Thermal Storage Element for Rapid Test Sample Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature control systems for test samples in measuring devices, particularly those using Peltier elements, face limitations in maximum temperature and efficiency, leading to slow cooling processes and mechanical complexity, which increase costs and volume requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a thermal storage element having a higher thermal capacity than the measuring cell, allowing for selective heat transfer and decoupling to prevent overheating of Peltier elements and enhance cooling speed, using a configuration with two thermal storage elements for heating and cooling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If Peltier elements are used for cooling the measuring cell, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the maximum temperature is limited to 120°C
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal management function into two separate components: a Peltier element for active cooling and a thermal storage element for heat absorption. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal temperature range, with the Peltier element handling cooling efficiency while the thermal storage element managing high-temperature heat absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal storage element is introduced as an intermediary between the measuring cell and the Peltier element. This intermediary absorbs excess heat from the measuring cell, preventing direct thermal contact that would overheat the Peltier element and limit the maximum achievable temperature.
2Temperature
If the Peltier element is thermally separated from the measuring cell to prevent overheating, then temperature limit is avoided, but cooling speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage element is pre-cooled before the measuring process begins. This preliminary action allows it to rapidly absorb heat from the measuring cell when needed, providing fast cooling speed without requiring continuous thermal contact between the Peltier element and the measuring cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between thermal contact states: the thermal storage element can be thermally coupled to the measuring cell for rapid heat absorption, then decoupled to allow the Peltier element to cool the storage element. This dynamic switching maintains both safety and speed.
3Loss of time
If thermal storage element is used with higher thermal capacity, then cooling time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage element serves multiple functions: it acts as a heat sink for the measuring cell, a thermal buffer to prevent Peltier element overheating, and a pre-coolable reservoir for rapid cooling cycles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, offsetting the added complexity with functional consolidation.
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 solution enables rapid temperature control without exceeding Peltier element limits, reducing cooling time and eliminating the need for high peak performance, thus minimizing mechanical complexity and costs, while maintaining efficient temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal storage element coupled to the temperature controlling element to transfer heat
Implementation Method 2
Peltier elements are used as temperature controlling or cooling elements
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for controlling the temperature of a test sample in a measuring device for measuring material properties of the test sample, comprising a measuring cell for receiving the test sample, at least one temperature controlling element, and a thermal storage element coupled to the temperature controlling element to transfer heat, wherein means are provided for changing the thermal resistance between the thermal storage element and the measuring cell in order to selectively couple or decouple the thermal storage element and the measuring cell in terms of heat transfer, the ratio of the thermal capacity of the thermal storage element to the thermal capacity of the measuring cell is greater than 1:1, preferably at least 2:1, preferably at least 5:1.