A bionic energy storage device with spider-web-shaped vibration enhancement and a method for operating the same

Abstract

The application discloses a bionic energy storage device with spider-web-shaped vibration strengthening and an operation method thereof, and relates to the technical field of bionic energy storage devices. The device comprises a plurality of honeycomb-shaped energy storage modules arranged continuously, each of the energy storage modules comprising a plurality of energy storage modules; the energy storage module comprises a heat exchange pipe, a spider-web-shaped fin module and an outer shell arranged coaxially from inside to outside. The device is used for recycling and storing industrial waste heat, waste heat such as light heat and renewable energy, and heat is stored in the honeycomb-shaped phase change energy storage module through a liquid-phase flow heat exchange medium; in the process of storing and releasing heat, a vibration generator drives the spider-web-shaped fin module to generate vibration disturbance flow in the honeycomb-shaped phase change energy storage module, so as to accelerate heat exchange; the application can realize efficient and stable heat transfer, storage and utilization, effectively overcome inherent defects such as low thermal conductivity of the phase change energy storage medium and high material attenuation degree caused by phase separation, and the honeycomb-shaped modular structure is stable and easy to replace and overhaul.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biomimetic energy storage technology, and in particular to a biomimetic energy storage device based on a spider web shape and vibration-enhanced heat transfer, and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of waste heat recovery and clean energy utilization, the development of thermal energy storage materials and the optimization of systems are essential to achieve energy matching between the supply and demand sides. While sensible heat storage methods using water as the main energy storage medium offer high stability, their energy storage density is insufficient. Therefore, phase change energy storage materials, based on sensible heat storage, can achieve high-density heat storage and release through the latent heat of phase change during the phase change process.

[0003] Devices using phase change materials (PCMs) as energy storage media often have limited applicability due to the inherent properties of the materials. PCMs, such as inorganic salts, are prone to supercooling and phase separation during cyclic use, leading to performance degradation. PCMs, such as paraffin wax, suffer from insufficient thermal conductivity, hindering timely heat storage and release. Current research often focuses on adding highly thermally conductive materials, such as copper foam and graphene, or increasing the heat exchange area. However, these methods reduce the volume of the energy storage material, and heat transfer remains primarily through natural convection, limiting the improvement in heat transfer performance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to reduce PCM degradation and improve heat exchange efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device and its operation method.

[0005] The specific technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a biomimetic energy storage device with enhanced spiderweb-shaped vibration, comprising a plurality of energy storage modules arranged continuously in a honeycomb pattern, each energy storage module comprising a plurality of coaxially continuous energy storage modules; the energy storage module is a sleeve-type structure, comprising a heat exchange tube, a spiderweb-shaped fin module, and a shell arranged coaxially from the inside to the outside; a phase change material is filled between the heat exchange tube and the shell, the phase change material being able to completely cover the spiderweb-shaped fin module; the spiderweb-shaped fin module comprises transverse spiderweb-shaped fins and longitudinal spiderweb-shaped fins respectively having a plurality of fin holes, the plurality of transverse spiderweb-shaped fins being arranged coaxially at intervals, adjacent transverse spiderweb-shaped fins being elastically connected by a plurality of longitudinal spiderweb-shaped fins, the outermost transverse spiderweb-shaped fins being connected to the shell by a plurality of elastic components; a vibration generator is provided on the surface of the transverse spiderweb-shaped fins and / or the longitudinal spiderweb-shaped fins;

[0007] Within the same energy storage module, the heat exchange tubes between adjacent energy storage modules are connected in series via pipelines. The heat exchange tubes in the end energy storage modules of adjacent energy storage modules are connected to each other via pipelines. The heat exchange tubes in the first-end energy storage modules of different energy storage modules are connected in parallel via pipelines, and the first-end parallel pipeline is connected to the heat source interface. The heat exchange tubes in the end energy storage modules of different energy storage modules are connected in parallel via pipelines, and the end parallel pipeline is connected to the heating interface.

[0008] Preferably, the adjacent energy storage modules are detachably connected.

[0009] Preferably, an inlet control valve is provided on the parallel pipeline connected to the heat source interface, and an outlet control valve is provided on the parallel pipeline connected to the heating interface.

[0010] Preferably, the heat exchange tube in the energy storage module at the first end is connected to the parallel pipeline at the first end through a sub-pipeline equipped with a module inlet control valve; the heat exchange tube in the energy storage module at the last end is connected to the parallel pipeline at the last end through a sub-pipeline equipped with a module outlet control valve.

