Modular Thermal Energy Block with Phase Change Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage devices face challenges in industrial production efficiency, pollutant emission reduction, and energy release management, particularly in reducing the weight and dimensions of systems for containing hot fluids and cooling engines, while maintaining fuel efficiency and reducing gaseous emissions.
Innovation Solution
A modular block design for thermal energy storage and release, featuring a chamber with a side opening, thermally insulating materials in controlled atmosphere pockets, and phase change materials (PCMs) integrated into outer walls or pockets, allowing for flexible assembly and improved thermal management, along with a lubricant sump system for efficient engine lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional thermal energy storage devices are used, then thermal energy storage function is provided, but the weight and dimensions of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the thermal energy storage elements directly within the engine block structure, nesting the storage function inside the existing mechanical component. This eliminates separate storage tanks and reduces overall system weight and volume while maintaining thermal energy storage efficiency through direct integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions into the engine block: structural support, thermal management, and thermal energy storage. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the system reduces total weight and dimensions compared to conventional separate systems while maintaining all required performance characteristics.
2Weight of stationary object
If thermal energy storage elements are integrated into engine block, then weight and dimensions are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is segmented into modular elements that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the engine block. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while simplifying the overall assembly and production workflow.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional thermal management systems are used, then engine cooling is provided, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage elements in the engine block passively absorb and release thermal energy based on engine operating conditions, providing self-regulating thermal management without requiring additional energy input or complex active control systems. This reduces fuel consumption compared to conventional active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage elements utilize phase change materials that absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy during phase transitions. This enables efficient thermal management with minimal system complexity and no additional energy consumption, as the phase change process occurs passively in response to temperature 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
The modular design enables efficient thermal energy storage and release, reduces weight and dimensions, enhances fuel efficiency, and limits pollutant emissions by utilizing PCMs in controlled atmosphere pockets for improved thermal insulation and energy transfer, facilitating mass production and adaptation to various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material—or PCM—will designate any material capable of changing physical state. The thermal storage can be achieved by using the Latent Heat (LH) thereof: the material can then store or transfer energy by simple change of state, while maintaining a temperature and a substantially constant pressure
Implementation Method 2
The thermal storage can be achieved by using the Latent Heat (LH) thereof: the material can then store or transfer energy by simple change of state
Implementation Method 3
at least one layer of a thermally insulating material and others at least one layer of a phase change material (PCM), and which are arranged around the chamber
Implementation Method 4
said at least one layer of thermally insulating material is arranged in pockets which are under controlled atmosphere and have flexible sheets or metal walls
Data Source
AI summary
A modular block for storing thermal energy having a bottom wall and lateral walls defining a chamber. The lateral walls are made from a mouldable material. First thermal management elements are disposed in the chamber, which has at least one communication passage to the outside environment to allow a refrigerating fluid or a heat-transfer fluid a in heat exchange relationship with the first thermal management elements to pass into and out of the chamber. The modular block has second thermal management elements arranged laterally around the lateral walls or included in the mouldable material of the lateral walls for the thermal management of the chamber. The first thermal management elements are separated from the second thermal management elements by a part of the mouldable material of the lateral walls.