Carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system with photovoltaic power supply
By embedding phase change materials and carbon fiber heating elements inside inspection wells, combined with photovoltaic power generation and energy storage, the problem of inspection well freezing in cold regions has been solved, achieving efficient and autonomous anti-freezing protection, and is suitable for municipal drainage systems in cold regions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510977973.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing inspection wells are prone to freezing in cold winters, leading to blockages and structural damage. Common antifreeze methods are complex or energy-intensive, making it difficult to achieve efficient antifreeze protection throughout the entire life cycle.
By combining phase change material modules and carbon fiber heating elements, the phase change material releases heat before reaching freezing point, while the carbon fiber heating element replenishes heat in extreme cold conditions. Combined with photovoltaic panels and energy storage devices, the system achieves self-powered operation and ensures stable operation.
It achieves a compact structure, autonomous operation, and rapid response antifreeze effect, improving the reliability of inspection well operation and energy utilization efficiency in winter, and is suitable for remote areas.
Smart Images

Figure CN120844679A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of antifreeze protection technology for municipal infrastructure, specifically to a low-temperature antifreeze intelligent inspection well system that integrates phase change heat storage, carbon fiber heating and photovoltaic power supply. It is particularly suitable for scenarios in municipal stormwater and sewage pipe networks in cold regions to prevent ice formation inside inspection wells, ensure smooth hydraulic flow and normal equipment operation. Background Technology
[0002] Inspection wells are an important component of municipal drainage systems, widely used in urban stormwater and sewage separation systems, and perform multiple functions including drainage, inspection, and dredging. Their structure generally includes upper and lower chambers, a shaft, and a cover, and they are connected to adjacent inspection wells or drainage networks via underground pipes. During normal operation, the interior of the inspection well must be kept clear to ensure the smooth flow of sewage or rainwater, thus guaranteeing the stable operation of the urban drainage system.
[0003] However, in frigid regions during winter, the surface and shallow underground temperatures are low, making it easy for water accumulated or seeping into manholes to freeze, especially at the manhole opening or in shallow sections. Once frozen, it not only obstructs water flow and affects drainage, but can also cause safety hazards such as damage to the manhole structure and the manhole cover lifting. In severe cases, it can even lead to road collapses or accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. Currently, common antifreeze methods mainly include covering the manhole walls with insulation materials, installing electric heating pipes, or periodically performing manual de-icing. However, these methods suffer from problems such as complex construction, high energy consumption, or slow response, making it difficult to achieve efficient antifreeze protection for manholes throughout their entire life cycle.
[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention proposes an intelligent inspection well system integrating passive heat storage and active heating functions. The system embeds a phase change material module in the upper part of the well casing's inner wall, automatically releasing heat before the temperature approaches freezing point, thus delaying icing. Furthermore, carbon fiber heating elements are embedded within the phase change material layer, supplementing heat through a low-voltage power supply to the heating medium under extremely cold conditions, further ensuring system operational stability. The top cover integrates a small photovoltaic panel and energy storage device, enabling self-generation and energy storage during the day and maintaining heating operation at night or under low light conditions, achieving energy self-circulation without external power grid support. This makes it suitable for remote areas or regions with limited power supply. This system can be widely applied in municipal drainage, rural sewage treatment, and other scenarios, improving the safety and energy efficiency of inspection wells during winter operation. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated anti-freezing inspection well system based on phase change temperature control and photovoltaic heating auxiliary functions. It addresses the problems of freezing and blockage, maintenance difficulties, and high energy dependence of existing inspection wells in cold regions during winter operation. The invention proposes a compact, autonomous, and fast-responding intelligent anti-freezing solution to improve the reliability and energy efficiency of drainage systems during winter operation.
