A phase change heat storage and exchange device with a heat deformation flexible compensation sealing structure
By introducing a flexible sealing structure consisting of a thermal deformation follower sleeve and a phase change medium compensation membrane into the phase change heat storage heat exchange device, the problem of reduced sealing reliability under thermal cycling is solved, adaptive sealing to relative thermal displacement is achieved, leakage risk is reduced, and the stability and efficiency of the device are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611557488.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-10-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing phase change thermal storage heat exchange devices suffer from reduced sealing reliability of the through-wall interface due to relative thermal displacement during thermal cycling, increasing the risk of phase change material leakage.
The flexible sealing structure, consisting of a thermally deformable follower sleeve, a phase change medium compensation membrane, an annular pressure piston, and a backup packing assembly, adapts to relative thermal displacement through flexure and elastic deformation, maintains the through-wall seal, and forms a multi-stage seal to ensure airtightness when the seal fails.
It improves the sealing reliability of the through-wall interface under thermal cycling conditions, reduces the risk of phase change material leakage, and maintains the stability and efficiency of the heat exchange device.
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Figure CN123045133A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of phase change thermal storage and heat exchange equipment technology, specifically to a phase change thermal storage and heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of phase change energy storage and hot water supply, phase change thermal energy storage and heat exchange devices are mainly used to store thermal energy and release heat to the heat exchange medium when needed. They can serve as the heat storage and heat exchange unit in air source heat pump water heaters. Existing devices typically include a sealed heat storage container to house the phase change material, with coils, serpentine tubes, or tube bundles placed within the material. The outer side of the heat storage container is equipped with an insulation layer and a protective shell. During heat storage, the higher-temperature heat exchange medium transfers heat to the phase change material through the phase change medium heat exchange tubes, causing the material to absorb latent heat and undergo a phase change. During heat release, the phase change material releases latent heat to the lower-temperature heat exchange medium. Furthermore, phase change thermal energy storage and heat exchange devices can also be applied to heat exchange devices in building material production, serving as the heat storage and heat exchange unit in energy-saving building material production heat exchange devices, enabling the temporary storage and on-demand release of heat during the production process.
[0003] However, during heat storage and release, the temperature changes of the phase change medium heat exchanger tube and the heat storage container may be asynchronous due to differences in heat transfer paths, structural dimensions, and material thermal expansion and contraction characteristics, resulting in inconsistent thermal expansion and contraction. Existing technologies typically use welded joints, flanges, sealing rings, or sliding seals to seal the portion of the phase change medium heat exchanger tube that passes through the heat storage container wall. Other solutions employ flexible diaphragms, flexible supports, or expansion joints to release thermal displacement. However, at the compact wall-penetrating interface, the sealed area may still bear the axial or radial displacement transmitted by the phase change medium heat exchanger tube.
[0004] Specifically, when the device repeatedly stores and releases heat and traverses the phase change temperature range of the phase change material, the phase change medium heat exchanger tube, connecting joint, and heat storage container will experience relative displacement due to differences in temperature change rates, component lengths, and thermal expansion and contraction characteristics. If the phase change medium heat exchanger tube is rigidly connected to the heat storage container at the wall penetration point, this relative displacement will repeatedly act on the sealing contact area of the interface, causing changes in the compression state of the seal or subjecting the sealing connection to alternating loads. Therefore, under the thermal cycling environment of repeatedly traversing the phase change temperature range, the relative thermal displacement between the phase change medium heat exchanger tube and the heat storage container may change the sealing state of the wall penetration interface, thereby increasing the risk of phase change material leakage from this interface. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible compensating sealing structure for thermal deformation, so as to solve the problem of reduced sealing reliability of the through-wall interface caused by relative thermal displacement under thermal cycling.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A phase change heat storage and heat exchange device with a flexible compensation sealing structure for thermal deformation includes a shell, a heat storage container containing phase change material, and a phase change medium heat exchange tube. The heat storage container is disposed within the shell. The phase change medium heat exchange tube passes through the container wall of the heat storage container in two through-wall straight pipe sections. The phase change material exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium through the phase change medium heat exchange tube. Each through-wall straight pipe section is fixedly fitted with a thermal deformation follower sleeve. A phase change medium sealing ring seat surrounds each of the thermal deformation follower sleeves and is fixed to the outer wall of the heat storage container. A phase change medium compensation membrane seals the thermal deformation follower sleeves and the phase change medium sealing ring seat. When the through-wall straight pipe section moves axially relative to the heat storage container, the thermal deformation follower sleeve moves synchronously. The phase change medium compensation membrane adapts to the relative displacement by flexing and maintains the through-wall seal, so that the through-wall position does not need to bear the entire thermal displacement through rigid constraints. This reduces the situation where the sealing contact part is repeatedly subjected to alternating loads due to rigid through-wall connections, and provides a flexible displacement margin for maintaining the through-wall seal under thermal cycling conditions.