[0011] Preferably, the heat exchange tubes between adjacent energy storage modules within the same energy storage module are connected in series through pipelines equipped with first control valves.

[0012] Preferably, the heat exchange tubes in the terminal energy storage modules of adjacent energy storage modules are connected by pipelines equipped with second control valves.

[0013] Preferably, each of the energy storage modules is equipped with a temperature sensor at both the inlet and outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the temperature sensor is connected to a controller, which controls the opening and closing of each valve in the device based on the signal provided by the temperature sensor.

[0015] Furthermore, the energy storage module is provided in five groups, and each energy storage module includes a first energy storage module, a second energy storage module, and a third energy storage module, for a total of three energy storage modules.

[0016] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for operating the biomimetic energy storage device described in any of the first aspects, as follows:

[0017] Energy storage mode: After recovering heat from clean energy, the liquid phase heat exchange medium transfers it to the heat source interface, and then flows through pipelines to the heat exchange tubes in each energy storage module. During this process, the phase change material near the heat exchange tube in the energy storage module melts first, and the heat is transferred along the unmelted solid phase change material and the spider web-shaped fin module. As heat exchange proceeds, the melted liquid phase change material becomes the main thermal resistance for heat transfer. At this time, the vibration generator starts to operate, causing the phase change material in the naturally convection liquid phase and the static two-phase mixing zone to vibrate and generate local turbulence, which enhances heat exchange until the device has completed all energy storage.

[0018] If there is insufficient heat supply at the heat source interface, resulting in incomplete energy storage of the device, then in the energy storage mode, the degree of energy storage completion of the energy storage module is determined based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the energy storage module, taking the energy storage module in the energy storage device as a unit, and a signal is provided to the controller.

[0019] Heat release mode: When heat is used at the heating interface, the high-temperature liquid phase heat exchange medium in the energy storage device is supplied from the top of the energy storage module in units of energy storage modules. The liquid phase heat exchange medium of the energy storage device is replenished from the bottom of the energy storage module. At this time, the vibration generator works. After the liquid phase change material in the fully stored energy storage module is vibrated, it begins to generate turbulent disturbance, which promotes the continuous heat exchange process.

[0020] If there is insufficient heat supply at the heat source interface, resulting in incomplete energy storage of the device, then in the heat release mode, the energy storage module controls the opening and closing of the valves inside the device through the controller, and releases heat on a unit basis, and implements the principle of prioritizing heat release for energy storage modules that have fully stored energy.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0022] First, the modular structure of the present invention makes the system highly controllable, has high energy storage / release efficiency, stable device structure, effectively prevents leakage of phase change materials, and is easy to replace and maintain in a modular manner.

[0023] Secondly, in the biomimetic energy storage device of the present invention, based on the dynamic characteristics of the spider web structure, the heat exchange efficiency of the phase change material can be enhanced by coupling with the phase change material, effectively reducing the phase separation and supercooling phenomenon during the recycling process of the phase change material, thereby reducing the decay rate of the phase change material.

[0024] The following will further explain the concept, specific structure and technical effects of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage module structure of the present invention;

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Heat source interface; 2. Device inlet control valve; 3. Module inlet control valve; 4. First energy storage module; 5. First control valve; 6. Second energy storage module; 7. Second control valve; 8. Temperature sensor; 9. Third energy storage module; 10. Module outlet control valve; 11. Device outlet control valve; 12. Heating interface; 13. Heat exchange tube; 14. Horizontal spiderweb fins; 15. Vertical spiderweb fins; 16. Vibration generator; 17. Elastic component; 18. Fin hole; 19. Phase change material; 20. Controller; 21. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The technical features of each embodiment of the present invention can be combined accordingly, provided that there is no mutual conflict.

[0029] This invention provides a spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device. This device mainly comprises multiple energy storage modules arranged in a continuous honeycomb pattern. Each energy storage module includes multiple coaxially arranged energy storage units. In other words, the energy storage device contains multiple individual honeycomb-shaped energy storage modules that can be inspected, disassembled, and assembled. These multiple energy storage modules can form an energy storage unit, allowing for zoned control during heat storage and release.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage module is provided in five groups, and each energy storage module includes three energy storage modules arranged sequentially from top to bottom, namely the first energy storage module 4, the second energy storage module 6 and the third energy storage module 9.

