Density controlled phase-changing material (PCM) spheres for increased heating power and optimal delivery temperature in hot-water tanks
US12429231B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2022 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/14
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A medium for energy storage includes a plurality of capsules. Each capsule contains a phase changing material (PCM) configured to undergo a liquid-solid phase transition at a solidification temperature, TS. The PCM undergoes a relative volume change due to the phase transition. A shell is filled with the PCM. The shell contains a first heat-conducting material, and is configured to comply to the relative volume change. The relative volume change is configured to cause a buoyancy force, which acts on the capsule when the capsule is disposed in water at a water temperature, TW, to be larger than the capsule's weight for Tw>Ts, and equal to or smaller than the capsule's weight for Tw<Ts. The Ts can be within ±5° F. of a design water temperature To at the outlet of a water tank. The capsule can be neutrally buoyant in water at To.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.