Energy storage heat exchange structure and method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of energy storage equipment, and provides an energy storage heat exchange structure and method, which comprises a heat exchange structure monomer and a folding mechanism, and a plurality of heat exchange structure monomers are arranged in an array, each heat exchange structure monomer comprises a flow equalizing pipe, a medium pipe, a heat exchange pipe and a fin; the flow equalizing pipe is in communication with both ends of the heat exchange pipe, and the medium pipe is in communication with the flow equalizing pipe; a plurality of fins are installed on one surface of the heat exchange pipe, the folding mechanism is connected with all the heat exchange structure monomers, and is used for adjusting the spacing between adjacent heat exchange structure monomers. In the energy storage process, the spacing between the heat exchange structure monomers is reduced to extrude the solid phase change material, so that the solid phase change material is ensured to be in close contact with the heat exchange component, and the heat absorption capacity in the heat storage process is enhanced. In the heat release operation, the spacing between the heat exchange structure monomers is increased, which is beneficial to the heat convection of the liquid phase change material, improves the heat release efficiency, and makes the energy release of the phase change material more sufficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of energy storage equipment technology, and specifically relates to an energy storage heat exchange structure and method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, phase change thermal energy storage technology is gradually becoming one of the mainstream thermal energy storage technologies because it does not involve chemical reactions during the energy storage process and can maintain a basically constant thermal storage temperature.

[0003] For example, the invention patent with publication number CN118424023A discloses a fast-charging thermal energy storage device, including a spontaneous melting mode and a force-driven solidification mode. It uses the thermal deformation of functional fins to extrude the solid phase material of the phase change material, thereby achieving full contact between the solid phase material and the heat exchange component located at the center. However, the above technical solution requires centrifugal force to drive the scraper movement during heat exchange, thus requiring a motor to continuously output kinetic energy to achieve rotational motion, leading to energy waste.

[0004] Furthermore, existing technologies generally face several challenges, primarily due to the poor thermal conductivity of phase change materials, leading to insufficient heat storage and release efficiency in latent heat energy storage devices, accompanied by thermal stress concentration issues. These problems severely restrict the energy efficiency and lifespan of latent heat energy storage devices. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new generation of latent heat energy storage devices to improve the thermal efficiency and stability of energy systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems in the background art, this invention proposes an energy storage heat exchange structure and method.

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

[0007] An energy storage heat exchange structure includes a heat exchange structure unit and a folding mechanism;

[0008] A plurality of said heat exchange structure units are arranged in an array, each of said heat exchange structure units including a flow equalization tube, a medium tube, a heat exchange tube and fins;

[0009] The flow equalization tube is connected to both ends of the heat exchange tube;

[0010] The medium tube is connected to the flow equalization tube;

[0011] Several of the aforementioned fins are mounted on one surface of the heat exchange tube;

[0012] The folding mechanism is connected to all heat exchange structure units and is used to adjust the spacing between adjacent heat exchange structure units.

[0013] Preferably, in each of the heat exchange structure units:

[0014] Several of the heat exchange tubes are arranged in parallel;

[0015] Two flow equalization tubes are provided and are symmetrically installed at both ends of all heat exchange tubes;

[0016] Two medium tubes are provided, and each is installed on the surface of a corresponding flow equalization tube;

[0017] Several of the fins are mounted at fixed intervals on one surface of the heat exchange tube to form a porous structure.

[0018] Preferably, the heat exchange structure unit is a porous plate structure.

[0019] Preferably, the folding mechanism includes a guide rail, a slider, a connecting rod, a guide shaft, and a guide frame;

[0020] Several of the aforementioned guide shafts are slidably disposed in the guide frame;

[0021] Each of the guide shafts is rotatably connected to two connecting rods, and the guide shaft is located at the center of the connecting rods;

[0022] Several sliders are provided and are respectively installed at the ends of the connecting rod;

[0023] Several guide rails are provided and are respectively installed on the top of the corresponding heat exchange structure unit;

[0024] The sliders at both ends of the connecting rod are slidably mounted on adjacent guide rails.

