Multi-Module Stirling Cooler with Pressure Control for Uniform Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Stirling cooler structures with multiple cooling modules suffer from inconsistent cooling effects due to varying phase differences in displacer movement strokes, lack of pressure control, limited temperature control, dependence on a single high-temperature heat source, and inefficient cooling rates, especially in rapid cooling applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a piezoresistive unit or diameter-changing portions in the pipeline to control the movement strokes and pressure drops of passive displacers within Stirling cooling modules, allowing for adjustable cooling effects and temperature control, and using an electric motor to drive the piston for flexible operation independent of high-temperature heat sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cooling modules are arranged in a straight line without pressure control, then the cooling coverage is extended, but the phase difference of displacer movement strokes increases and cooling uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure control device is introduced as an intermediary component in the pipeline between the power unit and cooling modules. This device regulates the pressure of the working fluid, ensuring consistent pressure delivery to each cooling module despite their varying distances from the power unit, thereby maintaining uniform displacer movement and cooling effect across all modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter of the working fluid through the pressure control device. By changing the pressure parameter according to the position and requirements of different cooling modules, the system compensates for distance-related phase differences and maintains consistent cooling performance across the extended cooling coverage area.
2Device complexity
If only one Stirling engine is used as power source, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling rate and temperature control capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms including variable speed motors and pressure control devices that can adjust operating parameters in real-time. This allows a single power source to dynamically adapt its output to meet varying cooling demands, achieving high cooling rates and precise temperature control without requiring multiple fixed-power engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The power unit incorporates adjustable parameters such as motor speed and working fluid pressure that can be varied to optimize cooling performance. By changing these parameters, the single Stirling engine can operate at different power levels to achieve rapid cooling when needed while maintaining simplicity in the overall system configuration.
3Device complexity
If the displacer movement stroke is not controlled, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the coldness control capability of cooling modules is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through pressure control devices that monitor and adjust the working fluid pressure based on the position of displacers and cooling requirements. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of displacer movement strokes to achieve desired temperature control without requiring complex direct mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical control of displacer strokes with fluid pressure control. By using pressure control devices to regulate the working fluid pressure, the system indirectly controls displacer movement, substituting a simpler pressure-based control mechanism for complex mechanical stroke control while achieving precise temperature regulation.
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 solution enables uniform and controllable cooling effects across multiple Stirling cooling modules, rapid temperature achievement, and operation without a high-temperature heat source, enhancing the overall cooling capacity and flexibility of the system.
Implementation Method 1
At least one piezoresistive unit is provided on the pipeline. The piezoresistive unit is selectively disposed between the Stirling cooling modules and the cylinder. When the compressed air passes through the piezoresistive unit, a pressure of the compressed air is changed
Implementation Method 2
The cold end absorbs ambient heat so that the compressed air is expanded to flow back to the cylinder through the passive displacer
Data Source
AI summary
A Stirling cooler structure having multiple cooling modules includes at least one power unit, a pipeline, a plurality of Stirling cooling modules, and at least one piezoresistive unit. The power unit includes a cylinder and a piston. The pipeline is connected to the cylinder. The Stirling cooling modules each include a pipe and a passive displacer. The passive displacer is reciprocally, movably disposed in the pipe to partition the pipe into a cold end and a hot end. The hot end is connected to the pipeline. The piston is driven by an electric motor for a compressed air to flow through the pipeline to the hot end and then flow to the cold end through the passive displacer, such that the cold end absorbs ambient heat. The piezoresistive unit is selectively disposed between the Stirling cooling modules and the cylinder.