Thermodynamic cycle apparatus and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently matching electricity supply with demand, particularly due to the fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources and the geographical constraints of existing large-scale storage solutions, while also failing to effectively capture and convert waste heat into usable energy.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic cycle apparatus comprising two reservoirs with distinct storage media, a heat pump, and separate thermodynamic circuits for evaporating and condensing working fluids, allowing for energy storage, waste heat capture, and conversion into usable energy through charging, storage, and discharge modes, utilizing auxiliary heat sources and sinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pumped-storage hydroelectricity is used for energy storage, then large-scale energy storage capacity is achieved, but geographical constraints and site-specific requirements limit widespread deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gravitational system of pumped-storage hydroelectricity with a thermodynamic system using heat pumps, thermal energy storage media, and heat engines. This substitution eliminates geographical constraints while maintaining large-scale energy storage capability, as thermal energy can be stored in insulated tanks anywhere rather than requiring specific elevation differences and water resources.
2Power
If conventional thermodynamic cycles are used for power generation, then energy conversion is achieved, but waste heat is discarded without utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the blessing in disguise principle by capturing waste heat that would normally be discarded and converting it into useful energy. The heat pump captures waste heat from the power generation cycle and uses it to charge the thermal energy storage system, and the heat engine subsequently converts this stored thermal energy back into electrical energy, thereby converting what was previously harmful waste into a beneficial energy resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by capturing waste heat from the conventional thermodynamic cycle that would otherwise be discarded, storing it thermally, and later recovering it through the heat engine to generate electricity during periods of high demand or low renewable generation.
3Reliability
If energy storage systems are deployed to match supply with demand, then energy availability is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a system that can simultaneously provide energy storage, waste heat recovery, and power generation. The same thermal energy storage system serves both as an energy buffer and as a waste heat sink, while the heat pump serves both as a charging mechanism and as a waste heat recovery device, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
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 energy storage and conversion, independent operation of energy discharge modes, and effective capture and utilization of waste heat, addressing the limitations of existing systems by providing a flexible and geographically unconstrained solution for energy management.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump having a cold side thermally coupled to the first reservoir for cooling the first storage medium and a hot side thermally coupled to the second reservoir for heating the second storage medium
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator for evaporating the first working fluid to create a first pressurised vapour
Implementation Method 3
a first condenser arranged to condense first working fluid received from the first expander
Implementation Method 4
a second evaporator for evaporating the second working fluid to create a second pressurised vapour
Implementation Method 5
a second condenser arranged to condense second working fluid received from the second expander
Implementation Method 6
a first expander arranged to expand the first pressurised vapour
Implementation Method 7
a second expander arranged to expand the second pressurised vapour
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A thermodynamic cycle apparatus comprising: (i) a first reservoir containing a first storage medium; (ii) a second reservoir containing a second storage medium; (iii) a heat pump having a cold side thermally coupled to the first reservoir for cooling the first storage medium and a hot side thermally coupled to the second reservoir for heating the second storage medium; (iv) a first thermodynamic circuit of a first working fluid; (v) a second thermodynamic circuit of a second working fluid; (vi) an auxiliary heat input means thermally connected to the first thermodynamic circuit so that auxiliary heat may contribute to the creation of the first pressurised vapour; and (vii) an auxiliary heat output means thermally connected to the second thermodynamic circuit so that the second working fluid can lose heat to an auxiliary heat sink. The first thermodynamic circuit is thermally independent of the second thermodynamic circuit, and the apparatus is operable in a charging mode, a storage mode, and a discharge mode. In the charging mode the heat pump is energised to cool the first storage medium and heat the second storage medium. In the storage mode cooled first storage medium is stored in the first reservoir and heated second storage medium is stored in the second reservoir. In the discharge mode, the first pressurised vapour is expanded by the first expander and/or the second pressurised vapour is expanded by the second expander.