Device for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing freeze dryers require numerous trial runs to find optimal temperature and pressure progressions for newly developed pharmaceutical solutions, prolonging the test phase due to limited temperature control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one Peltier element between the magazine and storage space in a freeze drier allows for flexible temperature control, enabling multiple temperature progressions to be tested during a single freeze drying process, with the option of multiple Peltier elements for selective temperature control across different areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature-controllable medium such as silicon oil is used to control the temperature of products to be frozen, then the temperature can be controlled during the freeze drying process, but a large number of trial runs are necessary to find the optimal temperature progression, resulting in a very long test phase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the static temperature control system (single temperature-controllable medium circulating through channels) with a dynamic system using Peltier elements that can independently and rapidly adjust temperatures of different magazine areas. This dynamic control enables flexible temperature progressions to be tested during a single freeze drying process, dramatically reducing the test phase duration while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the temperature control system into multiple independent Peltier elements, each capable of controlling specific magazine areas or receptacle areas. This segmentation allows different temperature progressions to be applied simultaneously to different products or product groups, enabling parallel testing of multiple temperature scenarios and significantly shortening the overall test phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single temperature-controllable medium is used for the entire storage space, then the system design is simple, but different areas cannot have different temperatures, limiting the ability to test multiple temperature progressions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical fluid-based temperature control system (pump-driven circulation of temperature-controllable medium through channels) with solid-state Peltier elements that directly convert electrical energy to thermal energy. This substitution eliminates the need for complex fluid circulation infrastructure while enabling independent temperature control of multiple areas, achieving both selective temperature control and simplified system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter of the temperature control system from fluid flow rate and heat exchange efficiency to electrical current control. By using Peltier elements controlled by a control unit, the system can rapidly and precisely adjust temperature parameters of different areas independently, achieving selective temperature control without the complexity of coordinating fluid circulation through multiple channels.
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 approach significantly shortens the test phase by allowing for rapid and precise temperature adjustments, reducing the number of test runs needed to determine the optimal freeze drying conditions for pharmaceutical solutions.
Implementation Method 1
Device for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen with at least one Peltier element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a device (1) for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen during a freeze drying process. This device (1) is characterized in that at least one Peltier element (3) is present.