Liquid-Liquid Phase Transition Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes and systems for heat transfer, refrigeration, and thermal storage are energy intensive, inefficient, and environmentally harmful, often relying on expensive and ineffective chemicals or equipment.
Innovation Solution
The development of novel processes and systems that utilize liquid-liquid phase transition liquids to achieve efficient heat transfer, refrigeration, and thermal storage, including methods for cooling, heating, and producing ice, while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heat transfer and thermal storage systems are used, then heat transfer can be achieved, but energy consumption is high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs liquid-liquid phase transition of partially miscible liquids to achieve isothermal heat transfer at temperatures below the phase transition point. The phase transition absorbs or releases latent heat, enabling efficient thermal energy storage and transfer without significant temperature change, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and heat transfer efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional thermal storage systems are used, then thermal energy can be stored, but energy density is low and system size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the latent heat of liquid-liquid phase transition to store thermal energy. By storing energy in the phase transition state rather than relying on sensible heat capacity alone, the system achieves high energy density in a compact volume, resolving the contradiction between energy density and system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite heat transfer media comprising partially miscible liquid phases, which combine the properties of both phases to achieve enhanced energy storage capacity. The composite nature of the heat transfer medium allows for higher energy density compared to conventional single-phase systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigeration systems are used, then cooling can be achieved, but environmental impact is negative and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of phase separation in liquid mixtures into a beneficial mechanism for heat transfer and thermal storage. The phase transition, which would normally be considered a defect or instability, is harnessed to provide isothermal cooling and high-density energy storage, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful refrigerants while reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the intrinsic phase transition properties of partially miscible liquids to provide self-regulating thermal energy storage and transfer. The phase transition occurs automatically at the characteristic temperature of the liquid pair, providing isothermal cooling without requiring external control systems or expensive equipment, thereby reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
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
These systems offer cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions for heat transfer and thermal storage, with enhanced heat capacity and flexibility in temperature ranges, enabling more efficient cooling and heating processes.
Implementation Method 1
cooling a liquid-liquid phase transition liquid comprising two liquid phases below an exothermic liquid-liquid phase transition temperature range to form a liquid-liquid phase transition liquid comprising one liquid phase
Implementation Method 2
The one liquid phase may be cooled below a temperature of a solid-liquid phase change to form a composition comprising a solid-liquid slurry
Implementation Method 3
mixing one liquid phase of a liquid-liquid phase transition liquid with another liquid phase of a liquid-liquid phase transition liquid to form an exothermic liquid-liquid phase transition
Implementation Method 4
Heat is removed and the liquid-liquid phase transition liquid is mixed with a phase transition temperature adjustment reagent to form an endothermic liquid-liquid phase transition
Data Source
AI summary
The application pertains to, for example, novel processes and systems for heat transfer, refrigeration, energy storage, and various cooling and heating processes. Such processes may include cooling or mixing various liquid-liquid phase transition liquids to release and/or energy. Additionally or alternatively, such processes may include charging and/or discharging thermal storage reservoirs with layered liquids of various temperatures.