Liquid subcooling utilizing phase change composite thermal energy storage and phase change composite thermal energy storage module therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiant cooling systems for buildings are inefficient due to poor coefficients of performance and require continuous operation, especially during peak temperature extremes, and previous attempts at integrating phase change materials into air conditioning systems have been impractical and cost-ineffective due to leakage issues and insufficient heat transfer rates.
Innovation Solution
A Phase Change Composite Thermal Energy Storage Module (PCCTESM) is integrated into the air conditioning system, featuring thermally conductive graphite matrices with phase change wax, sealed to prevent leakage, and utilizing dual air cooled condensing units for simultaneous space cooling and liquid subcooling, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If phase change materials are integrated into air conditioning systems, then energy efficiency is improved, but leakage issues and insufficient heat transfer rates occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite phase change materials encapsulated in sealed containers, combining the phase change properties of wax or salt hydrates with the structural integrity of sealed containers. This allows the system to benefit from the high energy storage density of phase change materials while preventing leakage through the encapsulation barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sealed containers with flexible or rigid shells to encapsulate the phase change materials. These shells act as barriers that prevent leakage while allowing thermal energy transfer. The containers can be made of various materials and thicknesses to balance leakage prevention with heat transfer efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If phase change materials are integrated into air conditioning systems, then energy efficiency is improved, but heat transfer rates are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates thermally conductive materials such as graphite sheets or metal fins in direct contact with the phase change materials. These materials create localized high-conductivity pathways that enhance heat transfer from the refrigerant to the phase change material, addressing the insufficient heat transfer rate while maintaining the energy storage benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermally conductive intermediaries like graphite matrices or metal heat transfer plates as mediators between the refrigerant and the phase change materials. These intermediaries facilitate efficient thermal energy transfer, overcoming the naturally low thermal conductivity of many phase change materials.
3Reliability
If radiant cooling systems operate continuously to maintain space comfort, then cooling effectiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools the phase change materials during off-peak hours or when cooling demand is low, storing thermal energy in advance. During peak cooling demand, the stored energy is released to maintain space comfort, reducing the need for continuous operation of the air conditioning system and thereby reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous cooling effect by combining the refrigeration cycle with the phase change energy storage. The phase change materials continuously absorb and release thermal energy, maintaining a more stable and continuous cooling output compared to conventional systems that cycle on and off, thereby improving cooling effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption.
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 provides improved energy efficiency and cost savings by addressing leakage and heat transfer issues, enabling effective cooling and subcooling through a novel architecture that integrates phase change materials efficiently into air conditioning systems, reducing the need for continuous operation during peak temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change composite thermal energy storage module (PCCTESM) having first and second fluid paths disposed therethrough... at least one phase change composite slab (PCCS) disposed in thermal contact with the first and second fluid paths
Implementation Method 2
featuring thermally conductive graphite matrices with phase change wax
Implementation Method 3
dual air cooled condensing units for simultaneous space cooling and liquid subcooling
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system comprises an air cooled condensing unit (ACCU) having a condenser outlet and a condenser inlet, and a phase change composite thermal energy storage module (PCCTESM) having first and second fluid paths disposed therethrough, wherein each of the first and second fluid paths have an inlet and an outlet. The cooling system further comprises at least one air handling unit (AHU) having an AHU inlet and an AHU outlet, a first expansion valve disposed between the condenser outlet and the first fluid path inlet, a fluid connection between the second fluid path inlet and the condenser outlet, a second expansion valve disposed between the AHU inlet and the second fluid path outlet, and a second fluid connection that connects the first fluid path outlet and the AHU outlet to the condenser inlet.