PCM Energy Cell Cluster for Power Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy systems for generating mechanical energy face challenges in optimizing power density and manufacturing cost, as well as efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The energy system comprises a cluster of elongated energy cells arranged parallel in a cylinder block, utilizing phase change materials (PCMs) that change from solid to liquid phase to generate mechanical energy, with an optimized heat transfer system involving tubular means and flanges for efficient heat exchange and fluid flow, and includes a cylinder head and bottom with integrated valve systems for controlling heat transfer media and working fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional heat engine designs are used, then mechanical energy can be generated, but power density and manufacturing cost are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The heat engine is divided into multiple energy cells (first energy cell, second energy cell, etc.) arranged in parallel within a common cylinder block. Each energy cell operates independently with its own phase change material chamber, heat exchanging means, and movable means, allowing modular manufacturing and assembly while achieving high power density through parallel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid phases to generate mechanical energy. The phase change process absorbs and releases latent heat, driving the movable means (piston or membrane) to perform work, thereby converting thermal energy to mechanical energy with high efficiency and power density
2Power
If conventional heat engine designs are used, then mechanical energy can be generated, but efficiency is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple energy cells are combined within a single cylinder block sharing common structural elements (cylinder block, cylinder head, cylinder bottom, insulation layer). This merging reduces overall energy losses by minimizing external heat transfer surfaces and improving thermal efficiency through the combined operation of parallel cells
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material continuously cycles between solid and liquid phases, maintaining continuous mechanical work output. The insulating means ensures continuous thermal isolation, and the heat exchanging means maintains continuous heat transfer, enabling sustained efficient operation without energy losses
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 enhances power density, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves efficiency by optimizing the use of heat transfer media and fluid flow, enabling effective mechanical energy generation with reduced energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
Each energy cell is operable to generate mechanical energy when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid phase to liquid phase
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanging means encompassed by the phase change material (PCM), and comprising heat transfer media
Implementation Method 3
an insulating means arranged between the housing means, and the phase change material (PCM)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy system (100) operable to generate mechanical energy. The energy system (100) comprises a cluster of elongated energy cells (10). The energy cells (10) are arranged parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction in a cylinder block means (102). Each energy cell (10) is operable to generate mechanical energy when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid phase to liquid phase. The energy system (100) also comprises a cylinder head means (104), and a cylinder bottom means (106), both connected to the cylinder block means (102). In FIG. 1, the energy system (100) is partly shown dismantled.