Dual Refrigerant Flow Generator Cooling for Projector Light Source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for projectors, particularly those using solid-state light sources, face challenges in maintaining temperature stability as environmental conditions change or when the light emitting amount varies, leading to difficulties in controlling the temperature within a certain range.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus comprising a heat transfer member, two refrigerant flow generators (fans), and a controller that adjusts the flow of refrigerant based on temperature readings to ensure the heating element remains within a predetermined temperature range, with one fan prioritizing cooling when the temperature is low and the other when it's high, optimizing airflow distribution across a heat sink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single refrigerant flow generator is used to cool the heat transfer member, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision deteriorates when environmental temperature changes or light emitting amount varies
Solution Approach 1:
The single refrigerant flow generator is segmented into two separate generators (first and second refrigerant flow generators). Each generator can be independently controlled to provide different cooling intensities, enabling precise temperature control across varying operating conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which refrigerant flow generator operates and at what intensity based on real-time temperature feedback from the detector. The controller switches between the first and second generators depending on whether the heating element temperature is above or below the target range, enabling adaptive temperature control that responds to environmental changes and varying light emitting amounts.
2Measurement precision
If the refrigerant flow generator operates at high speed to maintain temperature when light emitting amount increases, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always operating the refrigerant flow generator at high speed to ensure adequate cooling, the system applies partial action by using the second generator at lower intensity when the temperature is already within the target range. This provides sufficient cooling without the excessive fan rotation speed that would generate noise, thus balancing temperature control precision with noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic switching between the first and second refrigerant flow generators based on temperature conditions. When the temperature drops below the target range, it switches to the first generator; when above, it uses the second generator. This periodic action allows the system to maintain temperature control while minimizing noise by avoiding continuous high-speed operation.
3Measurement precision
If the first refrigerant flow generator is always driven to provide strong cooling, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between two different refrigerant flow generators with different cooling intensities. The first generator provides strong cooling when needed, while the second generator provides milder cooling for maintenance mode. This parameter change allows the system to achieve temperature control precision without continuously consuming maximum energy, as the controller selects the appropriate generator based on actual temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts energy consumption by selectively activating either the first or second refrigerant flow generator based on real-time temperature feedback. When the heating element temperature is within the target range, the controller uses the second generator at lower power consumption. When temperature deviates, it switches to the first generator. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy usage while maintaining temperature control precision.
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
This solution effectively maintains the temperature of the heating element within a specific range, reducing noise and improving image quality by preventing color shifts and contrast deterioration, while also minimizing fan rotation speeds to reduce noise and increase design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer member configured to receive heat from a heating element
Implementation Method 2
a first refrigerant flow generator and a second refrigerant flow generator each configured to generate a flow of a refrigerant for cooling the heat transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling apparatus includes a heat transfer member configured to receive heat from a heating element, a first refrigerant flow generator and a second refrigerant flow generator each configured to generate a flow of a refrigerant for cooling the heat transfer member, a detector configured to acquire information on a temperature of the heating element, and a controller configured to control driving of the first and second refrigerant flow generators. The flow of the refrigerant generated by the first refrigerant flow generator passes closer to the heating element than the flow of the refrigerant generated by the second refrigerant flow generator. The controller stops the first refrigerant flow generator and drives the second refrigerant flow generator when the first refrigerant flow generator is being driven and the heating element is in a first state in which its temperature is lower than a predetermined range.