Thermal Energy storage system with enhanced transition array

Abstract

This invention describes the design and applications of a thermal storage system with desirable thermo physical and kinetic properties for various applications including architectural design, increasing thermal mass of building envelops and climate control.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A thermal energy storage system comprising a three dimensional holding media and contained within it phase change materials or energy receptors and crystallization cofactors for enhanced thermal response comprising:
 a). A porous absorbent or reticulated network surface of about 1 mm to a bout 1000 mm thickness and of large surface area and void volume capacity to permanently hold and maintain thermal energy compositions or receptors.   b). a thermal energy material or receptor composition to store and release energy upon its phase transition in repetitive cycles and to be fully contained by the media matrix member.   c). an anchor site network and stabilizing cofactors of the phase change material distributed in and/or onto the holding media components to serve as crystal core growth site and stabilizer of the thermal storage composition.   
     
     
         2 . The support and holding matrix of  claim 1  comprises a structure of cellulosic material, natural or synthetic fibers, reticulated vitreous carbon, melt blown fibers and the likes randomly or uniformly integrated and networked to form a three dimensional absorbing or reticulated pad structure with affinity to aqueous and non-aqueous compositions. 
     
     
         3 . The energy storage receptor and phase change material comprises of inorganic salts and crystalline hydrates, molten salts, inorganic eutectic mixtures, fatty acids/esters, fatty alcohols, fatty salts, organic eutectic mixture or aliphatic hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  where the anchoring site and crystal landing sites may be of cellulosic nature, woven or nonwoven fibers, carbon fibers, polypropylene, graphene oxide, polyethylene, polyester and melt blown fibers in mono and multi filaments or combinations thereof, weaved or integrated in a panel open geometry to contain phase change energy storage receptors, enhance thermal conductivity and/or reduce subcooling effect during solidification cycle. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claims 1  and  4  including impregnating media matrix modifying surfactants and crystal stabilizers selected from ionic compounds, salts, fatty acid and ester salts, magnesium stearate, metal oxides, silicon dioxide or fine silica, aluminum, iron, copper, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, to increase active crystal site, thermal conductivity and absorption capacity for rapid reversible crystallization. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claims 4  and  5 , wherein the additive and nucleating agent is selected from H 2 O, FeO, CuO, Cu 2 O, ZnO, SrO, Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , BaO, NaCl, KCl, LiCl, StCl, Na 2 CO 3 , CaCl 2 , MgCl 2 , ZnCl 2 , FeCl 3 , BaCl 2 , MgSO 4 , CuSO 4 , BaSO 4 , CaCO 3 , Na 2 SO 4 , Na 2 B 4 O 7 , Sr 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , CaB 4 O 7 , Na 5 P 3 O 10 , BaS 2 O 3 , BaCO 3 , BaCl 2 , Sr(OH) 2 , SrCO 3 , K 2 PO 4 , Magnesium stearate, palmitic acid, stearic acid, bentonite, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein additional thermal conductors and crystal core seeding are distributed within and onto the large network area of the media matrix in amounts ranging from 0.01 to about 10 percent by weight. 
     
     
         8 . The energy storage compositions and the media matrix of  claim 1 - 7  further comprising an array of cells serially or in parallel and of one or more PCM composition and transition temperature. 
     
     
         9 . The configuration and compositions of  claims 1 - 8  encapsulated in a film barrier forming a sealed enclosure comprising of one or more materials with vapor barrier and radiant film quality. 
     
     
         10 . The compositions of  claim 1 - 9  may be configured to produce thermal energy storage system for efficient charging and discharging of energy and use in building structures, walls, ceilings, floor boards, underlayment flooring, strategic heat storage walls (fireplaces and kitchen areas), overcome low thermal mass of light weight buildings, exterior thermal envelope, siding boards and stone veneer. 
     
     
         11 . The compositions and construct of  claim 1 - 9  for body cooling applications and as thermal guard panels in automobile liners, shipping vessels and storing temperature sensitive products. 
     
     
         12 . The compositions and construct of  claim 1 - 9  where thermal energy storage panels may be assembled as liners or flow through thermal energy store or batteries for charging and discharging thermal energy in large stationary operations as well as portable thermal store applications.