Embedded Support Tube Cooling Loop for Electric Device Overheating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric energy application devices, such as illumination devices, photovoltaics, wind power generators, transformers, and motors, generate thermal energy during operation, leading to overheating issues that require effective heat dissipation to prevent damage and ensure efficient performance.

Innovation Solution

A heat-dissipating structure with an embedded support tube and internally recycling heat transfer fluid system is installed in shallow ground natural thermal energy bodies, utilizing a closed loop of heat transfer fluid that passes through the device and dissipates heat to the environment or soil, with fluid pumps controlling the flow direction to optimize temperature equalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional electric energy application devices are operated, then energy conversion and productivity are achieved, but thermal energy accumulates causing overheating and reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversionVSAvoidoverheating prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful thermal energy generated during operation into a useful resource by implementing a heat recovery system. The heat transfer fluid captures waste heat from the electric energy application device and transports it to a heat exchanger, where it can be utilized for heating purposes or further thermal processing, thereby transforming the harmful overheating effect into a beneficial heat source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a heat transfer fluid as an intermediary substance between the electric energy application device and the external environment. This fluid circulates through the system, absorbing thermal energy from the device and transporting it to heat exchangers, thereby mediating the heat transfer process and preventing direct thermal accumulation at the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If heat dissipation structures are added to prevent overheating, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat dissipation function with the existing operational system by integrating heat transfer fluid channels directly into the device housing or structure. The heat exchangers are positioned to utilize existing thermal gradients and spatial arrangements, combining cooling functionality with the device's operational framework rather than adding separate, complex cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat transfer fluid system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the electric energy application device, transports thermal energy to heat exchangers, and can provide heated fluid for external heating applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 prevents overheating and facilitates temperature equalization with the external environment, ensuring the reliable operation of electric energy application devices by continuously recycling and dissipating thermal energy, thereby maintaining device performance and extending its operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the heat transfer fluid pumped by the fluid pump (105) passes the support tube (101) of the closed recycling heat transfer fluid path and the exposed portion of the relevant structure, thereby enabling to perform temperature equalizing operation with the external gaseous or solid or liquid environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The gaseous or liquid heat transfer fluid pumped by the fluid pump (105) passes the support tube (101) of the closed recycling heat transfer fluid path and the exposed portion of the relevant structure, thereby enabling to perform temperature equalizing operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3628955B1Heat-dissipating structure having embedded support tube to form internally recycling heat transfer fluid and application apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 YANG TAI HER
  • EP3628955B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3628955B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3628955B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

According to the invention, a heat-dissipating structure comprises: a U-shaped embedded support tube including two separate support tube posts (201, 202) and a bent portion (200) that connects fluid passages in the two support tube posts and forms a fluid circulation path for circulation of a recycling heat transfer fluid, wherein a lower portion of the U-shaped embedded support tube extends into a natural thermal energy body (100) and is embedded in a columnar heat transfer covering member (2002) installed in the body (100), the heat transfer fluid exchanging thermal energy with the body (100) through the support tube posts (201, 202), the bent portion (200), and the columnar heat transfer covering member (2002), and wherein the support tube posts (201, 202) are spaced apart and include respective front tube ports in communication with a fluid passage in an electric energy application device assembly (108) to allow the heat transfer fluid to flow past, exchange thermal energy with, and return from the electric energy application device assembly (108) to a respective one of the front tube ports; and at least one fluid pump (105) installed in the fluid circulation path to control a flow direction of the heat transfer fluid.