Two-Phase Coolant Production and Cooling Capacity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems for refrigeration and cooling applications are inefficient and often rely on refrigerant chemicals that are toxic and energy-intensive, lacking effective solutions for producing and measuring the cooling capacity of two-phase coolants like ice slurries.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pressurized container for instantaneously freezing a fluid upon release, combined with a homogenizer and a carrier fluid, to produce a two-phase coolant, and a conduit with heat transfer sensors to measure cooling capacity and solid void fraction, enabling efficient cooling and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigerant chemicals are used in cooling systems, then cooling capacity is achieved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of water by pressurizing it to below its freezing point and then rapidly depressurizing it upon release, transforming liquid water into ice particles that serve as the cooling medium, eliminating the need for toxic refrigerant chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to solid (ice particles) through rapid pressure change. The pressurized container maintains water in a supercooled liquid state, and upon release, the phase transition to ice particles provides the cooling effect without harmful chemicals
2Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used, then cooling is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inherent properties of water and pressure-induced phase transition to generate cooling效果, without requiring external energy input during the cooling process. The phase change from liquid to ice particles occurs spontaneously upon pressure release, providing cooling without continuous energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The rapid phase transition from liquid water to ice particles upon pressure release provides a large latent heat of fusion effect, delivering significant cooling capacity without requiring continuous energy input, unlike conventional compression-based refrigeration systems
3Productivity
If two-phase coolant is produced, then cooling efficiency is improved, but measurement of cooling capacity and solid void fraction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex direct measurement methods with heat transfer-based indirect measurement. By measuring heat transfer rate through a conduit with known thermal properties and temperature changes, the system calculates cooling capacity and solid void fraction using thermal principles, simplifying the measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a conduit with known heat transfer characteristics as an intermediary medium. The conduit acts as a standardized interface between the two-phase coolant and the measurement system, allowing indirect but accurate determination of cooling capacity and solid void fraction through heat transfer measurements
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 system effectively produces and measures two-phase coolants, providing efficient cooling for applications such as hypothermia, perishable goods, and device cooling, while reducing the need for toxic refrigerants and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The first container can be configured to maintain the first fluid at a temperature below the atmospheric freezing point of the first fluid and can be pressurized at a level sufficiently high to cause substantially instantaneous freezing of the first fluid upon its release from the first container
Implementation Method 2
The homogenizer can comprise an aperture for efflux of the produced coolant
Implementation Method 3
A heat source is positioned to transfer heat to the coolant flowing through the interior of the conduit
Implementation Method 4
At least one heat flux sensor and at least one temperature sensor are positioned on the conduit to measure heat transfer to the coolant
Implementation Method 5
At least one heat flux sensor and at least one temperature sensor are positioned on the conduit to measure heat transfer to the coolant and coolant temperature as functions of the distance traveled by the coolant through the conduit interior
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides systems and devices for producing two-phase coolants such as an ice slurry. Also provided are methods for producing two-phase coolants, and methods for using the two-phase coolants to lower the temperature or maintain a low temperature in any subject, system, object, device, or application where particular low temperatures are desired. Also provided are systems for determining the cooling capacity of two-phase coolants.