Multi-tiered regenerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regenerator designs are limited by material constraints, leading to inefficiencies in temperature regulation and heat storage, and traditional designs face challenges in maintaining temperature gradients and preventing heat migration, which affects the performance of heat engines and heat pumps.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered regenerator design with alternating thermally conductive and insulative layers, allowing for controlled temperature adjustments and efficient heat storage, utilizing materials like stainless steel, fiberglass, and copper to manage temperature gradients and prevent heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional single-material regenerator designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but temperature regulation efficiency deteriorates due to inability to maintain temperature gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerator is divided into multiple discrete thermal layers (first thermal layer, second thermal layer, third thermal layer, etc.) stacked vertically, each with different thermal properties. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer's function - some layers store heat while others maintain temperature gradients, resolving the contradiction between temperature regulation efficiency and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different thermal layers are assigned different material properties locally - the first thermal layer uses a first material, the second thermal layer uses a second material, and the third thermal layer uses a third material. This local quality differentiation enables each region to perform its specific function optimally, with conductive layers transferring heat and insulative layers maintaining gradients, thereby improving overall temperature regulation efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If thermally conductive materials are used throughout, then heat transfer is improved, but heat storage efficiency deteriorates due to excessive heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal conductivity properties to different layers locally. The first thermal layer, second thermal layer, and third thermal layer each use materials selected for their specific thermal conductivity characteristics. This allows conductive layers to transfer heat efficiently while insulative layers prevent excessive heat dissipation to the environment, resolving the contradiction between heat transfer and heat storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The regenerator employs a composite structure combining multiple materials with different thermal properties in a layered configuration. This composite approach integrates both thermally conductive and thermally insulative materials, enabling the system to simultaneously achieve effective heat transfer within conductive layers and heat retention through insulative layers, thereby reducing overall heat dissipation.
3Temperature
If thermally insulative materials are used throughout, then heat storage is improved, but temperature adjustment capability deteriorates due to restricted heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerator is segmented into alternating conductive and insulative thermal layers, allowing heat transfer to occur through conductive layers while insulative layers prevent unwanted heat loss. This segmentation enables the system to adjust temperatures effectively by controlling heat flow through specific layers while maintaining overall heat storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are assigned different thermal properties locally - conductive materials in layers requiring heat transfer and insulative materials in layers requiring heat retention. This local differentiation enables the system to maintain temperature adjustment capability through conductive pathways while preserving heat storage efficiency through insulative barriers.
4Loss of energy
If multi-layered design with alternating conductive and insulative layers is implemented, then heat storage efficiency and temperature gradient maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerator is divided into multiple functional segments (first thermal layer, second thermal layer, third thermal layer, etc.) that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This segmentation allows for modular construction, where each layer can be optimized independently and then stacked to form the complete multi-layered structure, managing complexity through modularity while achieving improved heat storage efficiency.
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 multi-layered regenerator effectively reduces and increases gas temperatures while storing heat for reuse, enhancing the efficiency and reducing energy consumption in heat pumps by maintaining temperature gradients and minimizing heat loss.
Implementation Method 1
the thermically conductive material of the first one of the plurality of thermal layers is configured to reduce a temperature of gas entering the top of the multi-layered regenerator
Implementation Method 2
a second one of the plurality of thermal layers is formed of a thermally insulative material... the second one of the plurality of thermal layers is positioned between the first one and the third one of the plurality of layers
Implementation Method 3
The thermically conductive material of the fifth one of the plurality of thermal layers, the thermically conductive material of the third one of the plurality of thermal layers, and the thermically conductive material of the first one of the plurality of thermal layers may have heat stored therein
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layered regenerator for adjusting temperature of gas or fluid flowing therethrough is provided. The regenerator includes a cover portion and a base portion, each of the cover portion and the base portion comprising a plurality of apertures permitting gas or fluid to flow from a top to a bottom of the multi-layered regenerator, and from the bottom to the top of the multi-layered regenerator. At least one of the cover portion and the base portion include thermal layers stacked vertically with respect to one another, each of the plurality of thermal layers having a predetermined porosity. At least a first one of the plurality of thermal layers is formed of a thermally conductive material and a second one of the plurality of thermal layers is formed of a thermally insulative material.