Gas Injection Module for PCM Crystallization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal storage systems using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) face challenges with supercooling and slow crystallization speeds, limiting their effectiveness and practical applications, particularly in urban and industrial heating networks due to issues like supercooling propensity, low crystallization probability, and slow crystallization rates.
Innovation Solution
A Thermal Storage System (TSS) with a gas injection module that injects gas into the PCM, generating bubbling and agitation to control crystallization, thereby improving the probability of spontaneous crystallization and reducing crystallization time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If polyols are used as PCMs to achieve high enthalpy of phase change and non-toxic properties, then energy storage density and safety are improved, but supercooling propensity and slow crystallization rate worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces nucleating agents into the polyol PCM before operation to pre-establish crystal nuclei. This preliminary action ensures that when cooling occurs, crystallization can begin immediately at the predetermined nucleation sites rather than requiring spontaneous nucleation, thereby resolving the slow crystallization rate issue while maintaining the high energy storage density of polyols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nucleating agents as intermediary substances that facilitate the crystallization process. These agents act as mediators between the supercooled liquid polyol and the solid crystal phase, providing surfaces for crystal growth and reducing the energy barrier for nucleation, thus accelerating crystallization without compromising the thermal storage capacity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polyols are used as PCMs to achieve non-toxic and non-corrosive properties, then safety and environmental compatibility are improved, but supercooling and low crystallization probability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-introduces nucleating agents into the polyol system to ensure reliable crystallization. This preliminary preparation creates predetermined nucleation sites that guarantee crystallization will occur at the expected temperature and location, eliminating the unpredictability of spontaneous nucleation while maintaining the inherent safety and environmental compatibility of polyols
Solution Approach 2:
Nucleating agents serve as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between the stable liquid phase and the solid crystal phase. These mediators provide surfaces that lower the nucleation energy barrier, ensuring reliable and reproducible crystallization behavior without introducing toxic or corrosive properties, thus maintaining the environmental benefits of polyols
3Productivity
If gas injection is used to accelerate crystallization, then crystallization rate is improved, but system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the crystallization control function from complex mechanical or thermal systems and implements it through simple chemical nucleating agents already dissolved in the PCM. This extraction approach accelerates crystallization without requiring additional gas injection equipment, control systems, or operational complexity, thereby maintaining system simplicity while achieving high crystallization rates
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 system significantly reduces crystallization time and enhances the performance of TSSs by promoting rapid heat release and improving the efficiency of thermal energy storage and discharge processes.
Implementation Method 1
A Thermal Storage System (TSS) with a gas injection module that injects gas into the PCM, generating bubbling and agitation to control crystallization
Implementation Method 2
A Thermal Storage System (TSS) with a gas injection module that injects gas into the PCM, generating bubbling and agitation to control crystallization
Implementation Method 3
The system significantly reduces crystallization time and enhances the performance of TSSs by promoting rapid heat release and improving the efficiency of thermal energy storage and discharge processes
Implementation Method 4
Heat storage using the latent heat of phase change materials (PCMs) offers the advantage of high energy storage density
Implementation Method 5
Heat storage using the latent heat of phase change materials (PCMs)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a Phase Change Material (PCM) Thermal Storage System (TCS) (2) comprising: - a tank (1) intended to contain a supercooled PCM (2), - a device for controlling the crystallization of the PCM (2) characterized in that it comprises a circulation system immersed in the tank (1), intended for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid and in which the device for controlling the crystallization of the PCM (2) comprises a gas injection module configured to inject, in the lower part (10) of the tank (1), into the PCM (2), a gas, and the injection module comprising at least one injection conduit (11) comprising an end portion (12) terminating by an outlet end (13) in the PCM (2) and having at least one high point, located vertically higher than the outlet end (13).All SSTs (Systems of Thermal Structures) whose MCP (Modulated Coefficient of Performance) has issues with supercooling and slow crystallization rates are likely to be affected by the invention. The present invention will find application in urban and rural heating and/or cooling networks.