[0006] This invention provides the following technical solution: a photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system, including a photovoltaic module, a well cover, an energy storage device, an upper well shaft, a lower well shaft, an inspection well opening, an upper well chamber, a lower well chamber, an inner connecting channel, an inspection well structural layer, an inspection well insulation layer, a phase change temperature control module, a carbon fiber heating module, and an intelligent control unit;
[0007] The photovoltaic module is installed on the upper surface of the manhole cover, which can take into account both photovoltaic power generation and structural load-bearing functions. The manhole cover is installed at the top of the upper manhole cylinder by bolts or buckles, which is convenient for disassembly and maintenance. The photovoltaic module converts the absorbed solar energy into electrical energy, which is output to the energy storage device located below the manhole cover via wires. The energy storage device is located inside the upper manhole cylinder. The lower part of the upper manhole cylinder is connected to the lower manhole cylinder, which is connected to the manhole structural layer through the manhole opening.
[0008] The inspection well structure is a pressure-bearing cylindrical or elliptical structure, with an upper well chamber and a lower well chamber inside. The inner connecting channel is located in the lower part of the inner wall of the well cylinder. It is formed by pre-reservation of the mold or subsequent drilling. The edges are smooth to prevent mud and sand from clogging. The inner connecting channel enables the free flow of liquid or gas between the well chambers.
[0009] The inspection well structure layer adopts a high-strength concrete precast structure, and is covered with an inspection well insulation layer inside to isolate heat exchange between the inside and outside of the well.
[0010] The phase change temperature control module is composed of phase change material encapsulated in an aluminum alloy cavity. It is set on the upper well chamber wall of the inspection well structure layer and arranged around the entire well wall. The phase change temperature control module is uniformly embedded with carbon fiber heating modules and is detachably connected to the energy storage device through electrical connectors.
[0011] The intelligent control unit includes a built-in temperature sensor, controller, and wireless communication module. It monitors the wellbore temperature, ambient temperature, and the temperature status of the phase change temperature control module in real time. According to the set control logic, it activates the "passive phase change temperature control - active heating" strategy in stages: when the temperature in the well drops to the set threshold, the latent heat of the phase change material is released first for temperature control; if the temperature continues to drop to the critical point, it automatically switches to the carbon fiber heating mode to ensure the safe operation of the system and supports remote monitoring and uploading of operating data.
[0012] Preferably, the energy storage device is a battery, specifically a low-temperature resistant lithium battery or a supercapacitor module, which has charge and discharge protection, temperature control management, and insulation and waterproof functions, and is connected to the heating module through a standard interface.
[0013] Preferably, the phase change temperature control module uses a mixed modified n-alkane material as the phase change material, including a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon modified by mixing n-dodecane, n-tetradecane, n-hexadecane, and n-octadecane in a certain proportion, and a thermally conductive enhancing material, including metal powder or sodium carbonate, is doped into the phase change material to improve the thermal response speed and heat storage and release efficiency.
[0014] Preferably, the carbon fiber heating module is a carbon fiber heating mesh, which is uniformly embedded in the phase change material layer in a multi-layered, staggered distribution. It is formed by embedding a flexible woven fabric or mesh structure to ensure that the electric heat is uniformly conducted to the entire well wall area. It is supplemented by several capillary tubes to pass low-pressure water or air to further regulate the local heat exchange efficiency. It can also help maintain the temperature inside the inspection well above 0°C under extreme low temperature conditions by electric heating.
[0015] Preferably, the photovoltaic module is an integrated glass photovoltaic panel installed on the outer surface of the manhole cover. Its surface layer is made of anti-slip reinforced glass, and its internal structure has a pressure-resistant and freeze-resistant design, making it suitable for vehicle loads and harsh outdoor climates.
[0016] Preferably, the insulation layer of the inspection well is a porous polyurethane insulation layer.
[0017] Preferably, the energy storage device and the carbon fiber heating module are connected by a standard low-voltage interface, which facilitates construction and maintenance. The entire system is designed as a prefabricated module, which can be pre-assembled in the factory and transported to the construction site along with the well casing, thus shortening the installation cycle and improving project efficiency.
