Marine Vessel Thermal Loop Routing for Multi-Component Heat Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for marine vessels are inefficient in varying the sequence of heat transfer fluid conveyance to components, leading to suboptimal sharing of heating and cooling resources.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system with multiple closed and open loop circuits and valves that allow for varying the sequence of heat transfer fluid conveyance to components, enabling dynamic sharing of heating and cooling resources based on component needs and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed sequence of heat transfer fluid conveyance is used, then system complexity is reduced, but thermal management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic valve control that adjusts the sequence of heat transfer fluid conveyance to components based on real-time thermal conditions. The control system monitors temperatures and actuates valves to optimize cooling sequences, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing thermal demands, thereby improving thermal management efficiency without requiring fundamental system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by varying the sequence and timing of heat transfer fluid distribution to different components. By adjusting valve positions and flow rates dynamically, the system optimizes thermal management efficiency through parameter variation rather than structural modification, resolving the contradiction between efficiency improvement and complexity increase
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat transfer fluid is conveyed to all components simultaneously, then all components receive thermal management, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically determines which components require thermal management at any given time and activates valves selectively to convey heat transfer fluid only to those components. This dynamic activation based on thermal conditions ensures energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary cooling while maintaining reliable thermal management for components that need it
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors and control logic to automatically determine thermal management needs and activate appropriate cooling paths without external intervention. Each component's thermal state triggers the necessary valve actuation, allowing the system to self-regulate energy distribution based on actual thermal demands, improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate cooling circuits are used, then thermal management precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single heat transfer fluid system that serves multiple cooling functions for different components through selective valve control. The same fluid circuit performs precision cooling for various components at different times and in different sequences, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cooling circuits while maintaining thermal management precision through controlled fluid distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple cooling functions into a unified heat transfer fluid circuit with intelligent valve control. By combining what would traditionally require separate circuits into one system with selective activation, the patent achieves thermal management precision for multiple components while reducing overall system complexity through consolidation
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
Enhances the efficiency of thermal management by optimizing the distribution of heating and cooling across components, reducing energy consumption and maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the water and the heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 2
exchange heat between the water and the heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 3
pumps a heat transfer fluid through the closed loop circuit... exchange heat between the water and the heat transfer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for a marine vessel. The thermal management system includes an open loop circuit and a pump that pumps water from a body of water, through the open loop circuit, and back to the body of water. The thermal management system further includes a closed loop circuit and a pump that pumps a heat transfer fluid through the closed loop circuit. A heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the water and the heat transfer fluid. The thermal management system includes multiple components each cooled or heated by the heat transfer fluid. A valve has valve positions configured to vary a sequence that the heat transfer fluid is conveyed to the components so as to vary how the components share the heating and cooling from the heat transfer fluid and from the water from the body of water via the heat transfer fluid.