Calorimeter Dual Heat Transducers Simultaneous Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing calorimeters are expensive to manufacture, require lengthy measurement times, and have inefficient heat exchange configurations, making them unsuitable for rapid or simultaneous measurements of heat flux from multiple samples.

Innovation Solution

A calorimeter system with a recipient space and dual heat transducers that allow for controlled heat exchange and measurement of heat flux without sample flow, enabling longer measurement periods and simultaneous analysis of multiple samples, while being simpler and more cost-effective to manufacture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional calorimeter designs are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and measurement time extends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat flux measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The calorimeter is divided into multiple independent measurement channels (first calorimetric channel, second calorimetric channel) that can operate simultaneously. Each channel has its own sample container and heat transducer assembly, allowing parallel measurement of multiple samples without interfering with each other, thus improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heat transducer is introduced as an intermediary element between the sample container and the heat sink. This heat transducer efficiently mediates heat transfer from the sample to the heat sink while being measurable by the sensor, improving both heat exchange efficiency and measurement precision without extending measurement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If traditional heat exchange configurations are used, then heat measurement can be performed, but heat exchange efficiency decreases and measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transducer serves as an efficient thermal intermediary between the sample container and heat sink, providing a dedicated heat transfer path that minimizes thermal resistance and maximizes heat exchange efficiency, thereby reducing measurement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes controlled thermal phase transitions and heat flow directions, where heat naturally flows from the warmer sample container through the heat transducer to the cooler heat sink, optimizing heat exchange efficiency without requiring additional energy input or extending measurement time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Duration of action of stationary object

If sample flow through the calorimeter is implemented, then continuous measurement is possible, but measurement precision decreases due to inability to measure total heat flux

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement durationVSAvoidtotal heat flux measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the sample flow through the calorimeter, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the sample stationary in sealed containers and allowing heat to flow from the sample to the heat sink. This enables complete capture and measurement of total heat flux while maintaining measurement over extended periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The sample flow function is extracted and removed from the system. Samples are kept stationary in sealed containers, and only heat is allowed to transfer to the heat sink for measurement. This extraction of the flow requirement enables precise measurement of total heat flux without the complications introduced by sample movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enables rapid and efficient measurement of heat flux from samples, reducing measurement time to under 8 hours and allowing for multiple simultaneous measurements, while improving manufacturing efficiency and heat exchange efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The heat transducer has a first heat receiving surface in contact with the sample container and a first heat absorbing surface in contact with the heat sink. A second heat transducer is provided, whereby the second heat transducer has a second heat receiving surface in contact with the heat sink and a second heat absorbing surface in contact with the sample container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

a heat sink, a first heat transducer, whereby the first heat transducer comprises a first heat receiving surface in contact with the sample container when the sample container is positioned in the recipient space and a first heat absorbing surface in contact with the heat sink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3707484B1calorimeter
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 CALBACT AG
  • EP3707484B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3707484B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3707484B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system comprising a calorimeter (1) for measuring a heat flux of a sample comprises a recipient space (6) for a sample container (10) containing a sample, a heat sink (4), a first heat transducer (2) whereby the first heat transducer (2) comprises a heat receiving surface 5 (24) in contact with the sample container (10) when the sample container (10) is positioned in the recipient space (6) and a heat absorbing surface (25) in contact with the heat sink (4). A second heat sink (3) is provided, whereby the second heat sink (3) has a second heat receiving surface (34) in contact with the heat sink (4) and a second heat absorbing surface (35) in contact with the sample container (10), when the sample container (10) is positioned 10 in the recipient space (6).