generation periods and dispatching it during low-generation periods. Multiple heating zones can operate at different times to ensure uninterrupted thermal output, transforming the intermittent renewable input into continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operation of individual heating zones based on real-time renewable energy availability and thermal demand. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to variable input conditions while maintaining stable output, optimizing the use of intermittent renewable resources.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing industrial infrastructure is integrated with new thermal storage systems, then adoption and cost-effectiveness improve, but compatibility with varying temperature and power delivery requirements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system is designed with multiple independently controllable heating zones that can deliver different temperature levels and power rates simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the same system to serve diverse industrial processes with varying temperature requirements, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of integration with existing infrastructure.
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
Enables efficient, continuous, and cost-effective thermal energy storage and delivery, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and facilitating integration with existing industrial equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heating elements, each attached to a different one of the thermal storage units and configured to heat the thermal storage units
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of vertically oriented thermal storage units spaced apart from one another in a common housing
Implementation Method 3
a blower configured to move air between the heating elements and the thermal storage units
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage (TES) system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 900° 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. The TES system is configured to use a mechanical apparatus to modulate electric power of the heaters.