JP2013518243A - Thermal energy storage - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention is directed to articles and devices for thermal energy storage, and processes for storing energy using these articles and devices. The article comprises a capsule structure 10 having one or more enclosed spaces 14, wherein the enclosed space encloses one or more thermal energy storage materials 26, wherein the capsule structure passes through one or more fluid passages. When the heat transfer fluid contacts the capsule structure 10, the thermal energy storage material 26 is separated from the heat transfer fluid. The apparatus comprises two or more articles arranged such that a fluid, such as a heat transfer fluid, can flow through the fluid passage 16 of the article before or after flowing through the space between the two articles.

Description

  This application claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 61 / 299,565, filed Jan. 29, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates to thermal energy storage bodies that use thermal energy storage materials and packaging of thermal energy storage materials that enable efficient heat storage and efficient heat transfer.

  In general, the industry is actively looking for new ways to efficiently capture and store waste heat that can be used more timely. Furthermore, the desire to achieve energy storage in a compact space demands the development of new materials that can store high amounts of energy per unit weight and unit volume. Areas where breakthrough technology may be applied include transportation, solar energy, industrial production processes, and heating of public and / or commercial buildings.

  With respect to the transportation industry, it is well known that the operation of internal combustion engines is inefficient. This inefficiency can be caused by heat loss due to exhaust from the system, cooling, radiant heat, and mechanical losses. It is estimated that more than 30% of the fuel energy supplied to the internal combustion engine is discharged to the surroundings and lost by the exhaust of the engine.

  It is well known that during a “cold start”, an internal combustion engine operates at near low efficiency, producing more exhaust, or both. This is because combustion occurs at sub-optimal temperatures and the low temperature lubricating oil becomes highly viscous, causing the internal combustion engine to require extra operation against friction. This problem is even more important for hybrid vehicles. This is because in a hybrid vehicle, the internal combustion engine operates intermittently, so that the cold start state is extended and / or a plurality of cold start states occur in a single period during which the vehicle is operated. To help solve this problem, manufacturers are looking for ways to efficiently store and release waste heat. The basic idea is that waste heat is recovered and stored during normal vehicle operation, and then this heat is controlled and released to reduce or minimize the duration and frequency of cold start conditions and ultimately To improve internal combustion engine efficiency, reduce emissions, or both.

  In order to be a practical solution, the energy density and thermal power density requirements for the thermal energy storage system are very high. The applicant has previously described 1) U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 389,416, filed February 20, 2009, "Thermal Energy Storage Materials", 2) U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / filed on Feb. 20, 2009, No. 389,598 “Heat Storage Devices”, 3) PCT Application No. PCT / US09 / 67823 filed Dec. 14, 2009, “Heat Transfer Systems Utilizing Thermal Energy Storage Materials”. These prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.

  The prior art includes known heat storage devices and exhaust heat recovery devices. However, in order to provide long-term (for example, more than about 6 hours) heat storage capacity, these devices occupy a large volume as a whole, require pumping of a large amount of heat transfer fluid, and overcome the hydraulic resistance Requires a large pump. Accordingly, there is a need for a heat storage system that can combine unprecedented combinations of high energy density, high power density, long incubation time, light weight, low hydraulic resistance to heat transfer fluid flow, or combinations thereof.

  One embodiment of the present invention is an article including a capsule structure having one or more sealed spaces, in which the sealed space encloses one or more thermal energy storage materials, and the capsule structure includes one or more heat transfer fluids. An article having one or more fluid passages large enough to flow through the plurality of fluid passages, wherein the thermal energy storage material is separated from the heat transfer fluid when the heat transfer fluid contacts the capsule structure .

  Another aspect of the invention comprises a container and a plurality of articles, such as the plurality of articles described herein, having a fluid passage and including a thermal energy storage material, wherein the fluid passage is axially aligned. In this way, a plurality of articles are stacked.

  A process associated with aspects of the present invention is a method for removing heat from a heat storage device, such as the devices described herein, comprising flowing a heat transfer fluid through the device. Preferably, the process allows an initial temperature heat transfer fluid to flow through the inlet of the device and allows the heat transfer fluid to be divided into a plurality of radial flow paths by flowing the heat transfer fluid through the axial flow path. Allowing the heat transfer fluid to flow through the radial flow path so that heat can be removed from the thermal energy storage material having a temperature higher than the initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid; and Allowing a plurality of radial flow paths to be recombined by flowing through the flow paths and flowing a heat transfer fluid having an outlet temperature higher than the initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid through the outlet of the device. Is the method.

  Another process related to an aspect of the present invention is a method for processing or assembling an article, the step of cutting an opening in a base sheet, and the step of embossing the base sheet to have one or more troughs. Filling the thermal energy storage material into one or more troughs, cutting an opening in the cover sheet, and contacting the cover sheet to the base sheet along at least the outer periphery and the opening periphery to include the thermal energy storage material Forming an article having one or more enclosed spaces.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising a heat storage device, such as the heat storage device described herein, and a heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat transfer fluid is an enclosed space (eg, heat storage). It is a system that transfers heat with the thermal energy storage material in the enclosed space of the articles in the device.

  Advantageously, the articles, devices, systems and processes of the present invention can include a high concentration of thermal energy storage material (eg, have a high energy density) so that large amounts of thermal energy can be stored, Increase the surface area between the heat transfer fluid and the article containing the thermal energy storage material (eg, high power density, preferably, so that heat can be transferred quickly to and / or from the energy storage material) And can have multiple flow paths with similar or identical hydraulic resistances so that heat is evenly transferred to and / or from different areas. Applications that are rotationally symmetric for easy placement, have a strong and durable structure, and require a compact design, lightweight components, or both Low hydraulic resistance for heat transfer fluid flow (eg, pumping speed of heat transfer fluid, so as to have high heat storage density and reduce pumping requirements for heat transfer fluid A pressure drop of less than about 1.5 kPa at about 10 liters / minute), or a combination thereof.

  The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings described, by way of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views.

1 is an illustration of an example article having one or more sealed compartments and fluid passages. FIG. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary article with multiple segments, wherein the segments are arranged such that each segment has one or more sealed compartments and the article has a fluid passage. FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary article having a sealed compartment and a fluid passage. FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary cover sheet having fluid passages that can be used with the article. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary article, such as the article shown in FIG. 2A. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embossed base sheet that can be used in an article. FIG. 2 is a side view of two exemplary adjacent segments that can be used in an article, where the segments can have edges that fit together. FIG. 2 is a side view of two exemplary adjacent segments that can be used in an article, where the segments can have edges that fit together. FIG. 5 is a side view of adjacent segments that fit along an edge when one of the segments moves such that adjacent segment bottoms of the segments are in different parallel planes. FIG. 3 is an exemplary embossed base sheet having a plurality of troughs that can be used in an article having a plurality of sealed compartments containing a thermal energy storage material. FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exemplary portion of the embossed sheet of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary overlap of articles having corresponding fluid passages. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary article having one or more surfaces that include a plurality of grooves extending from an opening to an outer periphery. FIG. It is a figure which shows the interface between these surfaces when the bottom face of a 1st article | item and the upper surface of a 2nd article | item each have a some curved groove. 2 is a diagram of two segments of an exemplary article. FIG. FIG. 6D is a side view of the segment overlap of FIG. 6C. FIG. 6 is a top view of an exemplary article with a top surface that is non-circular and / or has a non-circular opening. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heat storage device including an overlap of articles in a container. FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of an exemplary heat storage device including an overlap of articles in a container. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary features of a thermal energy storage system. FIG.

  In the following detailed description, specific embodiments of the invention are described in connection with the preferred embodiments. However, the following description merely provides a brief description of exemplary embodiments, as long as they are specific to a particular embodiment or particular use of the technology. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below, but the invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

  As can be appreciated from the teachings herein, the present invention provides articles, devices, systems, and processes for storing thermal energy and / or transferring the stored thermal energy to a fluid. For example, the articles and apparatus for storing thermal energy of the present invention are more efficient when storing thermal energy, can more uniformly transfer thermal energy, and reduce the pressure drop of the heat transfer fluid. Heat energy can be transferred, or a combination thereof is achieved.

  Various aspects of the present invention include a capsule structure having one or more enclosed spaces (i.e., capsules) and a capsule structure that prevents thermal energy storage material from flowing out of or out of the capsule structure. An article comprising one or more thermal energy storage materials enclosed in one or more enclosed spaces. The novel shape possessed by the capsule structure comprises one or more fluid passages that are sufficiently sized so that the capsule structure allows fluid (eg, heat transfer fluid) to flow through the fluid passages. When the thermal energy storage material is sufficiently enclosed in one or more of the enclosed spaces such that the heat transfer fluid contacts the capsule structure, the thermal energy storage material is separated from the fluid. Other aspects of the present invention use a novel configuration with a plurality of articles, a novel apparatus with one or more of the articles, a novel process for manufacturing the articles, and one or more of the articles. Including new processes. By using the new article, a large amount of thermal energy can be stored, the thermal energy can be transferred rapidly to or from the thermal energy storage material, can be compact, Devices can be assembled that can be lightweight, reduce the pressure drop of the heat transfer fluid, or achieve a combination of these.

(Capsule structure)
The capsule structure as a whole has a unidirectional (ie, thickness) dimension that is smaller than a multidirectional dimension. The capsule structure preferably has one or more openings (ie, fluid passages) in a smaller direction of the capsule structure.

(Opening / fluid passage)
The capsule structure has one or more fluid passages. Preferably, the capsule structure has one fluid passage. One or more fluid passages allow a fluid, such as a heat transfer fluid, to flow through the article without contacting the thermal energy storage material. The fluid passage (eg, the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage) is preferably large enough that heat transfer fluid can flow through the fluid passage with minimal pressure loss. The fluid passage is preferably near or includes the geometric center of the capsule structure. As described below, the article can be used in an apparatus generally characterized as a Tisshelman system by a fluid passageway that is near or includes the geometric center of the capsule.

  The fluid passage may be any cross-sectional shape that facilitates passage of fluid through the capsule structure. Without limitation, the fluid passage can have an axial direction and the cross section of the fluid passage having a plane perpendicular to the axial direction can be generally circular, generally polygonal, or generally elliptical. it can. Preferably, the fluid passage is generally cylindrical. For example, the fluid passage may have an axial direction, and the cross section of the fluid passage having a plane perpendicular to the axial direction may be generally circular.

  The length of the fluid passage may be any length that allows for efficient heat transfer, and is preferably the thickness of the capsule structure. The size of the fluid passage is twice the size of the diameter of the fluid passage (eg for a generally cylindrical fluid passage) or the shortest distance from the center of the opening to the face of the capsule structure. The size of the fluid passage is preferably greater than about 0.1 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.5 mm, even more preferably greater than about 1 mm, and most preferably greater than about 2 mm so that fluid can flow through the opening. It is. The size of the fluid passage can be small enough so that the fluid passage does not occupy a large amount of space (e.g., can be occupied by thermal energy storage material). Preferably, the fluid passage is sized less than about 20 mm. For example, the fluid passage may be a generally circular cross section, preferably having a radius of less than about 10 mm.

  The capsule structure with one or more enclosed spaces and fluid passages may be formed from a single piece having a fluid passage as indicated by reference numeral 16 in the article 10 in FIG. 1A, or as shown in FIG. 1B. It should be understood that a plurality of segments 2 having the same shape as the whole of the capsule structure 10 ′ and the like may be assembled and / or arranged. In this way, a capsule layer comprising one or more enclosed spaces can be provided by a single segment or a plurality of segments 2. The capsule structure is advantageously provided by a plurality of segments so as to reduce or eliminate stress on the structure (such as hoop stress). The capsule structure is advantageously provided by a plurality of segments so that the loss of thermal energy storage material is reduced due to failure of the enclosed space (eg leakage or puncture). When the capsule structure is formed from a plurality of segments, the number of segments can be 2 or more, 3 or more, about 4 or more, or about 6 or more. The number of segments is preferably about 100 or less, more preferably about 30 or less, and most preferably about 10 or less. When the capsule structure is large (eg, greater than about 500 mm in one or more directions), or when it is desirable to partition the thermal energy storage material of the capsule structure into 100 or more enclosed spaces, use more than 100 segments. Please understand that you may. A segment of a capsule structure, such as segment 2 of capsule structure 10 shown in FIG. 1B, can have a top surface and a bottom surface that form part of the top surface 4 and bottom surface 6 of the capsule structure. A segment of a capsule structure, such as segment 2 of capsule structure 10 shown in FIG. 1B, can have an edge surface that becomes part of the outer edge surface 8 of the capsule structure. A segment of a capsule structure, such as segment 2 of capsule structure 10 shown in FIG. 1B, can have an edge surface that forms part of the opening of the capsule structure. A segment of a capsule structure, such as segment 2 of capsule structure 10 shown in FIG. 1B, can have one or more edges (eg, two edges) that each mate with the edges of adjacent segments.

  Two or more segments of the capsule structure (eg, two segments sharing a common edge), or all segments can contain the same thermal energy storage material, or two or more different thermal energy storage materials Can be included. Preferably, the segment of the capsule structure comprises a plurality of segments comprising the same thermal energy storage material. More preferably, all segments of the capsule structure contain the same thermal energy storage material.

  A pair of adjacent segments can have the same shape, volume, or both, or can have different shapes, volumes, or both. Preferably, the capsule structure comprises adjacent segments having the same volume as a whole. Preferably, the capsule structure comprises adjacent segments having the same thickness as a whole. More preferably, the capsule structure comprises adjacent segments having the same shape and size as a whole. Most preferably, the capsule structure comprises, consists essentially of or consists of adjacent segments having the same shape, size and volume.

