VERTICAL LATENT HEAT THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE UNIT USING DISCUS MESH FINS

Abstract

The present disclosure relates a vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) using discus mesh fins. The vertical latent heat storage unit using discus mesh fins includes a storage unit (102) configured for housing a predetermined phase change material (PCM). The vertical latent heat storage unit also includes a plurality of discus mesh fins (104) immersed in the PCM and positioned vertically on an outer side of a wall of a heat transfer fluid (HTF) tube (106).

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to latent heat storage. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit using discus mesh fins.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description of related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.
[0003] Heat energy storage is important for managing and optimizing energy use, especially in systems that rely on renewable energy sources or need to balance supply and demand. A latent Heat storage involves storing energy by changing the phase of a material, such as melting or freezing. A thermal latent heat energy storage is adapted to stores heat energy in a storage medium such as Phase Change Material (PCM). However, existing heat storage systems have poor thermal conductivity which make it unsuitable for widespread use. Various types of heat storage units such as in a horizontal storage unit where the PCM on a top half of the horizontal middle plane melts rapidly through natural convection, but in the bottom half remains solid. Current systems also face challenges in managing convection during both the charging and discharging processes, leading to inefficiencies. Further, the existing models having PCM container using serrated fins, circular fins, mesh fin, longitudinal and annular fins, circular Y-shaped fins, conical shell and converging/diverging tube, snowflake longitudinal fins, copper foam fins, existing models are complexity.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need to address the above-mentioned drawbacks, along with any other shortcomings, or at the very least, to provide a viable alternative to heat storage unit.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed below.
[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a strong natural convection, with good heat transfer, that allows a phase change material (PCM) to melt at a faster rate and more uniformly.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure enhances natural convection by encouraging vertical circulations of the liquid PCM.

SUMMARY
[0008] In an aspect, the present disclosure is to provide a vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit using discus mesh fins. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit includes a storage unit configured for housing a predetermined Phase Change Material (PCM). The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit also includes a plurality of discus mesh fins immersed in the PCM and positioned vertically on an outer side of a wall of a Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) tube of diameter 16 mm.
[0009] In another aspect, the predetermined PCM is a paraffin wax.
[0010] In another aspect, the plurality of discus mesh fins includes a surface area adapted for promoting conduction and natural convection
[0011] In another aspect, the plurality of discus mesh fins is configured to provide a uniform heat distribution due to the vertical placement of the discus mesh fins to obtain a heat transfer. The plurality of discus mesh fins is also configured to absorb the heat via phase change of the predetermined PCM due to the heat transfer.
[0012] In another aspect, the plurality of discus mesh fins includes a plurality of first fins and a plurality of second fins, wherein the plurality of first fins and the plurality of second fins includes 1.4-millimeter (mm) thickness and has pitch of 42.5 mm.
[0013] In another aspect, a length of each of the plurality of first fins is 24 mm with height 10 mm and length of each of the plurality of second fins includes 34 mm.
[0014] In another embodiment, the plurality of discus mesh fins includes a ring structure attached on the first fins and the second, wherein the perimeter of the ring structure attached on the first fins and the second fins are 201.06 mm and 263.89 mm respectively.
[0015] In another aspect, the plurality of discus mesh fins enables a natural convection and a thermal conduction within the vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit due to a disc shape of the plurality of discus mesh fins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0017] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0018] FIG. 1illustrates anisometric view (100A) of a vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates schematic presentation (200) a plurality of discus mesh fins in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view (300) of a Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.
[0022] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.
[0023] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, electronic controlling circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0024] The word "exemplary" and/or "demonstrative" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" and/or "demonstrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "has," "contains," and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.
[0025] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an instance" or "one instance" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit includes a storage unit configured for housing a predetermined phase change material (PCM) and a plurality of discus mesh fins immersed in the PCM andpositioned vertically within the storage container. The plurality of discus fins facilitates the storage unit with minimal construction costs, easy fabrication and maintenance.
[0026] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with respect to FIG. 1- 3.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view (100A) of a vertical thermal latent heat energy storage unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) includes a storage unit (102) configured for housing a predetermined Phase Change Material (PCM) (302, shown in FIG. 3). In an embodiment, the predetermined PCM (302) is a paraffin wax. In an embodiment, the PCM changes the state of a substance and provides latent heat without changing the temperature. In an embodiment, the HTF tube (106) allows a flow of hot water which further helps in melting of the PCM. In an embodiment, a paraffin is a wax material that absorbs heat, then melts into a liquid and releases the heat after solidification of the PCM. .
[0028] The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) includes a plurality of discus mesh fins (104) immersed in the PCM. The plurality of discus mesh fins (104) is positioned vertically on an outer side of a wall of the Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) tube (106). In an embodiment, the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) is adapted to promote natural convection. In another embodiment, the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) is configured to enhance thermal conductivity and uniform heat distribution to obtain the heat transfer. The plurality of discus mesh fins (104) is also configured to accelerate melting of the predetermined PCM due to the heat transfer. In another embodiment, the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) includes a plurality of first fins (204A, shown in FIG. 2) and a plurality of second fins (204B, shown in FIG. 2). The plurality of first fins (204A) and the plurality of second fins (204B) includes 1.4-millimeter (mm) thickness. In an embodiment, the plurality of first fins (204A) may be small in diameter as compared to the plurality of second fins (204B). In an embodiment, the small fins and the big fins has pitch of 42.5 mm.
[0029] Yet, in another embodiment, length of each of the plurality of first fins or small fins is 24 mm with height 10 mm. In an embodiment, the length of each of the plurality of second fins or big fins may be 34 mm.In an embodiment, the discus mesh fins (104) is used in vertical latent heat thermal energy storage units for improving heat transfer. The plurality of discus mesh fins (104) is configured to improve thermal conductivity and natural convection of the PCM. In another embodiment, the plurality of discus mesh fins includes a ring structure attached on the first fins and the second, wherein the perimeter of the ring structure attached on the first fins and the second fins are 201.06 mm and 263.89 mm respectively.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the HTF tube (106) includes a first end (202A) and a second end (202B). The first end (202A) is adapted to receive the heat and the second end (202B) is adapted to dissipate the heat.
[0031] In an embodiment, the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) is used in vertical latent heat thermal energy storage units for improving heat transfer. The heat transfer facilitates thermal conductivity of the PCM. In an embodiment, the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) may include of four longitudinal rectangular fins with an outer ring fin attached to a perimeter of the longitudinal rectangular fins. The longitudinal rectangular fins are fabricated on copper tube (HTF tube). The longitudinal rectangular fins with ring fin, attached on edge of rectangular fin in combination with a plurality of discs of the discus mesh fins (104) provides a strongest thermal conduction and a stronger natural convection. In an embodiment, for creating a uniform temperature gradient two discs of different diameters are alternately attached to the outer side of the wall of the HTF (106). In an embodiment, the HTF tube (106) may be a copper tube. In an embodiment, pitch of each fin of the plurality of discus mesh fin is 42.5 mm. In an embodiment, the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) includes a surface area adapted to promote conduction and natural convection.
[0032] In an embodiment, at a first stage of melting, the thermal transport is primarily carried out by conduction, followed by the natural convection. At a second stage of melting, 75% of melting of the PCM is done. At a third stage of melting, heat conduction returns to dominance as natural convection decays. In an embodiment the natural convection helps in melting the PCM overall. In an embodiment, a geometric design of the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) enhances natural convection by encouraging vertical circulations of liquid PCM.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view (300) of the storage unit (102) with the HTF tube of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] In an embodiment, the HTF tube (106) is immersed in the PCM (302) present in the storage unit (102). In an embodiment, the height of the HTF tube (106) may be a vertical latent heat cylinder. The vertical latent heat cylinder may be 450mm. In an embodiment, the. In an embodiment, the thickness (306) of the HTF tube (106) may be 1.4 mm. While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.




ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0035] The present disclosure provides a vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit for providing uniform heat transfer by conduction and natural convection of heat.
[0036] The present disclosure provides a plurality of discus fins that are simple and easy to mount and use.
[0037] The present disclosure provides a vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit which require minimal construction cost.
[0038] The present disclosure provides easy fabrication and maintenance of the vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit.
[0039] The present disclosure provides a uniform temperature gradient and minimizes the charging and discharging time to get high thermal energy storage.
, Claims:1. A vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) comprising:
a storage unit (102) configured for housing a predetermined Phase Change Material (PCM); and
a plurality of discus mesh fins (104) immersed in the PCM and positioned vertically on an outer side of a wall of a heat transfer fluid (HTF) tube (106).
2. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined PCM is a paraffin wax.
3. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) comprises a surface area adapted to promote conduction and natural convection.
4. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) is configured to:
provide a uniform heat distribution due to the vertical placement of the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) to obtain a heat transfer; and
absorb the heat via phase change of the predetermined PCM due to the heat transfer.
5. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) comprises a plurality of first fins (204A) and a plurality of second fins (204B), wherein the plurality of first fins (204A)and the plurality of second fins (04B) comprises 1.4-millimeter (mm) thickness and has pitch of 42.5 mm..
6. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100), as claimed in claim 4, wherein a. a length of each of the plurality of first fins (204A) is 24 mm with height 10 mm and length of each of the plurality of second fins (204B) includes 34 mm.
7. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) comprises a ring structure attached on the first fins and the second, wherein the perimeter of the ring structure attached on the first fins (204A) and the second fins (204B) are 201.06 mm and 263.89 mm respectively.
8. The vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of discus mesh fins (104) enables a natural convection and a thermal conduction within the vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit due to a disc shape of the plurality of discus mesh fins (102).

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