Liquid-Liquid Phase Transition Heat Transfer for Thermal Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current processes for heating, cooling, heat transfer, refrigeration, and thermal storage are often energy-intensive, inefficient, and environmentally detrimental, relying on expensive and ineffective chemicals or equipment.

Innovation Solution

The development of novel processes and systems utilizing liquid-liquid phase transition liquids that absorb or release heat without changing phase, allowing for efficient cooling, heating, and thermal storage by manipulating the phase transition temperatures of these liquids within specific temperature ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional heat transfer processes are used, then heating and cooling can be achieved, but energy consumption is high and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes liquid-liquid phase transitions of organic compounds to enable efficient heat transfer. When two immiscible liquid phases mix, they undergo an exothermic phase transition that releases heat; conversely, separating the phases absorbs heat. This phase transition mechanism provides high energy efficiency and reduces energy loss compared to conventional heat transfer processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the heat transfer medium by using liquid-liquid phase transitions instead of conventional single-phase fluids. By controlling the mixing and separation of liquid phases, the system achieves significant improvements in energy efficiency and reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional refrigeration and thermal storage systems are used, then cooling and thermal storage functions are achieved, but the systems are energy-intensive and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies liquid-liquid phase transitions to refrigeration and thermal storage systems. The exothermic mixing of liquid phases provides efficient cooling, while the endothermic separation process enables thermal storage. This approach dramatically improves cooling efficiency and reduces energy consumption compared to conventional compression-based refrigeration systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Reliability

If conventional heat transfer chemicals are used, then heat transfer is achieved, but expensive and ineffective chemicals are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer effectivenessVSAvoidcost effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental approach to heat transfer chemicals by using common organic compounds that undergo liquid-liquid phase transitions. This eliminates the need for expensive specialized heat transfer fluids while maintaining or improving heat transfer effectiveness. The system uses readily available chemicals such as organic solvents that exhibit immiscibility transitions, making the process cost-effective and reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 processes enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and offer cost-effective solutions for various applications by achieving higher heat capacity and broader temperature ranges for cooling and heating, enabling more efficient thermal management systems.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid-liquid phase transition: Phase Change

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolid-liquid phase change: Phase Change

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEndothermic reaction: Endothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentUS11796229B2Systems and methods for high energy density heat transfer

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 SOLVCOR TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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.