Thermal Energy Storage System with Single Ducting Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal energy storage systems are inefficient and costly, requiring multiple ducting systems and fluid driving devices for charging and discharging cycles, which complicates the integration of renewable energy sources into power supply networks.
Innovation Solution
A system with a steam generation device, heater device, and thermal storage device connected in line, using a single ducting system and fluid driving device for both charging and discharging cycles, allowing for efficient thermal energy storage and conversion into electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal energy storage systems use separate ducting systems and fluid driving devices for charging and discharging cycles, then the system can perform thermal energy storage and conversion, but the device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging and discharging cycles into a single ducting system and uses a single fluid driving device that operates in both charging and discharging modes. The working fluid flows through the thermal storage device in opposite directions during charging and discharging, eliminating the need for separate ducting systems and reducing the number of fluid driving devices required.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fluid driving device is designed to perform multiple functions: it drives the working fluid during charging cycles and during discharging cycles. This multi-functional approach allows one device to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional thermal energy storage systems use multiple fluid driving devices, then the system can manage charging and discharging cycles, but the operational costs and system robustness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple fluid driving devices into a single device that handles both charging and discharging operations. This reduction in the number of moving parts and control systems simplifies operation and reduces the likelihood of operational errors, thereby improving system robustness.
3Productivity
If conventional thermal energy storage systems use separate charging and discharging loops, then the system can efficiently store and convert thermal energy, but the installation costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging and discharging loops into a single integrated loop with a single ducting system. This reduces the amount of materials needed for construction (pipes, insulation, joints), thereby lowering installation costs while maintaining the efficiency of thermal energy storage and conversion through proper heat exchanger design.
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
This configuration reduces installation and operational costs, enhances system robustness, and improves the efficiency of thermal energy storage and conversion, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources into power supply networks.
Implementation Method 1
In a charging cycle, when entering the thermal energy storage the working fluid has a temperature which is higher than a temperature of the solid or bulk material. Thus, energy from the working fluid is transferred to the thermal energy storage.
Implementation Method 2
In times with no or low occurrence of wind or solar radiation or in times with high energy consumption, the stored thermal energy is extracted from the thermal energy storage and is used for producing electrical energy.
Implementation Method 3
The solid or bulk material has the ability to be heated up to an elevated temperature and store the thermal energy by keeping the elevated temperature over a predetermined period of time.
Implementation Method 4
A working fluid is used to heat up the solid or bulk material. In a charging cycle, when entering the thermal energy storage the working fluid has a temperature which is higher than a temperature of the solid or bulk material. Thus, energy from the working fluid is transferred to the thermal energy storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention describes a system (100) for storing thermal energy and a method for operating such a system (100) for storing thermal energy. The system (100) for storing thermal energy comprises a steam generation device (110) for heating a steam turbine fluid of a steam turbine system (120), a heater device (130) for heating a working fluid, and a thermal storage device (150) comprising a first opening (151) and a second opening (153). The steam generation device (110) is feedable by a working fluid for heating the steam turbine fluid. The first opening (151) is connected with the heater device (130) for transferring the working fluid between the thermal storage device (150) and the heater device (130). The second opening (153) is connected with the steam generation device (110) for transferring the working fluid between the thermal storage device (150) and the steam generation device (110). The steam generation device (110) is connected to the heater device (130) for transferring the working fluid between each other. The steam generation device (110), the heater device (130) and the thermal storage device (150) are connected in line.