System and method for refrigeration and thermal conditioning of a body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration and thermal conditioning systems for applications like ice buckets and electric vehicle batteries are inefficient due to reliance on electrical heating and poor compatibility between materials, leading to slower heating, energy wastage, and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A dual-circuit system using two coolant reservoirs at different temperatures, one cold and one hot, operating in alternating manner for efficient refrigeration and thermal conditioning, with a heat recovery element to optimize energy use and reduce electrical heating reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrical heating means are used for thermal conditioning, then heating function is achieved, but heating speed is slow and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between cold coolant circulation and hot coolant circulation in regular cycles. The system switches between cold reservoir and hot reservoir operations, creating periodic temperature variations that efficiently condition the battery - charging with cold coolant and heating/defrosting with hot coolant, eliminating the need for continuous electrical heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the temperature parameter of the coolant circulating through the system. Instead of using constant temperature coolant or electrical heating, the system changes coolant temperature between cold (from cold reservoir) and hot (from hot reservoir) states, enabling rapid and energy-efficient thermal conditioning of the battery
2Temperature
If electrical heating means are used for thermal conditioning, then heating function is achieved, but system complexity and electrical component exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes electrical heating components from the system entirely. Instead of incorporating electrical heaters within the coolant system, the invention replaces them with a purely hydraulic solution using a hot reservoir that circulates hot coolant, eliminating electrical components from the thermal conditioning process and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hot coolant circulation system serves multiple functions: it provides thermal conditioning during charging, prevents condensation on the evaporator, and enables rapid defrosting of the ice bucket. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate electrical heating devices, reducing overall system complexity
3Temperature
If electrical heating resistors are placed in contact with coolant, then heating is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hot coolant as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal energy. Instead of placing electrical resistors in direct contact with the water/glycol mixture, the system circulates hot coolant from the hot reservoir through heat exchange, providing heating functionality while maintaining complete separation between electrical components and the coolant, thus eliminating contamination risk
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 enables rapid temperature variations, reduces energy consumption, minimizes contamination risks, and enhances the efficiency and reliability of refrigeration and thermal conditioning processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump for pumping the cold coolant component from inside the first reservoir to at least one portion of the body
Implementation Method 2
a second pump for pumping the hot coolant component from inside the second reservoir to the portion of the body
Implementation Method 3
the second circuit comprises a heat recovery element for recovering heat from the thermal energy generated in the condensation unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention provides a system and a method for refrigeration and thermal conditioning of a body. The system comprises a first circuit for refrigeration of the body and a second circuit for thermal conditioning of the body. The first circuit comprises a first reservoir for storage of a cold liquid coolant component and a first pump for pumping the cold coolant component from the first reservoir to a portion of the body, and for returning the cold coolant component to the first reservoir. The second circuit comprises a second reservoir for storage of a hot liquid coolant component and a second pump for pumping the hot coolant component from the second reservoir to the portion of the body, and for returning the hot coolant component to the second reservoir once the coolant has been applied, for a given time, to said portion of the body. A machine for making ice cubes is also provided.