[0025] Preferably, the fins are mounted on the surface of the heat exchange tube away from the guide rail.

[0026] Preferably, the sliding path of the guide shaft in the guide frame is a straight line or a curve.

[0027] Preferably, it also includes a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the medium in the heat exchange tube.

[0028] An energy storage heat exchange method, applied to the above-mentioned energy storage heat exchange structure, includes the following steps:

[0029] The energy storage and heat exchange structure is installed in a phase change material where solid and liquid coexist.

[0030] During energy storage, the heat exchange structure units of the array are brought closer to each other through the folding mechanism, which squeezes the solid phase change material between adjacent heat exchange structure units, increases the contact area between the solid phase change material and the heat exchange structure units, and reduces the contact area between the liquid phase change material and the heat exchange structure units.

[0031] During heat release, the folding mechanism keeps the heat exchange structure units of the array apart, reducing the contact area between the solid phase change material and the heat exchange structure units, and increasing the contact area between the liquid phase change material and the heat exchange structure units.

[0032] Preferably, the heat exchange structure units of the array are brought closer together by a folding mechanism, including the following steps:

[0033] The folding mechanism allows all heat exchanger units to approach each other synchronously at the same spacing.

[0034] Preferably, the heat exchange structure units of the array are spaced apart by a folding mechanism, including the following steps:

[0035] The folding mechanism ensures that all heat exchanger units move away synchronously at the same spacing.

[0036] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0037] 1. This invention, by setting up several heat exchange structure units and a folding mechanism, compresses the solid phase change material by reducing the spacing between the heat exchange structure units during the energy storage process, ensuring close contact between the solid phase change material and the heat exchange components, thereby enhancing the heat absorption capacity during the heat storage process. During the heat release operation, increasing the spacing between the heat exchange structure units is beneficial to the thermal convection of the liquid phase change material, improving the heat release efficiency and making the energy release of the phase change material more complete.

[0038] 2. This invention significantly increases the actual contact area with the phase change material through the array-like distribution of heat exchange tubes and fins, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. The movement mechanism of the heat exchange structure unit (i.e., the linkage between the slider and the connecting rod) can actively adjust the degree of contact between the phase change material and the heat exchange components, ensuring efficient heat transfer in different states (solid or liquid phase).

[0039] 3. Unlike existing technologies that require a continuous output of kinetic energy from a motor to drive the scraper, this invention only requires a one-time pushing or pulling action under the action of external power to complete the synchronous movement of the entire heat exchange structure unit, reducing continuous energy consumption and improving the energy efficiency ratio;

[0040] 4. Enhance system response speed and flexibility:

[0041] The structure of this invention can quickly adjust its working state based on sensor feedback, respond promptly to changes in the state of the phase change material, and ensure optimal working performance.

[0042] 5. Extend equipment life:

[0043] This invention reduces mechanical wear and energy waste caused by frequent motor starts, lowers maintenance costs and failure rates, and helps extend the service life of the entire system.

[0044] 6. Compact design and easy integration:

[0045] The porous plate structure and flow equalization cavity design of this invention enable the heat exchange structure to have a high space utilization rate, facilitate integration with other system components, and adapt to different installation environments.

[0046] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0047] 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 some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an energy storage heat exchange structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 2 An exploded view of an energy storage heat exchange structure according to the present invention is shown.