[0007] Along the axial direction away from the heat storage container, the phase change medium sealing ring seat is sequentially provided with an annular pressure piston and a backup packing group. The annular pressure piston can move axially along the thermal deformation follower sleeve. The phase change medium sealing ring seat, the thermal deformation follower sleeve, the phase change medium compensation membrane, and the annular pressure piston form a sealed triggering cavity. During normal thermal displacement compensation, the thermal deformation follower sleeve moves axially along the through-wall straight pipe section. The phase change medium compensation membrane adapts to this relative displacement by flexing and maintains the through-wall seal. The annular pressure piston, as the movable boundary of the sealed triggering cavity, maintains axial mobility. When subjected to axial force, it can generate corresponding displacement along the thermal deformation follower sleeve, allowing the outer boundary of the sealed triggering cavity to be axially adjusted according to the working state without forming a fixed rigid constraint. The backup packing group is located on the side of the annular pressure piston away from the heat storage container, forming a compressible constraint on its floating towards the backup packing group.
[0008] When the phase change medium compensation membrane fails, the phase change material enters the sealed trigger cavity, and the resulting cavity pressure is sufficient to push the annular pressure piston, the annular pressure piston moves to the side of the backup packing group and compresses the backup packing group, causing the backup packing group to undergo radial deformation and press against the outer periphery of the thermally deformed follower sleeve, thereby forming a backup packing seal.
[0009] Each of the aforementioned through-wall straight pipe sections is equipped with a thermal displacement compensation pipe section at its inner end. The thermal displacement compensation pipe section absorbs thermal displacement through elastic deformation. The thermal deformation follower sleeve moves with the through-wall straight pipe section, causing the phase change medium compensation membrane to flex and deform to maintain the through-wall seal. By adapting to the thermal displacement of the phase change medium heat exchanger tube through the elastic bending of the thermal displacement compensation pipe section, and by causing the phase change medium compensation membrane to flex when the through-wall straight pipe section undergoes axial movement, the elastic deformation of the pipe body and the flexible through-wall seal can respectively adapt to the thermal displacement, reducing the situation where relative thermal displacement is directly concentrated on the rigid through-wall interface.
[0010] Preferably, the phase change medium compensation membrane is annular, with its inner peripheral edge sealed and fixed to the thermal deformation follower sleeve, and its outer peripheral edge sealed and fixed to the phase change medium sealing ring seat. A continuous flexural zone is formed between the inner and outer peripheral edges. By forming circumferentially stable sealed and fixed boundaries on the inner and outer peripheries of the phase change medium compensation membrane, and retaining a continuous flexural zone between them, the phase change medium compensation membrane can repeatedly flex axially with the thermal deformation follower sleeve while maintaining a circumferentially sealed connection. This reduces the concentration of displacement at the fixed edge of the membrane and improves the adaptability of the through-wall flexible seal to reciprocating thermal displacement.
[0011] Preferably, the phase change medium compensation film forms an annular arc surface that bulges towards the sealed trigger cavity, comprising two arc segments with opposite curvatures and smoothly connected, extending to the inner and outer circumferences of the phase change medium compensation film respectively. The two arc segments with opposite curvatures and smooth connection allow the phase change medium compensation film to share the flattening or bending deformation during axial displacement, thereby dispersing the cyclic deflection in a single area. The smooth transition between the two arc segments also reduces local stress concentration caused by abrupt changes in curvature, which helps maintain the deformation continuity of the phase change medium compensation film during repeated thermal cycles. When the thermal deformation decreases with the axial thermal displacement of the moving sleeve, the two arc segments can generate reverse deflection under their own elasticity, causing the phase change medium compensation film to tend towards its initial shape and providing an auxiliary recovery effect for the thermal deformation as the moving sleeve moves back to its initial axial position.
[0012] Preferably, the outer periphery of the annular pressure piston is sealed to the inner wall of the phase change medium sealing ring by a piston outer periphery sealing membrane. The piston outer periphery sealing membrane is generally annular, and its radial cross-section is U-shaped. The U-shaped portion forms an annular deformation portion that flexes as the annular pressure piston moves axially. When the annular pressure piston undergoes axial displacement, the annular deformation portion flexes accordingly, so that the outer periphery of the annular pressure piston does not need to rely on relative sliding to form a seal, and the outer periphery of the sealed trigger cavity remains closed. The annular deformation portion exhibits elastic recovery after flexing, so that the annular pressure piston tends to return to its initial position when the external axial force decreases. At the same time, the circumferentially continuous annular deformation portion can provide a certain elastic constraint on the eccentricity and tilt of the annular pressure piston.
[0013] Preferably, the annular pressure piston has a piston sealing ring in its inner bore, forming a second guide hole section. The piston sealing lip of the piston sealing ring slides against the outer circumference of the heat-deformation follower sleeve. The inner bore of the phase change medium sealing ring seat near the heat storage container forms a first guide hole section. Both the first and second guide hole sections slide against the outer circumference of the heat-deformation follower sleeve and are spaced apart along the axial direction of the heat-deformation follower sleeve. By spaced apart along the axial direction of the heat-deformation follower sleeve, an axially separated guiding relationship can be formed, limiting the radial wobble of the heat-deformation follower sleeve during axial movement. The piston sealing lip remains in sliding contact at the second guide position, which helps maintain the sliding seal at that location. When the heat-deformation follower sleeve moves axially, the piston sealing ring remains in sliding contact with its outer circumference, maintaining the sliding seal while allowing the heat-deformation follower sleeve to move axially relative to the annular pressure piston, avoiding the annular pressure piston from forming a rigid constraint on its thermal displacement.
