Modular phase change thermal storage device, method of controlling the same, apparatus, and medium

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of phase change energy storage, and discloses a modular phase change heat storage device, a control method, equipment and a medium, so as to solve the problems of non-transparent operation state, uncontrollable heat release power, low system integration and lack of adaptive ability in the prior art. The device comprises a modular box body, a phase change heat storage unit filled with a phase change material arranged in the modular box body, a heat exchange fluid pipeline arranged in the modular box body and used for heat exchange with the phase change heat storage unit, a fluid power and regulation module integrated on the heat exchange fluid pipeline, a data acquisition module used for real-time acquisition of the flow and temperature of the heat exchange fluid and the temperature of the phase change heat storage unit, and an intelligent control module comprising a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a human-machine interface (HMI). The application not only guarantees excellent heat performance of the heat storage device, but also increases the intelligent management and control function of the heat storage device and improves the adaptability of the heat storage device in different application scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of phase change energy storage technology, specifically relating to modular phase change thermal energy storage devices and their control methods, equipment, and media. Background Technology

[0002] The mismatch between energy supply and demand in time and space is one of the key challenges to improving energy efficiency. Phase change energy storage technology utilizes the property of phase change materials to absorb or release a large amount of latent heat during phase change, storing excess heat energy in the system and releasing it for use when needed. This is an effective means to solve the above challenges and achieve peak shaving and valley filling. In particular, medium and low temperature phase change materials, due to their low cost, easy availability, and high latent heat of phase change, make thermal storage devices based on such materials highly feasible and have good prospects for widespread application.

[0003] In many fields such as heating and industrial waste heat recovery, energy consumption often exhibits intermittent or fluctuating characteristics. Energy storage devices can effectively balance energy supply and demand by storing heat energy during periods of energy surplus and releasing it during periods of peak energy demand, thereby improving the economic efficiency and stability of the entire system.

[0004] However, current phase change thermal energy storage devices also reveal several pressing technical problems in practical applications: First, the operating status is opaque and control methods are lacking. Existing devices often lack complete data acquisition and monitoring systems, making it impossible for operators to accurately and in real-time obtain key operating parameters within the device, such as the flow rate of the heat exchange fluid, inlet and outlet temperatures, and the temperature field distribution of the phase change material itself. These data are crucial for precise control; their absence means the entire heat storage and release process largely relies on experience-based judgment, resulting in a state of "blind control" and hindering intelligent management. Second, the heat release process is uncontrollable, leading to unstable heat output. During heat release, the heat release power of the phase change thermal energy storage device naturally decreases as the temperature of the phase change material drops. In the initial stage of heat release, excessive power may lead to wasted heat energy; while in the later stage, insufficient power may fail to meet the basic heat load requirements of the user. This inherent power decay characteristic makes it difficult to guarantee heating quality, affecting the overall energy efficiency and user experience of the system. Current technologies lack effective means for proactive intervention and real-time adjustment of heat release power. Finally, the system integration is low, and it lacks scenario adaptability. Traditional thermal storage devices are mostly single-function heat tanks that do not integrate the circulation power, control valves, and monitoring and control systems with the thermal storage unit in a unified or modular manner. This results in complex on-site installation, difficulty in relocation, and difficulty in automatically switching to the optimal operating strategy according to different application scenarios (such as different peak and off-peak electricity price periods and different heat demands), thus limiting their large-scale flexible deployment and application. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the aforementioned shortcomings and deficiencies in the existing technology, one of the objectives of this invention is to at least solve one or more of the aforementioned problems in the existing technology. In other words, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a modular phase change thermal energy storage device and its control method, equipment, and medium that meet one or more of the aforementioned requirements, so as to achieve real-time and precise control of heat release power, and to have a high degree of modular integration and scene adaptability, thereby effectively improving the thermal energy utilization efficiency, operational stability, and applicability flexibility of the thermal energy storage device.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular phase change thermal storage device, comprising:

[0008] Modular enclosure;

[0009] The phase change thermal storage unit, which is installed inside the modular box, is filled with phase change material;

[0010] The heat exchange fluid pipeline is installed inside the modular box and is used for heat exchange with the phase change thermal storage unit;

[0011] The fluid dynamics and control module is integrated into the heat exchange fluid pipeline and includes a variable frequency water pump, an inlet electric opening valve, an outlet electric switching valve, and a bypass pipeline. The bypass pipeline is connected in parallel with the variable frequency water pump and is equipped with a bypass electric switching valve.

