Vacuum-Insulated Thermal Storage Tank With Dynamic Radiant Barriers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems, particularly those based on renewable sources like solar and wind, face challenges in economically storing energy for long periods due to inefficiencies in thermal energy storage and conversion, leading to high costs and environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
A novel heat energy storage system (HESS) utilizing a vacuum chamber with a thermal energy storage tank and radiant barriers, combined with actuator systems to control radiative heat transfer, enhances thermal insulation and efficiency, integrating with steam turbines for efficient energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional thermal energy storage systems are used, then energy storage is achieved, but thermal insulation efficiency is poor and heat losses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere without molecules) surrounding the thermal energy storage tank to eliminate convective and conductive heat transfer mechanisms. This vacuum insulation layer creates a thermal barrier that dramatically reduces heat losses, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving energy storage and minimizing heat losses through conventional insulation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiant barriers as intermediary layers between the thermal energy storage tank and the external environment. These barriers intercept and reflect thermal radiation, preventing direct heat transfer. The actuator systems control these intermediary barriers to dynamically adjust insulation levels, optimizing the balance between heat retention and controlled heat release.
2Quantity of substance
If battery-based energy storage systems are used, then energy storage is achieved, but costs are high and environmental impacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the storage parameter from chemical energy (batteries) to thermal energy. By storing energy as heat in a thermal mass within a vacuum-insulated chamber, the system eliminates the need for expensive battery chemicals while reducing environmental impacts. The thermal energy storage medium can be simple materials like water, rock, or phase-change materials, making the system more economical and environmentally friendly.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal energy is stored in hot materials, then long-term storage is achieved, but heat transfer efficiency to steam turbine must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs actuator systems that dynamically adjust the radiant barriers based on operational requirements. When heat transfer to the steam turbine is needed, the actulators move the radiant barriers to positions that allow enhanced radiative heat transfer. When storage is the primary function, the barriers are positioned to maximize insulation. This dynamic control optimizes heat transfer efficiency without compromising long-term storage capability.
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 HESS provides long-term, low-cost, and environmentally friendly energy storage, maximizing thermal energy density and reducing heat losses, making it a viable alternative to battery-based systems for large-scale renewable energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber and a thermal energy storage tank located within the vacuum chamber
Implementation Method 2
a radiant barrier disposed over exterior surfaces of the one or more walls of the thermal energy storage tank
Implementation Method 3
The first actuator system is operable to increase a radiative heat transfer from the first heating device to the thermal energy storage medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Heat energy storage systems described in this disclosure can be used for long-term storage of large amounts of thermal energy. In some cases, such systems receive electrical energy from renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. Using novel techniques, the heat energy storage systems covert the electrical energy to thermal energy that is stored in hot materials such as molten silicon, molten salts, or any other material that can store large amounts of heat. The heat energy storage systems incorporate extremely good thermal insulation of the thermal energy storage tank that contains the hot materials. The systems are also configured to release thermal energy in an efficient manner to an electricity-producing steam turbine using novel heat exchanger systems and techniques that are described. The energy storage systems described herein have a higher overall real-world efficiency than energy storage systems currently available.