PCM Reservoir Integration for Secondary Loop Pressure and Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary loop climate control systems lack an integrated thermal storage solution without adding a separate component, and they struggle to efficiently manage coolant flow rates and pressure spikes.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction reservoir incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) within capsules, which provides thermal storage, coolant storage, surge tank functions, and adjustable coolant flow rates through a pulse width modulation solenoid valve, integrated into the coolant vessel, allowing for efficient climate control in secondary loop air conditioning and heat pump systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate thermal storage component is added to the climate control system, then thermal storage function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal storage function with the existing reservoir component by integrating a phase change material (PCM) capsule inside the reservoir. This combination allows the reservoir to simultaneously perform coolant storage, surge tank function, and thermal storage without adding a separate component to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: coolant storage, surge tank function to prevent pressure spikes, air ventilation, and thermal storage through the integrated PCM capsule. This universal design eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function.
2Productivity
If coolant flow rate is increased to improve climate control efficiency, then cooling performance is improved, but pressure spikes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed to function as a surge tank that absorbs pressure spikes before they can propagate through the system. By providing a buffer volume and integrating the PCM capsule, the system prepares in advance to cushion against pressure variations caused by rapid coolant flow or thermal expansion.
3Ease of operation
If a modulating functionality feature is added to adjust coolant flow rate, then climate control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a modulating functionality feature, specifically a pulse width modulation (PWM) solenoid valve, that enables dynamic adjustment of coolant flow rate. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to adapt coolant flow to varying thermal demands, improving climate control precision and 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 multifunction reservoir enhances climate control systems by providing thermal storage, managing pressure spikes, and adjusting coolant flow rates, thereby improving comfort and efficiency without adding a new component, and enabling effective operation across various temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The multifunction reservoir incorporates a capsule containing a phase change material (PCM)
Implementation Method 2
a capsule containing a phase change material (PCM)... provides a coolant storage function, a surge tank function to prevent pressure spikes, an air ventilation function, and now a thermal storage function
Implementation Method 3
a pulse width modulation solenoid valve
Implementation Method 4
a chiller
Implementation Method 5
a coolant loop adapted to circulate a coolant between the chiller, a pump, a first cooler and a reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Secondary loop air conditioning and heat pump systems include a reservoir with a capsule holding a phase change material.