[0012] The data acquisition module includes an ultrasonic heat meter and a temperature sensor installed on the heat exchange fluid pipeline, which are used to collect the flow rate and temperature of the heat exchange fluid and the temperature of the phase change heat storage unit in real time.

[0013] The intelligent control module includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a human-machine interface (HMI).

[0014] The PLC is electrically connected to the fluid power and control module and the data acquisition module, and is configured to receive data from the data acquisition module and issue control commands to the fluid power and control module based on preset control logic.

[0015] The HMI is communicatively connected to the PLC and is configured to display operating parameters and provide a user input interface.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the phase change material is an inorganic hydrated salt composite material with a thermal conductivity of not less than 1.1 W / (m·K) and a latent heat of phase change of not less than 240 kJ / kg.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the inlet electric opening valve is installed on the inlet main pipe of the heat exchange fluid pipeline; the variable frequency water pump and the bypass pipeline are connected in parallel and are connected together between the main pipe downstream of the inlet electric opening valve and the main pipe upstream of the ultrasonic heat meter; the outlet electric switching valve is installed on the outlet main pipe of the heat exchange fluid pipeline.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment, the PLC has a pre-set peak-valley electricity regulation program, which is configured as follows:

[0019] Receive peak and off-peak time periods set by the HMI;

[0020] During off-peak hours, the device is controlled to start or prioritize the operation of the heat storage mode;

[0021] During peak hours, the device is controlled to stop the heat storage mode.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment, the PLC has a pre-installed PID control program, which is configured as follows:

[0023] Receive the target heat release power value or target flow rate value set by the HMI;

[0024] Based on the power or flow data collected in real time by the data acquisition module, the control quantity is calculated using a PID algorithm;

[0025] A control signal is output to the variable frequency water pump and / or the inlet electric opening valve to adjust the heat exchange fluid flow rate so that the actual heat release power or flow rate is stabilized at the set value.

[0026] Secondly, the present invention provides a control method for a modular phase change thermal storage device based on Embodiment 1, including a thermal storage mode, wherein the process of executing the thermal storage mode is as follows:

[0027] Open the heat source side valve and the outlet electric switch valve;

[0028] The heat storage mode is activated via the HMI, and the operating frequency of the variable frequency water pump is set to 30Hz, or the bypass electric switch valve is opened to shut down the variable frequency water pump.

[0029] The data acquisition module monitors the temperature measurement points inside the phase change thermal storage unit in real time.

[0030] When the temperature at all the temperature measuring points reaches the phase change temperature of the phase change material, the device is controlled to stop storing heat.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment, a heat release condition is also included, the process of which is as follows:

[0032] Open the outlet electric switch valve;

[0033] The heat release mode is activated through the HMI, and the target heat release power is set. The HMI provides preset power levels of 1.5kW, 2.0kW and 2.5kW for users to select quickly, or receives user-defined power values.

[0034] The PLC calls the PID control program to maintain the heat release power measured by the ultrasonic heat meter at the target heat release power by adjusting the opening degree of the inlet electric valve and / or the frequency of the variable frequency water pump.

[0035] The heat release operation ends when the measured heat release power is lower than the power required for actual application.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, peak-valley electric drive mode is also included, and the process of executing the peak-valley electric drive mode is as follows:

[0037] The local peak and off-peak hours are set via the HMI, and the peak-off-peak electric drive mode is activated.

[0038] The PLC monitors and records in real time the first duration when the inlet water temperature is greater than the outlet water temperature and the second duration when the inlet water temperature is less than the outlet water temperature in the heat exchange fluid pipeline.

[0039] The PLC, by combining the first continuous time, the second continuous time, and the temperature of the phase change thermal storage unit, automatically determines whether the current condition is thermal storage or thermal release, and controls the fluid dynamics and control module to perform the corresponding state switching.

