Systems and methods for high energy density heat transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes and systems for heating, cooling, heat transfer, refrigeration, and thermal storage are often energy intensive, inefficient, and environmentally harmful, relying on expensive and ineffective chemicals or equipment.
Innovation Solution
The development of novel processes and systems that utilize liquid-liquid phase transition liquids to achieve efficient heat transfer, refrigeration, and thermal storage, including methods for cooling, heating, and producing ice, while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional heat transfer processes are used, then heating and cooling can be achieved, but energy consumption is high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes liquid-liquid phase transitions in binary mixtures (such as water-ethylene glycol or water-propanol systems) to achieve high-density heat transfer. When the liquid mixture undergoes phase transition from one liquid phase to another, it absorbs or releases large amounts of latent heat, enabling efficient heat transfer with minimal temperature difference and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional convection-based systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigeration systems are used, then cooling can be provided, but environmental harm and inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs environmentally benign liquid-liquid phase transition systems that eliminate the need for harmful refrigerants. By utilizing phase transitions in water-based binary mixtures, the system achieves efficient refrigeration without releasing ozone-depleting or greenhouse gases, while the large latent heat of transition improves energy efficiency compared to conventional vapor-compression refrigeration.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional thermal storage methods are used, then heat storage is achieved, but energy density is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the large latent heat associated with liquid-liquid phase transitions to achieve high energy density in thermal storage systems. By storing thermal energy in the form of phase transition potential rather than relying solely on sensible heat capacity, the system can store significantly more energy per unit volume and mass compared to traditional thermal storage methods.
4Quantity of substance
If standard heat transfer fluids are used, then heat transfer is achieved, but heat capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention exploits the large latent heat of liquid-liquid phase transitions to dramatically increase the effective heat capacity of the heat transfer medium. When the binary liquid mixture undergoes phase transition, it absorbs or releases substantial heat at nearly constant temperature, providing much higher heat capacity than conventional single-phase heat transfer fluids, thereby reducing the energy intensity required for heat transfer operations.
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
These systems provide cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions for heat transfer and thermal storage, offering enhanced heat capacity, improved energy density, and flexibility in temperature ranges, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
cooling a liquid-liquid phase transition liquid comprising two liquid phases below an exothermic liquid-liquid phase transition temperature range to form a liquid-liquid phase transition liquid comprising one liquid phase
Implementation Method 2
The one liquid phase may be cooled below a temperature of a solid-liquid phase change to form a composition comprising a solid-liquid slurry
Implementation Method 3
Heat is removed and the liquid-liquid phase transition liquid is mixed with a phase transition temperature adjustment reagent to form an endothermic liquid-liquid phase transition. The endothermic liquid-liquid phase transition reduces the temperature to about the freezing point of water or below to freeze at least a portion of liquid water to form ice
Data Source
AI summary
The application pertains to, for example, novel processes and systems for heat transfer, refrigeration, energy storage, and various cooling and heating processes. Such processes may include cooling or mixing various liquid-liquid phase transition liquids to release and/or energy. Additionally or alternatively, such processes may include charging and/or discharging thermal storage reservoirs with layered liquids of various temperatures.