Phase-Change Thermal Storage in Non-Metal Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact heat-generating devices face challenges with heat dissipation due to issues like oxidation, corrosion, and high heat density in small form factors, leading to inefficient heat transfer and user experience impacts in portable applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage apparatus using a non-metal container, such as single-crystal silicon, with a phase-change material like salt hydrate or paraffin, to absorb and store thermal energy without temperature change, preventing heat from being transferred to the device casing and enhancing user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-based heat exchangers and heat pipes are used for heat dissipation, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but oxidation and corrosion occur after long periods of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-metallic intermediate layer (such as ceramic or polymer coatings) between the metal heat exchanger and the surrounding environment. This intermediary layer acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the metal and corrosive agents (moisture, oxygen), thereby eliminating oxidation and corrosion while maintaining the metal's high thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining metal cores with non-metallic protective layers. The metal provides thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, while the non-metallic coating (ceramic, polymer, or oxide layers) provides corrosion and oxidation resistance. This composite approach allows the heat exchanger to maintain both high heat transfer efficiency and long-term reliability without degradation from environmental factors.
2Volume of moving object
If compact heat-generating devices are made smaller to increase power density, then space utilization is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult due to high heat density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase-change materials (such as paraffin, salt hydrates, or eutectic salts) that undergo phase transitions (solid-liquid or liquid-gas) at temperatures relevant to the heat-generating device operation. During the phase transition, the material absorbs large amounts of latent heat at constant temperature, providing highly efficient heat dissipation in compact spaces. This phase-change mechanism allows effective heat removal from small devices without requiring large heat sink volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the heat dissipation system by using materials with high specific heat capacity and high thermal conductivity. The phase-change material is selected to have a phase transition temperature slightly below the operating temperature of the heat-generating device, maximizing heat absorption efficiency. This parameter optimization enables effective heat dissipation from compact devices by enhancing the thermal performance within limited space.
3Reliability
If heat is removed from the heat-generating device, then device performance is improved, but heat is transferred to the device casing making it warm to touch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the device casing by introducing a separate thermal management system. The heat-generating device is thermally coupled to a phase-change material or heat exchanger that is physically separated from the casing. This extraction allows heat to be removed from the device without transferring it to the casing, as the thermal path is directed away from the casing through the dedicated cooling system. The casing remains thermally isolated from the heat generation process, maintaining user comfort.
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
Effectively absorbs and stores thermal energy, optimizing device performance and user experience by preventing the casing from becoming warm or hot, while avoiding issues like oxidation and corrosion associated with metal-based solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a phase-change material contained in the non-metal container and configured to absorb at least a portion of heat from the heat-generating device through the non-metal container
Implementation Method 2
absorb at least a portion of heat from the heat-generating device through the non-metal container
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage apparatus that absorbs thermal energy from a heat-generating device is described. In one aspect, the thermal energy storage apparatus comprises a non-metal container and a phase-change material. The non-metal container is configured to receive the heat-generating device thereon. The phase-change material is contained in the non-metal container and configured to absorb at least a portion of heat from the heat-generating device through the non-metal container.