Thermal Energy Storage Modules With Elastic Compression Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy exchange and storage devices face significant risks of leakage between conduits, particularly when one contains a gaseous fluid under pressure, due to inadequate sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an intercalated system that elastically deforms and is compressed between heat exchange modules, exerting expansion forces to keep plates compressed and limit leakage, combined with phase-change materials for thermal energy storage and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plates are assembled by welding to form conduits, then structural strength is improved, but the risk of leakage increases due to welding defects
Solution Approach 1:
A compression element is introduced as an intermediary component between the plates. This compression element applies continuous compressive force to maintain sealing contact at the interfaces between plates and conduit sections, preventing leakage without requiring perfect welding quality. The compression element mediates the sealing function, decoupling structural strength requirements from leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from relying on welding quality (a binary state of sealed/not sealed) to relying on adjustable compression force (a continuous parameter). By controlling the compression force applied by the compression element, the system can maintain reliable sealing even when welding parameters vary or defects are present, as the compression parameter compensates for sealing gaps.
2Volume of stationary object
If heat exchange modules are spaced apart to allow thermal energy storage, then thermal energy storage capacity is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to reduced compression on plates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression element serves as a mediator that maintains sealing force independently of the spacing between heat exchange modules. Even when modules are spaced apart to maximize thermal energy storage volume, the compression element ensures continuous compressive force is applied to the plates, preventing leakage while allowing the spacing parameter to be optimized for thermal storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression element provides dynamic adaptation to spacing variations. As thermal expansion and contraction occur during thermal energy storage and release cycles, the compression element dynamically adjusts to maintain appropriate compressive force on the plates, ensuring sealing reliability is maintained regardless of the static spacing between modules.
3Reliability
If compression force on plates is increased to prevent leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional compression mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The compression element is designed to be self-regulating, utilizing the natural thermal expansion and contraction of the heat exchange modules and storage medium to maintain appropriate compression force. The system serves itself by converting thermal cycles into mechanical compression, eliminating the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems to maintain sealing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression element acts as a simple mechanical intermediary that translates thermal expansion/contraction movements into continuous compressive force on the plates. This single-component intermediary solution avoids the complexity of active compression systems while reliably maintaining sealing pressure through passive mechanical means.
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
Enhances sealing integrity, reducing the risk of leakage and ensuring efficient thermal energy storage and transfer by maintaining plate compression and utilizing phase-change materials for latent heat management.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material at least at the level of the intercalated zones 14 between the heat exchangers 12
Implementation Method 2
the storage medium comprising at least one phase change material
Implementation Method 3
at least one intercalated system positioned between at least the first and second heat exchange modules, configured to deform elastically and be compressed between the first and second heat exchange modules
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal energy exchange and storage device comprising: - several spaced-apart heat exchange modules (22), - at least one storage medium (28), interposed between the heat exchange modules (22), comprising at least one phase-change material, - at least one intercalated system (50) positioned between at least the first and second heat exchange modules (22, 22'), configured to deform elastically and be compressed between the first and second heat exchange modules (22, 22'). This solution keeps the plates of the heat exchange modules compressed against each other, which tends to limit the risk of leakage.