Method and system for controlling the release of heat by a temperature control unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile temperature control units, such as HVAC and refrigeration units, face challenges in maintaining continuous temperature control when immediate heat release to the ambient environment is not possible or prohibited, as in tunnels or underground areas, due to restrictions or lack of ventilation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a phase change material (PCM) reservoir within the HVAC circuit that allows the unit to operate in either heat storage mode, where heat is stored internally during restricted release conditions, or heat release mode, where stored heat is released when conditions permit, using a controller to manage the operation based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the temperature control unit releases heat immediately to the ambient environment, then the temperature control efficiency is improved, but it cannot operate in zones with prohibited heat release
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing heat in the PCM reservoir before entering restricted zones. The controller detects upcoming restricted zones and activates the PCM heat storage system in advance, allowing the temperature control unit to operate continuously without immediate heat release when entering zones with prohibited heat release.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transitions of phase change material (PCM) to store and release heat. The PCM undergoes phase change from solid to liquid during heat storage and from liquid to solid during heat release, enabling the system to decouple heat generation from immediate heat release, thus maintaining temperature control efficiency while adapting to restricted zones.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature control unit stores heat internally, then it can operate in restricted zones, but the heat release is postponed
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control through the controller that continuously monitors the thermal state of the PCM reservoir and the mobile transport's location. When exiting a restricted zone, the controller detects the change in heat release conditions and automatically activates heat release to the ambient environment, ensuring timely heat discharge without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between heat storage mode (when entering restricted zones) and heat release mode (when exiting restricted zones). This periodic switching between operational modes allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining continuous temperature control capability.
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
Enables continuous temperature control within the internal space by storing heat during restricted conditions and releasing it when feasible, ensuring uninterrupted operation and compliance with heat release regulations.
Implementation Method 1
the phase change material (PCM) undergoes a phase change from a solid state to a liquid state when absorbing heat
Implementation Method 2
The PCM is configured to absorb the heat generated by the mobile HVAC unit when the mobile HVAC unit is operated in the heat storage mode
Implementation Method 3
the phase change material (PCM) undergoes a phase change from a liquid state to a solid state when releasing heat to the ambient environment
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling the release of heat by a temperature control unit are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a heat release condition of the temperature control unit. This method also includes determining, via a controller, whether to release the heat generated by the temperature control unit to an ambient environment outside of the internal space based on the heat release condition. Also, this method includes operating a HVAC circuit of the temperature control unit in a heat release mode when the controller determines that the heat generated by the temperature control unit is to be released to the ambient environment outside the internal space. Further, this method includes operating the HVAC circuit of the temperature control in a heat storage mode when the controller determines that the heat generated by the HVAC unit is not to be released to the ambient environment outside the internal space.