Composite Thermochemical Reactor With Protected Internal Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermochemical systems for refrigeration, heating, and gas storage are heavy, costly, and prone to heating element deterioration due to external or internal placement, which affects mechanical resistance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermochemical system using a composite material reactor with a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin and fibers for mechanical strength, incorporating heating means between or on the outer surface of the inner casing, allowing for integrated and protected heating within a lightweight, cylindrical design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel or stainless steel is used for the reactor, then mechanical resistance is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials consisting of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers (such as glass, carbon, or aramid fibers) to manufacture the reactor. This composite structure provides mechanical resistance comparable to steel while significantly reducing the weight of the reactor, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
2Strength
If steel or stainless steel is used for the reactor, then mechanical resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials that can be manufactured using conventional molding techniques, avoiding the need for specialized equipment and expert skills required for steel fabrication. This approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary mechanical resistance through proper fiber reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional metal mechanical structure with a composite material structure that can be formed through chemical bonding and curing processes, substituting mechanical fabrication with chemical manufacturing methods that are more cost-effective and easier to implement.
3Temperature
If heating means are placed externally on the reactor, then heating function is achieved, but the heating elements are exposed to external damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heating means within the multi-layer composite structure of the reactor, nesting the heating elements between protective layers of the composite material. This nested arrangement allows the heating function to be performed while the heating elements are protected from external damage by the surrounding composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material layers serve as an intermediary protective barrier between the heating means and the external environment. This intermediary structure transmits the heating function while protecting the heating elements from mechanical damage, corrosion, and other external attacks.
4Temperature
If heating means are placed inside the reactor, then heating function is achieved, but the heating elements risk deterioration during installation and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the heating means within the composite structure between the inner and outer layers, positioning them in a protected environment that shields them from deterioration during installation and operation while maintaining effective thermal contact with the reactive product.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material structure provides beforehand cushioning and protection to the heating means, enclosing them in a protective matrix that prevents damage during installation and use, thereby ensuring long-term reliability of the heating elements.
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 system achieves lightweight, cost-effective, and durable gas storage and heat/cold production with integrated heating, reducing the risk of heating element damage and enhancing mechanical resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the reactor consists of an outer casing of composite material comprising a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin and fibers, this outer casing giving the reactor good mechanical strength
Implementation Method 2
They may consist of at least one electrical resistor wound in a substantially helical manner on the outer surface of the inner casing. They may also consist of a heating fabric.
Implementation Method 3
a reversible and highly exothermic thermochemical reaction during which a reactive product, such as salts and in particular calcium chloride or barium chloride, absorbs an appropriate gas, such as in particular ammonia
Implementation Method 4
When the two enclosures are placed in communication, the liquid gas contained in the tank vaporizes, which absorbs a certain amount of heat, so that the tank cools
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermochemical system comprising a reactor (1), or an enclosure for storing a solid reactive material capable of absorbing a gas, the reactive material (2) and the gas being such that, when placed together, a chemical reaction occurs which results in the gas being absorbed by the reactive material (2), and a reverse chemical reaction occurs, wherein the gas absorbed by the reactive material is desorbed when heating means (17) are applied to said reactive material when the latter has absorbed the gas. Said thermochemical system is characterized in that the reactor (1) consists of an outer housing (9) which is made of a composite material and which contains a sealed inner housing (8) containing the reactive material, the heating means (17) being arranged between the two enclosures (8, 9).