Heat Storage Patents (Class 165/902)
  • Patent number: 11946246
    Abstract: The present invention provides an energy-storing temperature control material, and belongs to the technical field of temperature control materials. In the energy-storing temperature control material provided in the present invention, the organic synthetic fiber based phase-change material has a three-dimensional dispersion effect, and can form a network constraint for remaining phase-change materials to reinforce mechanical properties of the materials, thereby fixing shapes of the materials and avoiding a liquid-crystal phase separation phenomenon in the phase-change process. The phase-change energy storage agent can absorb and release the heat by means of solid-liquid phase conversion of the material, to achieve the temperature control effect; and the phase-change temperature regulator can regulate a phase-change temperature range of the phase-change material, to make the energy-storing temperature control material suitable for climatic features of northern China.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Qilu University of Technology
    Inventors: Letian Qi, Shoujuan Wang, Xia Meng, Fangong Kong, Ruhe Zhao, Chen Han, Debao Li
  • Patent number: 11938788
    Abstract: A fluid heating system intended for use in recreational vehicles that circulates glycol in a system loop with various heat sources and other devices that distribute this heat to an enclosure or a domestic water system. It has a system controller operationally connected to a remove tactile display unit that allows for the input of the operation parameters to the system controller. The control unit is operatively connected for data and signal transfer to the user's cell phone via a non-internet connected localized wi-fi network. This provides the user with system status information, fault codes and allows selected operational functions and resets to be remotely initiated that heretofore required local manipulation. It also incorporates altimeter to allow the furnace controller to maximize its burn efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: James M Rixen
  • Patent number: 11745562
    Abstract: A coupling thermal management system of a pure electric vehicle based on phase change heat storage. The system includes a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit, where heat exchange can be achieved between the refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit through a plate type heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit includes an electric compressor, an inside-vehicle heat exchanger, an outside-vehicle heat exchanger, a bidirectional electronic expansion valve, a four-way directional valve, a gas-liquid separator, first three-way valve, a first gate valve, a second gate valve, a plate type heat exchanger and a refrigerant tube. The coolant circuit includes a battery pack, a phase change material, a heat storage heat exchanger, a water pump, a second three-way valve, a third three-way valve, a fourth three-way valve and a coolant tube. The plate type heat exchanger is also included in the coolant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Shurong Lei, Song Xin, Ziliang Zhao, Xiaoting Zhang, Fangzi Hao, Xu Li, Junlong Liu, Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 11613154
    Abstract: Secondary loop air conditioning and heat pump systems include a reservoir with a capsule holding a phase change material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jing He, Loren John Lohmeyer, III, Angelo Patti, Manfred Koberstein
  • Patent number: 11470736
    Abstract: A potted electronic module includes an electronic assembly with a conductor such as a shunt that is arranged in a housing, and includes an electrical contact guided out through the housing wall, and a potting compound within the housing. The module may be produced by removing a protective layer from an area of the conductor by ablation, and then introducing a potting or casting compound into the housing, so that the potting compound covers a location at which the electrical contact passes through the housing wall, and the potting compound adheres directly onto the exposed conductor at the area at which the protective layer was removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Henryk Frenzel, Dietmar Huber, Jakob Schillinger, Jörg Möstl, Karl-Heinz Scherf, Georg Weber
  • Patent number: 10508854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device 1, in particular a freezer 2, having a cooling circuit 3, wherein the cooling circuit 3 has a compressor 4, at least one evaporator 5, and a condenser 44, and a closable cooling space 6 with a plurality of cooling space sidewalls 7, a cooling space base 8, at least one cooling element 9, and an insulation vessel 10. In the cooling device 1 the evaporator 5 and the cooling element 9 are disposed within the cooling space 6 such that the back of the cooling element 11 at least partially abuts on the evaporator 5 and the front of the cooling element 12 faces the insulation vessel 10, and the insulation vessel 10 is closed at least towards the at least one cooling element 9 and forms a space for cooling goods 13. The back of the cooling element 11 abutting the evaporator 5 has at least one recess 14 into which at least one removable cold accumulator 15 can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: B. Medical Systems, S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Jeannot Demuth, Igor Nikolajew, Nico Girrens, Andreas Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10485107
    Abstract: Downhole equipment circuitry, comprising: a first substrate member including one or more circuits; a second substrate member including one or more circuits; and a flexible circuit, wherein: the first and second substrate members are separate substrate members; the flexible circuit is of a laminated construction; and the flexible circuit provides electrical communication between the one or more circuits of the first substrate member and the one or more circuits for the second substrate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harmel Defretin, Tao Xu, Glenn Gardner
