Smart Phase Change Composite for Passive Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature regulation systems for battery packs and electronic devices are inadequate in efficiently managing heat dissipation without active cooling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A passive thermal management system using a thermally responsive phase change composite that expands upon heating to bridge the gap between two surfaces, increasing thermal conductivity and acting as a 'smart' thermal switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermal management systems are used, then heat dissipation can be achieved, but the systems increase device complexity and consume additional power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by incorporating phase change materials that automatically absorb and release heat without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power consumption. The PCM naturally transitions between solid and liquid phases based on temperature conditions, providing passive thermal regulation that eliminates complex active cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by leveraging the phase transition properties of PCM, which changes from solid to liquid state at specific temperature thresholds. This phase change absorbs excess heat during high-temperature periods and releases it during low-temperature periods, dynamically regulating temperature without mechanical components or electrical control.
2Temperature
If conventional thermal management systems are used, then heat dissipation can be achieved, but the systems require additional power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides self-service thermal management by automatically absorbing heat during phase transition from solid to liquid and releasing heat during transition from liquid to solid. This passive mechanism eliminates the need for powered cooling fans, compressors, or pumps, achieving zero additional power consumption for thermal regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies phase transitions of the PCM to manage thermal energy. During endothermic phase change (solid to liquid), the PCM absorbs excess heat; during exothermic phase change (liquid to solid), it releases stored heat. This natural thermodynamic process provides heat dissipation without any external energy input.
3Temperature
If phase change materials are used, then thermal energy can be stored and released, but the materials may leak or degrade over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous substrate materials with controlled pore sizes to contain the phase change material. The porous structure provides capillary forces that hold the PCM in place during phase transitions, preventing leakage while allowing sufficient thermal contact. The porous material acts as a physical matrix that stabilizes the PCM and prevents degradation over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite thermal management system by combining phase change material with porous substrate materials. This composite structure integrates the thermal energy storage capability of PCM with the mechanical stability and containment properties of the porous matrix, achieving both thermal functionality and long-term reliability without leakage or degradation.
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
Effectively transfers heat from the heat source to a conductive element, enhancing thermal management efficiency without the need for active cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
the phase change material (PCM) is configured to change from a solid state to a liquid state during an endothermic phase change and from the liquid state to the solid state during an exothermic phase change
Implementation Method 2
the thermal energy storage capacity of the phase change material is at least 200 kJ/kg
Implementation Method 3
the porous substrate material has a pore size between 10 micrometers and 100 micrometers
Implementation Method 4
the thermally conductive filler particles are distributed throughout the phase change material
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal management apparatus and method of use, such as in a battery pack or electronic device. A thermally responsive material is disposed between two surfaces, wherein the thermally responsive material changes upon heating, to increase a thermal conductance between the two surfaces. The thermally responsive material is offset from one of the surfaces and expands upon heating to connect the two surfaces. The thermally responsive material is a phase change composite including a phase change material selected from a paraffin wax, a hydrated salt, and combinations thereof.