[0031] like Figure 2As shown, the energy storage module of the device of the present invention has a shell-and-tube structure, with the tube side used to introduce a liquid heat transfer medium and the shell side filled with a phase change material. Specifically, the energy storage module includes a heat exchange tube 13, a spider web-shaped fin module, and a shell 21 arranged coaxially from the inside to the outside. The space between the heat exchange tube 13 and the shell 21 is filled with a phase change material 19, which completely covers the spider web-shaped fin module. That is, the spider web-shaped fin module is embedded in the phase change material 19 and is in a suspended state. The spider web-shaped fin module includes transverse spider web-shaped fins 14 and longitudinal spider web-shaped fins 15, and both the transverse spider web-shaped fins 14 and the longitudinal spider web-shaped fins 15 have multiple fin holes 18. The multiple transverse spider web-shaped fins 14 are arranged coaxially at intervals, and adjacent transverse spider web-shaped fins 14 are elastically connected by multiple longitudinal spider web-shaped fins 15. The outermost horizontal spiderweb-shaped fins 14 are connected to the outer shell 21 via multiple elastic components 17. These elastic components can be spring structures, thereby suspending and fixing the spiderweb-shaped fin module. Vibration generators 16 are provided on the surfaces of the horizontal spiderweb-shaped fins 14 and / or the vertical spiderweb-shaped fins 15. These vibration generators are used to generate vibrations during heat storage and release, causing turbulence in the liquid phase change material on the fin surface, enhancing heat transfer, and thus increasing the heat storage / release efficiency of the heat storage unit.

[0032] In this embodiment, the radial cross-sections of the outer shell 21 and the transverse spiderweb-shaped fins 14 are both hexagonal; the longitudinal spiderweb-shaped fins 15 are flat structures and are respectively disposed at the six corners of the transverse spiderweb-shaped fins 14. In this embodiment, "elastic connection" refers to the presence of an elastic structure on the longitudinal spiderweb-shaped fins 15, which provides a buffering effect during vibration. For example, during heat storage, because the liquid phase fraction of the phase change material is low, the outer transverse fins are surrounded by solid phase change material, while the inner transverse fins are surrounded by phase change material that has melted into a liquid state. At this time, vibration is activated, thereby enhancing heat transfer.

[0033] In the device of the present invention, multiple honeycomb phase change energy storage modules are interconnected by grouping them in series and in parallel, as follows:

[0034] Within the same energy storage module, the heat exchange tubes 13 of adjacent energy storage modules are connected in series via pipelines. The heat exchange tubes 13 located in the terminal energy storage modules of adjacent energy storage modules are also connected via pipelines. The heat exchange tubes 13 located in the initial energy storage modules of different energy storage modules are connected in parallel via pipelines, with the initial parallel pipeline connected to the heat source interface 1. Similarly, the heat exchange tubes 13 located in the terminal energy storage modules of different energy storage modules are connected in parallel via pipelines, with the terminal parallel pipeline connected to the heating interface 12.

[0035] As shown in this embodiment Figure 1Taking the structure as an example, in the leftmost group of energy storage modules, the bottom of the heat exchange tube in the first energy storage module 4 at the beginning is connected to the parallel pipeline at the beginning via a sub-pipeline, and the top is connected to the top of the heat exchange tube in the second energy storage module 6 via a pipeline. The bottom of the heat exchange tube in the second energy storage module 6 is connected to the bottom of the heat exchange tube in the third energy storage module 9 via a pipeline. The top of the heat exchange tube in the third energy storage module 9 is divided into two paths via a tee: one path is connected to the parallel pipeline at the end via a sub-pipeline, and the other path is connected to the top of the heat exchange tube in the energy storage module at the end of the adjacent group of energy storage modules. This setup has two advantages: First, it is modular, allowing for the simultaneous use of phase change energy storage modules with different phase change temperatures and heat storage densities based on the characteristics of waste heat or solar heat, making it highly adaptable and easily disassembled and replaced. Second, during the heat storage process, if the waste heat supply is insufficient, the entire energy storage device cannot be fully stored. Heat can be supplied sequentially according to the heat storage module's priority and the degree of heat storage completion.

