A phase change heat storage and exchange device capable of being freely extended and disassembled

Abstract

The application discloses a free telescopic and detachable phase change heat storage and exchange device, which comprises a shell, one end of the shell is a fluid inlet, the other end is a fluid outlet, a phase change module is arranged in the shell, the phase change module comprises a shell layer phase change module and an internal phase change module of the shell, the shell layer phase change module is arranged close to the inner wall of the shell, and the internal phase change module of the shell is arranged in the cavity of the shell layer phase change module. The device has the advantages of the tube-shell type and the plate type phase change heat exchanger, the heat storage and release rate is obviously higher than that of the existing plate type and tube-shell type phase change heat storage and exchange devices, and the problems of thermal expansion and cold contraction of the PCM module are effectively solved. The device has the advantages of high heat storage density, fast heat storage and release rate, compact structure, less heat loss, no expansion and cracking problems, no melting "dead zone", easy disassembly, installation and cleaning and the like. Compared with the prior art, the device has outstanding substantial characteristics and significant progress.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of renewable energy and waste heat utilization technology, specifically relating to a retractable and detachable phase change heat storage and heat exchange device with high efficiency in heat storage / release. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve the "dual carbon" goal, it is necessary to greatly improve the efficient utilization of renewable energy and waste heat. However, the intermittent nature, temporal and spatial inconsistencies, and intensity mismatches of renewable energy and waste heat recovery severely restrict their efficient energy utilization. Phase change thermal storage heat exchangers have effectively solved the supply and demand contradiction of renewable energy and waste heat utilization, and have been favored by many technical workers and researchers. However, existing phase change thermal storage heat exchangers have shortcomings such as slow heat storage / release rates, uneven temperature distribution, and melting "dead zones." For example, in common horizontal shell-and-tube phase change thermal storage heat exchangers, due to the natural convection of the phase change material (PCM), melting "dead zones" easily form at the bottom of the tubes, such as... Figure 1 The unmelted zone of the PCM in the plate heat exchanger; for common plate heat exchangers, melting "dead corners" are easily formed at the adiabatic surface of the rectangular phase change material module, such as... Figure 2 The unmelted zone in the heat exchanger. The main reason for the "dead zone" is that the existing structure of the traditional heat exchanger has failed to organically combine the heat transfer characteristics of the phase change material in the heat storage and heat release process with the structural design.

[0003] There are three main types of existing phase change thermal energy storage (PCM) heat exchangers: shell-and-tube, plate, and heat pipe. Compared to shell-and-tube and plate types, heat pipe PCM heat exchangers have lower energy storage density and slower heat storage rate, but they can simultaneously store and supply heat, making them particularly suitable for applications where heat sources are unsuitable or cannot directly heat the PCM. Shell-and-tube and plate PCM heat exchangers have higher energy storage density, but their heat storage / release rates are still relatively low, and they are prone to melting "dead zones," as shown in the figure above, which severely restricts their widespread application. While adding fins can improve the heat storage / release rate, it also significantly reduces the heat storage density, increases equipment weight, and increases manufacturing costs. In summary, existing PCM heat exchangers generally suffer from low energy storage density per unit volume, slow heat storage / release rates, and a tendency to have melting "dead zones." Furthermore, almost none of them address the issue of PCM thermal expansion and contraction. In practical engineering, the thermal expansion and contraction of the PCM is often considered by sacrificing the PCM fill rate and heat transfer area to avoid cracking. It is evident that existing structural forms are far from meeting practical needs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new, highly efficient phase change thermal energy storage and exchange devices from a new perspective, based on the heat transfer characteristics of PCMs during heat storage and release processes, as well as the easy flow of heat transfer fluids, to further improve the utilization efficiency of renewable energy and waste heat. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Addressing the shortcomings of existing phase change thermal energy storage devices, and based on years of research into the heat transfer characteristics of phase change thermal energy storage / release, combined with the heat transfer characteristics of PCM during the thermal energy storage / release process, this invention provides a freely expandable and detachable phase change thermal energy storage device. This novel device not only boasts high thermal energy storage density and rapid thermal energy storage / release rate, effectively avoiding the "dead zone" during melting and solidification, but also effectively solves the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of PCM, and is easy to clean and disassemble. In summary, this novel device integrates high thermal energy storage density, rapid thermal energy storage / release rate, relatively uniform temperature distribution, and free thermal expansion and contraction, while also possessing advantages such as low heat loss and easy disassembly and cleaning, significantly improving the utilization efficiency of renewable energy and waste heat.

