Thermal energy exchange and storage device

Abstract

Thermal Energy Exchange and Storage Device. The invention relates to a thermal energy exchange and storage device comprising: several spaced-apart heat exchange modules (22), at least one storage medium (28) interposed between the heat exchange modules (22), comprising at least one phase-change material, and at least one intercalating system (50) positioned between at least the first and second heat exchange modules (22, 22'), configured to deform elastically and be compressed between the first and second heat exchange modules (22, 22'). This solution keeps the plates of the heat exchange modules compressed against each other, which tends to limit the risk of leakage. Figure 10

Description

Title of the invention: Device for the exchange and storage of thermal energy

[0001] The present application relates to a device enabling heat exchange between two fluids (gas or liquid) and thermal energy storage.

[0002] According to an embodiment visible in figures 1 and 2 and described in document GB 2484539, a thermal energy exchange and storage device 10 comprises several heat exchange modules 12 spaced apart and positioned in an enclosure containing a phase change material at least at the level of the intercalated zones 14 between the heat exchangers 12.

[0003] According to a configuration visible on [Fig.2], each heat exchange module 12 comprises a body 12.1 made of a thermally conductive material which includes a first spiral conduit 16 for a first heat transfer fluid and a second spiral conduit 18 for a second heat transfer fluid, the spiral shapes of the first and second conduits 16, 18 being nested within each other.

[0004] According to one embodiment, each body 12.1 comprises two plates, each of which has grooves according to the first and second conduits 16, 18 to be made, and are assembled by welding.

[0005] This embodiment is not entirely satisfactory because the risks of leakage between the first and second conduits 16 18 are relatively significant in operation, particularly when one of the first and second conduits 16, 18 contains a gaseous fluid under pressure.

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a thermal energy exchange and storage device comprising several heat exchange modules spaced apart from each other and at least one storage medium interposed between the heat exchange modules, each heat exchange module comprising at least two plates delimiting between them at least first and second conduits in which first and second heat transfer fluids circulate, the storage medium comprising at least one phase change material.

[0008] According to the invention, the thermal energy exchange and storage device comprises at least one intercalated system positioned between at least the first and second heat exchange modules, configured to deform elastically and be compressed between the first and second heat exchange modules.

[0009] Each interlayer system exerts expansion forces which keep the plates of each heat exchange module compressed against each other, which tends to limit the risks of leakage.

[0010] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0011] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an energy exchange and storage device thermal illustration of a method of implementation of prior art.

[0012] [Fig.2] is a front view of a heat exchange module of the exchange device and thermal energy storage visible in [Fig.1],

[0013] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-section of an energy exchange and storage device thermal illustration of an embodiment of the invention, during a phase of thermal energy restitution,

[0014] [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-section of the energy exchange and storage device The thermal energy visible in [Fig. 3], during a thermal energy storage phase,

[0015] [Fig. 5] is a schematic cross-section of the energy exchange and storage device visible thermal energy in [Fig. 3], during a phase of thermal energy exchange,

[0016] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a heat exchange module illustrating a first embodiment of the invention,

[0017] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a heat exchange module illustrating a second embodiment of the invention,

[0018] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of part of an exchange and thermal energy storage illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0019] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of part of an exchange and thermal energy storage illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0020] [Fig. 10] is a top view of part of an exchange and storage device of thermal energy illustrating another embodiment of the invention, and

[0021] [Fig. 11] is a top view of part of an exchange and storage device of thermal energy illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

[0022] According to an embodiment visible in figures 3 to 5, a thermal energy exchange and storage device 20 comprises several heat exchange modules 22 spaced apart from each other, each comprising at least first and second conduits 24, 26 in which first and second heat transfer fluids circulate, the heat exchange modules 22 being in contact with a storage medium 28.

[0023] According to one configuration, the thermal energy exchange and storage device 20 comprises an enclosure 30 containing several spaced-apart heat exchange modules 22 and at least one storage medium 28 interposed between the heat exchange modules 22. The first conduits 24 of the different modules The heat exchange modules 22 are connected in series by sections of duct 24' and form a portion of a first circuit 34 in which the first heat transfer fluid circulates. The second ducts 26 of the different heat exchange modules 22 are connected in series by sections of duct 26' and form a portion of a second circuit 36 ​​in which the second heat transfer fluid circulates.