  When the capsule structure comprises more than one segment, it may be necessary to position the segments so that fluid flow between the edges of adjacent segments is reduced, minimized or eliminated. When adjacent segments are separated by a gap, fluid (eg, heat transfer fluid) flows radially between the capsule structure opening and outer periphery to reduce heat transfer along the top and bottom surfaces of the capsule structure. Please understand that you can. In various embodiments of the present invention, adjacent segments of the capsule structure are formed with mating edges so that heat transfer fluid flow between adjacent segments is reduced, minimized, or eliminated, And / or can be arranged. Preferably, adjacent segments have edges that fit together.

  The capsule structure and / or shape of the article is defined by the packaging space and can be irregularly formed. The article can comprise a cover sheet having a top surface (ie, a cover sheet) and a generally opposing base sheet having a bottom surface. The cover sheet (eg, the top surface of the cover sheet), the base sheet (eg, the bottom surface of the base sheet), or both are generally flat (eg, have a flat surface as a whole), generally arcuate, or a combination thereof Can have (or can be) moieties. Preferably, the base sheet and / or the bottom surface of the base sheet has an arcuate portion as a whole or is arcuate as a whole, and the upper surface of the article is generally flat (for example, the cover sheet is generally flat).

  Each of the cover sheet and the base sheet includes one or a plurality of openings. The cover sheet and the base sheet are arranged such that at least one opening of the cover sheet overlaps with at least one opening of the base sheet. Thus, the cover sheet and the base sheet are provided with one or more corresponding openings. The cover sheet has an outer periphery in a region farthest from the center of the cover sheet. The cover sheet comprises one or more perimeters of openings in the area of the cover sheet near (preferably near the center) of the cover sheet. The base sheet includes an outer periphery of a region far from the center of the base sheet and an opening periphery near the opening of the base sheet (preferably near the center). The cover sheet and the base sheet are in close contact with each other or one or more other optional substructures (such as outer rings) along each outer periphery of the sheet and one or more seals therebetween A space can be formed. The cover sheet and the base sheet are in close contact with each other or one or more other optional substructures (such as an inner ring) along each perimeter of the opening of the sheet, with one or more therebetween A sealed space can be formed. Preferably, the cover sheet and the base sheet are brought into close contact with each other along each circumference, along at least one of each corresponding opening circumference, or both. Most preferably, the cover sheet and the base sheet are brought into close contact with each other along both the outer periphery and at least one of each corresponding opening periphery. The cover sheet and the base sheet are adhered to each other or to one or more other optional substructures along one or more additional regions (other than their periphery) to form a plurality of sealed spaces. Please understand that.

  The capsule structure can optionally comprise one or more substructures in which the cover sheet forms one or more enclosed spaces when in close contact with the base sheet. One or more substructures can be used to form one or more walls that separate one or more enclosed spaces from the heat transfer fluid. For example, the capsule structure can comprise an outer ring that provides a wall that separates one or more enclosed spaces from the heat transfer fluid along one or more sides of the capsule structure. As another example, the capsule structure can comprise an inner ring that provides a wall that separates one or more enclosed spaces along at least a portion of a fluid passage through the capsule structure. When an inner ring is used, the inner ring can have a shape that can be adhered to the opening periphery of the base sheet, the opening periphery of the cover sheet, and preferably both. Preferably, the inner cross section of the inner ring has a size and shape similar to the opening in the cover sheet, base sheet, or both. When an outer ring is used, the outer ring can have a shape that can adhere to the outer periphery of the base sheet, the outer periphery of the cover sheet, and preferably both. Preferably, the outer cross-section of the ring can have the same size and shape as the outer periphery of the cover sheet, the base sheet, or both. One or more substructures can be used to form one or more walls that separate or fluidly separate two or more enclosed spaces. For example, the one or more substructures can comprise one or more generally radial walls, one or more generally cylindrical walls, and the like. As another example, one or more substructures are described in paragraph 0084 of US Patent Application Publication No. 2009-0250189 by Bank et al., Published Oct. 8, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. Or other open cell structures as described in. The wall thickness of one or more substructures (eg, inner ring, outer ring, or open cell structure) is sufficiently thick to include thermal energy storage material, support the structure, or both. Should. The wall thickness of the one or more substructures is preferably greater than about 1 μm, more preferably greater than about 10 μm. The wall thickness of the one or more substructures (eg, inner ring, outer ring, or open cell structure) is sufficient to allow a majority of the volume and / or weight of the article to be a thermal energy storage material. Should be thin. The wall thickness of the one or more substructures is preferably less than about 5 mm, more preferably less than about 1 mm, and most preferably less than about 0.2 mm.

  The thickness of the capsule structure is defined by the average separation between the top surface of the article (eg, the top surface of the cover sheet) and the bottom surface of the article (eg, the bottom surface of the base sheet). The article can have a shape that can provide heat rapidly from the fluid to the thermal energy storage material and / or can quickly remove heat from the thermal energy storage material to the fluid. For example, the article can be relatively thin (eg, compared to the length or diameter of the article). Preferably, the thickness of the article is less than about 80 mm, more preferably less than about 20 mm, even more preferably less than about 10 mm, and most preferably less than about 5 mm. The thickness of the article is preferably greater than about 0.5 mm, more preferably greater than about 1 mm.

  The longest dimension of an article (eg, the length or diameter of the article) is usually large for the article to contain a large volume (eg, contains a large amount of thermal energy storage material), and a large surface area (eg, to rapidly transfer heat energy). ) Much larger than the thickness of the article so that it can have both. The longest dimension of the article is preferably greater than about 30 mm, more preferably greater than about 50 mm, and most preferably greater than about 100 mm. The longest dimension is defined by the use and can be of a length that meets the needs of heat storage, heat transfer, or both during a particular use. The longest dimension of the article is typically less than about 2 m (ie, 2000 mm), but articles having a longest dimension greater than about 2 m can also be used.

  The article can have one or more sides. For example, the article can have one or more sides that are non-planar. The article can have a single side that is generally arcuate, generally non-planar, generally continuous, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the one or more sides are generally equidistant from the center of the article and the article is placed in a container having a generally cylindrical cavity having a cavity diameter slightly larger than the average diameter of the article. Can be done. When the ratio of the article cavity diameter to the average diameter is small, a large volume of the cavity is occupied by the article. For example, the ratio of the cavity diameter to the average diameter of the article is less than about 1.8, preferably less than about 1.2, more preferably less than about 1.1, and most preferably less than about 1.05. It should be understood that the ratio of the article cavity diameter to the average diameter is typically at least about 1.0 (eg, at least about 1.001).

  Most of the volume of the capsule structure is an enclosed volume (ie, the volume of one or more enclosed spaces) so that the article can contain a relatively large amount of thermal energy storage material. The total volume of the one or more enclosed spaces of the article is preferably at least about 50 volume%, more preferably at least about 80 volume%, even more preferably at least about 85 volume%, most preferably, based on the total volume of the article. Is 90% by volume. The total volume of the enclosed space or spaces of the article is typically less than about 99.9% by volume, based on the total volume of the article. The remaining volume not occupied by the thermal energy storage material is a capsule structure, a hollow space (eg, containing one or more gases), 1 to improve heat transfer between the thermal energy storage material and the capsule structure. Or it may comprise or consist almost entirely of a plurality of structures, or combinations thereof. The structure for improving the heat transfer between the thermal energy storage material and the capsule structure can have a relatively high thermal conductivity (eg, thermal energy) that can increase the heat flow from the thermal energy storage material to the heat transfer fluid. A structure formed from a material having (with respect to the storage material). Suitable structures for increasing the heat flow include fins, wire mesh, and protrusions that project into the sealed space.

  The article is preferably easily stacked with other identically shaped articles or other articles having generally mating surfaces. For example, two items to be stacked have opposing surfaces that are mating surfaces as a whole and are nested when stacked. One way to stack the articles so that the articles are easily nested is to select a shape with a high degree of rotational symmetry (eg, arcuate surface shape, enclosed space shape, or both). Please understand that. The rotational symmetry can be centered on an axis in the stacking direction (eg, an axis through the fluid passage of the capsule structure). The rotationally symmetric order usually represents a well-defined number of rotations between the two faces that are stacked and nested. The rotational symmetry order of the article, the base sheet (eg, the arcuate surface of the base sheet), or both, is preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 5, and most preferably at least 7. .

  In one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, adjacent layers (eg, adjacent capsule structures) are not nested. For example, the top surface of the first layer (eg, of the first capsule structure) can contact the bottom surface of the second layer (eg, of the second capsule structure). The contacting top surface, bottom surface, or both are one or more radial grooves or radial depressions (ie, having a radial component (ie, the orientation of at least a portion of the grooves or depressions is radial) And preferably a groove or recess extending from the central opening of the capsule structure to the outer periphery, which allows heat transfer fluid to flow between the two surfaces. For example, the cover sheet of the first layer and the base sheet of the second layer can have straight grooves or depressions extending straight from the opening to the outer periphery. In addition to having a radial component, the groove or depression may have a tangential component (ie, the orientation of at least a portion of the groove or depression includes a tangential protrusion). For example, the groove or recess can have a spiral shape that includes both a radial component and a tangential component. The two sheets in contact can have different (eg, different directions and / or different sizes) or the same tangential component. The tangential components of adjacent sheets can be arranged such that fluid flowing between adjacent sheets is at least partially mixed. Advantageously, one sheet can have grooves or depressions with a clockwise tangential component, and adjacent sheets can have grooves or depressions with a counterclockwise tangential component, and the grooves intersect. Sometimes (eg, when two flows of fluid flowing through two adjacent capsule structure grooves are in direct contact with less than all channels) the fluid flowing between the two layers is at least partially To mix. FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a capsule structure 10 having a plurality of radial grooves 15 extending between the opening 16 of the structure and the outer periphery 19 of the structure. Referring to FIG. 6A, the groove 15 can be curved so as to have the following characteristics: curve, tangential component, grooves can be evenly spaced, adjacent grooves have the same length The grooves may have a spiral shape, adjacent grooves may provide a flow path having the same hydraulic resistance, or a combination thereof it can. FIG. 6B is a schematic view showing contact between a part of the base sheet 30 having the first capsule structure and a part of the cover sheet 28 having the second capsule structure. The two contact surfaces may have different shapes as a whole or the same overall shape as shown in FIG. 6B. As shown in FIG. 6B, the groove of the contact surface can have one or more intersections. As shown in FIG. 6B, the groove of the first contact surface can have a tangential portion, and the groove of the second contact surface can have a tangential portion in a direction opposite to the first contact surface. . When grooves or depressions are used to provide a flow path, the number of grooves or depressions that one or more surfaces have may be any number. Preferably, the number of grooves or depressions in the capsule structure is sufficiently large and well distributed to divide the heat transfer fluid flowing between the two layers (e.g., between the two faces) into a plurality of channels, Heat can be removed efficiently. Adjacent channels may be the same or different. Preferably, two or more channels (eg, all channels) have the same length as a whole, the same hydraulic resistance as a whole, or both.

  A capsule structure, such as the capsule structure shown in FIG. 6A, can preferably have an opening 16 at or near the geometric center of the capsule structure. The capsule structure includes one or more sealed spaces. The capsule structure can comprise a single enclosed space as shown in FIG. 6A. The capsule structure is generally thin and may comprise a top surface 18, a bottom surface 20, a surface 22 near the outer periphery 19, and an edge surface 24 near the opening. The capsule structure comprises one or more features on the top surface, the bottom surface, or both that provide a flow path for fluid to flow at least radially (eg, when multiple capsule structures are stacked). Such a mechanism preferably extends from the opening periphery 21 of the capsule structure to the outer periphery 19 of the capsule structure. Such a mechanism can provide a generally arcuate, generally linear flow direction, or have a linear region and a linear region. As shown in FIG. 6A, the flow path can be provided by one or more depressions or grooves extending from the center periphery to the outer periphery. Grooves or depressions on the top or bottom surface of the capsule structure are distributed over the entire surface so that each flow path as a whole can have the same hydraulic resistance (when multiple capsule structures are stacked). Yes. As shown in FIG. 6A, the groove or depression can have a curvature such that the flow path has a tangential component in addition to the radial component. Such curvature may be advantageous in that adjacent capsule structures are not nested when identical capsule structures are stacked. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the capsule structure as a whole can be created by joining a cover sheet and a base sheet having the same shape and both having a plurality of curved grooves. When joined, the curved grooves on the top and bottom surfaces bend in opposite directions (as viewed from the top). As shown in FIG. 6A, the cover sheet and the base sheet can be sealed along the circumference of the opening and the outer periphery to form a sealed space.

  FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram showing two adjacent segments 2 forming part of the capsule structure. As shown in FIG. 6C, each segment can comprise two sheets that are in close contact along the periphery of the segment. The contact position can be on the edge surface 9. As shown in FIG. 6C, each segment can comprise one or more enclosed spaces. Individual segments may not have openings, but the segments may be arranged along the edges to form a capsule structure with openings. As shown in FIG. 6D, when one segment translates with respect to an adjacent segment by a fraction of the thickness (eg, half the thickness), the edge 9 of the adjacent segment can be mated. .

  The top surface of the capsule structure can be generally circular in shape, such as the top surface shown in FIGS. 1A and 6A. Other shapes of the top surface of the capsule structure are possible and may be desirable. For example, the capsule structure can be used in a heat storage device that needs to be installed in a narrow space such as under a vehicle hood or under the floor. Cylindrical shapes are advantageous for reducing surface area, but other more elongated or box-shaped shapes may be advantageous for mounting in usable spaces. It should be understood that in accordance with the teachings herein, it may be advantageous to use a non-circular shape instead of a circular surface for the entire capsule structure. Thus, the capsule structure can comprise a top surface and / or a bottom surface having a generally oval shape, a generally rectangular shape, a generally square shape, a generally deformed shape, or a combination thereof. For example, the top and / or bottom of the capillary structure can have a rounded rectangle as a whole. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating exemplary features of a capsule structure surface. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer shape around the top and bottom surfaces of the capsule structure can be an elongated shape. For example, the top and bottom (peripheral) outlines can have a generally rectangular shape, a generally square shape, or a generally oval shape. It should be understood that the outer shape of the top opening may be any shape. The outer shape of the top opening and the outer shape of the outer periphery of the upper surface can be similar (but different in size), and can be different shapes (such as a circular opening and a non-circular outer periphery as a whole). As shown in FIG. 7, the outer shape of the opening and the outer shape of the outer periphery can have the same shape such as an ellipse as a whole.

  The article preferably has a capsule structure that is difficult to bend. For example, the capsule structure may not have a cross section where the cover sheet and the base sheet contact most or all of the length of the cross section (such as the diameter of the capsule structure). There are various methods that can be used to ensure that the capsule structure is less likely to bend, such as selecting the capsule placement so that the rotational symmetry order is not even, and choosing the capsule placement so that it is not rotationally symmetric. A method of selecting an arrangement of capsules with two or more rings of capsules (such as concentric rings), or a combination thereof, wherein all radial portions rotate relative to each other to provide at least one enclosed space, or included. It should be understood that other shapes and other means may be used to make a capsule article that is difficult to bend. For example, the material for the capsule structure can be selected to be rigid as a whole, and the structure can comprise one or more ribs (eg, tangential).

  All thermal energy storage materials of the article may be in a single enclosed space. Preferably, the thermal energy storage material of the article is divided into a plurality of sealed spaces so that only a part of the thermal energy storage material can be removed when a puncture or leakage of the sealed space occurs. Thus, the number of enclosed spaces (eg, enclosed spaces containing thermal energy storage material) within the article is preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 3, and even more preferably at least about 5. The upper limit on the number of enclosed spaces is practical, and for specific applications, it is defined by the need for the application. Nevertheless, the number of enclosed spaces in the article is typically less than 1000. However, it should be understood that very large articles can have 1000 or more enclosed spaces. For the same reason, the volume fraction of thermal energy storage material found in a single enclosed compartment is preferably less than about 55%, more preferably less than about 38%, based on the total volume of thermal energy storage material in the article. More preferably less than about 29%, most preferably less than about 21%. Typically, the enclosed space contains at least 0.1% by volume of the thermal energy storage material in the article. However, it should be understood that the article may comprise one or more enclosed spaces with little or no thermal energy storage material.

  The enclosed space is optionally arranged in a plurality of concentric rings including an innermost ring (eg, the ring closest to the opening circumference) and an outermost ring (eg, the ring closest to the outer circumference), each ring being One or more enclosed spaces can be provided. The sealed space within one ring can have a repeating pattern as a whole. For example, each sealed space in the ring or each group of 2, 3, 4 or more sealed spaces may have the same shape and size as a whole. The number of sealed spaces in each ring may be the same or different. Preferably, the outermost ring has a sealed space than the innermost ring, and the average length of the outermost ring sealed space is shorter than the average length of the innermost ring sealed space (here The average length is measured in the radial direction from the opening to the perimeter), or both, and the volume change between the enclosed space of the outermost ring and the enclosed space of the innermost ring is reduced It is supposed to be.

  As will be described later, the article can be placed in a container having a generally cylindrical cavity, such as a cavity slightly larger than the longest dimension of the article. For example, the diameter of the cavity of the container can be slightly larger than the diameter of the capsule structure of the article. The diameter of the cavity should be large enough to allow the article to be inserted into the cavity. It may be desirable for fluid to be able to flow between the outer periphery of the article and the inner wall of the container when the article (or an overlap of the articles) is placed in the container. This can be achieved by designing the relationship between the interior of the container and the shape of the article so as to form and maintain a fluid flow path. Any means for forming a fluid flow path or the like may be used. Thus, the article optionally has one or more indentations along its periphery (eg, the cover sheet and the base sheet have one or more corresponding indentations along each circumference). A space can be formed to flow the heat transfer fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the container cavity may have a surface with one or more grooves for flowing fluid between the outer periphery of the article and the surface of the container. As another example, the diameter of the article is sufficiently small relative to the diameter inside the cavity to allow fluid to flow along the entire circumference of the article. For example, for each enclosed space in the outermost ring of the enclosed space, the article can have one or more recesses, or the container can have one or more grooves. The recess or groove may have any shape such as a polygonal shape, an arc shape, or a wedge shape as long as it has a size sufficient for flowing the heat transfer fluid. When using the smallest dimension of the recess and / or groove, this dimension is typically at least about 0.1 mm. It should be understood that two or more means for forming the fluid flow path may be used in combination. For example, the article can have one or more indentations along its circumference, and the article has a sufficiently small diameter so that fluid can flow along the entire circumference when placed in the cavity. Can have.

  The base sheet optionally has one or more protrusions, and the two articles are only partially nested when the article is overlaid with another article having a surface that generally fits into the base sheet. It is supposed to become. Thus, the one or more protrusions function as a spacer that separates the mating surfaces as a whole, allowing fluid (eg, heat transfer fluid) to flow between the mating surfaces. The stacking of the article and other separating means will be described later. When using protrusions, the protrusions preferably cover only a small portion of the surface of the base sheet so that the one or more protrusions do not substantially impede fluid flow. The height of the protrusion can be selected to define the height of the channel between the two mating faces as a whole (eg, the average height). The cover sheet is preferably free of such protrusions and has a generally flat outer surface so that the two articles can be placed with the cover sheet generally contacting the entire upper surface.

(Thermal energy storage material)
Without limitation, suitable thermal energy storage materials for heat storage devices include materials that can exhibit a relatively high density of thermal energy as sensible heat, latent heat, or preferably both. The thermal energy storage material is preferably compatible with the operating temperature range of the thermal storage device. For example, the thermal energy storage material is preferably solid at the low operating temperature of the heat storage device and is at least partially liquid (eg, completely liquid) at the maximum operating temperature of the heat storage device, and the maximum operation of the device. There is no significant degradation or decomposition at temperature, or a combination thereof. The thermal energy storage material preferably does not degrade or degrade significantly when heated to the maximum operating temperature of the device for about 1,000 hours or more, even about 10,000 hours or more.

  The thermal energy storage material can be a phase change material having a solid-liquid transition temperature. The solid-liquid transition temperature of the thermal energy storage material can be a liquidus temperature, a melting temperature, or a eutectic temperature. The solid-liquid transition temperature is such that when the thermal energy storage material is at least partially or almost completely in a liquid state, sufficient energy is stored to heat the object or objects to be heated to the desired temperature. Should be high enough. The solid-liquid transition temperature should be sufficiently low so that the heat transfer fluid, the object or objects to be heated, or both, are not heated to a temperature that can degrade. Thus, the desired temperature of the solid-liquid transition temperature can be determined according to the object to be heated and the method of transferring heat. For example, in applications where glycol / water heat transfer fluid is used to transfer stored heat to an engine (eg, an internal combustion engine), the maximum solid-liquid transition temperature can be the temperature at which the heat transfer fluid degrades. . As another example, a heat transfer fluid with a high degradation temperature is used to transfer stored heat to the battery's electrochemical cell, and the maximum solid-liquid temperature is determined by the temperature at which the electrochemical cell degrades or fails. be able to. The solid-liquid transition temperature is higher than about 30 ° C, preferably higher than about 35 ° C, more preferably higher than about 40 ° C, even more preferably higher than about 45 ° C, and most preferably higher than about 50 ° C. . The thermal energy storage material may have a solid-liquid transition temperature of less than about 400 ° C, preferably less than about 350 ° C, more preferably less than about 290 ° C, even more preferably less than about 250 ° C, and most preferably less than about 200 ° C. it can. Depending on the application, the solid-liquid transition temperature is about 30 ° C to about 100 ° C, about 50 ° C to about 150 ° C, about 100 ° C to about 200 ° C, about 150 ° C to about 250 ° C, about 175 ° C to about 400 ° C, It should be understood that it may be about 200 ° C. to about 375 ° C., about 225 ° C. to about 400 ° C., or about 200 ° C. to about 300 ° C.

  For some applications, such as those related to transportation, it may be desirable for a thermal energy material to efficiently store energy in a small space. Thus, a thermal energy storage material is defined by the product of heat of fusion (expressed in megajoules per kilogram) and density (measured at about 25 ° C. and expressed in kilograms per liter). It can have a high melt heat density (expressed in megajoules per liter). The thermal energy storage material has a melt heat density of greater than about 0.1 MJ / liter, preferably greater than about 0.2 MJ / liter, more preferably greater than about 0.4 MJ / liter, and most preferably greater than about 0.6 MJ / liter. Can have. Typically, the thermal energy storage material has a melt heat density of less than about 5 MJ / liter. However, a thermal energy storage material having a higher melt heat density may be used.

For some applications, such as transportation related applications, it may be desirable for the thermal energy storage material to be lightweight. For example, the thermal energy storage material has a density (less than about 25 g / cm ³ , preferably less than about 4 g / cm ³ , more preferably less than about 3.5 g / cm ³ , and most preferably less than about 3 g / cm ^3. Measured in degrees Celsius). The lower limit of density is practical. The thermal energy storage material has a density (measured at about 25 ° C.) greater than about 0.6 g / cm ³ , preferably greater than about 1.2 g / cm ³ , more preferably greater than about 1.7 g / cm ^3. be able to.

  The sealed space can include a known thermal energy storage material. Examples of thermal energy storage materials that can be used in the thermal energy storage material compartment include Atul Sharma, VVTyagi, CRChen, D. Buddhi, “Review one energy storage with phase change materials and applications”, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 13 ( 2009) 318-345, and Belen Zalba, Jose MaMann, Luisa F. Cabeza, Harald Mehling, `` Review on thermal energy storage with phase change: materials, heat transfer analysis and applications '', Applied Thermal Engineering 23 ( 2003) 251-283, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of suitable thermal energy storage materials that can be used in heat transfer devices include US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 389,416 “Thermal Energy Storage Materials” filed Feb. 20, 2009 and Feb. 20, 2009. There are thermal energy storage materials described in the filed US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 389,598 “Heat Storage Devices”.

  The thermal energy storage material can include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a mixture of an organic material and an inorganic material exhibiting the above-described solid-liquid transition temperature, melt heat density, or both. Organic compounds that can be used include paraffinic and non-paraffinic organic materials such as fatty acids. Inorganic materials that can be used include hydrated salts and metals. The thermal energy storage material can be a compound or mixture (eg, a eutectic mixture) having a single temperature solid-liquid transition as a whole. The thermal energy storage material can be a compound or mixture having a solid-liquid transition over a temperature range (eg, greater than about 3 ° C. or greater than about 5 ° C.).

  Without limitation, non-paraffinic organic materials suitable for use as thermal energy storage materials include acids, alcohols, aldehydes, amides, organic salts, mixtures thereof and combinations thereof. By way of example, nonparaffinic organic materials that can be used alone or as a mixture are polyethylene glycol, capric acid, elaidic acid, lauric acid, pentadecanoic acid, tristearin, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, acetamide, fumaric acid Methyl, formic acid, caprylic acid, glycerin, D-lactic acid, methyl palmitate, camphenylone, docasyl bromide, caprylon, phenol, heptadecanone, 1-cyclohexyloctadecane, 4-heptadecanone, p-toluidine, cyanamide, methyl eicosanoate, 3- Heptadecanone, 2-heptadecanone, hydrocinnamic acid, cetyl alcohol, naphthylamine, camphene, o-nitroaniline, 9-heptadecanone, thymol, methyl behenate, diphenylamine, p-dichloro Oxalate, oxalate, hypophosphoric acid, o-xylene dichloride, chloroacetic acid, nitrated naphthalene, trimyristin, heptadecanoic acid, beeswax, glycolic acid, glycolic acid, p-bromophenol, azobenzene, acrylic acid, dinttoluene , Phenylacetic acid, thiocinamine, bromcamphor, durene, benzylamine, methyl bromobenzoic acid, alpha naphthol, glutaric acid, p-xylene dichloride, catechol, quinone, acetanilide, succinic anhydride, benzoic acid, stilbene, benzamide, or these Includes combinations.

Without limitation, thermal energy storage materials include nitrates, nitrites, bromides, chlorides, other halides, sulfates, sulfides, phosphates, phosphites, hydroxides, carboxides, bromides. One or more inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of acid salts, mixtures thereof, and combinations thereof may be included. By way of example, the thermal energy storage materials are: Κ ₂ ΗΡ ₄ · 6H ₂ O, FeBr ₃ · 6H ₂ O, Μn (ΝO ₃ ) ₂ · 6H ₂ O, FeBr ₃ · 6H ₂ O, CaCl ₂ · 12H ₂ O, LiNO ₃ · 2H ₂ O, LiNO ₃ · 3H ₂ O, Na ₂ CO ₃ · 10H ₂ O, Na ₂ SO ₄ · 10H ₂ O, KFe (SO ₃ ) ₂ · 12H ₂ O, CaBr ₂ · 6H ₂ O, LiBr ₂ 2H ₂ O, Ζn (ΝO ₃ ) ₂ · 6H ₂ O, FeCI ₃ · 6H ₂ O, Μn (ΝO ₃ ) ₂ · 4H ₂ O, Na ₂ HPO ₄ · 12H ₂ O, CoSO ₄ · 7H ₂ O , KF · 2H ₂ O, Mgl ₂ · 8H ₂ O, Cal ₂ · 6H ₂ O, Κ ₂ ΗΡO ₄ · 7H ₂ O, Ζn (ΝO ₃ ) ₂ · 4H ₂ O, Mg (NO ₃ ) · 4H ₂ O _{, Ca (NO 3) · 4H} 2 O, F _{(NO 3) 2 · 9H 2} O, Na 2 SiO 3 · 4H 2 O, K 2 HPO 4 · 3H 2 O, Na 2 S 2 O 3 · 5H 2 O, MgSO 4 · 7H 2 O, Ca (NO 3 ₂ ) 3H ₂ O, Zn (NO ₃ ) ₂ · 2H ₂ O, FeCl ₃ · 2H ₂ O, Ni (NO ₃ ) ₂ · 6H ₂ O, MnCl ₂ · 4H ₂ O, MgCl ₂ · 4H ₂ O, CH ₃ COONa · 3H ₂ O, Fe (NO ₃ ) ₂ · 6H ₂ O, NaAl (SO ₄ ) ₂ · 10H ₂ O, NaOH · H ₂ O, Na ₃ PO ₄ · 12H ₂ O, LiCH ₃ COO · 2H ₂ O, Αl (ΝO ₃ ) ₂ · 9H ₂ O, Ba (OH) ₂ · 8H ₂ O, Mg (NO ₃ ) ₂ · 6H ₂ O, KAI (SO ₄ ) ₂ · 12H ₂ O, MgCl ₂ 6H ₂ O, or combinations thereof, or Almost composed of these. It should be understood that inorganic salts with higher or lower water concentrations may be used.

  The thermal energy storage material may comprise at least one first metal-containing material, and more preferably a combination of at least one first metal-containing material and at least one second metal-containing material ( Or, it basically consists of these, or can consist of these). The first metal-containing material, the second metal-containing material, or both include a substantially pure metal, a substantially pure metal and one or more additional alloy components (eg, one or more other metals). Such as alloys, intermetallic compounds, metal compounds (eg, salts, oxides, etc.), or combinations thereof. One preferred method is to use one or more metal-containing materials as part of the metal compound. A more preferred method is to use a mixture of at least two metal compounds. By way of example, suitable metal compounds can be selected from oxides, hydroxides, compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen (eg, nitrates, nitrites, or both), halides, or combinations thereof. It is also possible to use three, four or other multi-component material systems. As used herein, the thermal energy storage material can be a mixture of two or more materials that exhibit eutectic properties.

  The volume of thermal energy storage material within the enclosed space or spaces of the article is sufficiently large so that the article can store a large amount of thermal energy. The ratio of the volume of thermal energy storage material contained in the article to the total volume of one or more enclosed spaces, the ratio of the volume of thermal energy storage material to the total volume of the article, or both (at a temperature of about 25 ° C. Or the volume and volume measured at the temperature at which the thermal energy storage material is liquid) is preferably greater than about 0.5, more preferably greater than about 0.7, and most preferably greater than about 0.9. The ratio of the volume of thermal energy storage material contained in the article to the total volume of one or more enclosed spaces, the ratio of the volume of thermal energy storage material to the total volume of the article, or both (at a temperature of about 25 ° C. Or the volume and volume measured at the temperature at which the thermal energy storage material is a liquid) is usually less than about 1.0, more usually less than about 0.995.

The sealed space has a volume containing an inert gas such as air, N ₂ , or He, Ar, and the thermal energy storage material can expand when heated. For example, the enclosed space may have a region without thermal energy storage material at a temperature of about 25 ° C., and heating the thermal energy storage material at a temperature higher than the liquidus temperature will cause holes in the cover sheet and base sheet. The thermal energy storage material can be expanded without forming or without peeling of one or more sheets. The volume of the enclosed space without thermal energy storage material at 25 ° C. (eg, the volume of the enclosed space containing gas) is at least about 0.5%, preferably at least about 1%, based on the total volume inside the enclosed space, Most preferably it can be at least about 1.5%.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating features of article 10 with a capsule structure having a single enclosed space (ie, a single capsule). The capsule structure includes a cover sheet 28 having an opening 29 and a base sheet 30 having an opening 31. Since the opening of the cover sheet 29 and the opening of the base sheet 31 overlap with each other (for example, completely overlap), the opening is a corresponding opening. The cover sheet 28 and the base sheet are in close contact with the outer ring 32. As shown, the outer periphery of the cover sheet 28, the outer periphery of the base sheet, or preferably both, can be in close contact with the outer ring 32. The cover sheet has an upper surface 18 that is the outer surface of the article 1 and an opposing surface that is generally inside the article 10. The base sheet has a bottom surface 20 that is the outer surface of the article 10 as a whole and an opposing surface that is generally inside the article. The capsule structure can also have an inner ring 34 that is in close contact with the opening circumference of the cover sheet 28, the opening circumference of the base sheet 30, or preferably both. As shown, the outer ring 32 can have a generally cylindrical outer surface and a generally cylindrical inner surface, and the inner ring 34 can have a generally cylindrical outer surface and a generally cylindrical inner surface. The cover sheet 28 (eg, the top surface 18 of the cover sheet) can be generally circular and the base sheet 30 (eg, the bottom surface of the base sheet) can have a generally circular perimeter, or A combination of these can be used. One of the following aperture combinations is generally cylindrical and may have an article fluid passage 16, a cover sheet opening 29, and a base sheet opening 31. It should be understood that the cross-section of the opening can have a different shape, such as a polygon, or a different arc shape (eg, oval).

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the article 10 can have a single side 22 that is generally arcuate, generally non-planar, and generally continuous. Such a side allows the article to be placed in a container having a generally cylindrical cavity with a cavity diameter slightly larger than the average diameter of the article, equidistant from the center of the article as a whole.

  An exemplary cover sheet 28 having openings 29 for use with the article is shown in FIG. 2B. It should be understood that the opening in the cover sheet can be formed before, during, or after the cover sheet is attached (eg, intimately attached) to one or more other sheets or one or more other substructures. The cover sheet can have a generally circular outer periphery 19, a generally circular inner periphery or open periphery 21, or both. The cover sheet 28 can have a generally flat bottom surface 38 and a generally flat opposing top surface 18. Cover sheet 28 may be formed from one or more encapsulating materials 12. As shown in FIG. 2B, the outer periphery 19 of the cover sheet 28 can include a region 23 on the bottom surface 38 of the cover sheet 28 near the outer periphery of the cover sheet. With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the base sheet 28 can be brought into close contact along the region 23 of the outer periphery 19 on the bottom surface 38. The encapsulant material for the top surface 18 is preferably a material that is resistant to corrosion when in contact with the heat transfer fluid. The encapsulating material for the bottom surface 38 is preferably a material that is resistant to corrosion when in contact with the thermal energy storage material. The encapsulating material for the top surface 18 and the bottom surface 38 may be the same material or different materials. The top surface 18 may be generally circular except for the opening 29. The thickness of the cover sheet 28 as measured by the distance between the top surface 18 and the bottom surface 38 of the cover sheet can be uniform throughout. The standard deviation of the thickness of the cover sheet 28 is preferably less than about 15%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 3% of the average thickness of the cover sheet.

  FIG. 2C shows a cross section of the article 10 of FIG. 2A taken perpendicular to the top surface 18 of the cover sheet 28. As shown in FIG. 2C, the article can have one or more enclosed spaces 14 that include a thermal energy storage material 26. The enclosed space can have an unfilled volume 27, ie a volume containing gas. The unfilled volume 27 allows the thermal energy storage material to expand when heated, such as when the temperature of the thermal energy storage material increases, when the thermal energy storage material undergoes a solid-liquid phase transition, or both. . The cover sheet, base sheet, outer ring, inner ring, or a combination thereof is preferably one or more encapsulating materials that are corrosion resistant when contacted with a thermal energy storage material (eg, on the inner surface), It includes one or more encapsulating materials that are corrosion resistant when contacted with a heat transfer fluid (eg, on the outer surface), or both. The cover sheet, the base sheet, the outer ring, the inner ring, or combinations thereof, most preferably comprise or consist essentially of the same one or more encapsulating materials. The cover sheet 28 and the base sheet 30 are in close contact with each other along the outer periphery 19 and the opening periphery 21 for forming one or more sealed spaces 14.

  FIG. 2D shows a forming sheet 40 that can be used as a base sheet for an article. The forming sheet may be embossed or otherwise formed to have an arcuate shape and / or multiple walls as a whole. The forming sheet has a trough region 43 that can hold or contain liquid. The forming sheet also has an opening so that fluid can flow through the forming sheet. The forming sheet preferably has one or more generally flat areas, such as one or more lip areas 44 that can be attached to a generally flat cover sheet (such as the cover sheet shown in FIG. 2B). One or more lip regions 44 are preferably coplanar. The forming sheet 40 is not a flat sheet as a whole. For example, the forming sheet 40 can have a bottom wall that includes a top surface 41 and a generally opposed bottom surface 42. The forming sheet can have side walls extending from the bottom wall. The side wall may have an arcuate side 49 as a whole. The forming sheet 40 can have an opening wall extending from the inner periphery of the bottom wall. The open wall may be generally arcuate and have an open face 48 that partially or fully defines a fluid passage through the article. The forming sheet has an outer periphery 45 and an opening periphery 47. The outer periphery 45, the opening periphery 47, or preferably both are lip regions 44. It should be understood that the forming sheet can include a transition region connecting the bottom wall and the side wall, or the bottom wall and side wall can be combined into a single arcuate wall. It should be understood that the forming sheet can include a transition region connecting the bottom wall and the opening wall, or the bottom wall and the opening wall can be combined into a single arcuate wall.

  As described above, the capsule structure can comprise a plurality of segments arranged to form a capsule structure having one or more enclosed spaces and one or more fluid passages. 3A, 3B, and 4 are exemplary side views of adjacent segments of the capsule structure. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, adjacent segments can have a mating edge 9 (ie, an edge surface that fits as a whole). When adjacent segments are placed in the same plane orientation, as shown by segments 2 ′, 2 ″ in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the segments can mate and the two segment faces 4 ′ and 6 ′ The edges of adjacent segments can mate when two adjacent segments move so that the top surface 4 'and the bottom surface 6' are not coplanar. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, one segment can be moved by half the thickness of segment 2 '". Thus, the mating edge 9 of the first segment can be mated with a portion of the edge of the two stacked segments, both adjacent to the first segment. As shown in FIG. 4, one overlap of segments can include one or more (eg, two) partial segments 3, such as partial segments half the height of the other segment 2 '".

  Part or all of the trough of the forming sheet 40 'can be partially or nearly completely filled with thermal energy storage material, and the cover sheet is generally flat (such as that shown in FIG. 2B). It should be understood that the trough can be positioned so as to contact the lip region as a whole. The cover sheet is in close contact with the forming sheet in part or all of the lip region, and can form a plurality of sealed spaces containing the thermal energy storage material. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the forming sheet 40 ′, the bottom surface 41 ′ of the first forming sheet 40 ′ becomes the fitting surface of the bottom surface 41 ′ of the same second forming sheet 40 ′ as a whole. As such, it can have a trough pattern. In this way, two articles made using the forming sheet 40 'can be stacked on the opposite bottom surfaces 41' so as to be at least partially nested.

  FIG. 5B is a schematic view of a portion of a formed sheet 40 '(eg, a base sheet) that can be used with an article having a plurality of enclosed spaces. The forming sheet has an opening near the center of the sheet, which can be a circular opening as a whole. FIG. 5B shows only a quarter of the forming sheet, and thus only a quarter of the opening. FIG. 5B shows the bottom surface 41 ′ of the forming sheet 40 ″. The forming sheet has a plurality of trough regions 43 ′ and a plurality of lip regions 44 ′. The trough regions 43 ′ are arranged in a plurality of rings of the trough 50. As shown, the forming sheet can have an innermost ring of trough 50 'and an outermost ring of trough 50 ". The forming sheet can have one or more additional rings of troughs 50 '"between the innermost and outermost rings of troughs 50', 50". As shown in FIG. 5B, some or all of the troughs in the ring, or some or all of the troughs in different rings can have approximately the same shape, approximately the same volume, or approximately coincide. Can do. It should be understood that the number of troughs in the innermost ring of the trough may be greater than, less than, or the same as the number of troughs in the outermost ring of troughs. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 5B, the number of troughs in the innermost ring of the forming sheet 40 'is less than the number of troughs in the outermost ring. A part or preferably all of the trough area 43 'has a lip area 44' around the trough area. In this way, the trough region 43 'can be separated by other trough regions by the lip region 44'. The forming sheet 40 has an outer periphery 45 '. As shown in FIG. 5B, the forming sheet can have one or more indentations 51 near the outer periphery 45 '. One or more indentations can be used as a flow path along the outer periphery. Preferably, the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the forming sheet has a circular shape as a whole (excluding one or more optional dents). As shown in FIG. 5B, the outer periphery, the inner periphery, and preferably both can be a lip region 44 '.

  FIG. 5A shows an exemplary relationship between a capsule structure 10 ′ (eg, a capsule structure forming sheet 40 ′) and a container 68. The container 68 can have an inner wall 60, an outer wall 62, an insulating layer 64, or a combination thereof. Referring to FIG. 5A, the container 68 can have an insulating layer 64 located between the two walls 60, 62. The inner wall 60 of the container has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the forming sheet so that the forming sheet fits within the container. The flow path between the periphery of the sheet and the inner wall of the container is formed by the difference in size (eg, diameter) between one or more indentations 51 of the forming sheet 40 ″, the forming sheet 40 ′ and the cavity of the container. It may include a gap 52, one or more grooves 53 in the inner wall 60 of the container, or a combination thereof.

(Overlap of goods)
The article comprising the thermal energy storage material can preferably be stacked with another identical article or a second article having a generally mating surface (a generally mating base sheet). The articles are stacked in an axial layer with a space between adjacent axial layers so that heat transfer fluid can flow between the axial layers. The axial layer generally includes one or more articles. The axial layer (eg, each axial layer) preferably includes one or two articles. For example, the axial layer can have two articles that contact a surface, such as a base surface or a cover surface, so that fluid cannot flow between the two articles as a whole. Thus, a portion of the article (eg, each article excluding the overlapping end article) can have a first surface (eg, a base surface) and a second surface, and the first surface. Fully contacts the surface of the first adjacent article to prevent fluid from flowing along the first surface, the second surface being a second adjacent article (e.g., So that fluid can flow along part, most or all of the second surface. . Separation between two adjacent axial layers can be performed by known separation means. By way of example, suitable spacing means include one or more protrusions on at least one side of the article, a spacer material between the two layers, a capillary structure between the two layers, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the second surface of the article is generally arcuate and the article is partially nested with the second adjacent article. It should be understood that the spacing between two partially nested articles is preferably generally constant (except for protrusions or other spacers that separate adjacent articles). Stacking the article includes rotating the axial layer (eg, rotating the article) or positioning the axial layer such that the axial layer is at least partially nested with an adjacent axial layer. be able to. The fluid flow between two opposing faces of two adjacent axial layers is generally radial and can be described as a generally radial flow. Each spaced pair of axial layers has a radial flow path. The overlap of articles typically has a plurality of radial channels (eg, 2, 3 or more). Two or more (eg, each radial flow path can have the same flow length, the same thickness, the same cross-sectional shape, or a combination thereof. For example, two or more (eg, all) The radial flow paths may be matched, and it should be understood that if the opening (ie, fluid passage) is in the center of the article, the radial flow path is generally symmetric regardless of the flow direction.

