HVAC Heat Storage Control Using PCM in Restricted Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile temperature control units, such as HVAC units, face challenges in providing continuous temperature control when immediate heat release to the ambient environment is not possible or prohibited, as in tunnels or enclosed spaces, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a phase change material (PCM) reservoir within the HVAC circuit that allows the unit to operate in both heat storage and release modes, where heat is either stored in the PCM during restricted release conditions or released to the ambient environment when feasible, using a controller to manage these modes based on location and operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the temperature control unit releases heat to the ambient environment, then the temperature control efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to restricted environments (tunnels, enclosed spaces) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing heat in the PCM reservoir before entering restricted environments where heat release is prohibited. The controller detects upcoming restricted zones and pre-cools the internal space by directing heat to the PCM reservoir, ensuring temperature control continuity when external heat release is not possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCM reservoir acts as an intermediary between the temperature control unit and the ambient environment. It temporarily stores thermal energy that would otherwise need to be released externally, enabling the system to operate in restricted environments by mediating the heat transfer process internally rather than requiring direct external heat release.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the HVAC circuit operates in heat storage mode, then the adaptability to restricted environments is improved, but the temperature control efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between heat storage mode (when entering restricted environments) and heat release mode (when in open environments). The controller continuously monitors location and ambient conditions, switching operational modes periodically to optimize both adaptability and efficiency based on the current environmental context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time conditions. The controller continuously evaluates location data, ambient temperature, and PCM reservoir status to dynamically switch between heat storage and heat release modes, ensuring optimal performance for the current operating context rather than using a fixed mode.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If heat is stored in the PCM reservoir, then the loss of heat release restriction is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the PCM reservoir integration into the existing HVAC circuit, combining the heat storage function with the conventional refrigeration cycle. The PCM reservoir is integrated into the refrigerant flow path, allowing heat transfer between the refrigerant and PCM without requiring separate independent systems, thus reducing overall complexity despite adding heat storage capability.
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
Enables continuous temperature control within the internal space by storing heat during restricted conditions and releasing it when possible, ensuring efficient operation and maintaining temperature regulation regardless of the unit's location, thus overcoming limitations of heat release restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a phase change material (PCM) reservoir within the HVAC circuit that allows the unit to operate in both heat storage and release modes
Implementation Method 2
heat is either stored in the PCM during restricted release conditions or released to the ambient environment when feasible
Implementation Method 3
the temperature control unit is configured to perform a heat transfer process that transfers heat away from the internal space of the mobile transport to an ambient environment outside of the internal space
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling the release of heat by a temperature control unit are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a heat release condition of the temperature control unit. This method also includes determining, via a controller, whether to release the heat generated by the temperature control unit to an ambient environment outside of the internal space based on the heat release condition. Also, this method includes operating a HVAC circuit of the temperature control unit in a heat release mode when the controller determines that the heat generated by the temperature control unit is to be released to the ambient environment outside the internal space. Further, this method includes operating the HVAC circuit of the temperature control in a heat storage mode when the controller determines that the heat generated by the HVAC unit is not to be released to the ambient environment outside the internal space.