Thermosiphon Channel Layout for Passive Cold Storage Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-regulated storage devices face challenges in maintaining a specific temperature range without external power, especially at low heat loads, and require efficient heat transfer mechanisms to manage varying ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The use of a thermosiphon with a condenser region, evaporator region, and adiabatic region, featuring evenly spaced bifurcated condenser channels, serpentine evaporator channels, and multiple adiabatic channels, along with a predetermined load of refrigerant and non-condensable gas, optimized for passive operation within a planar structure, to facilitate efficient heat transfer and maintain temperature within a specific range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional thermosiphon design is used, then the device can operate passively without external power, but it fails to maintain stable temperature at low heat loads
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosiphon is divided into multiple evaporator channels (first, second, third evaporator channels) with different flow path configurations. This segmentation allows each channel to handle specific portions of the heat load effectively, improving temperature stability at low heat loads while maintaining passive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the thermosiphon are designed with distinct channel configurations optimized for their specific functions. The evaporator region has serpentine channels for efficient heat absorption, while the condenser region has parallel channels for effective heat rejection. This local optimization ensures reliable temperature maintenance across varying heat loads.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the thermosiphon operates without external power, then energy consumption is minimized, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The division into multiple evaporator channels with different flow path patterns enables more precise distribution of refrigerant flow. This segmentation allows the passive thermosiphon to maintain better temperature control precision by optimizing heat transfer in each channel according to local thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermosiphon utilizes dynamic two-phase flow patterns within the channels, where refrigerant alternates between liquid and vapor phases. This dynamic phase change process enables automatic temperature regulation without external power, maintaining precision through inherent thermal feedback mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple evaporator channels are added to handle varying heat loads, then temperature stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple evaporator channels are merged into a single integrated thermosiphon structure with a common condenser region. This merging approach achieves temperature stability through multiple channels while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems, as all channels share common refrigerant circulation pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermosiphon structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the evaporator channels provide heat absorption, the adiabatic region enables phase change transition, and the condenser region provides heat rejection. This multi-functionality allows temperature stability to be achieved without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the thermosiphon is designed for passive operation, then power requirements are minimized, but heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermosiphon exploits phase transitions of the refrigerant (liquid to vapor in evaporator, vapor to liquid in condenser) as the primary heat transfer mechanism. These phase change processes occur passively through natural convection and gravity-driven flow, achieving efficient heat transfer without external power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes pneumatic principles through the movement of vapor and liquid phases through the channels. The vapor return channels and liquid supply channels are configured to optimize two-phase flow patterns, enabling passive heat transfer efficiency through pressure gradients and density differences without mechanical pumps or fans.
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 configuration enables the thermosiphon to maintain temperatures between 0°C and 10°C with minimal power, effectively managing heat loads and maintaining stability for extended periods without external electrical input, demonstrating improved thermal resistance and holdover time.
Implementation Method 1
a thermosiphon 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
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 horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches connected to an adiabatic channel
Implementation Method 4
an adiabatic region including at least one adiabatic channel connecting the evaporator channels and the condenser channels
Implementation Method 5
each of the plurality of evaporator channels has a flow channel formed in a serpentine channel pattern
Implementation Method 6
a plurality of evenly spaced condenser channels with horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches connected to an adiabatic channel
Data Source
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.