US20150121944A1 - Phase change material pack - Google Patents
Phase change material pack Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150121944A1 US20150121944A1 US14/361,566 US201214361566A US2015121944A1 US 20150121944 A1 US20150121944 A1 US 20150121944A1 US 201214361566 A US201214361566 A US 201214361566A US 2015121944 A1 US2015121944 A1 US 2015121944A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pack
- pcm
- depressions
- pcm pack
- planar surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012782 phase change material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 118
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Urea Chemical compound NC(N)=O XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004202 carbamide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 abstract description 19
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 6
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 6
- PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Sulfate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- UXVMQQNJUSDDNG-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[Cl-].[Ca+2] UXVMQQNJUSDDNG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 3
- 239000001110 calcium chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001628 calcium chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- -1 salt hydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia chloride Chemical compound [NH4+].[Cl-] NLXLAEXVIDQMFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[K+] WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052938 sodium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000011152 sodium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- VMHLLURERBWHNL-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium acetate Chemical compound [Na+].CC([O-])=O VMHLLURERBWHNL-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000004133 Sodium thiosulphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019270 ammonium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- QHFQAJHNDKBRBO-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium chloride hexahydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.O.O.O.[Cl-].[Cl-].[Ca+2] QHFQAJHNDKBRBO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- ZNLVAQJGGDVQAU-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium;dichloride;tetrahydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.O.[Cl-].[Cl-].[Ca+2] ZNLVAQJGGDVQAU-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- BNIILDVGGAEEIG-UHFFFAOYSA-L disodium hydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].OP([O-])([O-])=O BNIILDVGGAEEIG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- HFCSXCKLARAMIQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L disodium;sulfate;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O HFCSXCKLARAMIQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004677 hydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012074 organic phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001103 potassium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011164 potassium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001632 sodium acetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000017281 sodium acetate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000029 sodium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RSIJVJUOQBWMIM-UHFFFAOYSA-L sodium sulfate decahydrate Chemical compound O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.[Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O RSIJVJUOQBWMIM-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- AKHNMLFCWUSKQB-UHFFFAOYSA-L sodium thiosulfate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=S AKHNMLFCWUSKQB-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 235000019345 sodium thiosulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0007—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning
- F24F5/0017—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning using cold storage bodies, e.g. ice
- F24F5/0021—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning using cold storage bodies, e.g. ice using phase change material [PCM] for storage
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/30—Arrangement or mounting of heat-exchangers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
- F28D20/02—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using latent heat
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
- F28D20/02—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using latent heat
- F28D20/021—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using latent heat the latent heat storage material and the heat-exchanging means being enclosed in one container
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
- F28F3/04—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element
- F28F3/042—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element in the form of local deformations of the element
- F28F3/044—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element in the form of local deformations of the element the deformations being pontual, e.g. dimples
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/08—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
- F24F5/0007—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning
- F24F5/0017—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning using cold storage bodies, e.g. ice
- F24F2005/0032—Systems storing energy during the night
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
- F28D2020/0004—Particular heat storage apparatus
- F28D2020/0008—Particular heat storage apparatus the heat storage material being enclosed in plate-like or laminated elements, e.g. in plates having internal compartments
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/14—Thermal energy storage
Definitions
- This invention relates to a phase change material (PCM) pack for an air conditioning system, and to an air conditioning system comprising a stack of such packs.
- PCM phase change material
- phase change material packs and air conditioning arrangements using the packs use the latent heat property of material to store thermal energy so that the phase change material can be frozen using cool night time air and then used to cool daytime air for air conditioning purposes, for example within domestic and commercial buildings.
- the present invention seeks to address this desirability.
- a phase change material (PCM) pack for an air conditioning system (or ventilation system).
- the pack comprises phase change material sealed between a first thermally conductive layer forming a first outer surface of the PCM pack and a second thermally conductive layer forming a second outer surface of the PCM pack.
- At least the first or second outer surface of the PCM pack takes the form of a substantially planar surface having defined therein a plurality of depressions deviating from the planar surface towards the interior of the PCM pack in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface.
- the depressions in the outer surface of the PCM pack enhance the heat transfer between an air flow passing over the outer surface and the PCM. It has been found that vortices are generated within the depressions that enhance heat flow.
