Climate-control system having thermal storage tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climate-control systems face inefficiencies in providing both cooling and heating due to limitations in thermal storage and fluid circuit designs, particularly in managing phase-change materials and multiple evaporator temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A climate-control system comprising two working fluid circuits and a thermal storage tank, where each circuit is thermally coupled with the phase-change material and includes compressors, heat exchangers, and expansion devices, allowing for fluid isolation and multiple conduits within the tank to manage different temperature evaporators and optimize energy usage across various operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single working fluid circuit is used with a thermal storage tank, then the system structure is simpler, but it cannot efficiently manage multiple evaporator temperatures for both cooling and heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the working fluid circulation into two separate circuits: a first circuit for cooling operation and a second circuit for heating operation. Each circuit has its own compressor and expansion device, allowing independent control and optimization for different temperature requirements. This segmentation enables the system to efficiently provide both cooling and heating functions that a single circuit cannot achieve.
2Use of energy by moving object
If phase-change material is directly contacted with working fluid, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but fluid contamination and system reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the working fluid and the phase-change material. The heat exchanger enables efficient thermal energy transfer while maintaining fluid isolation, preventing contamination of the working fluid by the phase-change material. This mediator approach preserves system reliability while achieving the heat transfer efficiency benefits of phase-change material utilization.
3Loss of energy
If thermal storage capacity is increased, then energy cost reduction is improved, but the volume and weight of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase-change material that undergoes phase transitions (solid-liquid) at specific temperatures to store and release thermal energy. During charging, the phase-change material absorbs heat during melting; during discharging, it releases heat during freezing. This phase transition mechanism provides high thermal storage density, reducing the volume required compared to sensible heat storage systems while maintaining effective energy cost reduction through off-peak charging.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaporators operate at different temperatures, then system versatility is improved, but control complexity and energy efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the evaporator functions into two separate working fluid circuits, each optimized for specific temperature ranges. The first circuit handles cooling evaporators, while the second circuit handles heating evaporators. This segmentation simplifies control by allowing independent operation of each circuit according to its temperature requirements, reducing the overall control complexity that would arise from managing multiple evaporators at different temperatures in a single circuit.
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
This configuration enables efficient thermal management across multiple evaporator temperatures, reduces energy costs by utilizing low-cost electricity for charging, and maintains system efficiency by balancing heat transfer between working fluid circuits and the phase-change material.
Implementation Method 1
The storage tank contains a phase-change material
Implementation Method 2
The first working fluid circuit and the second working fluid circuit thermally coupled with the phase-change material contained in the storage tank
Implementation Method 3
The first working fluid circuit and the second working fluid circuit thermally coupled with the phase-change material contained in the storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A climate-control system may include a first working fluid circuit, a second working fluid circuit and a storage tank. The first working fluid circuit includes a first compressor and a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first compressor. The second working fluid circuit includes a second compressor and a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second compressor. The storage tank contains a phase-change material. The first working fluid circuit and the second working fluid circuit are thermally coupled with the phase-change material contained in the storage tank.