[0040] Thirdly, the present invention provides an electronic device, the computer device including a memory, a processor and a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by the processor, implements the control method as described in the second aspect.

[0041] Fourthly, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the control method as described in the second aspect.

[0042] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0043] 1. High integration and modularity: The thermal storage, power, regulation, measurement and control and intelligent management units are integrated into one compact modular device, which is easy to transport and install, and can be used immediately. This greatly improves the portability and adaptability of the equipment.

[0044] 2. Transparent Operation and Intelligent Control: All key operating parameters are displayed and recorded in real time through the data acquisition module and HMI interface, solving the problem of "blind control." Users can remotely monitor and intervene in the unit's operation via the HMI, realizing digital and intelligent management of the thermal storage device.

[0045] 3. Precise and controllable heat release power: Through the built-in PID control program, the heat release power can be actively and precisely adjusted according to the user settings to stabilize it at the target value. This changes the characteristic of natural decay of heat release power in traditional phase change thermal storage devices and ensures stable heat energy output.

[0046] 4. Excellent Adaptability and Economic Efficiency: Equipped with automatic peak-valley electricity regulation function, it can intelligently switch between heat storage / release modes according to preset time, optimize energy costs, and achieve "peak shifting and valley filling". At the same time, the device adopts high-performance self-developed phase change materials with high latent heat and good thermal conductivity, and solves the problems of supercooling and phase separation, which can achieve high power, long-term stable heat release, and high energy utilization.

[0047] Further or more detailed beneficial effects will be described in conjunction with specific embodiments in the detailed implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0048] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modular phase change thermal storage device described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the peak-valley electric drive operation described in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the electronic device described in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main control interface of the human-computer interaction interface (HMI) used in the verification group in the comparative experiment described in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 5 This is the key information display screen of the human-computer interaction interface (HMI) used by the verification group in the comparative experiment described in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the PID manual setting screen of the human-computer interaction interface (HMI) used in the comparative experiment described in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the PID automatic setting screen of the human-computer interaction interface (HMI) used in the comparative experiment described in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of the control group in the comparative experiment described in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of the verification group in the comparative experiment described in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0058] Icon labels:

[0059] 1. Modular housing; 2. Ultrasonic heat meter; 3. Outlet electric switch valve; 4. Inlet electric opening valve; 5. Variable frequency water pump; 6. Bypass electric switch valve;

[0060] 300. Electronic devices;

[0061] 301. Processor; 302. Communication bus; 303. User interface; 304. Network interface; 305. Memory. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] In the following description, several embodiments of the present invention are provided. Different embodiments can be substituted or combined. Therefore, the present invention can also be considered to include all possible combinations of the same and / or different embodiments described. Thus, if one embodiment includes features A, B, and C, and another embodiment includes features B and D, then the present invention should also be considered to include embodiments containing one or more other possible combinations of A, B, C, and D, even if such embodiments are not explicitly described in the following text.

[0064] The following description provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the described elements without departing from the scope of the invention. Various processes or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added to the various examples. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with respect to some examples may be combined into other examples.

[0065] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, its application scenarios will be explained before providing a detailed explanation of the specific implementation methods.

[0066] The modular phase change thermal energy storage devices described in this specification are applicable to various scenarios requiring thermal energy storage, management, and precise release, particularly in situations with intermittent heat sources or fluctuating heat demand. In these scenarios, the application of these modular phase change thermal energy storage devices aims to achieve precise matching and efficient utilization of thermal energy in terms of time and intensity. Their modular and plug-and-play characteristics reduce installation complexity, and their intelligent control capabilities enhance system automation and overall lifecycle economics.

[0067] The following is a brief explanation of the phase change materials, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) involved in several embodiments of this specification:

[0068] Phase change materials (PCMs) are substances that undergo a change of state (e.g., from solid to liquid) at a specific temperature (phase change temperature), absorbing or releasing a large amount of latent heat in the process. The inorganic hydrated salt composite material preferred in this invention is a type of medium- and low-temperature phase change material with inorganic salts and water as the main components, and modified by adding nucleating agents, thickeners, and other materials to overcome supercooling and phase separation defects. It has the advantages of high heat storage density and relatively low cost.

