Ice Storage Cooling Loop with Refrigerant Isolation Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems with thermal energy storage face limitations in achieving high efficiency and flexibility, particularly in small commercial buildings, due to reliance on water chillers and complex refrigerant management designs.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant-based thermal energy storage and cooling system with a primary and secondary refrigerant loop, utilizing an isolating heat exchanger and a thermosiphon to transfer cooling capacity, allowing for ice formation and melting, and enabling multiple operational modes for efficient energy storage and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water chillers are used for thermal energy storage, then cooling capacity is achieved, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the chiller component from the thermal energy storage system, replacing it with a heat exchanger that utilizes ambient air or ground temperature differences to provide cooling capacity without requiring active refrigeration equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural temperature differences between ambient air/ground and the thermal storage medium to provide cooling, eliminating the need for external power-driven chillers and making the system self-sufficient
2Use of energy by stationary object
If ice storage is used to shift air conditioning loads, then energy cost is reduced, but system adaptability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is designed to provide multiple functions including cooling during peak hours, pre-cooling during off-peak hours, and ambient temperature regulation, making it adaptable to various operational requirements and building types
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation between ice-making mode, ice-melting mode, and ambient cooling mode based on real-time temperature conditions, energy prices, and cooling demands, enhancing flexibility across different applications
3Productivity
If complex refrigerant management design is used, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an isolating heat exchanger as an intermediary component that separates the primary refrigerant loop from the secondary thermal storage loop, simplifying refrigerant management by eliminating the need for complex refrigerant transfer systems while maintaining cooling efficiency
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 system achieves efficient energy storage and distribution, reducing manufacturing costs and operational complexity, while maintaining flexibility across various applications, and allows for the use of different refrigerants to enhance safety and environmental compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the second refrigerant loop that allows circulation of the second refrigerant from the second condenser, through the primary heat exchanger, and back to the second condenser under the influence of a thermosiphon
Implementation Method 2
a tank containing a primary heat exchanger therein, and filled with a fluid capable of a phase change between liquid and solid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and device for a refrigerant-based thermal storage system wherein a condensing unit and an ice-tank heat exchanger can be isolated through a second heat exchanger. The disclosed embodiments provide a refrigerant-based ice storage system with increased reliability, lower cost components, and reduced power consumption compared to a single phase system such as a glycol system.