Movable Thermal Mass Heat Storage for Continuous Cooling Demands
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat storage devices are not well-suited for continuous cooling requirements, such as in data centers, as they are primarily designed for day-night temperature variations and lack adaptability for constant warming or cooling demands.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a thermal mass having high heat capacity, equipped with fins for enhanced heat transfer and a displacement mechanism to move between internal and external environments, allowing heat absorption and dissipation by exposing different surfaces to air streams or outdoor environments, utilizing a fluid with a heat capacity greater than 2 kJ/kg·K, such as water or a water-glycol mixture, and employing hydraulic or solenoid actuators for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermal mass devices are installed in walls or on rooftops for heat storage, then periodic temperature variations during day-night cycle are offset and dampened, but the devices are not adapted for continuous cooling requirements such as in data centers with constant warming
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal mass device is made movable between indoor and outdoor environments through a displacement mechanism. The device can dynamically reposition itself - moving indoors to absorb heat during cooling periods and outdoors to dissipate heat during heating periods. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same device to adapt to both continuous cooling requirements and traditional day-night cycle temperature variations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability for different thermal scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal mass device is designed to perform multiple functions by being relocatable between different environments. It can serve as a heat absorption unit when positioned indoors and as a heat dissipation unit when positioned outdoors. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle both continuous cooling demands and periodic temperature regulation, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for different thermal requirements
2Temperature
If black-colored pipes are installed on rooftops for heating water, then water heating is achieved, but the system is not suitable for cooling applications or continuous thermal management
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal mass device with movable configuration can dynamically adjust its thermal interaction with different environments. When positioned indoors, it absorbs heat from the air stream for cooling applications. When positioned outdoors, it dissipates stored heat to the ambient environment. This dynamic repositioning enables the system to perform both heating and cooling operations, as well as continuous thermal management, unlike fixed rooftop pipe systems that are limited to single-function water heating
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal mass is used to store heat for offsetting temperature variations, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system cannot meet continuous cooling demands with substantial thermal load
Solution Approach 1:
The movable thermal mass device can be positioned indoors during periods requiring cooling to maximize heat absorption from the air stream. By dynamically placing the thermal mass in direct contact with the cooled air stream during high-demand periods, the system enhances its cooling capacity and ability to handle continuous thermal loads, while still maintaining energy efficiency through passive heat storage and dissipation cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heat absorption during off-peak periods when cooling demand is lower, storing thermal energy in the high-capacity fluid. This pre-stored thermal energy is then available to meet subsequent continuous cooling demands, enhancing the system's productivity and ability to handle substantial thermal loads without proportionally increasing 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
Effectively stores and releases thermal energy by adapting to varying environmental conditions, reducing energy consumption and HVAC equipment sizing, while maintaining environmental containment and minimizing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal mass for storing heat... fins provided on the first surface and the second surface for accelerating heat transfer to and from the thermal mass
Implementation Method 2
translating second surface to the second environment while excluding the first surface and its fins from the first environment
Implementation Method 3
a displacement mechanism secured to the thermal mass for translating the first surface to the first environment while excluding the second surface and its fins from the second environment
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an apparatus for storing heat. The apparatus comprises a thermal mass for storing heat, the thermal mass having a first surface and a second surface. Fins are provided on the first surface and the second surface for accelerating heat transfer to and from the thermal mass. A displacement mechanism is secured to the thermal mass for translating the first surface to a first environment, e.g., a duct, while removing the second surface and its fins from a second environment, e.g., outside, and for translating the second surface to the second environment while removing the first surface and its fins from the first environment.