Heat Storage Container With Segmented Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In chemical heat pumps, the aggregate of closely packed powder particles in the reactor leads to uneven distribution of water vapor, resulting in portions where exothermic and endothermic reactions do not easily occur, which limits the efficiency of heat exchange and energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage material container with a main body featuring parallel flow channels separated by porous walls, where only some channels contain the heat storage material, allowing water vapor to flow uniformly and reach all particles, enhancing reaction speeds and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If powder particles of heat storage material are closely packed in the reactor, then the density of heat storage material is improved, but water vapor distribution becomes uneven and reaction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is divided into multiple flow channels that are separated by porous walls. Heat storage material is selectively placed in only some of these channels, creating a segmented structure that allows water vapor to flow uniformly through all channels and access all particles, thereby resolving the uneven distribution problem while maintaining high material density.
2Quantity of substance
If heat storage material is placed in all flow channels, then heat exchange capacity is improved, but water vapor flow uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Heat storage material is placed selectively in only some of the flow channels rather than all channels. This local placement strategy allows water vapor to flow uniformly through the empty channels while still providing sufficient heat exchange capacity through the channels containing material, thus achieving both uniformity and adequate heat exchange.
3Quantity of substance
If the reactor is filled with aggregate of powder particles, then heat storage capacity is improved, but the structure becomes rigid and prone to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is segmented into multiple flow channels separated by porous walls, which provides structural reinforcement while maintaining heat storage capacity. The porous walls act as structural elements that distribute mechanical stress, preventing the rigid aggregate structure from breaking under repetitive expansion and contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channels are nested within the reactor structure, with porous walls forming the boundaries of each channel. This nested configuration allows the heat storage material to be contained within a flexible, segmented structure that can accommodate volume changes without breaking.
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 increases the efficiency of heat exchange between the fluid and the heat storage material, improving the overall energy efficiency of the chemical heat pump by ensuring uniform reaction occurrence across the reactor.
Implementation Method 1
a main body having a longitudinal direction and including a plurality of flow channels therein, the flow channels extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and separated from each other by porous walls
Implementation Method 2
a property of dissipating heat while being converted into a hydrate by an exothermic reaction with water vapor
Implementation Method 3
a property of storing heat while releasing water vapor and thus being dehydrated by an endothermic reaction of the hydrate caused by receiving external heat
Implementation Method 4
a first fluid passage in which heat exchange is performed between a fluid flowing therein and the heat storage material
Data Source
AI summary
The “heat storage material storage container” comprises “a main body having a longitudinal direction and including a plurality of flow channels therein, the flow channels extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and separated from each other by porous walls” and “a heat storage material contained in only one or some of the plurality of flow channels.” The plurality of flow channels include “a plurality of first flow channels each having an open end on a first side in the longitudinal direction and a closed end on a second side in the longitudinal direction” and “a plurality of second flow channels each having open ends on both the first side and the second side in the longitudinal direction.” The heat storage material is contained in only the first flow channels.