Thermal Energy Storage Using Spring-Triggered Phase Change Solidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively store and release thermal energy generated from transient sources like solar power for long-term use, as materials like sodium acetate trihydrate require manual manipulation to trigger solidification, limiting scalability and integration with heat exchange systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular thermal energy storage apparatus with a housing containing phase change material and an extendable extension spring, where the spring's extension induces solidification of the phase change material, allowing for controlled thermal energy release through a fluid flow channel, enabling efficient transfer of energy to a heat exchange fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of a flexible disc is used to trigger solidification of phase change material, then thermal energy can be released, but the system cannot be scaled or integrated with heat exchange systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation of a flexible disc with an automated mechanical system consisting of an extendable extension spring. The spring can be extended automatically through ports in the housing to expose the seed crystal, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining the solidification trigger mechanism. This substitution enables integration with heat exchange systems and scalability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal energy is stored in hot water tanks with thermal insulation, then short-term storage is achieved, but long-term storage is ineffective due to thermal energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of sodium acetate trihydrate, which can be supercooled below its freezing point and then triggered to solidify, releasing latent heat. This phase change mechanism allows for long-term energy storage without continuous thermal insulation, as the energy is stored in the metastable supercooled liquid state rather than as thermal energy in water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the storage medium from hot water (thermal energy storage) to supercooled liquid phase change material (latent heat storage). By maintaining the material in a metastable supercooled state below its freezing point, the system achieves long-term storage without significant energy loss, as the energy is locked in the phase state rather than being subject to thermal conduction losses.
3Extent of automation
If the extendable extension spring is extended to trigger solidification, then automated thermal energy release is achieved, but the spring must be contained within the phase change material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the extendable extension spring is contained within the phase change material, which itself is housed within the housing. The spring can extend through ports in the housing to trigger solidification, then retract back into the phase change material. This nesting approach automates the process while managing the complexity by integrating the actuator within the existing system boundaries.
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 solution enables efficient, automated long-term thermal energy storage and release with minimal energy loss, facilitating the integration of thermal energy storage systems into larger applications and improving heat transfer rates.
Implementation Method 1
Such a phase change material undergoes a phase transition from solid to liquid at an elevated temperature and when cooled, remains stable in a higher energy supercooled liquid state, below the phase transition temperature
Implementation Method 2
Such a phase change material undergoes a phase transition from solid to liquid at an elevated temperature
Implementation Method 3
extension of the extendable extension spring triggers solidification of the phase change material and a release of thermal energy
Implementation Method 4
such that extension of the first extendable extension spring induces solidification of at least a portion of the phase change material from a supercooled liquid state to a solid state, releasing thermal energy allowing for the transfer of thermal energy across the first fluid flow plate from the phase change material to the heat exchange fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a base and fluid flow plates which cooperate with the base to define a cavity; a phase change material contained within the cavity; an extendable extension spring at least partially contained within the phase change material; and end plates which cooperate with the fluid flow plates to define fluid flow channels. The apparatus may include a housing that holds a heat exchanger and phase change material. Inlet and outlet ports allow for the ingress and egress of a heat exchange fluid into the fluid flow channels or heat exchanger. In operation, the extension of the extendable extension spring induces solidification of at least a portion of the phase change material from a supercooled liquid state to a solid state, releasing thermal energy, allowing for the transfer of thermal energy across the fluid flow plates or heat exchanger from the phase change material to the heat exchange fluid.