Embossed Metal Sheet Insulation for Three-Mode Heat Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation technologies fail to effectively address all three types of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation) and may pose a risk of damage to the insulated system, particularly in high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulation device comprising stacked metal sheets with specific reliefs and support sheets, where each embossed metal sheet has first and second reliefs of varying heights, distributed in periodic spatial arrangements, and made of stainless steel, which limits contact, airflow, and reflects thermal energy, while using only air or ambient gas to minimize damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional thermal insulation materials are used, then heat transfer is reduced, but the risk of damage to the insulated system increases due to solid materials that could cause damage in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional solid insulation materials with an inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) contained within a metal enclosure. This inert environment eliminates the risk of chemical reactions or damage to the insulated system while maintaining thermal insulation properties through the gas-filled space and reflective metal surfaces.
2Loss of energy
If metal sheets with reliefs are stacked to reduce heat transfer by conduction and convection, then insulation performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation device is segmented into multiple thin metal sheets stacked with alternating orientations (parallel and perpendicular to the enclosure wall). This segmentation creates multiple air gaps and reduces thermal conduction paths while maintaining a compact overall structure. The reliefs on the metal sheets further segment the gas flow paths to reduce convection.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal sheets are arranged in three-dimensional space with varying orientations (parallel and perpendicular to the enclosure wall), creating a multi-layered insulation structure that efficiently blocks heat transfer in all directions while maintaining a compact thickness.
3Loss of energy
If the cross-section of reliefs is made small to limit conduction, then heat transfer by conduction is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal sheets feature reliefs with specific local geometries (protrusions and recesses) that create small contact areas between adjacent sheets. This local quality modification reduces thermal conduction at contact points while maintaining overall structural integrity and is achievable through standard embossing or stamping processes.
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 device efficiently reduces heat transfer by conduction, convection, and radiation, maintains uniform insulation performance, and avoids damage to the insulated system, offering a good compromise between insulation performance, dimensions, and weight.
Implementation Method 1
The first plurality of reliefs on a textured metal sheet helps to limit contact with adjacent support metal sheets within the enclosure. In doing so, the initial plurality of landforms helps to limit the transfer of thermal energy by conduction.
Implementation Method 2
The second plurality of reliefs of a metal sheet with reliefs allows to limit the movement of air within a space between a metal sheet with reliefs and an adjacent metal sheet of support. In doing so, the second plurality of reliefs helps to limit the transfer of thermal energy by convection within the spaces containing air between the metal sheets with reliefs and the metal support sheets.
Implementation Method 3
the metallic material(s) of the metal sheets give the metal sheets high reflectivity, particularly in the infrared range. In doing so, the metal sheets help to limit the transfer of thermal energy by radiation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal insulation device comprising: - a metal enclosure, and, - several metal sheets stacked successively in a thickness direction of the metal enclosure, the metal sheets comprising: - metal sheets with reliefs (1a); - metal support sheets (2a) arranged between the metal sheets with reliefs; each metal sheet with reliefs having a plurality of first reliefs (11) having a first height along the thickness direction, the first reliefs being in contact with a metal support sheet adjacent to the metal sheet with reliefs, each metal sheet with reliefs having a plurality of second reliefs (12) having a second height along the thickness direction; the first height being greater than the second height.