Toroidal PCM Capsule Groove Pattern Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and releasing heat due to limitations in heat transfer efficiency and contamination risks, particularly in large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A phase change material container device featuring toroidal ring-shaped capsules with a heat exchanger device comprising a groove pattern of convolutional and partial grooves, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and preventing contamination by encapsulating the PCM in a chemically and physically distinct material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the capsule shell is made thin to reduce material usage and increase stored medium capacity, then the amount of stored medium increases, but the structural and thermal strengths decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an inner capsule containing PCM is placed inside an outer capsule, creating a multi-layer encapsulation system. This nested configuration allows the use of thinner individual shell walls while maintaining overall structural integrity and thermal strength through the combined layers, thereby increasing the volume available for stored medium without compromising strength.
2Strength
If the capsule shell is made thick to improve structural and thermal strengths, then the structural and thermal strengths increase, but the amount of stored medium decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting an inner capsule within an outer capsule, the system distributes the structural and thermal strength requirements across multiple layers rather than relying on a single thick wall. This allows optimization of each layer's thickness for its specific function while maximizing the total stored medium capacity.
3Power
If PCM material is placed in direct contact with heat carrying fluid to improve heat transfer efficiency, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but contamination of the heat carrying fluid occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat transfer medium (such as metal powder or graphite particles) as an intermediary substance between the PCM and the heat carrying fluid. This intermediary enhances thermal conductivity and heat transfer efficiency while physically preventing direct contact between the PCM and the heat carrying fluid, thereby avoiding contamination.
4Power
If a flow gap is formed between adjacent packaging shells to allow heat carrying fluid flow, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but the structural integrity and compactness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements and deformable capsule structures that can adapt to the flow gap requirements while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible components allow controlled fluid flow paths between capsules for heat exchange while preserving the overall compact arrangement and structural stability of the storage system.
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 toroidal capsule design improves heat transfer efficiency by up to 40% and prevents contamination, allowing for rapid thermal loading and unloading, making it suitable for applications in power generation, building envelopes, and hybrid/electric transportation.
Implementation Method 1
A phase change material container device for storing an amount of storage material consisting of PCM material, intended to act as a heat collection member
Implementation Method 2
The outer surface of the shell housing is provided with a heat exchanger device consisting of a groove pattern composed of a plurality of grooves
Implementation Method 3
surrounding space including heat transfer means to transfer heat from/to the toroidal macro-capsule
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a phase change material container device for storing an amount of a PCM storage material for acting as a heat collector element, consisting of a packaging capsule (5) comprising a rigid housing (51) enclosing a fillable space for storing said PCM material therein. It is remarkable in that said packaging capsule has a toroidal ring shape, in that the outer surface of said housing (51) is provided with a heat exchanger device (40) consisting of a groove pattern (11, 12), and in that said packaging capsule (5) is filled with said PCM material forming a filling (15), which is encapsulated therein (5) and which is in a different material than said housing (51), wherein the encapsulation material is chemically and physically distinct from the PCM material stored inside said capsule (5). It further relates to a thermal energy storage system for thermal management with toroidal macro-encapsulation working in conjunction with a plurality of said toroidal PCM filled capsules acting as heat collection elements and a method therefor.