Phase-Change Thermal Storage for High-Temperature Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic-based systems are expensive and inefficient in energy storage, with thermal energy storage systems facing challenges in heat transfer and storage due to heat transfer limitations and interfaces, particularly using liquid phase storage rather than phase change storage.
Innovation Solution
A phase change material-based system for thermal energy storage and transfer that integrates with solar thermal dish concentrators, trough systems, and Stirling systems, using a combination of liquid, solid, and vapor phases to maintain high temperatures (400-1000°C) and avoid the need for heat pipes, allowing for efficient energy storage and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If phase change materials are used for thermal energy storage, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but heat transfer limitations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat transfer fluid as an intermediary substance between the phase change material and the external environment. This fluid circulates through channels in contact with the PCM, absorbing heat when PCM melts and releasing heat when PCM solidifies, thereby overcoming the inherent heat transfer limitations of pure phase change storage while maintaining high energy storage efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic circulation of a heat transfer fluid through engineered channels and conduits surrounding the phase change material. This fluid-based heat transfer system replaces direct thermal conduction through the PCM, significantly improving heat transfer reliability and rate while preserving the high energy density benefits of phase change storage
2Device complexity
If liquid phase storage is used, then system simplicity is improved, but energy storage density worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the storage medium between solid and liquid states to achieve high energy storage density. The phase change process absorbs and releases large amounts of latent heat, enabling compact storage of thermal energy while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the use of phase change materials in enclosed containers
3Loss of energy
If heat pipes are used for heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for heat pipes from the thermal energy storage system. Instead of using complex heat pipe technology, the system employs simpler heat transfer fluids circulating through straightforward channels and conduits, achieving adequate heat transfer efficiency while significantly reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heat pipe mechanism with a conventional heat transfer fluid circulation system that copies the essential function of heat transport without requiring the complex capillary action and phase change mechanisms inherent in heat pipes. This substitution maintains heat transfer functionality while simplifying the overall system design
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 enables cost-effective and efficient thermal energy storage and transfer, reducing the complexity and cost of heat pipes, and allows for continuous solar power generation with large storage capacity, using materials like sodium and low-cost salts with good thermal properties.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second phase change material such the first phase change material is a solid at room temperature while the second phase change material is a solid or a liquid at room temperature
Implementation Method 2
allowing for high temperature (400-100° C.) maintenance-free thermal energy storage and heat coupling and transfer between subsystems
Implementation Method 3
heat pipes to transfer heat from the storage medium to the energy converter are likewise avoided
Implementation Method 4
using concentrating solar power and other heat sources
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of phase change material to store, transfer and convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to thermal energy transfer and energy conversion are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to a containment vessel having a heat receiving region and a heat transfer region such that a plurality of phase change materials are disposed therein and a sequence of solid, liquid and vapor phases are used to transfer heat from a source to a heat receiver of a power conversion unit.