[0014] Preferably, the outer pressure cap is fixed to the outer end of the phase change medium sealing ring seat, and the outer periphery of the outer pressure cap and the phase change medium sealing ring seat are statically sealed circumferentially; the outer pressure cap has an inner hole for the thermal deformation follower sleeve to pass through, and the outer end of the backup packing assembly abuts against the inner end face of the outer pressure cap. The outer pressure cap provides axial support to the outer end of the backup packing assembly and forms a circumferential static seal between the outer pressure cap and the phase change medium sealing ring seat, which can limit the position of the outer end of the backup packing assembly, while reserving structural space for the thermal deformation follower sleeve to pass through and move axially; the outer pressure cap also serves as a fixed support end of the backup packing assembly, providing a reaction boundary when the backup packing assembly is subjected to axial compression.
[0015] Preferably, the inner hole of the outer gland is provided with a gland sealing ring, the gland sealing ring having an isolation sealing lip that slides against the outer periphery of the heat-deformation follower sleeve; the inner hole of the outer gland forms a third guide hole section, the third guide hole section slidingly engages with the outer periphery of the heat-deformation follower sleeve, and is axially spaced from the first guide hole section and the second guide hole section. The isolation sealing lip of the gland sealing ring forms an isolation sealing position on the outside of the backup packing assembly, further preventing direct communication between the inside and outside of the through-wall structure; the axially spaced engagement of the third guide hole section with the first and second guide hole sections increases the guiding position of the heat-deformation follower sleeve and limits its radial deflection, which is beneficial for maintaining a relatively stable fit at each sliding sealing part.
[0016] Preferably, each of the thermal displacement compensation pipe sections is composed of a first curved section, a slanted-straight transition section, and a second curved section sequentially connected from the through-wall straight pipe section into the heat storage container; the slanted-straight transition section extends obliquely relative to the axis of the through-wall straight pipe section, with its two ends tangent to the first curved section and the second curved section, respectively; the first curved section and the second curved section have opposite curvatures and different radii of curvature. Through the coordination of the opposite curvatures of the first and second curved sections, the two curved areas can jointly generate elastic deformation when the through-wall straight pipe section undergoes axial thermal displacement; the different radii of curvature can distribute the flexibility and deformation of the two curved sections; the tangential connection of the slanted-straight transition section to the two curved sections can avoid abrupt changes in the opposite curvature at a single inflection point and form a lateral displacement arm, thereby dispersing the bending strain of the compensation pipe section and reducing local deformation concentration.
[0017] Preferably, the ends of the two second curved sections away from the inclined straight transition section are respectively connected to heat exchange straight pipe sections, and the ends of the two heat exchange straight pipe sections away from the second curved sections are connected via return bend sections, together forming a U-shaped heat exchange pipe section. By connecting the heat exchange straight pipe sections with two thermal displacement compensation pipe sections and connecting them with return bend sections to form a U-shaped heat exchange pipe section, the continuous flow of the phase change medium and the integrity of the heat exchange path can be maintained. It also separates the through-wall thermal displacement compensation from the far-side return function, avoids the need for detachable connections inside the pipe, and facilitates the release of thermal displacement by the through-wall straight pipe sections on both sides.
[0018] Preferably, the through-wall straight pipe section, the thermal displacement compensation pipe section, and the heat exchange straight pipe section are sequentially connected to form two pipe branches; the two pipe branches have the same shape and are located in two parallel and spaced-apart arrangement planes; when projected along a direction perpendicular to the two arrangement planes, the projections of the two pipe branches are mirror-symmetrical about the midline between the projection axes of the two heat exchange straight pipe sections. By arranging the two pipe branches in parallel and spaced arrangement planes and mirror-symmetrical about the midline between the heat exchange straight pipe sections, the deformation areas of the thermal displacement compensation pipe section can be staggered, reducing contact or interference between the two pipe branches during thermal deformation, and making the lateral effects of the compensation structures on both sides more balanced, thus reducing the asymmetrical additional load at the through-wall sealing part.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention forms a floating through-wall sealing structure adapted to normal thermal cycling through a phase change medium compensation membrane, a piston sealing ring, an annular pressure piston, a piston outer periphery sealing membrane, a backup packing assembly, an outer gland, a gland sealing ring, and multiple guide hole segments spaced axially. When the moving sleeve moves axially due to thermal deformation, the phase change medium compensation membrane maintains the main seal through elastic flexure and provides auxiliary recovery during the return stroke; the piston sealing ring maintains a sliding seal; the annular pressure piston can generate a limited small-amplitude axial float; the piston outer periphery sealing membrane maintains its outer periphery closure through flexure and provides elastic positioning and recovery; multiple guide hole segments limit the radial sway of the moving sleeve due to thermal deformation; the backup packing assembly and the outer gland form a compressible constraint and support boundary for the annular pressure piston to float outwards; and the gland sealing ring isolates the outer insulation medium. Thus, during normal thermal displacement compensation, the through-wall structure maintains its moving, guiding, and medium-isolated state.
