Two-Phase Thermal Loop with Rotary Separator for Reduced Fluid Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-phase liquid heat exchangers require large volumes of liquid for heat transfer, increasing operating costs and inefficiencies in thermal management systems.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode thermal management loop system incorporating a rotary separator, accumulator, evaporator, and condenser, which can operate in either powered-pump or passive-capillary modes, utilizing capillary pressure and variable speed pumps to optimize fluid circulation and heat transfer based on heat load thresholds, with a controller to switch between modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If single-phase liquid heat exchangers are used for heat transfer, then heat transfer function is provided, but large volumes of liquid are required which increases operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transitions by utilizing an evaporator to convert liquid working fluid to vapor and a condenser to convert vapor back to liquid. This phase change mechanism enables highly efficient heat transfer with minimal liquid volume, directly resolving the contradiction between reducing liquid quantity and maintaining heat transfer effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameters of the working fluid between liquid and vapor phases to achieve superior heat transfer coefficients. By operating with small amounts of liquid that undergo phase transitions rather than large volumes of single-phase liquid, the system reduces liquid volume requirements while improving thermal efficiency and reducing operating costs
2Productivity
If single-phase liquid heat exchangers are used, then heat transfer is achieved, but thermal management efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The two-phase thermal loop system utilizes evaporative phase change from liquid to vapor and condensation phase change from vapor to liquid to achieve high thermal management efficiency. The latent heat transfer during phase transitions provides superior heat transfer coefficients compared to single-phase convection, enabling effective thermal management with minimal liquid volume
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs passive capillary wick structures that automatically transport liquid from the condenser to the evaporator without requiring external pumps. This self-service mechanism reduces system complexity and improves thermal management efficiency by utilizing the working fluid's own properties (capillary action) to maintain circulation
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 reduces fluid volume requirements, enhances operating efficiency, and effectively manages varying heat loads by adapting to different operational modes, thereby minimizing costs and improving thermal management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary separator may be configured to recirculate gas to the condenser and to provide liquid to the accumulator
Implementation Method 2
Capillary pressure in the porous media evaporator may drive fluid circulation
Implementation Method 3
all liquid entering the evaporator evaporates to gas
Implementation Method 4
a condenser in fluid receiving communication with the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management loop system may include an accumulator, an evaporator in fluid receiving communication with the accumulator, a condenser in fluid receiving communication with the evaporator, and a rotary separator in fluid receiving communication with the condenser. Gas exiting the rotary separator may recirculate back to the condenser and liquid exiting the rotary separator may flow to the accumulator. The thermal management loop system may be a dual-mode system and thus may be operable in a powered-pump mode or a passive-capillary mode.