Thermal Management System with Phase Change Material Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal management systems for high-power applications with intermittent heat loads are often unnecessarily large, heavy, and power-intensive due to the need for peak heat rejection capabilities, which can be inefficient for systems with discontinuous heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system utilizing a two-phase loop with a phase change material integrated into the condenser, allowing for thermal energy storage by melting and solidifying within the loop, and using a refrigerant like R-134, which absorbs and releases heat during peak and off-peak periods, reducing the size and power requirements of the heat sink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cooling system is designed for peak heat rejection conditions, then the system can handle maximum heat loads, but the system becomes unnecessarily large and heavy for intermittent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material performs preliminary heat storage action during low-demand periods by absorbing heat and melting, preparing thermal energy reserves before peak heat loads occur. This allows the system to handle peak loads without requiring oversized cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters by utilizing phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid states at specific temperatures. This phase change allows the system to store and release large amounts of thermal energy without significant temperature variation, enabling compact design for intermittent heat loads.
2Reliability
If a cooling system is designed for peak heat rejection conditions, then the system can handle maximum heat loads, but the system size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material undergoes phase transitions (solid to liquid during heat storage, liquid to solid during heat rejection) to provide thermal energy buffering. This allows the system to decouple peak heat rejection requirements from average heat load, enabling compact heat exchanger design sized for average rather than peak conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material performs preliminary heat storage action during low-demand periods, preparing thermal energy reserves before peak heat loads occur. This allows the system to handle peak loads without requiring oversized cooling components.
3Power
If thermal energy storage is integrated into the condenser, then the heat rejection rate can be reduced and heat sink exchangers can be smaller, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is integrated directly into the condenser structure, merging the thermal energy storage function with the heat rejection function. This combination eliminates the need for separate storage and rejection systems, reducing overall system complexity while achieving reduced heat rejection rates and smaller heat sink exchangers.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser with integrated phase change material performs multiple functions: it acts as both a heat rejection device and a thermal energy storage device. The phase change material absorbs heat during melting and releases heat during solidification, enabling the condenser to buffer thermal loads and operate at reduced capacity.
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 system achieves reduced size, weight, and power consumption by storing and releasing heat at a lower, averaged rate, maintaining stable temperatures in intermittently operated devices like lasers, and enhancing heat transfer efficiency through a tapered condenser design.
Implementation Method 1
The phase change material is configured to melt with a liquid coolant warmed by the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material to melt and absorb heat from the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
The phase change material is also configured solidify with the liquid coolant cooled by the condenser to temperatures below the melting point
Implementation Method 4
the phase change material to transfer from a melted state to a solid state
Implementation Method 5
Boiling occurs at the heat source and the vapor then condenses at heat sinks
Implementation Method 6
The thermal management system includes a liquid-vapor refrigerant such that fluid changes phases
Implementation Method 7
the vapor then condenses at heat sinks
Implementation Method 8
Boiling occurs at the heat source and the vapor then condenses at heat sinks
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for removing excess heat from a heat source includes a condenser and an evaporator fluidly connected together within a cooling loop. A phase change material is positioned within the condenser. The phase change material is configured to melt with a liquid coolant warmed by the evaporator. The phase change material is also configured solidify with the liquid coolant cooled by the condenser to temperatures below the melting point.