Regulated Cooling for Phase-Change Storage Temperature Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face challenges in maintaining temperature stability over time due to thermal transfer from the exterior environment, which can compromise the integrity of stored materials.
Innovation Solution
A regulated thermal transfer device is integrated into a temperature-stabilized storage container, featuring a phase change material unit, a heat pipe, a thermoelectric unit, and a heat sink, along with an electronic controller, to manage heat transfer and maintain a stable temperature within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If passive insulation is used to minimize thermal transfer, then temperature stability is improved, but the duration of temperature maintenance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material undergoes phase transition in advance to store thermal energy, which is then released or absorbed as needed to maintain temperature stability over extended periods, effectively preparing the system beforehand to counteract thermal transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid states to absorb and release latent heat, thereby maintaining temperature stability within the insulation container for prolonged durations without requiring active cooling or heating systems
2Duration of action of stationary object
If active cooling systems are added to extend temperature maintenance duration, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material serves itself by automatically absorbing heat when transitioning from solid to liquid and releasing heat when transitioning from liquid to solid, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources, thereby maintaining temperature for extended periods while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs passive phase change material that automatically regulates temperature through phase transitions, eliminating the need for active cooling mechanisms and keeping the device simple while extending temperature maintenance duration
3Duration of action of stationary object
If thicker insulation is used to extend temperature maintenance, then duration of action is improved, but volume of the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides high thermal energy storage density through latent heat of phase transition, enabling extended temperature maintenance with minimal material volume, thus avoiding significant increases in container volume while achieving the desired duration of temperature stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal properties of the insulation system by incorporating phase change material with specific phase transition temperatures, thereby enhancing the thermal energy storage capacity per unit volume and maintaining temperature for longer periods without proportionally increasing container 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 solution effectively minimizes thermal transfer into the storage region, ensuring temperature stability and extending the duration for which the storage container maintains a consistent temperature, thereby protecting the stored materials.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region
Implementation Method 2
a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end
Implementation Method 3
a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe
Implementation Method 4
a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a regulated thermal transfer device for a storage container includes: a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region, and an aperture in the one or more walls; a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end; a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe; a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit; and an electronic controller operably connected to the thermoelectric unit; wherein the regulated thermal transfer device is of a size and shape to be positioned so that the phase change material unit is within a storage region of a temperature-stabilized storage container, and the thermoelectric unit is positioned adjacent to an external surface of the temperature-stabilized storage container.