Heat transfer interface

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for heat management systems at temperatures in the range of 120° C. to 1,300° C. The systems consist of various heat transfer chambers configured such that they contain heat transfer devices that are spherical, cylindrical or have other shapes, and that absorb heat within a broad range of temperatures, and return such heat at constant temperature over long periods of time.

1 . A heat management system comprising a plurality of heat transfer particles, each consisting of an inner heat transfer medium encapsulated in an outer container that is inert with respect to the heat source, and that is capable of the rapid capture of heat at temperatures in the range of 120° C. to 1,300° C. from a heat source, and the subsequent release of heat at a constant temperature over a period of time. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer medium comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a salt, metal, and a ceramic composition and is capable of removing heat from an environment by absorbing the heat of fusion from the heat source. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, plastic, or ceramic composition that is non-reactive with respect to the heat source and non-reactive with respect to the heat transfer medium. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the heat transfer medium has a fusion temperature within a range of 120° C.-1,300° C. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the heat transfer medium comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a chloride, oxychloride, fluoride, sulfate, sulfite, carbonate, bicarbonate, borate, arsenate, aluminate, bromide, chromate, hydride, manganate, silicate, sulfide, titanate, telluride, selenide, oxide, hydroxide, metal, and mixtures therefrom. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the heat transfer medium comprises a substance that has a boiling point or a decomposition temperature that is at least 100° C. higher than the fusion temperature thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the heat transfer medium comprises a substance that has a very low vapor pressure at its fusion temperature. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the heat transfer medium comprises two or more substances that chemically react at a given temperature and thereby absorb the heat of that reaction. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the heat transfer medium decomposes at a given temperature and thereby releases the heat of reaction to the environment. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a copper, aluminum, chromium, iron, lead, magnesium, nickel, metal alloy, high-temperature plastic such as fluorocarbon or chlorofluorocarbon, and a ceramic, such as silicate, alumina, and similar refractory composition. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the inner surface of the container is coated with a substance that is non-reactive with the heat transfer medium. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the container is coated with a substance that is non-reactive with the heat source. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the coating of the container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a carbide, oxide, silicate, polymer, metal, or similar non-reactive composition with respect to the heat transfer medium. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the coating of the container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a carbide, oxide, silicate, polymer, metal, or similar non-reactive composition with respect to the heat source. 
     
     
         15 . The heat management system of  claim 1  wherein the heat transfer particles include a plurality of phase change materials suitable for a range of temperatures, such that the system recovers heat at various constant temperatures from the particles. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the heat source comprises waste heat from chemical reactors handling exothermic reactions. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the heat source comprises waste heat from steel furnaces. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the heat source comprises waste heat from industrial boilers.