Underground Heat Storage for Stable Solar Building Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current renewable energy systems face limitations in stability and efficiency due to weather dependence, economic feasibility, and low heat transfer efficiency, particularly with solar heat technologies that struggle to effectively harness and store high-temperature energy.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid renewable energy system that utilizes an underground heat storage apparatus to store high-temperature heat energy from solar energy, employing a heat absorption plate that heats a silicone oil medium to 200°C or more, and a heat exchanger with air vent pipes to transfer heat to stones or pebbles for efficient storage and distribution, along with a solar electric module to generate electricity and enhance energy utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a planar heat collection plate is used to absorb solar radiant heat, then the heat absorption area is large, but the heat transfer efficiency to water is very low (temperature reaches only 45°C or less)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar heat collection plate to a three-dimensional concentrated solar heat collection system using parabolic concentrators. This dimensional change allows the system to focus solar radiation onto a smaller target area, dramatically increasing the heat transfer efficiency while maintaining effective heat absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using heat storage media (stones, pebbles, sand) with higher heat capacity and thermal conductivity compared to water in conventional systems. This parameter change enables the system to achieve and maintain higher temperatures (300°C or more) with improved heat transfer efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If concentrated solar heat collection systems (dish concentrator, parabolic concentrator) are used to increase heat transfer efficiency, then the heat transfer efficiency improves, but the system becomes very expensive and economically infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex concentrated solar systems with simpler, more economical heat collection methods that achieve comparable efficiency. The system uses readily available materials like stones, pebbles, and sand as heat storage media, and employs simpler heat exchanger designs that are economically viable for widespread implementation while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary heat storage system using stones, pebbles, or sand as intermediate heat storage media between the solar heat collection and the water heating process. This intermediary system allows for more efficient heat transfer and storage while reducing the overall system cost compared to direct concentrated solar systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar heat and light are used for energy generation, then renewable energy is utilized, but the energy availability is restricted by weather conditions and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing solar heat energy during the day in underground heat storage systems using stones, pebbles, or sand. This stored thermal energy is then retrieved and used during nighttime or cloudy periods, ensuring continuous and reliable energy availability regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional hybrid renewable energy system that combines solar heat collection, solar photovoltaic electricity generation, and wind power generation. This universal system can switch between or combine multiple energy sources based on weather conditions, ensuring reliable energy supply while maximizing renewable energy utilization across different environmental conditions.
4Reliability
If geothermal heat is extracted from deep underground to provide stable energy, then energy stability is improved, but the installation location is restricted to specific areas and requires digging to several hundreds of meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of geothermal energy storage by using underground heat storage with stones, pebbles, or sand instead of requiring deep geological formations. This copied approach achieves similar energy stability benefits by storing thermal energy underground but eliminates the need for deep drilling and location-specific geological conditions, making the system universally applicable.
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 system provides a stable and efficient energy source capable of operating 365 days a year, increasing solar radiant heat absorption efficiency, and generating clean energy with low expenses by converting solar energy into both heat and electricity for continuous building heating and power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat absorption plate heats a silicone oil medium to 200°C or more
Implementation Method 2
a heat absorption plate heats a silicone oil medium
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger with air vent pipes to transfer heat to stones or pebbles for efficient storage
Implementation Method 4
transfer heat to stones or pebbles for efficient storage
Implementation Method 5
descending high-density low-temperature air that is adjacent to the ground because of gravitational force
Implementation Method 6
heated by the heat exchanger to produce vertically-ascending wind power
Implementation Method 7
vertically-ascending wind power
Implementation Method 8
along with a solar electric module to generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a hybrid renewable energy system having an underground heat storage apparatus. A solar collector is provided on or around a building structure and collects solar heat to heat a heat medium. A transfer pipe transfers the heat medium, heated by the solar collector, into the underground. The heat storage apparatus stores heat received from the heat medium and heats, using the stored heat, both cold water supplied from the building structure through a supply pipe and air supplied from an inlet duct. A return pipe returns the heat medium from the heat storage apparatus to the solar collector. An inlet pipe supplies hot water produced by the heat storage apparatus to the building structure. A connection duct supplies air heated by the heat storage apparatus into the building structure to heat the room of the building structure.