- both the first and second outer surfaces of the PCM pack each take the form of a substantially planar surface having defined therein a plurality of depressions deviating from the planar surface towards the interior of the PCM pack in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface.
- depressions may be provided on only one outer surface of the pack.
- the other outer surface of the pack may therefore be substantially flat or may have protrusions or depressions provided thereon, which may take any other suitable shape.
- the PCM pack is substantially cuboidal having a length and width many times larger than its depth. In this way, the PCM pack forms a thin panel.
- the plurality of depressions is arranged in a regular array over the outer surface. This is not essential and the depressions may be arranged substantially randomly. However, for reasons of aesthetics, effective use of the surface area of the PCM pack and air flow, a regular array is presently preferred.
- the array of depressions may comprise parallel rows of depressions arranged orthogonally to the direction of fluid flow over the PCM pack, which will typically by the longitudinal (length) direction of pack.
- the rows of depressions may extend in the width direction of the pack.
- the pitch of depressions within the row may be selected to maximise heat transfer.
- the spacing between adjacent rows may be selected to maximise heat transfer.
- Adjacent rows of depressions may be staggered, for example by half the pitch of the depressions, in order to maximise the use of the surface area of the PCM pack.
- each outer surface of the pack provided with said depressions may comprise at least ten depressions, preferably at least 50 depressions, more preferably at least 100 depressions, more preferably 1000 depressions or more.
- the depressions may occupy a substantial proportion of the outer surface of the PCM pack.
- the depressions may occupy more than 15% of the planar surface area of the (or each) outer surface, possibly more than 25%, preferably more than 50%, more preferably more than 75%.
- the outer surface of the PCM pack is provided with a large number of relatively small depressions.
- the planar surface area of the outer surface occupied by each depression may be less than 5% of the total planar surface area of the outer surface, possibly less than 1%, or less than 0.5% or even less than 0.1%.
- the planar surface area of the outer surface occupied by each depression can be considered as the footprint of the depression.
- the depressions are presently preferred to be relatively shallow compared to their footprint.
- the maximum depth of each depression in the direction perpendicular to the planar surface of the PCM pack (the depth direction) may be less than 75% of the square root of the planar surface area of the outer surface occupied by the depression, possibly less than 50% or even less than 25%.
- the depressions should not be too shallow.
- the maximum depth of each depression in the direction perpendicular to the planar surface of the PCM pack may be greater than 10% of the square root of the planar surface area of the outer surface occupied by the depression, possibly greater than 20% or even greater than 30%.
- each depression in a plane perpendicular to the planar surface of the pack it is desirable for the cross section of each depression in a plane perpendicular to the planar surface of the pack to form a smooth curve.
- the curve may be circular, elliptical, hyperbolic or any other suitable shape.
- the footprint of the depressions may be any suitable shape, for example elliptical or polygonal.
- the depressions have a substantially circular shape in the plane of the planar outer surface. This provides a configuration that is easy to manufacture.
- the depressions are defined by a substantially spherical surface.
- the depressions may be substantially hemispherical or may be provided by less than half a sphere.
- the phase change material may comprise at least one of a salt hydrate, urea or paraffin.
- Other phase change materials may be used, including mixtures.
- organic phase change materials made from vegetable products may be used, such as the materials sold under the Pure Temp trade mark by Entropy Solutions, Inc. of Madison, Minn., USA.
- Particular phase change materials are mixtures of paraffin and salt hydrates such as the SP Blend manufactured by Rubitherm Gmbh of Berlin, Germany.
- the salt hydrate may comprise a hydrate of sodium sulphate and/or a hydrate of calcium chloride.
- the salt hydrate may be sodium sulphate decahydrate, calcium chloride hexahydrate, calcium chloride tetrahydrate, calcium chloride dehydrate or a mixture of two or more of these.
- Other suitable salt hydrates are hydrates of sodium thiosulphate, sodium acetate, disodium hydrogen phosphate or sodium carbonate or suitable mixtures of these and other salt hydrates.
- the phase change material may comprise a hydrate of sodium sulphate and between 0 and 15% by weight of sodium chloride.
- the sodium chloride can be used to lower the melting point of the sodium sulphate hydrate to the required level.
- the phase change material may comprise a hydrate of calcium chloride and between 0 and 15% by weight of potassium chloride, sodium chloride and/or ammonium chloride.
- the phase change material has a melting point between ⁇ 15 and 100 degrees centigrade, preferably between 15 and 40 degrees centigrade, more preferably between 20 and 30 degrees centigrade.
