Systems and methods for active cloud point adjustment and refrigeration cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling and heating transfer systems rely on specific heat capacity and refrigerants, which are costly and inefficient over long distances due to energy losses and the need for expensive handling systems, and do not effectively transfer cold or heat independently of ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of liquid phase change systems with active adjustment of cloud point temperatures through membrane-based processes, employing Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) and Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST) reagents to optimize cooling and heating transfer by separating multi-liquid mixtures and adjusting reagent concentrations, allowing for efficient heat exchange and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If specific heat coolant systems are used for long distance heat transfer, then cooling capacity can be transported, but energy losses occur due to ambient temperature effects and insulation requirements increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials that undergo solid-liquid phase transitions at specific temperatures. The PCM absorbs heat during melting and releases heat during freezing, enabling efficient thermal energy storage and transport. This phase transition mechanism allows the system to maintain cooling capacity over long distances without significant energy loss to ambient temperature effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and phase state of the working fluid to control heat transfer. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize heat absorption and release characteristics, maintaining effective cooling capacity throughout long-distance transport independent of ambient conditions.
2Length of moving object
If refrigerant based systems are used for long distance cooling, then cooling capacity can be transported, but CAPEX and OPEX become very costly due to larger working fluid flow rates, insulated piping, and safety precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs water or water-based solutions as the working fluid instead of expensive refrigerants. Water is abundant, non-toxic, and requires minimal safety infrastructure. The system accepts that some thermal energy is lost during transport but recovers and reuses the working fluid continuously, eliminating the need for expensive refrigerant handling systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The working fluid system is designed to be self-regulating and self-cooling through evaporative cooling mechanisms and passive heat exchange. The system minimizes the need for active refrigerant handling equipment, complex control systems, and extensive insulation by utilizing natural thermodynamic processes to maintain cooling capacity during transport.
3Use of energy by moving object
If specific heat coolant is used, then cooling transfer is achieved, but the coolant heats up during transfer and loses significant cooling potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials that absorb large amounts of heat during melting without significant temperature increase. This latent heat absorption mechanism allows the cooling medium to maintain a relatively constant temperature while absorbing substantial thermal energy, preventing the temperature rise problem associated with specific heat coolant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-cools the working fluid to the desired temperature before transport and utilizes phase change or thermal energy storage mechanisms to maintain cooling capacity throughout the journey. By preparing the cooling medium in advance and using efficient heat storage methods, the system prevents temperature increase during transfer and preserves cooling potential until delivery.
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 enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cooling and heating transfer by maintaining cooling or heating potential over distance, independent of ambient conditions, and reduces the need for expensive refrigerant handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
liquid phase change systems with active adjustment of cloud point temperatures
Implementation Method 2
membrane-based processes, employing Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) and Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST) reagents to optimize cooling and heating transfer by separating multi-liquid mixtures
Implementation Method 3
liquid phase change systems with active adjustment of cloud point temperatures
Implementation Method 4
allowing for efficient heat exchange and reduced energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to systems, methods, and compositions for liquid phase change, including for active cloud point, e.g., critical solution temperature, adjustment and heating or cooling, e.g., refrigeration, cycles. In some embodiments heat is absorbed, released or both due to phase changes in a liquid system. Advantageously, the phase changes may be controlled by controlling the ingredients or amounts of certain components of the liquid system. Advantages may include lower capital expenditures, lower operating expenses, or both for a diverse and wide range of heating and cooling applications. Such applications include, for example, cooling of data centers, cooled transportation of goods, refrigeration, heat pumps, extractions, ocean thermal energy conversion, and de-icing of roads to name just a few.