Nucleating Agent

Abstract

A thermal storage unit (TSU) comprising a phase change material (PCM) and a nucleation temperature increasing nucleation agent in contact with the PCM, the nucleation agent comprising a polyamide (PA) polymer. A method of freezing a phase change fluid, the method comprising: providing a phase change fluid and cooling the phase change fluid until the phase change fluid nucleates, the phase change fluid comprising a mixture of a phase change material (PCM) and a nucleation agent, the nucleation agent comprising a polyamide (PA) polymer. A method of producing a phase change fluid, the method comprising: providing water and adding a polyamide (PA) polymer material to the water as a nucleation agent, thereby producing a nucleation temperature increasing mixture having a nucleation temperature higher than the nucleation temperature of water without the nucleation agent. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to methods and materials used to affect the nucleation temperature of phase change materials. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, adding a nucleating agent to water increases the initial freezing temperature of the water, which is sometimes called the nucleation temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates to the use of nucleation materials to increase the nucleation temperature of a phase change material.

[0004] Some non-limiting examples of phase change materials include a fluid, such as water, within the thermal storage unit or within a capsule in the thermal storage unit.

[0005] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a thermal storage unit (TSU) is provided that includes a phase change material (PCM) and a nucleation temperature-elevating nucleating agent in contact with the PCM, the nucleating agent comprising a polyamide (PA) polymer.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the nucleating agent is mixed with the PCM.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the PCM comprises water.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the nucleating agent comprises a particulate polyamide (PA) polymer.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the granular polyamide (PA) polymer has a particle size of up to 5 millimeters in diameter.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the granular polyamide (PA) polymer has a particle size of 0.01 to 1.5 millimeters in diameter.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the nucleating agent comprises polyamide (PA) polymer filaments.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the nucleating agent comprises entangled filaments.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the nucleating agent comprises a polyamide (PA) polymer sponge.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TSU includes a capsule, the capsule including a PCM and a nucleating agent in contact with the PCM.

[0015] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of freezing a phase change fluid, the method including providing a phase change fluid and cooling the phase change fluid until the phase change fluid nucleates, the phase change fluid including a mixture of a phase change material (PCM) and a nucleation agent, the nucleation agent including a polyamide (PA) polymer.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the PCM comprises water.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the nucleating agent is ground PA.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ground PA comprises a particle size of up to 5 mm.

[0019] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of generating a phase change fluid, the method including providing water and adding a polyamide (PA) polymer material to the water as a nucleating agent, thereby generating an elevated nucleation temperature mixture having a nucleation temperature higher than the nucleation temperature of water without the nucleating agent.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, water and polyamide (PA) polymer material are encapsulated for use in a thermal storage unit (TSU).

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, water is provided to a capsule for use in a thermal storage unit (TSU) and a (PA) polymeric material is added to the capsule.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes mixing water with a PA polymer material.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the PA polymer material is a granular PA polymer material.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the particles of the granular PA polymer material have a particle size of up to 5 millimeters in diameter.

[0025] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of increasing the freezing temperature of water, the method including providing water and adding a polyamide (PA) polymer material to the water, thereby producing an increased freezing temperature mixture having a freezing temperature higher than the freezing temperature of water under similar conditions.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes mixing water and a PA polymer material.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the PA polymer material is a granular PA polymer material.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the particles of the granular PA polymer material have a particle size of up to 5.0 millimeters in diameter.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mixture is allowed to absorb at least a portion of the water for a certain period of time before being used as an elevated freezing temperature mixture.

