Enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation

By designing enhanced heat exchange metal phase change cells and using heat-conducting structures to increase the heat exchange area of ​​the phase change material, the problems of existing food preservation methods causing damage to the food surface and low cooling efficiency are solved, achieving rapid cooling and stable food preservation effects.

CN223329236UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-12FOSHAN ZHONGKE RONGGU TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422702558.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-06
Publication Date
2025-09-12
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing food preservation methods such as ice cubes, ice flakes and ice bags have problems such as damaging the food surface, low cooling efficiency and poor thermal conductivity during use, and are difficult to meet the high preservation requirements of temperature-sensitive foods.

Method used

A metal phase change unit cell with enhanced heat exchange is designed, including a shell and a phase change material. A heat-conducting structure is provided inside the shell. The heat-conducting structure increases the heat exchange area of ​​the phase change material, utilizes the latent heat of phase change to quickly transfer cold, and provides a stable low-temperature environment for food.

Benefits of technology

It achieves rapid cooling, avoids the impact of phase change material overflow on food, improves the cooling speed and preservation effect of food, and meets the storage and transportation needs of temperature-sensitive food.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses an enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for fresh keeping, and relates to the technical field of food fresh keeping. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation comprises a shell and a phase change material, wherein the phase change material is stored in a containing cavity of the shell; wherein at least one group of heat conduction structures is further arranged in the accommodating cavity, and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity and the phase change material are in contact with the heat conduction structures. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation comprises a shell and a phase change material stored in the shell, the phase change material releases a large amount of cooling capacity through phase change latent heat, the cooling capacity is rapidly transmitted to food through the shell, a stable low-temperature environment is provided for food storage and transportation, and the food preservation effect is improved. When the phase change material is melted, the phase change material does not overflow to influence the food; meanwhile, the heat conduction structure is further arranged in the shell, the heat exchange area of the phase change material is increased through the heat conduction structure, the outward conduction speed of the cooling capacity of the phase change material is further increased, and then the cooling speed of the food is further increased.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of food preservation, and in particular to an enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for food preservation. Background Art

[0002] In the current food preservation industry, commonly used preservation methods mainly include the use of ice cubes, borneol flakes, or ice packs. Although ice cubes and borneol flakes have a relatively large surface area and can improve cooling efficiency to a certain extent, they have obvious drawbacks in practical application. Because ice cubes and borneol flakes are usually angular, they can easily damage the food surface during contact, affecting the integrity and aesthetics of the food. At the same time, as ice cubes and borneol flakes gradually melt, they transform into liquid form, which may cause food to be soaked in water for a long time, thereby changing the original flavor of the food and even causing hygiene problems.

[0003] On the other hand, ice packs, another common food preservation method, haven't fully met industry needs. The outer layer of an ice pack is typically made of plastic, a material with relatively poor thermal conductivity, which limits the rapid transfer of cold within the pack. Furthermore, ice packs are typically large in size but have a relatively small surface area, further reducing their melting speed and cooling efficiency. Consequently, using ice packs for food preservation often struggles to achieve rapid cooling, failing to meet the stringent preservation requirements for temperature-sensitive foods. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the utility model provides a metal phase change unit cell with enhanced heat exchange for preservation.