[0005] The object of this invention is achieved in the following manner:

[0006] A freely retractable and detachable phase change thermal storage heat exchange device includes a shell, one end of which is a fluid inlet and the other end is a fluid outlet. A phase change module is disposed within the shell, comprising a shell phase change module and an internal phase change module. The shell phase change module is disposed close to the inner wall of the shell, and the internal phase change module is disposed within the cavity of the shell phase change module. The internal phase change module includes an upper phase change module, a middle phase change module, and a lower phase change module. All three internal phase change modules are movably connected to the shell phase change module. An upper fluid channel exists between the upper and shell phase change modules; a middle-upper fluid channel exists between the middle phase change module and both the upper and shell phase change modules; and a middle-lower fluid channel exists between the middle phase change module and both the lower and shell phase change modules. The lower fluid channel is located between the layer phase change module and the shell phase change module. The fluid inlet passes through the shell phase change module and connects to the upper fluid channel, the upper-middle fluid channel, the lower-middle fluid channel, and the lower fluid channel. The upper fluid channel, the upper-middle fluid channel, the lower-middle fluid channel, and the lower fluid channel converge at the fluid outlet pipe, which also passes through the shell phase change module and connects to the fluid outlet. Expansion joints are provided on the top and bottom walls of the thickest part of the upper phase change module, the top and bottom walls of the middle part of the middle phase change module, and the top and bottom walls of the thickest part of the lower phase change module. Upper grooves are provided at the bottom ends of the upper phase change module corresponding to the shell phase change module, middle grooves are provided at the middle ends of the middle phase change module corresponding to the shell phase change module, and lower grooves are provided at the top ends of the lower phase change module corresponding to the shell phase change module.

[0007] In the aforementioned freely retractable and detachable phase change heat storage and exchange device, the distance L1 between the upper and middle grooves is equal to the sum of half the thickness of the internal middle module D2 / 2 and the distance L3 between the internal middle and upper phase change modules, L1 = D2 / 2 + L3; the distance L2 between the lower and middle grooves is equal to the sum of half the thickness of the internal middle module D2 / 2 and the distance L4 between the internal middle and lower phase change modules, L2 = D2 / 2 + L4; and the lengths of the upper, middle, and lower grooves are consistent with the length of the main body of the shell.

[0008] The aforementioned freely retractable and detachable phase change heat storage and exchange device includes a shell body and shell heads installed at both ends of the shell body, with the shell heads connected to the shell body by flanges.

[0009] In the aforementioned freely expandable and detachable phase change heat storage heat exchange device, the length of the expansion joint is consistent with the length of the phase change module inside the shell.

[0010] The aforementioned freely retractable and detachable phase change heat storage heat exchange device has upper support bars on both sides of the bottom end of the upper phase change module, which are inserted into upper grooves and have the same length as the main body of the shell; middle support bars on both sides of the middle part of the middle phase change module, which are inserted into middle grooves and have the same length as the main body of the shell; and lower support bars on both sides of the top end of the lower phase change module, which are inserted into lower grooves and have the same length as the main body of the shell.

[0011] The expansion joint of the aforementioned freely expandable and detachable phase change heat storage heat exchange device is of any one of corrugated, square, or sawtooth shape.

[0012] In the aforementioned freely expandable and detachable phase change heat storage heat exchange device, the thickness of the upper phase change module, the middle phase change module, and the lower phase change module decreases sequentially from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

[0013] In the aforementioned freely retractable and detachable phase change heat storage and exchange device, the phase change temperature of the phase change material in the upper phase change module, the middle phase change module, and the lower phase change module gradually decreases from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

[0014] The aforementioned freely retractable and detachable phase change heat storage heat exchange device has fins embedded in the upper, middle and lower phase change modules, and the height of the fins gradually increases from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet or the fin arrangement gradually becomes denser.

[0015] The aforementioned freely retractable and detachable phase change heat storage and exchange device comprises an upper phase change module consisting of at least two horizontally arranged phase change module components, with the channels between adjacent phase change module components connected to the upper fluid channel and the upper-middle fluid channel, respectively; a middle phase change module consisting of at least two horizontally arranged phase change module components, with the channels between adjacent phase change module components connected to the upper-middle fluid channel and the lower-middle fluid channel, respectively; and a lower phase change module consisting of at least two horizontally arranged phase change module components, with the channels between adjacent phase change module components connected to the lower-middle fluid channel and the lower fluid channel, respectively.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] 1. To fully utilize the natural convection of the PCM (phase change material) during melting, while reducing temperature differences between the upper and lower PCM regions and avoiding reduced energy storage density and prolonged melting time due to melting "dead zones," the PCM is divided into multiple modules inside the shell along the natural convection direction. All surfaces of these modules are in contact with the heat transfer fluid, preventing melting "dead zones" and promoting natural convection in each module during melting, thus accelerating the melting rate and significantly shortening the melting time. Dividing the PCM into multiple modules along the natural convection direction inside the shell results in a more uniform temperature distribution within the PCM. Because all surfaces of the phase change modules are in contact with the heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer area is significantly increased, and the PCM thickness is reduced, thereby greatly improving the solidification rate and significantly shortening the solidification time. Therefore, this structural design not only improves the heat storage / release rate of the PCM but also makes the temperature distribution of the PCM inside the shell more uniform.

[0018] 2. Expansion joints are symmetrically installed on the walls of the most unfavorable heat transfer area of ​​each PCM module inside the shell, with support strips at both ends of the module. A phase change material layer (referred to here as the shell PCM module) is installed in the shell, and grooves are provided on the inner wall of the shell PCM module. The support strips are inserted into the grooves to achieve active connection, and sufficient expansion space is provided in the grooves to facilitate the free expansion of the internal PCM modules. Heat transfer fluid channels are formed between the internal phase change modules and between the internal phase change modules and the shell module. The expansion joints, the active connection of the grooves and support strips, and the heat transfer fluid space constitute an organic whole. The absence of any one of these components cannot effectively solve the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of the PCM module. The expansion joints can adopt corrugated, square, sawtooth, or other shapes. The expansion joints, combined with the active connection between the module and the shell, and with the help of the heat transfer fluid space, allow the phase change modules to expand and contract freely, effectively solving the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of the phase change modules, avoiding the risk of cracking, increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the most unfavorable heat transfer area, and thus improving the heat storage / release rate.

[0019] 3. A shell-layer phase change module is installed in the shell, which not only fully utilizes the heat transfer area of ​​the heat transfer fluid channel to improve the heat storage rate, but also reduces heat loss and improves the heat storage efficiency of the equipment. Upper, middle, and lower grooves are set on the inner wall of the shell-layer phase change module, which not only solves the active connection between the upper, middle, and lower phase change modules inside the shell and the shell, but also effectively solves the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of the shell-layer phase change module. Each phase change module inside the shell is actively connected to the shell PCM module, and the shell body is connected to both ends of the shell by flanges, thus facilitating disassembly, replacement, and cleaning, and reducing the requirements for the heat transfer fluid.

[0020] 4. The shape of the phase change module inside the shell at both ends is adapted to the shape of the shell ends. This can make full use of the space at both ends, increase the heat storage density, reduce the flow resistance of the flow channel, and reduce the power of the operating pump.

[0021] In summary, this novel device organically combines the advantages of shell-and-tube and plate phase change heat exchangers. Its heat storage / release rate is significantly higher than that of existing plate and shell-and-tube phase change heat storage devices, while effectively solving the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of PCM modules. It features high heat storage density, fast heat storage / release rate, compact structure, low heat loss, no cracking problems or melting "dead zones," and is easy to disassemble, install, and clean. Compared with existing technologies, it has outstanding substantive features and significant progress. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a shell-and-tube thermal storage unit where a melting "dead zone" is formed at the bottom of the tube.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a current plate heat exchanger where a melting "dead corner" is formed on the insulating surface of a rectangular phase change material module.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the AA section.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the first type of BB structure.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the second type of BB structure.

