Compressor-assisted thermal energy management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorption systems face challenges in achieving high sorption rates and efficient thermal energy transfer, particularly in applications requiring rapid cooling of thermal loads with burst energy demands, such as high energy lasers, due to limitations in sorber heat and mass transfer rates and power density.
Innovation Solution
A compressor-assisted sorption system that uses a sorber gas to absorb and desorb onto/from solid complex compounds, with a control system adjusting pressure to enhance sorption and desorption rates, incorporating multiple sorbers operating out of phase or in phase with compressor assistance to optimize thermal cycling and reduce desorption temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sorption systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the sorption rate and thermal energy transfer rate are insufficient for rapid cooling applications
Solution Approach 1:
A compressor is introduced as an intermediary device to assist the sorption process. The compressor actively pressurizes the refrigerant vapor during absorption and creates vacuum during desorption, significantly enhancing the sorption rate and thermal energy transfer rate without requiring complex modifications to the fundamental sorption mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic cycling between absorption and desorption modes. The compressor alternates between pressurizing during absorption and creating vacuum during desorption, enabling rapid thermal conditioning cycles that meet burst energy demands while maintaining system simplicity
2Power
If multiple sorbers operating out of phase are used, then the power density and cycle speed are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple sorber units that can operate independently out of phase with each other. This segmentation allows continuous thermal conditioning capability and enhanced power density, as one sorber can be absorbing while another is desorbing, effectively doubling the system capacity without requiring a complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sorber units perform the same fundamental function but operate at different phases of the cycle. This multi-functionality approach enables the system to maintain high power density through parallel operation while using identical, standardized sorber components, reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If high sorption rates are achieved through thermal communication, then the thermal energy transfer is efficient, but the desorption temperature requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor utilizes pneumatic principles to create vacuum conditions during desorption, reducing the partial pressure of refrigerant vapor. This pressure reduction enables desorption to occur at lower temperatures, maintaining efficient thermal energy transfer rates while reducing the thermal load on the desorbing sorber
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters between absorption and desorption modes. During desorption, the compressor creates vacuum to lower pressure, which shifts the equilibrium conditions and allows desorption at reduced temperatures. During absorption, the compressor pressurizes to enhance the driving force for rapid absorption
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 significantly enhances sorption and desorption rates, allowing for rapid thermal conditioning and increased power density, enabling efficient cooling of thermal loads with burst energy requirements while maintaining compact size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
Absorption/desorption processes or reactions are between polar gases and certain metal salts to yield coordinative complex compounds
Implementation Method 2
The compressor is in fluid communication with the sorber, the evaporator, and the condenser, and is configured to adjust a pressure of a sorber gas
Implementation Method 3
The evaporator is in thermal communication a thermal load
Implementation Method 4
The condenser is in fluid communication with the sorber and the evaporator
Implementation Method 5
The heat source is in thermal communication with the solid complex compounds
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for compressor-assisted sorption rate. A sorption system includes a sorber that absorbs and desorbs a refrigerant gas, such as ammonia, onto and from a coordinative complex compound. The system includes an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor. The temperature and pressure of the gas within the sorber are monitored and the compressor is controlled to adjust the pressure to increase the absorption and desorption rates and increase the thermal cycle speed of the sorption system for applications such as laser systems requiring rapid, periodic cooling.