[0020] 2. This invention forms a through-wall sealing structure combining normal sealing and backup sealing through a phase change medium compensation membrane, a sealed trigger chamber, an annular pressure piston, and a backup packing assembly. During normal operation, the phase change medium compensation membrane performs the primary sealing function of the phase change material. When the phase change medium compensation membrane fails, the phase change material enters the sealed trigger chamber, and the pressure inside the chamber is sufficient to push the annular pressure piston, the annular pressure piston moves axially and compresses the backup packing assembly, causing radial deformation of the backup packing assembly and pressing against the thermally deformed follower sleeve, thus forming a backup packing seal. Combined with the piston sealing ring, outer gland, and gland sealing ring, a multi-stage sealing path can be formed, and a reverse barrier can be created between the shell and the heat storage container for the insulation medium, reducing the possibility of it entering the phase change medium sealing ring seat.
[0021] 3. This invention provides a thermal displacement compensation pipe section at the inner end of the through-wall straight pipe section, and connects the first curved section, the oblique-straight transition section, and the second curved section sequentially. The first curved section and the second curved section have opposite curvatures and different radii of curvature. The oblique-straight transition section is tangent to both curved sections. This allows the thermal displacement compensation pipe section to adapt to the thermal displacement of the phase change medium heat exchanger tube through continuous elastic bending. The different radii of curvature are used to adjust the deformation degree of the two curved sections, reducing the direct and concentrated effect of thermal expansion and contraction on the through-wall interface. The two second curved sections are connected to the heat exchange straight pipe section and then connected through the return bend to form a U-shaped heat exchange pipe section. At the same time, the two pipe branches are arranged in parallel and mirrored spatial arrangements, which can provide mutually staggered deformation space for the thermal displacement compensation pipe sections on both sides, reducing the possibility of contact or interference during thermal deformation and maintaining a continuous reciprocating heat exchange flow path. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is an overall isometric schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heat storage process of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exothermic process of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the phase change medium sealing ring seat of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the phase change medium compensation membrane of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the piston outer periphery sealing membrane of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal deformation follower sleeve and phase change medium heat exchange tube of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a front view of the thermal deformation follower sleeve and phase change medium heat exchange tube of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a top view of the thermal deformation follower sleeve and phase change medium heat exchange tube of the present invention.
[0023] In the diagram: 1. Shell; 2. Heat storage container; 3. Phase change medium heat exchange tube; 31. Through-wall straight pipe section; 32. Thermal displacement compensation pipe section; 33. Heat exchange straight pipe section; 34. U-shaped heat exchange pipe section; 4. Thermal deformation follower sleeve; 5. Phase change medium sealing ring seat; 51. Phase change medium compensation membrane; 52. Annular pressure piston; 521. Piston sealing ring; 53. Backup packing assembly; 54. Piston outer periphery sealing membrane; 55. Outer gland; 551. Gland sealing ring. Detailed Implementation
[0024] 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, and 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.
[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 10 This invention provides a phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible compensating sealing structure for thermal deformation, the technical solution of which is as follows: A phase change heat storage and heat exchange device with a flexible compensating sealing structure for thermal deformation includes a shell 1, a heat storage container 2 containing phase change material, and a phase change medium heat exchange tube 3. The heat storage container 2 is disposed inside the shell 1. The phase change medium heat exchange tube 3 passes through the container wall of the heat storage container 2 in two through-wall straight pipe sections 31. The phase change material exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium through the phase change medium heat exchange tube 3. Each through-wall straight pipe section 31 is fixedly fitted with a thermal deformation follower sleeve 4. A phase change medium sealing ring seat 5 surrounds each thermal deformation follower sleeve 4 and is fixed to the outer wall of the heat storage container 2. A phase change medium compensation membrane 51 seals and connects the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4 and the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5. The thermal deformation follower sleeve 4 moves synchronously with the through-wall straight pipe section 31, and the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 adapts to the relative axial displacement between itself and the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5 by flexing.
[0026] Along the axial direction away from the heat storage container 2, an annular pressure piston 52 and a backup packing group 53 are sequentially arranged inside the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5. The annular pressure piston 52 can move axially along the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4. The phase change medium sealing ring seat 5, the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4, the phase change medium compensation membrane 51, and the annular pressure piston 52 form a sealed triggering chamber. The annular pressure piston 52 is arranged coaxially with the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4, and the backup packing group 53 is located outside it. The sealed triggering chamber is located between the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 and the annular pressure piston 52. Thus, the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 and the backup packing group 53 form the main sealing position and the backup packing position along the wall penetration direction, providing a structural basis for forming a multi-stage seal at the wall penetration part.