[0028] Among them, 1 fluid inlet, 2 flange, 3 shell body, 4 insulation layer, 5 protective layer, 6 shell end cap, 7 fluid outlet, 8 fluid, 9 upper phase change module, 10 middle phase change module, 11 lower phase change module, 12 middle support bar, 13 upper support bar, 14 lower support bar, 15 shell phase change module, 16 middle groove, 17 upper groove, 18 lower groove, 19 expansion joint. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific structure and implementation methods of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figure 3-6 As shown, a novel, highly efficient, freely expandable and detachable phase change heat storage and exchange device includes a shell, one end of which is a fluid inlet 1 and the other end is a fluid outlet 7. A shell phase change module is provided inside the shell. The phase change module includes a shell phase change module 15 and an internal phase change module. The shell phase change module is set close to the inner wall of the shell, and the internal phase change module is set in the cavity of the shell phase change module. The phase change module inside the shell includes an upper phase change module 9, a middle phase change module 10, and a lower phase change module 11. All three modules are actively connected to the shell phase change module. An upper fluid channel connects the upper phase change module to the shell phase change module; a middle-upper fluid channel connects the upper phase change module to the middle and shell phase change modules; a middle-lower fluid channel connects the middle phase change module to the lower and shell phase change modules; and a lower fluid channel connects the lower phase change module to the shell phase change module. Fluid inlets pass through the shell phase change module. The system connects to the upper, middle-upper, middle-lower, and lower fluid channels, which converge at the fluid outlet pipe. This outlet pipe passes through the shell phase change module and connects to the fluid outlet. Inside the shell, the upper, middle, and lower phase change modules, as well as the internal phase change modules and the shell phase change module, do not directly contact each other; gaps are left in between. The heat transfer fluid flows in from fluid inlet 1, passes through the internal gaps, exchanges heat with the phase change modules, and then flows out from fluid outlet 7, completing the heat storage and release process. The expansion joint not only increases the heat transfer area in the most unfavorable heat transfer zone, improving the heat storage / release rate, but also effectively solves the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of the phase change module, avoiding the risk of cracking. The expansion joint, combined with the active connection between the module and the shell, allows for effective free expansion and contraction through the heat transfer fluid space. A phase change material layer is provided in the shell to reduce heat loss, increase the contact area of ​​the heat transfer fluid, and increase the heat storage rate. The phase change material of the shell phase change module can be the same as or different from the phase change material of the phase change module inside the shell.

[0031] Expansion joints 19 are provided on the top and bottom walls of the thickest part of the upper phase change module, the top and bottom walls of the middle part of the middle phase change module, and the top and bottom walls of the thickest part of the lower phase change module. Upper grooves 17 are provided at the bottom ends of the upper phase change module corresponding to the shell phase change modules, middle grooves 16 are provided at the middle ends of the middle phase change module corresponding to the shell phase change modules, and lower grooves 18 are provided at the top ends of the lower phase change module corresponding to the shell phase change modules. The distance L1 between the upper and middle grooves is equal to the sum of half the thickness D2 / 2 of the internal middle module and the distance L3 between the internal middle and upper phase change modules 10 and 9, L1 = D2 / 2 + L3. The distance L2 between the lower and middle grooves is equal to the sum of half the thickness D2 / 2 of the internal middle module and the distance L4 between the internal middle and lower phase change modules 10 and 11, L2 = D2 / 2 + L4. Sufficient expansion space is provided in the grooves for the support bars to facilitate the free expansion of the internal phase change modules.

[0032] The housing includes a housing body 3 and housing heads 6 installed at both ends of the housing body. The housing heads are connected to the housing body by flanges 2.

[0033] Each phase change module inside the shell is actively connected to the phase change module in the shell. The length of the support and groove is equal to the length of the main shell and is only set in the main body, not in the corresponding part of the shell end cap. This allows the end caps at both ends of the shell to restrict the movement of the internal modules along the direction of heat transfer fluid flow. The shell body is connected to both ends of the shell by flanges, which facilitates disassembly, replacement and cleaning, and has low requirements for heat transfer fluid.

[0034] The length of the expansion joint is the same as the length of the phase change module inside the shell.

[0035] Upper support bars 13 are provided on both sides of the bottom end of the upper phase change module. The upper support bars are inserted into the upper grooves to achieve active connection. The length of the upper support bars is the same as the length of the main body of the shell.

[0036] A middle support bar 12 is provided on both sides of the middle layer phase change module. The middle support bar is inserted into the middle groove to achieve active connection. The length of the middle support bar is the same as the length of the shell body.

