Thermal Energy Storage Tank Segmented Heat Transfer

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal energy storage systems face challenges in maximizing thermal energy storage amounts, extending thermal dissipation times, and reducing power consumption, particularly due to high pressure losses and inefficient heat transfer in thermal energy storage tanks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a thermal energy storage tank that incorporates multiple types of solid sensible heat storage materials, with the first solid sensible heat storage material having a smaller particle size than the second, arranged in specific areas to enhance heat transfer and reduce pressure loss, while using bypass flow paths to minimize air flow through high-pressure areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If air is circulated through the thermal energy storage tank to transfer heat, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure lossVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal energy storage tank is divided into multiple sections with different solid sensible heat storage materials arranged in specific areas. The first solid sensible heat storage material with smaller particle size is placed in the first area, while the second solid sensible heat storage material with larger particle size is placed in the second area, creating segmented zones for optimized heat transfer and pressure loss reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the thermal energy storage tank are assigned different solid sensible heat storage materials with specific particle sizes tailored to local requirements. The first area uses smaller particle size material for better heat transfer, while the second area uses larger particle size material to reduce pressure loss, achieving local optimization of both heat transfer efficiency and pressure loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If thermal energy storage amount is increased, then power conditioning capability is improved, but thermal dissipation time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storage amountVSAvoidthermal dissipation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal energy storage system is segmented into multiple zones with different solid sensible heat storage materials, allowing simultaneous storage of large thermal energy while maintaining efficient dissipation rates through the coordinated action of different particle size materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a composite arrangement of different solid sensible heat storage materials with varying particle sizes. This composite structure enables the tank to store larger thermal energy amounts while the combination of materials ensures efficient heat dissipation, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and dissipation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If solid sensible heat storage material with smaller particle size is used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal energy storage tank is divided into multiple sections with different solid sensible heat storage materials arranged in specific areas. The first solid sensible heat storage material with smaller particle size is placed in the first area, while the second solid sensible heat storage material with larger particle size is placed in the second area, creating segmented zones for optimized heat transfer and pressure loss reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the thermal energy storage tank are assigned different solid sensible heat storage materials with specific particle sizes tailored to local requirements. The first area uses smaller particle size material for better heat transfer, while the second area uses larger particle size material to reduce pressure loss, achieving local optimization of both heat transfer efficiency and pressure loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach increases the thermal energy storage amount, extends thermal dissipation time, and reduces power consumption by minimizing pressure loss and optimizing heat transfer within the thermal energy storage tank.

Implementation Method 1

heat held by a fluid to be absorbed by first to n-th solid sensible heat storage materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

heat held by the first to n-th solid sensible heat storage materials to be absorbed by the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20250198707A1Thermal energy storage tank

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 TOSHIBA ENERGY SYST & SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

A thermal energy storage tank of one embodiment is a thermal energy storage tank that stores heat by causing heat held by a fluid to be absorbed by first to n-th solid sensible heat storage materials (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) during a thermal energy storage operation and that dissipates heat by causing heat held by the first to n-th solid sensible heat storage materials to be absorbed by the fluid during a thermal dissipation operation. In addition, the first solid sensible heat storage material is incorporated into a first area that is nearest to an outlet or an inlet of the fluid during the thermal energy storage operation. Furthermore, the first solid sensible heat storage material has a smaller particle size than the n-th solid sensible heat storage material.