Cryogen Pump Dynamic Control for Fluid Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic pumps face challenges in efficiently operating at extreme cold temperatures due to reduced elasticity, leading to inefficiencies in cryogenic fluid delivery and usage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a probe with a temperature sensor, a pump with a motor, a separator to distinguish between cryogenic liquid and gas, and a flow meter, controlled by a processor to optimize the pumping rate based on temperature and gas flow rate, reducing the volume of cryogenic fluid required for low-temperature steady-state operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cryogenic pump operates at extreme cold temperatures, then it can deliver cryogenic fluid to the probe, but the reduced elasticity of materials leads to pumping inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pumping rate parameter based on real-time temperature measurements and gas flow rate measurements. By changing the operational parameters (pumping rate) in response to environmental conditions (temperature, gas flow), the system optimizes pumping efficiency while maintaining the required low-temperature steady state
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature via a temperature sensor and gas flow rate via a flow meter, then using this information to adjust the pumping rate. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the pump to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal efficiency
2Temperature
If the pump operates continuously to maintain low temperature, then the probe remains at the desired temperature, but excessive volume of cryogenic liquid is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous full-capacity operation, the system applies partial action by adjusting the pumping rate to match actual demand. The pump operates at variable rates based on measured conditions, delivering only the necessary amount of cryogenic liquid to maintain temperature, thereby reducing overall consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static continuous pumping to dynamic variable-rate pumping. The pumping rate is continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements of temperature and gas flow rate, allowing the system to adapt to changing thermal loads and minimize cryogenic liquid consumption
3Productivity
If the pump rate is increased to compensate for reduced elasticity, then pumping efficiency improves, but more cryogenic liquid is used
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustment of the pumping rate rather than fixed high-rate operation. By continuously adapting the pumping rate to actual system conditions (temperature, gas flow), the system maintains optimal pumping efficiency while avoiding excessive cryogenic liquid consumption that would result from continuously high pumping rates
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 reduces the volume of cryogenic liquid needed to achieve and maintain a low-temperature steady state, improving the efficiency of cryogenic fluid delivery and usage compared to prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature sensor is located at the distal end
Implementation Method 2
a separator, coupled to separate the returning cryogenic fluid into a returning cryogenic liquid and a returning cryogenic gas
Implementation Method 3
a flow meter, coupled to measure a rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas
Implementation Method 4
a pump, having a pump motor, coupled to deliver a cryogenic fluid through the lumen to the distal end of the probe
Implementation Method 5
The system effectively reduces the volume of cryogenic liquid needed to achieve and maintain a low-temperature steady state
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, consisting of a probe, containing a lumen and having a distal end configured to contact tissue of a living subject. A temperature sensor is located at the distal end, and a pump, having a pump motor, is coupled to deliver a cryogenic fluid through the lumen to the distal end of the probe and to receive the cryogenic fluid returning from the probe. There is a separator, coupled to separate the returning cryogenic fluid into a returning cryogenic liquid and a returning cryogenic gas, and a flow meter, coupled to measure a rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas. A processor is configured to control a rate of pumping of the pump motor in response to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas.