Crosslinked Solid-Solid PCM for Leakproof Thermal Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current industrial-phase change materials (PCMs) face challenges such as encapsulation complexity, high cost, low thermal conductivity, compatibility issues, environmental impact, and limited latent heat, which restrict their effectiveness and applicability in cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

A crosslinked polymer material is developed that undergoes solid-solid phase transitions, eliminating the need for encapsulation and featuring a phase-change moiety that transitions between different solid states, thereby being leakproof and capable of storing thermal energy without liquid phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional solid-liquid phase change materials are used, then thermal energy storage capability is improved, but leakage occurs during phase transition requiring complex encapsulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storage capabilityVSAvoidleakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the phase transition parameters by using solid-solid phase transition instead of solid-liquid phase transition. The crosslinked polymer structure maintains dimensional stability during phase change, preventing leakage without requiring encapsulation, while still providing high thermal energy storage capability through the phase transition enthalpy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure where a phase-change moiety is integrated within a crosslinked polymer matrix. This composite material combines the thermal energy storage capability of the phase-change component with the structural stability and leakage prevention of the crosslinked polymer network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional phase change materials are used, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but encapsulation complexity increases manufacturing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the encapsulation requirement by using solid-solid phase transition materials that inherently prevent leakage. The crosslinked polymer structure self-contained the phase-change moiety, removing the need for additional encapsulation layers and associated manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The crosslinked polymer composite integrates the phase-change functionality directly into the material structure, eliminating the need for separate encapsulation components and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining thermal energy storage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional PCMs are used, then phase transition functionality is provided, but thermal conductivity is low limiting heat transfer efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase transition functionalityVSAvoidthermal conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The crosslinked polymer composite material combines the phase transition functionality of the phase-change moiety with the thermal conductivity characteristics of the polymer matrix, achieving both effective heat storage and improved heat transfer capability compared to traditional PCMs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 material provides efficient thermal energy storage and release, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, while ensuring stability and environmental safety, with improved thermal conductivity and a broader temperature range of application.

Implementation Method 1

The side chains comprise a phase-change moiety, and wherein the phase-change moiety is configured to change between a first solid state and a second solid state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

Phase change materials (PCMs) have the unique ability to store and release thermal energy as they undergo a phase transition between different phases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

The crosslinked polymer comprises backbone chains, crosslinking chains, and side chains. The crosslinking chains link the backbone chains to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4656702A1Solid-solid phase change material

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ETH ZURICH

AI summary

A material for storing thermal energy comprises or consists of a crosslinked polymer, wherein the crosslinked polymer comprises backbone chains, crosslinking chains, and side chains. The crosslinking chains link the backbone chains to one another. The side chains are attached to one site of the backbone chains. The side chains comprise a phase-change moiety, and wherein the phase-change moiety is configured to change between a first solid state and a second solid state.