LHTES Module Electrohydrodynamic Charging for Faster PCM Melting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Eco-friendly organic phase change materials (PCMs) used in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) units exhibit low thermal conductivity, leading to slow charging (melting) processes and reduced energy storage density.

Innovation Solution

Employing unipolar charge injection-induced electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow to enhance the melting process by applying an electric field across a PCM, inducing EHD flow to increase heat transfer and fluid mixing, thereby accelerating the charging rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If organic PCMs are used in LHTES units, then eco-friendliness and low cost are improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates leading to slow charging process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeco-friendlinessVSAvoidcharging rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces unipolar charge injection as an intermediary mechanism to induce electrohydrodynamic flow in the PCM. This EHD flow acts as a mediator that enhances heat transfer and accelerates melting without changing the PCM's inherent properties, thus maintaining eco-friendliness while improving charging rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and flow characteristics of the PCM by applying unipolar charge injection. This induces electrohydrodynamic flow that transforms the static or slowly moving PCM into an actively flowing fluid, dramatically enhancing heat transfer and melting rate while keeping the organic PCM composition unchanged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If unipolar charge injection is applied to induce EHD flow, then charging rate is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging rateVSAvoidelectrode system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode system into two functional parts: a first electrode for applying electric potential and a second electrode for unipolar charge injection. This segmentation allows each electrode to perform its specific function efficiently, managing complexity through functional decomposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tube serving as the second electrode performs multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a collector electrode for the electric potential, and a charge injection electrode for inducing EHD flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional natural convection is used without EHD flow, then device simplicity is maintained, but melting uniformity and speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidmelting uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive natural convection mechanism with an active electrohydrodynamic flow system. The EHD flow provides controlled fluid motion that ensures uniform heat distribution and consistent melting, overcoming the limitations of natural convection while maintaining relative system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 EHD flow enhances the charging rate, resulting in faster and more uniform melting, increased power storage capacity, and consistent performance regardless of the LHTES unit's orientation, with shorter melting times and higher energy storage density.

Implementation Method 1

employing unipolar charge injection-induced electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow to enhance the melting process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrohydrodynamic flow: Electrohydrodynamics

Implementation Method 2

The EHD flow can intensify the flow velocity, can alter the flow structure, and can increase the heat transfer associated with the LHTES unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrohydrodynamic convection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the charging (melting) process in the energy storage systems using these PCMs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20260022896A1Electrohydrodynamic acceleration of charging process in a latent heat thermal energy storage module

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 KHALIFA UNIV OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

A latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) unit can include a shell, a tube, a phase change material (PCM), a first electrode, and a second electrode. The shell may be an outer housing, and the tube may extend through an interior of the shell. The PCM may be located between the shell and the tube. The first electrode may be located on the shell, and the second electrode may be located on the tube. The first electrode and the second electrode may be arranged to apply an electric potential from the tube to the shell and across the PCM, and the second electrode may be arranged to inject unipolar charge into the PCM to induce electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow within the PCM.