[0030] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a thermal storage unit (TSU) that includes a phase change fluid and a freeze temperature raising nucleating agent in contact with the phase change fluid.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a freeze temperature raising nucleating agent is mixed with the phase change fluid.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the phase change fluid comprises water.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the freeze temperature increasing nucleating agent comprises a polyamide (PA) polymer.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the freeze temperature increasing nucleating agent comprises a particulate polyamide (PA) polymer.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the granular polyamide (PA) polymer has a particle size of up to 5.0 millimeters in diameter.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TSU includes a capsule that includes a phase change fluid and a freezing temperature raising nucleating agent in contact with the phase change fluid.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in carrying out or testing the embodiments of the present disclosure, but exemplary methods and / or materials are described below.In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, takes precedence.In addition, materials, methods, and examples are only illustrative and are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0038] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now in detail to the drawings, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and are intended to illustratively explain embodiments of the invention. In this regard, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a simplified flow chart diagram of a method for modifying the nucleation temperature of water as a phase change material (PCM) by adding a polyamide (PA) polymer material as a nucleating agent, according to an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a thermal storage unit (TSU) including water as a PCM and a PA polymer material as a nucleating agent according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a TSU including a capsule containing water as a PCM and a PA polymer material as a nucleating agent, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a graph showing the temperature of a PCM, in this example water, over time when no nucleating agent is added to the PCM. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing the temperature of a PCM, in this example water, over time when a nucleating agent, in this example polyamide (PA) polymer, is added to the PCM, according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph illustrating a comparison of temperature over time for water with and without added nucleating agent according to an illustrative embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph illustrating a comparison of temperature over time for water with and without added nucleating agent according to an illustrative embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a simplified flow chart diagram of a method for freezing a phase change fluid according to an illustrative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to methods and materials used to affect the nucleation temperature of phase change materials. introduction

[0041] The present disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relates to adding a nucleating agent, i.e., a nucleating material, to a phase change material (PCM), the nucleating material being selected to increase the temperature of the initial freezing stage of the PCM. The term "nucleating agent" in all its grammatical forms is used interchangeably with the term "nucleating material" and its corresponding grammatical forms throughout this specification and claims. In some embodiments, the PCM can be a fluid, such as, for example, water, as a non-limiting example. In some embodiments, the PCM can optionally be in a thermal storage unit and / or in a capsule within the thermal storage unit. overview

[0042] One aspect of some embodiments relates to the use of nucleation materials to increase the initial freezing temperature of water acting as a phase change material. Frozen water can absorb large amounts of energy, and ice (frozen water) can serve to provide thermal energy, for example to cool a cooling system, during periods when thermal energy is otherwise unavailable or more expensive. Nucleation material properties

[0043] In some embodiments, the nucleation material has one or more of the following characteristics:

[0044] The nucleation material potentially withstands multiple cycles of phase changes. In some embodiments, the nucleation material potentially withstands multiple cycles of freezing and thawing. Such properties potentially allow the system to use the PCM over hundreds or even thousands of phase changes, e.g., freezing and thawing cycles, without requiring replacement and / or maintenance.

[0045] The nucleation material can potentially absorb or be absorbed by a PCM, e.g., water, and still survive multiple cycles of freezing and thawing, thus requiring no replacement or maintenance over hundreds or even thousands of freeze and thaw cycles.

[0046] In some embodiments, the nucleation material potentially allows water mixed with the nucleation material to nucleate at temperatures above −3.0° C. For example, in the example of cooling pure water, supercooled water (H2O) can nucleate at −6.5° C. Adding a nucleation agent to the water can increase the nucleation temperature of the water higher, for example, to −3.0° C.

[0047] When the nucleation material increases the nucleation temperature of the PCM (e.g. water), the system for freezing the PCM (water) does not need to reach a lower temperature before it starts to store energy for the phase change. It has been noted that one gram of water absorbs around one calorie of energy per degree Celsius, but frozen water absorbs around 80 calories of energy for the phase change (freezing). The further the water is cooled below the phase change temperature before it starts to freeze, the greater the engineering challenge for cooling and potentially the greater the energy losses can be expected.

[0048] Before describing at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0049] Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which is a simplified flow chart diagram of a method for modifying the nucleation temperature of water as a phase change material (PCM) by adding a polyamide (PA) polymer material as a nucleating agent, according to an example embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 1A shows one example of a method for increasing the nucleation temperature of water.

[0051] The method shown in FIG. providing water (102); and adding (104) a polyamide (PA) polymer material to water, thereby producing an elevated nucleation temperature mixture having a nucleation temperature higher than the nucleation temperature of water under similar conditions.

[0052] Reference is now made to FIG. 1B, which is a simplified block diagram of a thermal storage unit (TSU) including water as a PCM and a PA polymer material as a nucleating agent, according to an example embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a TSU constructed to include a PCM adapted to include a nucleating agent to increase the nucleation temperature of the PCM.

[0054] FIG. 1B shows a TSU 110 that includes water 112 and a polyamide (PA) polymer material as a nucleating agent.

[0055] Reference is now made to FIG. 1C, which is a simplified block diagram of a TSU including capsules containing water as a PCM and a PA polymer material as a nucleating agent, according to one example embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 1C illustrates an example of a TSU configured to include thermal storage capsules each containing a PCM adapted to include a nucleating agent to increase the nucleation temperature of the PCM.

[0057] 1C illustrates a TSU 120 that includes any number of thermal storage capsules 121, each including water 112 and a polyamide (PA) polymer material as a nucleating agent. As a non-limiting example, two thermal storage capsules 121A and 121Z are shown, although any number of capsules greater than or equal to one are contemplated.

[0058] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a graph showing the temperature over time of a PCM, in this example water, when no nucleating agent is added to the PCM.

[0059] The effect of the nucleation material can be seen by comparing the graph in Figure 2 with the graphs in Figures 3, 4, and 5 that show the temperature of a phase change material (PCM) over time when a nucleation material is added to the PCM.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a graph with time (hours) on the X-axis 202 and temperature in degrees Celsius on the Y-axis 204 .

[0061] FIG. 2 shows a line 206 that depicts the temperature over time of water that does not contain a nucleating agent.

[0062] Figure 2 shows the temperature of water being cooled in a vessel (test tube or capsule, thermal storage unit, etc.) cooled by a coolant such as a cooled mixture of water and glycol. At about time 04:15 (reference number 208) it can be seen that the water starts to cool. The temperature of the water drops to about -3°C at about time 05:45 (reference number 210), after which the cooling ends and the water temperature gradually increases.

[0063] The graph in Figure 2 was created to show a freeze and thaw / thaw cycle. The cycle started with the thaw stage set at +10.0°C and after a period of time, when the sample being tested reached 10°C, the temperature around the container was lowered to -2.0°C. The -2.0°C temperature was maintained for a period of time and then decreased by -0.5°C at each stage. The cycle reached a minimum temperature of -4.0°min.

[0064] The cooling step took a total of 1.5 hours, and the melting time was also 1.5 hours.

[0065] The cycle shown in FIG. 2 may be altered depending on desired cycle gain and / or desired test targets based on energy measurements, etc.

[0066] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a graph showing the temperature of a PCM, in this example water, over time when a nucleating agent, in this example polyamide (PA) polymer, is added to the PCM.

[0067] By comparing the graphs of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the effect of the nucleation material can be seen.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a graph with time (hours) on the X-axis 302 and temperature in degrees Celsius on the Y-axis 304.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a line 306 that depicts the temperature over time of water mixed with a nucleating agent.

[0070] Figure 3 shows that the water begins to cool at approximately time 04:15 (reference number 308). The temperature of the water drops to approximately -2.5°C at approximately time 05:15 (reference number 310), at which point the water freezes (reference number 312). Freezing releases heat and the water reaches the freezing temperature of 0°C. Note that not all of the water is necessarily frozen at this point, and there may be a mixture of water and ice (and nucleating agents).

[0071] FIG. 3 shows that after at least a portion of the water begins to freeze (reference numeral 312), the temperature remains at 0° C.

[0072] In some embodiments, cooling may continue and more water may freeze into ice.

[0073] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a graph illustrating a comparison of temperature over time for water with and without added nucleating agent, according to one illustrative embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 4 compares the behavior under cooling and freezing of two materials: a first material, water, without any nucleating material, and a second material, water, mixed with a nucleating agent.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a graph with time (hours) on the X-axis 402 and temperature in degrees Celsius on the Y-axis 404.

[0076] FIG. 4 shows a first line 406 showing the temperature of a first material, water, without a nucleation material, and a second line 408 showing the temperature of a second material, water, mixed with a nucleation material, over time.

