U-Shaped Electrically Conductive Cross Brick
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromium oxide bricks in electrically conductive firebrick systems volatilize, leading to erosion of electrical performance and the production of toxic gases, necessitating improved connectivity and stability in thermal energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped electrically conductive cross-brick design that physically and electrically connects columns of conductive bricks, featuring a concave structure and cylindrical protrusions to ensure smooth current flow and stability, reducing sharp corners and edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chromium oxide bricks are used in electrically conductive firebrick systems, then electrical conductivity and heating capability are achieved, but chromium oxide volatilizes causing erosion of electrical performance and toxic gas production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful chromium oxide material from the system by replacing it with non-chromium alternative materials that provide the same electrical conductivity and heating functionality without volatilization issues. This eliminates the source of toxic CrO3 gas while maintaining the core heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by substituting chromium oxide with alternative electrically conductive materials such as metal-containing ceramics or composite materials. This parameter change maintains electrical conductivity while eliminating the harmful volatilization property of chromium oxide.
2Reliability
If traditional firebrick designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but electrical connectivity and thermal energy storage efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firebrick into distinct functional zones: electrically conductive regions for current flow and heating, and electrically insulating regions for thermal energy storage. This segmentation enables both electrical connectivity and thermal storage functionality within the brick structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different parts of the brick different electrical properties - some regions are made electrically conductive while others are insulating. This allows the brick to simultaneously conduct electricity for heating and store thermal energy in insulating regions.
3Productivity
If air/gas flows straight over conductive bricks for heat extraction, then heat transfer efficiency is achieved, but chromium oxide volatilization is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful chromium oxide material from the system, eliminating the source of volatilization. This allows heat extraction through air/gas flow to continue efficiently without the harmful side effect of toxic gas production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of material volatilization into a benefit by selecting alternative materials that not only eliminate toxic emissions but also maintain or improve heat transfer efficiency through controlled porosity and surface characteristics.
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
The U-shaped cross-brick design enhances electrical connectivity and stability, preventing chromium oxide volatilization and toxic gas production, while maintaining efficient thermal energy storage and transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrically interconnected sets of electrically conductive bricks (E-Bricks) configured to be heated when electricity flows there through
Data Source
AI summary
In a component (1) with a layered structure, at least one heat-conducting layer (5) is provided, in which a conducting element (2) intended to receive a heat-conducting medium is accommodated. A heat storage layer (3) adjoins the heat conducting layer (5), wherein the heat storage layer (3) comprises a natural stone. The conducting element (2) is accommodated in the heat-conducting layer (5) in a heat transfer element (5′), wherein the heat transfer element (5′) consists essentially of a powdered natural stone. The building element (1) is prefabricated in a production facility before it is transported to a construction site by connecting, preferably gluing, a heat-conducting layer (5), in which a conducting element (2) receiving a heat-conducting medium is accommodated in a heat transfer element (5′) consisting essentially of a powdered natural stone, on one broad side to a heat storage layer (3) made of a natural stone and on the opposite broad side to a supporting and/or insulating layer (4; 9).