Movable PCM Heat Exchanger for Precise Fluid Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers with phase change materials have fixed configurations, which limit precise control over fluid temperature and require complex bypass systems or flow rate adjustments, leading to inefficient energy transfer and increased installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring movable phase change material elements connected via joints that allow free movement within the fluid flow, combined with an adjustment system for positioning these elements, enabling increased convective exchanges and precise temperature regulation without energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the elements containing phase change material are made static with fixed orientations, then the structure is simple and stable, but the convective heat transfer efficiency is limited and temperature control is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The elements containing phase change material are made movable through joints that allow them to move freely in the fluid flow. This dynamic configuration increases disturbances in the fluid flow and enhances convective heat transfer between the phase change material and the fluid, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and heat transfer efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If bypass systems are added to regulate fluid temperature, then temperature control capability is improved, but the installation volume increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable elements containing phase change material self-adjust their positions and orientations in response to fluid flow conditions, automatically optimizing heat transfer without requiring external bypass systems or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself by utilizing natural convection and phase change dynamics to achieve precise temperature regulation.
3Ease of operation
If flow rate adjustment is used to regulate outlet temperature, then temperature regulation is possible, but precise control is not achieved and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state and position parameters of the phase change material elements dynamically. As elements move and reorient in the fluid flow, they optimize their thermal interaction with the fluid, enabling precise temperature control at the outlet without requiring flow rate adjustments that would waste energy.
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
This design enhances convective heat transfer, allows for precise temperature control of the fluid, and reduces installation complexity by enabling flexible positioning of phase change material elements, optimizing energy transfer and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
When the temperature of the fluid varies and exceeds the phase change temperature, the phase change material melts absorbing part of the thermal energy of the fluid. Thus, this phase change makes it possible to cool the fluid.
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material melts absorbing part of the thermal energy of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
When the temperature of the fluid varies and drops below the phase change temperature, the phase change material solidifies transferring part of the thermal energy to the fluid. Thus, this phase change makes it possible to heat the fluid.
Implementation Method 4
the phase change material solidifies transferring part of the thermal energy to the fluid
Implementation Method 5
This solution makes it possible to increase the convective exchanges between the phase change material and the fluid. The movements of the elements containing at least one phase change material are natural and do not require any energy input.
Implementation Method 6
at least some of the elements containing at least one phase change material are connected to at least one support via joints configured to allow said elements containing at least one phase change material to move freely in the fluid flow in order to increase the disturbances of the fluid flow
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5B
Figure 6A~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising at least one duct (16) making it possible to channel a flow (18) of fluid and a plurality of elements (20) containing at least one phase change material arranged in said duct (16), characterised in that at least some of said elements (20) containing at least one phase change material can move freely in the flow (18) of fluid. Preferably, the heat exchanger comprises an adjustment system for adjusting the positioning of the elements (20) containing at least one phase change material in the duct (16).