Passive Heat Transfer Loop Using Thermal Expansion and Check Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat transfer and refrigeration devices are energy-intensive, complex, costly, and require fossil fuels, electro-mechanical compressors, and dedicated personnel, limiting their accessibility and efficiency, especially in areas with limited resources and seeking simpler, cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer device comprising a continuous loop of heating and cooling sections with a one-way check valve and pressure relief valve, allowing pressurized working fluid to flow without a compressor, enabling efficient heat transfer and refrigeration without fossil fuels or electro-mechanical components, suitable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electro-mechanical compressors and pumps are used in heat transfer devices, then reliable heat transfer function is achieved, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electro-mechanical compressor and pump from the heat transfer system, extracting these energy-consuming components entirely. The system achieves heat transfer functionality through passive thermal expansion and contraction of the working fluid, combined with check valves that direct flow without mechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The working fluid serves itself by automatically circulating through the system using its own thermal expansion and contraction properties. The check valves enable the fluid to self-direct its flow path based on pressure differentials created by temperature changes, eliminating the need for external mechanical pumping.
2Reliability
If conventional electro-mechanical compressors and pumps are used in heat transfer devices, then reliable heat transfer function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electro-mechanical compressor and pump from the heat transfer system, extracting these complex components entirely. The system achieves heat transfer functionality through passive thermal expansion and contraction of the working fluid, combined with check valves that direct flow without mechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression and pumping system with a thermal field-based system. Temperature differences drive the working fluid's expansion and contraction, which in turn drives circulation through the check valves, substituting mechanical actuation with thermal actuation.
3Reliability
If conventional heat transfer devices are used, then desired heat transfer is achieved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression and pumping system with a thermal field-based system. Temperature differences drive the working fluid's expansion and contraction, which in turn drives circulation through the check valves, substituting mechanical actuation with thermal actuation.
4Reliability
If conventional heat transfer devices are used, then desired heat transfer is achieved, but manufacturing and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electro-mechanical compressor and pump from the heat transfer system, extracting these complex components entirely. The system achieves heat transfer functionality through passive thermal expansion and contraction of the working fluid, combined with check valves that direct flow without mechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive check valves instead of expensive electro-mechanical compressors and pumps. These passive valve components are much cheaper to manufacture and install, making the overall system more cost-effective despite potentially shorter component lifespans.
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 device provides efficient heat transfer and refrigeration with reduced energy and maintenance costs, simplicity, and versatility, operating without gravity or conventional electro-mechanical components, making it suitable for diverse applications and environments.
Implementation Method 1
the heating section absorbs heat from the surroundings
Implementation Method 2
As heat is transferred to and absorbed by the working fluid in the heating section, working fluid therein pressurizes and heats
Implementation Method 3
Working fluid within the cooling section then transfers such absorbed heat into the area surrounding the cooling section
Implementation Method 4
Upon reaching a predetermined pressure, the pressurized working fluid is then forcibly released from the heating section into the cooling section through the pressure relief valve
Implementation Method 5
heating and cooling sections of uninsulated conduit are affixed together in a continuous loop with a pressure relief valve and a one-way check valve so working fluid can flow in a single direction therein
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration and/or heat transfer device includes a heating section and cooling section, a release member, and a one-way check valve affixed together in a continuous loop so working fluid may flow in one direction therein. The heating section absorbs heat and transfers such heat to the working fluid, thereby heating, expanding and increasing pressure upon the working fluid therein. The pressurized working fluid is released in a regulated manner from the heating section to the cooling section, thereby carrying the heat away. The released working fluid cools and transfers its heat to the surroundings within the cooling section. As released working fluid enters the cooling section, such fluid displaces already cooled working fluid, pushing such fluid through the one-way check valve back into the heating section to absorb heat. The working fluid may undergo a phase change or remain in a single phase throughout to enhance heat transfer.