[0069] A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a digital electronic system designed specifically for industrial environments. It employs a programmable memory to store instructions for performing logical operations, sequential control, timing, counting, and arithmetic operations, and controls various types of machinery or production processes through digital or analog inputs and outputs. In this invention, the PLC serves as the core of the intelligent control system, responsible for processing all sensor data, executing preset control algorithms (such as PID control and peak-valley electrical logic), and outputting instructions to drive actuators (such as water pumps and valves).

[0070] A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is an operation and display device that connects the user to the PLC control system. It provides the user with a graphical interface for real-time monitoring of the device's operating status (such as parameters like temperature, flow rate, and power, and their historical curves), and receives user input commands (such as setting target power, selecting operating modes, and setting peak and off-peak electricity times). It is a key component for achieving centralized, visual monitoring and convenient operation of the device.

[0071] Example 1:

[0072] This embodiment provides a modular phase change thermal energy storage device, including a modular housing, a phase change thermal energy storage unit, a fluid dynamics and control module, a data acquisition module, and an intelligent control module.

[0073] The modular enclosure serves as the support and protection structure for the entire device, and houses a phase change thermal storage unit filled with 500 kg of self-developed high-performance inorganic hydrated salt phase change material. This material is an inorganic hydrated salt composite material, consisting of sodium acetate trihydrate as the main inorganic salt, combined with three modifying materials: nano-alumina, potassium chloride, and carboxymethyl cellulose. It exhibits a latent heat of phase change of no less than 240 kJ / kg and a thermal conductivity of no less than 1.1 W / (m·K). Furthermore, the issues of supercooling and phase separation are addressed through a composite modifier.

[0074] The heat exchange fluid piping is coiled and runs through the phase change material. The fluid dynamics and control module is integrated into the piping; see the attached diagram for connection details. Figure 1 The process is as follows: Water flows in from the back of the modular housing 1, first passing through the inlet electric valve 4 installed on the inlet main pipe, and then flowing through a parallel node. This node branches into two branches: one branch is equipped with a variable frequency water pump 5, and the other branch is equipped with a bypass electric switch valve 6 to form a bypass. After the two branches merge, the fluid flows through the ultrasonic heat meter 2 and then into the heat exchange coil inside the housing, where it exchanges heat with the PCM. After exiting the coil, the fluid passes through the outlet electric switch valve 3 located on the outlet main pipe and finally flows out from the back of the modular housing 1.

[0075] The data acquisition module also includes multiple screw-type resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) inserted inside the PCM for direct monitoring of the phase change material's temperature. The intelligent control module's PLC control box and HMI are centrally located on the front of the enclosure, physically separated from the fluid interface for safety and reliability. The PLC processes all data and executes control logic, while the HMI provides users with a centralized monitoring and operation interface.

[0076] Example 2:

[0077] This embodiment provides a control method for the modular phase change thermal storage device described in Embodiment 1, including thermal storage mode, thermal release mode, and peak-valley electric drive mode.

[0078] The process of executing the aforementioned heat storage condition is as follows:

[0079] Open the heat source side valve and the outlet electric switch valve;

[0080] The heat storage mode is activated via the HMI, and the operating frequency of the variable frequency water pump is set to 30Hz, or the bypass electric switch valve is opened to shut down the variable frequency water pump.

[0081] The data acquisition module monitors the temperature measurement points inside the phase change thermal storage unit in real time.

[0082] When the temperature at all the temperature measuring points reaches the phase change temperature of the phase change material, the device is controlled to stop storing heat.

[0083] The process of executing the aforementioned heat release condition is as follows:

[0084] Open the outlet electric switch valve;

[0085] The heat release mode is activated through the HMI, and the target heat release power is set. The HMI provides preset power levels of 1.5kW, 2.0kW and 2.5kW for users to select quickly, or receives user-defined power values.

[0086] The PLC calls the PID control program to maintain the heat release power measured by the ultrasonic heat meter at the target heat release power by adjusting the opening degree of the inlet electric valve and / or the frequency of the variable frequency water pump.

[0087] The heat release operation ends when the measured heat release power is lower than the power required for actual application.

[0088] The process of executing the peak-valley electric drive condition is as follows:

[0089] The local peak and off-peak hours are set via the HMI, and the peak-off-peak electric drive mode is activated.

