A device for chilling liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric water coolers are not energy efficient and slow in chilling water, failing to meet the energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and requiring improved cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric cooling system comprising a tank with a baffle and cooling fins connected to dual thermoelectric chips, where the fins are positioned near the openings between the baffle areas to efficiently chill water as it flows, and a dual power supply system to adjust energy output based on cooling needs, ensuring quick chilling and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional thermoelectric cooler is used, then the structure is simple and compact, but the energy efficiency is poor and cooling speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into a first area and a second area by a baffle, with cooling fins positioned in the first area. This segmentation allows water to be cooled in stages as it flows from the first area through the fins to the second area, increasing cooling efficiency without requiring a larger or more complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling fins are introduced as an intermediary component between the thermoelectric chips and the water. The fins increase the heat exchange surface area, allowing more efficient heat transfer from the water to the thermoelectric cooling elements, thereby improving both cooling speed and energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If the tank is completely divided into two separate chambers, then cooling efficiency may improve, but water flow between areas is blocked and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is designed to create distinct zones with different functions: the first area contains cooling fins for active cooling, while the second area serves as a storage chamber. This local differentiation optimizes cooling efficiency without requiring complete separation of the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than completely dividing the tank, a partial baffle structure is used that creates functional zones while maintaining water flow connectivity. This partial action achieves sufficient cooling efficiency without the complexity and flow restrictions of complete separation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively chills water quickly and efficiently, meeting EPA energy standards by utilizing dual thermoelectric chips and a baffle design that maximizes heat exchange and energy usage, resulting in a higher volume of chilled water with minimal warming effect.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoelectric cooling uses the Peltier effect to create a heat flux between the junction of two different types of materials
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of cooling fins are disposed within the tank... and are in connectivity with a plurality of thermoelectric chips, but preferably dual thermoelectric chips, that effectuate the cooling of the fins
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments include tanks for cooling liquid where at least two thermoelectric chips come into contact with and cool a plurality of conductive fins that each extend into the interior of the tank where they come into contact with and thereby chill fluid as it is housed in and flows between two connected chambers within the tank.