A phase change cold accumulator
By arranging energy storage units in a staggered manner in the phase change accumulator and using a support frame to achieve rapid replacement, the problem of limited applicability to operating conditions in the existing technology is solved, and efficient fluid flow and heat transfer effects are achieved under different operating conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HIMILE MECHANICAL MFG
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing phase change accumulators cannot be quickly replaced according to actual operating conditions, resulting in limited applicability.
A phase change energy storage device was designed. By arranging the first and second energy storage units alternately in the tank and using a support frame to achieve an interference fit, the energy storage units can be quickly replaced under different operating conditions. The device is combined with a mesh or through-hole structure to optimize fluid flow and heat transfer.
It enables rapid adaptation of the cold accumulator under different operating conditions, enhances the flow and heat transfer of the working fluid, ensures a stable fluidization state and liquid level monitoring, and improves the applicability and efficiency of the equipment.
Smart Images
Figure CN224365409U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage technology, specifically to a phase change cold storage device. Background Technology
[0002] Phase change energy storage devices (PCMs) are based on the latent heat storage characteristics of solid-liquid phase change materials. They achieve the storage and release of cold energy through thermodynamic coupling, and their core structure consists of encapsulated PCM energy storage units. During the storage phase, a low-temperature cooling medium flows through the internal channels of the PCM, undergoing forced convection heat transfer to induce a solid-liquid phase change in the material and store the cold energy. During the release phase, the stored cold energy is released through a reverse heat exchange process.
[0003] Currently, most phase change accumulators are fixed structures, but various operating conditions may occur during actual use. Existing technologies typically only apply to one type of operating condition for the same accumulator, and cannot be quickly replaced according to the actual operating conditions. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a phase change cold storage device that enables dynamic adjustment of the phase change cold storage under different operating conditions.
[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0006] A phase change energy storage device includes a tank, a first energy storage unit, a second energy storage unit, and a support frame. The first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit are arranged alternately along the axial direction in the tank. The bottom of the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit are respectively provided with a support frame. The outer diameter of the support frame matches the inner diameter of the tank, and the support frame and the tank are interference fit.
[0007] Furthermore, both the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit include multiple energy storage components. Each energy storage component is cylindrical and includes an encapsulation shell and a phase change material. The phase change material is filled inside the encapsulation shell. All multiple energy storage components are fixedly connected to the support frame at their bottom. The distance between two adjacent support frames is equal to the distance between the highest and lowest points of the energy storage component.
[0008] Furthermore, the support frame has several through holes or a mesh structure; the holes on the energy storage device and its adjacent support frame do not completely overlap to retain the flow gap of the fluid working medium.
[0009] Furthermore, the energy storage components in the first energy storage unit are in an upright position and are not in contact with each other.
[0010] Furthermore, several through holes are opened on the support frame, the energy storage components in the second energy storage unit are in an upright state, and the orthographic projections of the energy storage components in the first energy storage unit and the energy storage components in the adjacent second energy storage unit in the vertical direction do not completely overlap, forming a spatially staggered arrangement.
[0011] Furthermore, the support frame is a mesh structure, and the energy storage components in the second energy storage unit are arranged in an inclined contact configuration with the same inclination angle.
[0012] Furthermore, the support frame has a mesh structure, the energy storage components in the second energy storage unit are horizontal, and adjacent energy storage components are not in contact with each other.
[0013] Furthermore, a first port is provided at the top of the tank and a second port is provided at the bottom of the tank; the working fluid flows into the tank from one of the ports, exchanges heat with the energy storage device, and then flows out of the tank from the other port.
[0014] Furthermore, a fluid distribution plate is provided below the first port, and the fluid distribution plate is uniformly provided with several through holes for uniformly dispersing the fluid.
[0015] Furthermore, a level gauge is connected to the outside of the tank to detect the liquid level inside the entire tank.
[0016] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows:
[0017] 1. In this utility model, the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit are fixed on the corresponding support frame outside the cold accumulator tank, and then assembled. During installation, the support frame and the tank body adopt an interference fit. Under different working conditions, the energy storage unit can be quickly replaced by replacing the support frame, so that the cold accumulator can meet the needs of different working conditions.