[0050] In the figure: 1. Heat exchange structure unit; 101. Flow equalization tube; 102. Medium tube; 103. Heat exchange tube; 104. Fin; 2. Folding mechanism; 201. Guide rail; 202. Slider; 203. Connecting rod; 204. Guide shaft; 205. Guide frame. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] Example 1:

[0053] like Figure 1As shown, an energy storage heat exchange structure includes a heat exchange structure unit 1 and a folding mechanism 2. Several heat exchange structure units 1 are arranged in an array, and each heat exchange structure unit 1 is a porous plate structure. Specifically, each heat exchange structure unit 1 includes a flow equalization tube 101, a medium tube 102, a heat exchange tube 103, and fins 104. Two flow equalization tubes 101 are provided and symmetrically installed at both ends of the heat exchange tube 103, both communicating with the heat exchange tube 103. Two medium tubes 102 are provided and respectively installed on the surface of the corresponding flow equalization tube 101, for conveying the heat exchange medium into the flow equalization tube 101. Several heat exchange tubes 103 are arranged in parallel, and several fins 104 are installed at fixed intervals on the surface of the heat exchange tube 103 away from the guide rail 201, forming a porous structure, which facilitates the uniform distribution and flow of the heat exchange medium within the heat exchange tube 103, improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0054] It should be noted that the above structure adjusts the spacing of the heat exchange structure units 1 through the folding mechanism 2 to achieve the storage and release of heat energy; the heat exchange structure unit 1 adopts a porous plate structure and fins 104 to enhance the heat exchange effect; the temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the heat exchange medium to achieve precise control and management of heat energy. This invention has the advantages of high heat exchange efficiency, high heat energy storage density, and compact structure, and is suitable for various heat energy storage and exchange applications.

[0055] Combination Figure 2 As can be seen, the folding mechanism 2 includes guide rails 201, sliders 202, connecting rods 203, guide shafts 204, and guide frames 205. Several guide shafts 204 are slidably disposed within the guide frame 205, each guide shaft 204 being rotatably connected to two connecting rods 203, and the guide shaft 204 being located at the center of the connecting rod 203. Several sliders 202 are provided, respectively installed at the ends of the connecting rods 203. Several guide rails 201 are provided, respectively installed on the top of the corresponding heat exchange structure unit 1. The sliders 202 at both ends of the connecting rods 203 are slidably installed on adjacent guide rails 201. The spacing of the heat exchange structure units 1 can be adjusted by rotating the connecting rods 203 and sliding the sliders 202. Specifically, when it is necessary to adjust the spacing of the heat exchange structure units 1, the guide shafts 204 can be driven to slide within the guide frame 205. The sliding of the guide shafts 204 will drive the rotation of the connecting rods 203, and the rotation of the connecting rods 203 will in turn drive the sliders 202 to slide on the guide rails 201. Due to the linkage between the connecting rod 203 and the slider 202, and the fixed relationship between the guide rail 201 and the heat exchange structure unit 1, the spacing between the heat exchange structure units 1 can ultimately be adjusted.

[0056] As a preferred option, to meet the requirement of fine adjustment of the distance between the guide frame 205 and the guide shaft 204, a fine-tuning structure can be added, as detailed below:

[0057] Fine-tuning screws or knobs are installed at both ends of the guide frame 205. These screws or knobs are connected to the guide frame 205 via a precision threaded structure and to the outermost guide shaft 204 of the folding mechanism 2. When the fine-tuning screws or knobs are rotated, they move along the threaded direction, thereby pushing or pulling the components connected to the guide shaft 204 to achieve fine-tuning of the guide shaft 204's position. Furthermore, to ensure the stability and reliability of the fine-tuning structure, a locking mechanism can be provided between the fine-tuning screws or knobs and the guide frame 205. After adjustment to the desired position, the locking mechanism secures the fine-tuning screws or knobs, preventing loosening or displacement during operation. In addition, to increase the intuitiveness and convenience of adjustment, indicator marks or dials can be provided on the fine-tuning screws or knobs. This allows the operator to quickly and accurately adjust the position of the guide shaft 204 based on the readings on the indicator marks or dials. The above-mentioned fine-tuning structure design not only improves the accuracy of the spacing adjustment between the guide frame 205 and the guide shaft 204, but also increases the flexibility and adaptability of the system, meeting the usage requirements under various complex working conditions.

