PCM modules/packs/PCM arrangements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air flow systems lack efficiency and flexibility in energy usage, particularly in variable energy requirements, and often require powered components, making them less effective and harder to retrofit.
Innovation Solution
A transportable PCM module with multiple PCM packs separated by thermal conductors and channels, allowing fluid flow without powered components, which can be configured to fit existing systems and improve energy usage effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional air flow systems use powered components to achieve cooling, then cooling effectiveness is maintained, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses natural convection currents to drive fluid flow through the PCM modules without any powered components. The housing configuration creates thermal gradients that automatically induce fluid circulation, allowing the system to cool itself passively and eliminate energy consumption associated with pumps or fans.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent PCM modules that can be arranged in series or parallel configurations. Each module contains separate PCM packs with intervening spaces for fluid flow, allowing modular assembly that maintains cooling effectiveness while reducing overall system complexity and energy requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing air flow systems are retrofitted with cooling components, then cooling capability is added, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM modules are designed with universal housing configurations that can be integrated into various existing air flow systems regardless of the specific application. The standardized module design with fluid inlet and outlet ports allows retrofitting into different system architectures without requiring custom components, thereby reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows flexible configuration of PCM packs within the housing, with the ability to adjust the arrangement and number of packs based on specific cooling requirements. This dynamic configurability enables easy adaptation to different retrofit scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple component structure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If PCM packs are arranged to maximize cooling effectiveness, then energy usage effectiveness improves, but system compactness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple PCM packs are nested within a single housing structure with fluid channels flowing through the intervening spaces between packs. This nested arrangement allows maximum utilization of the housing volume for PCM storage while maintaining adequate fluid flow paths, achieving both high energy usage effectiveness and system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCM packs are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the housing, with fluid channels flowing through spaces between packs in multiple directions. This spatial arrangement optimizes heat transfer surface area and fluid flow efficiency without proportionally increasing the external dimensions of the system, thereby improving energy usage effectiveness while maintaining compactness.
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 efficient energy usage, reduces component count, and allows for compact and effective cooling systems that can be easily integrated into existing air flow systems, improving both energy efficiency and system compactness.
Implementation Method 1
PCM (phase change material) module
Implementation Method 2
a number of PCM (phase change material) packs
Implementation Method 3
said PCM packs are separated by one or more thermal conductors extending transversely and forming said channels
Implementation Method 4
a housing for thermally insulting said number of PCM packs from a module's surrounding medium
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable PCM (phase change material) module comprises a number of PCM packs; a housing for thermally insulting said number of PCM packs from a module's surrounding medium; spaces separating said packs and forming one or more channels for the flow of a fluid; said housing incorporating a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; whereby, in use, fluid flows through said channels from said inlet to said outlet. A PCM (phase change material) pack comprises a laminate of a first conducting panel and a second conducting panel enclosing a portion formed primarily of PCM; wherein said portion of PCM incorporates thermal conductors.