Solid/Solid PCM Thermal Storage Device Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermal energy storage devices using solid/solid Phase Change Materials (PCMs) face limitations in heat storage and release efficiency, with existing methods often requiring heating beyond the melting point of PCMs, which can damage the material and reduce its performance.

Innovation Solution

A method for producing a thermal energy storage device where at least one solid/solid PCM is formed directly in the energy storage enclosure, with a heat transfer fluid heat exchanger controlling temperature for crystallization and heat management, avoiding the need to liquefy the PCM by heating beyond its melting point, thus preserving its chemical integrity and enhancing storage capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If PCM s/s is heated beyond its melting point to be liquefied for filling the enclosure, then the PCM can be easily introduced into the enclosure, but the chemical integrity of the PCM is damaged and performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of PCM introductionVSAvoidchemical integrity of PCM

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from above melting point to below melting point, enabling PCM introduction in solid state through size reduction rather than liquefaction, thus preserving chemical integrity while achieving ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the PCM into small particles or powder form, allowing the solid PCM to be easily introduced into the enclosure without melting, resolving the contradiction between ease of introduction and chemical integrity preservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If PCM s/s is heated beyond its melting point, then the PCM can be liquefied and introduced into the enclosure, but the storage capacity and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of PCM introductionVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter to remain below the melting point, preserving the full storage capacity of the PCM while achieving ease of introduction through particle size reduction and direct solid-state filling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If PCM s/s is heated beyond its melting point, then the PCM can be introduced into the enclosure, but the PCM is damaged and performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of PCM introductionVSAvoidperformance of PCM

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter to remain below the melting point, preserving PCM performance while achieving ease of introduction through particle size reduction and direct solid-state filling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the PCM into small particles, allowing solid-state introduction without thermal damage, thus maintaining performance while simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This method results in more efficient thermal energy storage and release, with improved storage capacities and reduced risk of material damage, allowing for greater heat storage and recovery without compromising the PCM's chemical integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a heat transfer fluid heat exchanger for storing and extracting heat from said PCM s/s

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Thanks to PCMs, heat is absorbed or released during a change of state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

PCMs have been developed and are commonly used in buildings to accumulate solar thermal energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 4

at least one stage of crystallization of the PCM s/s is carried out in the enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP2960610B1Method of producing a thermal energy storage device from a solid/solid phase change material

Publication Date: 2017.05.10 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

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Figure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for constructing a thermal energy storage device using at least one solid/solid phase change material (2), comprising a thermal energy storage chamber (1) containing the at least one solid/solid phase change material (2) and a heat exchanger (3) with a heat transfer fluid for storing and extracting heat from said solid/solid phase change material (2) immersed in said chamber (1). The invention will find application in the field of thermal energy storage and, for example, for heat storage in an urban or industrial heating network.