Passive Solar Heat Pipe With Seasonal Heat-Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active heating systems for buildings are inefficient due to equipment wear and require mechanical components that need replacement, while passive systems lack effective solutions for both heating and cooling seasons.
Innovation Solution
A passive heat transfer system utilizing a heat pipe with a solar absorber and thermal storage tank, employing a working fluid that undergoes two-phase transfer with an adiabatic section to minimize energy return and a valve to control heat flow, allowing efficient heating during winter and preventing unwanted heat gains in summer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If active heating systems are used to transfer heat from solar absorber to storage tank, then heat transfer capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to equipment wear and mechanical component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical pumping systems with a passive heat pipe system that utilizes phase change of working fluid (evaporation at evaporator, condensation at condenser) to transfer heat. This eliminates mechanical components prone to wear, achieving reliable long-term operation while maintaining effective heat transfer from solar absorber to storage tank through the phase transition mechanism
2Ease of repair
If passive heat transfer system is used to reduce mechanical components, then system maintenance is reduced, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates without active pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition of working fluid within the heat pipe to achieve passive heat transfer. The fluid evaporates at the evaporator (absorbing heat from solar collector), travels as vapor through the adiabatic section, condenses at the condenser (releasing heat to storage tank), and returns as liquid to repeat the cycle. This phase change mechanism provides sufficient driving force for heat transfer without mechanical pumping, maintaining efficiency while eliminating maintenance requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If heat pipe system operates during cooling season, then heating function is provided, but unwanted heat gains occur in building
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a valve in the liquid return line of the heat pipe system that can be dynamically adjusted or closed based on seasonal requirements. During cooling season, the valve closes to prevent the passive heat transfer mechanism from introducing unwanted heat gains into the building. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt its operation to seasonal needs, providing heating when beneficial and preventing harmful heat transfer when cooling is required
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 system achieves high thermal efficiency with minimal maintenance, reducing energy costs by effectively transferring heat with small temperature gradients and adaptable operation for various climate conditions, maintaining building comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
As the liquid heats it evaporates, and the gas from evaporation travels in the direction from the evaporator to the condenser
Implementation Method 2
When the gas reaches the condenser, it is converted back to liquid and the energy associated with the cooling is stored in the storage tank
Implementation Method 3
an adiabatic section positioned between the first end and the second end to minimize heat transfer in the direction from the condenser to the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pipe augmented passive solar space heating system modulates the temperature inside a building structure, particular during heating seasons when the ambient temperature is below levels customarily associated with adequate room comfort, and in some embodiments comprises a solar absorber, a heat pipe surrounding wholly or partially by insulation, the heat pipe having three main sections which are an evaporator at one end proximal to the solar absorber, a condenser at the other end proximal to an interior room being heated, and a rubber adiabatic section between those. Additional aspects such as a mechanical valve in the adiabatic section are disclosed to limit unwanted thermal gains when cooling is needed because the ambient temperatures already exceed room comfort.