Fluid management system and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In fluid cycle systems, the liquid separator stage is often located downstream and distant from the aftercooler, leading to liquid freezing in conduits, which can damage the system.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system with a thermal management system and a separator assembly where the separator is integrated or closely coupled with the thermal management system, allowing for in-line separation of fluids using centrifugal forces within a conical chamber, preventing liquid from freezing in conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the liquid separator stage is located distant from the aftercooler stage, then the separation function is independent and modular, but liquid may freeze within the conduits connecting the two stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aftercooler and liquid separator into a single integrated assembly where the separator is positioned immediately downstream of the aftercooler. This merging eliminates the intermediate conduits that would otherwise carry cooled, moisture-laden air, preventing freezing while maintaining effective separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heated section within the conduit connecting the aftercooler and separator, using heating elements as an intermediary mechanism to prevent condensation and freezing in the transition zone, thereby protecting the system from conduit blockages.
2Reliability
If the liquid separator is integrated closely with the thermal management system, then liquid freezing in conduits is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aftercooler and liquid separator are merged into a single integrated assembly with shared housing and fluid pathways. This combination prevents conduit freezing by eliminating intermediate connections while the unified structure actually reduces overall system complexity compared to separate mounted components.
3Temperature
If the fluid mixture travels a long distance from the aftercooler to the liquid separator, then the cooling effect is maintained, but the liquid may freeze within the conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary separation of liquid from the air stream immediately after cooling by positioning the liquid separator directly after the aftercooler. This preliminary action removes the harmful liquid phase before it can freeze in subsequent conduits, while the cooled air continues to provide effective cooling to the system.
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 configuration effectively separates liquids from gases within the fluid mixture, preventing freezing and maintaining system integrity by directing liquids and gases through separate paths, thus avoiding conduit blockages and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid may exchange heat with one or more cooling devices as the first fluid moves between the source and the destination
Implementation Method 2
As one example, as compressed gas is cooled, moisture may form from the cooling process
Implementation Method 3
allowing for in-line separation of fluids using centrifugal forces within a conical chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid management system and method includes a thermal management system disposed within a housing that includes conduits extending between a source and a destination of a first fluid. The first fluid exchanges heat with cooling devices as the first fluid moves between the source and the destination. A fluid mixture including the first fluid and a second fluid, and an exhaust are generated responsive to the first fluid exchanging heat with the cooling devices. The exhaust directed toward an outlet of the housing. A separator assembly fluidly coupled with and disposed downstream of the thermal management system receives the fluid mixture and separates the first fluid from the second fluid. The first fluid is directed in a first direction out of the separator assembly and the second fluid is directed toward the outlet to be combined with the exhaust.