Heat Storage Unit Using Temperature-Responsive Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat storage units are larger due to the need for a condenser and water transfer passage to condense and store water vapor, which is not necessary when using a heat storage material with temperature-responsive high polymers that can store heat in a liquid state.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage unit incorporating a container with a heat exchanger and temperature-responsive high polymers that store heat by varying hydrogen bonding strength, eliminating the need for a condenser and water transfer passage, allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a condenser and water transfer passage are provided to condense water vapor, then water vapor can be liquefied and stored, but the heat storage unit becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensation function from the heat storage unit by having water vapor escape through opening portions directly to the external environment. This eliminates the need for a condenser and water transfer passage within the unit, thereby reducing the unit's size while still achieving water vapor condensation and storage externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces opening portions as an intermediary mechanism that allows water vapor to transition from the internal heat storage material container to the external environment. This simple opening structure replaces the complex condensation system, achieving the same functional outcome with minimal structural intervention.
2Volume of stationary object
If water is stored in liquid state without condensation process, then the heat storage unit can be made smaller, but the heat storage material must maintain specific temperature-responsive properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes temperature-responsive high polymer materials that change their physical properties (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity) at specific temperature thresholds. These parameter changes allow the material to automatically control water vapor release and condensation behavior, enabling compact design without complex mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite heat storage materials consisting of water and temperature-responsive high polymers. This composite structure combines the heat storage capability of water with the temperature-responsive switching properties of high polymers, achieving both size reduction and functional adaptability.
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 unit can be made smaller due to the high heat storage capacity of the temperature-responsive materials, which store heat in a liquid state without the need for condensation or evaporation processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing size.
Implementation Method 1
a heat storage material that contains water and high polymers exhibiting hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity depending on a temperature, in addition to a heat exchanger and a container
Implementation Method 2
store heat by varying hydrogen bonding strength
Implementation Method 3
heat transfer from the heat storage material
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat storage unit includes: a heat storage material that contains water and high polymers that exhibit hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity depending on a temperature; a heat exchanger that causes heat exchange to be performed between a heating fluid and the heat storage material to heat the heat storage material and store heat in the heat storage material, and causes heat exchange to be performed between a heat utilization fluid and the heat storage material to receive heat from the heat storage material and cause heat to be transferred from the heat storage material; and a container that is filled with the heat storage material and houses the heat exchanger.