Test chamber with temperature control device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems in test chambers face challenges with refrigerants that contribute to ozone depletion and global warming, require costly safety measures due to flammability, and have limitations in temperature range and stability, especially when using non-flammable refrigerants with low greenhouse potential.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device using a non-flammable refrigerant with a low CO2 equivalent, integrated with a cascading cooling cycle and precise control mechanisms, including bypasses and sensors, to maintain temperature stability and safety, allowing for efficient temperature control from -20°C to +180°C without flammability concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fluorinated gases or chlorinated materials are used as refrigerants, then cooling performance is improved, but environmental harm increases due to ozone depletion and global warming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the refrigerant by using mixtures containing hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane, n-butane) combined with HFO-1234yf and CO2, replacing traditional fluorinated gases. This parameter change maintains cooling performance while achieving low GWP (global warming potential) and zero ozone depletion potential, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling performance and environmental harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite refrigerant formulations, specifically mixed refrigerant systems combining multiple components (hydrocarbons + HFO-1234yf + CO2) to achieve optimal balance between thermodynamic performance and environmental compatibility. The composite approach allows leveraging the advantages of each component while mitigating their individual disadvantages
2Object-generated harmful factors
If flammable refrigerants are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase due to required safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully adjusts the composition parameters of flammable hydrocarbon-based refrigerants (controlling proportions of propane, isobutane, n-butane, HFO-1234yf, and CO2) to achieve acceptable safety characteristics while maintaining low environmental impact. By optimizing the flammability parameters through mixture composition, the system reduces the severity of flammability concerns and associated safety requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates CO2 as an inert component in the refrigerant mixture to reduce overall flammability. The CO2 acts as a flame suppressant and diluent, creating a less flammable atmosphere while maintaining the cooling performance benefits of hydrocarbon components. This approach allows using flammable-sounding compositions with reduced actual fire hazards
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a refrigerant with low GWP is used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but temperature control stability deteriorates at high temperatures up to +180° C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite refrigerant formulations combining HFO-1234yf (low GWP) with hydrocarbons and CO2 to achieve stable temperature control across the full range from -20°C to +180°C. The synergistic interaction between components provides both low environmental impact and thermal stability, with each component contributing specific thermodynamic properties that complement the others
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the refrigerant mixture to achieve appropriate heat capacity, vapor pressure, and thermal conductivity characteristics that enable stable temperature control at high temperatures. By adjusting the ratios of low-GWP components, the system maintains compositional stability and temperature control precision even at +180°C
4Temperature
If the refrigerant is heavily heated in the heat transmitter at high temperatures, then cooling capacity is reduced, but the cooling cycle can be adjusted to accommodate the temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects refrigerant components and adjusts their proportions to optimize the pressure-temperature relationship and heat transfer characteristics. The chosen mixture maintains adequate vapor pressure and heat absorption capacity even when heated to +180°C, preventing excessive cooling capacity loss while accommodating the extended temperature range requirement
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 solution enables precise temperature control with reduced environmental impact, enhanced safety, and cost-effectiveness by using a non-flammable refrigerant with low greenhouse potential, ensuring stable operation and extended compressor lifespan through efficient refrigerant management and bypass systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transmitter (12), a compressor (13), a condenser (14) and an expanding element (15)
Implementation Method 2
a compressor (13), a condenser (14) and an expanding element (15)
Implementation Method 3
a compressor (13), a condenser (14) and an expanding element (15)
Implementation Method 4
an expanding element (15)
Data Source
AI summary
A test chamber for conditioning air has a temperature-insulated test space sealable against an environment for receiving test materials and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the test space, a temperature ranging from −20° C. to +180° C. in temperature being able to be realized within the test space by means of the temperature control device, said temperature control device comprising a cooling device having a cooling cycle having a refrigerant, a heat transmitter, a compressor, a condenser and an expanding element, the cooling cycle comprising an internal heat transmitter, the internal heat transmitter being connected to a high-pressure side of the cooling cycle upstream of the expanding element and downstream of the condenser in a flow direction, said refrigerant being able to cooled by means of the internal heat transmitter which is coupled to an adjustable supplementary refrigeration of the cooling device.