Multi-stage Waste Heat Recovery with Phase Change Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
General waste heat recovery devices uniformly supply heat without considering the temperature requirements of the heat energy use place, leading to potential energy waste and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage variable type waste heat storage and recovery apparatus that selects phase change materials based on the required temperature range of each heat energy use place, arranging them in stages along the waste heat path, and supplies heat energy using the latent heat of the selected phase change materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If waste heat is uniformly supplied without temperature selection, then the heat energy use place can receive heat energy, but heat energy is wasted or equipment is damaged due to temperature mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The waste heat recovery system is segmented into multiple temperature zones (first temperature zone, second temperature zone, third temperature zone) with different phase change materials assigned to each zone. This segmentation allows heat to be recovered at appropriate temperature levels and prevents energy waste by matching heat supply to specific temperature requirements of different use places.
Solution Approach 2:
Different phase change materials with specific melting points are assigned to different temperature zones and use places based on their specific temperature requirements. For example, paraffin with melting point 50-60°C is used for spaces requiring moderate heating, while materials with higher melting points are used for industrial processes requiring higher temperatures. This local quality approach ensures each use place receives heat at the appropriate temperature.
2Reliability
If phase change materials are selected and arranged in stages according to temperature requirements, then heat energy supply is optimized for each use place, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Phase change materials are pre-selected and pre-arranged in the storage tank according to their melting points and the temperature requirements of different use places. The system pre-establishes the temperature zonation and material assignment before operation, ensuring that when heat is recovered, it automatically flows to the appropriate temperature zones and use places, preventing equipment damage from temperature mismatch.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank with segmented temperature zones acts as an intermediary between the waste heat source and the various heat energy use places. It mediates the temperature matching by receiving waste heat, storing it in appropriate temperature zones using phase change materials, and then supplying heat to use places that require specific temperature ranges, thereby ensuring equipment safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase change materials are stored and selected based on temperature ranges, then heat energy can be supplied according to specific temperature needs, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses phase change materials with different melting point parameters to achieve adaptability to various temperature requirements. By selecting materials with specific melting points (e.g., 50-60°C for paraffin, higher for other materials), the system can adapt to different temperature zones and use places, allowing the same basic system structure to serve multiple temperature requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank contains a composite arrangement of different phase change materials in different temperature zones. This composite structure combines multiple materials with different thermal properties in a single integrated system, enabling the system to handle multiple temperature ranges and application scenarios while maintaining a unified manufacturing approach.
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
Prevents waste of heat energy and equipment loss by optimizing heat energy supply according to the specific temperature needs of each use place, ensuring efficient and safe recovery of waste heat.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material storage unit for separating and arranging a plurality of phase change materials having different melting points
Implementation Method 2
supplying heat energy by using the latent heat of the selected phase change materials
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage variable type waste heat storage and recovery apparatus and method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus includes a phase change material storage unit for separating and arranging a plurality of phase change materials having different melting points, and arranging them in stages on a path of the waste heat so that a phase change material having a higher melting point is located closer to an inlet side of the waste heat; a use place registration unit; a temperature range storage unit; a phase change material selection unit for selecting a phase change material of a corresponding melting point; and a heat energy supply unit for supplying heat energy by the latent heat of the phase change material selected by the phase change material selection unit to a corresponding heat energy use place among a plurality of heat energy use places.