[0090] The PLC monitors and records in real time the first duration when the inlet water temperature is greater than the outlet water temperature and the second duration when the inlet water temperature is less than the outlet water temperature in the heat exchange fluid pipeline.

[0091] The PLC, by combining the first continuous time, the second continuous time, and the temperature of the phase change thermal storage unit, automatically determines whether the current condition is thermal storage or thermal release, and controls the fluid dynamics and control module to perform the corresponding state switching.

[0092] This embodiment provides a preferred implementation method for the peak-valley electric drive condition, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0093] Example 3:

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides an electronic device, which may include: at least one processor, at least one network interface, a user interface, a memory, and at least one communication bus.

[0095] The communication bus can be used to enable communication between the various components mentioned above.

[0096] The user interface may include buttons, and optional user interfaces may also include standard wired interfaces and wireless interfaces.

[0097] The network interface may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth modules, NFC modules, Wi-Fi modules, etc.

[0098] The processor may include one or more processing cores. It connects various parts of the electronic device via various interfaces and lines, executing instructions, programs, code sets, or instruction sets stored in memory, and accessing data stored in memory to perform various functions and process data. Optionally, the processor can be implemented using at least one hardware form of DSP, FPGA, or PLA. The processor may integrate one or more of the following: CPU, GPU, and modem. The CPU primarily handles the operating system, user interface, and applications; the GPU is responsible for rendering and drawing the content required for display; and the modem handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem may also be implemented as a separate chip without being integrated into the processor.

[0099] The memory may include RAM or ROM. Optionally, the memory may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory can be used to store instructions, programs, code, code sets, or instruction sets. The memory may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store instructions for implementing an operating system, instructions for at least one function (such as touch function, sound playback function, image playback function, etc.), instructions for implementing the above-described method embodiments, etc.; the data storage area may store data involved in the above-described method embodiments, etc. Optionally, the memory may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor. The memory, as a computer storage medium, may include an operating system, a network communication module, a user interface module, and a control application program. The processor can be used to call the control application program stored in the memory and execute the steps of the control methods mentioned in the foregoing embodiments.

[0100] Example 4:

[0101] This embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer or processor, cause the computer or processor to perform one or more steps as described in Embodiment 2. If the constituent modules of the above-described electronic device are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium.

[0102] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this specification are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in or transmitted through a computer-readable storage medium. The computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., Solid State Disks (SSDs)).

[0103] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of Embodiment 2 described above can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the methods described above. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks. Unless otherwise specified, the technical features of this embodiment and the implementation scheme can be combined arbitrarily.

[0104] Example 5:

[0105] To verify the effectiveness of the modular phase change thermal energy storage device and its control method described in this specification, a comparative experiment was conducted in this embodiment. The control group used a conventional device, while the verification group used the modular phase change thermal energy storage device described in this specification, with a volume of approximately 1.45 m³. Its specific structure is as described in Embodiment 1 and will not be repeated here. Its HMI monitoring screen is shown below. Figures 4-7 As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the PLC has a complete set of pre-set control programs.

[0106] Table 1:

[0107]

[0108] Table 2:

[0109]

[0110] This embodiment tests three power levels—1.5kW, 2.0kW, and 2.5kW—under the same initial conditions.

[0111] The results of the comparative experiment are as follows Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. By Figure 8 It can be seen that the heat release power of the control group decreased rapidly and the effective heat release time was short; while the validation group ( Figure 9 Through PID control, the heat release power remained stable at around 2.0kW. The effective heat release time was increased by 45.5%, 46.1%, and 100% respectively compared to the control group under three different operating conditions, and the total heat release was also greater. This fully demonstrates the significant advantages of this invention in improving heat release performance and thermal energy utilization.

[0112] Based on the above, this embodiment verifies the effectiveness of the modular phase change thermal energy storage device and its control method described in this specification.

[0113] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the described order of actions, because according to the present invention, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to the present invention.

