Canister Heat Storage Material Using Phase-Change Microcapsules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel vapor processing canisters face issues with uneven distribution of heat storage materials due to vibrations, leading to ineffective inhibition of temperature variations in adsorption materials, and rely on sensible heat rather than latent heat, which is less efficient.
Innovation Solution
A canister design with a heat storage material composed of microcapsules containing phase-change materials, molded into flat plates and secured within the adsorption chamber to maintain consistent distance from the adsorption material, utilizing latent heat to stabilize temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heat storage material pellets are mixed with adsorption material pellets and filled into the adsorption chamber, then the heat storage material can be easily filled, but the heat storage material moves due to vibrations during vehicle traveling, causing uneven distribution and ineffective temperature inhibition
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorption chamber is divided into a first space for adsorption material and a second space for heat storage material, separated by a partition wall. This segmentation prevents mixing and vibration-induced displacement while maintaining ease of filling by allowing independent material placement in each compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the adsorption material and heat storage material. This partition maintains the functional separation, prevents vibration-induced mixing, and ensures uniform heat transfer to the adsorption material without requiring the materials to be mixed together.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat storage material is positioned to intersect with fuel vapor flow direction, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the flow path of fuel vapor is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage material is positioned parallel to the fuel vapor flow direction rather than intersecting it. This dimensional arrangement allows heat transfer through the side surfaces of the heat storage material without blocking the vapor flow path, maintaining both heat transfer efficiency and vapor flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storage material is positioned in a specific region of the adsorption chamber where it can effectively transfer heat to the adsorption material without interfering with the main vapor flow path. This localized positioning optimizes both heat transfer and vapor flow characteristics.
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 solution effectively inhibits temperature variations in the adsorption material by maintaining consistent heat transfer and utilizing latent heat, ensuring uniform performance across the adsorption chamber.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing latent heat to stabilize temperature variations
Implementation Method 2
Each of the microcapsules contains therein a heat-change material
Implementation Method 3
the fuel vapor may be adsorbed by the adsorption material as it flows into the canister from the tank port
Implementation Method 4
the fuel vapor adsorbed by the adsorption material can be desorbed or purged
Implementation Method 5
when the fuel vapor is desorbed, the temperature of the adsorption material may be decreased due to vaporization heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a canister including an adsorption chamber. An adsorption material and a heat storage material are disposed within the adsorption chamber. The heat storage material is molded from a mixture of a plurality of microcapsules and a binder. Each of the microcapsules contains therein a heat-change material. The heat storage material is prevented from moving relative to the chamber wall of the adsorption chamber in at least one of two directions perpendicular to each other.