Hybrid heat transfer assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty equipment requires efficient and cost-effective cooling solutions that can also provide heating capabilities, as existing systems often rely on either radiators or chillers, which may not efficiently manage high cooling loads or ambient temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid heat transfer assembly combining a radiator and a chiller, with a controller to manage the operation of both, allowing for efficient cooling using the radiator and supplementary cooling from the chiller, and optionally including a heater for temperature regulation, to optimize energy use and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a chiller is used to provide cooling for heavy-duty equipment, then sufficient cooling capacity for high cooling loads is achieved, but power consumption increases and cost effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two distinct components: a radiator for primary cooling and a chiller for supplementary cooling. The controller divides the cooling load management between these two segments, using the radiator for base cooling requirements and the chiller only when additional cooling capacity is needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sufficient cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the chiller for full cooling capacity, the system applies partial action by using the radiator for the majority of cooling needs and activating the chiller only partially or intermittently when the cooling load exceeds the radiator's capacity. This partial use of the higher-power chiller reduces energy consumption while still meeting the required cooling capacity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a radiator is used to provide cooling, then power consumption is reduced and cost effectiveness improves, but insufficient cooling capacity is provided for high cooling loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two cooling mechanisms - the radiator and the chiller - into a unified hybrid cooling assembly. The radiator provides efficient, low-power cooling for normal operating conditions, while the chiller is integrated to provide additional cooling capacity when required. This combination allows the system to maintain low power consumption during typical operation while having the capability to handle high cooling loads when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cooling assembly achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same system to operate in two different modes: radiator-only mode for energy-efficient operation under normal cooling loads, and combined radiator-chiller mode for high cooling capacity requirements. This universal design allows the system to adapt to varying cooling demands without requiring separate systems for different operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid heat transfer assembly with both radiator and chiller is used, then sufficient cooling capacity and heating capabilities are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid heat transfer assembly achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same system to operate in two different modes: radiator-only mode for energy-efficient operation under normal cooling loads, and combined radiator-chiller mode for high cooling capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges two cooling mechanisms - the radiator and the chiller - into a unified hybrid cooling assembly. The radiator provides efficient, low-power cooling for normal operating conditions, while the chiller is integrated to provide additional cooling capacity when required.
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 hybrid assembly provides efficient heat transfer by leveraging the lower power consumption of radiators for cooling and supplementing with chillers as needed, while also offering heating capabilities, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs in heavy-duty equipment applications.
Implementation Method 1
A radiator fan proximate the radiator directs air across the radiator
Implementation Method 2
A chiller includes an evaporator having an evaporator inlet connected to the cooling fluid outlet, and an evaporator outlet connected to the cooling fluid inlet. A compressor is connected to the evaporator, a condenser is connected to the compressor, and an expansion valve is connected to the condenser and evaporator. A refrigerant loop connects the evaporator and compressor, the condenser and compressor, and the expansion valve to the condenser and the evaporator.
Implementation Method 3
A condenser fan proximate the condenser directs air across the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid heat transfer assembly includes operating equipment having a coolant loop including a cooling fluid inlet and a cooling fluid outlet. A radiator has a radiator inlet connected to the cooling fluid outlet, and a radiator outlet connected to the cooling fluid inlet. A radiator fan proximate the radiator directs air across the radiator. A chiller includes an evaporator having an evaporator inlet connected to the cooling fluid outlet, and an evaporator outlet connected to the cooling fluid inlet. A compressor is connected to the evaporator, a condenser is connected to the compressor, and an expansion valve is connected to the condenser and evaporator. A refrigerant loop connects the evaporator and compressor, the condenser and compressor, and the expansion valve to the condenser and the evaporator. A condenser fan proximate the condenser directs air across the condenser.