Temperature control automatic water feeding method using phase change material

Abstract

The application discloses a temperature control automatic water feeding method using a phase change material, which is implemented in a solar water heater provided with a phase change material layer for heat storage and release, and is characterized in that, during the heating process of the device under the solar radiation, the expansion effect generated by the phase change of the phase change material from solid to liquid drives the execution member to act, the water feeding section size of the water feeding channel of the water sandwich layer is controlled, and the water feeding section of the water feeding channel of the water sandwich layer is correspondingly increased along with the gradual expansion of the phase change material. The application can utilize the expansion characteristics generated in the phase change process of the phase change material, can better control the water feeding of the water sandwich layer of the solar water heater, and can improve the heating efficiency of the hot water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of solar energy utilization using rooftops, and more specifically to a temperature-controlled automatic water inlet method using phase change materials. Background Technology

[0002] Installing solar water heating devices or structures on rooftops to provide hot water for domestic use using solar energy is a relatively common household solar energy utilization technology. When designing solar water heating devices or rooftop solar water heating structures, it's necessary to consider how to control the water inlet to the water jacket based on temperature. Additionally, to improve the roof's solar energy utilization capacity, the applicant designed a technical solution involving a water jacket installed across the entire roof to absorb sunlight and generate hot water, and filed a patent application on the same day. This technology also requires further consideration of how to control the water inlet to the water jacket, ensuring that the water inlet capacity matches the roof's solar heating level to better improve hot water efficiency.

[0003] CN91218953.3 previously disclosed a shape memory alloy thermostatic valve for solar water heaters, which uses a bidirectional driving element composed of a shape memory alloy spring and a regular spring to open and close the valve. However, this thermostatic valve achieves control by directly sensing the temperature at the valve body position using the shape memory alloy, making it more suitable for use at the outlet of solar water heaters and less suitable for controlling the inlet.

[0004] CN96232329.2 disclosed an automatic compensation controller for solar water heaters, which consists of a light control switch circuit and its light control probe, a temperature control switch circuit and its temperature control probe, a power switch circuit, and an electric heating element. The output of the light control probe is connected to the input of the light control switch circuit, the output of the light control circuit is connected to the input of the temperature control switch circuit, the output of the temperature control circuit is connected to the control terminal of the power switch circuit, the input and output of the power switch circuit are connected to the mains power supply and the electric heating element, respectively, and the output of the temperature control probe is connected to the control terminal of the temperature control switch circuit. However, this controller relies on electrical components for control, resulting in high cost and poor stability and reliability.

[0005] In addition, existing solar water heating systems or rooftop solar water heating structures usually include a solid-liquid phase change heat storage material layer, which can absorb and store excess heat during the day and then continuously release heat at night to heat the water, thereby improving the continuous hot water supply capacity.

[0006] Therefore, the applicant considered that during the phase change transformation process of phase change thermal storage materials, when they change from solid to liquid, their volume usually increases to a certain extent. Therefore, if this characteristic can be directly utilized, the water inlet of the water jacket can be better controlled, thereby improving the hot water efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: how to provide a temperature-controlled automatic water intake method using phase change materials that can better control the water inlet of the water jacket of a solar water heating device, thereby improving the heating efficiency of hot water.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A method for automatic temperature-controlled water intake using phase change materials is implemented in a solar water heating device with a phase change material layer for heat storage and release. The method is characterized by the expansion effect of the phase change material changing from a solid to a liquid state during the heating process under solar radiation, which drives the actuator to move and control the size of the water inlet cross-section of the water jacket, so that the water inlet cross-section of the water jacket increases accordingly as the phase change material gradually expands.

[0010] In this way, this method allows the water inlet rate of the solar water heating equipment to be matched with the heating conditions, ensuring sufficient water supply when the equipment is exposed to direct sunlight and the temperature rises rapidly, resulting in high hot water heating efficiency. This matches the water inlet capacity with the heating efficiency; the faster the heating, the stronger the water inlet capacity, thus better ensuring the overall hot water efficiency and avoiding heat waste.

