Solid-State Martensitic PCM Thermal Conductor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal energy storage solutions using phase changing materials (PCMs) face issues such as packaging challenges due to expansion, limited thermal conductivity, narrow temperature range operation, supercooling, and regulatory compliance problems, leading to inefficiencies and system redesign requirements.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state thermal energy storage and dissipation device incorporating a thermal conductor with dendrite structures and a solid-state martensitic transformation (MT) PCM, which allows for efficient heat transfer and storage over a wide temperature range without the need for encapsulation, using materials like nickel-titanium alloys that undergo reversible thermally induced phase transformations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If phase changing materials (PCM) are used for thermal energy storage, then heat storage capability is improved, but packaging and voiding issues occur due to expansion as temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat storage capabilityVSAvoidpackaging volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the PCM from liquid to solid by controlling temperature below the melting point, thereby eliminating expansion issues while maintaining heat storage capability through latent heat of fusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-cools the PCM below its melting point before use, creating a temperature margin that prevents expansion and packaging issues during operation while still allowing effective heat storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If standard PCM solutions are used, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but thermal conductivity is limited resulting in higher PCM volume required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storageVSAvoidPCM volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite system combining PCM with highly conductive materials (metal foils, graphite, or dendritic structures) to enhance thermal conductivity, allowing compact volume while maintaining effective heat transfer and storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If PCMs such as paraffins are used, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but specific gravity is low requiring higher PCM volume for a given heat storage application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat storageVSAvoidPCM density

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines low-density PCM with high-density conductive materials (metals, graphite) to create a composite that maintains the PCM's heat storage properties while increasing overall density through the conductive additive structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Use of energy by moving object

If PCMs are used for thermal energy storage, then heat storage capability is improved, but supercooling occurs causing repeatability and efficiency issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat storage capabilityVSAvoidphase change repeatability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces nucleating agents or conductive structures as intermediaries that provide surfaces for controlled crystallization, preventing supercooling and ensuring reliable, repeatable phase change cycles at the expected melting point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Use of energy by moving object

If multi-constituent PCM materials are used, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but settling occurs over repeated phase change cycles resulting in reduced performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storageVSAvoidmaterial composition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a structured composite where conductive materials form a fixed spatial framework (foam, dendrites, or layered structures) that locally anchors the PCM, preventing settling while maintaining thermal energy storage functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

6Volume of moving object

If solid-liquid metals are used as PCMs, then thermal conductivity is improved, but complex packaging processes are required to incorporate and encapsulate the PCM

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidpackaging process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses disposable or single-use conductive structures (foams, dendrites) that are integrated during manufacturing and require no additional packaging or encapsulation, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining high thermal conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution provides high thermal conductivity, efficient heat storage and dissipation, and repeatable performance, eliminating the need for encapsulation and reducing system complexity, while being compliant with regulations and suitable for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

The thermal conductor may receive heat from a heat source and dissipate the heat to the SS MT PCM thermal storage element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a solid-state (SS) martensitic transformation (MT) PCM thermal storage element... materials like nickel-titanium alloys that undergo reversible thermally induced phase transformations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMartensitic transformation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20240422943A1Solid-state thermal energy storage and dissipation

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE ARMY

AI summary

Various novel heat exchange components which are designed and/or configured to effectively and efficiently dissipate thermal energy (heat) away from a heat source are described. The heat exchange component structures may be a composite formed of two or more distinct types of materials including a thermally conductive material and a solid state (SS) Martensitic transformation (MT) phase change material (PCM). The thermally conductive material may be configured so as to form or provide for: (i) a heat receiving section configured to be in contact with a heat source so as to receive thermal energy from the heat source, and (ii) a thermal energy spreading section configured to pull thermal energy away from the heat receiving section and distribute it into and/or throughout the entire the heat exchange structure, especially, into and/or through the SS MT PCM.