  When the articles are stacked (eg, in an overlap comprising three, four or more articles), each article is preferably at least one corresponding to a respective opening in the other article (except as much as possible at one end of the overlap). Of an article disposed between the first article and the last article with two openings, and a portion of the fluid does not flow between adjacent articles (ie, without overall radial flow) By flowing through each of the corresponding openings, it is possible to flow from the first overlapping article to the last overlapping article. The flow through the opening is generally axial and can be described as a generally axial flow.

  As described above, due to the overlap of the articles, a central axial flow path (for example, passing through the central axis formed by the opening of the article) and one or more radial flow paths that are generally perpendicular to the central axial flow path Are defined.

  The overlap of the articles is generally dense (excluding the radial flow path) so that the overlap of the articles is compact and contains a large amount of thermal energy storage material. Thus, the radial flow path as a whole has a small height (direction between adjacent articles), for example an average height. The height of the radial flow path is preferably less than about 15 mm, more preferably less than about 5 mm, even more preferably less than about 2 mm, even more preferably less than about 1 mm, and most preferably less than about 0.5 mm. The height of the radial flow path is usually large enough so that fluid can flow through the flow path. Typically, the radial channel height (eg, average height) is greater than about 0.001 mm (eg, greater than about 0.01 mm).

  FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of articles 10 ′ each having one or more enclosed spaces 14 containing thermal energy storage materials. Article 10 'may comprise a forming sheet 40 "having an arcuate surface 41" as a whole. The surface 41 "of one article generally fits the surface of the second article. The articles can be arranged so that adjacent articles are partially nested. The article shown in FIG. Since it has rotational symmetry of order 8, it can be rotated to different positions so that it is partially nested, it being understood that articles with higher or lower symmetry order may be used. 5C, the articles can have a generally circular cross-section, and the outer periphery of each article has a plurality of indentations 51 that are large enough to allow fluid flow. Articles 10 ′ may have a sealed space 4 disposed in one or more concentric rings of the sealed space, each article 10 ′ having a fluid passageway ′ near the center of the article as a whole, Items are stacked (eg, axial When stacking is), the 'so that the is formed. Axial channels 84' axial channels 84 may preferably comprise a 'fluid passage' each article 10.

(Heat storage device)
The articles described herein (eg, overlapping articles) can be used in a heat storage device. The heat storage device may comprise a container or other housing having one or more orifices for flowing heat transfer fluid into the container and one or more orifices for flowing heat transfer fluid out of the container. . The heat storage device comprises one or more heat transfer fluid compartments. Preferably, the heat storage device comprises a single heat transfer fluid compartment. The heat transfer fluid compartment may comprise or consist essentially of a continuous space in the container between the inlet and outlet through which the heat transfer fluid can flow. The container is preferably at least partially insulated to reduce or minimize heat loss from the container to the surroundings.

  The thermal storage device is designed to contain a high concentration of thermal energy storage material so that thermal energy can be transferred rapidly and / or uniformly between the heat transfer fluid and the thermal energy storage material; It can be compact as a whole, can store heat for a long time, or a combination thereof.

  The inside of the container of the heat storage device may have a shape that can hold the overlap of the articles. Preferably, the inner shape of the container is such that the overlap of the articles occupies most of the inner volume of the container. The ratio of the total volume of thermal energy storage material contained in the enclosed space of the articles in the container (eg, measured at about 25 ° C.) to the total internal volume of the container (eg, at a temperature of about 25 ° C.) is about It can be greater than 0.3, preferably greater than about 0.5, more preferably greater than about 0.6, even more preferably greater than about 0.7, and most preferably greater than about 0.8. The upper limit of the volume of thermal energy storage material in the container is the need for space for a heat transfer fluid that contacts the article and transfers thermal energy. The ratio of the total volume of thermal energy storage material contained in the enclosed space of the articles in the container (eg, measured at about 25 ° C.) to the total internal volume of the container (eg, at a temperature of about 25 ° C.) is about It can be less than 0.99, preferably less than about 0.95.

(Heat transfer fluid compartment / flow path)
The heat storage device comprises a heat transfer fluid compartment through which the heat transfer fluid can flow as the heat transfer fluid circulates through the device. The heat transfer fluid compartment is preferably connected to one or more orifices (eg, one or more inlets) for flowing heat transfer into the heat transfer fluid compartment. The heat transfer fluid compartment is preferably connected to one or more orifices (eg, one or more outlets) for letting heat transfer out of the heat transfer fluid compartment. The heat transfer fluid compartment is at least partially defined by a space at least partially defined by one or more heat transfer fluid compartment walls, a space defined at least partially by one or more articles, a housing or container of a heat storage device. Can be a spatially defined space, or a combination thereof.

  The heat transfer fluid compartment defines a flow path for heat transfer fluid through the heat storage device. The heat transfer fluid compartment comprises a generally axial flow path through the overlapping opening of the article. The heat transfer fluid compartment comprises a generally radial flow path between two adjacent articles. It should be understood that the radial flow flows inwardly from the outer periphery of the article to the opening or outwardly from the opening of the article to the outer periphery. The heat transfer fluid compartment comprises a flow path having a generally axial component (and optionally a tangential component) between the outer periphery of the article and the wall of the container. Preferably, the combined radial flow path has a relatively high hydraulic resistance. For example, the combined radial flow path has a hydraulic resistance greater than (more preferably at least twice) or more than the hydraulic resistance of the central axial flow path, the hydraulic resistance of the outer axial flow path, or both. Have

  The heat transfer fluid compartment is preferably in sufficient heat transfer with the enclosed space containing the thermal energy storage material so that heat can be removed or supplied to the thermal energy storage material. The heat transfer fluid compartment is preferably in direct heat transfer with one or more (or more preferably all) of the enclosed space. Direct heat transfer can be the shortest distance flow path between the enclosed space and a portion of the heat transfer fluid compartment without the low thermal conductivity material. The low thermal conductivity material includes a material having a thermal conductivity of less than about 100 W / (m · K), preferably less than about 10 W / (m · K), more preferably less than about 3 W / (m · K). it can. For example, the heat transfer fluid or heat transfer fluid compartment contacts one or more (or preferably all) walls of the enclosed space or has a high thermal conductivity (eg, greater than about 5 W / (m · K), about 12 W / (M · K), or about 110 W / (m · K))) can be substantially or completely separated from the enclosed space.

  The heat transfer fluid compartment is preferably in direct heat transfer with one or more (or more preferably all) of the enclosed spaces of the heat storage device. Direct heat transfer may be the shortest distance flow path between the thermal energy storage compartment and a portion of the heat transfer fluid compartment without the low thermal conductivity material. For example, the heat transfer fluid or heat transfer fluid compartment may contact one or more (or preferably all) walls of an enclosed space (such as a base sheet or cover sheet) or have a high thermal conductivity (eg, about 5 W / ( m · K), more than about 12 W / (m · K), or more than about 110 W / (m · K)), which can be substantially or completely separated from the enclosed space. A very thin layer of low thermal conductivity material (e.g., less than about 0.1 mm, preferably less than about 0.01 mm, more preferably less than about 0.001 mm) allows the heat to be transferred without noticeably affecting heat transfer. It should be understood that a transfer fluid compartment and a thermal energy storage material compartment can be disposed.

  The size and shape of the enclosed space and / or article can be selected to maximize heat transfer to and from the phase change material contained in the capsule. The average thickness of the articles can be relatively small so that heat can escape rapidly from the center of the enclosed space. The average thickness of the article, enclosed space, or both can be less than about 100 mm, preferably less than about 30 mm, more preferably less than about 10 mm, even more preferably less than about 5 mm, and most preferably less than about 3 mm. . The average thickness of the article, enclosed space, or both can be greater than about 0.1 mm, preferably greater than about 0.5 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.8 mm, and most preferably greater than 1.0 mm. .

The article preferably has a relatively large surface area relative to the volume ratio so that the contact area with the heat transfer fluid is relatively large. For example, the article can have a surface that maximizes contact with the heat transfer fluid compartment, the article can have a shape that maximizes heat transfer between the capsule and the heat transfer fluid compartment, or these You can have both. The ratio of the total surface area of the interface between the heat transfer fluid compartment of the heat storage device and the article to the total volume of the thermal energy storage material of the heat storage device is greater than about 0.02 mm ⁻¹ , preferably about 0.05 mm ⁻ More than ¹ , more preferably more than about 0.1 mm ⁻¹ , even more preferably more than about 0.2 mm ⁻¹ , most preferably more than about 0.3 mm ⁻¹ .

(Container / housing)
The heat storage device comprises a container containing an overlap of articles. The overlap of articles may be contained in one or more cavities of the container. Suitable containers include one or more orifices (eg, one or more inlets) for flowing heat transfer fluid into the container cavity and one or more orifices for flowing heat transfer fluid out of the container cavity. (E.g., one or more outlets). The inlet and outlet may be on the same side of the heat storage device or on different sides (eg, opposite sides). In addition to the orifice, the container preferably preferably allows the fluid flowing through the container to have a pressure greater than ambient pressure, or both so that the fluid flowing through the container does not leak from the container. Sealed or configured as obtained.

  The container may have any shape. Preferably, the container has a shape that can be filled with a large amount of thermal energy storage material (e.g., in a closed space of overlapping articles) so that the heat storage device can store a large amount of heat. Without limitation, the container and / or container cavity may have a generally circular, generally elliptical, generally rectangular, generally square cross-section (eg, perpendicular to the stacking direction), or another whole Can have a polygon. In particularly preferred embodiments, the container is generally cylindrical and the cavity of the container is generally cylindrical, or both. For example, the container of the heat storage device can have a generally cylindrical inner surface, a generally cylindrical outer surface, or both. Cylindrical cavities allow efficient packing of articles having a generally circular cross section into the cavities. By way of example, a generally cylindrical article has a generally circular cross section. Cylindrical articles, cylindrical cavities, or both can effectively insulate the heat storage device. Typically, a container is characterized by a height in the stacking direction (ie, axial direction) of articles and an average length (eg, diameter) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. For example, a cylindrical container can be characterized by height and diameter. The ratio of container height to length (eg, diameter) is less than about 20, preferably less than about 5, more preferably less than about 3, and most preferably less than about 2. The ratio of height to length of the container (eg, the ratio of height to diameter) is greater than about 0.05, preferably greater than about 0.2, more preferably greater than about 0.33, and even more preferably about 0.5. Greater than, most preferably greater than about 0.6. A container cavity may be characterized by a height in the stacking direction of articles and an average length (eg, diameter) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. Most preferably, the interior of the container has a generally cylindrical cavity, which is characterized by a cavity diameter, a cavity height, and an axial center. The interior of the container can have a generally arcuate wall (having an arcuate surface) parallel to the axial direction of the cavity. As described above, the arcuate surface preferably has a generally circular cross section. A container can be used to store the overlap of articles. The overlap of the articles is preferably arranged such that there is a central axial flow path (eg, through a plurality of cavity fluid passages) at or near the axial center of the container cavity. The outer periphery of the article can have one or more indentations, the inner wall of the container can have one or more grooves (preferably in the axial direction, or the direction with the axial component), The length or diameter may be shorter than the cavity length or diameter, or as a combination thereof, the heat transfer fluid may flow axially between the outer periphery of the article and the inner axial surface of the container. Like that. Such a flow can be described as an outer axial flow. The overlap of the articles is preferably such that the distance between the outer circumference of the article and the arcuate inner surface of the container is generally uniform for different regions of the article and different articles (excluding article dents or grooves in the container wall). , Placed in a container.

  There is a need to store heat for an extended period of time, and it is necessary to store heat in a low temperature environment (eg, an environment having a temperature of less than about 0 ° C. or less than about −30 ° C.), or both. In the application, a heat storage device can be used. Preferably, the heat stored in the heat storage device is slowly lost to the surroundings. Thus, some form of insulation is preferably used in the present invention. The better the insulation of the system, the longer the storage time.

  Any known form of insulation that reduces the rate of heat loss due to the heat storage device may be used. For example, any insulation disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,889,751, which is incorporated herein by reference, may be used. The heat storage device is preferably a (thermally) insulated container so that one or more surfaces are insulated. Preferably, a part or all of the surface exposed to the periphery or outside has an adjacent insulator. The insulating material can function by reducing convective heat loss, reducing radiant heat loss, reducing conduction heat loss, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the insulation can be performed using an insulator material or structure with relatively low thermal conductivity. Insulation can be performed using a gap between opposing spaced walls. The gap is occupied by a gas medium, such as an air space, or can be a vacuum space (eg, using a Dewar bottle), a material or structure having a low thermal conductivity, a material or structure having a low thermal emissivity, There are materials or structures with low convection, or combinations thereof. Without limitation, the insulator can include ceramic insulation (quartz or glass insulation), polymer insulation, or a combination thereof. The insulator can be fibrous, foamy, compressed layer, coated, or a combination thereof. The insulation can be in the form of a woven material, a knitted material, a non-woven material, or a combination thereof. The heat transfer device uses a Dewar bottle, and more particularly between a generally opposing wall configured to define an internal storage cavity and an opposing wall that is evacuated at atmospheric pressure. A bottle with a wall cavity can be used to insulate. The wall can further use a reflective surface coating (eg, a mirror surface) to minimize radiant heat loss.

