Thermal regulation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal regulation systems for portable containers require external energy sources, pre-conditioned phase change materials, or active heating/cooling systems, which are inefficient and logistically challenging.
Innovation Solution
A sorption heat pump system integrated with a phase change material (PCM) buffer that uses a thermal control unit to regulate temperature independently, allowing for efficient cooling and heating without external energy inputs by controlling vapor flow and leveraging the PCM's latent heat for temperature maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermal regulation systems use external energy sources or active heating/cooling systems, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and logistical requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the PCM's inherent phase change properties to automatically regulate temperature without requiring external energy sources or active control systems. The PCM autonomously absorbs excess heat when temperature rises and releases heat when temperature drops, making the system self-regulating and eliminating complex heating/cooling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCM is pre-conditioned to a specific phase state before use, storing latent heat in advance. This preliminary preparation allows the PCM to immediately begin thermal regulation when deployed, providing temperature control capability without requiring complex real-time energy management systems.
2Temperature
If pre-conditioned phase change materials are used, then temperature maintenance is improved, but logistical complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM automatically maintains temperature through its phase change cycle without requiring external intervention or complex logistical support. The system self-regulates by transitioning between solid and liquid phases, absorbing and releasing heat as needed, which simplifies operational requirements.
3Measurement precision
If the sorption heat pump controls vapor flow rate, then thermal regulation precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the PCM's phase state and temperature provide natural feedback signals that regulate vapor flow. When the PCM reaches its phase change temperature, it automatically absorbs heat and reduces vaporization rate, creating a self-regulating feedback loop that achieves precise thermal control without complex external control systems.
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 maintains a set temperature range within a portable container across varying ambient conditions without external energy, offering improved efficiency and reduced logistical constraints compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporator and the sorber are connected by a vapor pathway. The evaporation of the working fluid into a working fluid gas in the evaporator requires the input of heat energy, thereby cooling the evaporator.
Implementation Method 2
The sorption of the working material in the sorber releases heat energy, thereby heating the sorber.
Implementation Method 3
A sorption heat pump system integrated with a phase change material (PCM) buffer that uses a thermal control unit to regulate temperature independently, allowing for efficient cooling and heating without external energy inputs by controlling vapor flow and leveraging the PCM's latent heat for temperature maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A sorption heat pump having an evaporator containing a working fluid to evaporate the fluid to produce a gas, a sorber containing a sorption material to sorb the gas during a sorption phase, a vapor pathway connecting the evaporator and sorber, and a thermal control unit controlling the rate of vapor flow between the evaporator and sorber through the pathway, and being selectively operable to permit, stop and restart the flow of gas through the pathway. The pump may be used with a compartment storing temperature sensitive material. The evaporator may be positioned inside and the sorber outside the compartment, or the sorber may be positioned inside and the evaporator outside the compartment. The pump may be used in an apparatus including both cool and warm compartments, with an insulation layer in each. A method is disclosed for reusing the pump after the sorption material has been sorbed.