Phase-Change Thermal Storage Tank for Multi-Zone Climate Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current climate-control systems face inefficiencies in thermal energy storage and distribution, particularly in managing multiple temperature zones and optimizing energy usage across different operational modes.
Innovation Solution
A climate-control system with dual working fluid circuits and a thermal storage tank, where each circuit is thermally coupled with the phase-change material, allowing for independent operation and energy transfer between the circuits to manage multiple temperature zones and optimize energy usage across full-charge, discharge, partial charge, and charge-neutral modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single working fluid circuit is used for thermal energy storage and distribution, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot efficiently manage multiple temperature zones or optimize energy usage across different operational modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the working fluid circulation into separate circuits (first working fluid circuit and second working fluid circuit) that can operate independently. Each circuit can be configured for specific temperature zones, allowing the system to manage multiple temperature requirements simultaneously while maintaining relatively simple individual circuit designs
2Loss of energy
If thermal energy is stored and distributed without circuit isolation, then the system is simpler to operate, but energy transfer efficiency between different temperature zones is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The working fluid circuits are fluidly isolated from each other, creating separate thermal pathways. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate at optimized temperature levels and transfer thermal energy more efficiently to the phase change material, reducing energy losses while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized circuit configurations
3Loss of time
If the system operates without thermal storage tank integration, then the system response time is faster, but the system cannot utilize low-cost electricity for charging and cannot minimize high-cost electricity usage
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage tank with phase change material enables preliminary charging during periods of low electricity cost. The system can store thermal energy in advance when energy is cheaper, then discharge it during periods of high electricity cost, optimizing operational expenses without compromising system response time when cooling or heating is needed
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
Enables efficient thermal energy storage and distribution across multiple temperature zones, reducing operational costs by utilizing low-cost electricity for charging and minimizing high-cost electricity usage, while maintaining effective cooling and heating capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The storage tank contains a phase-change material. The first working fluid circuit and the second working fluid circuit are thermally coupled with the phase-change material contained in the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
The first working fluid circuit and the second working fluid circuit are thermally coupled with the phase-change material contained in the storage tank
Implementation Method 3
one or more compressors circulating a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant or carbon dioxide) through the fluid circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A climate-control system may include a first working fluid circuit, a second working fluid circuit and a storage tank. The first working fluid circuit includes a first compressor and a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first compressor. The second working fluid circuit includes a second compressor and a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second compressor. The storage tank contains a phase-change material. The first working fluid circuit and the second working fluid circuit are thermally coupled with the phase-change material contained in the storage tank.