Thermosiphon Channel Design for Passive Temperature-Regulated Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermosiphons for temperature-regulated storage devices lack efficient designs to maintain a specific temperature range with minimal power requirements, particularly in passive systems and intermittently powered devices, where external power is not consistently available.
Innovation Solution
A thermosiphon design featuring a condenser region with evenly spaced, horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches connected to adiabatic channels, an evaporator region with serpentine channel patterns, and an adiabatic region connecting both, optimized for use within temperature-regulated storage devices, including a predetermined load of refrigerant and non-condensable gas, allowing for effective heat transfer and temperature maintenance without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional thermosiphon design is used, then the device can operate without external power, but it cannot effectively maintain a specific temperature range with minimal power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosiphon is divided into multiple functional regions (evaporator region with multiple channels, adiabatic region, condenser region with bifurcated branches) that work together to improve temperature control. The evaporator region includes multiple channels (e.g., first, second, third evaporator channels) that can be independently optimized for heat absorption, while the condenser region has bifurcated branches for efficient heat rejection. This segmentation allows each region to perform its function optimally, maintaining reliable temperature control without external power.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the thermosiphon are designed with locally optimized properties: the evaporator region has channels positioned to maximize heat absorption from the storage device, the adiabatic region is insulated to minimize heat transfer, and the condenser region has bifurcated branches positioned for efficient heat rejection to the ambient environment. This local quality optimization ensures reliable temperature maintenance in each critical zone.
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive cooling systems are used, then power consumption is minimized, but the ability to maintain temperature under varying ambient conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosiphon design incorporates dynamic adaptation through its passive thermal response mechanisms. The system automatically adjusts its cooling capacity in response to varying heat loads and ambient temperatures without external control. The phase change material melts and solidifies dynamically, and the refrigerant circulates at varying rates based on temperature differentials, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining zero power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the phase change material (melting point, latent heat) and refrigerant (phase transitions, pressure-temperature relationships) to adapt to varying ambient conditions. By selecting materials with appropriate phase change temperatures and thermal properties, the thermosiphon can maintain effective cooling across a range of ambient temperatures from 10°C to 43°C without external power.
3Power
If intermittently powered devices are used, then power requirements are reduced, but temperature maintenance capability deteriorates during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosiphon system is pre-configured with phase change material and refrigerant in specific quantities and positions to enable extended temperature maintenance during power outages. The phase change material is positioned to absorb heat during melting, and the refrigerant is pre-charged to provide cooling capacity without requiring external power during the outage period. This preliminary preparation allows the system to maintain temperature for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermosiphon is designed to serve itself during power outages by utilizing passive heat transfer mechanisms. The phase change material automatically absorbs heat as it melts, and the refrigerant circulates through the system driven by natural convection and phase changes, maintaining cooling without external power or control systems. This self-service capability extends temperature maintenance duration during intermittently powered operation.
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 thermosiphon effectively maintains a temperature range between 0°C and 10°C with ambient temperatures between 10°C and 43°C, using a non-linear relationship between thermal resistance and heat load, ensuring efficient cooling with minimal power consumption and maintaining internal storage region temperatures for extended periods without external power.
Implementation Method 1
a thermosiphon for use within a temperature-regulated storage device including: a condenser region, including a plurality of evenly spaced condenser channels with a plurality of horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches connected to a plurality of adiabatic channels
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator region, including a plurality of evaporator channels, wherein each of the plurality of evaporator channels has a flow channel formed in a serpentine channel pattern
Implementation Method 3
a condenser region, including a plurality of evenly spaced condenser channels with a plurality of horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches
Implementation Method 4
an adiabatic region including the plurality of adiabatic channels connecting the evaporator channels and the condenser channels
Implementation Method 5
Thermosiphons for use with temperature-regulated storage devices
Implementation Method 6
a thermosiphon for use within a temperature-regulated storage device including: a condenser region, including a plurality of evenly spaced condenser channels
Data Source
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AI summary
In some embodiments, a thermosiphon configured for use within a temperature-regulated storage device includes: a condenser region, including a plurality of evenly spaced condenser channels with horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches connected to an adiabatic channel, each of the plurality of condenser channels connected at a top position to an upper channel; an evaporator region, including a plurality of evaporator channels, wherein each of the plurality of evaporator channels has a flow channel formed in a serpentine channel pattern and each subunit of the serpentine channel pattern is attached to a vapor return channel at a top of the subunit, and wherein the evaporator region has at least one lowest position connected directly to a vapor return channel; and an adiabatic region including at least one adiabatic channel connecting the evaporator channels and the condenser channels.