Tight temperature control at a thermal load with a two phase pumped loop, optionally augmented with a vapor compression cycle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-phase pump loops struggle to maintain a constant coolant temperature in high-energy applications, leading to temperature and pressure fluctuations that can result in inefficient heat management and require redundant systems for tight temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A two-phase pump loop design with controlled valves (V1 and V2) and a controller to regulate pressure and temperature, allowing for precise management of coolant temperature and pressure within tight tolerances, and optional integration with Vapor Cycle Systems (VCS) for enhanced cooling capacity and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional two-phase pump loops are used, then the system can provide evaporative cooling, but the coolant temperature cannot be maintained constant and fluctuates with ambient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the condenser temperature and pressure to compensate for ambient temperature variations. The system adjusts the condenser operating parameters (temperature and pressure) to maintain the evaporator outlet temperature constant, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature stability and ambient adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the evaporator outlet temperature and using this information to adjust the condenser operating conditions. The controller modifies condenser parameters based on measured temperature deviations, creating a closed-loop system that maintains constant coolant temperature despite ambient changes
2Measurement precision
If redundant systems are added for tight temperature control, then temperature control precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single two-phase pump loop system that performs both cooling and precise temperature control functions. The system uses the phase change mechanism and controlled condensation process to achieve tight temperature control without requiring separate redundant cooling systems, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving precision
3Productivity
If tight temperature control is implemented, then heat management efficiency improves, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the natural phase change properties of the coolant and passive heat transfer mechanisms to achieve tight temperature control. The system leverages the evaporative cooling effect and controlled condensation process, requiring minimal active intervention and low electrical power consumption while maintaining high heat management efficiency
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 solution ensures tight temperature control of the coolant, balancing heat loads and minimizing electrical power consumption, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of thermal management systems for applications like high-energy lasers and other industrial devices.
Implementation Method 1
the coolant passes through the device as a two (2)-phase fluid (i.e., a vapor and liquid mixture)... because the coolant passes through the device as a two (2)-phase fluid (i.e., a vapor and liquid mixture)
Implementation Method 2
a condenser configured to release heat (QREJECTED) in order to remove the heat (QREJECTED) from the TPPL
Data Source
AI summary
A two-phase pump loop (TPPL) for dissipating a thermal load during operation of an apparatus includes a coolant, a vapor/liquid receiver, a pump, an evaporator, a condenser, a valve (V1) configured to regulate a pressure at an outlet of the condenser; a valve (V2) having a control set point set equivalent to a low pressure (PL) measured in the vapor/liquid receiver; and a controller configured to control the set points of V1 and V2. The TPPL is configured to cool the thermal load with tight control of the temperature of the coolant that is cooling the apparatus. The TPPL may be combined with a vapor cycle system (VCS) to provide a thermal management system with the VCS being configured to use the same or different coolant than the TPPL.