Temperature control apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control apparatuses are inadequate for controlling loads at high temperatures, particularly above 100°C, as they fail to effectively manage the temperature difference between circulating and cooling liquids, leading to inefficiencies and potential durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control apparatus featuring a helical heat exchange channel housed within a hollow shell, with cylindrical members fitted on inflow and outflow channels to minimize welded areas and prevent cracking, along with a control unit that adjusts pump rotational speeds based on temperature setpoints to efficiently heat or cool the circulating liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional temperature control apparatuses are used for high temperature control (above 100°C), then the load temperature can be controlled, but the temperature difference between circulating liquid and cooling liquid becomes excessively large, leading to reduced efficiency and potential durability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The circulating liquid circuit is divided into multiple segments with separate temperature control. The first circulating liquid circuit handles high-temperature control (above 100°C) while the second circuit handles lower temperature control, allowing each segment to operate in its optimal temperature range and reducing excessive temperature differences
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary between the circulating liquid and cooling liquid. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchange channel where coolant flows, mediating the heat transfer process and enabling more efficient temperature control by reducing the direct temperature difference between the circulating liquid and cooling liquid
2Temperature
If large temperature differences are maintained between circulating liquid and cooling liquid for high temperature control, then high temperature can be achieved, but durability of the apparatus decreases due to thermal stress and potential cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments temperature control into multiple circuits operating at different temperature ranges. The first circuit operates at high temperatures with appropriate cooling, while the second circuit handles lower temperatures, reducing thermal stress on components and improving overall durability
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as a mediator that gradually transfers heat from the circulating liquid to the coolant, reducing thermal shock and excessive temperature gradients that could cause cracking and improve apparatus reliability
3Temperature
If conventional cooling circuits are used for high temperature applications, then cooling capability is provided, but the system complexity increases and efficiency decreases due to inadequate heat exchange management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function into the heat exchanger that is already part of the circulating liquid circuit. By integrating the heat exchange channel directly into the circulating liquid path, the system reduces the number of separate cooling circuits and components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining efficient temperature control
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
Enhances durability and efficiency in maintaining high temperatures by minimizing temperature differences and optimizing pump operations, preventing issues like cracking and ensuring precise temperature control for high-temperature applications.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger including a first heat exchange channel through which the circulating liquid flows and a second heat exchange channel through which coolant flows for cooling the circulating liquid in the first heat exchange channel
Implementation Method 2
a heater for heating the circulating liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
[Object] To provide a temperature control apparatus designed especially for high-temperature use of circulating liquid in controlling a load to a high temperature. [Solution] In a temperature control apparatus 1 for controlling the temperature of a load by supplying high-temperature circulating liquid to the load, a device in which a helical channel portion 41 of a first heat exchange channel 40 through which circulating liquid flows is housed in a second heat exchange channel 45 formed of a channel space in a hollow shell 44 through which coolant flows is used as a heat exchanger 4 for cooling the circulating liquid, cylindrical members 70 are individually fitted on an inflow channel portion 42 and an outflow channel portion 43 connected to opposite ends of the helical channel portion 41 of the first heat exchange channel 40, and the cylindrical members 70 are each fixed to the shell 44 of the heat exchanger 4 with a weld W.