Latent Heat Accumulator Coupling Device for Controlled Phase Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latent heat storage systems face inefficiencies in heat extraction and regeneration due to the need for strict hydraulic separation of extraction and regeneration circuits, which limits controllability and can lead to uncontrolled freezing or thawing, potentially damaging heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
A latent heat storage system with a coupling device that temporarily connects the extraction heat exchanger and regeneration arrangement for joint heat extraction or supply, allowing for controlled seasonal thawing and freezing, and includes a regulating device to adjust heat transfer media flow based on operational parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the extraction circuit and regeneration circuit are strictly separated hydraulically, then uncontrolled freezing or thawing is prevented and heat exchanger damage is avoided, but system efficiency is reduced and controllability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal operation with strict hydraulic separation for reliability, and coupling mode where the extraction heat exchanger and regeneration arrangement are temporarily connected to enhance efficiency. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize between safety and performance based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction heat exchanger serves dual functions: during normal operation it extracts heat from the storage medium, and during coupling mode it participates in joint heat extraction or supply operations with the regeneration arrangement. This multi-functionality increases system versatility and efficiency without compromising reliability.
2Productivity
If the extraction heat exchanger and regeneration arrangement are coupled for joint heat extraction or supply, then system efficiency is enhanced and cooling demands are met quickly, but controllability is reduced and uncontrolled freezing or thawing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A regulating device continuously monitors the operational state during coupling mode and adjusts the flow of heat transfer media accordingly. This feedback control ensures that joint heat extraction or supply operations remain within safe parameters, preventing uncontrolled freezing or thawing while maintaining enhanced efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between extraction heat exchanger and regeneration arrangement is temporary and controllable, allowing the system to transition between separated and coupled states based on operational requirements. This dynamic control maintains ease of operation while enabling efficiency enhancements during coupling mode.
3Productivity
If heat transfer media flow is increased during regeneration to provide more heat quickly, then regeneration speed is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
During coupling mode, the system enables continuous and optimized heat transfer from the regeneration arrangement to the storage medium. The regulating device ensures that heat transfer media flow is optimized to maintain continuous effective heat transfer, improving regeneration speed while minimizing energy losses through optimized flow management.
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
This configuration enhances efficiency by providing more heat to the storage device during regeneration and meeting increased cooling demands quickly, while maintaining controllability and preventing contamination of the storage medium.
Implementation Method 1
a latent heat storage device (10) containing a storage medium (20) with latent heat
Implementation Method 2
an extraction heat exchanger (32) which is in contact with the storage medium (20) and which can be connected to the extraction circuit (30)
Implementation Method 3
The extraction heat exchanger is preferably connected to a heat pump in the extraction circuit, which raises the extracted heat to a higher temperature level that can be used by a consumer
Implementation Method 4
The regeneration arrangement is conveniently connected to one or more heat sources in the extraction circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a latent heat accumulator system (100) comprising at least one latent heat accumulator (10) containing a storage medium (20) with latent heat, at least one abstraction circuit (30) by means of which the required quantity of heat can be removed from the storage medium (20), and at least one regeneration circuit (40) by means of which the required quantity of heat can be supplied to the storage medium (20). The at least one latent heat accumulator (10) comprises at least one abstraction heat exchanger (32) that is in contact with the storage medium (20) and can be connected to the abstraction circuit (30), and at least one regeneration arrangement (42) inside the storage medium (20), which can be connected to the regeneration circuit (40). A coupling device (50) is provided, by means of which the at least one abstraction heat exchanger (32) can be at least temporarily coupled to the at least one regeneration arrangement (42) for common heat abstraction from the storage medium (20) or for common heat supply into the storage medium (20). The invention also relates to a corresponding operating method.