  Preferably, vacuum insulation around the heat storage device and / or the heat storage system is provided. More preferably, vacuum insulation is provided as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,889,751, which is incorporated herein by reference.

(Compression means)
The heat storage device can optionally comprise one or more compression means against the overlap of the articles so as to maintain the spacing between the layers as a whole. The compression means may be any means that can apply a compression force to the overlap of the articles. The compression force should be high enough so that the two articles do not rotate relative to each other, do not move axially relative to each other, or both. The compressive force can be sufficiently low so that the article does not permanently deform, cracks do not occur, or both do not occur. The preferred compression means causes some change in the thickness of the article when the temperature of the thermal energy storage material changes, when the thermal energy storage material changes between the solid phase and the liquid phase, or both. be able to. By way of example, the one or more compression means may include one or more springs above the article overlap, one or more springs below the article overlap, or both. Without limitation, when the thermal energy storage material is heated, undergoes a phase transition (such as a solid-liquid transition), or both, using two compression means such as a spring Changes in radial channel thickness between articles can be reduced or minimized.

  The heat storage device can have a plurality of flow paths for heat transfer fluid to flow through the device. Each flow path preferably includes at least one radial flow between two adjacent articles. Preferably, two or more (eg, each) flow paths through the heat storage device have a similar overall length, a similar total hydraulic resistance, or both. For example, two or more (eg, each) channels can be characterized as a Tisshelman system as a whole. The orifice of the heat storage device is connected by tubing or other means to the overlapping opening of the article so that the heat transfer fluid must flow through the axial path formed by the overlapping opening of the article. . Typically, the tube connecting the orifice to the axial flow path formed by the article opening is one of the first (e.g., first) article of the article overlap, or the last ( For example, it extends to one of the last articles. The apparatus comprises one or more seals or plates (eg, top and / or bottom of the article overlap) so that heat transfer fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet must flow through the radial flow path. It has become. The seal can have an opening that allows the tube to connect the orifice to the overlapping opening of the article. A seal is used to block fluid flow at the end of the axial flow path along the opening of the article overlap, and block fluid flow at the end of the axial flow path around the periphery of the article overlap; Or you can do both of these.

(Method for producing capsule structure)
An article comprising a capsule structure and a thermal energy storage material can be formed by a method of encapsulating the thermal energy storage material. Without limitation, the process can use one or a combination of the following: That is, including cutting or punching an opening (eg, a hole) through the cover sheet, cutting or punching an opening (eg, a hole) through a base sheet (eg, a thin sheet such as foil), including at least one indentation or trough region Forming a base sheet (eg, thermoforming, stamping, embossing or deformation) to define the pattern of the sheet, to define a pattern of the sheet that includes one or more lip regions and one or more trough regions Base sheet formation, base sheet perimeter (eg, generally circular perimeter) cut or punched, cover sheet perimeter (eg, generally circular perimeter) cut or punched, trough (eg, formed from base sheet) Filling trough with thermal energy storage material, trough (eg filling) with cover sheet Cover), close contact of the cover sheet (for example, to the base sheet), close contact of the base sheet along the outer periphery, opening periphery, so as to form one or more enclosed spaces containing thermal energy storage material There is close contact of the base sheet along the periphery, close contact of the cover sheet along the periphery of the opening (for example, to the base sheet), or close contact of the cover sheet along the outer periphery (for example, to the base sheet). The process of forming the article preferably includes stamping, embossing, or thermoforming the base sheet. The process of forming the article can use one or more process steps to produce capsules as described in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 389,598 “Heat Storage Devices” filed Feb. 20, 2009. The method for forming the article can optionally include one or a combination of the following: That is, covering the base sheet to one or more substructures such as the inner ring, outer ring, or both, and covering one or more substructures such as the inner ring, outer ring, or both Includes sheet adhesion, cutting or punching of one or more dents along the perimeter of the base sheet and / or cover sheet, punching, stamping.

  In accordance with the teachings herein, the capsule structure (or segment of the capsule structure) can be formed by a process that includes the steps of bringing two sheets into close contact with each other. Preferably, at least one of the sheets is stamped, stamped or otherwise formed so that the liquid can be retained. More preferably, both sheets are stamped, stamped or otherwise formed. For example, the capsule structure, or a segment thereof, may be stored in the space between the two sheets in the following steps: only a part of the outer periphery of the first sheet is partially joined to the second sheet. Allowing the material to be filled, filling at least a portion of the space between the two sheets with the thermal energy storage material, and the rest of the sheets so that an enclosed space containing the thermal energy storage material is formed. Can be formed by a process that includes one or more of the following steps. One or more of these steps can be repeated to repeatedly provide a structure with a plurality of enclosed spaces.

  A suitable sheet for encapsulating the thermal energy storage material is durable, corrosion resistant, or both, so that the sheet can include the thermal energy storage material, preferably without leaks A thin metal sheet (eg, metal foil). The metal sheet can function in a vehicle environment that repeats the thermal cycle for more than one year and preferably more than five years. The metal sheet can also have a substantially inert outer surface that contacts the thermal energy storage material during operation. The outer surface of the metal sheet in contact with the thermal energy storage material comprises one or more materials that do not react significantly, do not corrode, or both when contacted with the thermal energy storage material, or It should basically consist of these materials. Without limitation, exemplary metal sheets that can be used include metal sheets having at least one layer of brass, copper, aluminum, nickel-iron alloy, bronze, titanium, stainless steel, and the like. The sheet may be precious metal as a whole or include a metal having an oxide layer (eg, a natural oxide layer or an oxide layer that can be formed on a surface). One exemplary metal sheet is an aluminum foil consisting of an aluminum layer or an alloy containing aluminum (eg, an aluminum alloy containing more than 50 wt% aluminum, preferably more than 90 wt% aluminum). Another exemplary metal sheet is stainless steel. Suitable stainless steels include austenitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, or martensitic stainless steel. Without limitation, the stainless steel can include chromium at a concentration of greater than about 10 wt%, preferably greater than about 13 wt%, more preferably greater than about 15 wt%, and most preferably greater than about 17 wt%. . The stainless steel contains carbon at a concentration of less than about 0.30 wt%, preferably less than about 0.15 wt%, more preferably less than about 0.12 wt%, and most preferably less than about 0.10 wt%. Can do. For example, stainless steel 304 (SAE designation) containing 19 wt% chromium and about 0.08 wt% carbon. Suitable stainless steel also includes molybdenum including stainless steel such as 316 (SAE designation). The metal sheet can have a known coating that can reduce or eliminate the corrosion of the metal sheet.

  The metal sheet has a sufficient thickness such that no pores or cracks are formed when forming the sheet, when the capsule is filled with a thermal energy storage material, when the capsule is used, or a combination thereof. For applications such as transportation, the metal sheet is preferably relatively thin so that the weight of the heat storage device is not significantly increased by the metal sheet. A suitable thickness of the metal sheet can be greater than about 10 μm, preferably greater than about 20 μm, more preferably greater than about 50 μm. The metal foil can have a thickness of less than about 3 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.5 mm (eg, less than about 0.25 mm).

  FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of an exemplary heat storage device 80 having a plurality of articles 10 ″ and 10 ″, where the plurality of articles 10 ″ and 10 ″ are each encapsulated in a plurality of enclosed spaces 14. Material 26 is included. The article is placed in an insulating container 82 that may be generally cylindrical. The apparatus includes an article 10 ″ having a first adjacent article 10 ′ ″ (a) and a second adjacent article 10 ′ ″ (b). The article 10 ″ and its first adjacent article 10 ″ ( a) can be placed with the upper surface (ie, the outer surface) of each flat cover sheet as a whole in contact. Article 10 "and the second adjacent article 10 '" (b) as a whole They can have mating surfaces (eg, the outer surface of each base sheet can be the entire mating surface) and can be positioned so that these articles are partially nested. (Not shown) is used to maintain the distance between the article 10 "and its second adjacent article 10 '" (b), so that the heat transfer fluid is transferred to the two articles 10 "and 10" (b ) Radial flow path as a whole between The space between the article 10 "and the second adjacent article 10 '" (b) is part of the heat transfer fluid compartment. As shown in FIG. In addition, each article can have a surface that contacts the heat transfer fluid compartment (eg, the surface of the base sheet) so that the heat transfer fluid can directly contact each article and preferably each enclosed space. As shown in Figure 8, each radial channel 83 may have the same length, the same cross section, or may coincide, each article being open near its center. The openings are also part of the heat transfer fluid compartment. Articles 10 "and 10 '" are positioned such that the openings form a central axial flow path 84. Of articles 10 "and 10'" The space between the outer periphery and the inner surface of the container 85 is one of the heat transfer fluid compartments. And forms an outer axial flow path 86. The heat storage device has a first orifice 87 in fluid connection with the central axial flow channel 84. The heat storage device connects the first orifice 87 to the outer axial direction. There may be a first seal or plate 88 that separates from the flow path 86. As shown in Figure 8, the container 82 has a second orifice 89, which is the first orifice. The heat storage device may have a second seal 90 that separates the second orifice 89 from the central axial flow path. The first seal, the second seal, or both prevent fluid from flowing between the two axial channels 84 and 86 without flowing through the radial channel 83. Referring to 8, the first Fluid flowing between the orifice 87 and the second orifice 89 must flow through a portion of the central axial flow path 84 and through a portion of the outer axial flow path 86. Also, the heat transfer fluid must flow through one of the radial channels 83 between the two axial channels 84, 86. The sizes of the two axial flow paths are preferably selected such that the overall hydrodynamic resistance of the fluid is constant regardless of which radial flow path the portion of the fluid flows through. Thus, the heat transfer fluid flow through the heat storage device is preferably a Tisshelman system. The container 82 is preferably insulated. For example, the container can have an inner wall 91 and an outer wall 92 and the space between the two walls 93 can be evacuated. The device can also have one or more springs, such as one or more compression springs 94, that apply a compressive force to the overlap of the articles.

  FIG. 9 shows a heat storage device 80 'having two orifices 87' and 89 'on one side of the container. Such a device is connected to a first orifice 87 'and is a tube for flowing fluid between the first orifice and a region 96 of the central axial flow path 84' furthest from the first orifice. 95 can be used. Referring to FIG. 9, the first seal 88 ′ and the second seal 90 ′ are used to move the second orifice 87 ′ from the first orifice 87 ′ without first flowing through the radial flow path 83. The flow to the orifice 89 'can be prevented. Again, by selecting the size of the two axial channels 86 and 84 '. The heat storage device 80 'of FIG. 9 is characterized as a Tisshelman system.

(Heat storage system)
Use heat storage devices in heat storage systems that use one or more heat transfer fluids to transfer heat to the heat storage device, to transfer heat from the heat storage device, or both can do.

(Heat transfer fluid / Working fluid)
A heat transfer fluid used to transfer heat to and / or transfer heat from a thermal energy storage material is a fluid storage device and other components (eg, heat supply components, one or more). Any liquid or gas that flows (eg, without solidification) through and circulates upon cooling through a connecting tube or line, heat removal component, or combination thereof. The heat transfer fluid can be a known heat transfer fluid or coolant capable of transferring heat at the temperature used in the heat storage device. The heat transfer fluid can be a liquid or a gas. Preferably, the heat transfer fluid can flow at the lowest operating temperature that can be exposed during use (eg, the lowest expected ambient temperature). For example, the heat transfer fluid may be a liquid or gas at an ambient pressure of about 1 and a temperature of about 25 ° C, preferably about 0 ° C, more preferably -20 ° C, and most preferably about -40 ° C. Without limitation, a preferred heat transfer fluid for heating and / or cooling one or more electrochemical cells is a liquid at about 40 ° C.

  The heat transfer fluid should be able to transfer large amounts of heat energy, usually as sensible heat. Suitable heat transfer fluids are at least about 1 J / g · K, preferably at least about 2 J / g · K, more preferably at least about 2.5 J / g · K, and most preferably at least about 3 J / g · K. It can have a specific heat (eg, measured at about 25 ° C.). Preferably, the heat transfer fluid is a liquid. For example, any known engine coolant may be used as the heat transfer fluid. The system preferably uses a single heat transfer fluid for transferring heat to the heat energy storage material of the heat storage device and for removing heat from the heat energy storage material of the heat storage device. Alternatively, the system can use a first heat transfer fluid for transferring heat to the thermal energy storage material and a second heat transfer fluid for removing heat from the thermal energy storage material. In a system that includes a first heat transfer fluid and a second heat transfer fluid, the first heat transfer fluid flows through the first heat transfer fluid compartment and the second heat transfer fluid is the second heat transfer fluid. Flowing through the transfer fluid compartment, the heat transfer fluid compartment as a whole is separated by a relatively low thermal conductivity material, such as a thermal energy storage material. For example, at least 20%, at least 50%, or at least about 80% of the surface area of the first heat transfer fluid compartment can contact or become a surface of the article that includes the thermal energy storage material. This is in contrast to a heat exchanger where the two heat transfer fluids transfer heat relatively well.

  Without limitation, heat transfer fluids that can be used alone or as a mixture can include heat transfer fluids known to those skilled in the art, preferably water, one or more alkylene glycols, one or more A fluid comprising polyalkylene glycol, one or more oils, one or more refrigerants, one or more alcohols, one or more betaines, or combinations thereof can be included. The heat transfer fluid may include or consist essentially of a working fluid as described below (eg, in addition to or instead of the fluid described above). Suitable oils that can be used can include natural oils, synthetic oils, or combinations thereof. For example, the heat transfer fluid comprises or approximately comprises (eg, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) mineral oil, castor oil, silicone oil, fluorocarbon oil, or a combination thereof. Can be configured.

