Thermoset PCM Composite with Thickener for Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paraffin-based phase change materials (PCMs) used in thermal energy storage systems have low thermal conductivity, which limits their charging and discharging rates, necessitating the development of enhanced composite materials for improved thermal regulation.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric composite is created using a thermoset polymer matrix, such as epoxy resin, mixed with a phase change material like n-nonadecane and thermally conductive fillers like carbon nanotubes or boron nitride to enhance thermal conductivity and latent heat storage, stabilized by a thickening agent like carbopol, suitable for 3D printing and integration into portable thermal storage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If paraffin-based phase change materials are used for thermal energy storage, then high latent heat of fusion and chemical stability are achieved, but low thermal conductivity significantly interferes with charging and discharging rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining paraffin phase change material with a porous support structure (open-cell foam). This composite architecture allows the paraffin to maintain its high latent heat properties while the porous framework provides thermal conduction pathways and structural support, effectively resolving the contradiction between energy storage capacity and thermal transfer rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a porous support structure (open-cell foam) to house the phase change material. The porous architecture increases surface area for heat transfer, provides capillary action for thermal fluid distribution, and maintains structural integrity while allowing adequate thermal conductivity. This porous approach enables both high energy storage density and improved charging/discharging rates.
2Reliability
If paraffin-based phase change materials are used for thermal energy storage, then chemical stability and non-corrosive nature are achieved, but low thermal conductivity limits thermal regulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure combines chemically stable paraffin with a thermally conductive porous support material. This composite approach preserves the chemical stability and non-corrosive properties of paraffin while the porous framework contributes thermal conductivity, thereby improving overall thermal regulation efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different components of the system: the paraffin provides chemical stability and latent heat storage, while the porous support structure provides thermal conduction pathways. This local differentiation of material functions allows each component to optimize its specific role, resolving the contradiction between chemical stability and thermal efficiency.
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 composite exhibits improved thermal conductivity and latent heat storage, enabling efficient thermal regulation and reversible energy storage, suitable for HVAC systems and portable thermal applications, with enhanced performance in heating and cooling cycles.
Implementation Method 1
PCMs are substances that absorb/release thermal energy during a phase transformation, which is typically melting/solidification
Implementation Method 2
LHS is considered very promising due to the wide range of available phase change materials (PCMs) with higher thermal storage density
Implementation Method 3
the addition of thermally conducting agents to form paraffin composites has been widely explored
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a polymeric composite. The polymeric composite includes a polymeric matrix that further includes a thermoset polymer and a phase change material that has been mixed with the polymeric matrix using a thickening agent. In some cases, the polymeric composite is at least 10% by weight of the phase change material.