Nested Conduit Thermal Storage for Vehicle Waste Heat Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems for vehicles inefficiently utilize waste heat by transferring thermal energy between only two mediums, limiting the potential for heat recovery and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system with two conduit arrangements that are in contact with each other and a heat storing material, allowing thermal energy transfer between three mediums, enhancing heat transfer efficiency through meshed structures and phase change materials for improved energy storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thermal energy is transferred between only two mediums in traditional heat exchangers, then the system structure is simple, but the heat transfer efficiency and energy utilization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested conduit structure where a second conduit arrangement is positioned inside the first conduit arrangement. The first conduit carries a first working fluid while the second conduit carries a second working fluid, creating a concentric heat exchange system. This nesting allows thermal energy to be transferred between three mediums (first working fluid, heat storing material, and second working fluid) simultaneously, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency without requiring separate external heat exchange components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storing material serves multiple functions within the same system: it stores thermal energy from the first working fluid, releases thermal energy to the second working fluid, and acts as a thermal buffer between the two fluid streams. This multi-functionality enables the system to perform both heat storage and heat transfer operations simultaneously, improving overall energy utilization while maintaining a compact single-unit structure.
2Loss of energy
If waste heat is not recovered and reused, then the system operation is simple, but large amounts of thermal energy are dissipated to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat dissipation into a beneficial resource by capturing thermal energy from the first working fluid that would otherwise be lost to the environment. The heat storing material absorbs this waste thermal energy during charging, and subsequently releases it to the second working fluid for useful applications such as vehicle cabin heating or preheating coolant, thereby transforming energy loss into energy recovery and reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storing material acts as an intermediary thermal energy storage medium between the waste heat source (first working fluid) and the heat utilization system (second working fluid). It temporarily stores excess thermal energy when available and releases it when needed, decoupling the heat source from the heat sink and enabling flexible waste heat recovery regardless of immediate demand conditions.
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 enables more efficient storage and reuse of waste heat by transferring thermal energy between three mediums, improving heat transfer rates and allowing for both energy storage and direct heat distribution to vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
The heat storing material may be a phase change material (PCM)
Implementation Method 2
thermal energy is transferrable between the first working fluid and the heat storing material
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage system has an insulated housing defining an internal volume; a heat storing material contained in said internal volume; a first conduit arrangement configured to carry a first working fluid. The first conduit arrangement extending across said internal volume such that thermal energy is transferrable between the first working fluid and the heat storing material. A second conduit arrangement carries a second working fluid. The second conduit arrangement extends across the internal volume such that thermal energy is transferrable between the heat storing material and the second working fluid. The first working fluid and the second working fluid are fluidly separated from each other inside the housing. The first conduit arrangement and the second conduit arrangement are in contact with each other so that thermal energy is transferrable between the first working fluid and the second working fluid.