[0011] As a preferred option, this method relies on a temperature-controlled inlet switch for a solar water heating device. The temperature-controlled inlet switch includes a fixed valve plate and a movable valve plate that are stacked on top of each other and arranged along the cross-sectional direction within the inlet channel. The fixed valve plate is fixedly installed within the inlet channel, while the movable valve plate is rotatably mounted relative to the fixed valve plate. Both the fixed and movable valve plates have water passage holes, and the overlapping portion of these holes forms a water passage. The method also includes a movable valve plate rotation control mechanism, which can drive the movable valve plate to rotate according to temperature control. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism includes a driven gear coaxially and fixedly connected to the movable valve plate, and a lever. The fulcrum of the lever is rotatably mounted relative to the inlet channel. On the fixed support plate, one end of the lever is equipped with a half-tooth structure driving gear with the fulcrum as the center. The driving gear and the driven gear mesh. The other end of the lever is rotatably connected to one end of a connecting plate. The other end of the connecting plate is rotatably connected to the outer end of an arc-shaped tube made of elastic material. The bending direction of the arc-shaped tube corresponds to the rotation direction of the lever. The outer end of the arc-shaped tube is closed, and the inner end of the arc-shaped tube is relatively fixed on the water inlet channel. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism also includes closed channels arranged in a grid pattern within the phase change heat storage material layer. The part enclosed by the closed channels is the phase change heat storage material arrangement area. Elastic skin and a hollowed-out phase change heat storage material support frame are arranged outward from the closed channels. The closed channels are filled with gas and connected to the inner end of the arc-shaped tube.

[0012] In this way, the overlapping portion of the water passage holes between the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate forms a water passage channel. During the process of heating the water jacket under direct sunlight on the roof, as the temperature rises, the temperature-controlled water inlet switch can gradually control the rotation of the movable valve plate, causing the overlapping area of ​​the water passage holes between the movable and fixed valve plates to gradually increase, thus gradually increasing the water passage area, water inlet capacity, and water inlet speed. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism used realizes the linkage between the movable valve plate and the phase change material. As the intensity of direct sunlight gradually increases during the day, the roof heats up faster, and the rate at which the phase change heat storage material changes from solid to liquid phase increases. When the phase change thermal storage material absorbs heat and transforms from a solid to a liquid phase, its volume increases. This causes the elastic skin to gradually bulge inwards towards the inside of the closed channel, increasing the gas pressure within the closed channel and the pressure inside the arc-shaped tube. Because the outer wall area of ​​the arc-shaped tube is larger than the inner wall area and it is made of an elastic material, the increased pressure causes the entire tube to expand and straighten in the opposite direction of its curvature. This movement of the outer end of the arc-shaped tube, through the connecting plate, drives the lever to rotate, which in turn drives the driven gear to rotate. The movable valve plate follows suit, gradually increasing the overlapping area of ​​the water passage between it and the fixed valve plate, thus increasing the water inlet capacity and speed. This allows for better matching of the water inlet speed with the roof's heating conditions, ensuring sufficient water supply even when the roof temperature rises rapidly under direct sunlight and the hot water heating efficiency is high. In this mechanism, an arc-shaped tube made of an elastic material converts the expansion of the phase change material into a pulling force on the connecting plate, which in turn drives the valve plate to rotate, achieving the effect of regulating and controlling the water inlet volume. Compared to the direct mechanical motion transmission method where the expansion of phase change materials directly drives the connecting parts, this approach offers better buffering and higher safety and stability. Furthermore, the thermal expansion of phase change materials is not uniform with increasing heat; rather, it expands less initially and increases in efficiency as heating progresses. The arc-shaped tube made of elastic material exhibits similar characteristics. When stretched under force, its elastic deformation capacity increases with temperature, allowing it to better match the valve plate's rotation for on / off adjustment. In practice, the elasticity and size of the arc-shaped tube can be set and adjusted to effectively control the valve plate's rotation for on / off adjustment. For example, the arc-shaped tube can be designed with multiple segments of materials with varying elasticity. When the internal pressure of the tube increases slightly, only the high-elasticity segments participate in deformation; as the internal pressure increases, more segments participate in deformation, thus enhancing the control of deformation. This allows its deformation capacity to better match the thermal expansion of the phase change material, thus matching the switching regulation effect with the heating condition of the water jacket. This further enhances the switching regulation and control capability.

[0013] Furthermore, the arc-shaped tube has a superior arc-shaped structure and is coaxially positioned around the outside of the driven gear. This better ensures the deformation adjustment effect of the arc-shaped tube.

[0014] Furthermore, the gas used to fill the sealed channel is an inert gas.

