Systems and methods for heat energy management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating and cooling systems face inefficiencies due to static insulation, non-uniform temperature profiles, and high greenhouse gas emissions, with existing heat management systems requiring static thermal insulation and occupying living space, and relying on mechanical devices for heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoelectric modules, such as Peltier modules, coupled with phase change materials (PCMs) for dynamic thermal insulation and energy storage, enabling smart load control, zone temperature regulation, waste heat recovery, and envelope diagnostics without occupying living space, and utilizing intelligent sensor-based systems for temperature modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If static insulation is used in building envelopes, then heat transfer is slowed down, but heat energy cannot be captured, converted, or transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static insulation into a dynamic thermal management system using phase change materials (PCMs) that actively absorb and release heat during phase transitions. The PCMs dynamically adjust thermal properties based on temperature conditions, enabling both heat energy capture during charging and controlled release during discharging cycles, thus resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and energy capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change materials that undergo phase transitions (solid-liquid or other phase changes) at specific temperatures to capture and store heat energy. During phase transition, the materials absorb latent heat without temperature change, effectively capturing heat energy that would otherwise be lost. This phase transition mechanism enables both energy loss reduction and active energy capture, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Productivity
If traditional HVAC systems are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but efficiency shortcomings and high greenhouse gas emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements thermal energy storage using PCMs that pre-absorb heat energy during off-peak periods or when excess heat is available, storing it for later use. This preliminary action reduces the need for continuous HVAC operation, improving efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by shifting thermal load to periods with lower environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts waste heat that would normally be lost through building envelopes into a useful resource by capturing it with PCMs. This previously harmful heat loss is transformed into stored thermal energy that can be utilized for heating or cooling, thereby improving overall system efficiency and reducing the need for additional energy-consuming HVAC operations that generate greenhouse gases.
3Quantity of substance
If heat management systems occupy living space, then thermal energy storage is achieved, but available living space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film or flexible PCM formulations that can be applied as coatings on building surfaces, windows, or integrated into wall and ceiling structures. These thin-film PCMs provide significant thermal energy storage capacity per unit volume, minimizing the space required while maintaining effective heat management functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between energy storage capacity and living space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates PCMs into existing building envelope structures, windows, or furniture, effectively nesting the thermal storage function within already-present components. This nested integration allows thermal energy storage capability to be embedded without adding separate dedicated storage volumes, thereby preserving living space while achieving the required energy storage capacity.
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 approach enhances energy efficiency by harvesting and storing heat energy, reducing energy consumption, and providing independent temperature control within enclosures, while minimizing emissions and space occupation, and optimizing thermal comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The systems include a first plurality of thermoelectric modules thermally coupled to a first surface of the phase change material and a second plurality of thermoelectric modules thermally coupled to a second surface of the phase change material
Implementation Method 2
The use of thermoelectric modules, such as Peltier modules, coupled with phase change materials (PCMs) for dynamic thermal insulation and energy storage
Implementation Method 3
phase change materials (PCMs) for dynamic thermal insulation and energy storage
Implementation Method 4
a first thermal interface material between the first thermocouple and the first surface of the thermal energy storage medium; a second thermal interface material between the second thermocouple and the second surface of the thermal energy storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for the capturing, transferring, and managing of heat energy. Phase change materials are used for their high thermal inertia property and large energy per volume property when operated near their solid-liquid transition point. Additionally, the systems, devices, and methods utilize one or more thermoelectric modules thermally coupled to a first side of the phase change material and one or more thermoelectric modules thermally coupled to a second side of the phase change material, opposite the first side. The use of the thermoelectric modules allows heat energy to be stored in, transferred within, or harvested from, the phase change material the thermoelectric modules couple to.