Peltier Liquid Temperature Control With Alternating Flow Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems, particularly those using Peltier units, face limitations in cooling capacity and efficiency, often leading to over-cooling or inadequate temperature control in beverage dispensing devices.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system featuring two sets of oppositely disposed temperature control elements defining a temperature control zone with a serpentine liquid flow path, where segments are in heat-conducting association with one set and another, utilizing thermoelectric elements like Peltier units for efficient heating or cooling, and incorporating a heat sink arrangement for heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Peltier units are used for liquid cooling, then energy consumption is reduced compared to compressors, but cooling capacity is limited and insufficient for high-demand applications
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent Peltier modules arranged in a matrix configuration. Each module can be independently controlled to provide localized cooling, allowing the system to scale cooling capacity by activating more modules while maintaining energy efficiency through selective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple Peltier modules are combined in a matrix arrangement with their cold sides facing the liquid flow path and hot sides facing heat dissipation structures. This merging of multiple small-capacity modules creates a system with sufficient total cooling capacity while retaining the energy efficiency advantages of Peltier technology.
2Device complexity
If a single set of temperature control elements is used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision and uniformity deteriorate due to insufficient heat exchange capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control function is segmented across multiple control elements arranged in opposing sets. Each element handles a specific zone of the temperature control zone, enabling precise local temperature management and improving overall temperature uniformity without requiring excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are arranged asymmetrically in opposing sets with different orientations relative to the liquid flow path. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes heat exchange efficiency from different directions, enhancing temperature control precision while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Speed
If liquid flows directly over temperature control elements, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but risk of over-cooling increases due to insufficient temperature regulation
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are positioned within the temperature control zone to monitor liquid temperature in real-time. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust the power supplied to Peltier modules, reducing cooling intensity when the liquid approaches the target temperature and preventing over-cooling while maintaining efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static cooling to dynamic control where the cooling intensity of each Peltier module can be independently adjusted based on real-time temperature conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes heat transfer efficiency while preventing over-cooling through adaptive power management.
4Productivity
If serpentine flow path is implemented, then heat exchange efficiency is improved by maximizing contact time, but device volume increases due to extended flow path length
Solution Approach 1:
The serpentine flow path is implemented in a two-dimensional plane within the temperature control zone rather than extending in three-dimensional space. The liquid flows through channels that wind back and forth across the zone, maximizing heat exchange surface area contact within a compact footprint and improving heat exchange efficiency without proportionally increasing device volume.
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 configuration enhances the efficiency of temperature control, preventing over-cooling and ensuring precise temperature regulation of liquids, whether for cooling or heating, in beverage dispensing devices, by alternating heat transfer segments and utilizing thermoelectric elements effectively.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing thermoelectric elements like Peltier units for efficient heating or cooling
Implementation Method 2
segments are in heat-conducting association with one set and another
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a heat sink arrangement for heat dissipation
Data Source
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AI summary
A temperature control system for a liquid comprises two sets of temperature control elements oppositely disposed to one another and define between them a temperature control zone. A conduit system within the temperature control zone defines a liquid flow path that is configured to have one or more first segments in proximity to and in heat-conducting association with one of the two sets and one or more second segments in proximity to and in heat-conducting association with the other of the two sets. The temperature control system may be used as a liquid cooling or heating module in a cold liquid dispensing device or system, such as a drinking water or other beverage dispensing device.