[0015] This inert gas has low reactivity, which can better avoid additional reactions when heated and improve the stability of the device.

[0016] Alternatively, this method can also be implemented using a temperature-controlled water inlet switch of a solar water heating device with other structures. For example, the temperature-controlled water inlet switch includes a fixed valve plate and a movable valve plate that are stacked on top of each other and arranged along the cross-sectional direction in the water inlet channel. The fixed valve plate is fixedly installed in the water inlet channel, and the movable valve plate is rotatably installed relative to the fixed valve plate. Both the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate are provided with water passage holes. The overlapping portion of the water passage holes on the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate forms a water passage channel. The switch also includes a movable valve plate rotation control mechanism, which can drive the movable valve plate according to the temperature control. The valve plate rotates; the movable valve plate rotation control mechanism includes a passive gear fixedly connected to the movable valve plate on the same axis, and a lever. The fulcrum of the lever is rotatably mounted on a support plate that is fixed relative to the water inlet channel. One end of the lever has a half-tooth structure driving gear with the fulcrum as the center. The driving gear and the passive gear mesh. The other end of the lever is rotatably connected to one end of a connecting plate. The other end of the connecting plate is provided with a piston. The piston is slidably mounted in a piston cylinder. The inner cavity of the piston cylinder communicates with the inner cavity of the phase change heat storage material layer.

[0017] The temperature-controlled water inlet switch with the above structure can also achieve linkage between the movable valve plate and the phase change material. As the intensity of direct sunlight gradually increases during the day, the roof heats up faster, and the rate at which the phase change heat storage material changes from solid to liquid phase increases. After the phase change heat storage material absorbs heat and changes from solid to liquid phase, its volume increases, which pushes the piston in the piston cylinder. This drives the lever to rotate through the connecting plate, which in turn drives the driven gear to rotate. The movable valve plate rotates accordingly, gradually increasing the overlapping area of ​​the water passage between it and the fixed valve plate, thus increasing the water inlet capacity and speed. This allows for better matching of the water inlet speed with the roof heating conditions, ensuring sufficient water supply when the roof temperature rises rapidly under direct sunlight and the hot water heating efficiency is high. Although the above structure is simpler, the piston method is prone to problems such as jamming and leakage due to uneven heating of the foot.

[0018] Alternatively, a combination of the above two schemes can be used to obtain a new temperature-controlled water inlet switch, the structure of which is as follows: The temperature-controlled water inlet switch includes a fixed valve plate and a movable valve plate that are stacked on top of each other and arranged along the cross-sectional direction in the water inlet channel. The fixed valve plate is fixedly arranged in the water inlet channel, and the movable valve plate is rotatably installed relative to the fixed valve plate. Both the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate are provided with water passage holes. The overlapping part of the water passage holes on the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate forms a water passage channel. It also includes a movable valve plate rotation control mechanism, which can drive the movable valve plate to rotate according to temperature control. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism includes a driven gear that is coaxially fixedly connected to the movable valve plate, and a lever. The lever is rotatably mounted on a support plate that is fixed relative to the water inlet channel. One end of the lever has a half-tooth structure driving gear with the fulcrum as the center. The driving gear and the driven gear mesh. The other end of the lever is rotatably connected to one end of a connecting plate. The other end of the connecting plate has a piston that is slidably mounted in a piston cylinder. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism also includes closed channels arranged in a grid pattern within the phase change heat storage material layer. The part enclosed by the closed channels is the phase change heat storage material arrangement area. The closed channels are arranged outwards with elastic skin and a hollowed-out phase change heat storage material support frame. The closed channels are filled with gas and connected to the inner cavity of the piston cylinder.

[0019] This avoids the effects of uneven heating of the phase change material, but the piston cylinder is still prone to leakage. Furthermore, the gas filling the sealed channel is an inert gas. This inert gas has low reactivity, which better prevents additional reactions when heated, improving the stability of the device.

[0020] In summary, this invention can utilize the expansion characteristic of phase change materials during phase change to better control the water inlet of the water jacket in solar water heating equipment, thereby improving the heating efficiency of hot water. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a roof structure with solar water heating function used in the implementation of the method of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the closed channel structure within a single phase change thermal storage material layer.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the independent temperature-controlled water inlet switch.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature-controlled water inlet switch used in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] Implementation Method 1: A method for automatic temperature-controlled water intake using phase change materials. This method is implemented in a solar water heating device with a phase change material layer for heat storage and release. The characteristic is that, during the heating process under solar radiation, the expansion effect of the phase change material changing from a solid to a liquid state drives the actuator to move, thereby controlling the size of the water inlet cross-section of the water jacket, so that the water inlet cross-section of the water jacket increases accordingly as the phase change material gradually expands.