[0036] In this embodiment, to better control the opening and closing of each pipeline, a temperature sensor 8 is installed at the inlet and outlet of each energy storage module. The temperature sensor 8 is connected to the controller 20. The controller 20 controls the opening and closing of each valve in the device based on the signal provided by the temperature sensor 8, thereby regulating the start and stop status of the energy storage and supply modules through the valves. The specific configuration of each valve in the device is as follows:

[0037] A device inlet control valve 2 is installed on the parallel pipeline connecting to the heat source interface 1, and a device outlet control valve 11 is installed on the parallel pipeline connecting to the heating interface 12. The heat exchange tube 13 in the energy storage module at the first end is connected to the first-end parallel pipeline via a sub-pipeline equipped with a module inlet control valve 3. The heat exchange tube 13 in the energy storage module at the last end is connected to the last-end parallel pipeline via a sub-pipeline equipped with a module outlet control valve 10. The heat exchange tubes 13 between adjacent energy storage modules within the same energy storage module are connected in series via pipelines equipped with first control valves 5. The heat exchange tubes 13 in the last energy storage modules of adjacent energy storage modules are connected via pipelines equipped with second control valves 7.

[0038] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, heat source interface 1 is connected to the inlet of device inlet control valve 2. The outlet of device inlet control valve 2 is connected to the inlet of module inlet control valve 3. The outlet of module inlet control valve 3 is connected to the bottom inlet of the first energy storage module 4. After heat exchange, the outlet of the first energy storage module 4 is connected to the first control valve 5. The outlet of the first control valve 5 is connected to the inlet of the second energy storage module 6. The outlet of the second energy storage module 6 is connected to the first control valve 5. The outlet of the first control valve 5 is connected to the inlet of the third energy storage module 9. The outlet of the third energy storage module 9 is separated by a tee. One outlet is connected to the inlet of module outlet control valve 10. The outlet of module outlet control valve 10 is connected to device outlet control valve 11. The outlet of device outlet control valve 11 is connected to heating interface 12, completing the energy storage process of one module. The other outlet of the third energy storage module 9 is connected to the inlet of the second control valve 7 of the next module.

[0039] The operation method of the above-mentioned biomimetic energy storage device mainly includes energy storage mode and heat release mode, as detailed below:

[0040] Energy storage mode: The liquid phase heat exchange medium recovers heat from clean energy sources such as industrial waste heat and solar thermal energy, and then transfers it to the heat source interface 1. Subsequently, it flows through pipelines to the heat exchange tubes 13 in each energy storage module. During this process, the phase change material 19 near the heat exchange tube 13 in the energy storage module melts first, and heat is transferred along the unmelted solid phase change material 19 and the spider web-shaped fin module. As heat exchange proceeds, the melted liquid phase change material 19 becomes the main thermal resistance for heat transfer. At this time, the vibration generator 16 starts to operate, causing the phase change material 19 in the naturally convection liquid phase and the static two-phase mixing zone to vibrate and generate local turbulence, enhancing heat exchange until the device has completed energy storage.

[0041] If the heat supply at heat source interface 1 (i.e., the heat source side) is insufficient, resulting in incomplete energy storage of the device, then in the energy storage mode, the energy storage completion level of the energy storage module is determined based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the energy storage module, taking the energy storage module in the energy storage device as a unit, and a signal is provided to the controller 20.

[0042] Heat release mode: When heat is used at the heating interface 12 (i.e. the user side), the high-temperature liquid phase heat exchange medium in the energy storage device is supplied from the top of the energy storage module in units of energy storage modules, and the liquid phase heat exchange medium of the energy storage device is replenished from the bottom of the energy storage module in units of groups. At this time, the vibration generator 16 works, and the liquid phase change material in the fully stored energy storage module is vibrated and begins to generate turbulent disturbance, which promotes the continuous heat exchange process.

[0043] If the heat supply at heat source interface 1 is insufficient, resulting in incomplete energy storage of the device, then in the heat release mode, the energy storage module controls the opening and closing of the valves inside the device through controller 20 to release heat on a per-energy storage module basis, and implements the principle of prioritizing heat supply and release for energy storage modules with complete energy storage.

[0044] This invention relates to a device for recovering and storing clean and renewable energy sources such as industrial waste heat and solar thermal energy. The heat is stored in a honeycomb phase change energy storage module through a liquid-phase flow heat exchange medium. During the storage and release of heat, a vibration generator drives the spiderweb-shaped fin module to generate vibration turbulence in the honeycomb phase change energy storage module, thereby accelerating heat exchange. This invention can achieve efficient and stable heat transfer, storage, and utilization, while effectively overcoming the inherent defects of phase change energy storage media such as low thermal conductivity and high material attenuation due to phase separation. The honeycomb modular structure is stable and easy to replace and maintain.

