UV Radiation Source Thermal Management via Open-Ended Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid treatment systems face challenges with temperature fluctuations affecting the radiation source's performance due to variable fluid temperatures, particularly when the fluid is stationary, leading to suboptimal operation of ultraviolet radiation sources.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an annular gap between the radiation source and a protective sleeve that is open at both ends, allowing for heat dissipation through convection or auxiliary means, decouples the radiation source's performance from the fluid temperature, ensuring optimal operation by maintaining a constant environment around the radiation source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the radiation source is directly immersed in the fluid without a protective sleeve, then heat dissipation is improved, but the radiation source is exposed to fluid temperature fluctuations that affect performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidradiation source performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective sleeve made of radiation-transparent material is introduced as an intermediary between the radiation source and the fluid. The sleeve allows UV radiation to pass through while providing thermal isolation, enabling heat dissipation through the sleeve surface while protecting the radiation source from direct fluid temperature fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective sleeve is implemented as a thin-walled cylindrical structure that is radiation-transparent. The thin wall design allows for effective heat dissipation while maintaining structural integrity and providing sufficient thermal protection against fluid temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a protective sleeve is used around the radiation source, then the radiation source is protected from fluid temperature fluctuations, but heat dissipation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation source performance consistencyVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective sleeve creates a thermal buffer zone around the radiation source, effectively decoupling the radiation source's thermal environment from the fluid's temperature variations. This thermal isolation layer allows the radiation source to maintain optimal operating temperature regardless of fluid temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If the protective sleeve is closed at both ends, then the radiation source is fully protected, but heat build-up occurs around the radiation source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation source protectionVSAvoidheat build-up

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sleeve is designed as an open-ended cylindrical structure rather than a closed enclosure. This segmentation of the protective barrier allows heat to escape through the open ends while still providing thermal protection from fluid contact, preventing heat build-up around the radiation source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heat dissipation is enabled through the axial dimension by leaving the ends of the sleeve open, rather than relying solely on radial heat dissipation. This dimensional approach allows heat to escape in multiple directions, preventing thermal accumulation around the radiation source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design maintains consistent radiation source performance by dissipating heat build-up, reducing the impact of fluid temperature fluctuations and enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of the ultraviolet radiation sources.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating an annular gap between the radiation source and a protective sleeve that is open at both ends, allowing for heat dissipation through convection or auxiliary means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

employ ultraviolet (UV) radiation to inactivate microorganisms present in the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2032247B1Fluid treatment system

Publication Date: 2015.03.04 TROJAN TECH INC

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AI summary

There is disclosed a fluid treatment device comprising a housing for receiving a flow of fluid. The housing comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a closed fluid treatment zone disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Disposed in the housing is at least one elongate radiation source assembly having a longitudinal axis disposed in the fluid treatment zone substantially parallel to a direction of the flow of fluid through the housing. The radiation source assembly comprises an elongate radiation source disposed in a protective sleeve to define a substantially annular passageway. The protective sleeve has opposed open ends configured to permit heat to exit the passageway and the housing through at least one of the opposed open ends of the sleeve.