PCM Emulsion Coating for Thermal Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase change materials (PCMs) used in building applications face challenges with containment and heat transfer efficiency, particularly when in solid or liquid phases, leading to issues like leakage and inefficient energy storage and release.

Innovation Solution

A stable PCM emulsion is developed using a fluid medium, a phase change material with straight, branched, or cyclic aliphatic moieties, and a solid carrier such as cyclic oligosaccharides or modified cyclodextrins, which forms a stable emulsion for uniform application on surfaces, enhancing thermal energy storage and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If phase change materials are incorporated into building materials, then thermal energy storage capacity is improved, but containment and leakage issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storage capacityVSAvoidcontainment and leakage control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The phase change material is encapsulated within a porous matrix structure, creating a nested configuration where the PCM is contained inside the pores of the matrix material. This nested structure provides containment while allowing the PCM to maintain its phase change functionality for thermal energy storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The porous matrix structure acts as a flexible containment shell that holds the phase change material. The matrix structure provides containment boundaries while allowing thermal energy transfer, preventing leakage while maintaining the PCM's ability to absorb and release thermal energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Use of energy by moving object

If phase change materials are used in liquid phase, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but leakage problems worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidleakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A porous matrix structure is used to contain the liquid phase phase change material. The porous structure provides capillary action and surface tension effects that prevent leakage while allowing sufficient thermal contact between the liquid PCM and the surrounding environment for efficient heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system combining the phase change material with a porous matrix structure. This composite provides both the thermal energy storage capability of the PCM and the containment properties of the matrix, enabling liquid phase operation without leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If phase change materials are used in solid phase, then containment is improved, but heat transfer efficiency worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontainmentVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The porous matrix structure provides containment for the solid phase phase change material while the porosity and surface area of the matrix enable efficient thermal contact and heat transfer. The porous structure compensates for the lower thermal conductivity of solid PCM through increased surface area contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 allows for efficient absorption and release of thermal energy, demonstrated by the ability to store and release at least 226 Joules of energy over a 400 ft² surface area in a 24-hour period, maintaining thermal stability and preventing phase separation issues.

Implementation Method 1

Phase change materials have the ability to repetitively convert between solid and liquid phases and utilize the compound's latent heat of fusion to absorb, store and release heat during such phase conversions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the amount of energy absorbed upon melting or released upon freezing is much greater than the amount of energy absorbed or released upon increasing or decreasing the temperature of the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat of fusion: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

efficient absorption and release of thermal energy, demonstrated by the ability to store and release at least 226 Joules of energy over a 400 ft² surface area in a 24-hour period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10167628B2Surface coating incorporating phase change material

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 EASTMAN CHEM CO

AI summary

A stable emulsion having a fluid medium; a phase change material (PCM) comprising a straight, branched and/or cyclic aliphatic moiety having from 3 to 18 carbon atoms, polymers, and copolymers having residues of the straight, branched and/or cyclic aliphatic moiety; and a modified cyclodextrin having at least one functional moiety capable of forming a stable emulsion with the PCM in the fluid medium. The invention further includes a modified paint or surface coating having from 10 to 99 weight % of a base coating and from 1 to 90 weight % of the stable emulsion admixed therein.