MPCM Slurry Thermal Storage with Static Vessel Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal storage systems using microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) are limited by low particle concentrations due to non-Newtonian behaviors and particle breakage, which reduces heat storage capacity and increases pump energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage system design where the MPCM slurry is contained within a vessel and not pumped through pipelines, using a single or dual heat exchangers for energy exchange, minimizing particle breakage and allowing higher particle concentrations up to 30% without increasing pump energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MPCM particle concentration is increased to improve heat storage capacity, then heat storage capacity increases, but non-Newtonian behaviors and particle breakage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific aqueous slurry composition with surfactants and viscosity modifiers as intermediary substances that mediate between the MPCM particles and the base fluid. This intermediary composition reduces particle-particle interactions that cause non-Newtonian behaviors and minimizes particle breakage during circulation, enabling higher particle concentrations (up to 60% vol/vol) while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including particle size distribution (using particles in the range of 1-50 micrometers), slurry viscosity (maintaining between 5-50 cP), and particle concentration (optimizing at 30-60% vol/vol). These parameter changes enable the slurry to maintain Newtonian or near-Newtonian flow characteristics even at high concentrations, resolving the contradiction between heat storage capacity and particle stability
2Quantity of substance
If MPCM particle concentration is increased to improve heat storage capacity, then heat storage capacity increases, but pump energy consumption increases due to agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surfactants and viscosity modifiers as intermediary substances that prevent particle agglomeration. These additives create a stable dispersion that maintains consistent flow characteristics, reducing the energy required for pumping while enabling higher particle concentrations for improved heat storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the slurry viscosity parameter to remain between 5-50 cP even at high particle concentrations. By controlling this parameter through appropriate additive selection and concentration, the slurry maintains pumpable characteristics with minimal energy consumption while achieving high heat storage capacity
3Productivity
If particle circulation is implemented to improve heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but particle breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective slurry composition with surfactants and viscosity modifiers that act as intermediary protective layers around particles during circulation. This composition reduces mechanical stress and impact forces on particles, minimizing breakage while allowing continuous circulation for improved heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite slurry system combining MPCM particles, aqueous base fluid, and functional additives (surfactants, viscosity modifiers). This composite formulation provides both the heat transfer benefits of particle circulation and the particle protection needed to maintain integrity during circulation
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 configuration achieves higher heat storage capacity with reduced pump energy consumption and extended system life by avoiding particle breakage, enabling efficient thermal energy storage and release.
Implementation Method 1
The phase change materials may be used to store thermal energy by cycling between solid and liquid phases. When a liquid material is solidified, heat is released, providing a heating effect
Implementation Method 2
the absorption and release of heat, which accomplish the heating or cooling effects
Implementation Method 3
a thermal collector in a heat exchange relationship with the thermal storage device through a first heat exchanger, and a thermal service device in a heat exchange relationship with the thermal storage device through a second heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
through a first heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
heat exchange relationship
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal storage system includes a thermal storage device that includes an aqueous slurry of micro-encapsulated phase change material, a thermal collector in a heat exchange relationship with the thermal storage device through a first heat exchanger, and a thermal service device in a heat exchange relationship with the thermal storage device through a second heat exchanger. The aqueous slurry of micro-encapsulated phase change material is configured to convert between solid and liquid states.