[0027] Each through-wall straight pipe section 31 is equipped with a thermal displacement compensation pipe section 32 at its inner end. The thermal displacement compensation pipe section 32 absorbs thermal displacement through elastic deformation. The thermal deformation follower sleeve 4 moves with the through-wall straight pipe section 31, causing the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 to flex and deform to maintain the through-wall seal. When the through-wall straight pipe section 31 actually moves, the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4 moves synchronously and causes the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 to flex. The two deformations act on the pipeline and the through-wall seal position respectively, without a fixed order or displacement distribution ratio.
[0028] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The phase change medium compensation membrane 51 is annular. Its inner periphery is sealed and fixed to the heat deformation follower sleeve 4, and its outer periphery is sealed and fixed to the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5. A continuous flexural zone is formed between the inner and outer periphery edges. This continuous flexural zone can be made of a flexible, heat-resistant metal sheet capable of repeated bending, with a smooth transition between its fixed and flexural areas. When the heat deformation follower sleeve 4 moves, the continuous flexural zone provides axial displacement margin through shape change, allowing the membrane to adapt to relative displacement while maintaining the inner and outer periphery seal, and reducing deformation concentration at the fixed edge.
[0029] Furthermore, the phase change medium compensation film 51 can be formed radially with an inner peripheral connecting region, an annular flexible region, and an outer peripheral connecting region, wherein the thickness of the inner peripheral connecting region and the outer peripheral connecting region is greater than that of the annular flexible region, and the thickness change is achieved by a circular arc transition. The thinner annular flexible region can reduce the bending force required for flexural deformation, while the thicker connecting region can improve the shape stability of the connection part and reduce the possibility of burn-through or warping at the connection edge during welding. The specific dimensions can be determined according to the forming and fatigue requirements.
[0030] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The phase change medium compensation membrane 51 forms an annular arc surface that bulges towards the sealed trigger cavity, including two arc-shaped segments with opposite curvatures and smoothly connected, extending to the inner and outer circumferences of the phase change medium compensation membrane 51, respectively. The two arc-shaped segments are smoothly connected on the membrane surface. When the thermal deformation follows the axial movement of the moving sleeve 4, the two arc-shaped segments provide deflection margin through expansion or increase of curvature, keeping the membrane surface deformation continuous; when the thermal displacement decreases, the continuous deflection zone and the two arc-shaped segments generate reverse elastic recovery, causing the membrane to tend towards the initial shape and providing auxiliary recovery force for the return stroke of the thermal deformation following sleeve 4. This recovery effect exists together with the elastic recovery of the phase change medium heat exchange tube 3 and the thermal displacement compensation tube section 32. The arc height and curvature of the two arc-shaped segments can be determined according to the design displacement, the allowable deformation of the membrane material, and the space of the sealed trigger cavity.
[0031] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The annular pressure piston 52 is sealed to the inner wall of the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5 by a piston outer peripheral sealing membrane 54. The piston outer peripheral sealing membrane 54 is annular in shape, and its radial cross-section is U-shaped. The U-shaped part forms an annular deformation portion that flexes as the annular pressure piston 52 moves axially. When the annular pressure piston 52 is subjected to axial force and undergoes displacement, the piston outer peripheral sealing membrane 54 adapts to the displacement through the flexure of the annular deformation portion and maintains the sealing of the outer periphery of the sealing trigger cavity, so that there is no need to set a sealing interface on the outer periphery of the annular pressure piston 52 that slides back and forth with the piston. When the annular pressure piston 52 deviates from the initial position, the annular deformation portion generates a reverse elastic restoring force. Since the annular deformation portion is continuous along the circumference, when the annular pressure piston 52 shows an eccentric or tilting tendency, different degrees of elastic deformation are generated at different positions in the circumference, thereby forming radial and attitude constraints.
[0032] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The annular pressure piston 52 has a piston sealing ring 521 in its inner bore, forming a second guide hole section. The piston sealing lip of the piston sealing ring 521 slides against the outer circumference of the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4. The inner bore of the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5 near the heat storage container 2 forms a first guide hole section. Both the first and second guide hole sections slide against the outer circumference of the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4 and are spaced apart along the axial direction of the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4. The first and second guide hole sections are spaced apart along the axial direction of the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4, and the coaxial relationship is controlled by the axis of the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4 during assembly. The piston sealing lip slides against the outer circumference of the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4. The piston sealing ring 521 allows the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4 to slide axially relative to the annular pressure piston 52 while sealing the gap between them, reducing the pressure in the sealed trigger chamber from leaking outward along the outer circumference of the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4. The two guide positions limit the radial deflection of the heat-deformable follower sleeve 4. Thus, while maintaining the sliding seal and guidance at the inner bore of the annular pressure piston 52, space is reserved for the axial movement of the thermally deformable follower sleeve 4 relative to the annular pressure piston 52.
[0033] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The outer pressure cap 55 is fixed to the outer end of the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5, and the outer periphery of the outer pressure cap 55 and the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5 are statically sealed circumferentially. The outer pressure cap 55 is provided with an inner hole through which the heat deformation follower sleeve 4 passes, and the outer end of the backup packing assembly 53 abuts against the inner end face of the outer pressure cap 55. The inner hole of the outer pressure cap 55 provides a fitting space for the axial movement of the heat deformation follower sleeve 4, and its inner end face supports the backup packing assembly 53, thereby limiting the position of the outer end of the backup packing assembly 53 without hindering the movement of the heat deformation follower sleeve 4.
