U.S. patent application number 16/308055 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-10 for device for positioning in a volume.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hutchinson. The applicant listed for this patent is HUTCHINSON. Invention is credited to Boris CHAUVET, Fabrice CHOPARD, Mathieu LEBORGNE.
Application Number | 20190310028 16/308055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56855622 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190310028 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHOPARD; Fabrice ; et
al. |
October 10, 2019 |
DEVICE FOR POSITIONING IN A VOLUME
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for heat exchange and
positioning in a volume, the device comprising: a central body
containing a material for storing thermal energy by latent heat
accumulation, to be placed in thermal exchange with a circulating
surrounding fluid, and a structure for positioning the central body
in the volume, the positioning structure being connected to the
central body around which it extends and reserving passages
enabling contact between the central body and the surrounding fluid
and the circulation of said fluid.
Inventors: |
CHOPARD; Fabrice;
(Saint-Martin-d'Heres, FR) ; CHAUVET; Boris;
(Ferrieres, FR) ; LEBORGNE; Mathieu; (Montargis,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HUTCHINSON |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hutchinson
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
56855622 |
Appl. No.: |
16/308055 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
June 9, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2017/051486 |
371 Date: |
December 7, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 2020/0013 20130101;
F28D 2020/0021 20130101; Y02E 60/14 20130101; F28D 20/023 20130101;
Y02E 60/145 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28D 20/02 20060101
F28D020/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 10, 2016 |
FR |
1655391 |
Claims
1. A thermal management system including: a housing having a hollow
interior, an inlet and an outlet for a fluid, and, disposed in said
hollow interior: a plurality of heat exchange and positioning
devices (1), each comprising: a central body containing a material
for storing thermal energy by latent heat accumulation, to be
placed in thermal exchange with the fluid, and a structure for
positioning the central body in said hollow interior, the
positioning structure being connected to the central body around
which it extends and reserving passages enabling contact between
the central body and the surrounding fluid and a circulation of
said fluid, wherein: the positioning structure comprises an
external structure defining a cylinder and connected by transverse
arms to the central body, or the positioning structure comprises an
external structure defining a ring and connected by transverse arms
to the central body, or the positioning structure includes a
peripheral structure extending circumferentially around the central
body, in several planes, to separate it from a surrounding support
in several directions, or the positioning structure includes an
external structure: defining a discontinuous sphere, and connected
to the central body by transverse arms around the central body, or
the positioning structure is in the form of a cellular structure
surrounding the central body, in contact with it, or the
positioning structure includes one or more linear beads surrounding
the central body, in contact with it, or recesses formed in said
body.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal energy
storage material of the central body comprises at least one
PCM.
3. A system according to claim 1, which is a one-piece casting
between the positioning structure and the central body which
contains the thermal energy storage material.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein several of said devices
are connected together in a string by a flexible link.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein two said adjacent devices
in said hollow interior are in contact with each other.
6-11. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal
management. In particular, it relates to a thermal management
system for the circulation and heat exchange with a fluid.
[0002] In a volume, a fluid circulating therein may, at a certain
time, carry thermal energy which, if stored then, can be returned
later, in this volume, for example to the same fluid which may then
have to circulate at another temperature, and therefore be able to
benefit from this (at least partial) return of thermal energy.
[0003] For example, in a motor vehicle, the engine oil is very hot
when the propelling engine has been running for some time. It may
then be useful to store some of this thermal energy. On the other
hand, when cold-starting the engine, heating the engine oil would
be useful for engine performance and for limiting pollutant
emissions.
[0004] In addition to the way in which thermal energy is stored and
then released, a problem also rises for ensuring this function as
well as possible while finding a compromise between a flow of the
fluid in the volume concerned and the residence time/performance
ratio of heat exchanges in the volume.
[0005] Therefore, a thermal management system is proposed that
includes: [0006] a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet and
an outlet for a fluid and, disposed in said hollow interior: [0007]
a plurality of heat exchange and positioning devices each
comprising: [0008] a central body containing a material for storing
thermal energy by latent heat accumulation, to be placed in thermal
exchange with the fluid, and [0009] a structure for positioning the
central body in said hollow interior, the positioning structure
being connected to the central body around which it extends and
reserving passages enabling contact between the central body and
the surrounding fluid and a circulation of said fluid. Thus, in
this case, an adapted flow of the fluid and a relative positioning
of the devices will be associated in order to ensure important
thermal exchanges.