[0045] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all technical solutions obtained through equivalent substitution or transformation fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device, characterized in that, The system includes several energy storage modules arranged in a honeycomb pattern, each energy storage module comprising several coaxially arranged energy storage modules; each energy storage module has a sleeve-type structure, comprising a heat exchange tube (13), a spider web-shaped fin module, and a shell (21) arranged coaxially from the inside to the outside; a phase change material (19) is filled between the heat exchange tube (13) and the shell (21), and the phase change material (19) can completely cover the spider web-shaped fin module; the spider web-shaped fin module comprises several fin holes (1) 8) The transverse spiderweb-shaped fins (14) and the longitudinal spiderweb-shaped fins (15) are arranged coaxially and spaced apart. Adjacent transverse spiderweb-shaped fins (14) are elastically connected by a number of longitudinal spiderweb-shaped fins (15). The outermost transverse spiderweb-shaped fins (14) are connected to the outer shell (21) by a number of elastic components (17). The surface of the transverse spiderweb-shaped fins (14) and / or the longitudinal spiderweb-shaped fins (15) is provided with a vibration generator (16). The heat exchange tubes (13) between adjacent energy storage modules within the same energy storage module are connected in series through pipelines. The heat exchange tubes (13) located in the end energy storage modules of adjacent energy storage modules are connected through pipelines. The heat exchange tubes (13) located in the first-end energy storage modules of different energy storage modules are connected in parallel through pipelines. The first-end parallel pipeline is connected to the heat source interface (1). The heat exchange tubes (13) located in the end energy storage modules of different energy storage modules are connected in parallel through pipelines. The end parallel pipeline is connected to the heating interface (12).

2. The spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjacent energy storage modules are all detachably connected.

3. The spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A device inlet control valve (2) is provided on the parallel pipeline connected to the heat source interface (1), and a device outlet control valve (11) is provided on the parallel pipeline connected to the heating interface (12).

4. The spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange tube (13) in the energy storage module located at the first end is connected to the parallel pipeline at the first end through a sub-pipeline equipped with a module inlet control valve (3); the heat exchange tube (13) in the energy storage module located at the end is connected to the parallel pipeline at the end through a sub-pipeline equipped with a module outlet control valve (10).

5. The spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange tubes (13) between adjacent energy storage modules within the same energy storage module are connected in series through pipelines equipped with first control valves (5).

6. The spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange tubes (13) located in the terminal energy storage module of the adjacent energy storage modules are connected by pipelines equipped with second control valves (7).

7. The spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Temperature sensors (8) are installed at the inlet and outlet of each energy storage module.

8. The spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temperature sensor (8) is connected to the controller (20), which controls the opening and closing of each valve in the device according to the signal provided by the temperature sensor (8).

9. A spiderweb-shaped vibration-enhanced biomimetic energy storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The energy storage module is provided in five groups, and each energy storage module includes a first energy storage module (4), a second energy storage module (6), and a third energy storage module (9), for a total of three energy storage modules.

10. A method for operating the biomimetic energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Specifically as follows: Energy storage mode: After recovering heat from clean energy, the liquid phase heat exchange medium transfers it to the heat source interface (1), and then flows through the pipeline to the heat exchange tube (13) in each energy storage module; during this process, the phase change material (19) near the heat exchange tube (13) in the energy storage module melts first, and the heat is transferred along the unmelted solid phase change material (19) and the spider web fin module; as the heat exchange proceeds, the melted liquid phase change material (19) becomes the main thermal resistance for heat transfer. At this time, the vibration generator (16) starts to run, causing the phase change material (19) in the naturally convection liquid phase and the static two-phase mixing zone to vibrate and generate local turbulence, which enhances the heat exchange until the device completes all energy storage; If the heat supply at the heat source interface (1) is insufficient, resulting in incomplete energy storage of the device, then in the energy storage mode, the energy storage module in the energy storage device is used as a unit. The degree of energy storage completion of the energy storage module is determined based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the energy storage module, and a signal is provided to the controller (20). Heat release mode: When heat is used at the heating interface (12), the high-temperature liquid phase heat exchange medium in the energy storage device is supplied from the top of the energy storage module in units of energy storage modules, and the liquid phase heat exchange medium of the energy storage device is replenished from the bottom of the energy storage module. At this time, the vibration generator (16) works, and the liquid phase change material in the fully stored energy storage module is vibrated and begins to generate turbulent disturbance, which promotes the continuous heat exchange process. If the heat supply at the heat source interface (1) is insufficient, resulting in incomplete energy storage of the device, then in the heat release mode, the energy storage module controls the opening and closing of the valves in the device through the controller (20), and releases heat on a unit basis, and implements the principle of prioritizing heat supply and release for energy storage modules with complete energy storage.

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