Shape-Stable Polysaccharide PCM Composition for Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage suffer from limitations such as large volume changes and flow in the liquid state, which restrict their application in thermal energy technologies.
Innovation Solution
Compositions comprising 0.5-10 wt.% polysaccharides and 88-99.5 wt.% water, with optional additives like pH modulators, ionic liquids, fire retardants, and antimicrobial materials, providing shape stability and high latent heat, enabling solid-to-solid transitions without substantial deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional phase change materials are used for thermal energy storage, then thermal energy storage capacity is achieved, but volume changes and flow occur in the liquid state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining water (phase change material) with polysaccharides (gelling agents) to create a gel-based composite. This composite structure allows the material to maintain shape stability while undergoing phase change, as the polysaccharide network constrains the water within its matrix, preventing uncontrolled flow and volume changes during melting and freezing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical state of water through gelation. By transforming water from a free-flowing liquid into a gel structure with restricted molecular mobility, the material maintains semi-solid characteristics during phase transitions. This parameter change in the matrix structure enables the PCM to store thermal energy while maintaining shape stability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional phase change materials are used for thermal energy storage, then thermal energy storage capacity is achieved, but flow occurs in the liquid state
Solution Approach 1:
The gel-based composite combines water with polysaccharides to create a material that resists uncontrolled flow. The polysaccharide matrix provides structural integrity and viscosity control, allowing the PCM to be easily contained and handled while maintaining high thermal energy storage capacity. This composite structure enables precise control over the material's flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the physical parameters of water through gelation, the patent transforms it from a low-viscosity liquid to a high-viscosity semi-solid gel. This parameter change dramatically reduces uncontrolled flow while preserving the latent heat storage capability, making the material easier to operate with and contain in thermal energy storage systems.
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 described compositions offer shape stability and high latent heat, facilitating effective thermal energy storage and temperature control by maintaining a solid form during phase changes, suitable for applications involving foods, pharmaceuticals, and biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
compositions comprising 0.5-10 wt.% polysaccharides and 88-99.5 wt.% water... having a dynamic viscosity of greater than or equal to 300,000 cP at 20° C. and 1 atm
Implementation Method 2
latent heat storage has become increasingly important... thermal energy released or absorbed during a change of state of a material without a substantial change in the temperature of the material
Implementation Method 3
The change of state can include a phase change such as a solid-liquid, solid-gas, liquid-gas, or solid-solid phase change
Implementation Method 4
transferring thermal energy (i) from the composition to the payload, (ii) from the payload to the composition, (iii) from an exterior environment of the payload to the composition, and/or (iv) from the composition to the exterior environment of the payload
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, thermal energy storage compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises 0.5-10 wt. % polysaccharide and 88-99.5 wt. % water, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition. Moreover, in some cases, the composition is shape stable at 20° C. and 1 atm.