Dual-Function Annular Heat Exchanger for Pump Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal transport systems face challenges such as significant space and cost requirements due to separate heat source and heat sink heat exchangers, risk of phase change in supercritical carbon dioxide during startup, and pump overheating or vibration issues due to temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
Implementation of dual-function secondary flow heat exchangers, utilizing annular thermoelectric modules with processor circuitry to regulate thermal energy transfer based on fluid temperature and pressure, and incorporating rGO sensors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate heat source and heat sink heat exchangers are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but system size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate heat source and heat sink exchangers into a single integrated heat exchanger unit. This consolidation merges multiple thermal management functions into one component, reducing overall system volume while maintaining both heating and cooling capabilities through unified thermal exchange pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - serving as both a heat source exchanger and a heat sink exchanger. This multi-functional design allows the single component to replace multiple specialized exchangers, achieving space reduction while preserving full thermal management versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate heat source and heat sink heat exchangers are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging separate heat exchanger components into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This consolidation lowers manufacturing complexity and associated costs while preserving full heating and cooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal heat exchanger design that performs both heat source and heat sink functions eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing material costs, assembly costs, and maintenance requirements while maintaining complete thermal management capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heat exchangers are used, then thermal energy transfer occurs, but phase change in supercritical carbon dioxide may occur during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the state of supercritical carbon dioxide and adjust thermal energy transfer accordingly. This feedback system detects approaching phase change conditions and modulates heat exchange rates to maintain stable supercritical operation, preventing unwanted phase transitions during startup and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary thermal conditioning of the supercritical carbon dioxide before main thermal energy transfer begins. This preliminary action ensures the fluid reaches appropriate temperature and pressure conditions that prevent phase change during subsequent operational transitions, enhancing reliability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heat exchangers are used, then thermal energy transfer occurs, but pump overheating or vibration issues occur due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control that monitors pump temperature and thermal conditions, dynamically adjusting heat exchanger operation to maintain optimal pump temperature. This feedback mechanism prevents overheating and reduces temperature-induced vibrations by continuously balancing thermal energy transfer with pump thermal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heat exchanger system provides self-regulating thermal management that automatically adjusts to protect the pump from overheating. The system uses its own thermal capacity and control mechanisms to stabilize pump temperature without requiring external intervention, reducing temperature fluctuations and associated vibration issues.
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
Reduces system size and cost by integrating heating and cooling functions in a single exchanger, stabilizes pump operation by preventing phase changes and overheating, and enhances thermal management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric module positioned around a portion of the feedback conduit... The thermoelectric module is configured to transfer thermal energy from the first fluid to the second fluid
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger includes a first fluid passage... a second fluid passage... wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer thermal energy from the first fluid to the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Example pump systems having dual-function annular heat exchangers are disclosed. An example pump system to pressurize a fluid within a closed loop transport bus includes a pump to move the fluid, a conduit in fluid connection with the pump, a heat exchanger positioned around at least a portion of the conduit, the heat exchanger to receive a first electrical signal transmitted in a first direction at a first time and a second electrical signal transmitted in a second direction at a second time different from the first time, the second direction opposite the first direction.