Systems with multi-circuited, phase-change composite heat exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thermal energy storage systems for building cooling, such as ice, are limited by low efficiency and slow response times, leading to high energy consumption and peak demand issues in HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-circuit thermal energy storage system utilizing a phase change composite with high thermal conductivity, where two circuits with different fluids are thermally coupled through microchannels and a phase change composite, allowing for efficient heat transfer and storage, and enabling charging and discharging of thermal energy throughout the day.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional ice-based thermal energy storage systems are used, then thermal energy can be stored for cooling purposes, but the response time is slow and efficiency is low due to low thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of phase change material (PCM) embedded in a high thermal conductivity matrix material. This composite structure combines the high latent heat storage capability of PCM with the fast heat transfer properties of the matrix, resolving the contradiction between energy storage efficiency and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized high thermal conductivity pathways within the storage medium by embedding conductive matrix material around PCM regions. This allows different parts of the system to have different functional qualities: PCM regions for energy storage and matrix regions for rapid heat transfer, thus improving both efficiency and response time simultaneously.
2Reliability
If HVAC units run continuously during building occupancy, then cooling is provided, but energy consumption is high and peak demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the phase change composite during off-peak hours when electricity demand and costs are lower, storing thermal energy in advance. During peak occupancy hours, the stored cooling capacity is discharged, reducing or eliminating the need for continuous HVAC operation and thereby reducing energy consumption and peak demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous cooling provision through a hybrid system that combines traditional HVAC with thermal energy storage. The stored thermal energy continuously supplements or replaces active cooling, ensuring reliable cooling throughout occupancy periods while allowing the HVAC system to operate intermittently rather than continuously, thus reducing 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
This system reduces energy consumption and shifts peak demand to off-peak hours, providing significant energy savings by decoupling energy use from cooling load and allowing for flexible operation, including heating and cooling modes.
Implementation Method 1
storing thermal energy in the phase change composite which may be discharged and charged throughout the day
Implementation Method 2
the phase change composite comprises a phase change material enclosed in a matrix
Implementation Method 3
a first plurality of microchannels, a second plurality of microchannels in thermal communication with the first plurality of microchannels such that the first plurality of microchannels and second plurality of microchannels form a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a first plurality of microchannels, a second plurality of microchannels in thermal communication with the first plurality of microchannels such that the first plurality of microchannels and second plurality of microchannels form a heat exchanger, and a phase change composite in thermal communication with the heat exchanger and methods of operating are disclosed herein.