Internal circulation type clathrate hydrate-based cold storage system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold storage systems suffer from slow hydrate nucleation and low energy storage conversion rates.
Innovation Solution
An internal circulation type clathrate hydrate-based cold storage system with a gas disturbance generator, crystallization promoting assembly, and a coil in the hydrate-based cold storage tank to induce rapid nucleation, combined with a chiller and heat exchanger for efficient energy storage and supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cold storage systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the hydrate nucleation speed is slow and energy storage conversion rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas disturbance generator as an intermediary device that produces gas bubbles to disturb the solution and accelerate hydrate nucleation. The gas bubbles act as mediators between the cooling system and the hydrate formation process, enhancing mass and heat transfer without requiring direct modification of the core cooling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical stirring methods with a gas disturbance mechanism. Instead of using mechanical agitators that require direct contact with the solution, the system uses gas injection to create natural convection and disturbance, achieving nucleation acceleration through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical force.
2Productivity
If hydrate nucleation is accelerated using external methods, then the energy storage conversion rate improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas disturbance generator is designed to operate autonomously within the system, using the existing pressure differential and solution flow to generate gas bubbles that promote nucleation. The system self-regulates the disturbance intensity based on operating conditions, reducing the need for external control mechanisms and complex regulation systems.
3Temperature
If the cold storage system operates continuously, then the cooling capacity is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water to hydrate form as the primary cooling mechanism. This phase change process absorbs and releases large amounts of latent heat, enabling the system to maintain cooling capacity during continuous operation without proportionally increasing energy consumption, as the phase transition itself provides thermal regulation.
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
Improves energy storage conversion rate and cooling capacity by accelerating hydrate nucleation and utilizing latent heat, enabling high efficiency, energy savings, and stable operation for continuous cold energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
the gas disturbance generator creates gas disturbance on the hydrate-based cold storage working medium in the hydrate-based cold storage tank, so as to induce the hydrate nucleation and accelerate energy storage
Implementation Method 2
a coil is arranged in the hydrate-based cold storage tank and immersed in the hydrate-based cold storage working medium
Implementation Method 3
utilizing latent heat, enabling high efficiency, energy savings, and stable operation for continuous cold energy supply
Implementation Method 4
a chiller, a first solution pump, a first flow meter... the outlet end of the chiller is in communication with an inlet of the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A cold storage system and method are provided. The cold storage system includes a chiller, a hydrate-based cold storage tank, a gas disturbance generator, a concentration detector, a heat exchanger, a direct-current power supply and circuit controller, and a system monitor. Chiller provides a secondary refrigerant at a low temperature. The secondary refrigerant flows through a coil in the hydrate-based cold storage tank for a heat exchange. The gas disturbance generator induces hydrate nucleation. The concentration detector monitors a concentration of a hydrate solution in real time. The heat exchanger is equipped with a finned tube heat exchanger with a fan, to improve the cold supply efficiency of the cold storage system. The system monitor monitors a state change of the system in real time through a set of temperature-pressure sensor modules. Several cold energy supply modes can be realized in the present disclosure by adjusting opening/dosing of valves.