  • Patent number: 10178800
    Abstract: A support structure for an electronic component a chassis and a standoff that is attached to the chassis. The standoff is configured to support the electronic component and separate the electronic component at a distance away from the chassis. The standoff is configured to receive heat generated by the electronic component. The standoff includes a fluid passageway. The fluid passageway is configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough for convective heat transfer from the standoff to the cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Saravana Mahalingam, Abhay Naik, Yathiraj Kasal, Rakesh Hota, Rajendra Prasad Vrukshavai, Mathews Leslie Kuriakose, Ravi Anekal Radhakrishnan
  • Patent number: 10012054
    Abstract: A downhole tool cooling device (2) is described, wherein a downhole tool (1) is thermally coupled to a rechargeable cold source (21) comprising a solid cold source body (211) being contained in an insulated cooling medium vessel (22), and wherein the downhole tool (1) is thermally coupled to the cold source (21) by means of a cooling circuit (23) comprising a first heat exchanger (11) arranged at the downhole tool (1) and in a fluid communicating manner being interconnected with a second heat exchanger (231) arranged in the solid cold source body (211), wherein a refrigeration system (5) is thermally coupled to the cold source (21) during a downhole operation of the cooling device (2). Furthermore is described a method for cooling a downhole tool (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: VISURAY TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Reinhart Ciglenec, Max Spencer, Dominik Szlezak, Ådne Voll
  • Patent number: 9819373
    Abstract: Various embodiments of communication systems and methods in which the communication system is operative to find, record, and use sets of pre-distortion parameters in conjunction with a pre-distortion procedure, in which each set of pre-distortion parameters is operative to specifically counter distortions produced in a power amplifier by a specific combination of level of input signal power and level of analog gain associated with a transmission path of the communication system. In some embodiments, there is a modulator, a transmission chain, a distortion analysis mechanism, and a pre-distortion mechanism, operative to analyze and modify signals so as to counter signal distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Redline Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Janani, Jahan Ghofraniha, Med A. Nation
  • Patent number: 8650896
    Abstract: A system, configured to be disposed in a information technology equipment rack for providing ice thermal storage, includes a tank configured to hold water, a heat exchanger disposed in water in the tank and configured to convey a two-phase liquid and vapor refrigerant and to transfer heat between the water and the refrigerant, a first valve connected to a liquid and a vapor refrigerant line and configured to selectively connect the liquid refrigerant line to a first port and the vapor refrigerant line to a second port in a first mode and to connect the liquid refrigerant line to the second port and the vapor refrigerant line to the first port in a second mode, a thermostatic expansion valve connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger, and a liquid/vapor pump connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger and to the second port of the first valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric It Corporation
    Inventor: John H. Bean, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140002981
    Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to provide thermal management for a memory module with a heat sink. A top element has a first portion with a top area covering a substantial top surface of the memory module and a second portion bent at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the first portion and having a height that is approximately equal to thickness of the memory module. A bottom element has a third portion with a bottom area covering a substantial bottom surface of a memory module and a fourth portion bent at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the third portion and having a height that is approximately equal to the thickness of the memory module. The fourth portion is attached to the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Phan F. Hoang
  • Patent number: 8361422
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for heating a solid or liquid reducing material such as an urea-containing material for NOx selective catalytic reduction (‘SCR’) using a heat stored in a thermal energy storage material, such as a phase change material. The stored heat may be heat from an exhaust waste, such as from an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The reducing material may be a solid reducing material. Other reducing materials include aqueous solutions such as an aqueous solution containing, consisting essentially of, or consisting of urea and water. In one aspect, the process may include a step of evaporating an aqueous solution of urea for immediate urea hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrey Soukhojak, David H. Bank
  • Patent number: 8272432
    Abstract: A system and method for providing cool air to a passenger compartment of a hybrid vehicle in an engine off mode is disclosed. This may include operating a HVAC system to provide cold refrigerant flowing through an evaporator while an engine is operating, and forcing air through the evaporator to cool the air. A first portion of the cooled air from the evaporator is directed through a heater core and a second portion around the heater core, and an electric water pump is activated to pump coolant from a thermal storage tank, through the heater core and back to the thermal storage tank to cool the coolant. When the engine operation is ceased, the air flow is directed through the heater core, and the coolant is pumped from the thermal storage tank, through the heater core and back to the thermal storage tank to cool the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Major, Mark D. Nemesh
