SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF THERMAL TRANSFER AND/OR STORAGE

• US 20110120673A1
• Filed: 09/17/2010
• Published: 05/26/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bluelagoon Technologies Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Bluelagoon Technologies Ltd.
• Inventors: Xiang, XiaoDong, Zhang, Rong
• Granted Patent: US 9,612,059 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 165/104.25
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 5/063 Materials absorbing or liberating heat during crystallisation; Heat storage materials
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 5/10 Liquid materials
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 5/12 Molten materials, i.e. materials solid at room temperature, e.g. metals or salts
• CPC Class Codes: F01K 3/004 Accumulation in the liquid branch of the circuit
• CPC Class Codes: F01K 3/008 Use of steam accumulators of the Ruth type for storing steam in water; Regulating thereof Ruth accumulators per se F01K1/04
• CPC Class Codes: F24D 2103/17 Storage tanks
• CPC Class Codes: F24D 2220/10 Heat storage materials, e.g. phase change materials or static water enclosed in a space
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 7/0433 the transfer medium being water
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 15/00 Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies F28D17/00, F28D19/00, F28D20/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 15/02 in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat pipes heat pipes used in solar heat collectors F24S10/95; in radiators F28D1/0226; in nuclear reactors G21C15/257
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 20/00 Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 20/02 using latent heat
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 20/023 the latent heat storage material being enclosed in granular particles or dispersed in a porous, fibrous or cellular structure
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 20/026 with different heat storage materials not coming into direct contact
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 20/028 Control arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 2020/0021 the heat storage material being enclosed in loose or stacked elements
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 2020/0047 using molten salts or liquid metals
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 2020/006 Heat storage systems not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 2020/0082 Multiple tanks arrangements, e.g. adjacent tanks, tank in tank
• CPC Class Codes: F28F 2265/26 for allowing differential expansion between elements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/20 : Solar thermal
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/14 : Thermal energy storage

Abstract

Systems, methods, and computer-implemented embodiments consistent with the inventions herein are directed to storing and/or transferring heat. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a system for transferring/storing heat comprised of a heat exchange/storage apparatus including a chamber, and a heat input device adapted to heat/provide a vapor into the chamber. Other exemplary implementations may include one or more features consistent with a heat output device through which a working medium/fluid passes, a thermal storage medium located within the chamber, and/or a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage medium.

Claims

1. :

A system for transferring/storing heat comprising;

a heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a chamber;

a heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber;

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid;

wherein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form is recirculated out of the chamber back to the heat source or collector; and

a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces.

2. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the thermal storage medium comprises a high temperature solid-liquid phase change material.

3. :

The system of claim 2 wherein the high temperature solid-liquid phase change material is selected from the group of materials in table 2.

4. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the thermal storage medium comprises a low temperature solid-liquid phase change material.

5. :

The system of claim 4 wherein the low temperature solid-liquid phase-change material is a hydrous salt, a paraffin, or a fatty acid.

6. :

The system of claim 4 wherein the low temperature solid-liquid phase change material is selected from the group of LiNO₃*3H₂O, Na₂SO₄*10H₂O, Na₂CO₃*10H₂O, Na₂HPO₄*10H₂O, Na₂S₂0₃*5H₂O, Na(CH₃COO)*3H₂O, Na₂P₂O₄*10H₂O, 50% Na(CH₃COO)*3H₂O+50% HCONH₂, Ba(OH)2i*8H₂O, lauric acid, tetradecanoic acid, cetylic acid, and stearic acid.

7. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat transfer fluid is selected from the group of water, synthetic oil, ionic fluid, or molten salt.

8. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat transfer fluid is a high-boiling substance.

9. :

The system of claim 8 wherein the high-boiling substance is selected from the group of N-Octadecane, N-Pentadecylcyclopentane, and 1-Eicosanol.

10. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat transfer fluid is a low-boiling substance.

11. :

The system of claim 10 wherein the low-boiling substance is selected from the group of chloroform, methanol, acetyl chloride, cyclopentane, propionaldehyde, n-propyl amine, and 2,3-dimethyl-1-butene.

12. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat transfer fluid is a mid-boiling substance.

13. :

The system of claim 12 wherein the mid-boiling substance is selected from the group of consisting of O-ethylphenol, ethyl benzoate, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene n-hexylcyclopentane, 1-dodecene, and VP-1 heat transfer oil.