[0077] At approximately 13:20, both the first and second materials were cooled, decreasing in temperature over time. The cooling was performed by similar systems, with similar power settings, and similar volumes of the two materials contained in similar containers were cooled.

[0078] The first material, represented by the first line 406, continued to cool until approximately 14:42 (reference number 410), when its temperature continued to decrease and reached a minimum of approximately −3° C. At approximately 14:42 (reference number 410), cooling stopped and the first material began to gradually warm up.

[0079] The second material, represented by the second line 408, was cooled until approximately 14:15 (reference number 412) when the second material froze and its temperature rose to the freezing temperature of water, approximately 0° C. Cooling continued until approximately 14:42 (reference number 410) as more water froze into ice without significant change in the temperature of the ice / water mixture. At approximately 14:42 (reference number 410), cooling stopped but the temperature of the second material remained at approximately 0° C. The heat absorbed by the second material caused some of the ice in the water / ice mixture to melt back into water, but the temperature of the water / ice mixture remained at approximately 0° C. as long as there was ice in the mixture. Once all or most of the ice had melted, the temperature of the second material also rose.

[0080] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a graph illustrating a comparison of temperature over time for water with and without added nucleating agent, according to one illustrative embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 5 compares the behavior under cooling and freezing of two materials: a first material, water, without any nucleating material, and a second material, water, mixed with a nucleating agent.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a graph with time (hours) on the X-axis 502 and temperature in degrees Celsius on the Y-axis 504.

[0083] FIG. 5 shows a first line 506 showing the temperature of a first material, water, without a nucleation material, and a second line 508 showing the temperature of a second material, water, mixed with a nucleation material, over time.

[0084] At approximately 02:50, both the first and second materials were cooled, decreasing in temperature over time. Cooling was performed by the same system, with identical power settings, and identical volumes of the two materials contained in the same container were cooled.

[0085] The first material, represented by the first line 506, continued to cool and its temperature decreased until about 04:12 (reference number 510), reaching a minimum of about −3° C. At about 04:12 (reference number 510), cooling stopped and the first material began to gradually warm up.

[0086] The second material, shown by the second line 508, is cooled until approximately 03:25 (reference number 512) when the second material freezes and its temperature rises to the freezing temperature, approximately 0° C. Cooling continues until approximately 04:12 (reference number 510) when more water freezes into ice without significant change in the temperature of the ice / water mixture. At approximately 04:12 (reference number 510), cooling stops but the temperature of the second material remains at approximately 0° C. until approximately 04:22 (reference number 514). The heat absorbed by the second material causes some of the ice in the water / ice mixture to melt back into water, but the temperature of the water / ice mixture remains at approximately 0° C. From 04:22 (reference number 514) onwards, the second material is no longer nearly frozen and the temperature of the second material is increasing. Exemplary embodiments of nucleation materials

[0087] The following summarizes the list of desirable properties listed above, one or more of which may belong to an embodiment of the nucleation material. The nucleation material may withstand multiple cycles of phase change without significant loss in its ability to increase the nucleation temperature of the PCM, and The nucleation material may potentially absorb and / or imbibe the PCM or be absorbed by the PCM.

[0088] Some non-limiting examples of nucleation materials that have at least some of the above-mentioned properties include the group of materials named nylon, such as polyamide (PA) polymers.

[0089] Some PA polymers useful as nucleating agents are nylon 6, e.g. Including PA6 and / or PA66 and / or PA6 / 6 and / or PA6 / 9 and / or PA6 / 10 and / or PA6 / 11 and / or PA6 / 12 and / or PA101 and / or PA10 / 12 and / or PA510 and / or PA46 and / or PA12, and / or other nylon types.

[0090] The above polymers have the ability to absorb water, which allows nucleation to occur.

[0091] In some embodiments, the nucleation material comprises a mixture of the above PA polymers.

[0092] In some embodiments, the nucleation material comprises a mixture of one or more of the above PA polymers and one or more additional minerals.