  • Patent number: 8230900
    Abstract: A modular, stackable, geothermal block system for use as a subterranean or submarine heat exchanger in a geothermal energy system which provides a heating/cooling means to an external load. The stackable blocks, which can be filled with a fluid and/or material of generally high heat retention characteristics or precast in such material, contain one or more continuous passageways that extend from the top face of the block through the opposing face, through which a rigid structural heat exchange tube, fabricated from material of high thermal conductivity, is placed. The blocks are stacked one upon another and slidably mounted on the tube(s). Each tube contains a helically wound, thermal transfer tubing comprising one leg of a U-shape configured loop. Each stackable block can contain multiple paired passageways permitting more than one U-shape loop within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: John Stojanowski
  • Patent number: 8202721
    Abstract: A waste material processing system includes a closed container for holding waste material having a first passage in which the waste material flows in a first direction, the first passage having first and second ends, the first end including an inlet for waste material, a second passage in which the waste material flows in a direction opposite the first direction, the second passage having first and second ends, the second end including an outlet. The first passage is separated from the second passage by a divider, the second end of the first passage being adjacent the first end of the second passage, and the first end of the first passage being adjacent the second end of the second passage. A heating device is positioned in the first passage and/or the second passage to heat the waste material with a gas and to induce the waste material to move in a corkscrew-like fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: DVO, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 8122943
    Abstract: Heat exchanger, for example for a motor vehicle air-conditioning circuit, comprising a plurality of tubes (12) for circulating a heat-transfer fluid, the ends of said tubes (12) opening into manifolds and reservoirs (11) of thermal storage material in contact with the tubes (12) so that the storage material and the heat-transfer fluid exchange heat with one another. The exchanger comprises a plurality of heat-exchange elements (4) each housing at least one reservoir (11) and at least one tube (12) which are nested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventors: Régine Haller, Sylvain Moreau, Jean-Luc Thuez
  • Patent number: 7954321
    Abstract: A method for storing heat from a solar collector CSTC in Concentrating Solar Power plants and delivering the heat to the power plant PP when needed. The method uses a compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or air as a heat transfer medium in the collectors CSTC and transferring the heat by depositing it on a bed of heat-resistant solids and later, recovering the heat by a second circuit of the same compressed gas. The storage system HSS is designed to allow the heat to be recovered at a high efficiency with practically no reduction in temperature. Unlike liquid heat transfer media, our storage method itself can operate at very high temperatures, up to 3000° F., a capability which can lead to greater efficiency. Due to material constraints and cost considerations in the rest of the system the maximum temperature is presently limited to between 1700° F. and 2000° F. The method can be applied to all current solar collector designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Research Foundation of the City University of New York
    Inventor: Reuel Shinnar
  • Patent number: 7934537
    Abstract: A liquid receptacle for rapidly lowering the temperature of a liquid contained therein to a warm range suitable for human contact and maintaining the liquid in the warm range for an extended period of time includes an inner vessel with an open upper end and a closed lower end and a wall connecting the upper and lower end. An insulated outer shell is spaced from the inner vessel to define an interstitial chamber between the inner vessel and the outer shell. A phase change material occupies the chamber and regeneratively absorbs thermal energy from the liquid to cool the liquid and then releases the thermal energy back to the liquid to maintain the temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: J. Bruce Kolowich
  • Patent number: 7818973
    Abstract: There is provided an energy recovery apparatus capable of recovering a hydraulic energy in a regenerative air-conditioning system including a pressure sustaining valve and capable of coping with a discharge change caused by variation in air-conditioning load, the air-conditioning system being capable of carrying out normal operation even in a case where the energy recovery apparatus fails. The energy recovery apparatus is configured so as to feed water from a water tank to air-conditioning loads such as a heat source or a fan coil at a higher place through a feed pipe line by a pump and to lead the water passed through the air-conditioning loads into the water tank via a return pipe line including the pressure sustaining valve, a branch pipe line is disposed so as to branch into the water tank from the return pipe line in upstream of the pressure sustaining valve, and the energy recovery apparatus is connected in to the branch pipe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Tanaka, Yukihiro Fujita, Eiji Koyama, Kouich Satou
  • Patent number: 7693402
    Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Hudson, David E. Perkins, Donald M. Hudson, David J. Beatty, Donald L. Stamets, Joseph F. Pinkerton
  • Patent number: 7406998
    Abstract: A heat storing device for exchanging heat energy between a heat storing material and a fluid. The heat storing device has a heat storing module having heat storing material spaces filled with a heat storing material and fluid passages for a fluid to flow through adjacent to the heat storing material spaces. The heat storing module includes multiple plates in a stack. Each of the multiple plates has fluid passages in one side thereof. In mutually adjacent pairs of plates, the sides having the fluid passages face each other. When each pair of plates is seen face-on, with respect to the fluid passages of one of the plates, the fluid passages of the other plate intersect substantially at right angles, and the fluid passages of the two plates connect at these positions where they intersect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohide Kudo
  • Patent number: 7320357
    Abstract: The inventive method includes the utilization of different phase change materials with different melting temperature ranges in each of the headliner (3), the seats (7), and the instrument panel (12) of an automobile in order to save energy while improving thermal comfort for the passengers. When used in the seats (7), the phase change material can be included in the seat heater system. Preferable phase change materials are alkyl hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof, salt-hydrates, metals, alloys, poly-alcohols, and eutectics with phase changes within the desired temperature ranges and with appropriate heat storage capacities. Preferably, the phase change materials are directly incorporated in a polymeric compound structure, in an elastomeric compound structure, or in a foam structure in order to enhance the overall thermal capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Barbara Hildegard Pause
  • Patent number: 7316262
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for storing thermal energy. The subject thermal energy storage apparatus can function as a heat absorber in a cooling system. A cooling system can incorporate a cooling cycle that utilizes thermal energy storage and has two coolant loops. The primary cooling loop acquires the waste heat from a heat source, such as an electronic device, by heat transfer to the primary coolant via, for example, a sensible heat process (where sensible heat is heat absorbed or transmitted by a substance during a change in temperature which is not accompanied by a change of state) or by evaporating the primary coolant through a latent heat phase change process. The waste heat absorbed by the primary coolant is transferred to the host material of the heat absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Rini Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Rini, Louis Chow
  • Patent number: 7296429
    Abstract: There is provided an energy recovery apparatus capable of recovering a hydraulic energy in a regenerative air-conditioning system including a pressure sustaining valve and capable of coping with a discharge change caused by variation in air-conditioning load, the air-conditioning system being capable of carrying out normal operation even in a case where the energy recovery apparatus fails. The energy recovery apparatus is configured so as to feed water from a water tank to air-conditioning loads such as a heat source or a fan coil at a higher place through a feed pipe line by a pump and to lead the water passed through the air-conditioning loads into the water tank via a return pipe line including the pressure sustaining valve, a branch pipe line is disposed so as to branch into the water tank from the return pipe line in upstream of the pressure sustaining valve, and the energy recovery apparatus is connected in to the branch pipe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Tanaka, Yukihiro Fujita, Eiji Koyama, Kouich Satou
  • Patent number: 7189065
    Abstract: A regenerative source of heat is provided for the oil used to lubricate a compressor within a heating, cooling or refrigeration system. The regenerative source absorbs heat from the oil when it is circulating through the compressor at a relatively high temperature. The regenerative source gives up heat to the oil following deactivation of the compressor. The source of heat includes a thermal phase change material that is preferably a hydrated salt capable of storing sufficient thermal energy to maintain the oil above any temperatures that would cause damage to the moving parts of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin F. Dudley
  • Patent number: 7069975
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus (10) includes a housing defined by two aluminum parts (12, 13) which are brazed to each other. A plurality of sector-shaped recesses (21–28) are provided within the housing, and collectively define a chamber having a plurality of ribs (41–48) extending therethrough. Each recess contains a sector-shaped piece of porous material (17, 18), which is brazed to surfaces of the housing parts. The remaining space within the chamber is filled with a phase change material. Each of the ribs has therein a respective radially extending opening (101–108) which contains a heat pipe (141). Expansion accumulators (151) are mounted on the housing, and communicate with the chamber therein, in order to accommodate expansion of the phase change material within the chamber as the phase change material is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James L. Haws, Byron Elliott Short, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6968888
