Heat Pipe Calibration Chamber With External Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature calibrating systems using heat pipes or thermo siphons are limited by the operating temperature range of the working fluid, leading to inefficient heat transfer and pressure issues at high temperatures, and lack control over thermal conductivity and cooling rates.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an external chamber connected to the heat pipe or thermo siphon to control thermal conductivity, allowing the working fluid to condense at a specific temperature, thereby limiting energy transfer and pressure, and enabling temperature control beyond the limitations of the cooling unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat pipe or thermo siphon operates at high temperatures beyond the cooling unit's rating, then the temperature range of the calibrator is expanded, but the gas pressure increases and the working fluid cannot condense effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The external chamber acts as an intermediary component between the heat pipe/thermo siphon and the cooling unit. It provides a controlled condensation environment at lower temperatures, allowing the working fluid to condense separately from the high-temperature calibration chamber, thus maintaining pressure control while enabling high-temperature operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the high-temperature calibration chamber and the lower-temperature external condensation chamber. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal temperature range, with the calibration chamber reaching high temperatures and the external chamber maintaining lower temperatures for effective condensation.
2Productivity
If the heat pipe or thermo siphon transfers heat efficiently, then the cooling rate is fast, but the temperature control precision is reduced due to excessive heat flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts heat flow by controlling the temperature of the external chamber. When rapid cooling is needed, the external chamber temperature is lowered to increase condensation and heat flow. When precision control is needed, the external chamber temperature is raised to reduce heat flow, allowing dynamic optimization of both cooling rate and temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter of the external chamber is changed to control the condensation process. By adjusting this parameter, the system can modulate the amount of heat flow through the heat pipe/thermo siphon, enabling control over both the speed and precision of temperature changes in the calibration chamber.
3Temperature
If the heat pipe or thermo siphon is used without external chamber, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature range is limited by the cooling unit's operating ratings
Solution Approach 1:
The external chamber serves multiple functions: it provides a condensation environment, acts as a pressure control mechanism, and enables temperature range extension. By adding this single component, the system gains the ability to operate beyond the cooling unit's original temperature ratings without requiring complete system redesign.
4Power
If the working fluid condenses in the heat pipe at high temperatures, then energy transfer is maintained, but the pressure increases beyond safe limits
Solution Approach 1:
The external chamber serves as an intermediary condensation zone that operates at lower temperatures than the calibration chamber. This allows the working fluid to condense at controlled lower temperatures, maintaining energy transfer capability while limiting pressure buildup to safe levels determined by the external chamber temperature rather than the high calibration temperature.
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 expands the temperature range of the calibrator, enhances heat flow control, and reduces gas pressure, resulting in faster cooling and heating rates with reduced energy transfer, ensuring efficient and precise temperature calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pipe or a thermo siphon connected between a cooling unit and a temperature calibration unit
Implementation Method 2
a heat pipe or a thermo siphon connected between a cooling unit and a temperature calibration unit
Implementation Method 3
Heat is absorbed in the evaporator region by vaporizing the working fluid. The vapour transports heat to the condenser region where the vapour condenses, releasing heat to the cooling medium
Implementation Method 4
When the temperature of the unit is higher than the temperature of the external chamber, the working fluid will condensate in the external chamber leaving only gas in the unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a temperature calibrating system (1 ) comprising a thermo siphon, a heat pipe or an equivalent (2) connected between a cooling unit (4) and a temperature calibration unit (3), where the system (1 ) further comprises an external chamber (8) connected to the heat pipe/thermo siphon or equivalent (2) for controlling the thermal conductivity between the two units and where the temperature of the external chamber (8) is held at a certain temperature, for example ambient temperature or a temperature controlled by external means. The external chamber (8) can be connected to the heat pipe/thermo siphon (2) via a conduit (9) which connection point is placed above liquid level at a evaporating end of the heat pipe/thermo siphon (2) and in that the external chamber (8) is arranged below the connection between the conduit (9) and the heat pipe/thermo siphon (2).