Method and device for transfer of energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy transfer devices, such as vortex tubes and thermo acoustic devices, are limited in their ability to efficiently combine heating and cooling applications for both domestic and industrial use, lacking a comprehensive solution that integrates the technical features of both types.
Innovation Solution
The creation of Pressure Gradient Waves within a compressible fluid medium by inducing pressure gradients and density fluctuations, using methods like rotational motion, sound waves, or nozzle acceleration, to transfer energy effectively between high and low pressure zones, allowing for both heating and cooling without the need for temperature gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vortex tubes or traditional thermo acoustic devices are used for energy transfer, then heating or cooling can be achieved, but the devices are limited in combining both heating and cooling applications efficiently and require complex structural configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single energy transfer device that simultaneously performs both heating and cooling operations through Pressure Gradient Waves. The device uses a compressible fluid medium where PGW propagation creates high pressure zones (heating) and low pressure zones (cooling) within the same system, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling devices and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges heating and cooling functions into a unified system by utilizing the dual zones created by Pressure Gradient Waves. The high pressure zone and low pressure zone coexist within the same fluid medium and vessel structure, allowing simultaneous thermal processing in different regions without requiring separate mechanical organs or complex thermal management systems.
2Productivity
If Pressure Gradient Waves are used for energy transfer, then efficient heating and cooling across various temperature ranges is achieved, but the requirement for compressible fluid medium and pressure gradient creation adds system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the natural compressibility of the fluid medium to generate pressure gradients and support Pressure Gradient Wave propagation. The system leverages inherent physical properties of compressible fluids (gases or liquid-gas mixtures) rather than requiring complex external gradient generation mechanisms, thereby achieving efficient energy transfer while minimizing additional system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the fluid medium by creating zones of high and low pressure through PGW propagation. This parameter variation (pressure and density fluctuations) enables efficient energy transfer and simultaneous heating/cooling without requiring complex mechanical organs, as the pressure and density changes are generated intrinsically by the wave propagation in the compressible medium.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional thermal energy transfer methods are used, then heating and cooling processes are well-established, but energy consumption is high and temperature gradients are required which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thermal conduction and convection mechanisms with a wave-based energy transfer mechanism using Pressure Gradient Waves. Instead of relying on temperature gradients and heat diffusion, the system uses elastic wave propagation in a compressible fluid medium to transfer energy, resulting in reduced energy consumption and the ability to operate across various temperature ranges without requiring large temperature differentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the propagation of Pressure Gradient Waves, which create oscillating high and low pressure zones that alternately heat and cool different regions of the fluid medium. This periodic wave-based approach enables flexible temperature control and efficient energy transfer without the continuous high energy input required by traditional thermal systems, allowing adaptation to various temperature application ranges.
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 approach enables efficient energy transfer across various temperature ranges, simplifying cooling and heating processes, reducing energy consumption, and allowing for the conversion of energy into kinetic or electrical energy, with applications in diverse fields like refrigeration, air conditioning, and desalination.
Implementation Method 1
energy transfer takes place within a compressible fluid medium confined within a vessel due to propagation of elastic Pressure Gradient Waves, which are induced in the fluid medium
Implementation Method 2
The pressure gradient results in establishing within the vessel a high pressure zone and a low pressure zone. The energy transfer results in heating the high pressure zone and cooling the low pressure zone
Implementation Method 3
The density fluctuations within the fluid medium could be induced by applying sound waves
Implementation Method 4
The pressure gradient can be applied by different means, for example it can be gravitational pressure gradient, or a dynamic gradient due to forcible rotation, acceleration, deceleration of the fluid medium or due to influence of electromagnetic field on ionized fluid medium
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for transfer of thermal energy is described which comprise providing a vessel with a compressible fluid medium, subjecting the compressible fluid medium to a pressure gradient and exposing the compressible fluid medium to sound waves capable to induce fluctuations of density accompanied by establishing of pressure gradient waves propagating through the compressible fluid medium and transferring the thermal energy.