Thermoplastic Polymer Compositions for Thermal Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Organic phase change materials (PCMs) used in thermal energy storage applications lack shape and dimensional stability due to liquid state changes, leading to leakage and instability, and existing encapsulation methods are costly and inefficient, affecting their wide application in devices and installations.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic polymer composition incorporating organic PCMs, stabilized by a polymer matrix with a highly crystalline and low crystallinity polymer blend, and an organogelator that induces temperature-reversible gelling, preventing flow and maintaining shape stability during multiple phase transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If organic PCM is used for thermal energy storage, then high latent heat and non-corrosive properties are achieved, but shape and dimensional stability is lost due to liquid state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system consisting of organic PCM dispersed within a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix (comprising crystalline and amorphous phases) acts as a stabilizing framework that maintains the shape and dimensional integrity of the PCM-containing composition during phase transitions, while the organic PCM provides thermal energy storage capacity through its latent heat of fusion.
2Shape
If encapsulation methods are used to prevent PCM leakage, then shape stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilizing function from separate encapsulation shells and integrates it directly into the polymer matrix structure. Instead of enclosing PCM in discrete capsules, the polymer matrix itself provides the shape-stabilizing framework, eliminating the need for additional encapsulation materials and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural support function with the polymer matrix that already serves as the base material for the composition. The polymer matrix simultaneously provides shape stability, mechanical integrity, and a medium for PCM dispersion, consolidating multiple functions into a single material system rather than requiring separate encapsulation components.
3Shape
If PCM is incorporated in polymer matrix, then shape stability is improved, but PCM leakage and migration still occur at high loadings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local structural heterogeneity within the polymer matrix by incorporating both crystalline and amorphous phases with different properties. The crystalline regions provide rigid structural support that physically restricts PCM movement, while the amorphous regions provide flexibility and accommodate PCM dispersion, creating a multi-phase matrix with optimized local properties for PCM retention.
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 solution provides a shape-stable, thermally efficient, and easily processable material that maintains thermal energy storage capacity and dimensional integrity, suitable for conventional plastic processing techniques, with the PCM being effectively immobilized within the polymer matrix to prevent leakage and coalescence.
Implementation Method 1
an organogelator inducing temperature stimulated reversible gelling of molten compositions
Implementation Method 2
temperature stimulated reversible gelling of molten compositions
Implementation Method 3
capable of storing and releasing thermal energy in a form of latent heat via phase change transitions
Implementation Method 4
phase change transitions
Implementation Method 5
a polymer matrix comprising at least one highly crystalline polymer (polymer A)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides shape-stable products for storing and releasing thermal energy, based on thermoplastic polymer compositions containing organic phase change materials (PCM) incorporated into a polymer matrix, the products withstanding multiple melting-crystallization cycles of the PCM while maintaining their shape, dimensions, and the thermal energy storage capacity.