[0037] Lower support bars 14 are provided on both sides of the top of the lower phase change module. The lower support bars are inserted into the lower groove to achieve active connection. The length of the lower support bars is the same as the length of the main body of the shell.

[0038] The expansion joint can be any one of corrugated, square, or sawtooth shapes, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the expansion joint is corrugated, as... Figure 4 As shown, the expansion joint is square, and its length is the same as the length of the phase change module inside the shell.

[0039] On the inner surface of the shell phase change module layer, there are many square-like grooves, as shown in 3-5, for connecting with the phase change module inside the shell, and also to solve the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of the shell phase change module. The grooves provide sufficient expansion and contraction space for the support strips to facilitate the free expansion of the phase change module inside the shell.

[0040] The phase change module inside the housing of the present invention has a streamlined shape at both ends of the housing, which is adapted to the shape of both ends of the housing. This can make full use of the space at both ends, increase the heat storage density, reduce the flow resistance of the flow channel, and reduce the power of the operating pump.

[0041] In order to reduce heat loss of the equipment, the present invention has an insulation layer 4 on the outside of the shell and a protective layer 5 on the outside of the insulation layer 4.

[0042] As heat exchange proceeds, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid gradually decreases according to the flow direction. In order to make the phase change module melt and solidify simultaneously, the present invention can also be designed such that the thickness of the upper phase change module, the middle phase change module and the lower phase change module decreases sequentially from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

[0043] As heat exchange proceeds, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid gradually decreases according to the flow direction. To ensure that the phase change modules melt and solidify simultaneously, this invention can be designed such that the phase change temperatures of the phase change materials in the upper, middle, and lower phase change modules gradually decrease from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. In other words, the phase change materials in the phase change modules are multiphase materials. This structural design can further improve the heat storage efficiency and rate of the device, but at the same cold heat transfer fluid inlet temperature, the heat release rate decreases. It is more suitable for applications requiring rapid heat storage and slow heat release.

[0044] The present invention can also be designed such that ribs are embedded in the upper, middle, and lower phase change modules, with the height of the ribs gradually increasing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. In particular, adding non-uniformly distributed ribs along the flow direction, i.e., gradually increasing the density of the ribs along the flow direction, or uniformly distributed ribs with gradually increasing rib height, can further improve the heat storage / release rate of the device.

[0045] To further increase the heat transfer area, the present invention can also be designed as follows: the upper phase change module consists of at least two phase change module components arranged horizontally, with channels between adjacent phase change module components communicating with the upper fluid channel and the upper-middle fluid channel, respectively, and the bottom walls of adjacent phase change module components connected by a first intermediate support strip; the middle phase change module consists of at least two phase change module components arranged horizontally, with channels between adjacent phase change module components communicating with the upper-middle fluid channel and the lower-middle fluid channel, respectively, and the top and bottom walls of adjacent phase change module components connected by a second intermediate support strip; the lower phase change module consists of at least two phase change module components arranged horizontally, with channels between adjacent phase change module components communicating with the lower-middle fluid channel and the lower fluid channel, respectively, and the top walls of adjacent phase change module components connected by a third intermediate support strip. That is, the horizontal phase change module is transformed into several phase change module components connected in parallel, such as... Figure 5 As shown, this structural design can further improve the heat storage / release rate of the device, but the energy storage density is reduced.

[0046] The working process of this invention is as follows:

[0047] During heat storage, the heat transfer fluid flows in from the fluid inlet 1, and stores the heat in the module PCM while flowing through the internal gaps. Then it flows out from the fluid outlet 7 to complete the heat storage process. The phase change module absorbs heat and melts, expands in volume, and the pressure in the module increases. Under the action of the internal and external pressure difference, it extends to both sides through the expansion joint to complete the heat storage and free expansion process.

[0048] During heat release, the heat transfer fluid flows in from the fluid inlet 7 and exchanges heat with the phase change module as it flows through the internal gaps. The heat is extracted from the phase change module and carried away, and then flows out from the fluid outlet 1, completing the heat release process. The phase change module releases heat and condenses from liquid to solid. The pressure in the module decreases, and under the action of the internal and external pressure difference, it contracts inward through the expansion joint, completing the heat release and free contraction process. The volume of the phase change module decreases, and the cross-sectional area for the heat transfer fluid to flow increases.

