Nanoparticle-Coated Phase Change Material Particles for Heat Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase change materials (PCMs) in microencapsulated form face challenges such as leakage due to thin encapsulating layers, reduced thermal conductivity, and increased production costs, as well as difficulties in handling and transporting due to high friction and limited gas flow for heating and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for storing heat using particles comprising a core of phase change material coated with an outer layer of smaller particles, where the particles have a largest size of 1-1000 μm and the smaller particles have a largest size of 1-500 nm, comprising materials like graphite, graphite oxide, graphene, or graphene oxide, which improves heat conduction and reduces leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If microencapsulated phase change materials are used with thin encapsulating layers, then heat transfer is improved, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where the phase change material core is coated with hydrophobic nanoparticles. This composite approach provides both good heat transfer properties and effective leakage prevention, as the nanoparticle coating acts as a barrier while maintaining thermal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulating layer has different properties at different locations: the outer surface provides leakage protection through hydrophobic nanoparticle packing, while the inner surface maintains good thermal contact with the phase change material core. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between heat transfer and leakage resistance.
2Ease of operation
If conventional microencapsulated PCMs are used, then portability is improved, but thermal conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates hydrophobic nanoparticles into the encapsulating layer, creating a composite material that combines the portability benefits of microencapsulation with enhanced thermal conductivity. The nanoparticles act as thermal conductive pathways while maintaining the physical containment benefits.
3Temperature
If nanoparticles are used to improve thermal conductivity, then heat conduction is enhanced, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the nanoparticle size parameters and concentration in the coating layer to achieve effective thermal conductivity enhancement at lower costs. By controlling nanoparticle dimensions in the nanometer range and adjusting coating thickness, the system achieves performance improvement without excessive material costs.
4Quantity of substance
If phase change material particles are used for heat storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but friction during handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer surface of the particles is coated with hydrophobic nanoparticles that provide low friction properties, while the inner core maintains high energy storage capacity through phase change material. This local differentiation allows easy handling without compromising energy storage performance.
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 solution enhances heat conduction between the phase change material and its surroundings, reduces the risk of leakage, lowers production costs, and facilitates easier handling and transport due to reduced friction and increased gas flow for efficient heating and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a method of storing heat energy in a phase change material
Implementation Method 2
storing heat energy in a phase change material
Implementation Method 3
improves heat conduction between the phase change material and its surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for heat storage comprising charging by raising the temperature of a phase change material (PCM) above its melting temperature and discharging by lowering the temperature below its melting temperature, wherein the phase change material (PCM) is provided in particles (P) comprising a core (CPCM), said core (CPCM) comprising at least one phase change material (PCM), said core (CPCM) being coated with an outer layer (LPSMALL) of smaller particles (PSMALL) comprising at least one from graphite, graphite oxide, graphene, and graphene oxide. The particles (P) can be made smaller giving an efficient heat exchange. Their manufacture is easy and cost efficient. The flexible outer layer allows the core to expand and shrink. Corrosion is prevented allowing less expensive materials to be used in devices. The particles can be made self-lubricating.