[0018] This invention's system maintains the well's internal temperature under natural conditions by releasing latent heat from a phase change material. In extremely cold conditions, it utilizes electrically energized carbon fiber for auxiliary heating, achieving stable temperature control within the inspection well. The carbon fiber heating device is embedded within or near the phase change material module. When the heat released by the phase change material is insufficient to prevent freezing, the controller activates low-voltage power supply heating as an active heating method, ensuring the system's anti-freezing effect in extremely cold environments. The carbon fiber material possesses excellent electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, along with a flexible structure, making it suitable for embedding and fixing within the well casing or for modular installation. This invention can also be expanded with networking capabilities based on actual application scenarios. Multiple inspection wells can communicate wirelessly with a central management system, enabling remote status monitoring and intelligent scheduling, improving maintenance efficiency while ensuring automated operation.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1) High system integration and reasonable distribution of functional modules, facilitating standardized production and rapid deployment; 2) Combining phase change temperature control and photovoltaic heating to achieve energy self-circulation and efficient antifreeze in extremely cold environments; 3) Integrating small photovoltaic modules into the manhole cover to achieve green power supply without affecting structural strength and traffic safety; 4) Possessing independent operation capability, suitable for remote areas or scenarios with inconvenient municipal power supply; 5) Possessing good intelligent control and maintenance expansion capabilities, improving overall operational reliability and technological added value. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heat insulation and heating layer of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0023] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system includes a photovoltaic module 1, a well cover 2, an energy storage device 3, an upper well barrel 4, a lower well barrel 5, an inspection well opening 6, an upper well chamber 7, a lower well chamber 8, an inner connecting channel 9, an inspection well structural layer 10, an inspection well insulation layer 11, a phase change material layer 12, a carbon fiber heating mesh 13, and an intelligent control unit.
[0024] The photovoltaic module 1 is installed on the upper surface of the manhole cover 2, which can take into account both photovoltaic power generation and structural load-bearing functions. The manhole cover 2 is installed on the top of the upper manhole 4 by bolts or clips, which is convenient for disassembly and maintenance. The photovoltaic module 1 converts the absorbed solar energy into electrical energy. The photovoltaic module 1 is output to the energy storage device 3 located below the manhole cover 2 via wires. The energy storage device 3 is located inside the upper manhole 4. The lower part of the upper manhole 4 is connected to the lower manhole 5. The lower manhole 5 is connected to the inspection well structural layer 10 through the inspection well opening 6.
[0025] The inspection well structure layer 10 is a pressure-bearing cylindrical or elliptical structure, with an upper well chamber 7 and a lower well chamber 8 inside. The inner connecting channel 9 is located in the lower part of the inner wall of the well cylinder. It is formed by pre-reserving a mold or drilling later. The edge is smooth to prevent mud and sand from blocking it. The inner connecting channel 9 enables the free flow of liquid or gas between the well chambers.
[0026] The inspection well structure layer 10 is a high-strength precast concrete structure, covered with an external inspection well insulation layer 11 to isolate heat exchange between the inside and outside of the well. The phase change material layer 12 is a filling structure located between the inspection well structure layer 10 and the inner insulation layer 11, and is arranged around the entire well wall. The phase change material layer 12 is uniformly embedded with carbon fiber heating mesh 13 and supplemented with several capillary microtubes, which can selectively pass low-pressure water flow or air to further regulate the local heat exchange efficiency.
[0027] The energy storage device 3 uses a low-temperature resistant lithium battery or supercapacitor module, which is fixed in the well wall structure groove of the upper wellbore 4 through a waterproof and corrosion-resistant shell, and is connected to the carbon fiber heating mesh 13. The carbon fiber heating mesh 13 is set inside the phase change material layer 12, and is distributed in multiple layers. It is embedded in a flexible woven fabric or mesh structure to ensure that the electric heat is evenly conducted to the entire well wall area. The system uses a temperature control circuit to control the heating power of the carbon fiber to ensure real-time start-up under low-temperature conditions.