[0024] According to one application, the first circuit 34 comprises at least one first heat exchanger configured to capture heat from a first environment, such as the exterior of a building, and transfer it to the first heat transfer fluid. In addition, the second circuit 36 ​​comprises at least one second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between the second heat transfer fluid and a second environment, such as the interior of the building.

[0025] The storage medium 28 comprises at least one phase-change material configured to transition from a liquid to a solid state during a thermal energy storage phase and from a solid to a liquid state during a thermal energy release phase. In one embodiment, the phase-change material has a solidification temperature of approximately 20°C. By way of example, the phase-change material may be selected from the following: paraffin, a fatty acid, a salt hydrate, a eutectic solution, or others. Of course, the invention is not limited to these phase-change materials.

[0026] According to a first mode of operation visible on [Fig.3] corresponding to a phase of thermal energy restitution, the phase change material of the storage medium 28 passes from the solid state to the liquid state, which produces latent heat transferred to the first or second heat transfer fluid at the level of each heat exchange module 22.

[0027] According to a second operating mode shown in [Fig. 4], corresponding to a thermal energy storage phase, the first or second heat transfer fluid transfers thermal energy at each heat exchange module 22 to the phase-change material of the storage medium 28, which changes from a liquid to a solid state. In this case, the thermal energy of the first or second heat transfer fluid is stored as latent energy.

[0028] According to a third mode of operation visible on [Fig.5] corresponding to a phase of thermal energy exchange, thermal energy is transferred between the first and second heat transfer fluids at the level of each heat exchange module 22.

[0029] According to one application, the first heat transfer fluid has a temperature lower than the phase change temperature of the phase-change material. The second heat transfer fluid has a temperature higher than the phase change temperature of the phase change material.

[0030] The number and dimensions of the heat exchange modules 22 of the thermal energy exchange and storage device 20 and / or the volume and characteristics of the storage medium 28 are determined according to the requirements for thermal energy storage and / or exchange.

[0031] According to a configuration visible in figures 6 and 7, each heat exchange module 22 has a square or rectangular contour which includes sides parallel to a first direction (generally corresponding to the vertical direction) and to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (generally corresponding to the horizontal direction).

[0032] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.6], at least one heat exchange module 22 comprises first, second and third plates 38.1 to 38.3 solid of the same dimensions, which have flat faces, a first peripheral sealing gasket 40.1 interposed between the first and second plates 38.1, 38.2, a second peripheral sealing gasket 40.2 interposed between the second and third plates 38.2, 38.3 and fixing elements 42 located at the periphery, passing through the first and second peripheral gaskets 40.1, 40.2 and now assembled the first, second and third plates 38.1 to 38.3 as well as the first and second peripheral sealing gaskets 40.1, 40.2, the latter being compressed between the plates 38.1 to 38.3.

[0033] In one configuration, at least one first partition may be interposed between the first and second plates 38.1, 38.2, encircled by the first peripheral sealing gasket 40.1 to delimit the first conduit 24. In one configuration, the first peripheral sealing gasket 40.1 is configured to provide a seal between the first and second plates 38.1, 38.2 and delimit the first conduit 24. The first partition could be separate from the first peripheral sealing gasket 40.1. At least one second partition may be interposed between the second and third plates 38.2, 38.3, encircled by the second peripheral sealing gasket 40.2 to delimit the second conduit 26. In one configuration, the second peripheral sealing gasket 40.2 is configured to provide a seal between the second and third plates 38.2, 38.3 and delimit the second conduit 26.The second partition could be separate from the second peripheral sealing joint 40.2.

[0034] According to this first embodiment, the second plate 38.2 forms a completely sealed barrier between the first and second conduits 24, 26.

[0035] According to a second embodiment shown in [Fig.7], at least one heat exchange module 22 comprises first, second and third plates 38.1 38.3 solid plates of the same dimensions, along with fastening elements 42 located around the periphery, hold the first, second, and third plates 38.1 to 38.3 together. According to this second embodiment, the first plate 38.1 has a face F38.1 oriented towards the second plate 38.2, which includes at least one first groove 44.1 delimiting the first conduit 24 when the first and second plates 38.1 and 38.2 are pressed together. The third plate 38.3 has a face F38.3 oriented towards the second plate 38.2, which includes at least one second groove 44.2 delimiting the second conduit 26 when the second and third plates 38.2 and 38.3 are pressed together. The first and second grooves 44.1 and 44.2 can be obtained by material removal techniques.

