Multi-PCM Thermal Storage for EV HVAC Energy Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal storage systems for electric vehicles are limited in their ability to cyclically cooperate with multiple heat/cold sources, requiring direct cooperation with the target system for regeneration and lacking flexibility in energy management.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid multi-source storage system utilizing three tanks filled with phase change materials (PCM) of varying properties, connected via heat pipes and coil exchangers, allowing regeneration from both internal vehicle systems and external sources, and featuring a biodegradable PCM with a wide phase transition temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-phase-change-material thermal storage system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot cyclically cooperate with multiple heat/cold sources and lacks flexibility in energy management
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system is divided into multiple independent tanks, each filled with different phase change materials having different phase transition temperatures. This segmentation allows each tank to independently interact with different heat/cold sources, enabling cyclic cooperation with multiple sources while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-tank thermal storage system is designed to universally cooperate with various heat/cold sources including vehicle exhaust, battery thermal management, HVAC systems, and external sources. Each tank can serve multiple functions depending on the operating conditions, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct cooperation with the target system is used for regeneration, then the system is simple to operate, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot regenerate from external heat/cold sources
Solution Approach 1:
Heat exchangers serve as intermediaries between the thermal storage tanks and various heat/cold sources. These intermediaries facilitate heat transfer from diverse sources (exhaust, batteries, external sources) to the appropriate tanks, enabling flexible regeneration while maintaining simple operation through automated heat exchange control
3Temperature
If thermal storage systems are designed for specific temperature ranges, then the system is efficient for that range, but the system cannot provide year-round temperature regulation
Solution Approach 1:
Different tanks are filled with phase change materials having locally optimized properties for specific temperature ranges. For example, some tanks contain materials for high-temperature storage (exhaust heat), others for medium temperatures (battery thermal management), and others for low temperatures (HVAC cooling). This local optimization enables year-round temperature regulation through selective tank operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite phase change material solutions across multiple tanks, combining materials with different phase transition temperatures and thermal properties. This composite approach allows the system to address diverse temperature requirements throughout the year by activating appropriate tanks based on seasonal and operational conditions
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional thermal storage materials are used, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the system lacks environmental sustainability
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from conventional non-biodegradable phase change materials to biodegradable alternatives while maintaining effective phase transition temperature ranges. This parameter change in material composition reduces environmental impact through biodegradability while preserving the manufacturing simplicity and thermal performance characteristics of conventional systems
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
Enables efficient energy management and temperature regulation throughout the year, optimizing HVAC system operation, reducing battery charging time, and lowering production costs while maintaining high energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
three tanks filled with phase change PCM materials
Implementation Method 2
phase change material that is biodegradable and has a phase transition temperature range from -78.5°C to 150°C
Implementation Method 3
connected by means of heat pipes
Implementation Method 4
heat pipe is filled with a condensation / evaporation agent, preferably acetone, has a capillary structure
Implementation Method 5
connected by means of coil exchangers, preferably of helicoid shape or straight finned channels
Implementation Method 6
coil exchangers... to a collector supplying a condensable / vaporizable medium
Implementation Method 7
The heat is supplied / removed from the phase change material by means of a ribbed heat exchange surface
Implementation Method 8
a collector supplying a condensable / vaporizable medium, which is a refrigerant or a working medium that does not undergo phase change
Implementation Method 9
condensable / evaporation is the most effective according to the invention
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A hybrid multi-source storage for cooperation with the HVAC system of an electric vehicle is characterized by the fact that it has at least three tanks filled with phase- change PCM materials, preferably with different properties, where the first tank is a container (1) connected by heat pipes (6) to at least two tanks, which are thermal stores (2), each of them at the other end connected by means of coil exchangers (5), preferably of helicoidal shape or straight finned channels, with a manifold (4) supplying a condensing / evaporating medium, preferably an intermediary medium, which is a refrigerant or a non-condensable / non-evaporation medium. Each thermal store (2) has at least one heat pipe (6) and no more than one coil exchanger (5) or a straight finned channel. At least two thermal stores (2) constitute a single link of a thermal store (7). The container (1) is filled with the phase change material, which is biodegradable and has a phase transition temperature range from -78.5°C to 150°C, and the thermal stores (2) are filled with the phase change material, which is biodegradable and has a phase transition temperature range from 0°C to 130°C.