Reversible Thermosiphon Icemaker for Fast Freezing and Ice Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional icemakers in refrigerators are inefficient in ice production and discharge, as they rely on standard conduction and convection methods, which are slow and energy-intensive, and lack a mechanism for rapid and efficient ice release.
Innovation Solution
The use of a reversible thermosiphon or heat pipe system with a mold body and hollow sealed tube, where the evaporator and condenser portions are in thermal communication, allowing for efficient heat transfer during freezing and reversible operation for ice discharge, utilizing a two-phase heat transfer fluid and actuation mechanism to transition between fill and dispense modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional conduction and convection methods are used for ice freezing and discharge, then the icemaker structure is simple, but the ice production rate is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transitions of the heat transfer fluid (liquid to vapor and back) within the thermosiphon system to achieve rapid heat extraction during freezing and rapid heat input during discharge. The fluid circulates through phase change cycles, enabling high-speed thermal energy transfer that dramatically increases ice production rate while reducing energy consumption compared to conventional conduction methods
Solution Approach 2:
The thermosiphon system is designed to dynamically reverse its operation between freezing mode and discharge mode. The system transitions from a state where the evaporator is in the freezer compartment (freezing) to a state where the evaporator is in the dispensing compartment (discharge), allowing the same system to perform both functions efficiently without requiring separate static systems
2Speed
If standard conduction methods are used for heat transfer, then the device structure is simple, but the thermal response speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) of the heat transfer fluid to achieve rapid thermal response. During freezing, the fluid evaporates in the evaporator absorbing heat quickly; during discharge, the fluid condenses releasing heat rapidly. This phase change mechanism provides much faster thermal response compared to steady-state conduction through solid materials
Solution Approach 2:
The thermosiphon system employs fluid dynamics and pressure gradients driven by phase changes to circulate the heat transfer fluid through the system. The pneumatic-hydraulic action of the two-phase fluid enables rapid heat transport throughout the mold body, achieving fast thermal response without requiring complex active pumping or control systems
3Productivity
If conventional ice discharge mechanisms are used, then the mechanism is simple, but the ice release efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase transitions of the heat transfer fluid to efficiently transfer thermal energy to the ice during discharge. The condensing fluid releases latent heat directly to the mold body, rapidly warming it to facilitate ice release. This phase change heat transfer is much more efficient than conduction-based heating, reducing energy loss and improving ice release efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reverses between freezing and discharge modes by repositioning the thermosiphon assembly. During discharge, the evaporator is positioned in the dispensing compartment where it receives heat from warmer air, and the condenser is positioned in the freezer compartment. This dynamic reconfiguration enables efficient ice release without requiring additional energy-intensive heating elements
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 a high ice production rate with low energy use, faster thermal response, and efficient ice release, reducing the weight and cost of the icemaker while improving heat transfer efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a reversible thermosiphon or heat pipe system with a mold body and hollow sealed tube, where the evaporator and condenser portions are in thermal communication, allowing for efficient heat transfer during freezing and reversible operation for ice discharge
Implementation Method 2
A two-phase heat transfer fluid contained within the hollow sealed tube
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a mold body with at least one cavity configured and dimensioned to receive water to be frozen into ice; a hollow sealed tube having an evaporator portion in thermal communication with the mold body and an offset condenser portion opposite the evaporator portion; a two-phase heat transfer fluid contained within the hollow sealed tube; and an actuation arrangement which causes the mold body and the tube to transition between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the water can be introduced into the at least one cavity and the offset condenser portion is above the evaporator portion. In the second position, the ice can be discharged from the at least one cavity and the offset condenser portion is below the evaporator portion. A refrigerator using the apparatus is also disclosed.