Adjustable-Transition PCM Thermal Storage Using Salt Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage have limited tunability in usage temperature, leading to reduced effectiveness due to variations in ambient temperature, which can result in partial or no phase change, limiting their use to specific temperature ranges.

Innovation Solution

A dual-ion battery (DIB) system is used to electrochemically modify the concentration of salts in a phase change material (PCM), dynamically adjusting its melting temperature by incorporating cations and anions into electrodes, allowing for reversible and dynamic changes in the PCM's melting point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed melting temperature PCM is used, then the PCM can effectively store thermal energy at a specific temperature, but the PCM becomes ineffective when ambient temperature varies outside its fixed melting range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storage effectivenessVSAvoidtemperature range adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the PCM's melting temperature adjustable rather than fixed. The system uses an external stimulus (electric field, pressure, or magnetic field) to dynamically change the melting temperature of the PCM, allowing it to adapt to varying ambient temperatures and maintain effective thermal energy storage across different temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the melting temperature parameter of the PCM through external stimuli. By changing physical or chemical parameters such as applying an electric field, pressure, or magnetic field, the system adjusts the PCM's melting temperature to match varying ambient conditions, thereby maintaining reliability across different temperature ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combined PCMs with different melting temperatures are used to cover varying ambient temperatures, then the temperature adaptability is improved, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature range adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single PCM to perform multiple temperature adaptation functions. Instead of requiring multiple different PCMs for different temperature ranges, the system uses one PCM that can be dynamically adjusted to function at various melting temperatures through external stimuli, thereby achieving the same temperature adaptability at lower cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The DIB system enables the PCM to adapt to varying ambient temperatures by adjusting its melting point, enhancing its usability across different seasons and conditions, thus improving thermal energy storage efficiency and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The phase change material changes from a solid to a liquid at a first temperature when the salt is dissolved in the phase change material. The phase change material changes from the solid to the liquid at a second temperature when the salt is substantially removed from the phase change material.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

A voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode to substantially remove the salt from the phase change material. When a voltage is applied to the anode and cathode, cations of the salt are incorporated into or associated with the anode and anions of the salt are incorporated into or associated with the cathode.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical separation: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS12555819B2Thermal energy storage with phase change materials having an adjustable transition temperature

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to thermal energy storage with phase change materials having an adjustable transition temperature. In one aspect, a method includes providing a device. The devices includes a phase change material, a salt dissolved in the phase change material, and an anode and a cathode disposed in the phase change material. The phase change material changes from a solid to a liquid at a first temperature when the salt is dissolved in the phase change material. A voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode to substantially remove the salt from the phase change material. The phase change material changes from the solid to the liquid at a second temperature when the salt is substantially removed from the phase change material, with the first temperature being a lower temperature than the second temperature.