[0018] 2. In this utility model, the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit are arranged alternately in the tank. When the energy storage components in the second energy storage unit are arranged vertically, it can meet the application requirements of fluids with high viscosity in the cold accumulator.
[0019] 3. In this utility model, when the energy storage components in the second energy storage unit are arranged at an angle or horizontally, the energy storage components are arranged more densely, which can prolong the residence time of the fluid working medium in the cold accumulator, increase the degree of disturbance of the fluid working medium in the cold accumulator, and enhance the heat transfer process.
[0020] 4. The energy storage device of this utility model is a metal-encapsulated shell filled with phase change material. Compared with non-metallic encapsulated phase change material, it has stronger pressure resistance, and the cylindrical metal-encapsulated shell is easier to process.
[0021] 5. The cold accumulator of this utility model is provided with a fluid distribution plate at the upper end to ensure that the fluid is evenly distributed throughout the entire cross-sectional area, avoiding channeling or gushing phenomena caused by excessive local flow velocity, and maintaining a stable fluidization state.
[0022] 6. This utility model features a level gauge installed outside the tank body, matching the height of the tank body, to achieve continuous monitoring of the liquid level of the cold fluid working medium inside the tank, ensuring that the accumulator operates within a reasonable liquid level range. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame structure in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a utility model Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame structure in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second energy storage unit in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second energy storage unit structure in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.
[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0032] 100. Tank body; 101. First port; 102. Second port; 200. First energy storage unit; 300. Second energy storage unit; 400. Support frame; 500. Energy storage component; 501. Phase change material; 502. Encapsulation shell; 600. Fluid distribution plate; 700. Level gauge. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0035] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. Example
[0036] Please refer to Figures 1-3 This invention provides an embodiment of a phase change energy storage device, comprising a tank 100, a first energy storage unit 200, a second energy storage unit 300, and a support frame 400. The first energy storage unit 200 and the second energy storage unit 300 are arranged alternately along the axial direction within the tank 100. The bottom of the first energy storage unit 200 and the second energy storage unit 300 are respectively provided with a support frame 400. The outer diameter of the support frame 400 matches the inner diameter of the tank 100, and the support frame 400 and the tank 100 are interference fit.
[0037] The first energy storage unit 200 and the second energy storage unit 300 both include multiple energy storage components 500. Each energy storage component 500 is cylindrical and includes an encapsulation shell 502 and a phase change material 501. The phase change material 501 is filled inside the encapsulation shell 502. The encapsulation shell 502 is made of metal, such as stainless steel, which has stronger pressure resistance than non-metallic materials, and the cylindrical metal encapsulation shell 502 is easier to process. All multiple energy storage components 500 are fixedly connected to their bottom support frames 400 by welding. The distance between two adjacent support frames 400 is equal to the distance between the highest and lowest points of the energy storage component 500.
[0038] The support frame 400 has several through holes, which are evenly distributed circular holes. The energy storage components 500 in the first energy storage unit 200 and the second energy storage unit 300 are both in an upright state. The axial direction of the energy storage component 500 is perpendicular to the support frame 400. The energy storage component 500 in the first energy storage unit 200 and the energy storage component 500 in the adjacent second energy storage unit 300 are not completely overlapped in the vertical direction, forming a spatially staggered arrangement. The circular holes on the first energy storage unit 200, the second energy storage unit 300 and the adjacent support frame 400 are not completely overlapped to retain the flow gap of the fluid working medium.
[0039] The first energy storage unit 200 and its bottom support frame 400 are module one, and the second energy storage unit 300 and its bottom support frame 400 are module two. Module one and module two are respectively processed and formed on the outside of the tank body 100. The processed module one and module two are sequentially installed in the cold storage tank body 100, forming a structure in which the first energy storage unit 200 and the second energy storage unit 300 are staggered in the axial direction of the tank body 100.