[0005] The utility model discloses a metal phase change unit cell for enhancing heat exchange for preservation, comprising a shell and a phase change material, wherein the phase change material is stored in a cavity of the shell; wherein at least one group of heat-conducting structures is also provided in the cavity, and the cavity wall and the phase change material are in contact with the heat-conducting structure.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the single-group heat-conducting structure includes at least one first heat-conducting portion, which is in the shape of a flat plate, and one side of the first heat-conducting portion is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the single-group heat-conducting structure also includes a second heat-conducting part, which is cylindrical and arranged at the center of multiple first heat-conducting parts. One of the side edges of the first heat-conducting part is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity, and the other side edge of the first heat-conducting part is connected to the outer wall of the second heat-conducting part.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the single-group heat-conducting structure includes at least one first heat-conducting portion, which is in a needle-column shape, and one end of the first heat-conducting portion is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the single-group heat-conducting structure also includes a second heat-conducting part, which is cylindrical and arranged at the center position of multiple first heat-conducting parts. One end of the first heat-conducting part is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity, and the other end of the first heat-conducting part is connected to the outer wall of the second heat-conducting part.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the single heat-conducting structure includes at least one first heat-conducting portion, the first heat-conducting portion is spiral-shaped, and the outer side of the first heat-conducting portion is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the single-group heat-conducting structure includes at least one first heat-conducting portion, the first heat-conducting portion is in the shape of an annular plate, and the outer side of the first heat-conducting portion is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a single group of heat-conducting structures, the first heat-conducting parts are separated from each other or connected to each other.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the number of the first heat conducting parts in a single group of heat conducting structures is at least two, the first heat conducting parts are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction or the axial direction of the cavity.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the number of the heat-conducting structures is at least two groups, the heat-conducting structures are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the cavity.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0016] The utility model discloses a metal phase change unit cell for preserving food by enhancing heat exchange, which includes an outer shell and a phase change material stored in the outer shell. The phase change material releases a large amount of cold energy through the latent heat of phase change, and quickly transfers the cold energy to the food through the outer shell, thereby providing a stable low-temperature environment for food storage and transportation, and preventing the phase change material from overflowing and affecting the food when it melts. At the same time, a heat-conducting structure is also provided in the outer shell, which increases the heat exchange area of ​​the phase change material through the heat-conducting structure, thereby further increasing the speed at which the cold energy of the phase change material is conducted outward, thereby further increasing the cooling speed of the food. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation in Example 1;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation in Example 1;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation in Example 1;

[0021] Figure 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of the first heat conducting portion in Example 1;

[0022] Figure 5 2. A radial cross-sectional view of a single heat-conducting structure in Example 1 including different numbers of first heat-conducting portions;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation in Example 2;

[0024] Figure 7 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation in Example 3;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation in Example 5;

[0026] Figure 9 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation in Example 5;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation in Example 6;

[0028] Figure 11 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell used for preservation in Example 6.

[0029] Description of reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Outer shell; 11. Shell; 12. Cover; 13. Cavity; 2. Heat-conducting structure; 21. First heat-conducting part; 22. Second heat-conducting part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following diagrams illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. For clarity, many practical details will be included in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, in some embodiments of the present invention, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, to simplify the illustrations, some commonly used structures and components are depicted in a simplified schematic manner.

[0032] In addition, in the present invention, descriptions such as "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and do not specifically refer to the order or sequence, nor are they used to limit the present invention. They are only used to distinguish components or operations described with the same technical terms, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] This embodiment provides a metal phase change unit cell for enhancing heat exchange for freshness preservation, see Figure 1 and 2 The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for food preservation includes a shell 1 and a phase change material, which is stored in the shell 1. When used, the phase change material releases a large amount of cold energy through the latent heat of phase change, and the cold energy is quickly transferred to the food through the shell 1, providing a stable low-temperature environment for food storage and transportation.

[0035] Specifically, the housing 1 consists of a shell 11 and a cover 12. The shell 11 has a cavity 13 and an opening that communicate with each other. The cover 12 is mounted on the opening of the shell 11 to seal the cavity 13. Phase change material is filled into the cavity 13 through the opening. The phase change material contacts the walls of the cavity 13, allowing heat exchange between the phase change material and the housing 1.

[0036] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is made of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, galvanized sheet, or a metal alloy, wherein the metal alloy is typically an aluminum alloy, a copper alloy, or some specific type of metal alloy. The housing 1 has a polyhedron, a sphere, or a columnar shape, such as a hexagonal prism or a tetrahedron. The housing 11 and cover 12 can be formed by extrusion, die-casting, or CNC machine tool processing.

[0037] In this embodiment, the phase change material has three main temperature ranges: -5°C to 10°C (suitable for fresh-keeping), -15°C to -25°C (suitable for conventional refrigerators), and -30°C or below (suitable for ultra-low temperature preservation). Specifically, the phase change material includes at least one of alcohol, salt, glycerin, fatty acids, acetic acid, alkali, and alcohol solutions.