[0058] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the guide frame 205 adopts a linear structure, therefore the movement path of the guide shaft 204 within the guide frame 205 is a straight line. The folding mechanism 2 can fold along a straight line, and during the folding process, the heat exchange structure units 1 are parallel to each other and always maintain the same spacing. The same phase change material can be placed between adjacent heat exchange structure units 1 for heat exchange.

[0059] It should be further explained that the folding structure of the present invention is composed of multiple linkage mechanisms, which can be connected to an external power source at the end. During the driving process, the external power source can periodically drive the folding mechanism 2 to work. Moreover, each time the external power can perform a pushing or pulling action at once, completing the synchronous movement of all heat exchange structure units 1, reducing continuous energy consumption and improving the energy efficiency ratio.

[0060] This embodiment also includes a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) for monitoring the temperature of the medium in the heat exchange tube 103. Furthermore, the temperature sensor can be installed in several ways depending on the specific circumstances:

[0061] I. Direct Contact

[0062] In this design, the temperature sensor is directly installed inside or outside the heat exchange tube 103, ensuring direct contact with the medium or the tube wall. The advantages of this method are accurate temperature measurement and fast response. However, it is important to note that the temperature sensor must be able to withstand the operating pressure, temperature, and corrosiveness of the medium to ensure long-term stable operation.

[0063] II. Non-contact

[0064] For certain high-temperature, high-pressure, or highly corrosive media, direct-contact sensors may not be suitable. In such cases, non-contact temperature measurement solutions, such as infrared temperature sensors, can be used. Infrared sensors calculate temperature by measuring the infrared radiation emitted from the surface of the medium, without requiring direct contact with the medium. The advantages of this method are simple installation and no impact on the flow of the medium; however, the measurement accuracy may be affected by factors such as the surface condition of the medium and environmental conditions.

[0065] III. Insertion

[0066] Insertion temperature sensors are typically used in liquid or gaseous media. In this configuration, the sensor is connected to the inside of the heat exchange tube 103 via a dedicated insertion hole or flange. The sensor probe extends deep into the medium to obtain more accurate temperature information. The advantages of insertion sensors are accurate temperature measurement and applicability to various media and operating conditions. However, it is important to ensure the tightness of the insertion hole or flange to prevent media leakage.

[0067] IV. Integrated

[0068] In some cases, the temperature sensor can be integrated into the manufacturing process of the heat exchanger tube 103, becoming part of the heat exchanger tube 103. This integrated sensor typically offers higher reliability and stability while reducing installation and maintenance workload.

[0069] Example 2:

[0070] This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, but the difference is that the sliding path of the guide shaft 204 in the guide frame 205 is a curve, which can flexibly adjust the spacing of the heat exchange structure unit 1 according to actual needs, and further improve the storage and release efficiency of heat energy.

[0071] It should be noted that since the moving path of the guide shaft 204 is a curve, when the folding mechanism 2 is folded, the heat exchange structure units 1 are arranged in a circular array. At this time, the included angle between adjacent heat exchange structure units 1 is equal, and the same phase change material can be placed between adjacent heat exchange structure units 1 for heat exchange.

[0072] Example 3:

[0073] The energy storage heat exchange method of the present invention is as follows:

[0074] The energy storage heat exchange structure is installed in a solid-liquid coexisting phase change material (not shown in the figure);

[0075] During energy storage, the folding mechanism 2 makes all the heat exchange structure units 1 approach each other synchronously at the same distance, squeezing the solid phase change material between adjacent heat exchange structure units 1, increasing the contact area between the solid phase change material and the heat exchange structure unit 1, and reducing the contact area between the liquid phase change material and the heat exchange structure unit 1.

[0076] During heat release, the folding mechanism 2 causes all heat exchange structure units 1 to move away synchronously at the same distance, reducing the contact area between the solid phase change material and the heat exchange structure unit 1 and increasing the contact area between the liquid phase change material and the heat exchange structure unit 1.