14. :

The system of claim 1 further comprising;

a second heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a second chamber coupled to the chamber, wherein the heat transfer fluid is transferred to the second chamber prior to being recirculated back to the heat source or collector;

a second heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the second chamber;

a second thermal storage medium located within the second chamber and having second defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the second thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid;

wherein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form in the second chamber is recirculated out of the second chamber back to the heat source or collector; and

a second heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces.

15. :

The system of claim 14 further comprising a third heat exchange/storage apparatus.

16. :

The system of claim 14 wherein the thermal storage medium comprises a first solid-liquid phase change material and the second thermal storage medium comprises a second solid-liquid phase change material.

17. :

The system of claim 16 wherein a melting point of the first solid-liquid phase change material is higher than a melting point of the second solid-liquid phase change material.

18. :

The system of claim 16 wherein a melting point of the first solid-liquid phase change material is the same as a melting point of the second solid-liquid phase change material.

21. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the working medium/fluid is water or ammonia.

24. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the thermal storage medium comprises a plurality of secondary containers each containing a solid-liquid phase change material.

26. :

The system of claim 24 wherein the plurality of secondary containers are positioned on a set of layered shelves with voids among the plurality of secondary containers.

27. :

The system of claim 26 wherein the heat exchange system further comprises a channel from a bottom of the chamber to a top of the chamber, such that the channel allows the heat transfer material to travel to the top of the plurality of secondary containers without passing through the voids when the heat transfer material is vaporized.

28. :

The system of claim 27 wherein the heat exchange system further comprises a circulation pump in fluid communication with a heat transfer fluid reservoir.

29. :

The system of claim 28 wherein the heat exchange system further comprises a liquid spread device disposed at the top of the chamber.

30. :

The system of claim 29 wherein the liquid spread device receives heat transfer fluid from the reservoir by way of the circulation pump, and the liquid spread device spreads the heat transfer fluid onto high temperature surfaces of the plurality of secondary containers, thereby vaporizing the heat transfer fluid.

31. :

The system of claim 30 wherein the vaporized heat transfer fluid transfers latent heat from the vaporized heat transfer fluid to the working material/fluid by condensation on the heat output device surface at the top of the chamber.

32. :

The system of claim 31 wherein the circulation pump is further in fluid communication with the bottom of the chamber, such that condensing heat transfer fluid drops to the bottom of the chamber and is circulated to the top of the chamber by the circulation pump.

33. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the working medium/fluid is water.

34. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat exchange medium/fluid is the same material as the heat transfer fluid.

35. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat exchange medium/fluid is the same material type as the working medium/fluid.

36. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces is a showering system that continuously supplies a liquid phase portion of the thermal storage medium to the thermal storage surfaces, and transfers heat to the working medium/fluid.

37. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat exchange system operates to deliver heat to the working medium/fluid when there is no heat transfer fluid transferring into the heat input device.

38. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat exchange/storage apparatus further comprises an inert gas pressure regulator coupled to the chamber.

39. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat exchange/storage apparatus further comprises a reservoir and a circulating pump coupled to the chamber.

40. :

The system of claim 31 wherein the temperature in the chamber is controlled using the inert gas pressure regulator in conjunction with a flow rate control that controls the reservoir, the circulating pump, and the pressure regulator to maintain a chamber vapor pressure and a chamber temperature for a target liquid phase volume for constant heat exchange.

41. :

The system of claim 1 wherein the thermal storage surfaces are made with an elastic metal shell so that when solid phase material changes to liquid phase materials, the elastic metal shell adapts to volume changes of the thermal storage medium.

143. :

The system according to any one of claims 1, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 101 wherein the thermal storage medium includes one or more of a sensible solid material, sensible liquid material in containers, and/or solid-to-liquid PCMs in containers.

19-20. -20. (canceled)

22-23. -23. (canceled)

25. :

(canceled)

43. :

A system for transferring heat comprising;

a heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a chamber;

a heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the chamber; and

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts output device surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the output device surfaces via phase change from vapor to liquid.

42. :

The system of claim 43 wherein the thermal storage surfaces comprise grooves on the elastic metal shell that further accommodate volume changes.

44. :

A system for transferring heat comprising;

a heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a chamber;

a heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts output device surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the output device surfaces via phase change from vapor to liquid; and

a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces.