[0049] The working principle of this invention is as follows:

[0050] 1. This invention adopts a structural design that organically combines expansion joints, movable connections, and heat transfer fluid space to solve the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of phase change modules.

[0051] To efficiently address the thermal expansion and contraction issue of phase change modules (PCMs) and avoid the risk of cracking while improving heat storage / release rates, expansion joints, movable connections, and heat transfer fluid spaces are organically integrated. This allows the PCM wall to maintain close contact with the encapsulated PCM material during free expansion, effectively solving the problem of thermal expansion and contraction and overcoming the slow heat transfer rate and low energy storage density caused by sacrificing the PCM filling rate and heat transfer area in traditional methods. The movable connections and heat transfer fluid spaces allow the symmetrically arranged expansion joints on the PCM to expand and contract freely, effectively solving the thermal expansion and contraction problem and avoiding the risk of cracking. Simultaneously, it ensures full contact between the PCM wall and the PCM material during both melting and solidification processes, significantly improving the heat transfer rate. No related reports have been found regarding this organically integrated structural form.

[0052] 2. This structural design, which divides the phase change module inside the circular shell into multiple modules along its natural convection direction and surrounds all surfaces of the phase change module with heat transfer fluid, can significantly improve the heat storage / release rate.

[0053] The structural design of this invention expands the heat transfer area between the heat transfer fluid and the phase change module while reducing the thickness of the phase change module. This not only facilitates the natural convection of the phase change material but also improves the uniformity of temperature distribution within the phase change module. Furthermore, it significantly shortens both the melting and solidification times. Compared to traditional high-heat-density phase change heat storage devices, this invention significantly improves the heat storage / release rate.

[0054] 3. This method of connecting the shell phase change module, which is fixed in the shell, with the internal phase change module is actively connected, allows for easy expansion, contraction, and disassembly.

[0055] This connection method not only solves the problem of thermal expansion and contraction of the phase change module fixed in the shell, but also makes full use of the heat transfer area and fluid space of the heat transfer fluid channel, which can significantly improve the heat storage efficiency, reduce the outlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid, and thus improve the thermal efficiency of the system.

[0056] 4. For internal active modules, symmetrically setting expansion joints on the wall surface of the most unfavorable heat transfer area can significantly improve the heat storage / release rate.

[0057] The symmetrical arrangement of expansion joints on the phase change module facilitates the free expansion and contraction of the phase change module; the expansion joints are placed on the wall surface of the most unfavorable heat transfer area of ​​the phase change module, which can effectively expand the heat transfer area of ​​the most unfavorable heat transfer area, thereby significantly improving the heat storage / release rate.

[0058] 5. Fixed shell phase change modules and movable internal shell phase change modules are provided at both the main body of the shell and the end caps. The shape of the movable module at the end caps is adapted to the shape of the shell end caps, that is, a streamlined shape adapted to the shape of the end cap shell. This can make full use of the space at both ends, increase the heat storage density, reduce the flow resistance of the flow channel, and reduce the power of the operating pump, etc.

[0059] This design, which incorporates fixed and movable modules at both the main body and end caps of the casing, can increase the heat storage density and heat transfer area of ​​the device, while also reducing fluid flow resistance and improving the uniformity of fluid distribution in each flow channel.

[0060] 6. Without changing other structural forms, for equipment with a larger shell diameter, the number of phase change modules in the vertical direction in the inner cavity of the shell module can be more than 3 layers, and the internal modules of the same horizontal layer can be divided into multiple parallel modules, which can further improve the heat storage / release rate of the device.