[0010] To effectively position the central body while taking into
account possible surrounding shapes and/or a possible need to
orient the fluid locally by channelling it locally, it is proposed
that the positioning structure should include an external
structure: [0011] (substantially or globally) defining a cylinder,
[0012] and connected by transverse arms to the central body.
[0013] In some cases, a positioning structure comprising an
external structure defining a ring and connected by transverse arms
to the central body will be sufficient.
[0014] An advantage will be to be able to reduce the interval
between two central bodies of two adjacent devices since the
positioning structure will then only extend (substantially) in one
plane. Outside this plane, two adjacent devices may follow each
other and be in contact.
[0015] And in order to take into account the difficulties of
installation, storage or maintenance, a system comprising several
devices connected together in a string by a flexible link, and in
particular with a succession of external structures each defining a
ring, can be proposed.
[0016] For a self-positioning that can be omnidirectional,
regardless of the shape of the volume defined by said hollow
interior, and a surrounding fluid flow that is also independent of
the position of the device in this volume, it is proposed that the
positioning structure should include a peripheral structure
extending circumferentially around the central body, in several
planes, to separate it from a surrounding support in several
directions.
[0017] In particular, the positioning structure may then include an
external structure: [0018] defining a discontinuous sphere (with
fluid passage and circulation openings), [0019] and connected by
transverse arms to the central body.
[0020] If the positioning structure with a diameter of about 2 cm
is connected to a central body with a diameter of about 1 cm by
about fifteen straight rods having a cross-section of filamentary
dimension (therefore of the order of 1 mm) and if the discontinuous
sphere also consists of rectilinear but curved rods, it will be
possible to combine strength, energy performance and respect for a
circulation without excess pressure drop.
[0021] Preferably, the central body will be in the form of a sphere
or of a profile. The sphere is omnidirectional.
[0022] In the above embodiments with external structures, the
latter will a priori be radially distant from the central body.
This is typically favourable in a duct where the transverse arms
will only provide a radial mechanical connection to the central
body with little resistance to fluid flow.
[0023] In a storage volume such as a storage exchanger balloon,
where there are no tubular shapes as in a duct, it has been
understood from the above that the problem may be rather to have
said devices distant from each other and from the external wall,
just enough not to prevent almost any circulation of the fluid, but
giving priority to the number of devices per cm2, in order to
obtain a maximum heat exchange.
[0024] Preferably, each central body can also be in the form of a
sphere, to be easily used and distributed, with a minimum of dead
space.
[0025] As for the positioning structure, it can include the
following, while surrounding the central body, in contact
therewith: [0026] a honeycomb structure, [0027] or one or more
linear beads surrounding the central body, [0028] or recesses
formed in the external surface of said body.
[0029] In this way, on the one hand, the exchange surface between
the body and the surrounding fluid coming into contact with it will
be increased, and on the other hand, the passage of this fluid will
be promoted, depending on the case between the beads or in the
cells, or in said recesses, which will then define natural fluid
passage channels.
[0030] The device produced will advantageously be a single-piece
moulding integrating the positioning structure and the central body
containing the thermal energy storage material.
[0031] And this material will advantageously include at least one
PCM (phase change material) enabling high energy performance.
[0032] For all purposes, it is furthermore confirmed that a
phase-change material--or PCM--refers to a material capable of
changing physical state, between solid and liquid, within a
restricted temperature range of between -50.degree. C. and
180.degree. C. The heat transfer (or thermal transfer) can be
achieved by using the Latent Heat (LH) thereof: the material can
then store or transfer energy by changing state, while keeping a
substantially constant temperature, that of the change of
state.
[0033] The thermally insulating material(s) associated with the
PCM(s) may be a "simple" insulator such as glass wool, but a foam,
for example of polyurethane or polyisocyanurate, or even more
favourably a porous or even nano-porous thermally insulating
material such as an aerogel, will certainly be preferred.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] If necessary, the invention will be better understood and
other characteristics, details and advantages thereof will become
apparent upon reading the following description as a non-exhaustive
example with reference to the appended drawings in which:
[0035] FIGS. 1,2,3 schematize the first three examples, where a
positioning structure ensures an axial centering of a central body
in a volume,
[0036] FIGS. 4.5 schematize a set of devices according to for
example FIG. 3, positioned in a volume in the form of a receptacle
(especially in FIG. 4, only some of said heat exchange and
positioning devices have been represented and the sinuosities
followed by the flow that said devices prevent from flowing
substantially axially, as in a duct or tube are visible; the
residence time is thus increased as compared to a positioning in a
duct), and
[0037] FIGS. 6, 7, 8 show three other examples (in cross-section
and volume) where a positioning structure provides a spacing
enabling the fluid flow between the devices illustrated positioned
in a volume.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Several configurations of device 1 for heat exchange and
positioning in a volume also called hollow interior, 3 or 21 of a
receptacle can therefore be imagined.
