PCM container approximating a container

Abstract

A phase change material container assembly for use in a thermal energy storage system. The container assembly includes a plurality of containers (plates, wedges . . . etc.) where the containers are generally flat and each approximating a segment of a ball or it may be a single device including features of a plurality of component containers as previously described. The components may be spherical segments, spherical wedges (ungula), hemispheres, spherical sectors, spherical caps or any combination. The plurality of containers are assembled to approximate a sphere's external perimeter. The plurality of containers are spaced apart to allow water, or other fluids, to flow between the plurality of containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This utility patent application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 983,257, filed Apr. 23, 2014, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 059,186, filed Oct. 3, 2014 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to containers for phase change materials. More particularly, this invention relates to a container or a group on containers for use with a thermal energy storage system for storing thermal energy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Phase change materials (PCMs) may be used in a thermal energy storage system (TESS) for storing thermal energy. In one approach, containers filled with PCM are disposed in a heat exchange fluid, such as water or air. The fluid, with or without the PCM containers, may be used in a system to absorb or release thermal energy. In one example, the PCM containers are spheres w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a way to make containers that can buoy in different fluids. This is important for applications where the containers need to be placed in a container or tank that has other fluids present. The containers can also be designed to have a negative buoyancy, which is useful in situations where the containers need to sink to the bottom of a tank. The patent also mentions using different shapes for the containers, with the spherical shape being the most efficient for packing and flowing through pipes. Overall, this patent provides a way to create containers that can be used in a variety of situations.

Problems solved by technology

However, many PCMs have poor thermal conductivity in one or more phases, so the maximum distance from the outer wall to any portion of the PCM should be limited to provide efficient transfer of thermal energy.

It is known that PCMs in liquid and solid phases have differing thermal conductivities, and that liquid phase PCMs often have significantly poorer thermal conductivity than identical PCMs in their solid phases.

If thermal energy is being added to PCM inside a container when it is solid, the PCM adjacent the outer wall will melt first, causing heat transfer to the remaining solid core to be exceptionally slower.

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