Phase-Change Thermal Battery Assembly for Lower-Cost HVAC Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal batteries used in HVAC systems are expensive due to the cost of phase change materials and the complexity of the devices required to hold them.
Innovation Solution
A heating and cooling system that incorporates a thermal battery with a phase change material, featuring a pair of end plates and a plurality of flow plates and thermal energy transfer films, allowing for efficient storage and release of thermal energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional thermal batteries use phase change materials and complex holding devices, then thermal energy storage capacity is improved, but device cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal battery is divided into multiple modular units, each containing a phase change material container with inlet and outlet ports. These modular units can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing the complexity of the overall structure while maintaining thermal storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material containers are designed to serve multiple functions: storing thermal energy, facilitating heat transfer through integrated flow paths, and providing structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate holding devices, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional thermal batteries use phase change materials and complex holding devices, then thermal energy storage capacity is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the thermal battery into standardized modular units, manufacturing processes can be optimized for each module independently, reducing production costs through economies of scale and simplified assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for adjusting the type and amount of phase change material based on specific application requirements, enabling cost optimization by selecting materials that balance performance needs with budget constraints.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal batteries store energy during low-cost periods and release during peak periods, then energy cost efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal battery system operates autonomously based on temperature differential principles, automatically charging during low-cost periods and discharging during peak periods without requiring complex control systems or external management.
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 effectively stores and releases thermal energy, reducing the need for peak electricity usage and enhancing HVAC system efficiency, while also addressing the cost issues associated with traditional thermal batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material therein that is configured to selectively store and release thermal energy received from a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
The thermal storage substances (phase change materials) used for thermal storage are capable of storing and releasing significant thermal capacity at the temperature that they change phase
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of thermal energy transfer films that are respectively positioned between adjacent flow plates, and between each of the end plates and an immediately adjacent flow plate
Data Source
AI summary
A heating and cooling (HVAC) system that includes a compressor; a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a first expansion valve positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; a first reversing valve that permits the system to operate in a first mode and a second mode; and a thermal battery including a phase change material therein that is configured to selectively store and release thermal energy received from a working fluid.