[0038] Furthermore, a heat-conducting structure 2 is provided in the cavity 13. The cavity wall and the phase change material of the cavity 13 are in contact with the heat-conducting structure 2. The heat-conducting structure 2 increases the heat exchange area of ​​the phase change material, so that the speed of cold conduction of the phase change material to the outside is further increased, thereby further increasing the cooling speed of the food.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cavity 13 is cylindrical, such as a cylinder or polygonal prism, to facilitate installation of the heat-conducting structure 2 and facilitate mass production. Furthermore, the heat-conducting structure 2 is preferably made of a highly thermally conductive metal such as aluminum, copper, or alloys thereof to ensure efficient heat exchange.

[0040] Furthermore, the number of the heat-conducting structures 2 is at least one group, combined with Figure 2 As shown, when there are at least two groups of heat-conducting structures 2, the heat-conducting structures 2 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the cavity 13. The axial projections of two adjacent groups of heat-conducting structures 2 along the cavity 13 overlap or are offset, that is, the two adjacent groups of heat-conducting structures 2 are arranged in parallel or rotationally offset along the circumference of the cavity 13.

[0041] Furthermore, combined Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the single-group heat-conducting structure 2 includes at least one first heat-conducting part 21, which is in the shape of a flat plate. The first heat-conducting part 21 is arranged to extend axially along the cavity 13, and one side edge of the single first heat-conducting part 21 is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity 13.

[0042] Furthermore, when the number of the first heat conducting parts 21 in a single group of heat conducting structures 2 is at least two, the first heat conducting parts 21 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the cavity 13. Figure 5 As shown, when there are two first heat conducting parts 21, the two first heat conducting parts 21 are arranged in a straight line; when there are two first heat conducting parts 21, the two first heat conducting parts 21 are arranged in a herringbone shape; when there are four first heat conducting parts 21, the four first heat conducting parts 21 are arranged in a cross shape; when there are eight first heat conducting parts 21, the eight first heat conducting parts 21 are arranged in a cross shape, and so on.

[0043] Furthermore, the first heat conducting parts 21 are separated from each other or connected to each other. In this embodiment, all the first heat conducting parts 21 are connected at one point.

[0044] To summarize, the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation includes an outer shell and a phase change material stored in the outer shell. The phase change material releases a large amount of cold through the latent heat of phase change, and quickly transfers the cold to the food through the outer shell, providing a stable low-temperature environment for food storage and transportation, and will not overflow when the phase change material melts and affect the food; at the same time, a heat-conducting structure is also provided in the outer shell, which increases the heat exchange area of ​​the phase change material through the heat-conducting structure, so that the speed at which the cold of the phase change material is conducted outward is further increased, thereby further increasing the cooling speed of the food.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] Compared with the first embodiment, in the metal phase change unit cell for enhanced heat exchange for freshness preservation provided by the second embodiment, the single group of heat conducting structures 2 further includes a second heat conducting portion 22 .

[0047] Combine Figure 6 As shown, the second heat conducting portion 22 is cylindrical and is arranged at the center of the plurality of first heat conducting portions 21. The first heat conducting portions 21 are not connected to each other. One side of the first heat conducting portion 21 is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity 13, and the other side of the first heat conducting portion 21 is connected to the outer wall of the second heat conducting portion 22.

[0048] The rest of the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] Compared with the first embodiment, in the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation provided by the third embodiment, the first heat conducting portion 21 of the heat conducting structure 2 is needle-shaped.

[0051] Combine Figure 7 As shown, the first heat conducting portion 21 is needle-shaped, one end of the first heat conducting portion 21 is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity 13, and the other end of the first heat conducting portion 21 points to the axis of the cavity 13. The first heat conducting portions 21 are not connected to each other.

[0052] The rest of the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0053] Example 4

[0054] Compared with the second embodiment, in the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation provided by the fourth embodiment, the first heat conducting portion 21 of the heat conducting structure 2 is needle-shaped.