[0036] According to this second embodiment, the first conduit 24 is positioned between the first and second plates 38.1, 38.2 and the second conduit 26 is positioned between the second and third plates 38.2, 38.3. Thus, the second plate 38.2 forms a completely sealed barrier between the first and second conduits 24, 26.

[0037] In both of these embodiments, the first, second and third plates are made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum alloy for example.

[0038] To give an order of magnitude, each of the first, second and third plates 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 is thin and has a thickness of between 0.1 and 4 mm. Each of the first and second peripheral sealing gaskets 40.1, 40.2 provided according to the first embodiment has a thickness of between 0.5 and 2 mm.

[0039] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the heat exchange module 22. Thus, at least one heat exchange module 22 comprises first and second plates which respectively have first and second contact faces facing each other, partitions interposed between the first and second contact faces and delimiting the first and second ducts as well as fixing elements to hold the first and second plates and the partitions assembled.

[0040] Alternatively, each of the first and second contact faces includes a first groove for the first conduit and a second groove for the second conduit, the first grooves forming the first conduit when the first and second plates are pressed against each other, the second grooves forming the second conduit when the first and second plates are pressed against each other.

[0041] The heat exchange module 22 could be identical to those described in document GB 2484539.

[0042] The thermal energy exchange and storage device 20 includes connecting elements 46 linking the different heat exchange modules 22. The thermal energy exchange and storage device 20 may include spacers to keep the heat exchange modules 22 spaced apart.

[0043] The connecting elements 46 can be distinct from the fixing elements 42 of the heat exchange modules 22. Alternatively, the connecting elements 46 can be confused with the fixing elements 42.

[0044] To give an order of magnitude, the heat exchange modules 22 are spaced between each other by a distance of between 5 and 50 mm. This spacing is adjusted according to the application and the power and energy requirements.

[0045] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig. 9], the storage medium 28 comprises at least one expanding foam 48 impregnated with the phase-change material. This expanding foam 48 promotes heat exchange between the heat exchange modules 22 and between each heat exchange module 22 and the storage medium 28.

[0046] According to one configuration, the storage medium 28 is a low-density expanded graphite foam.

[0047] According to one particular feature, the thermal energy exchange and storage device 20 comprises at least one intercalated system 50 positioned between at least two heat exchange modules 22, configured to deform elastically and be compressed between the two heat exchange modules 22.

[0048] According to one configuration, the thermal energy exchange and storage device 20 comprises at least one interlayer system 50 positioned in each interlayer zone. The connecting elements 46 linking the various heat exchange modules 22 are configured to compress each interlayer system 50 during operation.

[0049] These interlayer systems 50 exert expansion forces which keep the plates of each heat exchange module 22 compressed against each other, which tends to limit the risks of leakage.

[0050] According to one configuration, the expanded foam used to store the phase change material at least partially performs the function of the interlayer systems 50 and exerts expansion forces which tend to compress the plates of each heat exchange module 22 against each other.

[0051] According to another embodiment shown in [Fig. 8], at least one interlayer system 50 comprises a corrugated profile 52 which has a substantially constant cross-section along the first direction and regularly distributed undulations along the second direction. In one configuration, the corrugated profile 52 extends along a first dimension (height) along the first direction substantially equal to that heat exchange modules 22 along this same first direction and a second dimension (width) along the second direction substantially equal to that of the heat exchange modules 22 along this same second direction.

[0052] According to other embodiments shown in Figures 10 and 11, at least one intermediate system 50 comprises a multitude of V-profiles 54, each extending along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction. For a given intermediate system 50, the V-profiles 54 are spaced at a pitch that may be constant or varied along the second direction.

[0053] According to one configuration, all the V-profiles 54 of the same interlayer system 50 are identical. Each V-profile 54 comprises two flanges 56, 58 connected at a common edge 56.1, 58.1 and which respectively comprise first and second free edges 56.2, 58.2 substantially parallel to each other and to the common edge 56.1, 58.1.

[0054] The common edges 56.1, 58.1 of the different V-profiles 54 of the same intercalated system 50 are positioned in the same median plane PM located equidistant from the heat exchange modules 22, 22' separated by the intercalated system 50. In addition, the first and second wings 56, 58 are substantially symmetric with respect to the median plane PM.