[0040] The tank 100 has a first port 101 at the top and a second port 102 at the bottom. Below the first port 101, there is a fluid distribution plate 600 with several through holes evenly distributed to uniformly disperse the fluid, ensuring that the fluid is evenly distributed across the entire cross-sectional area, avoiding channeling or gushing caused by excessive local flow velocity, and maintaining a stable fluidized state. A level gauge 700 is connected to the outside of the tank 100, and the two axial ends of the level gauge 700 are respectively connected to the two axial ends of the tank 100 to achieve continuous monitoring of the liquid level height inside the entire tank 100, ensuring that the cold accumulator operates within a reasonable liquid level range. Example
[0041] Please refer to Figures 4-6 This is another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the support frame 400 is a mesh structure, the energy storage components 500 in the second energy storage unit 300 are arranged in an inclined contact manner, and the energy storage components 500 are fixed to the support frame 400 at their bottom by welding. Example
[0042] Please refer to Figure 7 This is another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that the energy storage component 500 in the second energy storage unit 300 is in a horizontal state, adjacent energy storage components 500 are not in contact with each other, and the connection between the energy storage component 500 and its bottom support frame 400 is by welding.
[0043] The cold storage and release process of a phase change cold accumulator in this utility model is as follows:
[0044] Cold storage process: The cold fluid working medium enters the cold storage device from the second port 102, and at the same time transfers its own cold energy to the energy storage device 500, causing the phase change material 501 in the energy storage device 500 to undergo a phase change and store the cold energy. The fluid working medium that has undergone heat exchange is discharged from the first port 101.
[0045] Cooling process: The hot working fluid enters the cold storage unit from the first port 101 through the fluid distribution plate 600, and at the same time transfers its own heat energy to the energy storage device 500, causing the phase change material 501 in the energy storage device 500 to undergo a phase change and release the cold energy. The working fluid that has undergone heat exchange is discharged from the second port 102.
[0046] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement it. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A phase change cold storage device, characterized in that: The device includes a tank (100), a first energy storage unit (200), a second energy storage unit (300), and a support frame (400). The first energy storage unit (200) and the second energy storage unit (300) are arranged alternately along the axial direction inside the tank (100). The support frame (400) is provided at the bottom of the first energy storage unit (200) and the second energy storage unit (300). The outer diameter of the support frame (400) matches the inner diameter of the tank (100), and the support frame (400) and the tank (100) are interference fit.
2. The phase change cold storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first energy storage unit (200) and the second energy storage unit (300) include multiple energy storage components (500). Each energy storage component (500) is cylindrical and includes an encapsulation shell (502) and a phase change material (501). The phase change material (501) is filled inside the encapsulation shell (502). Each of the multiple energy storage components (500) is fixedly connected to the support frame (400) at its bottom. The distance between two adjacent support frames (400) is equal to the distance between the highest and lowest points of the energy storage component (500).
3. A phase change cold storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support frame (400) has several through holes or the support frame (400) is a mesh structure; the through holes on the energy storage component (500) and its adjacent support frame (400) are not completely overlapped to retain the flow gap of the fluid working medium.
4. A phase change cold storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The energy storage components (500) in the first energy storage unit (200) are in an upright state and are not in contact with each other.
5. A phase change cold storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support frame (400) has several through holes. The energy storage component (500) in the second energy storage unit (300) is in an upright state. The energy storage component (500) in the first energy storage unit (200) and the energy storage component (500) in the adjacent second energy storage unit (300) do not completely overlap in the vertical direction, forming a spatially staggered arrangement.
6. A phase change cold storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support frame (400) has a mesh structure, and the energy storage components (500) in the second energy storage unit (300) are arranged in an inclined contact manner, with the same inclination angle for each energy storage component (500).
7. A phase change cold storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support frame (400) has a mesh structure, and the energy storage element (500) in the second energy storage unit (300) is in a horizontal state, with adjacent energy storage elements (500) not in contact with each other.
8. A phase change cold storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tank (100) has a first port (101) at the top and a second port (102) at the bottom. The working fluid flows into the tank (100) from one of the ports, exchanges heat with the energy storage device (500), and then flows out of the tank (100) from the other port.
9. A phase change cold storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A fluid distribution plate (600) is provided below the first port (101), and the fluid distribution plate (600) is provided with a plurality of through holes for uniformly dispersing the fluid.
10. A phase change cold storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A level gauge (700) is connected to the outside of the tank (100) to detect the liquid level height inside the entire tank (100).