    Abstract: A liquid receptacle for rapidly lowering the temperature of a liquid contained therein to a warm range suitable for human contact and maintaining the liquid in the warm range for an extended period of time includes an inner vessel with an open upper end and a closed lower end and a wall connecting the upper and lower end. An insulated outer shell is spaced from the inner vessel to define an interstitial chamber between the inner vessel and the outer shell. A phase change material occupies the chamber and regeneratively absorbs thermal energy from the liquid to cool the liquid and then releases the thermal energy back to the liquid to maintain the temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: J. Bruce Kolowich
  • Patent number: 6959753
    Abstract: A heat sink which comprises an enclosure having a highly thermally conductive surface region and defining an enclosed cavity. A porous, highly thermally conductive material is disposed in the cavity, preferably homogeneously therein, and is thermally coupled to the thermally conductive surface. A phase change material changing from its initial phase, generally solid, to its final phase, generally liquid, responsive to the absorption of heat is disposed in the enclosed cavity and in the porous material. In accordance with a first embodiment, the highly thermally conductive surface region is preferably aluminum and the porous medium is a highly thermally conductive porous medium, preferably aluminum. In accordance with a second embodiment, the thermally conductive surface is composed of highly thermally conductive fibers disposed in a matrix and the porous material is a plurality of the thermally conductive fibers extending from the thermally conductive surface into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Weber, Kerrin A. Rummel
  • Patent number: 6955050
    Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one annular flow channel formed between an inner and outer member is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional mill products to create annular flow channels that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass included in the inner and outer members. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Perkins, Robert S. Hudson
  • Patent number: 6892798
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for storing or releasing heat including a channel unit in which a heat medium flows; and a heat exchange unit contacted-combined with the channel unit and containing a porous heat transfer member which conducts heat exchange with a thermal storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Dae-Young Lee, Seo-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 6889751
    Abstract: A low volume, high capacity latent heat storage device is achieved in a construction including a salt case (12) with an optional outer jacket (10) surrounding the salt case (12) in spaced relation thereto to define an insulating space (14) between the two. Inlet and outlet conduits (38), (42), (44), (46), extend from the exterior of the outer jacket (10) to the interior of the salt case (12) and at least one tube (20) is located within the salt case and has a plurality of straight, parallel runs (21) defining a matrix with an exterior and a phase change material is sealed within the tube (20). The tube runs (21) inwardly of the matrix exterior are in a regular or equilateral polygonal pattern with each run (21) abutting a plurality of adjacent runs (21) and each run (21) at the exterior of the matrix additionally engaging the salt jacket (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Henry Lukas, Charles G. Gasper, Jeffrey A. Logic, Scott R. Larrabee, C. James Rogers, Mark G. Voss, Alan P. Meissner, B. Joseph Fietkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6877549
    Abstract: A heat storage device comprises a heat storage tank 2 charged with a heat storage material 1 for storing the heat supplied from the outside, and a heat exchanger 3 for executing an injection and an extraction of heat between the inside of the storage tank 2 and the outside by the heat exchange between the heat storage material and a heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger 3 is disposed so as to execute a heat exchange between the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank 2 and the outside, and suppresses the natural convection of the heat storage material 1 of the outer portion 2b by, for example, dispersing a liquid-absorbent material 5 in the outer portion 2b surrounding the central portion in the heat storage tank 2, whereby reduces the influence of external environment on the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank, thereby suppressing the heat loss toward the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Satoshi Hirano
  • Patent number: 6858068
    Abstract: A device for adsorbing water vapor from a gas stream. The device can be incorporated with an enclosure or garment in such a manner so as to enable water vapor to be adsorbed, thereby decreasing the relative humidity in the micrlimate surrounding the user. The water adsorption device is light-weight, has a high mass and volumetric energy capacity. A desiccant material is included within the water adsorption device to adsorb water vapor and a phase-change material is located in thermal communication with the desiccant to increase the loading capacity of the desiccant and maintain a cool gas stream by extracting the heat of adsorption from the desiccant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Nanopore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Smith, Kevin H. Roderick
  • Patent number: 6848500
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for reducing peak temperatures and thermal excursions, of semiconductor devices, particularly in pulsed power applications. The apparatus comprises thermally coupling Phase Change Material (PCM) to the dissipating semiconductor device. PCM absorbs heat and stays at a constant temperature during its phase change from solid to liquid. The PCM melting point is chosen so that it is just below the temperature the device would otherwise achieve. When the device approaches the maximum temperature, the PCM melts, drawing heat from the device and lowering the device's peak temperature. As the device stops dissipating, after its pulse period, the PCM material solidifies releasing the heat it absorbed. The apparatus lowers the peak temperature by absorbing heat when the device is dissipating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdolreza Langari, Seyed Hassan Hashemi
