High temperature solid media thermal energy storage system with high effective storage densities for flexible heat supply in electric vehicles

One major challenge for the successful transformation of the transportation system towards electromobility is strongly linked to its maximum range. Such range reducing impacts emerge exemplary during cold winter days, where electric energy is used from the battery to heat the interior. In spite of significant improvements in energy density of battery systems, alternative ideas for suitable thermal management concepts are necessary to solve the conflict between traction and heating. To overcome this disadvantage a novel concept based on an electrical heated sensible solid media thermal energy storage system is outlined. Central elements include a high efficient thermal insulation concept and a bypass operation system to allow high effective energy densities and simultaneously a flexible supply of thermal energy with defined specifications during thermal discharging. For this purpose, simulation studies regarding the insulation concept and the geometric design of the thermal energy storage for two feasible material options were conducted. Under a wide range of solutions, promising designs with high effective energy densities, low parasitic losses and high thermal discharging power were identified.