[0034] Furthermore, the backup packing assembly 53 includes multiple annular packing bodies stacked axially along the heat-deformation follower sleeve 4. Each annular packing body is fitted around the outer periphery of the heat-deformation follower sleeve 4. The inner end of the backup packing assembly 53 abuts against the annular pressure piston 52, and the outer end is supported by the outer pressure cap 55. During normal thermal displacement compensation, the backup packing assembly 53 is located on the side of the annular pressure piston 52 away from the heat storage container 2, forming a compressible constraint when the annular pressure piston 52 undergoes a small displacement to one side. When the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 fails and the pressure in the sealed trigger chamber is sufficient to push the annular pressure piston 52, the annular pressure piston 52 further compresses the multiple annular packing bodies, causing each annular packing body to deform radially and press against the outer periphery of the heat-deformation follower sleeve 4, thereby forming a relatively uniform backup packing seal.
[0035] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The outer pressure cap 55 has a pressure cap sealing ring 551 in its inner hole. The pressure cap sealing ring 551 has an isolation sealing lip that slides and fits against the outer periphery of the heat deformation follower sleeve 4. The inner hole of the outer pressure cap 55 forms a third guide hole section, which slides and fits against the outer periphery of the heat deformation follower sleeve 4 and is axially spaced from the first guide hole section and the second guide hole section. During normal thermal displacement compensation, the three guide hole sections together restrict the radial runout of the heat deformation follower sleeve 4 at different axial positions, so that it mainly maintains axial movement. The pressure cap sealing ring 551 continuously slides and fits against the outer periphery of the heat deformation follower sleeve 4, forming an outer isolation for the insulation medium between the shell 1 and the heat storage container 2, and together with the piston sealing ring 521 and the backup packing group 53, it forms a barrier path from the outside to the inside.
[0036] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each thermal displacement compensation pipe section 32 consists of a first curved section, a slanted-straight transition section, and a second curved section, sequentially connected from a through-wall straight pipe section 31 into the heat storage container 2. The slanted-straight transition section extends obliquely relative to the axis of the through-wall straight pipe section 31, with its two ends tangent to the first and second curved sections, respectively. The first and second curved sections have opposite curvatures and different radii of curvature. The two curved regions jointly generate elastic deformation, and the difference in radius is used to distribute the degree of deformation in each curved region. The tangent slanted-straight transition section allows the pipe centerline to smoothly transition between opposite curvatures, avoiding the formation of angles and providing a certain lateral displacement arm. The dimensions of each section can be determined based on the design thermal displacement and allowable bending stress.
[0037] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The ends of the two second bend sections away from the inclined-straight transition section are respectively connected to the heat exchange straight pipe section 33. The ends of the two heat exchange straight pipe sections 33 away from the second bend section are connected via the return bend section, and together they form a U-shaped heat exchange pipe section 34. The heat exchange medium can enter from one side of the pipe branch, turn after passing through the return bend section, and flow out from the other side of the pipe branch, forming a continuous reciprocating heat exchange flow path, and distinguishing the main heat exchange area from the compensation area near the wall penetration position in terms of layout.
[0038] As one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10The through-wall straight pipe section 31, the thermal displacement compensation pipe section 32, and the heat exchange straight pipe section 33 are sequentially connected to form two pipe branches. The two pipe branches have identical shapes and are located in two parallel and spaced-apart arrangement planes. Projecting along a direction perpendicular to the two arrangement planes, the projections of the two pipe branches are mirror-symmetrical about the midline between the projection axes of the two heat exchange straight pipe sections 33. The spacing between the arrangement planes can be determined based on the deformation envelope under the design thermal displacement, ensuring that the thermal displacement compensation pipe sections 32 on both sides have mutually separated deformation spaces.
[0039] Regarding material selection, the phase change medium heat exchange tube 3, the heat deformation follower sleeve 4, the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5, the annular pressure piston 52, and the outer gland 55 can be made of metal materials; the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 and the piston outer peripheral sealing membrane 54 can be made of flexible metal thin material with repeated bending ability; the piston sealing ring 521 and the gland sealing ring 551 can be made of elastic sealing material, and the backup packing group 53 can be made of sealing packing material that can produce radial deformation after being compressed. All guiding fits and sliding sealing fits shall meet the requirements of axial movement and cyclic sealing of the heat deformation follower sleeve 4.