[0055] In operation the first free edges 56.2 of the different V-profiles 54 are in contact with a first heat exchange module 22 while their second free edges 58.2 are in contact with a second heat exchange module 22'.

[0056] According to an arrangement visible in [Fig. 10], the various V-profiles 54 of an intercalated system 50 are connected to each other by connecting elements in order to remain immobile relative to each other and form a monobloc assembly.

[0057] According to another arrangement visible on [Fig.1 1], the interlayer system 50 comprises an expanded foam 48 which provides a mechanical support function linking the various V-profiles 54 so as to form a monobloc assembly.

[0058] Of course, the invention is not limited to a V-section. The profiles of an interlayer system 50 could each comprise at least first and second wings 56, 58 connected by an elastically deformable junction zone, such as a W, U or other section, respectively in contact with first and second heat exchange modules 22, 22' separated by the interlayer system 50 and compressed between them in operation.

Claims

Demands

1. Thermal energy exchange and storage device (20) comprising several heat exchange modules (22) spaced apart from each other and at least one storage medium (28) interposed between the heat exchange modules (22), each heat exchange module (22) comprising at least two plates (38.1, 38.2, 38.3) delimiting between them at least first and second conduits (24, 26) in which first and second heat transfer fluids circulate, the storage medium (28) comprising at least one phase change material, characterized in that the thermal energy exchange and storage device (20) comprises at least one interposed system (50) positioned between at least first and second heat exchange modules (22, 22'), configured to deform elastically and be compressed between the first and second heat exchange modules (22, 22').

2. Thermal energy exchange and storage device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that each heat exchange module (22) has a square or rectangular contour which includes sides parallel to a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in that the interlayer system (50) comprises a multitude of profiles (54) which each extend along the first direction and which are spaced apart along the second direction, each profile (54) having at least first and second wings (56, 58) connected by an elastically deformable junction zone, respectively in contact with the first and second heat exchange modules (22, 22') and compressed between them in operation.

3. Thermal energy exchange and storage device (20) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the profiles (54) have a V-shaped cross-section.

4. Thermal energy exchange and storage device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises linking elements (46) connecting the various heat exchange modules (22), configured to compress each intercalated system 50 in operation.

5. Thermal energy exchange and storage device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage medium (28) comprises at least one expanded foam (48) impregnated with the phase change material.

6. A thermal energy exchange and storage device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the expanded foam is a low-density graphite expanded foam.

7. Thermal exchange and storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interlayer system (50) comprises an expanded foam (48) connecting the different profiles (54) of the interlayer system (50) so as to form a monobloc assembly.

8. Thermal exchange and storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one heat exchange module (22) comprises first, second and third solid plates (38.1 to 38.3) of the same dimensions held together by fastening elements (42) located at the periphery, the first conduit (24) being positioned between the first and second plates (38.1, 38.2), the second conduit (26) being positioned between the second and third plates (38.2, 38.3).

9. A heat exchange and storage device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the heat exchange module (22) comprises a first peripheral sealing gasket (40.1) interposed between the first and second plates (38.1, 38.2) and a second peripheral sealing gasket (40.2) interposed between the second and third plates (38.2, 38.3) and in that the first, second and third plates (38.1 to 38.3) have flat faces, the fastening elements (42) passing through the first and second peripheral gaskets (40.1, 40.2) and now assembling the first, second and third plates (38.1 to 38.3) as well as the first and second peripheral sealing gaskets (40.1, 40.2), the latter being compressed between the plates (38.1 to 38.3).

10. A heat exchange and storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first plate (38.1) has a face (F38.1) oriented towards the second plate (38.2), which includes at least a first groove (44.1) delimiting the first conduit (24) when the first and second plates (38.1, 38.2) are pressed against each other, and in that the third plate (38.3)

11. presents a face (F38.3) oriented towards the second plate (38.2), which includes at least a second groove (44.2) delimiting the second conduit (26) when the second and third plates (38.2, 38.3) are pressed against each other. Thermal exchange and storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one thermal exchange module (22) comprises first and second plates which respectively have first and second contact faces facing each other, partitions interposed between the first and second contact faces and delimiting the first and second conduits as well as fixing elements to hold the first and second plates and the partitions assembled.

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