Thermomechanical Energy Storage via Phase Change Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems, particularly for renewable energy sources like solar and wind, face challenges such as high costs, limited lifespan, and environmental pollution, with existing methods like battery storage being inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A thermomechanical storage method utilizing a thermal reservoir with phase change materials that absorb and release thermal energy, converting it into mechanical energy through volumetric expansion of a working fluid, which is then converted into mechanical or electrical energy, optimizing energy density and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery storage is used for renewable energy, then energy can be stored between production and consumption, but the system becomes expensive and poses recycling problems with limited lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrochemical battery systems with a thermomechanical energy storage system that uses phase change materials and thermal expansion mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive batteries while providing longer operational lifespan and better sustainability, directly addressing the contradiction between storage duration and system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transitions of working fluid (liquid to gas) to store and release energy mechanically. This phase change mechanism provides a reliable, long-lasting alternative to batteries, resolving the contradiction by offering sustained energy storage capability without the lifespan limitations of electrochemical systems
2Quantity of substance
If compression and expansion means operate at highly variable pressures to store energy as compressed liquid, then satisfactory energy density is achieved, but high pressures are necessary requiring thermal insulation difficulties and greatly increasing process cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters from high-pressure liquid compression to atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressure gas expansion. By utilizing phase change and volumetric expansion of gas rather than compression of liquid, the system achieves comparable energy density without requiring complex high-pressure containment and thermal insulation systems, thereby reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles using gas expansion rather than hydraulic principles requiring liquid compression. This approach allows energy storage and release at much lower pressures, eliminating the need for expensive high-pressure thermal insulation systems while maintaining effective energy density through volumetric expansion of the working fluid
3Use of energy by moving object
If high temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius are used for energy storage, then satisfactory energy density is achieved, but thermal insulation difficulties arise and process cost greatly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the temperature parameter from several hundred degrees Celsius to near-ambient or moderate temperatures. By utilizing phase change materials that operate at lower temperatures and leveraging atmospheric pressure gas expansion, the system achieves satisfactory energy storage efficiency without requiring complex high-temperature thermal insulation infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity and overall process cost
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 method provides a simple, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable solution for energy storage and conversion, enhancing overall thermodynamic efficiency and reducing pollution, while allowing for the efficient use of surplus energy from solar panels.
Implementation Method 1
a storage material capable of undergoing a phase transition from a lower internal energy phase to a higher internal energy phase
Implementation Method 2
a substantial part of the storage material is transformed into its higher internal energy phase by absorption of the thermal energy introduced into the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
thermal energy is transferred from the at least one storage unit to a working fluid, the working fluid being in contact with said storage unit
Implementation Method 4
a substantial part of the storage material contained in the storage unit being thereby gradually transformed into its lower internal energy phase
Implementation Method 5
mechanical energy is produced by the converter, by volumetric expansion of said working fluid
Implementation Method 6
mechanical energy is produced by the converter, by volumetric expansion of said working fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for the thermomechanical storage of thermal energy, wherein, in a storage step, thermal energy is introduced via thermal energy input means into a thermal reservoir comprising at least one storage unit, said unit comprising a storage material capable of undergoing a phase transition from a lower internal energy phase to a higher internal energy phase, and a substantial part of the storage material is transformed into its higher internal energy phase by absorbing the thermal energy introduced into the reservoir; and wherein, in a release step, thermal energy is transferred from at least one storage unit to a working fluid, a quantity of the working fluid, at least partly in gaseous form, is brought into contact with a thermal energy-to-mechanical energy converter, and mechanical energy is produced by the converter.through volumetric expansion of the said working fluid, • mechanical energy is transferred to mechanical energy output means for its use.