Thermal Storage Device Segmentation for Dynamic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal storage devices have limited storage capacity and are not dynamically controllable, making them inefficient for larger systems and unable to decouple the time of cold generation from the time of cold usage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage device with a primary and secondary line system, where the line sections have varying cross-sectional areas and flow directions, allowing for independent control of coolant flow to achieve high dynamic control and increased storage capacity, enabling decoupling of cold generation and usage times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PCM material is arranged only in the wall of the buffer store, then the device structure is simple, but the storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer store is divided into multiple storage chambers (first storage chamber, second storage chamber, etc.) that can be independently filled with different quantities of PCM material. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large storage capacity while maintaining structural simplicity, as each chamber can be manufactured and filled separately then assembled into the complete buffer store.
2Quantity of substance
If thermal storage devices are designed for large systems, then storage capacity increases, but dynamic controllability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer store is divided into multiple independently controllable storage chambers, each with its own cooling connection to the refrigeration machine. This allows selective cooling and charging of individual chambers, providing dynamic controllability even when the total storage capacity is large. The system can charge or discharge specific chambers based on immediate cooling demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a control mechanism that dynamically directs the refrigeration machine's cooling output to specific storage chambers based on real-time cooling demands. This dynamic allocation of cooling capacity to different chambers maintains operational flexibility and controllability regardless of the total storage size.
3Device complexity
If cold generation and cold usage occur at the same time, then system operation is simple, but system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary cooling of the buffer store during off-peak hours or when cooling demand is low, storing thermal energy in the PCM material. This charged buffer store can then supply cooling during peak demand periods without requiring the refrigeration machine to operate at high capacity, thereby improving overall system efficiency by shifting cooling load to more efficient operating 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 design significantly enhances system efficiency by allowing lower recooling temperatures, longer compressor runtimes, and cost savings through load shifting, while providing a defined phase boundary and optimal heat transfer, thus increasing storage capacity beyond existing limits.
Implementation Method 1
at least one phase change material is in thermal contact with the buffer store. The phase change material forms part of the wall of the buffer store or is arranged in the wall of the buffer store
Implementation Method 2
a phase change material ('phase change material' - PCM) is used for cooling a coolant or for direct heat absorption from a space to be cooled
Implementation Method 3
In the heat exchanger device, thermal energy of the heat transfer fluid is transferred to a second fluid to generate energy
Implementation Method 4
The storage fluid, which is transported via a pump to a heat exchanger, is accommodated in the buffer store
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The storage (12) has a chamber (14) with a cross-section upwardly increasing from a bottom (16). Inlets (20, 28) and outlets (22, 30) are arranged in the chamber and subdivided into a number of line sections (34a-34f). The line sections are provided in different height planes, which extend parallel to the bottom of the chamber. A storage medium i.e. phase exchange material, is received in the chamber and completely surrounds the line sections. The storage medium stores thermal energy. The storage is loaded via the inlets and the outlets. The phase exchange material is a mixture of water and salts or alcohols with or without additives.