[0040] During assembly, the phase change medium heat exchange tube 3 can be bent into a predetermined shape first, and the heat deformation follower sleeve 4 can be welded and fixed to the outer circumference of the two through-wall straight pipe sections 31. After the through-wall straight pipe section 31 passes through the container wall of the heat storage container 2, the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5 can be fixed to the outer wall of the heat storage container 2 with bolts to form a circumferential static seal. Then, the inner circumferential connection area and the outer circumferential connection area of the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 can be welded and fixed to the heat deformation follower sleeve 4 and the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5, respectively. The piston sealing ring 521 is installed in the inner hole of the annular pressure piston 52. The inner circumference of the piston outer circumferential sealing membrane 54 is welded and fixed to the annular pressure piston 52, and the outer circumference is welded and fixed to the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5. Then, the backup packing group 53 is installed. The gland sealing ring 551 is installed in the inner hole of the outer gland 55, so that the outer gland 55 is threadedly engaged and fixed to the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5 to form a circumferential static seal. After assembly, check the axial movement of the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4 in the three guide hole sections and the fit of each sealing part.
[0041] Working principle: During operation, the heat exchange medium enters the phase change medium heat exchange tube 3 through the straight pipe section 31 on one side, flows through the thermal displacement compensation pipe section 32 and the straight heat exchange pipe section 33 to the return bend section, and then flows out through the straight heat exchange pipe section 33, the thermal displacement compensation pipe section 32 and the straight pipe section 31 on the other side, forming a U-shaped reciprocating heat exchange flow path. The heat storage container 2 is filled with phase change material, and the phase change medium heat exchange tube 3 is located in the phase change material. The heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the phase change material through the pipe wall.
[0042] During heat storage, the heat exchange medium transfers heat to the phase change material, which absorbs sensible and latent heat. During heat release, the phase change material releases the stored heat to the heat exchange medium. Repeated heat storage and release cause relative thermal displacement between the phase change medium heat exchange tube 3 and the heat storage container 2 due to differences in heating rate, component size, and thermal expansion and contraction characteristics.
[0043] When the phase change medium heat exchanger tube 3 generates axial thermal displacement, the thermal displacement compensation tube section 32 adapts to the change in pipe size through the reverse elastic bending of the first and second bending sections. The two bending sections have different radii of curvature, giving different bending areas different deformation capabilities. The oblique-straight transition section is tangent to the two bending sections, allowing the pipe centerline to transition continuously between the reverse curvatures. The elastic deformation of the thermal displacement compensation tube section 32 and the flexible sealing at the wall penetration point jointly adapt to the thermal displacement, without limiting the fixed order or displacement distribution ratio between the two.
[0044] When the through-wall straight pipe section 31 moves relative to the heat storage container 2, the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4 moves axially synchronously, while the phase change medium sealing ring seat 5 remains relatively fixed. The phase change medium compensation membrane 51 bears the main sealing responsibility for the phase change material. Its inner circumference moves with the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4, while its outer circumference remains fixed. The continuous deflection zone and the two arc-shaped sections adapt to the relative displacement by stretching or increasing the bend. When the thermal displacement decreases, the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 undergoes reverse elastic recovery, which, together with the elastic recovery of the phase change medium heat exchange tube 3 and the thermal displacement compensation pipe section 32, provides a recovery effect for the return stroke of the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4.
[0045] During normal thermal displacement compensation, the first guide hole section, the second guide hole section, and the third guide hole section guide the thermally deformable follower sleeve 4 at different axial positions. The piston sealing ring 521 remains in sliding contact with the outer circumference of the thermally deformable follower sleeve 4, allowing the thermally deformable follower sleeve 4 to move axially relative to the annular pressure piston 52 while maintaining the seal of the inner hole of the annular pressure piston 52. The sliding friction between the thermally deformable follower sleeve 4 and the piston sealing ring 521, as well as the pressure changes in the sealed trigger chamber, can generate axial force on the annular pressure piston 52. The annular pressure piston 52 remains axially movable. When it is displaced due to axial force, the piston outer circumferential sealing membrane 54 adapts to the displacement through the deflection of the annular deformation part and maintains the sealing of the outer circumference of the sealed trigger chamber. When the axial force decreases, the elastic recovery of the annular deformation part makes the annular pressure piston 52 tend to return to its initial position. The backup packing group 53 is located between the annular pressure piston 52 and the outer gland 55, forming a compressible constraint on the displacement of the annular pressure piston 52 to one side, and the outer gland 55 provides axial support; the gland sealing ring 551 remains in sliding contact during the movement of the thermal deformation follower sleeve 4, and forms an isolation for the outer insulation medium.
[0046] When the phase change medium compensation membrane 51 fails, the phase change material enters the sealed trigger chamber, and the pressure inside the chamber is sufficient to push the annular pressure piston 52, the annular pressure piston 52 moves to the side of the backup packing group 53 and compresses the backup packing group 53, causing the backup packing group 53 to undergo radial deformation and press against the outer periphery of the thermally deformed follower sleeve 4, thereby forming a backup packing seal.
[0047] The two pipe branches are arranged in parallel and spaced planes and are mirror images of each other, so that the thermal displacement compensation pipe sections 32 on both sides have mutually staggered deformation space, reducing spatial interference during thermal cycle deformation, and maintaining the continuous heat exchange flow path of the U-shaped heat exchange pipe section 34.
