Passive Thermal Switch Using Magnetic Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices are typically fixed in a thermal conducting state, which can reduce the efficiency of heat-generating components operating below their intended operating temperature and fail to remove excess heat effectively once the component reaches the operating temperature.
Innovation Solution
A passive thermal switch device using a thermal switch material that transitions between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states based on temperature, allowing the device to switch between thermal insulating and conducting states, with a movable plate attracted by a permanent magnet to adjust thermal energy transfer accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling device is fixed in a thermal conducting state, then heat can be continuously removed from the thermal component, but the component cannot quickly reach its intended operating temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic adjustable state through the phase change material's phase transition. The thermal conductivity dynamically changes from high (conducting state) to low (insulating state) based on temperature, allowing the system to adapt to different thermal conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal conductivity parameter of the cooling device is changed through the phase change material's phase transition. Below the transition temperature, the material exhibits high thermal conductivity for rapid heat removal; above the transition temperature, it exhibits low thermal conductivity to insulate and retain heat, thus controlling the temperature parameter of the thermal component.
2Productivity
If a cooling device is fixed in a thermal conducting state, then heat dissipation is maintained, but the component operates with reduced efficiency below intended temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides automatic thermal feedback based on temperature. When the component temperature exceeds the transition temperature, the material transitions to an insulating state, reducing heat loss and allowing temperature to rise. When temperature drops below the transition point, it transitions to a conducting state to remove excess heat, creating a self-regulating feedback loop that maintains optimal operating temperature for maximum efficiency.
3Temperature
If a cooling device is fixed in a thermal conducting state, then continuous cooling is provided, but excess heat cannot be effectively removed once operating temperature is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device utilizes the phase transition of the phase change material to control thermal conductivity. Below the transition temperature, the material is in a phase with high thermal conductivity that enables effective removal of excess heat. Above the transition temperature, it transitions to a phase with low thermal conductivity to prevent heat loss, thus removing excess heat effectively only when needed and avoiding energy waste on premature cooling.
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 quick heating of components to their operating temperature and efficient heat dissipation once reached, reducing inefficiencies and preventing overheating by passively switching between insulating and conducting states based on temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal switch material that switches from an antiferromagnetic state to a ferromagnetic state upon exceeding a state transition temperature
Implementation Method 2
the second plate is in contact with the first plate as the permanent magnet of the second plate is magnetically attracted to the thermal switch material
Data Source
AI summary
A passive thermal switch device, for regulating a temperature of a thermal component configured to generate heat, includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is provided on the thermal component. The first plate includes a thermal switch material that switches from an antiferromagnetic state to a ferromagnetic state upon exceeding a state transition temperature. The second plate includes a permanent magnet. The second plate is moveable between a thermal insulator position and a thermal conductor position based on a temperature of the thermal switch material. In the thermal insulator position, the second plate is spaced apart from the first plate. In the thermal conductor position, the second plate is in contact with the first plate.