Anodic Layer Phase Change Material Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems face challenges in effectively reducing peak temperatures in metallic components without compromising their mechanical properties or requiring significant redesign, especially under high thermal loads.
Innovation Solution
A process involving anodizing a metallic surface to create a porous anodic layer, introducing a phase change material like n-eicosane, and sealing it with a layer such as epoxy resin or silver paint to absorb and release heat, thereby reducing peak temperatures without impacting the component's mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If phase change materials are incorporated into metallic components for thermal management, then peak temperatures are reduced, but the mechanical properties of the component may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase change materials into porous structures formed on the metallic component surface through anodization. The porous anodic oxide layer provides a framework that contains the phase change material while maintaining the structural integrity and mechanical properties of the underlying metal component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the metallic component with phase change materials embedded in porous oxide layers. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from both the thermal management capabilities of the phase change material and the mechanical strength of the metal substrate.
2Temperature
If porous structures are created on metallic surfaces to host phase change materials, then thermal management effectiveness is improved, but the mechanical properties of the host structure are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The porous anodic oxide layer is formed through electrochemical anodization, creating a controlled porous structure that hosts phase change materials. The porous structure provides high surface area and volume for thermal management while the oxide layer itself maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the thermal management function from the structural function by placing phase change materials in porous surface layers, while the bulk metallic substrate continues to provide mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its primary function without compromising the other.
3Temperature
If active thermal management systems are used to reduce temperatures, then temperature control is effective, but power consumption and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials provide passive thermal management by automatically absorbing heat during phase transitions (melting) when temperatures rise, and releasing heat when temperatures fall. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources, pumps, or control systems required by active thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of selected materials (such as paraffin waxes or salt hydrates) that melt at specific temperatures relevant to the application. During melting, the phase change material absorbs large amounts of latent heat, effectively controlling peak temperatures without requiring external energy input.
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
This approach effectively reduces peak temperatures by 1 to 2.3°C during thermal cycles with minimal impact on mechanical properties and can be applied to existing components without redesign, demonstrating efficient thermal management with phase change materials integrated at the microstructural level.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a phase change material to pores defined by the anodic layer
Implementation Method 2
Phase change materials absorb and release heat at temperatures at or near their phase change temperature. These phase changes are endothermic while heating (when the material is transitioning from solid to liquid) and exothermic upon cooling (during the transformation from liquid back to solid).
Implementation Method 3
Phase change materials absorb and release heat at temperatures at or near their phase change temperature
Implementation Method 4
applying a seal layer to seal the phase change material within the pores
Data Source
AI summary
A process for protecting an article from thermal damage includes anodizing a metallic surface of the article to form an anodic layer containing a metal oxide; annealing the anodic layer; introducing a phase change material to pores defined by the anodic layer; and applying a seal layer to seal the phase change material within the pores.