[0027] In this way, this method allows the water inlet rate of the solar water heating equipment to be matched with the heating conditions, ensuring sufficient water supply when the equipment is exposed to direct sunlight and the temperature rises rapidly, resulting in high hot water heating efficiency. This matches the water inlet capacity with the heating efficiency; the faster the heating, the stronger the water inlet capacity, thus better ensuring the overall hot water efficiency and avoiding heat waste.

[0028] In this embodiment, the solar water heating equipment is a roof structure with solar water heating function, and this method can be specifically implemented through a temperature-controlled water inlet switch in the roof structure. See also Figure 1-3 As shown, the roof structure includes a support layer 1, a water jacket layer 2, and a surface layer 3, which are laid diagonally on the roof and stacked sequentially from bottom to top. The bottom of the water jacket layer 2 is equipped with a temperature-controlled water outlet switch 4, which is used to connect to a hot water storage tank (not shown in the figure). The top of the water jacket layer 2 is equipped with a water inlet switch 5, which is used to connect to a water source (not shown in the figure).

[0029] In this design, the water jacket can be relatively thin. During the day, the inlet switch is opened to fill the jacket with water. Direct sunlight heats the water, and once it reaches the rated temperature, a temperature-controlled outlet switch automatically dispenses hot water, which flows into the hot water storage tank for storage and to provide domestic hot water. Simultaneously, the inlet switch automatically replenishes water, ensuring this process continues until the day ends. Therefore, this design utilizes solar energy for hot water production more efficiently, enabling automatic control of the hot water supply and maximizing the availability of domestic hot water. In implementation, the hot water storage tank can be installed indoors for convenient access. An insulation layer is installed outside the tank for heat preservation. The roof structure is designed in a gable shape with symmetrical placement on both sides. The water source can be a storage tank located above the roof structure, connected to the municipal water network for better water stability. Alternatively, the water source can be directly connected to the municipal water network.

[0030] In addition, the applicant has also filed a separate patent application for the aforementioned roof structure for separate protection. Therefore, implementing the roof structure would also infringe upon the applicant's patent rights.

[0031] In the aforementioned roof structure, the thickness of the water jacket 2 is less than 1 cm. This allows the water within the water jacket to be quickly heated to its rated temperature and stored during direct sunlight, ensuring that hot water at the rated temperature can be obtained even with a shorter period of sunlight exposure.

[0032] Among them, the temperature control water outlet switch 4 is a shape memory alloy automatic temperature control switch.

[0033] In this way, the system can automatically control the opening based on temperature, allowing hot water that meets the temperature requirements to flow into the hot water storage tank for heat preservation and storage. The aforementioned shape memory alloy automatic temperature control switch is a mature existing product, which relies on the deformation of the shape memory alloy at a specific temperature to drive the valve to open. The specific structure is not detailed here.

[0034] Among them, the support layer 1 is also provided with a constant temperature phase change material layer 6, and the phase change temperature of the constant temperature phase change material layer 6 is in the range of 25-28℃.

[0035] In this way, the constant temperature phase change material layer can better insulate the room and keep the room at a relatively suitable temperature range for human comfort.

[0036] Among them, a heat insulation layer 7 made of heat insulation material is provided between the isothermal phase change material layer 6 and the water jacket 2 above it.

[0037] This avoids the impact of higher temperatures within the water jacket on the isothermal phase change material layer.

[0038] The insulation material is foam. This is inexpensive, easy to implement, and provides excellent insulation.

[0039] Among them, a phase change heat storage material layer 8 is also provided between the water jacket and the surface layer. The phase change temperature of the phase change heat storage material in the phase change heat storage material layer 8 is greater than the rated outlet water temperature of the temperature control outlet water switch.

[0040] Because the phase change temperature is higher than the outlet water temperature, the phase change thermal storage material will not compete with the water jacket for heat when sunlight is weak, thus affecting the hot water production effect. However, when sunlight is strong, the phase change thermal storage material can absorb and store some of the heat that the water jacket cannot absorb in time through the phase change process. In this way, the phase change material can continue to release heat at night to meet the water demand when the hot water consumption is high.