[0093] In some embodiments, the nucleation material comprises a mixture of one or more of the above PA polymers with, as a non-limiting example, quartz. Exemplary embodiments of the physical state of the nucleation material

[0094] In some embodiments, the nucleation material used is selected to have a fine particle size, such as a powder.

[0095] In some embodiments, the nucleation material may have a particle size ranging from 0.01 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, and in some cases up to 5.0 millimeters in diameter.

[0096] In some embodiments, the nucleation material is ground into a granular nucleation material having a fine particle size, hi some embodiments, the granular nucleation material is passed through a sieve to maintain a particle size not exceeding a certain desired maximum, for example 1.5 mm.

[0097] In some embodiments, the nucleation material is selected to have rough, irregular shapes, potentially increasing its effectiveness, i.e., the temperature at which it raises the nucleation point of the PCM and nucleation agent combination.

[0098] In some embodiments, the PA is milled to obtain particles of the nucleating agent.

[0099] In some embodiments, the rough shape is obtained by milling the nucleation material without subsequent smoothing of the milled particles.

[0100] In some embodiments, the nucleation material used is selected to be in the form of filaments and / or thin threads, some non-limiting examples include suspended PA yarns, pads of PA yarns, webs of PA yarns, and entanglements of PA yarns.

[0101] In some embodiments, the nucleation material used is selected to be in the form of a porous material, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a PA sponge.

[0102] In some embodiments, the nucleation material is added to the PCM, for example water.

[0103] In some embodiments, a PCM, such as water, is added to the nucleation material.

[0104] In some embodiments, the combination of the PCM and nucleating agent, for example water and PA polymer, is allowed time for the nucleating agent to absorb the PCM.

[0105] In some embodiments, the combination of the PCM and nucleating agent, for example water and PA polymer, is given time for the nucleating agent to absorb the PCM, after which the nucleating agent sinks to the bottom of the container of PCM.

[0106] In some embodiments, the PCM and nucleation combination, for example, water and PA polymer, is shaken or stirred prior to cooling. Exemplary embodiments of the concentration of nucleation material (NM) in a PCM and NM mixture

[0107] In some embodiments, the PA polymer is mixed with water at a concentration of 0.5 grams to 25 grams of nucleating material per 2 liters of water. Exemplary embodiments of thermal storage units

[0108] In some embodiments, the PCM and nucleation material are contained in a thermal storage unit (TSU).

[0109] In some embodiments, the TSU includes a thermal storage capsule within the TSU, and the PCM and nucleation material are contained within the thermal storage capsule.

[0110] In some embodiments, the TSU is designed so that a heat exchange fluid (such as a mixture of water and glycol) flows around the thermal storage capsule.

[0111] In some embodiments, the TSU is an ice-on-coil TSU, where the PCM and nucleating agent are contained within the TSU, and a fluid conduit "coil" contains a flow of heat exchange fluid for heat exchange with the PCM and nucleating agent.

[0112] In some embodiments, the nucleating agent is optionally provided as a sponge or web configured to avoid contact with the fluid conduit "coil" of the TSU. Some technical notes

[0113] In some embodiments, the nucleation material takes time to achieve the full effect of the maximum increase in nucleation temperature: the nucleation material may become more effective as it absorbs water, becoming most effective when it reaches the limit of its water absorption capacity. Some non-limiting use cases for increasing the freezing temperature of PCMs

[0114] In some embodiments, the nucleation materials are used for nucleation in freezing water, for example, in thermal storage units, snow guns, ice arenas such as ice skating, and other applications.

[0115] In some embodiments, nucleation materials are used in thermal energy storage systems to potentially increase the nucleation temperature of the water used in the thermal storage unit and / or the sealed capsules within the thermal storage unit.

[0116] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified flow chart diagram of a method for freezing a phase change fluid, according to one illustrative embodiment.

[0117] The method of FIG. Providing a phase change fluid (602); and cooling the phase change fluid until the phase change fluid nucleates; the phase change fluid comprises a mixture of a phase change material and a nucleating agent; The nucleating agent comprises a polyamide (PA) polymer.