[0055] The first heat conducting parts 21 are not connected to each other. One end of the first heat conducting part 21 is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity 13 , and the other end of the first heat conducting part 21 is connected to the outer wall of the second heat conducting part 22 .

[0056] The rest of the structure is the same as that of the second embodiment.

[0057] Example 5

[0058] Compared with the first embodiment, in the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation provided by the fifth embodiment, the first heat conducting portion 21 of the heat conducting structure 2 is spiral-shaped.

[0059] Combine Figure 8 and 9 As shown, the spiral direction of the first heat conducting portion 21 extends along the axial direction of the cavity 13 , and the outer side of the first heat conducting portion 21 is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity 13 .

[0060] The rest of the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0061] Example 6

[0062] Compared with the first embodiment, in the enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation provided by the sixth embodiment, the first heat conducting portion 21 of the heat conducting structure 2 is in the shape of an annular plate.

[0063] Combine Figure 10 and 11 As shown, a single first heat conducting portion 21 is arranged radially along the cavity 13, and the outer side of the first heat conducting portion 21 is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity 13. When there are at least two first heat conducting portions 21, two adjacent first heat conducting portions 21 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the cavity 13.

[0064] The rest of the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0065] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A metal phase change unit cell for enhancing heat exchange for preservation, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell (1) and a phase change material, wherein the phase change material is stored in a cavity (13) of the shell (1); wherein at least one set of heat-conducting structures (2) is also provided in the cavity (13), and the cavity wall of the cavity (13) and the phase change material are in contact with the heat-conducting structures (2).

2. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation according to claim 1, characterized in that: A single group of the heat-conducting structures (2) comprises at least one first heat-conducting portion (21), the first heat-conducting portion (21) being in the shape of a flat plate, and one side edge of the first heat-conducting portion (21) being connected to the cavity wall of the cavity (13).

3. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation according to claim 2, characterized in that: A single group of the heat-conducting structures (2) further includes a second heat-conducting portion (22), which is cylindrical and arranged at the center of the plurality of the first heat-conducting portions (21). One side of the first heat-conducting portion (21) is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity (13), and the other side of the first heat-conducting portion (21) is connected to the outer wall of the second heat-conducting portion (22).

4. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation according to claim 1, characterized in that: A single group of the heat-conducting structures (2) comprises at least one first heat-conducting portion (21), the first heat-conducting portion (21) being in a needle-column shape, and one end of the first heat-conducting portion (21) being connected to the cavity wall of the cavity (13).

5. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation according to claim 4, characterized in that: A single group of the heat-conducting structures (2) further includes a second heat-conducting portion (22), which is cylindrical and arranged at the center of the plurality of the first heat-conducting portions (21). One end of the first heat-conducting portion (21) is connected to the cavity wall of the cavity (13), and the other end of the first heat-conducting portion (21) is connected to the outer wall of the second heat-conducting portion (22).

6. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation according to claim 1, characterized in that: A single group of the heat-conducting structures (2) comprises at least one first heat-conducting portion (21), the first heat-conducting portion (21) being spiral-shaped, and the outer side of the first heat-conducting portion (21) being connected to the cavity wall of the cavity (13).

7. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation according to claim 1, characterized in that: A single group of the heat-conducting structures (2) comprises at least one first heat-conducting portion (21), the first heat-conducting portion (21) being in the shape of an annular plate, and the outer side of the first heat-conducting portion (21) being connected to the cavity wall of the cavity (13).

8. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: In a single group of the heat-conducting structures (2), the first heat-conducting parts (21) are separated from each other or connected to each other.

9. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for preservation according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: When the number of the first heat-conducting parts (21) in a single group of the heat-conducting structures (2) is at least two, the first heat-conducting parts (21) are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction or the axial direction of the cavity (13).

10. The enhanced heat exchange metal phase change unit cell for freshness preservation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: When the number of the heat-conducting structures (2) is at least two groups, the heat-conducting structures (2) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the cavity (13).