- the phase change material may be employed in a pack for refrigeration with a melting point between ⁇ 5 and 15 degrees centigrade or for a heating system with a melting point in excess of 40 degrees centigrade.
- the minimum and maximum temperatures in the preceding ranges may be used interchangeably to define the melting point range for the phase change material.
- the thermally conductive material may be a metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel, which may be provided with an anti-corrosion coating.
- the thermally conductive material may comprise a metal-plastics composite, for example aluminium-coated plastics or HDPE with an additive to increase thermal conductivity.
- the depressions may be formed in the thermally conductive material by moulding, pressing, machining or any other suitable process.
- the invention extends to an air conditioning system comprising a plurality of the PCM packs arranged in a stack with spacing between adjacent packs to allow air flow over the outer surface of each pack.
- the spacing of the packs is selected to minimise the pressure drop across the stack while maximising heat transfer.
- the maximum depth of each depression in the direction perpendicular to the planar surface of each PCM pack may be less than 90% of the spacing between adjacent packs, feasibly less than 75%, possibly less than 50%, possibly less than 40%, or even less than 25%. In general, the maximum depth of each depression in the direction perpendicular to the planar surface of each PCM pack is greater than 25% of the spacing between adjacent packs.
- An advantage of the depressions in the PCM pack is in reducing the thickness of the pack periodically to improve conductivity and benefit the melting and freezing process.
- FIG. 1 shows a PCM pack according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 shows schematically an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3 shows in cutaway the detail of a PCM pack according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4 shows the airflow over the surface of the PCM pack of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 shows schematically the configuration of the PCM pack of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 shows four exemplary arrangements of dimpled panels
- FIG. 7 shows the heat transfer coefficient for the panels of FIG. 6 at a range of flow rates
- FIG. 8 shows the heat transfer coefficient for the panels of FIG. 6 at a range of pressure drops
- FIG. 9 is a comparison of the heat transfer coefficient for selected ones of the panels of FIG. 6 at a range of pressure drops.
- FIG. 1 shows a phase change material (PCM) pack 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the PCM pack is formed from two layers 2 of thermally conductive material sealed together at their edges to enclose the PCM.
- the layers of thermally conductive material are also connected at, in this embodiment, two connecting locations 3 within the footprint of the PCM pack 1 .
- the connecting locations 3 take the form of a rivet within a depression formed in one layer 2 of thermally conductive material which rivet connects the two layers and provides mechanical stability to the PCM pack 1 .
- the surface of the PCM pack 1 is provided with a regular array of depressions 4 forming a surface texture of the PCM pack.
- the significance of the depressions 4 will be described in more detail with reference to the subsequent Figures.
- the depressions 4 are shown with a substantially rectangular outline.
- the depressions 4 may be circular in outline, as shown for example in FIG. 3 .
- Other outlines are also possible, for example elliptical or polygonal.
- FIG. 2 shows the PCM packs 1 of FIG. 1 in a simple air conditioning system.
- the PCM packs 1 are arranged in a stack with spacing for airflow between adjacent packs 1 .
- a fan 5 forces air through the stack of PCM packs 1 from an air inlet 6 to an air outlet 7 .
- An inlet valve 8 selects the source of air for the air inlet 6 , which may be air from within a building or air from outside a building.
- an outlet valve 9 routes the air from the air outlet 7 .
- the air conditioning system is configured to use cool night time air from the outside of a building to freeze the PCM in the PCM packs 1 so that during the day air can be cooled by being forced over the PCM packs 1 by the fan 5 causing heat to be transferred from the air to melt the PCM.
- the air inlet valve 8 allows the air to be cooled to be selected from outside air or, preferably, cooled air from within the building.
- FIG. 3 shows the detail of a PCM pack 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in which the depressions 4 have a circular outline and are arranged in a regular array.
- the depressions 4 are substantially hemispherical.
- other shapes of the depressions 4 are possible, for example the depressions may be ovoid in shape.
- the PCM pack is provided with depressions 4 on both major surfaces of the pack 1 .
- FIG. 4 shows the flow profile of air passing over the surface of the PCM pack 1 in the direction of the uppermost arrows in the Figure.