[0077] It should be noted that when the heat exchanger unit 1 extrudes the solid phase change material, the contact area between the solid phase change material and the heat exchanger unit 1 increases, thereby fully storing the energy in the heat exchanger unit 1 into the solid phase change material. As the heat exchanger unit 1 gradually moves away from the solid phase change material, the contact area between the liquid phase change material and the heat exchanger unit 1 increases, and the heat of the liquid phase change material can be released through the heat exchanger unit 1.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An energy storage heat exchange structure, characterized in that, It includes a heat exchange structure unit (1) and a folding mechanism (2); A plurality of heat exchange structure units (1) are arranged in an array, each heat exchange structure unit (1) including a flow equalization tube (101), a medium tube (102), a heat exchange tube (103) and fins (104); The flow equalization pipe (101) is connected to both ends of the heat exchange pipe (103); The medium tube (102) is connected to the flow equalization tube (101); Several of the fins (104) are mounted on one surface of the heat exchange tube (103); The folding mechanism (2) is connected to all heat exchange structure units (1) and is used to adjust the spacing between adjacent heat exchange structure units (1).

2. The energy storage heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, In each of the heat exchange structure units (1): Several heat exchange tubes (103) are arranged in parallel; Two flow equalization tubes (101) are provided and are symmetrically installed at both ends of all heat exchange tubes (103); Two media tubes (102) are provided, and each is installed on the surface of a corresponding flow equalization tube (101); A number of the fins (104) are mounted at fixed intervals on one surface of the heat exchange tube (103) to form a perforated structure.

3. The energy storage heat exchange structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange structure unit (1) is a porous plate structure.

4. The energy storage heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (2) includes a guide rail (201), a slider (202), a connecting rod (203), a guide shaft (204), and a guide frame (205); Several of the guide shafts (204) are slidably disposed in the guide frame (205); Each of the guide shafts (204) is rotatably connected to two connecting rods (203), and the guide shaft (204) is located at the center of the connecting rod (203); Several sliders (202) are provided and are respectively installed at the ends of the connecting rod (203); Several guide rails (201) are provided and are respectively installed on the top of the corresponding heat exchange structure unit (1); The sliders (202) at both ends of the connecting rod (203) are slidably mounted on adjacent guide rails (201).

5. The energy storage heat exchange structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fins (104) are mounted on a surface of the heat exchange tube (103) away from the guide rail (201).

6. The energy storage heat exchange structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sliding path of the guide shaft (204) in the guide frame (205) is a straight line or a curve.

7. The energy storage heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the medium in the heat exchange tube (103).

8. A method for energy storage and heat exchange, characterized in that, The application of the energy storage heat exchange structure according to any one of claims 1-7 includes the following steps: The energy storage and heat exchange structure is installed in a phase change material where solid and liquid coexist. During energy storage, the heat exchange structure units (1) of the array are brought closer to each other by the folding mechanism (2), which squeezes the solid phase change material between adjacent heat exchange structure units (1), increases the contact area between the solid phase change material and the heat exchange structure unit (1), and reduces the contact area between the liquid phase change material and the heat exchange structure unit (1). When releasing heat, the heat exchange structure units (1) of the array are moved away from each other by the folding mechanism (2), which reduces the contact area between the solid phase change material and the heat exchange structure unit (1) and increases the contact area between the liquid phase change material and the heat exchange structure unit (1).

9. The energy storage heat exchange method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heat exchange structure units (1) of the array are brought closer together by the folding mechanism (2), including the following steps: The folding mechanism (2) makes all the heat exchange structure units (1) approach each other synchronously at the same distance.

10. The energy storage and heat exchange method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heat exchange structure units (1) of the array are moved away from each other by means of a folding mechanism (2), including the following steps: The folding mechanism (2) makes all the heat exchange structure units (1) move away synchronously at the same distance.

Images