Solar Thermal Working Fluid with Oxide-Coated Metal Particles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar thermal systems have limited heat storage capability due to the low effective heat capacity of their working fluids, restricting their application and development.
Innovation Solution
A working fluid with enhanced heat capacity is developed by incorporating metal particles with a protection layer, where the alloy particles, composed of a first and second metal, release latent heat, and the ratio of these metals controls the temperature range of heat absorption and release, thereby increasing the effective heat capacity of the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional working fluids are used in solar thermal systems, then the system structure is simple, but the heat storage capability is limited due to low effective heat capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal particles (aluminum, magnesium, or their alloys) with conventional working fluids to create a composite working fluid. This composite structure enables the fluid to utilize both sensible heat and latent heat of the metal particles, significantly enhancing heat storage capability while maintaining system operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the working fluid by introducing metal particles with specific melting points and heat capacities. By selecting metals with appropriate phase change temperatures, the effective heat capacity of the working fluid is enhanced across different temperature ranges, allowing optimization of heat storage for specific solar thermal applications
2Quantity of substance
If metal particles are added to enhance heat capacity, then the effective heat capacity increases, but the working fluid complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing metal particles uniformly throughout the working fluid at controlled concentrations (0.1-10 wt%). This localized enhancement of heat capacity through particle dispersion allows the fluid to maintain its base properties while gaining enhanced thermal energy storage capabilities in specific regions where particles are present
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the working fluid's thermal parameters by incorporating metal particles with specific physical properties (melting point, heat capacity, latent heat). By adjusting particle type, size, and concentration, the effective heat capacity and temperature range of the working fluid can be tuned to match specific solar thermal system requirements without fundamentally changing the fluid's base composition
3Temperature
If alloy particles with specific metal ratios are used, then the temperature range of latent heat release can be controlled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the temperature range of latent heat release by adjusting the composition parameters of the alloy particles. By varying the ratios of aluminum to magnesium (or other metal combinations) and controlling particle size distribution, the melting point and phase change temperature range can be precisely tuned to match the operational temperature requirements of specific solar thermal systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment capabilities by providing a range of alloy compositions and particle sizes that can be selected based on specific application requirements. This allows the system to adapt to different temperature ranges and heat storage needs by simply changing the particle composition parameters rather than redesigning the entire system
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 enhanced heat capacity of the working fluid allows for improved energy storage over a wide temperature range, enabling more efficient operation of solar thermal systems and other thermal systems, with the metal particles being cost-effective and suitable for multiple applications.
Implementation Method 1
The working fluid's effective heat capacity is enhanced because of the release of the latent of the alloy particles in the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
Each of the metal particles includes an alloy particle and a protection layer covering the alloy particle
Implementation Method 3
a heat conduction medium and a plurality of metal particles mixed in the heat conduction medium
Data Source
AI summary
A working fluid in cooperation with a solar thermal system comprises a heat conduction medium and a plurality of metal particles mixed in the heat conduction medium. Each of the metal particles includes a metal particle and a protection layer, and the protection layer is an oxide and covers the metal particle. A manufacturing method of metal particles is also disclosed.