[0114] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0115] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Any equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the teachings of this invention are still within the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of embodiments of the invention upon considering the specification and practicing the disclosure herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not described herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the scope and spirit of the invention are defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A modular phase change thermal storage device, characterized in that, include: Modular enclosure; The phase change thermal storage unit, which is installed inside the modular box, is filled with phase change material; The heat exchange fluid pipeline is installed inside the modular box and is used for heat exchange with the phase change thermal storage unit; The fluid dynamics and control module is integrated into the heat exchange fluid pipeline and includes a variable frequency water pump, an inlet electric opening valve, an outlet electric switching valve, and a bypass pipeline. The bypass pipeline is connected in parallel with the variable frequency water pump and is equipped with a bypass electric switching valve. The data acquisition module includes an ultrasonic heat meter and a temperature sensor installed on the heat exchange fluid pipeline, which are used to collect the flow rate and temperature of the heat exchange fluid and the temperature of the phase change heat storage unit in real time. The intelligent control module includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a human-machine interface (HMI). The PLC is electrically connected to the fluid power and control module and the data acquisition module, and is configured to receive data from the data acquisition module and issue control commands to the fluid power and control module based on preset control logic. The HMI is communicatively connected to the PLC and is configured to display operating parameters and provide a user input interface.

2. The modular phase change thermal energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase change material is an inorganic hydrated salt composite material with a thermal conductivity of not less than 1.1 W / (m·K) and a latent heat of phase change of not less than 240 kJ / kg.

3. The modular phase change thermal energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet electric opening valve is installed on the inlet main pipe of the heat exchange fluid pipeline; The variable frequency water pump and the bypass pipeline are connected in parallel and are connected together between the main line downstream of the inlet electric opening valve and the main line upstream of the ultrasonic heat meter. The outlet electric switch valve is installed on the outlet main pipe of the heat exchange fluid pipeline.

4. A modular phase change thermal energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PLC has a pre-set peak-valley electricity regulation program, which is configured as follows: Receive peak and off-peak time periods set by the HMI; During off-peak hours, the device is controlled to start or prioritize the operation of the heat storage mode; During peak hours, the device is controlled to stop the heat storage mode.

5. A modular phase change thermal energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PLC has a pre-installed PID control program, which is configured as follows: Receive the target heat release power value or target flow rate value set by the HMI; Based on the power or flow data collected in real time by the data acquisition module, the control quantity is calculated using a PID algorithm; A control signal is output to the variable frequency water pump and / or the inlet electric opening valve to adjust the heat exchange fluid flow rate so that the actual heat release power or flow rate is stabilized at the set value.

6. A control method for a modular phase change thermal energy storage device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Including the thermal storage mode, the process of executing the thermal storage mode is as follows: Open the heat source side valve and the outlet electric switch valve; The heat storage mode is activated via the HMI, and the operating frequency of the variable frequency water pump is set to 30Hz, or the bypass electric switch valve is opened to shut down the variable frequency water pump. The data acquisition module monitors the temperature measurement points inside the phase change thermal storage unit in real time. When the temperature at all the temperature measuring points reaches the phase change temperature of the phase change material, the device is controlled to stop storing heat.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a heat release condition, the process of which is as follows: Open the outlet electric switch valve; The heat release mode is activated through the HMI, and the target heat release power is set. The HMI provides preset power levels of 1.5kW, 2.0kW and 2.5kW for users to select quickly, or receives user-defined power values. The PLC calls the PID control program to maintain the heat release power measured by the ultrasonic heat meter at the target heat release power by adjusting the opening degree of the inlet electric valve and / or the frequency of the variable frequency water pump. The heat release operation ends when the measured heat release power is lower than the power required for actual application.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes peak-valley electric drive mode, and the process of executing the peak-valley electric drive mode is as follows: The local peak and off-peak hours are set via the HMI, and the peak-off-peak electric drive mode is activated. The PLC monitors and records in real time the first duration when the inlet water temperature is greater than the outlet water temperature and the second duration when the inlet water temperature is less than the outlet water temperature in the heat exchange fluid pipeline. The PLC, by combining the first continuous time, the second continuous time, and the temperature of the phase change thermal storage unit, automatically determines whether the current condition is thermal storage or thermal release, and controls the fluid dynamics and control module to perform the corresponding state switching.

9. A computer device, the computer device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the control method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the control method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8.

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