[0041] The water inlet switch 5 is a temperature-controlled water inlet switch, which includes a fixed valve plate 10 and a movable valve plate 11 that are stacked on top of each other and arranged along the cross-sectional direction in the water inlet channel 9. The fixed valve plate 10 is fixedly arranged in the water inlet channel 9, and the movable valve plate 11 is rotatably installed relative to the fixed valve plate 10. Both the fixed valve plate 10 and the movable valve plate 11 are provided with water passage holes 12. The overlapping part of the water passage holes on the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate forms a water passage. The switch also includes a movable valve plate rotation control mechanism, which can drive the movable valve plate to rotate according to the temperature control. Figure 3 The fixed valve plate 10 and the movable valve plate 11 are in a state of mutual misalignment.

[0042] In this way, the overlapping portion of the water passage holes between the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate forms a water passage channel. During the process of heating the water jacket under direct sunlight on the roof, the temperature-controlled water inlet switch can gradually control the rotation of the movable valve plate. As the temperature rises, the area of ​​the water passage channel in the overlapping portion of the water passage holes between the movable and fixed valve plates gradually increases, thereby gradually increasing the water inlet capacity and the water inlet speed. This matches the water inlet speed with the roof's heating conditions, ensuring sufficient water supply when the roof's temperature rises rapidly under direct sunlight and the hot water heating efficiency is high. Since the design concept of this application is to use a water jacket with a large area but thin thickness to quickly heat to the rated temperature and then flow out for storage, the unique structure and effect of the temperature-controlled water inlet switch described above allow the water inlet capacity to match the heating efficiency. The faster the heating, the stronger the water inlet capacity, better ensuring the overall hot water efficiency and avoiding heat waste.

[0043] The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism includes a driven gear 13 coaxially and fixedly connected to the movable valve plate 11, and a lever 14. The fulcrum of the lever 14 is rotatably mounted on a support plate (not shown) that is fixed relative to the water inlet channel. One end of the lever 14 has a half-tooth structure driving gear 15 with the fulcrum as the center. The driving gear 15 meshes with the driven gear 13. The other end of the lever 14 is rotatably connected to one end of a connecting plate 16. The other end of the connecting plate 16 is connected to an arc-shaped tube made of elastic material. The outer end of the arc tube 17 is rotatably connected, and the bending direction of the arc tube 17 corresponds to the rotation direction of the lever. The outer end of the arc tube is closed, and the inner end of the arc tube is relatively fixed on the water inlet channel. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism also includes a closed channel 18 arranged in a grid pattern in the phase change heat storage material layer. The part enclosed by the closed channel 18 is the phase change heat storage material arrangement area. The closed channel 18 is provided with an elastic skin 19 and a hollow phase change heat storage material support frame 20 in sequence. The closed channel 18 is filled with gas and connected to the inner end of the arc tube 17.

[0044] Thus, as the intensity of direct sunlight gradually increases during the day, the roof heats up faster, increasing the rate at which the phase change thermal storage material transforms from a solid to a liquid phase. After absorbing heat and transforming from solid to liquid, the phase change thermal storage material increases in volume, causing the elastic skin to bulge gradually towards the inside of the closed channel. This increases the gas pressure within the closed channel and the pressure inside the arc-shaped tube. Because the outer wall area of ​​the arc-shaped tube is larger than the inner wall area and it is made of elastic material, the increased pressure causes the entire tube to expand and straighten in the opposite direction of the bend. This movement of the outer end of the arc-shaped tube, through the connecting plate, drives the lever to rotate, which in turn drives the driven gear to rotate. The movable valve plate follows suit, gradually increasing the overlapping area of ​​the water passage between it and the fixed valve plate, thus increasing the water inlet capacity and speed. This allows for a better match between the water inlet speed and the roof's heating conditions, ensuring sufficient water supply when the roof temperature rises rapidly under direct sunlight and the hot water heating efficiency is high. This mechanism uses an arc-shaped tube made of elastic material to convert the expansion of the phase change material into a pulling force on the connecting plate, which in turn drives the valve plate to rotate, thus regulating the water inflow. Compared with the conversion method where the expansion of the phase change material directly drives the connecting parts into mechanical motion, this method has a better buffering effect and offers higher safety, stability, and continuity. Furthermore, the thermal expansion of the phase change material does not occur uniformly with increasing heat; rather, the expansion is small at the beginning of heating, and the expansion efficiency increases as the temperature gradually rises. The arc-shaped tube made of elastic material exhibits similar characteristics. When opened under force, its elastic deformation capacity increases accordingly with increasing temperature, allowing its effect of driving the valve plate to rotate and regulate the opening and closing to better match the thermal expansion effect of the phase change material. In practice, the elastic force and size of the arc-shaped tube can be set and adjusted to effectively match and control the process of driving the valve plate to regulate the opening and closing. For example, during implementation, the arc-shaped tube can be designed with multiple segments made of materials with different elasticities. When the pressure inside the arc-shaped tube increases slightly, only the high-elasticity segments participate in the deformation. As the pressure inside the arc-shaped tube increases, more segments participate in the deformation, thus enhancing the deformation control effect. This allows its deformation capacity to better match the thermal expansion of the phase change material, and the switching regulation effect to match the heating of the water jacket, thereby improving the switching control capability.

