Thermocline Array Segmentation for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heat engines or heat pumps, maintaining a thermocline at working pressure requires significant energy expenditures, and direct contact between working fluids and solid thermal media can lead to high pressures and energy inefficiencies due to the need to keep all thermocline segments at the same pressure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a thermocline array system with multiple pressure vessels, where only the active vessels are pressurized to working pressure, and the inactive ones are at atmospheric pressure, allowing for efficient thermal energy transfer and reducing energy consumption by isolating vessels based on temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all thermocline vessels are pressurized to working pressure, then thermal energy transfer efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thermocline system is divided into multiple independent pressure vessels (first pressure vessel, second pressure vessel, etc.), each capable of operating independently at different pressure levels. This segmentation allows selective pressurization of only the active vessel during thermal energy transfer, while inactive vessels remain at atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining transfer efficiency in the active vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different pressure vessels based on operational requirements. Valves control the connection between the thermodynamic cycle system and specific pressure vessels, allowing the system to transition from one vessel to another as thermal energy thresholds are met. This dynamic operation ensures that only the necessary vessel is pressurized at any given time, optimizing energy usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple pressure vessels are used with selective pressurization, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure vessels are merged into a single integrated thermocline array system that shares common control mechanisms, valve systems, and thermal storage media types. This unified approach allows the system to manage multiple vessels through a coordinated control strategy, reducing the operational complexity despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic control mechanisms that monitor thermal energy levels in each pressure vessel and autonomously determine when to switch between vessels. The control system automatically opens or closes valves based on predefined temperature thresholds, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the multi-vessel configuration.
3Productivity
If direct contact between working fluid and solid thermal media is maintained, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but pressure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The direct contact heat transfer system is segmented into multiple pressure vessels operating at different pressure levels. Only the active vessel connected to the thermodynamic cycle system operates at working pressure for efficient heat transfer, while other vessels remain at atmospheric pressure. This segmentation maintains high heat transfer efficiency in the active vessel without requiring the entire system to be pressurized.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pressure conditions are applied to different vessels based on their operational status. The active vessel maintains working pressure for optimal heat transfer, while inactive vessels operate at atmospheric pressure. This localized quality approach ensures that high pressure is applied only where necessary for heat transfer, reducing overall system pressure requirements.
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 reduces energy costs by minimizing the number of pressurized vessels and allows for efficient thermal energy transfer across a wide temperature range, enhancing the overall efficiency of the thermodynamic cycle while maintaining thermal storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
each pressure vessel contains a solid thermal storage medium configured to transfer thermal energy to the working fluid stream when the pressure vessel is connected to the working fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation configured to thermally insulate the pressure vessel from the atmosphere and from each other pressure vessel in the plurality of pressure vessels
Data Source
AI summary
Thermocline arrays comprising a plurality of pressure vessels that are in used in place of heat exchangers in a closed thermodynamic cycle system, such as a closed Brayton cycle power generation or energy storage system. Each pressure vessel is configurable to be connected to the working fluid stream or isolated from the working fluid stream.