Absorption Cooling Chambers for Crystallization Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorption-based space cooling systems experience reduced efficiency in warm ambient environments, limiting their use due to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy management system with an absorption module and evaporation module, featuring multiple absorption chambers and a desorption module, allows for selective flow of refrigerant to cause crystallization and decrystallization of the absorbent, optimizing energy transfer and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If absorption-based space cooling systems operate in warm ambient environments, then cooling function is provided, but system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the absorption module into multiple absorption chambers (first absorption chamber, second absorption chamber) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows selective operation of chambers based on ambient conditions, optimizing efficiency while maintaining cooling capability in warm environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes including single-chamber operation, dual-chamber operation, crystallization mode, and decrystallization mode. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to varying ambient temperatures and maintain optimal efficiency across different operating conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If refrigerant flow is restricted to cause absorbent crystallization, then energy storage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary crystallization of the absorbent in absorption chambers during periods when cooling demand is low or ambient temperatures are favorable. This preliminary action stores energy in the crystallized absorbent, which can then be rapidly decrystallized to provide cooling when needed, effectively pre-storing energy capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the phase transition of the absorbent between crystallized and decrystallized states as a mechanism for energy storage and release. By controlling refrigerant flow to induce crystallization or prevent it to enable decrystallization, the system converts thermal energy into stored potential energy in the phase-change material.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple absorption chambers are used with selective refrigerant flow, then energy storage and transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption module is segmented into multiple independent absorption chambers, each capable of receiving refrigerant independently through separate fluid communication pathways from the evaporation module. This segmentation enables selective operation of chambers to optimize energy transfer efficiency while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each absorption chamber is designed to perform multiple functions: active cooling through refrigerant absorption, energy storage through crystallization, and energy release through decrystallization. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware components to serve different purposes at different times, improving overall energy transfer efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the performance of thermal energy management systems by enabling efficient energy storage and transfer, improving efficiency and reducing the need for energy rejection to ambient, especially during peak temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporation module being configured to receive and cause therein evaporation of a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
each absorption chamber being configured to receive liquid absorbent
Implementation Method 3
the system may include a desorption module configured to exchange liquid absorbent with the absorption module
Implementation Method 4
A condenser may be configured to receive refrigerant from the desorption module and to output refrigerant to be received by the evaporation module
Data Source
AI summary
A system, such as a thermal energy management system, is provided. The system can include an absorption module and an evaporation module. The absorption module can include at least two absorption chambers, each absorption chamber being configured to receive liquid absorbent. The evaporation module can be in independent selective fluid communication with each of the absorption chambers, and can be configured to receive and cause therein evaporation of a refrigerant.