[0045] The arc-shaped tube 17 has a superior arc-shaped structure and is coaxially positioned around the outside of the driven gear. This better ensures the deformation adjustment effect of the arc-shaped tube.

[0046] The gas used to fill the sealed channel 18 is an inert gas.

[0047] This inert gas has low reactivity, which can better avoid additional reactions when heated and improve the stability of the device.

[0048] The roof surface is coated with a black heat-absorbing coating (not shown in the picture).

[0049] This allows for better absorption of solar energy.

[0050] Implementation Method 2: The only difference between Implementation Method 2 and Implementation Method 1 is the use of a different temperature-controlled water inlet switch. For the temperature-controlled water inlet switch in this implementation method, please refer to... Figure 4 The system includes a fixed valve plate 10″ and a movable valve plate 11″ that are stacked together and arranged along the cross-sectional direction within the water inlet channel. The fixed valve plate 10″ is fixedly installed within the water inlet channel 9″, and the movable valve plate is rotatably installed relative to the fixed valve plate. Both the fixed and movable valve plates are provided with water passage holes 12″. The overlapping portion of the water passage holes 12″ on the fixed and movable valve plates forms a water passage. The system also includes a movable valve plate rotation control mechanism, which can drive the movable valve plate to rotate according to temperature control. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism includes a component coaxially fixed with the movable valve plate 11″. The connected passive gear 13″ also includes a lever 14″. The fulcrum of the lever is rotatably mounted on a support plate (not shown in the figure) that is fixed relative to the water inlet channel. One end of the lever 14″ has a half-tooth structure driving gear 15″ with the fulcrum as the center. The driving gear 15″ meshes with the passive gear 13″. The other end of the lever 14″ is rotatably connected to one end of a connecting plate 16″. The other end of the connecting plate 16″ has a piston 17″. The piston is slidably mounted in a piston cylinder 18″. The inner cavity of the piston cylinder communicates with the inner cavity of the phase change heat storage material layer.

[0051] The temperature-controlled water inlet switch with the above structure can also achieve linkage between the movable valve plate and the phase change material. As the intensity of direct sunlight gradually increases during the day, the roof heats up faster, and the rate at which the phase change heat storage material changes from solid to liquid phase increases. After the phase change heat storage material absorbs heat and changes from solid to liquid phase, its volume increases, which pushes the piston in the piston cylinder. This drives the lever to rotate through the connecting plate, which in turn drives the driven gear to rotate. The movable valve plate rotates accordingly, gradually increasing the overlapping area of ​​the water passage between it and the fixed valve plate, thus increasing the water inlet capacity and speed. This allows for better matching of the water inlet speed with the roof heating conditions, ensuring sufficient water supply when the roof temperature rises rapidly under direct sunlight and the hot water heating efficiency is high. Although the above structure is simpler, the piston method is prone to problems such as jamming and leakage due to uneven heating of the foot.