Claims
1. A phase change heat storage and heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure, comprising a shell (1), a heat storage container (2) for containing phase change material, and a phase change medium heat exchange tube (3), wherein the heat storage container (2) is disposed inside the shell (1), and the phase change medium heat exchange tube (3) passes through the container wall of the heat storage container (2) with two through-wall straight pipe sections (31), and the phase change material exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium through the phase change medium heat exchange tube (3), characterized in that: Each of the wall-penetrating straight pipe sections (31) is fixedly fitted with a heat deformation follower sleeve (4); the phase change medium sealing ring seat (5) surrounds each of the heat deformation follower sleeves (4) and is fixed to the outer wall of the heat storage container (2); the phase change medium compensation membrane (51) seals and connects the heat deformation follower sleeve (4) and the phase change medium sealing ring seat (5). Along the axial direction away from the heat storage container (2), the phase change medium sealing ring seat (5) is provided with an annular pressure piston (52) and a backup packing group (53) in sequence. The annular pressure piston (52) can move along the axial direction of the thermal deformation follower sleeve (4). The phase change medium sealing ring seat (5), the thermal deformation follower sleeve (4), the phase change medium compensation membrane (51) and the annular pressure piston (52) form a sealed triggering cavity. Each of the through-wall straight pipe sections (31) is provided with a thermal displacement compensation pipe section (32) at its inner end. The thermal displacement compensation pipe section (32) absorbs thermal displacement through elastic deformation. The thermal deformation follower sleeve (4) moves with the through-wall straight pipe section (31) and drives the phase change medium compensation membrane (51) to flex and deform to maintain the through-wall seal.
2. The phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase change medium compensation membrane (51) is annular. The inner peripheral edge of the phase change medium compensation membrane (51) is sealed and fixed with the thermal deformation follower sleeve (4). The outer peripheral edge of the phase change medium compensation membrane (51) is sealed and fixed with the phase change medium sealing ring seat (5). A continuous flexural area is formed between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge.
3. The phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The phase change medium compensation film (51) forms an annular arc surface that bulges toward the sealed trigger cavity, including two arc segments with opposite curvatures, smoothly connected and extending to the inner and outer circumferences of the phase change medium compensation film (51) respectively.
4. A phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the annular pressure piston (52) is sealed to the inner wall of the phase change medium sealing ring seat (5) by a piston outer periphery sealing membrane (54). The piston outer periphery sealing membrane (54) is annular in shape, and its radial cross section is U-shaped. The U-shaped part forms an annular deformation part that flexes as the annular pressure piston (52) moves axially.
5. A phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The annular pressure piston (52) has a piston sealing ring (521) in its inner hole and forms a second guide hole section. The piston sealing lip of the piston sealing ring (521) slides against the outer periphery of the heat deformation follower sleeve (4). The inner hole of the phase change medium sealing ring seat (5) near the heat storage container (2) forms a first guide hole section. The first guide hole section and the second guide hole section slide against the outer periphery of the heat deformation follower sleeve (4) and are spaced apart along the axial direction of the heat deformation follower sleeve (4).
6. A phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a thermal deformation flexible compensation sealing structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer pressure cap (55) is fixed to the outer end of the phase change medium sealing ring seat (5), and the outer periphery of the outer pressure cap (55) and the phase change medium sealing ring seat (5) are statically sealed in the circumferential direction; the outer pressure cap (55) is provided with an inner hole for the thermal deformation follower sleeve (4) to pass through, and the outer end of the backup packing group (53) abuts against the inner end face of the outer pressure cap (55).
7. A phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer pressure cap (55) has a pressure cap sealing ring (551) in its inner hole. The pressure cap sealing ring (551) has an isolation sealing lip that slides against the outer periphery of the heat deformation follower sleeve (4). The inner hole of the outer pressure cap (55) forms a third guide hole section. The third guide hole section slides with the outer periphery of the heat deformation follower sleeve (4) and is axially spaced from the first guide hole section and the second guide hole section.
8. A phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the thermal displacement compensation pipe sections (32) is composed of a first curved section, a slanted-straight transition section and a second curved section connected sequentially from the through-wall straight pipe section (31) into the heat storage container (2); the slanted-straight transition section extends obliquely relative to the axis of the through-wall straight pipe section (31), and its two ends are tangent to the first curved section and the second curved section respectively; the first curved section and the second curved section have opposite curvatures and different radii of curvature.
9. A phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a thermal deformation flexible compensation sealing structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The ends of the two second bends away from the inclined straight transition section are respectively connected to the heat exchange straight pipe section (33), and the ends of the two heat exchange straight pipe sections (33) away from the second bends are connected through the return bend section, and together they form a U-shaped heat exchange pipe section (34).
10. A phase change heat storage heat exchange device with a flexible thermal deformation compensation sealing structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The through-wall straight pipe section (31), the thermal displacement compensation pipe section (32), and the heat exchange straight pipe section (33) are connected in sequence to form two pipe branches; the two pipe branches have the same shape and are located in two parallel and spaced-apart arrangement planes respectively; when projected along a direction perpendicular to the two arrangement planes, the projections of the two pipe branches are mirror-symmetrical about the midline between the projection axes of the two heat exchange straight pipe sections.
