Systems and methods for heat energy management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling systems for enclosures suffer from inefficiencies, including static insulation limitations, non-uniform temperature profiles, and high greenhouse gas emissions, which are difficult to address economically while maintaining affordability, comfort, and performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoelectric modules with phase change materials (PCMs) for dynamic thermal insulation and energy management, enabling smart load control, zone temperature regulation, waste heat recovery, and envelope diagnostics, without occupying living space and requiring air gap channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If static insulation is used in building envelopes, then heat transfer is slowed down, but heat energy cannot be captured, converted, or transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static insulation into a dynamic thermal management system using phase change materials (PCMs) that actively absorb and release heat during phase transitions. The PCMs dynamically adjust thermal properties based on temperature conditions, enabling the envelope to capture, store, and release heat energy rather than merely resisting heat transfer passively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change materials that undergo phase transitions (solid-liquid or other phase changes) at specific temperatures to absorb latent heat during charging and release it during discharging. This phase transition mechanism enables the building envelope to capture and store heat energy during warm periods and release it during cool periods, providing active thermal management.
2Temperature
If traditional HVAC systems are used for heating and cooling, then temperature control is achieved, but greenhouse gas emissions increase and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating thermal management system where phase change materials automatically absorb excess heat when temperatures rise and release heat when temperatures fall, without requiring external energy input or mechanical HVAC equipment. This passive thermal regulation reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-based heating and cooling systems, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts waste heat that would otherwise be lost through the building envelope into a useful thermal resource. By incorporating PCMs in the envelope, excess heat during warm periods is captured and stored, then released during cool periods, transforming what was previously a harmful heat loss into a beneficial thermal storage mechanism that reduces HVAC demand and associated emissions.
3Loss of energy
If traditional insulation methods are used, then heat transfer is reduced, but non-uniform temperature profiles and diurnal losses persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials that undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures to maintain stable thermal conditions. During phase change, PCMs absorb or release large amounts of latent heat while maintaining a relatively constant temperature, which helps stabilize internal envelope temperatures and reduces diurnal temperature fluctuations and non-uniform temperature profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the building envelope by incorporating PCMs with specific phase transition temperatures tailored to desired operational ranges. By selecting PCMs with appropriate transition temperatures, the system optimizes heat absorption and release characteristics to maintain uniform temperatures and reduce diurnal losses under varying environmental conditions.
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 approach enhances energy efficiency by harvesting and managing heat energy, reducing energy consumption, and providing independent temperature control within enclosures, while minimizing emissions and maintaining thermal comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The building envelope may include one or more thermoelectric modules
Implementation Method 2
The thermoelectric modules may be thermally coupled to a phase change material
Implementation Method 3
The use of thermoelectric modules with phase change materials (PCMs) for dynamic thermal insulation and energy management
Implementation Method 4
phase change materials (PCMs) for dynamic thermal insulation and energy management
Implementation Method 5
a first thermal interface material between the first thermocouple and the first surface of the thermal energy storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for the capturing, transferring, and managing of heat energy. Phase change materials are used for their high thermal inertia property and large energy per volume property when operated near their solid-liquid transition point. Additionally, the systems, devices, and methods utilize one or more thermoelectric modules thermally coupled to a first side of the phase change material and one or more thermoelectric modules thermally coupled to a second side of the phase change material, opposite the first side. The use of the thermoelectric modules allows heat energy to be stored in, transferred within, or harvested from, the phase change material the thermoelectric modules couple to.