Cryogenic Flow Distribution for Precise Heat Removal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling technologies in data centers, refrigerated trucks, and biomedical applications face challenges in maintaining low temperatures efficiently and environmentally responsibly, leading to potential failures and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic air cooling system that uses a cryogenic storage unit, delivery system, distributor with lead tubes, and a heat exchanger, controlled by a PID controller to manage the enthalpic potential of cryogenic elements, allowing for precise temperature control from +25°C to −150°C, utilizing vacuum insulated piping and redundant safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional cooling systems are used in data centers and refrigerated trucks, then cooling function is provided, but electrical power consumption increases and environmental responsibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the cooling medium by using cryogenic temperatures (liquid nitrogen at approximately -196°C) instead of conventional refrigerant temperatures, thereby dramatically reducing the electrical power needed to achieve the same cooling effect while maintaining reliable temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression-based conventional refrigeration system with a cryogenic system that uses phase change and heat exchange principles, eliminating the need for high-power compressors and reducing electrical consumption while maintaining cooling reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If cryogenic elements are used to remove heat, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: cryogenic storage tank, vaporizer unit, heat exchanger, and control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance while reducing overall energy consumption through efficient modular operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vaporizer unit as an intermediary component that converts liquid nitrogen to gas before it enters the heat exchanger. This intermediary step controls the phase change process efficiently, managing system complexity by isolating the phase transition in a dedicated component rather than within the heat exchanger itself
3Temperature
If temperature control range is extended to cryogenic levels, then cooling capability is improved, but control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control valves that provide feedback to the liquid nitrogen flow rate control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains precise temperature control across the extended range from ambient down to cryogenic temperatures by continuously adjusting the cryogen flow based on actual temperature measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed with localized temperature control zones where different sections can operate at different temperatures. This allows precise control in critical areas while maintaining broader temperature ranges in other sections, thereby achieving both extended range and high precision where needed
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 achieves reliable and efficient temperature control across a wide range, reducing energy consumption and preventing material deterioration, while maintaining operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger coupled to the distribution lead tubes
Implementation Method 2
remove heat from an environment by the flow control of cryogenic elements through a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The cryogenic delivery system can be vacuum insulated (VIP) supply hoses and valves
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides the flow control of a cryogenic element to remove heat from an environment. The system includes a cryogenic storage to store a cryogen; a cryogenic delivery system coupled to the cryogenic storage to transport the cryogen; a distributor coupled to the cryogenic delivery system, the distributor having a plurality of distribution lead tubes to evenly distribute the enthalpic potential of the cryogenic element; and a heat exchanger coupled to the distribution lead tubes.