Regulated Cooling for Thermally Sealed Storage Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally sealed storage containers face challenges in maintaining a stable temperature over extended periods without active cooling, especially in varying ambient conditions, due to heat transfer from the exterior.
Innovation Solution
A regulated cooling device is designed for use with thermally sealed storage containers, featuring a thermal heat pipe with a heat-absorbing and heat-releasing interface, a phase change material, and a thermoelectric unit, controlled by a microcontroller to maintain temperature within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If thermally sealed storage containers are used without active cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature stability deteriorates under varying ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling actions by activating the thermoelectric unit and heat pipe only when temperature sensors detect that the internal temperature is rising above the desired range, rather than running continuously. This allows the container to maintain temperature stability while avoiding unnecessary device operation and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the internal temperature and provide feedback to the control logic. When the temperature exceeds the predetermined range, the system activates the cooling mechanisms (thermoelectric unit and/or heat pipe), and when the temperature returns to range, it deactivates them. This closed-loop feedback control maintains temperature stability while minimizing active cooling operation.
2Temperature
If active cooling mechanisms are added to maintain temperature stability, then temperature stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the container's own thermal properties and ambient conditions to determine when cooling is needed. The temperature sensors monitor the actual internal temperature, and the control logic automatically activates cooling only when necessary, allowing the system to self-regulate without external intervention or complex continuous control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cooling mechanisms based on temperature conditions. The thermoelectric unit and heat pipe are activated only when temperature sensors detect that the internal temperature exceeds the predetermined range, and deactivated when the temperature returns to range. This parameter-based control maintains temperature stability while simplifying the overall system by avoiding continuous operation.
3Temperature
If thermoelectric units and heat pipes are used for cooling, then cooling effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric unit and heat pipe operate periodically rather than continuously. The control system activates these cooling mechanisms only when temperature sensors detect that the internal temperature has risen above the predetermined range, and deactivates them when the temperature returns to the desired range. This periodic operation maintains cooling effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
The device effectively maintains the storage container's temperature within a specified range (e.g., 0-10°C) for extended periods by actively cooling as needed, minimizing heat transfer and ensuring the integrity of stored contents.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal heat pipe with a heat-absorbing and heat-releasing interface
Implementation Method 2
a phase change material
Implementation Method 3
a thermal heat pipe with a heat-absorbing and heat-releasing interface
Implementation Method 4
a thermoelectric unit, controlled by a microcontroller to maintain temperature within a predetermined range
Implementation Method 5
an insulation unit
Data Source
AI summary
Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.