  Particularly preferred heat transfer fluids comprise or consist essentially of one or more alkylene glycols. Preferably, without limitation, the alkylene glycol contains about 1 to about 8 alkyleneoxy groups. For example, the alkylene glycol can include an alkyleneoxy group containing from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The alkyleneoxy groups in the alkylene glycol molecule may be the same or different. Optionally, the alkylene glycol can comprise a mixture of different alkylene glycols each containing different alkyleneoxy groups or different proportions of alkyleneoxy groups. Preferred alkyleneoxy groups include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide. Optionally, other alkylene glycols may be substituted. For example, the alkylene glycol may be substituted with one or two alkyl groups, such as one or two alkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. Thus, the alkylene glycol can comprise or consist essentially of one or more alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, one or more alkylene glycol dialkyl ethers, or combinations thereof. The alkylene glycol can also include a polyalkylene glycol. Particularly preferred alkylene glycols include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and butylene glycol. Any of the glycols can be used alone or as a mixture. For example, glycol can be used as a mixture with water. Particularly preferred heat transfer fluids are mixtures of glycols and water that are substantially (eg, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, or at least 96 wt% based on the total weight of the heat transfer fluid) or fully composed. Including. The concentration of water in the mixture is preferably greater than about 5%, more preferably greater than about 10%, even more preferably greater than about 15%, and most preferably greater than about 20%, based on the total weight of the heat transfer fluid. It is. The concentration of water in the mixture is preferably less than about 95 wt%, more preferably less than about 90 wt%, even more preferably less than about 85 wt%, and most preferably less than about 80 wt%. The concentration of glycol in the mixture is preferably greater than about 5%, more preferably greater than about 10%, even more preferably greater than about 15%, and most preferably greater than about 20%, based on the total weight of the heat transfer fluid. It is. The concentration of glycol in the mixture is preferably less than about 95 wt%, more preferably less than about 90 wt%, even more preferably less than about 85 wt%, and most preferably less than about 80 wt%.

  Optionally, the heat transfer fluid can include or be substantially entirely comprised of the working fluid. For example, the working fluid that the system can include flows through the heat storage device and is heated and evaporated, and then flows to one or more components (such as the component to be heated) and condenses. Thus, the heat storage device can function as a working fluid evaporator, and the component to be heated can function as a working fluid condenser. When using a working fluid, the heat supplied to the condenser preferably includes the heat of evaporation of the working fluid. The system can include a cooling line for returning the working fluid to the heat storage device and a heating line for removing the working fluid from the heat storage device. The cooling line and the heating line can preferably contain working fluid and there is no leakage when the working fluid flows through the loop. The heat storage device (eg, the thermal energy storage material of the heat storage device) is at a temperature sufficient for the total vapor pressure of all components of the working fluid to exceed about 1 atmosphere, and the valve is opened to flow the working fluid Sometimes the working fluid is a) pumped through the capillary structure, b) at least partially evaporated, c) at least partially transferred to the condenser, and d) so that heat is removed from the heat storage device. It can be at least partially condensed in a condenser. Thus, the system can optionally include a capillary pumping loop.

(Working fluid)
The working fluid is any fluid that can be partially or completely evaporated (transition from liquid state to gas state) in the heat storage device when the thermal energy storage material is at the liquidus temperature or above. Also good. Suitable working fluids (eg, for capillary pumping loops) include pure substances and mixtures, which mixtures have one or any combination of the following characteristics: Good chemical stability at the highest thermal energy storage system temperature, low viscosity (eg less than about 100 mPa · s), good wetting of the capillary structure (eg good core wetting), capillary pumping loop material (container Chemical compatibility with materials, materials used to encapsulate thermal energy storage materials, vapor line and liquid line materials, etc. (eg, the working fluid reduces corrosion of these materials), evaporator temperature and The temperature-dependent vapor pressure that results in the condenser temperature, the high volume latent heat of evaporation (eg, the product of the latent heat of fusion, expressed in megajoules per liter, and the concentration of the working fluid at about 25 ° C. is about 4 MJ / The freezing point below the freezing point of the heat transfer fluid of the condenser (eg, the freezing point below the freezing point of the antifreeze liquid), or the freezing point below about −40 ° C. For example, the working fluid equilibrium may be at least 90% liquid at a temperature of −40 ° C. and a pressure of 1 atmosphere.

  Without limitation, exemplary working fluids include one or more alcohols, one or more ketones, one or more hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons (eg, known hydrofluoric automotive refrigerants, etc.) Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant), water, ammonia, or combinations thereof, or consist essentially of these.

  The vapor pressure of the working fluid should be high enough in the evaporator to produce a vapor stream sufficient to pump the working fluid. Preferably, the vapor pressure of the working fluid should be high enough in the evaporator to produce a vapor flow sufficient to transfer the desired heat output measured in watts from the evaporator to the condenser. . The vapor pressure of the working fluid in the evaporator is preferably low enough so that the capillary pumping loop does not leak and rupture.

  Wetting the capillary structure with the working fluid can be characterized by the contact angle of the working fluid with the material of the capillary structure. Preferably, the contact angle is less than about 80 °, more preferably less than about 70 °, even more preferably less than about 60 °, and most preferably less than about 55 °.

  The working fluid preferably condenses at moderate pressures and temperatures below about 90 ° C. For example, the working fluid has a pressure at about 90 ° C. of less than about 2 MPa, preferably less than about 0.8 MPa, more preferably less than about 0.3 MPa, even more preferably less than about 0.2 MPa, and most preferably less than about 0.1 MPa. Can condense.

  The working fluid can preferably flow at a very low temperature. For example, the working fluid can be exposed to very low ambient temperatures, preferably about 0 ° C., preferably about −10 ° C., more preferably about −25 ° C., more preferably from the condenser to the heat storage device. It can flow at a temperature of about -40 ° C, most preferably about -60 ° C. The working fluid is preferably in the gaseous state at the temperature of the fully charged heat storage device. For example, the working fluid can have a boiling point at 1 atmosphere lower than the phase transition temperature of the thermal energy storage material of the thermal storage device, preferably at least 20 ° C. lower than the phase transition temperature of the thermal energy storage material, More preferably, it may have at least 40 ° C. lower than the phase transition temperature of the thermal energy storage material. In various aspects of the invention, it is desirable for the working fluid to have a boiling point at 1 atmosphere (or a temperature at which the total vapor pressure of all components of the working fluid is equal to 1 atmosphere), which is greater than about 30 ° C., Preferably above about 35 ° C, more preferably above about 50 ° C, even more preferably above about 60 ° C, and most preferably above about 70 ° C (eg, so that the working fluid is a liquid at ambient conditions). In various aspects of the invention, the boiling point of the working fluid at 1 atmosphere (or the temperature at which the total vapor pressure of all components of the working fluid is equal to 1 atmosphere) is less than about 180 ° C., preferably less than about 150 ° C., more Preferably less than about 120 ° C, most preferably less than about 95 ° C.

  Particularly preferred working fluids contain or consist essentially of water and ammonia. For example, the total concentration of water and ammonia in the working fluid is at least about 80 wt%, more preferably at least about 90 wt%, most preferably at least about 95 wt%) based on the total weight of the working fluid) is there. The ammonia concentration can be sufficient to maintain the boiling point of the working fluid at the boiling point of water (eg, at least about 10 ° C. below the boiling point of water). The concentration of ammonia can be greater than about 2 wt%, preferably greater than about 10 wt%, more preferably greater than about 15 wt%, and most preferably greater than about 18 wt%, based on the total weight of the working fluid. The ammonia concentration can be less than about 80 wt%, preferably less than about 60 wt%, more preferably less than about 40 wt%, and most preferably less than about 30 wt%. The concentration of water in the working fluid is greater than about 20 wt%, preferably greater than about 40 wt%, more preferably greater than about 60 wt%, and most preferably greater than about 70 wt%, based on the total weight of the working fluid. be able to. The concentration of water in the working fluid is less than about 98 wt%, preferably less than about 95 wt%, more preferably less than about 90 wt%, even more preferably less than about 85 wt%, based on the total weight of the working fluid, Preferably it can be less than about 82% by weight. For example, a solution of about 21 wt% ammonia and about 79 wt% water has a liquidus point of about −40 ° C. and an upper boiling point range of less than about 100 ° C. at 1 atmosphere. This solution can be stored (eg, as a liquid) in an unpressurized container at room temperature.

  Preferably, the working fluid has a total vapor pressure of all components equal to 1 atmosphere at one temperature from about 0 ° C to about 250 ° C.

  The working fluid can efficiently transfer heat energy from the heat storage device to reduce the amount of working fluid required to remove a certain amount of heat from the heat storage device (e.g., heat transfer). Compared to devices that use a heat transfer fluid that is not a working fluid to remove). Preferably, most of the heat transferred by the working fluid is transferred in the form of evaporation heat. The volume of working fluid, the flow rate of working fluid, or both can be relatively low in thermal energy storage compared to systems using heat transfer fluids that are not working fluids and having the same initial output. The flow rate of working fluid (ie, liquid working fluid flowing into the heat storage device) per liter of container of the heat storage device is less than about 5 liters / minute, preferably less than about 2 liters / minute, more preferably about It can be less than 1 liter / minute, more preferably less than about 0.5 liter / minute, and most preferably less than about 0.1 liter / minute. The ratio of the volume of working fluid in the system to the total volume of the heat storage vessel or the volume of thermal energy storage material in the heat storage device should not be unduly affected by the weight of the working fluid Should be low enough. The ratio of the volume of working fluid in the system (eg, in the capillary pumping loop) to the total volume of the container (ie, volume in the container) of the heat storage device (or the volume of working fluid in the system and the heat storage device The ratio to the volume of the thermal energy storage material within) can be less than about 20, preferably less than about 10, more preferably less than about 4, even more preferably less than about 2, and most preferably less than about 1.

  As described above, the working fluid can transfer a portion of the thermal energy in the form of heat of evaporation. The working fluid preferably has a high heat of vaporization so that more heat can be transferred. Suitable working fluids for heat storage devices are greater than about 200 kJ / mol, preferably greater than about 500 kJ / mol, more preferably greater than about 750 kJ / mol, more preferably greater than about 1000 kJ / mol, and most preferably about 1200 kJ / mol. It can have a heat of vaporization greater than a mole.

  For applications where the temperature of the working fluid can be less than 0 ° C., the working fluid is preferably not water (eg, so that the working fluid does not freeze, rupture, or both).

  It should be understood that the material in contact with the working fluid can be resistant to corrosion by the working fluid. For example, any one or all of the surfaces of the heat storage device or heat storage system that can contact the working fluid (e.g., inside the working fluid vapor line, inside the working fluid liquid line, in the heat transfer fluid compartment of the heat storage device Surfaces, one or more valve inner surfaces, condenser working fluid compartment surfaces, working fluid reservoir inner surfaces, etc.) can be formed from stainless steel.

It should be understood that the working fluid or heat transfer fluid used in the thermal energy storage system described herein may include an additive package. Such additive packages are known to those skilled in the art and are configured to be mounted on a system where the apparatus of the present invention can be used. For example, the additive package can include stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, extreme pressure additives, or combinations thereof.
Optional heater

  The heat storage system optionally includes one or more heaters. The heater can be any heater that can raise the temperature of the thermal energy storage material in the heat storage device to a temperature above the transition temperature. The heater may be any heater that can convert energy (eg, electrical energy, mechanical energy, chemical energy, or combinations thereof) into heat (ie, thermal energy). The one or more heaters can be one or more electric heaters. One or more heaters can be used to heat some or all of the thermal energy storage of the heat storage device. Preferably, the system comprises one or more heaters in heat transfer with the heat storage device. For example, the system can include one or more heaters in the insulation of the heat storage device. Electric heaters can use electricity from one or more electrochemical cells, an external power source, or both. For example, when a vehicle is plugged into an outlet connected to a fixed object, electricity from an external power source is used to make the heat storage device higher than the liquidus temperature of the thermal energy storage material in the heat storage device Can be maintained at temperature. When the vehicle is not plugged into an outlet connected to a stationary object, the electricity generated from the electrochemical cell is used to place the heat storage device above the liquidus temperature of the thermal energy storage material in the heat storage device. Can be maintained at high temperatures.

  A heat storage device can be used in a process for heating one or more parts. The process includes flowing a heat transfer fluid through the heat transfer device. The steps of flowing the heat transfer fluid through the heat transfer device include flowing an initial temperature heat transfer fluid through the inlet of the device and flowing the heat transfer fluid through the axial flow channel, thereby causing the heat transfer fluid to flow through a plurality of radial flow channels. Allowing heat to be removed from the thermal energy storage material having a temperature higher than the initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid by flowing the heat transfer fluid through the radial flow path; A method comprising allowing a plurality of radial flow paths to be recombined by flowing a transfer fluid through different axial flow paths and flowing a heat transfer fluid having an outlet temperature through the outlet of the device. . Preferably, the outlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid is higher than the initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid. A process for heating one or more components may use a flow path through a heat storage device that includes one of a radial flow path and one of two axial flow path options, Overall, it has a constant total flow length for different radial channels.

  A heat storage device and / or heat storage system is characterized as having a relatively high output (eg, measured during initial 30 or 60 second heating) and can rapidly heat components such as internal combustion engines It is like that. The heat storage device and / or heat storage system may be characterized by an average power of greater than about 5 watts, preferably greater than about 10 watts, more preferably greater than about 15 watts, and most preferably greater than about 20 watts.

  A heat storage device and / or heat storage system can be characterized as having a relatively high power density so that a large amount of thermal energy can be held in a relatively small compartment. For example, the heat storage device and / or heat storage system has a power density greater than about 4 kW / L, preferably greater than about 8 kW / L, more preferably greater than about 10 kW / L, and most preferably greater than about 12 kW / L. Can be characterized as

  The heat storage device and / or heat storage system may be characterized as having a relatively low pressure drop of the heat transfer fluid (measured at a heat transfer fluid flow rate of about 10 L / min). For example, the heat storage device and / or heat storage system may have a heat transfer fluid pressure of less than about 2.0 kPa, preferably less than about 1.5 kPa, more preferably less than about 1.2 kPa, and most preferably less than about 1.0 kPa. Can be characterized as having a descent.

