Dual-Mode Thermal Management Loop for Pump Failure Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchanger systems face inefficiencies due to high operating costs, complexity, and susceptibility to pump failure, particularly in managing varying heat loads and low-capacity passive driving forces.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode thermal management loop system that toggles between powered-pump and passive-capillary modes, utilizing a controller to determine heat transfer loads and adjust operation accordingly, with a porous media evaporator and valves to manage fluid circulation and back pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If single phase liquid heat exchangers are used to cool components, then heat transfer is achieved through sensible heat capacity, but large volumes of liquid are required which increases operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two-phase heat exchangers that utilize phase transitions (liquid to vapor and vapor back to liquid) to transfer heat. This approach dramatically improves heat transfer efficiency compared to single-phase systems, allowing the same heat transfer duty to be achieved with much smaller fluid volumes and reduced operating costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous media evaporators where capillary forces within the porous structure enable liquid distribution and phase change heat transfer. This porous structure allows efficient heat transfer with minimal liquid inventory, resolving the contradiction between heat transfer effectiveness and liquid volume requirements.
2Productivity
If pump-driven fluid circulation is used, then heat transfer performance is improved, but system complexity and susceptibility to pump failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-regulating two-phase heat exchangers where phase change dynamics and pressure differentials automatically control fluid circulation without requiring external pumps or complex control systems. The system self-adjusts to varying heat loads through inherent thermodynamic principles, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high heat transfer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pump-driven circulation with thermally-driven phase change and natural convection mechanisms. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical complexity while achieving superior heat transfer performance through passive thermal management.
3Ease of operation
If passive capillary mode is used, then operating simplicity is improved, but heat transfer capacity is limited by low-capacity passive driving forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system that can adapt its operating characteristics to match heat transfer demands. Through variable geometry features and controllable elements, the system transitions between passive and active modes, optimizing both simplicity and capacity based on real-time thermal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable parameters such as capillary wick structure, operating pressure, and phase change conditions to modulate heat transfer capacity. By changing these parameters, the system can operate effectively across a wide range of heat loads while maintaining operational simplicity through passive mechanisms.
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
Enhances operating efficiency, accounts for pump failure, and effectively manages varying heat loads by optimizing fluid circulation and heat transfer through adaptive mode switching and efficient use of capillary pressure.
Implementation Method 1
In the passive-capillary mode, capillary pressure in the evaporator drives fluid circulation
Implementation Method 2
In the passive-capillary mode all the liquid entering the evaporator evaporates to gas
Implementation Method 3
gas exiting the evaporator flows to the condenser
Implementation Method 4
liquid exiting the condenser flows to the accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a pump, an evaporator, a condenser, an accumulator, a pump bypass line, a first valve, and a second valve. The system may operate in a powered-pump mode, in which the pump drives fluid circulation, the first valve prevents fluid circulation through the pump bypass line, the pump pumps liquid from the accumulator to the evaporator, gas exiting the evaporator flows to the condenser, liquid exiting the evaporator flows through the second valve to the accumulator, and liquid exiting the condenser flows to the accumulator. The system may operate in a passive-capillary mode, in which capillary pressure in the evaporator drives fluid circulation, the first valve prevents fluid circulation through the pump, liquid flows from the accumulator, through the pump bypass line, and to the evaporator, gas exiting the evaporator flows to the condenser, the second valve is closed, and liquid exiting the condenser flows the accumulator.