Heat transfer system and method for operating a heat transfer system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transfer systems using non-encapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) in dynamic flow systems face challenges in accurately determining the state of phase, leading to potential blockages in narrow channels and unwanted crystal deposition on heat transfer surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer system equipped with a sensor system comprising a temperature sensor and an electrical resistance sensor, which determines a combined state of phase value based on both temperature and electrical resistance information, allowing for precise control of the system to prevent blockages and crystal deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature measurement alone is used to determine state of phase, then the measurement method is simple, but the determination accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature measurement and electrical resistance measurement into a unified sensor system that simultaneously monitors both parameters. This merging of measurement methods enables accurate determination of state of phase by integrating multiple data sources, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement simplicity and determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical resistance as an additional measurement parameter alongside temperature. By monitoring changes in electrical resistance of the heat transfer fluid during phase transitions, the system gains a new dimension of information that significantly improves state of phase determination accuracy without requiring complex computational methods.
2Reliability
If temperature measurement is used in narrow channels, then the measurement is easy to implement, but blockage by solidified PCM occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors both temperature and electrical resistance measurements. When the system detects conditions indicating approaching solidification (through electrical resistance changes), it automatically adjusts operating parameters to maintain fluid flow, preventing blockage before it occurs. This real-time feedback enables proactive management of phase change risks in narrow channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of phase change conditions using electrical resistance measurements before solidification actually occurs. By identifying the approach to solidification early through resistance changes, the system can take preventive actions such as adjusting flow rates or temperatures to avoid blockage, rather than reacting after blockage has occurred.
3Reliability
If temperature measurement alone is used, then the system is simple to operate, but crystal deposition on heat transfer surfaces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control using combined temperature and electrical resistance data to monitor conditions at heat transfer surfaces. When electrical resistance measurements indicate conditions favorable for crystal deposition, the system automatically adjusts operational parameters to prevent deposition, providing reliable protection without requiring complex manual intervention.
4Productivity
If phase change material is used in dynamic flow system, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but accurate state of phase determination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the measurement difficulty in dynamic flow systems by introducing electrical resistance as an additional parameter that responds to phase changes. This parameter change approach enables accurate state of phase determination even during active heat transfer operations, maintaining both heat transfer efficiency and measurement accuracy.
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 system achieves high accuracy in determining the state of phase, effectively preventing channel blockages and crystal deposition, while ensuring a linear dependence of cooling delivery on the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical resistance sensor realised as two separate sensors or as one combined temperature-and-electrical-resistance sensor
Implementation Method 2
a phase change material (PCM)
Implementation Method 3
crystallisation/solidification of its PCM
Implementation Method 4
a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the second heat transfer fluid to the first heat transfer fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a heat transfer system and a method for operating a heat transfer system in which a heat transfer fluid comprising or consisting of a phase change material (PCM) circulates in a cooling circuit. A combined state of phase value of the heat transfer fluid is determined based on information obtained from a sensor system which is located in the cooling circuit and which comprises or consists of a temperature sensor and an electrical resistance sensor realized as two separate sensors or as one combined temperature-and-electrical-resistance sensor. With "state of phase" the quality of the heat transfer fluid regarding the amount of crystallisation/solidification of its PCM is meant and gives information whether crystallisation within the heat transfer fluid is taking place. The system and method can securely and effectively prevent a possible blocking of the channels of an indoor heat exchanger of the system by solidified PCM and an unwanted deposition of solid PCM (crystals) on heat transfer surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger.