Hole-Patterned Heat Storage Material for Clathrate Nucleation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat storage materials that form clathrate hydrates by cooling exhibit significant supercooling, requiring them to be cooled to low temperatures for crystallization, which increases energy consumption and limits their effectiveness in refrigerated air-conditioning applications.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage apparatus featuring a heat storage material that forms clathrate hydrates by cooling, with a member having a surface structured with holes spaced at specific intervals and diameters to act as a scaffold, promoting the formation of clathrate hydrates and reducing supercooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If heat storage materials are cooled to form clathrate hydrates, then heat storage capacity is improved, but significant supercooling occurs requiring lower temperatures which increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the heat storage material to a temperature slightly below the melting point before use. This preliminary cooling creates a temperature reservoir that allows the material to absorb heat during operation without requiring excessive cooling later, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective heat storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by operating the heat storage material in a controlled temperature range that accounts for supercooling effects. By adjusting the cooling temperature to compensate for supercooling without over-cooling, the system optimizes the balance between achieving sufficient crystallization for heat storage and minimizing energy consumption
2Stability of the object's composition
If heat storage materials are cooled to low temperatures for crystallization, then crystallization is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling to just below the melting point to initiate crystallization, then maintains this temperature range during operation. This preliminary action ensures crystallization occurs without requiring excessive cooling, achieving stable composition while minimizing energy use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature monitoring and control mechanisms that provide feedback to maintain the heat storage material within the optimal temperature range for crystallization. This feedback control prevents over-cooling and ensures crystallization occurs at the lowest necessary temperature, reducing energy consumption
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 structured surface of the heat storage apparatus effectively reduces the degree of supercooling, enhancing the crystallization process and improving the energy efficiency of heat storage materials for refrigerated air-conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat storage material that forms a clathrate hydrate by cooling
Implementation Method 2
forms a clathrate hydrate by cooling
Implementation Method 3
a member having a surface with a plurality of holes... acting as a scaffold to promote the formation of clathrate hydrates
Implementation Method 4
enhancing the crystallization process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A heat storage apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a heat storage material and a member. The heat storage material forms a clathrate hydrate by cooling. The member has a surface with a plurality of holes. In the case that the lattice constant of the clathrate hydrate is denoted by L and the outside diameter of a cage included in the clathrate hydrate is denoted by D, the plurality of holes are spaced at intervals of 1 L to 10L, and each of the plurality of holes has a hole diameter of 1D to 20D.