Loop Heat Pipe Pump Control for Tilt-Stable Heat Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loop heat pipes used in transportation machines face challenges in maintaining a stable heat transport rate due to changes in position, which often require external energy for circulation, leading to increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A heat transport system incorporating a loop heat pipe with a pump, tilt sensor, and controller that adjusts the pump's operation based on the tilt of the loop heat pipe, ensuring stable circulation and reduced energy consumption by only running the pump when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat is conveyed through air circulation in a conventional oven, then heating function is provided, but heat conduction is insufficient and baking time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
A heat conduction member (aluminum plate or stainless steel plate) is introduced as an intermediary between the heat source and the food. This mediator has high thermal conductivity to efficiently transfer heat from the heating element directly to the food, significantly improving heat conduction efficiency and reducing baking time compared to conventional air circulation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs forced air circulation using a fan to create controlled airflow patterns within the oven cavity. This pneumatic system enhances heat distribution and facilitates more efficient thermal transfer between the air, heat conduction member, and food, thereby improving overall heating efficiency.
2Temperature
If a heat conduction member is placed in the oven, then heat conduction efficiency is improved, but the interior space for accommodating food is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat conduction member is positioned in the vertical dimension (heating element arranged vertically) rather than occupying horizontal food preparation space. This dimensional arrangement allows the high-conductivity plate to be located between the heating element and the food in the vertical direction, improving heat transfer without significantly reducing the horizontal accommodation space for food.
3Device complexity
If heating elements are arranged only at the top and bottom, then simple structure is maintained, but heat distribution uniformity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating elements positioned at different locations (top, bottom, and vertically arranged intermediate positions). Each heating element operates independently to provide localized heating, and their combined effect achieves uniform heat distribution throughout the oven cavity without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A fan-driven air circulation system is introduced to dynamically distribute heat throughout the oven. The forced convection current actively transports thermal energy from different heating zones to all areas of the oven, compensating for the simplified heating element arrangement and achieving uniform heat distribution.
4Productivity
If high-power heating elements are used, then heating efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple heating elements distributed at different positions that can operate continuously and simultaneously to provide sustained heating throughout the oven. This continuous heating action from multiple zones maintains efficient heat transfer to the food without requiring excessive power from single high-wattage elements, optimizing the balance between heating efficiency and power consumption.
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 a stable heat transport rate despite changes in position without constant external energy input, reducing overall energy consumption by optimizing pump operation based on tilt thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
heat conduction member having a high heat conduction coefficient
Implementation Method 2
fan that circulates air within the oven cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A heat transport system includes: a two-phase closed loop heat pipe; a pump disposed in a liquid conduit or a vapor conduit of the loop heat pipe to exert a circulation drive force on a working fluid; a tilt sensor that detects a tilt of the loop heat pipe; and a controller configured to run the pump if the tilt is greater than a predetermined tilt threshold and stop the pump if the tilt is equal to or smaller than the tilt threshold.