Phase Change Material Thermal Buffer for Waste Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste heat recovery systems face inefficiencies due to variable heat supply and utilization rates, leading to suboptimal energy utilization in transportation and power plant scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage buffer system utilizing phase change material embedded in high porosity foam, allowing for simultaneous charging and discharging of heat at different rates, thereby stabilizing thermal loads and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If waste heat recovery systems are implemented without thermal buffering, then heat recovery can occur during stable operating conditions, but the systems become inefficient or cease to recover waste heat when heat supply and utilization rates are unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing waste heat in the phase change material before it is needed. The thermal energy storage buffer accumulates heat during periods when heat supply exceeds demand, preparing energy reserves in advance for periods when utilization rates increase, thus ensuring continuous efficient operation despite variable conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material acts as an intermediary between the waste heat source and the heat utilization system. It decouples the heat supply side from the heat demand side, allowing heat to be stored temporarily and released at different rates, thereby resolving the mismatch between variable heat supply and heat utilization rates
2Productivity
If thermal storage buffers allow simultaneous charging and discharging at different rates, then energy utilization efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits phase transitions of the phase change material (melting and solidification) as the core mechanism for thermal storage. During charging, the material absorbs heat and melts; during discharging, it releases heat and solidifies. This natural phase change process enables different charging and discharging rates without requiring complex mechanical or electronic control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material performs self-service by automatically absorbing and releasing heat based on temperature differences and phase equilibrium principles. The system requires minimal external control or intervention, as the phase change process inherently regulates heat flow rates, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms
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 increases energy utilization efficiency by allowing continuous operation despite varying power outputs and heating demands, achieving a 5% increase in fuel mileage and reducing cooling tower evaporation by 20%.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal storage buffer system utilizing phase change material embedded in high porosity foam
Implementation Method 2
buffering latent heat thermal energy
Implementation Method 3
phase change material embedded in high porosity foam
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for reclaiming heat from a fluid, the method having the steps of contacting the fluid to a phase change material for a time sufficient to increase the temperature of the material and or liquefy some of it; and contacting the material to a second fluid for a time sufficient to increase the temperature of the second fluid and to decrease the temperature of the material or to solidify some of it.