Subsea Heat Pipe Cooling Through Pressure Vessel Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active cooling systems in subsea pressure vessels are unreliable, require frequent maintenance, and are not suitable for long-term operation due to mechanical failures and the need for periodic intervention, while conventional passive cooling methods are inefficient due to the thick vessel walls and low heat transfer rates across the subsea environment.
Innovation Solution
A passive heat transfer system utilizing a heat pipe with an evaporator section inside the pressure vessel and a condenser section outside, employing a working fluid that transitions from liquid to gas and back to liquid to efficiently transfer heat from the internal heat source to the external sea water, eliminating the need for mechanical components and reducing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If active cooling systems (pumps, fans) are used in subsea pressure vessels, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to mechanical failures and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical cooling systems (pumps, fans) with a passive heat transfer system using phase change material. The PCM absorbs heat from the heat-producing equipment through phase transition (solid to liquid), eliminating mechanical components that require maintenance and improve system reliability while maintaining effective heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of phase change material from solid to liquid state to absorb and store heat energy. This phase change process provides efficient heat transfer without requiring mechanical systems, resolving the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and system reliability.
2Temperature
If forced cooling methods (liquid or air) are used, then heat removal capability is improved, but maintenance requirements increase due to periodic intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material system operates autonomously without requiring external intervention or maintenance. The PCM automatically absorbs heat through phase change and can be passively recharged by cooling, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance of fans, pumps, or coolant systems while maintaining effective heat removal capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If de-ionized water is used as cooling medium, then electrical conductance is reduced, but water quality control and contamination management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change material that can be sealed in containers and replaced as a complete unit if needed, eliminating the complexity of water quality control systems. The PCM provides the necessary dielectric properties without requiring filtration, de-ionization, or contamination monitoring systems.
4Reliability
If liquid fill with dielectric fluid is used, then heat transfer is improved and corrosion potential is reduced, but system complexity increases due to fluid management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides improved heat transfer through phase transition while requiring minimal fluid management. The PCM is contained in sealed containers or enclosures, eliminating the need for complex fluid circulation systems, pumps, or management infrastructure, thus extending equipment life without significantly increasing system complexity.
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 provides a highly reliable and low-maintenance heat transfer solution, capable of operating for extended periods with improved heat transfer efficiency, achieving a mean-time-to-intervention of over 20 years compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the heat pipe is configured to contain a working fluid that travels between the evaporator section and the condenser section
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a phase transition of the working fluid, from a liquid state to a gas state
Implementation Method 3
and condensation back into the liquid state
Implementation Method 4
the heat pipe that extends from the internal side of the subsea pressure vessel to the external side of the subsea pressure vessel through an opening in the shell or hull
Data Source
AI summary
A system, including: a subsea pressure vessel; and a passive heat transfer apparatus, wherein the passive heat transfer apparatus penetrates a hull or shell of the subsea pressure vessel.