Phase change cold storage device having vortex coiled tubes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold storage devices, such as ice-cold and water energy storage devices, face limitations including complex systems, large footprints, short lifespans, low efficiency, and poor economic benefits, which restrict their effectiveness in energy storage and heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A phase change cold storage device utilizing vortex coiled tubes with baffle plates to enhance turbulence and heat transfer, featuring a compact structure with phase change materials that can be reused, offering improved heat exchange and energy storage density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ice-cold or water energy storage devices are used, then cold storage function is provided, but the system becomes complex and footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage medium and heat exchange function into a single integrated phase change material system. The phase change material serves both as the storage medium and the heat transfer medium, eliminating the need for separate storage tanks and heat exchange systems, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining cold storage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stores thermal energy through phase change, transfers heat during convection, and provides cooling when needed. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate ice-making systems, water storage tanks, and heat exchange equipment, significantly simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If conventional cold storage devices are used, then cold storage is achieved, but footprint and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase change parameter of materials (transition between solid and liquid states) to store and release large amounts of thermal energy in a compact form. This phase change mechanism allows high energy density storage, significantly reducing the volume required compared to conventional sensible heat storage systems while maintaining effective cold storage capability.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional water energy storage is used, then energy storage is provided, but thermal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the phase transition process of the phase change material to achieve efficient thermal energy storage and release. During phase change, the material absorbs or releases latent heat at constant temperature, enabling high thermal efficiency energy storage without the heat loss associated with conventional water-based sensible heat storage systems.
4Quantity of substance
If phase change materials are used for energy storage, then energy storage density increases, but heat transfer efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes natural convection currents within the phase change material to enhance heat transfer. As the material undergoes phase change, density differences create convective flows that continuously renew the contact between the phase change material and the container walls, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency despite the high energy storage density.
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 device achieves high efficiency and reliability in energy storage with enhanced heat transfer and extended heat exchange times, utilizing phase change materials with high latent heat and stability, and can be easily scaled or modified according to energy demands.
Implementation Method 1
The device stores something in cold using the latent heat of phase change of materials
Implementation Method 2
the latent heat of phase change of materials
Implementation Method 3
The special vortex structure will also cause the secondary flow of the internal fluid, and enhance the heat exchange between the internal fluid and the tube wall
Implementation Method 4
the flow direction changes periodically along the axial direction, which increases the degree of turbulence and improves the heat transfer coefficient
Implementation Method 5
Cold storage technology is to store sensible heat or latent heat released by the change of working medium state
Implementation Method 6
store sensible heat or latent heat released by the change of working medium state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a phase change cold storage device having vortex coiled tubes, which falls within the technical field of low temperatures and comprises an inlet tube, an outlet tube, a tube plate, a baffle plate, vortex coiled tubes, a cylinder body, a central tube, a support frame, a seal head and a saddle, wherein the tube plate is fixedly connected to the cylinder body, a lower end position and a central position of the tube plate are respectively perforated, the inlet tube and the outlet tube are respectively connected to a lower end position and a central position of the tube plate, the baffle plate and the vortex coiled tubes are mounted on the central tube, one end of the central tube is fixed on the tube plate, and the other end is inserted through the support frame connected to the cylinder body, the head is connected to the cylinder, provided on the opposite side of the inlet and outlet tubes, and the saddle is provided below the cylinder. The present invention has a compact structure, is easy to manufacture, and easily enhances heat transfer with vortex coiled tubes, and at the same time, has a good cold storage effect and a wide application range.