Thermal storage system using encapsulated phase change materials in LED lamps
US8427036B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/14
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A phase change material (PCM) is used as thermal storage for lighting systems. The PCM is placed in a thermally conductive container in close contact with the lighting system. As the PCM absorbs heat, it changes from a solid to a liquid state, but the temperature of the PCM is clamped at its melting point temperature. For LED-based systems, the PCM is selected to have a melting point such that the junction temperatures of the LEDs in the system are maintained at approximately their optimum operating temperature inside the lighting system housing. Because the thermal conductivity of the molten PCM is poor, a low thermal resistance heat flow path is provided from the PCM to the container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.