Thermoregulation Lining With Phase Change Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extreme temperatures in vehicles cause discomfort and safety issues due to inadequate thermal regulation, leading to high energy consumption by air conditioners and battery-draining block heaters, with existing phase change materials not fully addressing these problems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer lining material comprising a cover layer of polymer sheets, an intermediate layer with microencapsulated phase change materials, and a bottom layer with a honeycomb structure for enhanced thermal isolation, mechanical stability, and reduced weight, which regulates temperature without battery power and maintains comfort across extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air conditioners are used to lower interior temperature, then thermal comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is pre-installed in the lining to automatically absorb excess heat when temperature rises, preventing overheating before it occurs without requiring active energy input from air conditioners
Solution Approach 2:
The lining incorporates phase change materials that transition between solid and liquid states at specific temperatures, absorbing or releasing latent heat to maintain interior temperature stability and reduce dependency on energy-consuming climate control systems
2Temperature
If block heaters are used to warm interior, then thermal comfort is improved, but battery power is drained
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material stores thermal energy during the day when temperatures are moderate and releases it during cold periods through phase transition, providing passive heating that eliminates the need for battery-powered block heaters
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lining materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but thermal isolation performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lining combines multiple materials including phase change materials, polymers, and honeycomb structures into a composite system that delivers superior thermal isolation performance while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes
4Temperature
If phase change materials are incorporated, then thermal regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is integrated directly into the lining structure itself, merging the thermal regulation function with the existing lining components rather than adding separate complex thermal management systems
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 faster heat dissipation, improved comfort, eco-friendliness, and reduced energy consumption, while being lightweight, cost-effective, and scalable for various vehicle parts, enhancing safety and mechanical strength without battery drainage.
Implementation Method 1
A phase change material (PCM) is a substance with a high heat of fusion which by melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy
Implementation Method 2
PCMs are classified as latent heat storage (LHS) units. Heat is absorbed or released when the material changes from solid to liquid and vice versa
Implementation Method 3
a bottom layer having a honeycomb structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a lining material comprising in this order a) a cover layer comprising one or more polymer sheets, b) an intermediate layer comprising at least one phase change material, and c) a bottom layer having a honeycomb structure, and articles or parts provided with such lining material. The lining material is suitable for thermoregulation, in particular in automotive interiors.