Phase-Change Material Thermo-Box for Autonomous Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermo-regulated storage solutions for heat-sensitive products, such as medical equipment and food, require connection to electrical or thermal energy sources, limiting their installation to accessible areas and involving fossil fuels, with autonomy lasting only a few hours and being expensive and potentially dangerous due to complex systems and sensitive components.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous thermo-regulated box using a combination of phase change materials and air circulation to maintain optimal storage temperatures, powered by renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal, with a microcontroller controlling heating and ventilation systems for efficient temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional air conditioning systems powered by electrical or thermal energy sources are used, then temperature control is achieved, but the system requires connection to external energy sources and has limited installation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses phase change material that automatically absorbs excess heat during the day (melting phase) and releases heat at night (solidification phase) without requiring external control or energy input. The PCM serves itself by utilizing natural temperature variations between day and night to regulate the storage temperature, eliminating the need for connection to external energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition (melting and solidification) of phase change material at a specific temperature range (10-80°C) to provide passive thermal regulation. During daytime heating, the PCM absorbs heat by melting; during nighttime cooling, it releases heat by solidifying, thereby maintaining stable storage temperature without external energy input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous thermochemical systems are used, then energy independence is achieved, but the autonomy period is limited to a few hours and recharging is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates on a natural daily periodic cycle: during the day, the PCM absorbs heat from the storage chamber as temperature rises; at night, as external temperature drops, the PCM releases stored heat to maintain storage temperature. This periodic charge-discharge cycle based on natural day-night temperature variations extends operational duration beyond a few hours to full-day autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material continuously regulates temperature throughout the day and night cycle without interruption. The PCM remains in thermal contact with the storage chamber, constantly absorbing heat during warming periods and releasing heat during cooling periods, providing continuous temperature stabilization rather than intermittent recharging.
3Temperature
If complex thermochemical systems with solenoid valves and hermetic circuits are used, then temperature regulation is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex and dangerous components (solenoid valves, hermetic circuits, NH3 gas handling systems) from the thermochemical systems. Instead of using active control mechanisms, the system relies on passive phase change physics, removing the need for mechanical valves, sealed circuits, and hazardous refrigerants while maintaining effective temperature regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, complex, and potentially dangerous thermochemical components with simple, inexpensive phase change material that can be easily replaced if needed. The PCM is a straightforward material without complex internal structures, making the overall system cheaper and safer while maintaining functionality.
4Reliability
If connection to external energy sources is required, then reliable power supply is ensured, but the system cannot be installed in remote areas without electrical network
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material system is completely self-sufficient, utilizing natural environmental temperature variations between day and night to provide thermal regulation. No external power connection, fuel supply, or network infrastructure is needed - the system serves itself by harvesting free thermal energy from the surrounding environment's natural temperature cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material system can be universally installed in any location regardless of electrical network availability, whether in urban or remote areas. The same passive thermal regulation mechanism works anywhere with natural day-night temperature variations, providing universal applicability across different geographical locations and installation scenarios.
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 solution provides long-term, efficient, and safe temperature control with minimal energy consumption, eliminating the need for external energy sources and reducing costs, allowing installation in remote areas without electrical access, while maintaining product integrity over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
any material capable of changing physical state (generally melting/solidification) at an almost constant temperature, called phase change temperature, while storing a large amount of energy
Implementation Method 2
storing a large amount of energy
Implementation Method 3
air circulation circuit with two air circulation columns and a passage between these two columns
Implementation Method 4
A means of heating the phase change material
Implementation Method 5
the glazing and the heat-capturing plate constituting a means of heating the phase-change material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an energy-efficient, simple, and self-contained storage container for a temperature-sensitive product (P). The container (200) comprises: • A storage chamber (201), covered with a layer of thermally insulating material, and equipped with a support for a product (P) to be stored; • A control chamber (210), separated from the storage chamber (201) by a partition (111) equipped with two air passage openings (213a-213b), and comprising: - a duct wall (114) fixed between the two air passage openings (213a-213b), delimiting an air circulation circuit with two air circulation columns and a passage between these two columns; - a determined volume of a phase-change material (115); • A heating means (117, 118-221) for the phase-change material (115).