Coolant Dispersion Regeneration for Isothermal PCM Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems using phase change materials face inefficiencies due to the need to dissipate both latent and sensible heat, leading to increased energy consumption and suboptimal cooling performance, particularly in machine elements where the melting temperature is higher than the solidification temperature, known as hypothermia.
Innovation Solution
A regeneration device with a recooling unit that selectively dissipates latent heat below the melting temperature and recovers heat to maintain the coolant dispersion at an inlet temperature just below the melting point, utilizing a multi-stage heat removal process with heat exchangers and a control system to optimize the use of phase change materials for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase change materials are used for cooling machine elements, then cooling performance is improved through high heat absorption capacity, but energy consumption increases due to the need to dissipate both latent and sensible heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat dissipation process into two distinct stages: first dissipating latent heat during phase change at constant temperature, then dissipating sensible heat after phase change is complete. This segmentation allows the system to maximize latent heat utilization and minimize unnecessary sensible heat dissipation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter control strategy by maintaining the coolant temperature just below the melting point of the phase change material throughout the cooling process. This parameter control ensures that the phase change material remains in the solid state and continuously absorbs heat through phase transition, optimizing the latent heat effect and reducing the need for additional energy input
2Temperature
If the coolant temperature is maintained below the melting point to maximize latent heat absorption, then isothermal cooling is improved, but the temperature difference between inlet and outlet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors the temperature of the coolant and the phase change material, and adjusts the coolant flow rate or pumping power accordingly. This feedback ensures that the temperature difference between inlet and outlet is maintained within optimal limits, preserving both isothermal cooling performance and temperature control precision
3Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic redispersion units with motors are used to maintain dispersion, then coolant homogeneity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the coolant dispersion maintains its homogeneity through natural convection currents generated by temperature differences and density variations within the closed circuit. The phase change material particles are kept suspended by these natural fluid dynamics without requiring external mechanical agitation, thereby maintaining coolant homogeneity while eliminating complex motorized redispersion units
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 maximizes the use of latent heat, minimizing temperature differences and energy consumption, allowing for efficient and isothermal cooling of machine elements by maintaining the coolant at optimal operating temperatures, thereby enhancing cooling performance and reducing energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
Phase change materials are known for their high heat absorption capacity during the phase transition and are increasingly being used for efficient cooling. Phase change materials are substances that undergo a phase change at a certain temperature and release or absorb a large amount of heat in the process.
Implementation Method 2
Phase change materials are substances that undergo a phase change at a certain temperature and release or absorb a large amount of heat in the process. In the middle of the phase transition, for example when changing state from solid to liquid, the temperature is hardly changed by the inflow or outflow of heat.
Implementation Method 3
A regeneration device with a recooling unit that selectively dissipates latent heat below the melting temperature and recovers heat to maintain the coolant dispersion at an inlet temperature just below the melting point
Data Source
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AI summary
A regeneration device for a phase-change dispersion as a recooler for a machine element, comprising: a dispersion as a coolant for absorbing the heat of the machine element, which contains a disperse phase with a phase-change material and a disperse medium, wherein the disperse phase becomes at least partially liquid by absorbing the heat from the machine element; a regeneration device for redispersing the dispersion, which has an orifice; a recooling unit configured such that the liquid disperse phase is regeneratively cooled after absorbing the heat from the machine element in order to freeze the disperse phase and enables a recooling phase at the point of subcooling temperature; and a control unit for regulating the temperature and flow rates of the cooling system, including various heat exchangers for energy-saving operation.