  • Publication number: 20040188533
    Abstract: A heat storage tank includes a tank body having a cylindrical opening portion at one end side, and a coolant passage portion for defining therein flow passages communicating with the tank body. The tank body stores a coolant of a liquid-cooled engine therein while being thermal insulated, and the coolant flows into and flows out of the tank body through the flow passages. The coolant passage portion includes an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening portion in its axial direction. At least two O-rings are provided between the opening portion of the tank body and the insertion portion to seal a clearance therebetween, and are lined in the axial direction to be separated from each other in the axial direction by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the heat storage tank can improve sealing performance of the coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Shigeo Ito, Takashi Toyoshima, Shigetaka Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6793844
    Abstract: The increase of temperature of heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing boric acid in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. Where the heat generating conditions are generated by a heat generator, separate and distinct from the heat sensitive device, the boric acid may be supported in a position between the heat sensitive device and the heat generator. Where the heat sensitive device is itself the heat generator, the boric acid is in contact with the heat sensitive device, either directly or indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Q. C. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6780345
    Abstract: The increase of temperature of heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing a bicarbonate salt, such as lithium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, beryllium bicarbonate, aluminum bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate and mixtures thereof, in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. Where the heat generating conditions are generated by a heat generator, separate and distinct from the heat sensitive device, the bicarbonate salt may be supported in a position between the heat sensitive device and the heat generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Q. C. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6772713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a combustion intake for a boiler from inside air is provided. A method and apparatus for providing a transition piece for venting fresh air to and combusted air away from a boiler is also provided. A method of connecting a transition piece to PVC, ABS OR CPVC ductwork is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: United Dominion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Rolph, Shuqing Cui
  • Patent number: 6773623
    Abstract: The increase of temperature in heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing Aldehyde in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. Where the heat generating conditions are generated by a heat generator, separate and distinct from the heat sensitive device, the Aldehyde is supported in a position between the heat sensitive device and the heat generator. Where the heat sensitive device is itself the heat generator, the Aldehyde is contacted to the heat sensitive device either directly or indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Q. C. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6772823
    Abstract: A heat storage device comprises a heat storage tank 2 charged with a heat storage material 1 for storing the heat supplied from the outside, and a heat exchanger 3 for executing an injection and an extraction of heat between the inside of the storage tank 2 and the outside by the heat exchange between the heat storage material and a heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger 3 is disposed so as to execute a heat exchange between the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank 2 and the outside, and suppresses the natural convection of the heat storage material 1 of the outer portion 2b by, for example, dispersing a liquid-absorbent material 5 in the outer portion 2b surrounding the central portion in the heat storage tank 2, whereby reduces the influence of external environment on the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank, thereby suppressing the heat loss toward the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Satoshi Hirano
  • Publication number: 20040144126
    Abstract: A system and method supplies users with heat energy or cooling energy via a carrier medium. At least one source of heat energy or chilling energy has an output line that is connected to the input of at least one controllable distributor device. The distributor has a number of outlets, to which the supply lines for users are connected to heating or cooling supplies at various temperature levels. Any of the users may be selected by the distribution device, for supplying carrier medium at the required temperature. At least one heat reservoir is connected in parallel to at least one part of the user for heat energy at different temperature levels, in which the excess heat energy at the given temperature level may be stored and from which the heat energy contained therein may be extracted and supplied to the user with the relevant temperature level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Alois Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6767665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing molten salts and their mixings, using an extruder. The starting materials are melted and reacted and the products of the reaction are then guided via a column with alkali salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Leonhard Ohrem, Susanne Brzezinski
