System configured to absorb and release heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat absorption and release systems using phase change materials are inefficient as they require waiting for external temperature changes to transition between solid and liquid states, leading to increased energy consumption in air-conditioned compartments.
Innovation Solution
A system with a heat storage device containing a phase change material mixture, connected to a compartment with controlled air exchange mechanisms, measures internal and external temperatures to optimize air flow and reduce energy consumption by managing the phase change process based on temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a phase change material panel is applied within a compartment to absorb and release heat, then the heat absorption and release capacity is improved, but the system requires waiting for external temperature changes to transition between solid and liquid states, reducing responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the phase change material during nighttime or off-peak hours when external temperatures are lower, storing cold energy in advance. This preliminary action allows the PCM to be in a ready state for rapid heat absorption during peak heating periods without waiting for external temperature changes, thus reducing both energy consumption and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an active fluid circulation system as an intermediary between the phase change material and the external environment. This mediator actively transports heat to and from the PCM, enabling controlled phase transitions independent of external temperature fluctuations, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and response speed.
2Loss of energy
If the phase change material is kept in liquid state for continuous heat absorption, then the heat absorption capacity is improved, but the system cannot release heat effectively without external temperature drop
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between heat absorption and heat release modes based on real-time temperature monitoring and control algorithms. The phase change material's state is actively managed through controlled fluid circulation, allowing the system to adapt its functionality between absorbing heat (when in liquid state) and releasing heat (when transitioning to solid state), thus achieving both heat absorption capacity and heat release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a heat recovery mechanism where excess heat absorbed during the day is stored in the phase change material, and then recovered and released during cooler periods. The system discards the need for passive external temperature drops by actively managing the PCM's phase transitions, enabling continuous operation in both absorption and release cycles.
3Device complexity
If the phase change material transitions automatically based on temperature thresholds, then the system simplicity is improved, but the control precision and optimization of air conditioning energy consumption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control units that continuously monitor the phase change material's state and the compartment's temperature. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize air conditioning operation by activating or deactivating the AC unit based on real-time PCM status, achieving precise energy management while maintaining relatively simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material inherently performs temperature regulation through its phase transitions, providing self-service cooling or heating functionality. This natural thermodynamic behavior reduces the need for complex active control systems, while the added control precision comes from simple monitoring and timing mechanisms that leverage the PCM's self-regulating properties to minimize air conditioning energy consumption.
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 system effectively reduces energy consumption of air conditioning units by controlling air exchange and phase change processes, allowing for efficient heat absorption and release, thereby cooling compartments while minimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
When the room temperature increases and becomes higher than a first threshold temperature (variable depending on the material), such a solid material passes to the liquid state, accumulating heat (i.e. latent heat of liquefaction) which is absorbed from the environment.
Implementation Method 2
When the room temperature is lower than a second threshold temperature, the phase change material passes from the liquid state to the solid state, and releases heat (i.e. latent heat of solidification).
Implementation Method 3
create an exchange of air between the external environment and said compartment or between said compartment and said system or between the external environment and said system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system configured to absorb and release heat, connectable to a compartment (H) in such a way as to have a part exposed to the external environment Said system comprises: - a first chamber (1) comprising ∘ a first inlet (1A) for the passage of a first quantity of air from said compartment (H) to said first chamber (1), ∘ first opening/closing means (11A) for opening/closing said first inlet (1A) in order to allow/prevent the passage of said first quantity of air through said first inlet (1A), ∘ a first outlet (1B) for the passage of a second quantity of air from said first chamber (1) to said compartment (H), ∘ second opening/closing means (11B) for opening/closing said first outlet (1B) in order to allow/prevent the passage of said second quantity of air through said first outlet (1B), ∘ a second inlet (1A') for the passage of a third quantity of air from the outside to said first chamber (1), ∘ third opening/closing means (11A') for opening/closing said second inlet (1A') in order to allow/prevent the passage of said third amount of air through said second inlet (1A'), ∘ a second outlet (1B') for the passage of a fourth quantity of air from said first chamber (1) to the outside, ∘ fourth opening/closing means (11B') for opening/closing said second outlet (1B') in order to allow/prevent the passage of said fourth quantity of air through said second outlet (1B'), - a second chamber (2) comprising: ∘ first ventilation means (21) for generating a first flow of air and directing said first flow of air inside said second chamber (2), ∘ ∘ second ventilation means (22) for generating a second flow of air and directing said second flow of air outside said second chamber (2), ∘ a heat storage device (20) containing inside a mixture, where said heat storage device (20) is arranged within said second chamber (2) and said mixture comprises a phase change material capable of passing from a solid state to a liquid state, when the internal temperature of said second chamber (2) it greater than a predetermined melting temperature (Tf), and from said liquid state to said solid state, when the internal temperature of said second chamber (2) is less than a predetermined solidification temperature (Ts); said second chamber (2) being arranged inside said first chamber (1) in such a way as to divide said first chamber (1) into a first part (11) and a second part (12), where said first part (11) comprises said first inlet (1A), said second inlet (1A') as well as said first ventilation means (21), and said second part (12) comprises said first outlet (1B), said second outlet (1B') and said second ventilation means (22), - first temperature measuring means (S1) for measuring a first temperature t1, where said first temperature t1 is the internal temperature of said compartment (H), - second temperature measuring means (S2) for measuring a second temperature t2, where said second temperature t2 is the internal temperature of said second chamber (2), said second temperature measuring means (S2) being arranged within said second chamber (2), - third temperature measuring means (S3) for measuring a third temperature t3, where said third temperature is the outdoor temperature, - a control logic unit (5) connected to each of said opening/closing means (11A, 11B, 11A',11B'), as well as to each of said temperature measuring means (S1, S2, S3) and to each of said ventilation means (21,22), configured to: ∘ open/close said first inlet (1A) through said first opening/closing means (11A), ∘ open/close said first outlet (1B) through said second opening/closing means (11B), ∘ open/close said second inlet (1A') through said third opening/closing means (11A'), ∘ open/close said second outlet (1B') through said fourth opening/closing means (11B'), ∘ perform one or more comparisons between temperatures, ∘ close said first inlet (1A) and said first outlet (1B), as well as said second inlet (1A') and said second outlet (1B'), and turn off said first ventilation means (21) and said second ventilation means (22), when said first temperature t1 is less than said predetermined melting temperature (Tf), and when said first temperature t1 is less than said third temperature (T3), ∘ open said second inlet (1A') and said first outlet (1B) and turn on said first ventilation means (21) and said second ventilation means (22), when said first temperature t1 is less than said predetermined melting temperature (Tf) and said first temperature t1 is greater than said third temperature t3, ∘ open said first inlet (1A) and said first outlet (1B), close said second inlet (1A') and said second outlet (1B'), and turn on said first ventilation means (21) and said second ventilation means (22), when said first temperature t1 is greater than said predetermined melting temperature (Tf), ∘ close said first inlet (1A) and said first outlet (1B), open said second inlet (1A') and said second outlet (1B'), and turn on said first ventilation means (21) and said second ventilation means (22), when said second temperature t2 is greater than said predetermined melting temperature (Tf) of a predetermined value and said third temperature t3 is greater than said predetermined solidification temperature (Ts), ∘ close said first inlet (1A) and said first outlet (1B), open said second inlet (1A') and said second outlet (1B'), and turn on said first ventilation means (21) and said second ventilation means (22), when said second temperature t2 is greater than said predetermined melting temperature (Tf) of a predetermined value and said third temperature t3 is less than said predetermined solidification temperature (Ts).