- the provision of a depression 4 in the surface of the PCM pack 1 causes a vortex to be generated in the depression 4 , which has been found to increase thermal transfer between the PCM pack 1 and the passing air. This improves the efficiency of the PCM pack 1 when compared to a PCM pack having only a flat surface.
- FIG. 5 shows the dimensions of the arrangement of depressions 4 on the surface of the PCM pack 1 .
- the substantially hemispherical depressions 4 are arranged in staggered rows orthogonal to the direction of airflow (left to right in FIG. 5 ).
- the spacing between aligned rows is indicated by the parameter S.
- the diameter of each depression is indicated by the parameter d and the spacing of the centres of depressions in each row (pitch) is indicated by the parameter p.
- adjacent rows of depressions 4 have a relative displacement of p/2 in the direction normal to the flow direction.
- the spacing between adjacent PCM packs in a stack is indicated by the parameter H, i.e. the height of the airflow passages between the PCT packs 1 .
- the depth of the depression relative to the surface of the PCM pack 1 is indicated by the parameters Hd.
- the selected dimpled layouts were machined on a single side of 8 mm thick aluminium plates of 450 ⁇ 150 mm ( FIG. 4 ).
- a set of two panels for each dimple layout was manufactured to create the dimpled channels.
- the side edges were sealed with an insert of a purpose made T-profile to set the channel height at the required level (8 mm or 10 mm).
- the back of the dimpled plate was attached to a thermoelectric cooling assembly that allowed control of the wall temperature of the cooling channel to the required level.
- a purpose built test rig was used to evaluate the dimpled channel performance.
- the test channel was connected to a pressurised chamber via a pre-conditioning passage with smooth walls.
- the air temperature in the chamber was regulated with halogen bulbs connected to a PID controller to achieve the required inlet temperature at the test section.
- the air flow rate was supplied using variable speed DC fans to the pressurised chamber and the rate of flow was measured upstream of the supply fan with a standard inlet cone device. Air temperature and relative humidity were evaluated at both inlet and outlet of the test section.
- the plate temperature was measured at six different locations with thermocouple probes inserted into 40 mm long channels drilled in from the lateral side of the plates. The channels were filled with thermo-conductive paste to ensure good contact between the temperature probes and the body of the dimpled plate.
- Each dimple layout was tested at various flow rates to evaluate the thermal performance under different flow regimes. Two sets of measurements were conducted. The first set of measurements was focused on comparing the dimpled layouts against a smooth wall channel, using 8 mm channel height. The second round was comparing the best performing dimpled plate with an existing PCM panel. The dimpled channel height was increased to 10 mm for the subsequent measurements.
- the heat transfer coefficient (h tr ) of the dimpled plates showed a considerable increment of about 20% compared to the smooth plate in the laminar rage.
- the h tr in the dimpled channels also increased at a steady rate up to 80 to 90% higher than within the smooth channel.
- the “Reference” and Option 3 dimples contributed to the highest increment in the heat transfer.
- Option 2 and Option 3 layouts have also followed the trend of the h tr improvement, but at a noticeably lower rate.
- FIG. 8 shows that the heat transfer performance of each panel follows a well defined relationship with the specific pressure loss regardless of design.
- the amount of air (or face velocity) required to achieve a certain heat transfer level at a given pressure may substantially differ between various designs. As an example 25 W/m 2 K h tr is achievable with each design at around 20 Pa pressure loss, but the amount of air needed in case of the flat plate may be up to 5.5 l/s while in the case of the Option 3 layout only about 3.5 l/s. Consequently, the dimpled layout can be matched to achieve the desired heat transfer and pressure loss for the amount of air that is supplied through the thermal battery (PCM pack).
- PCM pack thermal battery
- the ambient temperatures during the second set of measurements were considerably cooler at 17-20° C.
- Inlet temperatures were set within the 27-30° C. range and the channel wall temperatures established between 20 and 23° C.
- the ‘Option 3’ layout was selected as it was performing in the top range compared to the other investigated layouts.
- the measurements were carried out at both 8 mm and 10 mm channel height.
- the flat wall channel was tested as a reference case and a single channel made of 2 PCM panels but of equal width as the dimpled channel (150 mm) was also investigated.
- FIG. 9 shows the heat transfer coefficient for each plate against the pressure drop across the channel. As can be seen from FIG. 9 , the Option 3 configuration had superior heat transfer for a given pressure drop.