  As an example, a thermal energy storage system can be used in a transport vehicle (eg, an automobile) to store energy from engine exhaust. When the engine produces exhaust gas, a bypass valve directs the gas flow through the heat storage device so that the heat storage device is charged or directs the gas flow through the bypass line to prevent overheating of the heat storage device. can do. For example, if the engine is stopped when the vehicle is parked, a significant portion of the heat stored in the heat storage device can be retained for a long time (eg, by a vacuum insulator surrounding the heat storage device). Preferably, after parking for 16 hours at an ambient temperature of about −40 ° C., at least 50% of the thermal energy storage material of the thermal storage device remains in a liquid state. When the vehicle is parked for a long enough time (eg, at least 2-3 hours) that the engine is substantially cooled (eg, the temperature difference between the engine and the environment is less than about 20 ° C.), By flowing a heat transfer fluid (engine coolant or the like) through a heat exchanger equipped with a condenser, the heat stored in the heat storage device can be indirectly discharged to a cold engine or other heat vessel. A capillary structure in the heat storage device where the working fluid evaporates is used to circulate the working fluid through the capillary pumping loop. Heat from the working fluid is transferred to the engine coolant in the heat exchanger. By using a heat storage device, heat that would have been wasted is captured during a prior trip to alleviate cold start and / or provide immediate cockpit heating.

  A thermal energy storage system for storing heat, such as heat from vehicle exhaust, may include some or all of the features shown in FIG. The thermal energy storage system 100 includes a heat storage device 101. The thermal energy storage system may comprise a heat exchanger or condenser 102 having a first inlet 117 for the first heat transfer fluid 107 and a first outlet 117 for the first heat transfer fluid. it can. The thermal energy storage system 100 can include a tube (eg, line) 113 that connects the first heat transfer fluid inlet 111 of the heat exchanger 102 to the first heat transfer fluid outlet of the heat storage device 101. The thermal energy storage system 100 can include a tube 109 that connects the first heat transfer fluid outlet 117 of the heat exchanger 102 to the first heat transfer fluid inlet of the heat storage device 101. The first heat transfer fluid 107 flows through the first heat transfer fluid compartment of the heat storage device 101. The first heat transfer fluid can flow through the first heat transfer fluid compartment of the heat exchanger 102. The first heat transfer fluid can be a working fluid, the line from the heat storage device 101 to the heat exchanger 102 can be a steam line, and the heat exchanger 102 can be a condenser for the working fluid. And the first heat transfer fluid compartment may be a working fluid compartment. Thus, the thermal energy storage system 100 includes a capillary pumping loop comprising a working fluid compartment of a heat storage device, a working fluid compartment of a condenser, a working fluid vapor tube 109 and a working fluid liquid tube 113. it can. The thermal energy storage system can also include one or more heat transfer fluid or working fluid reservoirs 110. The reservoir 110, when used in a capillary pumping loop, is preferably higher than the working fluid inlet height of the heat storage device 110 and the condenser working fluid outlet 117, the condenser working fluid inlet 111, or both. Has a filling level lower than the height. The thermal energy storage system 100 can include a valve 118 that regulates a first heat transfer fluid flow in a tube 113 that connects the heat storage device 101 and the heat exchanger 102. For example, the valve 118 is used to prevent the heat transfer fluid from circulating when charging the heat storage device or when the heat storage device is storing heat. When it is desirable to exhaust heat from the heat storage device, the valve 118 can be opened. Referring again to FIG. 10, the thermal energy storage system includes a heat transfer fluid inlet line 108 and a heat transfer fluid outlet line 106 for flowing a second heat transfer fluid into and out of the heat storage device 101. Can be provided. The thermal energy storage system diverts the heat transfer fluid bypass line 105 and some or all of the second heat transfer fluid to the bypass line 105 (eg, when the heat storage device is fully charged, or the second And a diverter valve (eg, a bypass valve) 104 when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is lower than the temperature of the thermal energy storage material of the heat storage device 101. The thermal energy storage system also includes a low temperature line 116 for supplying another heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger and a high temperature line 115 for removing the heated heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger 102. Can do. The cold line 116 and hot line 115 are part of the heat transfer fluid loop 114. The heat transfer fluid loop 114 may contain engine coolant. A heat transfer fluid loop 114 can be connected to the internal combustion engine 103. As described above, the thermal energy storage system 100 can heat the internal combustion engine 103 by the energy stored in the heat storage device 101.

  Heat transfer using the working fluid can be initiated by opening the working fluid valve (ie, the exhaust valve). A sealed working fluid reservoir connected to the loop via an additional liquid line functions to accommodate changes in the liquid volume of the working fluid in the loop without substantial pressure changes. When sufficient or all useful heat is transferred from the heat storage device, the exhaust valve can be closed. The remaining working fluid in the heat storage device can be evaporated (eg, by heat remaining in the heat storage device or when the heat storage device begins to charge) and then condensed in the condenser. The working fluid is drained from the heat storage device and the liquid level of the working fluid level can change (eg, rise).

  The heat storage device may optionally be a cross-flow heat exchanger (ie having a flow direction for the working fluid and a vertical flow direction for the exhaust gas flow). For example, in operation, a heat storage device can comprise three chambers filled with 1) exhaust gas, 2) stagnant phase change material (eg, an inner capsule such as a blister pack), and 3) a working fluid. All three chambers are separated by a thin wall formed from a suitable material, preferably stainless steel. Exhaust gas can flow between the faces (eg, curved surfaces) of the phase change material capsule in the blister and the working fluid is in a direction generally perpendicular to the exhaust gas flow direction of the phase change material in the blister. It can flow between different surfaces (eg, flat surfaces) of the capsule. The liquid working fluid entering the chamber preferably wets the capillary structure (e.g., metal core) and acts as a force of gravity and vapor pressure due to capillary forces acting in response to the liquid meniscus of the working fluid formed in the capillary. Carried against the combination. This flow is maintained by continuous liquid evaporation using heat drawn from the phase change material in the blister. The working fluid vapor leaves the capillary structure and is discharged from the top of the device via the vapor flow path. Vapor channels may mate with each other between columns of capillary structure that are crushed between the faces (eg, flat faces) of the phase change material capsule in the blister. The working fluid vapors flow into the condenser, where the heat of evaporation and sensible heat are transferred to the cryogenic cooling fluid to become liquid again, return to the heat storage device, continue to circulate in the loop, and are partially circulated by the liquid working fluid It is pumped only by the capillary force present inside the capillary structure (eg, metal core) impregnated in All columns of the capillary structure can be connected to a common porous base. Such a porous base can be used to distribute liquid working fluid flowing into different columns from the bottom of the apparatus.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be used in combination with further elements / parts / steps. For example, an absorption or adsorption cycle cooling system for air conditioning can be used as a thermal vessel in place of or in addition to the cooling liquid (eg, a condenser is a refrigerant evaporator that circulates in the fluid loop of the air conditioner). Can also be used). In another application, a steady state waste heat recovery system using a heat engine, such as a Rankine cycle, uses the same or different capillary pumping loop working fluid to machine the steam line between the heat storage device and the condenser. Can be configured to add a power generating turbine (eg, to overcome high vapor pressure upstream of the turbine) and / or to add a liquid pump to the liquid line between the condenser and the heat storage device . The turbine improves the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle by converting some of the heat taken from the waste heat of the exhaust gas into useful mechanical or electrical action.

  While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the foregoing exemplary embodiments have been presented by way of example. However, it should be understood again that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Indeed, the technology of the invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

2 segment 4 upper surface 6 bottom surface 8 outer edge surface 9 edge portion 10 capsule structure 12 encapsulating material 14 sealed space 16 fluid passage 18 upper surface 19 outer periphery 20 bottom surface 21 opening periphery 22 side surface 23 region 26 thermal energy storage material 27 unfilled volume 28 cover sheet 29 opening 30 base sheet 31 base sheet 32 outer ring 34 inner ring 38 bottom surface 40 forming sheet 41 top surface 42 bottom surface 43 trough region 44 lip region 45 outer periphery 46 opening 47 opening periphery 48 opening surface 49 side surface 50 trough 51 dent 53 groove 60 inner wall 62 Outer wall 64 Insulating layer 68 Container 84 'Axial flow path 100 Thermal energy storage system 101 Heat storage device 107 First heat transfer fluid 117 First inlet / first outlet 102 Heat exchanger 103 Internal combustion engine 104 Diverter valve 105 Viper Sline 106 Heat transfer fluid outlet line 108 Heat transfer fluid inlet line 109 Tube 113 Tube 114 Heat transfer fluid loop 115 High temperature line 116 Low temperature line 118 Valve

Claims (26)

An article comprising a capsule structure having one or more enclosed spaces,
The enclosed space encloses one or more thermal energy storage materials;
The capsule structure has one or more fluid passages large enough for heat transfer fluid to flow through the one or more fluid passages;
An article wherein the thermal energy storage material is separated from the heat transfer fluid when a heat transfer fluid contacts the capsule structure.   The capsule structure comprises two sheets capable of encapsulating a thermal energy storage material, the sheet having an outer periphery, each sheet at least along the outer periphery and / or one or more additional substructures The article of claim 1, wherein the one or more enclosed spaces that are in close contact with and contain the thermal energy storage material are formed between the substructures.   The article of claim 2, wherein the sheets have corresponding openings, each sheet being in close contact with each other and / or one or more additional substructures around the openings.   The article of claim 3, wherein the sheets are in close contact with each other along the outer periphery and along the periphery of the opening. The capsule structure has an upper surface and an outer periphery;
The article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper surface includes two or more grooves, each groove extending from the fluid passage to the outer periphery, and fluidly connecting between the passage and the outer periphery. .   The capsule structure has a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the capsule structure has a thickness defined by an average separation of the first outer surface and the second outer surface, and the capsule structure Is sufficiently thin so that heat can be transferred rapidly from the one or more enclosed spaces, and the one or more enclosed spaces are largely thermal energy storage such that the article can store a large amount of thermal energy. 6. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, having a total enclosed volume filled with material.   The article of claim 6, wherein the fluid passage is near a geometric center of the first outer surface.   The article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the article comprises three or more sealed spaces.   The one or more enclosed spaces have a total internal volume at a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius, and the enclosed space includes a total volume of thermal energy storage material at a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius; The article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of total volume to the total internal volume is at least about 0.50.   The outer periphery of the article comprises one or more recesses, and heat transfer fluid can flow through the space formed by the recesses when the article overlap is disposed in a hollow cylinder. The article according to any one of 9.   11. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thickness of the article is less than about 1 cm and the article has a dimension greater than about 5 cm.   The surface of the article includes one or more protrusions, and when the plurality of articles are stacked, a space for the heat transfer fluid to flow is created between the articles. Articles described in 1.   The article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the article comprises an arcuate second surface as a whole.   The article is a first article having a certain shape, the second article has the same shape as the first article, and the arc surface of the first article is the arc surface of the second article. 14. The article of claim 13, wherein the article is disposed opposite to and wherein the first and second articles can be at least partially nested.   15. The article of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the thermal energy storage material is a phase change material having a solid-liquid transition temperature greater than about 30 ° C and less than about 350 ° C.   16. An apparatus comprising a container and a plurality of articles according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plurality of articles are stacked so that fluid passages in the articles are axially aligned. i) aligning the two articles with the generally flat surface of the two articles adjacent to each other, such that the two articles form an axial layer of enclosed space, or
ii) a single article forms an axial layer of a sealed capsule;
The apparatus includes an axial flow path through the fluid passages of the article overlap, a radial flow path having a space between adjacent axial layers of a sealed space, and inside the container beyond the outer periphery of the article. The apparatus of claim 16, comprising a heat transfer fluid flow path having different axial flow paths with spaces.   The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the axial flow path through the fluid passage of the article and the axial flow path having a space beyond the outer periphery of the article are separated by the radial flow path. .   The container comprises a plurality of orifices, the plurality of orifices having one or more inlets to allow fluid to flow into the container and one or more outlets to allow fluid to flow out of the container; The device according to any one of claims 15 to 18.   20. The device according to any one of claims 15-19, wherein the average distance between adjacent layers is less than about 5 mm.   21. The container of any one of claims 15-20, wherein the container is generally cylindrical with a radius and a height, and the ratio of the radius to the height is from about 1: 3 to about 10: 1. Equipment.   The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the concentration of the thermal energy storage material in the container is greater than about 60% by volume, based on the total internal volume of the container.   23. A process for removing heat from a heat storage device according to any one of claims 16 to 22 comprising flowing a heat transfer fluid through the device. Flowing the heat transfer fluid through the device;
a. Flowing an initial temperature heat transfer fluid through the inlet of the device;
b. Allowing the heat transfer fluid to be divided into a plurality of radial flow paths by flowing the heat transfer fluid through an axial flow path;
c. Allowing heat to be removed from a thermal energy storage material having a temperature higher than the initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid by flowing the heat transfer fluid through a radial flow path;
d. Allowing a plurality of radial flow paths to be recombined by flowing the heat transfer fluid through different axial flow paths;
e. Flowing the heat transfer fluid having an outlet temperature through the outlet of the device;
24. The process of claim 23, wherein an outlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid is higher than the initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid.   Cutting an opening in the base sheet, embossing the base sheet to have one or more troughs, filling one or more troughs with a thermal energy storage material, and cutting an opening in the cover sheet And adhering the cover sheet to the base sheet along at least the outer periphery and the opening periphery to form an article having an opening and one or more sealed spaces containing a thermal energy storage material. A process for forming an article according to any one of claims 1-15.   23. A system comprising the heat storage device according to any one of claims 16 to 22 and a heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat transfer fluid and heat energy storage material and heat transfer in one or more enclosed spaces. System.

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