  • Publication number: 20040104020
    Abstract: Heat exchanger with thermal inertia for a heat transfer fluid circuit, particularly of a motor vehicle The invention relates to a heat exchanger for a heat transfer fluid circuit comprising ducts for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, which are inserted between an inlet and an outlet, and cavities which are designed to contain a heat storage fluid are situated adjacent to the cooling fluid circulation ducts and are also associated with heat-exchange surfaces able to be swept by a flow of air to be conditioned, so that the heat storage fluid is capable of exchanging heat with the air flow, if the circulation of the heat transfer fluid is stopped. Application in particular to the air-conditioning evaporators of motor vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Valeo Climatisation S.A
    Inventors: Regine Haller, Didier Loup, Loic Lepetit, Christian Petit
  • Publication number: 20040079917
    Abstract: The increase of temperature of heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing boric acid in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. Where the heat generating conditions are generated by a heat generator, separate and distinct from the heat sensitive device, the boric acid may be supported in a position between the heat sensitive device and the heat generator. Where the heat sensitive device is itself the heat generator, the boric acid is in contact with the heat sensitive device, either directly or indirectly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Q.C. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20040069456
    Abstract: A cold and/or heat accumulator with a plurality of carrier elements (10) which are charged with a cold or heat storage medium, and with a heat exchanger (12) which is designed to have a heat transfer medium flow through it in order to cause heat exchange between the cold or heat storage medium and the heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger (12) has at least one serpentine hollow section (14), and at least at least one carrier element (10) is provided between the legs of at least some of the loops of the serpentine hollow section. In a process for producing the cold and/or heat accumulator, the height of the carrier elements is coordinated to a distance between the legs of the at least one loop such that, after a force-fit connection is formed between the serpentine hollow section and the carrier elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: WEBASTO THERMOSYSTEME INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Lang, Kemal-Edip Yildirim, Wolfgang Kramer
  • Patent number: 6702003
    Abstract: A three-phase heat transfer structure includes a heat conducting plate, a heat sink mounted on the heat conducting plate near one end, a thermal tube embedded in and extended through two distal ends of the heat conducting plate, and a phase change material filled in recessed receiving spaces in the heat conducting plate near one end remote from the heat sink and adapted to accumulate heat energy absorbed by the heat conducting plate from a heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Feng-Neng Hsiao, Meng-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 6698510
    Abstract: A temperature regulation and flow control device is described. A web of material, e.g., for a wet suit, has a layer of gel particles embedded in a flow control layer, preferably a foam matrix. A water permeable neoprene layer covers the flow control layer and allows water to enter the suit. The flow of water in the suit is regulated by the expansion and contraction of the gel as it undergoes a volume phase transition in response to a change in temperature. When the diver is in cold water, the cold water enters the foam substrate and the gel expands, causing permeability (i.e., flow) to decrease. Flow is restricted in response to cooling, and the foam substrate expands and tightens the fit of the wet suit. In warmer water, an opposite effect occurs, whereby the gel contracts and flow increases. The gel contracts relaxing the fit of the suit. A gel having a particular volume phase transition critical temperature is selected in order to maintain body temperature in a particular environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mide Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Serra, Lev Bromberg, Jaco van Reenen Pretorius, Brett P. Masters
  • Patent number: 6698501
    Abstract: Heat exchangers utilizing flat surfaced passages to contact, contain and utilize fluidized small solid particles is provided. Top and bottom woven wire mesh or perforated sheet corrugated with rounded or flat-sided ridges are attached to respective top and bottom sides of said passage to increase its surface and to prevent said small solid particles from exiting said heat exchanger. A variety of shapes of the small solid particles are provided to further enhance the heat transfer rate. More energy efficient systems of all kinds will result from the use of these smaller heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: William H. Fleischman
  • Patent number: 6673260
    Abstract: The increase of temperature in heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing Carbonate Salts in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. Where the heat generating conditions are generated by a heat generator, separate and distinct from the heat sensitive device, the Carbonate Salt is supported in a position between the heat sensitive device and the heat generator. Where the heat sensitive device is itself the heat generator, the Carbonate Salt is contacted to the heat sensitive device either directly or indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Q. C. Hayes