- a phase change material (PCM) pack 1 for an air conditioning system comprises phase change material sealed between a first thermally conductive layer 2 forming a first outer surface of the PCM pack and a second thermally conductive layer 2 forming a second outer surface of the PCM pack.
- At least the first or second outer surface of the PCM pack takes the form of a substantially planar surface having defined therein a plurality of depressions 4 deviating from the planar surface towards the interior of the PCM pack in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface. The depressions improve heat transfer between the pack and an airflow passing over the surface of the PCM pack.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Cooling Or The Like Of Electrical Apparatus (AREA)
- Holo Graphy (AREA)
- Devices For Blowing Cold Air, Devices For Blowing Warm Air, And Means For Preventing Water Condensation In Air Conditioning Units (AREA)
- Wrappers (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1120784.2A GB2497139B (en) | 2011-12-02 | 2011-12-02 | Phase change material pack |
GB1120784.2 | 2011-12-02 | ||
PCT/EP2012/074293 WO2013079728A2 (en) | 2011-12-02 | 2012-12-03 | Phase change material pack |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150121944A1 true US20150121944A1 (en) | 2015-05-07 |
Family
ID=45509088
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/361,566 Abandoned US20150121944A1 (en) | 2011-12-02 | 2012-12-03 | Phase change material pack |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150121944A1 (es) |
EP (1) | EP2786076B1 (es) |
JP (1) | JP3194585U (es) |
KR (1) | KR20140004847U (es) |
CN (1) | CN204373112U (es) |
AU (1) | AU2012343789B2 (es) |
BR (1) | BR112014013235A2 (es) |
ES (1) | ES2571594T3 (es) |
GB (1) | GB2497139B (es) |
PT (1) | PT2786076E (es) |
WO (1) | WO2013079728A2 (es) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140318176A1 (en) * | 2008-12-26 | 2014-10-30 | Keihin Thermal Technology Corporation | Evaporator with cool storage function |
US20210348853A1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2021-11-11 | Promeco Nv | Method for producing crockery filled with phase-change material |
CN114072628A (zh) * | 2019-04-05 | 2022-02-18 | 相变能量解决方案有限公司 | 热管理装置和方法 |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103925825A (zh) * | 2014-05-05 | 2014-07-16 | 哈尔滨工业大学 | 一种基于相变储热材料的热交换装置及其封装方法 |
US9723762B1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2017-08-01 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Free cooling in high humidity environments |
CN108955331A (zh) * | 2018-05-04 | 2018-12-07 | 谦茂节能科技(上海)有限公司 | 一种相变储能元件 |
KR102164513B1 (ko) * | 2018-05-14 | 2020-10-12 | (주)상지엔지니어링건축사사무소 | 무동력 친환경 환풍구 구조 |
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- 2012-12-03 BR BR112014013235A patent/BR112014013235A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-12-03 EP EP12812880.8A patent/EP2786076B1/en active Active
- 2012-12-03 PT PT128128808T patent/PT2786076E/pt unknown
- 2012-12-03 US US14/361,566 patent/US20150121944A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-12-03 ES ES12812880T patent/ES2571594T3/es active Active
- 2012-12-03 KR KR2020147000029U patent/KR20140004847U/ko active IP Right Grant
- 2012-12-03 JP JP2014600066U patent/JP3194585U/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-12-03 CN CN201290001112.3U patent/CN204373112U/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US20210348853A1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2021-11-11 | Promeco Nv | Method for producing crockery filled with phase-change material |
CN114072628A (zh) * | 2019-04-05 | 2022-02-18 | 相变能量解决方案有限公司 | 热管理装置和方法 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PT2786076E (pt) | 2016-06-24 |
GB2497139A (en) | 2013-06-05 |
JP3194585U (ja) | 2014-12-04 |
CN204373112U (zh) | 2015-06-03 |
KR20140004847U (ko) | 2014-08-29 |
AU2012343789A1 (en) | 2014-07-10 |
BR112014013235A2 (pt) | 2017-06-13 |
AU2012343789B2 (en) | 2016-03-31 |
WO2013079728A2 (en) | 2013-06-06 |
ES2571594T3 (es) | 2016-05-26 |
EP2786076A2 (en) | 2014-10-08 |
EP2786076B1 (en) | 2016-03-23 |
GB201120784D0 (en) | 2012-01-11 |
GB2497139B (en) | 2015-11-11 |
WO2013079728A3 (en) | 2013-09-19 |
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