[0061] In summary, this invention fully considers the heat transfer characteristics of the melting and solidification processes of phase change materials. It not only makes full use of the natural convection of the phase change material during melting but also effectively reduces the thickness of the heat conduction layer during solidification. It effectively solves the problem of thermal expansion and contraction and increases the heat transfer area of ​​the most unfavorable heat transfer region, avoiding the occurrence of heat transfer "dead zones." Furthermore, it improves the energy storage density and heat storage / release rate of the device, and offers advantages such as compact structure, ease of manufacturing, and convenient cleaning. In conclusion, no related reports have been found regarding this phase change heat storage and exchange device that integrates high energy storage density, fast heat storage / release rate, and flexible connection and expansion / contraction.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the overall concept of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A freely retractable and detachable phase change heat storage and exchange device, comprising a shell, one end of which is a fluid inlet (1) and the other end of which is a fluid outlet (7), wherein a phase change module is disposed within the shell, characterized in that: The phase change module includes a shell phase change module (15) and an internal phase change module. The shell phase change module is disposed close to the inner wall of the shell, and the internal phase change module is disposed within the cavity of the shell phase change module. The internal phase change module includes an upper phase change module (9), a middle phase change module (10), and a lower phase change module (11). The upper phase change module (9), the middle phase change module (10), and the lower phase change module (11) inside the shell are all movably connected to the shell phase change module. There is an upper fluid channel between the upper phase change module and the shell phase change module. A middle-upper layer fluid channel connects the upper phase change module and the shell phase change module; a middle-lower layer fluid channel connects the middle layer phase change module with the lower and shell phase change modules; and a lower layer fluid channel connects the lower layer phase change module with the shell phase change module. The fluid inlet passes through the shell phase change module and connects to the upper, middle-upper layer, middle-lower layer, and lower layer fluid channels respectively. These fluid channels converge at the fluid outlet pipe, which also passes through the shell phase change module and connects to the fluid outlet. Expansion joints (19) are provided on the top and bottom walls of the thickest part of the layer phase change module, the top and bottom walls of the middle part of the middle layer phase change module, and the top and bottom walls of the thickest part of the lower layer phase change module. Upper grooves (17) are provided at the shell phase change modules at both ends of the bottom of the upper layer phase change module, middle grooves (16) are provided at the shell phase change modules at both ends of the middle part of the middle layer phase change module, and lower grooves (18) are provided at the shell phase change modules at both ends of the top of the lower layer phase change module. The shell includes a shell body (3) and shell heads installed at both ends of the shell body. (6) The shell end cap and the shell body are connected by a flange (2); an upper support strip (13) is provided on both sides of the bottom end of the upper phase change module. The upper support strip is inserted into the upper groove and the length of the upper support strip is the same as the length of the shell body; a middle support strip (12) is provided on both sides of the middle part of the middle phase change module. The middle support strip is inserted into the middle groove and the length of the middle support strip is the same as the length of the shell body; a lower support strip (14) is provided on both sides of the top end of the lower phase change module. The lower support strip is inserted into the lower groove and the length of the lower support strip is the same as the length of the shell body.

2. The freely expandable and detachable phase change thermal storage heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance L1 between the upper and middle grooves is equal to the sum of half the thickness of the internal middle module D2 / 2 and the distance L3 between the internal middle phase change module (10) and the upper phase change module (9), L1 = D2 / 2 + L3; the distance L2 between the lower and middle grooves is equal to the sum of half the thickness of the internal middle module D2 / 2 and the distance L4 between the internal middle phase change module (10) and the lower phase change module (11), L2 = D2 / 2 + L4. The lengths of the upper, middle and lower grooves are consistent with the length of the shell body.

3. The freely expandable and detachable phase change thermal storage heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the expansion joint is the same as the length of the phase change module inside the shell.

4. The freely expandable and detachable phase change thermal storage heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion joint can be corrugated, square, or sawtooth shaped.

5. The freely expandable and detachable phase change thermal storage heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the upper phase change module, the middle phase change module, and the lower phase change module decreases sequentially from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

6. The freely expandable and detachable phase change thermal storage heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase change temperature of the phase change material in the upper phase change module, the middle phase change module, and the lower phase change module gradually decreases from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

7. The freely expandable and detachable phase change thermal storage heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Ribs are embedded in the upper, middle and lower phase change modules, and the height of the ribs gradually increases from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet or the rib arrangement gradually becomes denser.

8. The freely expandable and detachable phase change thermal storage heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper phase change module is composed of at least two phase change module components arranged horizontally, and the channels between adjacent phase change module components are connected to the upper fluid channel and the middle-upper fluid channel, respectively; the middle phase change module is composed of at least two phase change module components arranged horizontally, and the channels between adjacent phase change module components are connected to the middle-upper fluid channel and the middle-lower fluid channel, respectively; the lower phase change module is composed of at least two phase change module components arranged horizontally, and the channels between adjacent phase change module components are connected to the middle-lower fluid channel and the lower fluid channel, respectively.

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