Method for storing and discharging energy through an inverse microstructure alloys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges with low energy density, poor thermal conductivity, corrosion, and instability due to the interaction of phase change materials with containment vessels, leading to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage material comprising a dense, continuous thermally conductive matrix with dispersed microparticles of a second component that are wholly or partly immiscible, allowing for high thermal conductivity and encapsulation of the active phase, which operates through the latent heat of fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If phase change materials are used for thermal energy storage, then energy density is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining phase change material particles with a thermally conductive matrix material to create a composite thermal storage material. This composite structure allows the system to achieve both high energy density from the phase change material and improved thermal conductivity from the matrix material, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Quantity of substance
If phase change materials are used for thermal energy storage, then energy density is improved, but stability deteriorates due to interaction with containment vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase change material from its traditional containment vessel environment and embeds it directly within a thermally conductive matrix material. This eliminates the phase change material's direct contact with external containment vessels, preventing the harmful interactions that cause instability and degradation over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally conductive matrix material acts as an intermediary between the phase change material particles and the external environment. This matrix material provides structural support and thermal pathways while isolating the phase change material from direct contact with containment vessels, thereby maintaining stability.
3Device complexity
If conventional thermal storage systems are used, then simplicity is maintained, but thermal conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the thermal storage system by incorporating a thermally conductive matrix material with high thermal conductivity. This parameter change transforms the system from poor thermal conductivity to high thermal conductivity while maintaining the fundamental phase change storage mechanism.
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 achieves high energy density, rapid heat transfer, and stability over long periods, eliminating the need for containment vessels and reducing maintenance, with thermal conductivity improved by two orders of magnitude compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A method of storing and discharging energy that operates through the latent heat of fusion of a dispersed component
Implementation Method 2
the first component melts at a higher temperature than the second component
Implementation Method 3
a dense continuous thermally conductive matrix of a first component
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to alloys with inverse microstructures, to the production of such materials and to their uses in thermal storage applications. In a preferred form the invention relates to a thermal storage material comprising a dense continuous thermally conductive matrix of a first component; and particles of a second component dispersed throughout the matrix of the first component, wherein the first and second components are wholly or partly immiscible and wherein the first component melts at a higher temperature than the second component.