[0028] In winter or at night under low-temperature conditions, this invention uses a temperature sensor to monitor the well temperature in real time. When the temperature drops below 1°C, the carbon fiber heating mesh is activated, and the phase change material begins to release its stored heat potential, maintaining the well temperature stable above 0°C and preventing icing blockage or frost heave damage. The energy storage device employs an intelligent control module for power regulation and power protection, ensuring continuous energy output.
[0029] This invention enables temperature control within the well environment via solar power generation without relying on mains electricity. It boasts advantages such as flexible installation, compact structure, low energy consumption, and strong environmental adaptability. It is particularly suitable for inspection wells, pipeline wells, and water storage wells in cold regions or far from power grids, effectively improving the structural safety and operational stability of the well.
[0030] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system, characterized in that: It includes photovoltaic modules, manhole covers, energy storage devices, upper manhole casing, lower manhole casing, manhole opening, upper manhole chamber, lower manhole chamber, inner connecting passage, manhole structural layer, manhole insulation layer, phase change temperature control module, carbon fiber heating module and intelligent control unit; The photovoltaic module is installed on the upper surface of the manhole cover. The manhole cover is installed at the top of the upper manhole cylinder by bolts or clips. The photovoltaic module is output to the energy storage device located below the manhole cover via wires. The energy storage device is located inside the upper manhole cylinder. The lower part of the upper manhole cylinder is connected to the lower manhole cylinder. The lower manhole cylinder is connected to the manhole structure layer through the manhole opening. The inspection well structure is a pressure-bearing cylindrical or elliptical structure, with an upper well chamber and a lower well chamber inside. The inner connecting channel is located on the lower part of the inner wall of the well cylinder and has smooth edges, so that liquids or gases can flow freely between the well chambers through the inner connecting channel. The inspection well structure layer adopts a high-strength concrete precast structure, and is covered with an inspection well insulation layer inside to isolate heat exchange between the inside and outside of the well. The phase change temperature control module is composed of phase change material encapsulated in an aluminum alloy cavity. It is set on the upper well chamber wall of the inspection well structure layer and arranged around the entire well wall. The phase change temperature control module is uniformly embedded with carbon fiber heating modules and is detachably connected to the energy storage device through electrical connectors. The intelligent control unit includes a built-in temperature sensor, controller, and wireless communication module. It monitors the wellbore temperature, ambient temperature, and the temperature status of the phase change temperature control module in real time. According to the set control logic, it activates the "passive phase change temperature control - active heating" strategy in stages: when the temperature in the well drops to the set threshold, the latent heat of the phase change material is released first for temperature control; if the temperature continues to drop to the critical point, it automatically switches to the carbon fiber heating mode to ensure the safe operation of the system and supports remote monitoring and uploading of operating data.
2. The photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage device is a battery, which is selected from low-temperature resistant lithium batteries or supercapacitor modules. It has charge and discharge protection, temperature control management and insulation and waterproof functions, and is connected to the heating module through a standard interface.
3. The photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The phase change temperature control module uses a mixed modified n-alkane material as the phase change material, including a mixed modified straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon of n-dodecane, n-tetradecane, n-hexadecane, and n-octadecane, and does a thermally conductive enhancing material, including metal powder or sodium carbonate, into the phase change material.
4. The photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The carbon fiber heating module is a carbon fiber heating mesh, which is uniformly embedded in the phase change material layer in a multi-layered, staggered distribution, and is formed by embedding it with flexible woven fabric or mesh structure.
5. A photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The photovoltaic module is an integrated glass photovoltaic panel with a surface layer made of anti-slip reinforced glass and an internal structure with pressure-resistant and freeze-resistant design.
6. A photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The insulation layer of the inspection well is a porous polyurethane insulation layer.
7. A photovoltaic-powered carbon fiber heating phase change temperature control inspection well system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The energy storage device is connected to the carbon fiber heating module via a standard low-voltage interface.