[0039] Systematically, the device 1 will include: [0040] a central
body 5 containing a material 7 for storing thermal energy by latent
heat accumulation, to be placed in thermal exchange with a
circulating surrounding fluid 9, and [0041] a structure 11 for
positioning the central body in said volume, the positioning
structure 11 being connected to the central body 5, around which it
therefore extends, and reserving passages 13 enabling fluid contact
between the central body 5 and the surrounding fluid 9, with a
maintained circulation of said fluid.
[0042] On the first three preferred examples below, the positioning
structure 11 can ensure an axial centering of the central body 5 in
the volume, when the positioning is in a duct 15, therefore in a
tubular means, but a bulk positioning as FIGS. 4.5 is also
possible. The positioning structure 11 will reserve passages 13
between same and the central body 5.
[0043] In the first example, as shown in FIG. 1, the positioning
structure 11 includes an external structure 17 (substantially or
globally) defining a cylinder and connected by transverse arms 19
to the central body 5.
[0044] With this hollow external structure 17 and fine arms, an
axial self-centering (axis 15a) is provided.
[0045] As in the following embodiments, the body 5 is here in the
form of a sphere. But it can be shaped like a shell, to further
limit pressure drops, with a volume reserved for material 7 which
can remain the same.
[0046] The cylinder 17 may not be solid, but consist of branches or
lines defining such a cylindrical envelope, but with passages
through it to lighten same.
[0047] In the second example, as shown in FIG. 2, the positioning
structure 11 includes an external structure 170 defining a ring and
connected back to the central body 5 by transverse, or radial, arms
19.
[0048] In the third example, as shown in FIG. 3, the positioning
structure 11 includes a peripheral, radially external structure,
270 defining a discontinuous sphere and connected by transverse or
radial arms 190 to the central body 5 containing the material 7.
The sphere is discontinuous in that it has openings 271 which pass
through its spherical surface, so that the fluid 9 to be circulated
passes through these openings, and thus reaches the central body 5.
The openings 271 belong to the passages 13. As in other solutions
presented here and for example illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the
solution of FIG. 3, with its transverse arms 190 and peripheral
structure 270 with discontinuous spherical surface, makes it
possible to achieve a positioning structure 11 extending
circumferentially around the central body, in several directions
and planes, and therefore not only according to a single diameter
as is the case in the ring solution 170 in FIG. 2, where the ring
spreads the body 5 on a single circumference, following the
diametral plane in which the ring 170 extends. Such
multidirectional self-positioning can also be achieved with the
solutions of FIGS. 6-8.
[0049] The first and third examples are self-centering solutions in
a duct, or even in a volume 3 which would be formed by the hollow
interior 21 of a box 23, as in the example in FIGS. 4, 5 where a
part of such a storage exchanger box having an inlet and an outlet
for the fluid 9 and containing here several devices 1 in conformity
with those of the third example is shown. A fluid 9 arriving in
this volume will exchange, if the temperature is appropriate, with
the thermal energy storage material 7 of the bodies 5, then
continue its path as shown by the arrows.
[0050] The respective fluid inlets 22a and outlets 22b in the
hollow interior 21 will advantageously form collars with respect to
the hollow interior 21 (see FIG. 4), unlike a duct where the
cross-sections are similar between the inlet/inner section/outlet.
In all the exemplary embodiments mentioned in this description, the
material 7 may consist of at least one PCM.
[0051] It may particularly be PCMs encapsulated (typically
microencapsulated) in a porous matrix, with open pores, preferably
of the elastomer type, such as a silicone-, NBR- or HNBR-based one.
For each body 5, a rubber composition as described in EP2690137 or
EP2690141 may be used.