[0118] It is anticipated that many related nucleation materials will be developed during the life of the patent which matures from this application, and the scope of the term nucleation materials is intended to include, a priori, all such new technologies.

[0119] It is expected that many related phase change materials will be developed during the life of the patent which matures from this application, and the scope of the term phase change material is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

[0120] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," along with their conjugations, mean "including, but not limited to."

[0121] The term "consisting of" shall mean "including and limited to."

[0122] The term "consisting essentially of" means that a composition, method, or structure may include additional components, steps, and / or moieties, but only if the additional components, steps, and / or moieties do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method, or structure.

[0123] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a unit" or "at least one unit" can include multiple units, including combinations thereof.

[0124] Moreover, the words "example" or "exemplary" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described as "example" or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or does not exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0125] The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments." Any particular embodiment of the present invention may include multiple "optional" features, unless such features are inconsistent.

[0126] Throughout this application, various embodiments of the present invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the present invention. Thus, the description of a range shall be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible subranges, as well as individual numerical values ​​within that range. For example, the description of a range such as 1 to 6 shall be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, as well as individual numerical values ​​within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0127] When a range of values ​​is given herein (e.g., "10-15," "10 to 15," or any pair of values ​​joined by another such range designation), it is meant to include any number (fractional or integer) within the stated range limits, inclusive, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "range / ranging / ranges between" a first indicated number and a second indicated number, and "to," "up to," "until," or "through" a first indicated number to a second indicated number (or another such range term) are used interchangeably herein and are meant to include the first indicated number and the second indicated number, and all fractional and integer numbers therebetween.

[0128] Unless otherwise specified, the numerical values ​​used herein and any numerical ranges based thereon are approximations within the accuracy of reasonable measurement and rounding errors understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0129] It will be understood that certain features of the invention that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the invention that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination, or as appropriate, in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperable without those elements.

[0130] While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0131] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

[0132] Additionally, any priority documents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. a phase change material (PCM); a nucleation temperature increasing nucleating agent in contact with the PCM; The nucleating agent comprises a polyamide (PA) polymer. Thermal storage unit (TSU).

2. The TSU of claim 1 , wherein the nucleating agent is mixed with the PCM.

3. The TSU of claim 1 , wherein the PCM comprises water.

4. The TSU of claim 1 , wherein the nucleating agent comprises a granular polyamide (PA) polymer.

5. 5. The TSU of claim 4, wherein the granular polyamide (PA) polymer has a particle size of up to 5 millimeters in diameter.

6. The TSU of claim 4, wherein the granular polyamide (PA) polymer has a particle size of 0.01 to 1.5 millimeters in diameter.

7. The TSU of claim 1 , wherein the nucleating agent comprises polyamide (PA) polymer filaments.

8. The TSU of claim 1 , wherein the nucleating agent comprises entangled filaments.

9. The TSU of claim 1 , wherein the nucleating agent comprises a polyamide (PA) polymer sponge.

10. The TSU of claim 1 , wherein the TSU comprises a capsule, the capsule comprising the PCM and the nucleating agent in contact with the PCM.

11. 1. A method for freezing a phase change fluid, comprising: Providing a phase change fluid; cooling the phase change fluid until the phase change fluid nucleates; the phase change fluid comprises a mixture of a phase change material (PCM) and a nucleating agent; The nucleating agent comprises a polyamide (PA) polymer. method.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the PCM comprises water.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the nucleating agent is ground PA.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the ground PA comprises a particle size of up to 5 mm.

15. 1. A method of producing a phase change fluid, comprising: Providing water; adding a polyamide (PA) polymer material to said water as a nucleating agent, thereby producing an elevated nucleation temperature mixture having a nucleation temperature higher than said nucleation temperature of water without the nucleating agent; The method includes:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the water and the polyamide (PA) polymer material are encapsulated for use in a thermal storage unit (TSU).

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the water is provided to a capsule for use in a thermal storage unit (TSU) and the (PA) polymer material is added to the capsule.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, comprising mixing the water with the PA polymer material.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the PA polymer material is a granular PA polymer material.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the particles of the granular PA polymer material have a particle size of up to 5 millimeters in diameter.

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