Phase change energy storage thermos patent

Are phase change materials suitable for thermal energy storage?

Phase change materials (PCMs) having a large latent heat during solid-liquid phase transition are promising for thermal energy storage applications. However, the relatively low thermal conductivity of the majority of promising PCMs (<10 W/ (m ⋅ K)) limits the power density and overall storage efficiency.

What are the design principles for improved thermal storage?

Although device designs are application dependent, general design principles for improved thermal storage do exist. First, the charging or discharging rate for thermal energy storage or release should be maximized to enhance efficiency and avoid superheat.

Can systems-level PCM thermal storage be integrated with complex heat rejection systems?

Systems-level PCM thermal storage with dynamic control and integration with complex heat rejection systems remains a promising opportunity for multidisciplinary research.

What is a PCM storing heat from a heat source?

Figure 1 B is a schematic of a PCM storing heat from a heat source and transferring heat to a heat sink. The PCM consists of a composite Field’s metal having a large volumetric latent heat (≈315 MJ/m 3) and a copper (Cu) conductor having a high thermal conductivity (≈384 W/ (m ⋅ K)), to enable both high energy density and cooling power.

How do you solve a phase change problem with a constant heat flux?

The numerical solution of the phase change problem having a constant heat flux boundary (q ″ = constant) as a function of time when the boundary superheat reaches Tw − Tm = 10 K forms the upper limit of the shaded bands.