Dual-Mode Thermal Loop with Membrane Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-phase liquid heat exchangers require large volumes of liquid, increasing operating costs and inefficiencies in thermal management systems, while existing dual-mode systems lack flexibility in handling varying heat loads and pump failures.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode thermal management loop system that operates in either powered-pump or passive-capillary mode, utilizing a membrane separator to recirculate gases and liquids efficiently, and includes a controller to toggle between modes based on heat transfer loads and pump status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If single phase liquid heat exchangers are used to transfer heat, then heat transfer function is achieved, but large volumes of liquid are required which increases operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials that transition between solid and liquid states to store and release thermal energy. During charging, the PCM absorbs heat while melting (solid to liquid transition). During discharging, the PCM releases heat while freezing (liquid to solid transition). This phase transition mechanism enables efficient thermal management with minimal liquid volume compared to conventional single-phase liquid heat exchangers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in physical parameters of the phase change material, particularly temperature and phase state, to manage heat transfer. The PCM undergoes controlled parameter changes between solid and liquid phases, allowing the system to achieve effective heat transfer with reduced liquid inventory, thereby lowering operating costs associated with large liquid volumes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-mode thermal management loop systems are implemented, then flexibility in handling varying heat loads is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a controller that dynamically switches between powered-pump mode and passive-capillary mode based on real-time thermal management requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to varying heat loads efficiently. The controller monitors system conditions and adjusts the operating mode accordingly, providing flexibility while managing complexity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management loop is designed to perform multiple functions through two distinct operating modes: powered-pump mode for active thermal management and passive-capillary mode for passive thermal regulation. This multi-functionality enables the same system to handle a wide range of heat loads and operational conditions, improving adaptability without requiring separate systems for different scenarios.
3Productivity
If membrane separator is used to separate gas and liquid, then recirculation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane separator acts as an intermediary component between the gas and liquid phases in the recirculation loop. It selectively allows passage of one phase while retaining the other, enabling efficient separation and recirculation. The membrane serves as a passive mediator that improves recirculation efficiency without requiring complex active separation mechanisms, thereby balancing productivity improvement with acceptable device complexity.
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 reduces operating costs by minimizing liquid volume, enhances efficiency by adapting to varying heat loads, and ensures continuous operation through mode switching and capillary pressure-driven circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane separator configured to separate gas from liquid
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator in fluid receiving communication with the accumulator... the evaporator may be a porous media evaporator. Capillary pressure in the porous media evaporator may drive fluid circulation
Implementation Method 3
a condenser in fluid receiving communication with the evaporator... gas exiting the membrane separator recirculates back to the condenser
Implementation Method 4
Capillary pressure in the porous media evaporator may drive fluid circulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A dual-mode thermal management loop system (100) configured to operate in either a powered-pump mode or a passive-capillary mode, wherein the dual-mode thermal management loop system comprises a controller having a processor; and a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicate with the processor, the tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the dual-mode thermal management loop system to perform operations comprising identifying, by the processor, a heat transfer load on the dual-mode thermal management loop system; determining, by the processor, whether the heat transfer load exceeds a predetermined threshold; in response to determining that the heat transfer load does not exceed the predetermined threshold, operating, by the processor, the dual-mode thermal management loop system in the passive-capillary mode; and in response to determining that the heat transfer load exceeds the predetermined threshold, operating, by the processor, the dual-mode thermal management loop system in the powered-pump mode.