Diffusion Pump Thermal Management to Reduce Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffusion pumps are energy-inefficient due to unregulated heating and cooling processes, leading to high energy consumption and unnecessary heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing thermal insulation between the boiling chamber and condenser, using a heat pump to recycle condensation heat, and controlling heating and cooling systems based on real-time conditions to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heating element heats the propellant to a high preset temperature to ensure vaporization, then the propellant evaporates effectively, but excessive heat is generated that must be dissipated through increased cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the condenser into a beneficial resource by using it to preheat the propellant in the boiling chamber. The heat exchanger captures thermal energy that would otherwise be lost and redirects it to the propellant supply line, transforming an energy waste problem into an energy recovery solution that reduces overall heating requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function and heating function into a unified thermal management system. The heat exchanger serves dual purposes: it cools the propellant vapor in the condenser while simultaneously heating the liquid propellant in the supply line, combining two previously separate thermal processes into one integrated system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the heating element continuously heats the propellant to maintain constant temperature, then stable vaporization is achieved, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors monitor the propellant temperature and provide signals to the heating element controller. The heating element operates cyclically based on temperature feedback, activating only when the propellant temperature drops below the target range, thereby maintaining stable vaporization while minimizing energy consumption through demand-responsive heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, turning on when temperature drops below the target range and turning off when the target temperature is reached. This periodic heating pattern maintains stable propellant temperature while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
3Productivity
If the cooling system provides maximum cooling to the condenser, then condensation efficiency is maximized, but heat dissipation requirements increase and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the condenser into a beneficial resource by using it to preheat the propellant in the boiling chamber. The heat exchanger captures thermal energy that would otherwise be lost and redirects it to the propellant supply line, transforming an energy waste problem into an energy recovery solution that reduces overall heating requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers thermal energy from the condenser cooling process that would otherwise be discarded. The heat exchanger intercepts waste heat from the condenser and redirects it to preheat the liquid propellant, implementing a heat recovery system that converts discarded thermal energy into a useful heating resource.
4Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is added between the boiling chamber and condenser, then heat transfer is reduced and energy loss decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal insulation function with the heat recovery function by integrating the heat exchanger into the existing structural space between the boiling chamber and condenser. Rather than adding separate insulation layers, the heat exchanger serves as both a thermal management device and a heat recovery component, reducing the need for additional insulating materials while maintaining energy efficiency.
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
Significantly reduces energy consumption by minimizing heat loss and optimizing heating and cooling requirements, achieving efficient vacuum generation with reduced power usage.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element vaporizes a propellant
Implementation Method 2
The propellant vapor exiting the nozzle reaches the condenser and condenses at the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
The insulator prevents heat generated by the heating element in the boiling chamber from being transferred to the condenser
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A diffusion pump, in particular an energy-efficient diffusion pump, comprising a housing (10) and a boiling chamber (14) connected to the housing (10). A heating element (16) is arranged in the boiling chamber (14). A nozzle (20, 22) is also arranged in the housing (10) and connected to the boiling chamber (14). A condenser (24) is arranged on an inner surface of the housing (10) in the area of the nozzle (20, 22), and a cooling element (26) is provided in the area of the condenser (24) for cooling the condenser (24). The boiling chamber (14) is thermally separated from the condenser (24) by an insulator (52). Alternatively or additionally, the cooling element (26) of the condenser (24) is at least partially a water cooling element. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling (26) of the condenser (24) is connected to the heating element (16) via a heat pump (40), so that heat is transferred from the condenser (24) to the heating element (16).Alternatively or additionally, a temperature sensor (34) is provided that measures the condenser temperature, wherein the temperature sensor (34) is connected to a condenser cooling control for controlling the cooling (26) of the condenser (24). Alternatively or additionally, a heating element control is connected to the heating element (16) for adjusting the heating power of the heating element (16) to the current pumping situation.