Integrated Thermal Storage Condenser for Heat Load Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Two-phase heat transfer systems face challenges in managing temperature fluctuations and efficiently rejecting heat in systems with temporally varying heat loads, particularly in applications like spacecraft where heat sources and sinks are remotely located.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal capacitance device with a thermal storage unit that uses phase change materials, integrated with both the evaporator and condenser, to stabilize temperature fluctuations by storing heat through phase changes, reducing the need for larger heat rejection subsystems and allowing for efficient heat transport without increasing system size or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermal storage unit with phase change material is integrated with the condenser, then temperature fluctuations are reduced and heat transport efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal storage unit with phase change material and the condenser into a single integrated assembly. The condenser is positioned in thermal communication with the phase change material, allowing simultaneous heat rejection and thermal energy storage functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate thermal management components, reducing overall system complexity while effectively reducing temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated condenser-thermal storage unit performs multiple functions: it acts as a condenser for vapor condensation, a thermal energy storage device using phase change material, and a temperature stabilization component. This multi-functionality allows the single component to address multiple thermal management requirements simultaneously, improving temperature control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heat transfer system is designed for remote heat source applications, then adaptability is improved, but heat rejection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material in the thermal storage unit performs preliminary heat absorption and storage before heat rejection occurs. By pre-storing thermal energy from the remote heat source, the system prepares thermal energy in advance, allowing efficient heat rejection at the condenser location without losing energy during transport. This preliminary thermal energy capture maintains efficiency while enabling remote heat source adaptability.
3Power
If larger heat rejection subsystems are used to handle varying heat loads, then heat rejection capacity is improved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses phase change material that undergoes phase transitions at specific temperatures to dynamically adjust heat rejection capacity. By changing the phase state of the material (solid-liquid transitions), the system can absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy without significant temperature changes, providing variable heat rejection capacity without requiring proportionally larger hardware or increased weight.
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 integration of thermal capacitance devices within two-phase heat transfer systems effectively reduces temperature fluctuations and enables efficient heat transport, minimizing system size while maintaining performance under varying heat loads, even in remote heat source applications.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal storage unit that uses phase change materials, integrated with both the evaporator and condenser, to stabilize temperature fluctuations by storing heat through phase changes
Implementation Method 2
These systems utilize capillary pressure developed in a fine-pored wick within the evaporator to promote circulation of working fluid from the evaporator to the condenser and back to the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a condenser thermally coupled to the heat sink... Heat acquired by the evaporator is transported to and rejected by the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A two-phase heat transfer system includes an evaporator unit configured to receive heat from a source, a liquid line fluidly connected to the evaporator unit, a vapor line fluidly connected to the evaporator unit, and a condenser. The condensing unit includes a thermal capacitance device and a condenser integrated with the thermal capacitance device. Methods of forming a thermal storage unit include preparing a honeycomb core to receive a phase change material, metallurgically bonding end pieces to the core, to thermally link the end pieces to the core, and bonding the end pieces together to form a seal for holding the phase change material within the core.