45. :

A system for transferring heat comprising;

a heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a chamber;

a heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts output device surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the output device surfaces via phase change from vapor to liquid; and

wherein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form is recirculated out of the chamber.

46. :

A system for transferring/storing heat comprising;

a heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber; and

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid.

47. :

A method of transferring/storing heat said method comprising;

providing a heat exchange/storage apparatus comprising;

a chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber; and

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid.

48. :

A method of transferring/storing heat comprising;

providing a heat exchange/storage apparatus comprising;

a chamber;

a heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber; and

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid;

wherein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form is recirculated out of the chamber back to the heat source or collector.

49. :

A method of transferring/storing heat comprising;

providing a heat exchange/storage apparatus comprising;

a chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber;

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid; and

wherein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form is recirculated out of the chamber.

50. :

A method of transferring/storing heat comprising;

providing a heat exchange/storage apparatus comprising;

a chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber;

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

herein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid;

herein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form is recirculated out of the chamber; and

a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces.

51. :

A method of transferring/storing heat comprising;

providing a heat exchange/storage apparatus comprising;

a chamber;

a heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber;

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid;

wherein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form is recirculated out of the chamber back to the heat source or collector; and

a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces.

64. :

The method of claim 51 wherein said apparatus further comprises;

a second heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a second chamber coupled to the chamber, wherein the heat transfer fluid is transferred to the second chamber prior to being recirculated back to the heat source or collector;

a second heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the second chamber;

a second thermal storage medium located within the second chamber and having second defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the second thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid;

wherein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form in the second chamber is recirculated out of the second chamber back to the heat source or collector; and

a second heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces.

69. :

The method of claim 64 wherein the heat transfer fluid is VP-1, wherein the VP-1 material is heated to about 400 degrees Celsius by the heat source or collector, and the chamber is maintained at a temperature of about 380 degrees Celsius.

70. :

The method of claim 69 wherein the second chamber is maintained at a temperature of about 280 degrees Celsius.

95. :

The method of claim 51 further comprising;

adapting the heat exchange container and/or controlling the temperature/pressure of the chamber to cause the vapor phase material to condense instantly and thereby transfer its latest heat to the thermal storage material;

arranging the second surfaces and/or controlling the temperature/pressure of the chamber to control transfer of heat from the thermal storage material to the second surfaces via the L-G phase change material; and

providing thermal heat storage and/or exchange among the heat transfer fluid, the thermal storage material and the working fluid via evaporation-condensation of the L-G phase change material on the first surfaces, the second surfaces and the third surfaces.

52-63. -63. (canceled)

65-68. -68. (canceled)

71-94. -94. (canceled)

96-100. -100. (canceled)

101. :

A system for transferring/storing heat comprising;

a heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a chamber;

a heat output device, through which a working medium/fluid passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the chamber;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector, the heat input device having heat input device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the chamber, wherein the heat input device surfaces are immersed within a heat exchange medium that transforms to vapor form;

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the heat exchange medium contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid to further in contact with heat input device surface to continue a heat exchange cycle; and

a heat exchange medium circulation/reservoir system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces.

136. :

The system of claim 101 wherein the heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium to the thermal storage surfaces is a showering system that continuously supplies a liquid phase portion of the thermal storage medium to the thermal storage surfaces, and transfers heat to the working medium/fluid.

137. :

The system of claim 101 wherein the heat exchange system operates to deliver heat to the working medium/fluid when there is no heat transfer fluid transferring into the heat input device.

138. :

The system of claim 101 wherein the heat exchange/storage apparatus further comprises an inert gas pressure regulator coupled to the chamber.

139. :

The system of claim 101 wherein the heat exchange/storage apparatus further comprises a reservoir and a circulating pump coupled to the chamber.

102-135. -135. (canceled)

141-142. -142. (canceled)

144. :

A system for transferring/storing heat comprising;

a heat exchange/storage apparatus including;

a chamber having internal surfaces and external surfaces;

a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a nozzle/throttle/valve into the chamber;

a thermal storage medium located within the chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces;

wherein the vapor form of the HTF contacts the thermal storage surfaces and condenses thereon, delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid;

wherein the heat transfer fluid that is condensed into liquid form is recirculated out of the chamber back to the heat source or collector; and

a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage surfaces, discharging stored heat from the thermal storage medium to chamber surfaces.