Project Title: Phase Change Material Innovations Geothermal HVAC

Project Type: Research, analysis, business plan

Background:
Phase change materials (PCMs) take advantage of a materials high heat of fusion
in order to store incredible amounts of energy with little to no temperature change.
Typical energy storage is classified as sensible heat storage, because the heat
source/sink changes temperature as heat is added or removed. PCMs are classified
as latent heat storage because the PCMs dont change temperature as heat is
added or removed, but rather change phase, typically from solid to liquid and vice
versa.
Melink believes that there is untapped potential with PCMs when it comes to the
area of heating and cooling, particularly in the Geothermal industry. Heating and
cooling is one of the largest drains on the global energy grid, and is an area ripe for
game-changing innovation to create more energy-efficient systems resulting in a
more sustainable world.

Description of Project or Problem:

Heating and Cooling systems require incredible amounts of electricity to run and are
largely considered an operational necessity. Typically, these systems are inefficient
and rely on large amounts of fossil-fueled electricity. Melink would like the project
team to research, design and analyze a more sustainable, innovative geothermal
heating and cooling system utilizing phase change materials.
The project will involve researching the properties of PCMs and becoming familiar
with their best practices. The next steps will require outside-the-box thinking as the
team will be tasked with brainstorming innovative solutions to an age-old problem.
After the team identifies their top conceptual design, a feasibility analysis will be
performed and a business plan will be created to show how this innovative
technology can be mainstreamed.

Project Deliverables:
-

Develop complete understanding of functional & design requirements for the

project.
Develop proposal that identifies the functional requirements, design
requirements and design criteria. (will include Gantt Chart & project
deliverables & background)
Student team expected to first understand project components by conducting
appropriate research & collecting applicable data.

Develop design concepts & conduct brainstorming sessions to identify new

alternatives
Perform decision analysis to determine top conceptual design for the system.
Perform feasibility analyses & tests of the system.
Conduct minimum of three (3) presentations, initial kickoff meeting at
sponsors facilities, conceptual design review & final presentation.

Additional Deliverables:
Business plan / cost estimate of proposed conceptual design

Requested Engineering Disciplines:

Industrial, Mechanical

Requested Skill Sets:

Energy Systems, Sustainability, Materials, Cost Estimating

Does this project require a business plan?

Yes
Does this project require Patent Research?
No

During final presentations, does your project require restricted attendance?

Yes