Plenum PCM Mat Assembly for Building Energy Load Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase change material (PCM) assemblies in buildings face challenges in achieving significant energy and cost savings while meeting economic models for acceptable Return on Investment (ROI) and First Cost, due to poor performance and long ROI, largely attributed to lack of engineering and technical development.
Innovation Solution
The development of StasisPCM, which uses bio-based phase change materials encapsulated in plastic layers with heat transfer capabilities, optimized for specific melting and freezing temperature ranges, and engineered for installation in building plenum areas to store and release latent heat, reducing thermal energy loads and shifting energy use to off-peak hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If phase change material assemblies are installed in buildings to reduce energy consumption, then energy savings and cost reduction are achieved, but the ROI period is long and performance is poor due to lack of engineering optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes PCM assemblies by changing key parameters including encapsulation layer thickness (0.002-0.020 inches), PCM quantity (0.15-1.0 lbs per square foot), and transition temperature ranges (72-76°F solid to liquid, 71-68°F liquid to solid). These parameter optimizations enable the system to achieve 25-45% energy consumption reduction and 40-55% cost savings with significantly shortened ROI periods compared to conventional PCM installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures by encapsulating phase change material within plastic layers having heat transfer capabilities. This composite construction combines the thermal energy storage properties of PCM with the heat transfer efficiency of plastic encapsulation layers, creating an optimized thermal management system that outperforms conventional PCM applications.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional PCM assemblies are used, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but heat transfer efficiency is insufficient leading to poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin plastic encapsulation layers (0.002-0.020 inches thick) that serve as flexible thermal interfaces. These thin films provide sufficient containment for the PCM while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency, eliminating the thermal resistance problems associated with thicker encapsulation layers in conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the encapsulation layer thickness parameter to a specific range (0.002-0.020 inches) that balances containment requirements with heat transfer efficiency. This parameter optimization ensures maximum thermal energy storage capacity while minimizing thermal resistance, achieving superior performance compared to conventional PCM assemblies.
3Strength
If PCM is encapsulated in thicker layers for better containment, then structural integrity is improved, but heat transfer capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and optimizes the encapsulation layer thickness parameter to a precise range (0.002-0.020 inches). Within this range, the encapsulation provides sufficient structural integrity for containment while maintaining optimal heat transfer capability. This parameter optimization resolves the trade-off between containment strength and thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different aspects of the encapsulation system. The plastic layers are designed with sufficient thickness to provide structural integrity and containment, while simultaneously being thin enough to maintain high heat transfer efficiency. This localized quality optimization addresses both requirements simultaneously.
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
StasisPCM achieves greater energy savings and shorter ROI compared to existing PCM products, with potential energy consumption reductions of 25-45% and cost savings of 40-55% annually, by effectively managing thermal energy loads and optimizing PCM assemblies for specific building conditions.
Implementation Method 1
When the temperature of the phase change material is obtained which causes it to transition from a solid to a liquid state, the phase change material absorbs and stores a large amount of latent heat
Implementation Method 2
When the temperature of the phase change material then passes so that the material goes from a liquid to a solid state, the stored latent heat is released into the environment
Implementation Method 3
a first mat including a phase change material encapsulated within layers of plastic material having heat transfer capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining energy consumptions, savings and cost reduction in structures adapted for human habitation which includes the utilization of a plurality of mats including phase change material encapsulated within first and second layers of plastic material having heat transfer capability disposed within the plenum area above a ceiling of a room within a building with the amount of phase change material contained within each mat being between 0.5 lbs. and 0.67 lbs. per square foot.