[0052] Implementation Method 3: The only difference between Implementation Method 3 and Implementation Methods 1 and 2 is the use of a different temperature-controlled water inlet switch. The temperature-controlled water inlet switch used in Implementation Method 3 combines the structural features of the temperature-controlled water inlet switches in Implementation Methods 1 and 2. Specifically, based on Implementation Method 2, the piston cylinder is not directly connected to the inner cavity of the phase change heat storage material layer. Instead, a closed channel structure, as shown in Implementation Method 1, is provided within the phase change heat storage material layer, connecting the piston cylinder and the closed channel. Therefore, please refer to the corresponding accompanying drawings for further understanding. The specific structure is as follows: The temperature-controlled water inlet switch includes a fixed valve plate and a movable valve plate that are stacked on top of each other and arranged along the cross-sectional direction in the water inlet channel. The fixed valve plate is fixedly installed in the water inlet channel, and the movable valve plate is rotatably installed relative to the fixed valve plate. Both the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate are provided with water passage holes. The overlapping part of the water passage holes on the fixed valve plate and the movable valve plate forms a water passage channel. It also includes a movable valve plate rotation control mechanism, which can drive the movable valve plate to rotate according to the temperature control. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism includes a driven gear that is coaxially fixedly connected to the movable valve plate, and a lever. The fulcrum of the lever is rotatably mounted. Mounted on a support plate that is fixed relative to the water inlet channel, one end of the lever has a half-tooth structure driving gear with the fulcrum as the center. The driving gear and the driven gear mesh. The other end of the lever is rotatably connected to one end of a connecting plate. The other end of the connecting plate is equipped with a piston, which is slidably installed in a piston cylinder. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism also includes closed channels arranged in a grid pattern within the phase change heat storage material layer. The part enclosed by the closed channels is the phase change heat storage material arrangement area. The closed channels are arranged outwards with elastic skin and a hollowed-out phase change heat storage material support frame. The closed channels are filled with gas and connected to the inner cavity of the piston cylinder.

[0053] This avoids the effects of uneven heating of the phase change material, but the piston cylinder is still prone to leakage. Furthermore, the gas filling the sealed channel is an inert gas. This inert gas has low reactivity, which better prevents additional reactions when heated, improving the stability of the device.

Claims

1. A method for automatic temperature-controlled water intake using phase change materials, wherein the method is implemented in a solar water heating device with a phase change material layer for heat storage and release, characterized in that, During the heating process under sunlight, the phase change material changes from a solid to a liquid state, causing an expansion effect that drives the actuator to move and control the size of the water inlet cross-section of the water jacket. This results in the water inlet cross-section of the water jacket increasing accordingly as the phase change material gradually expands. This method relies on a temperature-controlled water inlet switch for a solar water heating device. The switch includes a fixed valve plate and a movable valve plate, which are stacked and arranged along the cross-sectional direction within a water inlet channel. The fixed valve plate is fixedly installed within the water inlet channel, while the movable valve plate is rotatably mounted relative to the fixed valve plate. Both the fixed and movable valve plates have water passage holes, and the overlapping portion of these holes forms a water passage. The method also includes a movable valve plate rotation control mechanism, which can drive the movable valve plate to rotate according to temperature control. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism includes a driven gear coaxially and fixedly connected to the movable valve plate, and a lever. The fulcrum of the lever is rotatably mounted on a support plate fixed relative to the water inlet channel. One end of the lever has a half-tooth structure driving gear centered on the fulcrum. The driving gear and the driven gear... The moving gear meshes, and the other end of the lever is rotatably connected to one end of a connecting plate. The other end of the connecting plate is rotatably connected to the outer end of an arc-shaped tube made of elastic material. The bending direction of the arc-shaped tube corresponds to the rotation direction of the lever. The outer end of the arc-shaped tube is closed, and the inner end of the arc-shaped tube is relatively fixed on the water inlet channel. The movable valve plate rotation control mechanism also includes closed channels arranged in a grid pattern within the phase change heat storage material layer. The part enclosed by the closed channels is the phase change heat storage material arrangement area. Elastic skin and hollowed-out phase change heat storage material support skeleton are arranged outward from the closed channels. The closed channels are filled with gas and connected to the inner end of the arc-shaped tube. The arc-shaped tube is composed of multiple segments of materials with different elasticity, so that when the pressure inside the arc-shaped tube increases slightly, only the high elasticity segment of the material participates in the deformation. As the pressure inside the arc-shaped tube increases more, more segments participate in the deformation.

2. The temperature-controlled automatic water intake method using phase change materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped tube has a superior arc-shaped structure and is coaxially arranged around the outside of the driven gear.

3. The temperature-controlled automatic water inlet method using phase change materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas used to fill the sealed channel is an inert gas.

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