Systems and methods using thermal energy storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems in retail installations face challenges in controlling temperature across multiple units, managing energy consumption, and optimizing energy efficiency due to custom configurations and varying refrigeration needs, which can lead to increased operational costs and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A bimodal refrigeration system combining mechanical refrigeration with phase change material (PCM) cells to reduce active operating time and energy consumption by using passive heat exchange, integrated with intelligent control systems for optimized temperature regulation and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If mechanical refrigeration systems are used to maintain temperature in retail installations, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools phase change material cells during off-peak hours when energy consumption is lower, storing thermal energy in advance. This preliminary action allows the mechanical refrigeration system to operate less frequently during peak hours, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
Phase change material cells are introduced as an intermediary thermal storage medium between the mechanical refrigeration system and the retail display cases. These cells absorb and release thermal energy, mediating the temperature control function and reducing the cycling frequency of the mechanical refrigeration system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical refrigeration systems operate frequently to maintain temperature, then temperature stability is maintained, but repair and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-charging phase change material cells during off-peak periods, the system reduces the need for frequent mechanical refrigeration cycles. This decreases wear and tear on mechanical components, thereby reducing repair and maintenance costs while maintaining temperature stability during operational periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom refrigeration configurations are used to meet varying refrigeration needs, then specific temperature requirements are met, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into modular components: mechanical refrigeration units for base cooling and independent phase change material cells for supplemental thermal storage. This segmentation allows flexible configuration to meet varying refrigeration needs while simplifying overall system control through standardized modular units.
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 reduces energy requirements, lowers repair and maintenance costs, and enhances operational efficiency by minimizing mechanical refrigeration system cycling while maintaining desired temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
A bimodal refrigeration system combining mechanical refrigeration with phase change material (PCM) cells
Implementation Method 2
The system reduces energy requirements, lowers repair and maintenance costs, and enhances operational efficiency by minimizing mechanical refrigeration system cycling while maintaining desired temperature ranges
Implementation Method 3
using passive heat exchange
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for bimodal refrigeration, which uses a combination of mechanical refrigeration and phase change material (PCM) cells to provide cooling for one or more units of storage, such as freezers, coolers, storage or display cases, open cases (without doors), closed cases (with doors), rack systems (with compressors located remotely), self-contained refrigeration systems (with embedded compressors), in an optimal and efficient manner. In some embodiments, the systems and methods employ intelligent controls which may monitor and receive input for system conditions, time of day, and other conditions, and turn on/off the mechanical refrigeration as appropriate to provide for efficient and cost-effective use of energy.