Device and method for controlling a phase transition of a fluid between liquid and vapour states
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling the state change of fluids, such as vaporization and condensation, face challenges in stability and controllability due to the need for pumps, valves, and heaters with moving parts, which lead to wear and require servicing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conduit that has varying resistance to flow, controlled by temperature and pressure, allows for precise control of the state change location within the conduit, eliminating the need for moving parts by using a changing resistance to flow to encourage vaporization or condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumps, valves, and heaters with moving parts are used to control fluid state change, then the device can achieve state change control, but the device experiences wear and requires servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (pumps, valves) with a passive flow resistance system. The conduit is designed with varying cross-sectional areas that create different flow resistances at different locations, allowing the fluid state change to be controlled by the conduit geometry itself rather than mechanical components. This eliminates moving parts while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the conduit (cross-sectional area, flow resistance) along its length to control fluid state change. By designing the conduit with gradually changing dimensions, the flow resistance varies continuously, creating specific pressure and temperature conditions at different locations that promote phase transition without requiring mechanical adjustment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fluid state change location is not controlled, then the process is simpler, but instabilities arise and the process becomes uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric properties to different sections of the conduit. Each section has a specific cross-sectional area designed to create the appropriate flow resistance for that location. This local variation in conduit geometry ensures that the fluid state change occurs at a specific, predictable location where the flow resistance and resulting pressure/temperature conditions are optimal for stable phase transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is pre-designed with a specific geometric profile that anticipates where the fluid state change will occur. By carefully calculating and setting the cross-sectional areas at different locations before operation, the system prepares the exact conditions needed for stable phase transition at the desired location, eliminating the need for real-time adjustment or complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If the resistance to flow is constant throughout the conduit, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the location of state change cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic variation in the conduit geometry along its length. Rather than a uniform cross-section, the conduit dimensions change continuously or in discrete steps to create varying flow resistance. This dynamic geometric profile allows precise control over where the fluid state change occurs by creating specific pressure gradients and flow conditions at different locations along the conduit.
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 provides a stable and controllable state change process, reducing instability and extending the device's lifespan by eliminating the need for moving parts, allowing for precise control of mass flow rates and efficient operation without external control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid will change to a vapour when its vapour pressure becomes equal to or exceeds the external pressure acting on the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flowing through the conduit changes state when its vapour pressure becomes equal to or exceeds the external pressure acting on the liquid
Implementation Method 3
a changing resistance to flow along a conduit will affect when a fluid flowing through the conduit changes state
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for changing a fluid from one state to another state, the states comprising a liquid and a vapour state are disclosed. The device comprises: an inlet configured to receive the fluid in a first state; an outlet configured to output the fluid in a second state; and a conduit connecting the inlet to the outlet. The conduit is configured such that a resistance to flow changes along at least a portion of a flow axis within the conduit. The device further comprises a controller configured to control a location of a region within the portion of the conduit in which the fluid changes state by controlling at least one of a temperature of the fluid and a pressure at at least one of the inlet and the outlet.