[0052] The material 7 may also be based on paraffin, eutectic
(myristic-capric) fatty acid or eutectic hydrated salt (calcium
chloride+potassium). Other possibilities still exist for each body
5, such as a PCM impregnated in a porous network.
[0053] It should however be noted that any PCM may have a change of
phase or state at a predetermined temperature peak or which is
established over a more or less wide temperature range. Thus, with
a pure PCM (such as a paraffin) the state change temperature will
be constant, whereas it may be non-constant with several PCMs, such
as for a mixture of paraffins.
[0054] To place or remove a series of many devices 1, it is
proposed to connect together these devices 1 positioned in a line
or a string, as shown in FIG. 2, using a flexible link 27 enabling
at least some of the rings 170 to be oriented from outside the duct
15 so as to bring them closer to a position where these rings are
in a plane radial to the local axis 15a of the duct.
[0055] The flexible link 27 may include three filamentary strands
passing through three openings (such as the one marked 29),
provided each in one arm 19, near the ring 170 considered.
[0056] An overlength of the filamentary strands could make it
possible to operate same from a distance, once the string has been
slipped into its receptacle 3/21.
[0057] In the embodiment of the system 30 for the circulation and
heat exchange with the fluid 9 illustrated in FIG. 4, it should
also be noted that the solid wall 31 which delimits the volume
31/21 is surrounded by a thermal insulator 33 which will promote
thermal management at the location of this duct, with the devices 1
placed inside. In the example of FIG. 5, a part of a storage and
exchanger box 23 is shown, thus presenting the respective inlets
and outlets 22a, 22b mentioned above, for the fluid 9, and
containing here several devices 1 which can be in conformity with
those of the third example (FIG. 3). A fluid 9 arriving in this
volume will therefore exchange, if the temperature is appropriate,
with the thermal energy storage material 7 of the bodies 5, then
continue its path as shown by the arrows. Each positioning
structure 11 is in the form of a peripheral structure extending
circumferentially around the central body 5, in several planes, to
spread this body in several directions from a surrounding support
defined here by the walls 210 limiting the recess 21.
[0058] Three other examples are schematized in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 in
particular turned towards the placing of devices 1 in such a hollow
interior 21, or receptacle, for example that of a housing.
[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the positioning structure 11
of each device 1 is in the form of several beads 35 surrounding the
central body 5 containing the material 7 for storing thermal energy
by latent heat accumulation.
[0060] The beads 35 can define at least two intersecting strips so
as to maintain a free space 37 between several devices 1, each
having a spherical shape here, so that, when placed in the hollow
interior 21, these shapes 1 accumulate in the highest possible
number, without loss of space, while enabling the fluid 9 to flow
with a heat exchange between them.
[0061] The same comment can be applied to the second and third
examples in FIGS. 7, 8 where, respectively, the positioning
structure 11 is in the form of: [0062] recesses 39 formed in said
body 5, [0063] and a honeycomb structure 41 surrounding the central
body 5, when in contact therewith.
[0064] The free spaces 37 between the devices 1 placed in the
hollow interior 21 will still exist, each having a general
spherical shape.
[0065] The recesses 39 will form blind cavities, for example each
as a portion of a sphere.
[0066] In both cases, the central body 5 will extend at the bottom
of said recesses and cells, or even between them.
[0067] The honeycomb structure 41 will also be open to the
outside.
[0068] For producing any of these structures, it may be preferable
to use a single-piece casting between the positioning structure 11
and the body 5. With reference to the above, the central body 5
could therefore be a porous matrix, with open pores, for example of
the elastomer type.
[0069] In terms of heat exchange coefficient with comparable
diameters, the solution in FIG. 8 is the most efficient one,
followed by FIG. 7 and FIG. 6.
[0070] It should be noted that FIG. 7 also schematises in dotted
lines an alternative solution to the recesses 39, namely orifices
40 going through the body 5, the lips 40a of these orifices which
lead to the outside (and which extend around the central body,
locally) having little risk of being blocked by a solid wall part
of another, here spherical device 1. The orifices 40 will define
the above passages through which the surrounding fluid passes.
[0071] In the case of FIG. 6, the circumferential beads 35 disposed
in different planes ensure the multi-directional spacing of the
body 5. In the examples of FIGS. 7,8, the here spherical wall 390,
between the recesses 39, and the walls 410 that limit and separate
the cells 41 respectively play this part.
* * * * *