Bi-Directional Porous Media Phase Change Heat Exchanger
A heat-storing battery for heating and cooling applications that can be recharged with waste heat. The technology provides a compact, high cycle-life cooling and heating strategy to provide on-demand climate control. Among other applications, the system could be used to extend the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by providing heating or cooling without draining the on-board electric battery bank. The advanced thermo-adsorptive battery (ATB) could also be integrated into residential or commercial structures, where it would provide environmentally-friendly heating and cooling via the capture and reuse of waste heat.
Researchers
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bi-directional porous media phase change heat exchanger
United States of America | Granted | 10,739,089
Problem Addressed
The energy storage densities of electric batteries are much lower than those of gasoline and other liquid fuels, and there are few effective alternatives for direct storage of heat. The use of traditional electrically-powered climate control systems severely limits the driving range of many BEVs. Additionally, electrically-powered heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial structures are a major cause of grid overload in many parts of the U.S.A.
Technology
The technology uses novel zeolite and metal oxide framework adsorbent materials to achieve high vapor sorption capacities and sorption rates at low relative pressures, which can potentially increase the driving range of an EV by 30% compared to contemporary climate control technology. These zeolites are synthesized from the parent Sodium Y-type (NaY) zeolites, which are subjected to an aqueous solution allowing ion-exchange. They are then rinsed with deionized water and allowed to dry in ambient air. The ion-exchange and rinsing are performed multiple times depending on the desired final structure. Additionally, a methanol aqueous solution is used in these ATBs to prevent adsorbate freezing at low temperatures. Furthermore, the novel design of the thermal battery enhances heat and mass transport for most efficient utilization of the high-performance materials. The overall system design is flexible and modular, and the technology can be easily scaled to meet heating and cooling demands of large commercial and residential units.
Advantages
- Energy storage density: provides high-capacity heat storage with little or no electrical power consumption
- Enhanced heat and mass transfer: offers rapid charging, controlled discharge and better adsorbent utilization than conventional adsorption-based climate control systems
- Environmentally friendly: system can be recharged using waste heat, and uses water and alcohol rather than harmful and polluting HCFC refrigerants
Publications
"Adsorption-Based Thermal Batteries Could Help Boost EV Range by 40%." SAE International, August 30, 2013.
"Advanced Thermo-Adsorptive Battery." ARPA-E, September 29, 2011.
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