Hydrate Energy-Storage Material with Cross-Linked Polymer Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional microcapsule phase change materials suffer from low thermal conductivity, easy phase separation, and other limitations, which hinder their effectiveness in heat energy storage and temperature control applications.
Innovation Solution
A hydrate energy-storage temperature-control material is developed, comprising a core of refrigerant hydrate and a shell of cross-linked polymer, where the hydrate is generated and encapsulated using a specific method involving electrostatic spraying and graft polymerization to enhance thermal conductivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional microcapsule phase change material is used, then the material can be encapsulated to avoid safety problems, but the thermal conductivity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining hydrate core with cross-linked polymer shell, and further enhances thermal conductivity by incorporating graphite oxide and metal nanoparticles into the polymer matrix, creating a multi-component composite structure that simultaneously provides safety encapsulation and improved heat transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter by introducing highly conductive materials (graphite oxide with layered structure and metal nanoparticles) into the polymer shell, fundamentally altering the thermal transport properties of the microcapsule system
2Reliability
If traditional microcapsule phase change material is used, then the material can be encapsulated, but phase separation occurs easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a cross-linked polymer shell with specific functional groups distributed throughout the shell matrix, providing localized chemical interaction sites that anchor the hydrate phase and prevent macroscopic phase separation while maintaining uniform composition
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-linked polymer shell acts as a composite structure combining the polymer matrix with cross-linking agents, creating a three-dimensional network that physically constrains the hydrate core and prevents phase separation through enhanced interfacial adhesion
3Quantity of substance
If hydrate is used as phase change material, then latent heat is higher than traditional materials, but the material requires specific generation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the hydrate crystals under controlled conditions before encapsulation, ensuring the hydrate is already in its stable crystalline phase with high latent heat capacity before being embedded in the polymer matrix, thus simplifying subsequent processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by controlling the formation of hydrate from liquid refrigerant and water under specific temperature and pressure conditions, leveraging the phase change process itself to create the high-latent-heat material that will be encapsulated
4Area of stationary object
If microcapsule encapsulation is used, then heat transfer area increases, but thermal conductivity coefficient remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating a composite shell structure where cross-linked polymer provides the encapsulation matrix while embedded graphite oxide layers and metal nanoparticles provide high thermal conductivity pathways, allowing the microcapsule to simultaneously achieve large surface area and high heat conductivity coefficient
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating high thermal conductivity materials at the shell interface and within the polymer matrix, creating localized thermal conduction channels that efficiently transfer heat across the microcapsule boundary while maintaining the overall microcapsule structure
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 solution provides a phase change material with higher thermal conductivity, improved nucleation, and high stability, enabling efficient heat storage and temperature control, with the ability to be reused and applied across various refrigerant types.
Implementation Method 1
adding a high-voltage electrostatic field between a nozzle and the hydrate particles, so the polytetrafluoroethylene suspended powder is adsorbed and coated onto the hydrate particles under the action of electrostatic force and gravity
Implementation Method 2
placing the hydrate particles onto which the polytetrafluoroethylene powder is sprayed into a plasma instrument, and processing by using argon plasma so as to allow free radicals to be formed on the polytetrafluoroethylene surface
Implementation Method 3
cooling the closed container by using a water bath of 25-30° C. and irradiating by using a high-pressure mercury lamp of ultraviolet lighting system for 80-90 min, to promote graft polymerization of a monomer and free radicals
Implementation Method 4
The hydrate is generated by cooling a reactor to a temperature below the hydrate phase equilibrium temperature and above the freezing temperature
Implementation Method 5
centrifuging by using a centrifugal machine at a revolving speed of not less than 2000 r/min for solid-liquid separation for 10-20 min
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a hydrate energy-storage temperature-control material and a preparation method therefor. The material includes a refrigerant hydrate and a cross-linked polymer. The preparation method comprises the following steps: first, preparing a refrigerant hydrate by using a high-pressure reactor, and conducting grinding, crushing and sieving to obtain hydrate particles; then, uniformly spraying polytetrafluoroethylene suspended ultrafine powder onto the surface of the hydrate particles by using an electrostatic spraying device, and putting the hydrate particles into a plasma instrument to modify polytetrafluoroethylene so as to allow free radicals to be formed on the polytetrafluoroethylene powder surface; finally, subjecting monomers to graft polymerization with the free radicals on the polytetrafluoroethylene surface under the irradiation of a high-pressure mercury lamp of UV lighting system to stabilize the structure of the material, preparing a final product. According to the present invention, a hydrate energy-storage temperature-control material with good stability is prepared. A method capable of preparing various types of refrigerant hydrate materials is provided. The product can give full play to the advantages of hydrate energy storage and temperature control, can be periodically used, and can be used in various fields such as building, refrigeration, etc.