Vascular Channels for Component-Level Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HVAC systems have limited capacity and inefficiencies in directly addressing heat sources within manufactured environments, leading to suboptimal thermal comfort and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of vascular channels within components of manufactured environments, connected to a fluid circuit that circulates fluids to alter thermal states, supplementing HVAC systems by directly managing heat through embedded tubes and manifolds, and utilizing heat exchangers with engine coolant and refrigerant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional HVAC systems are used to condition internal air, then thermal comfort is maintained, but energy usage increases and capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal control function into two segments: HVAC system for overall cabin air conditioning and vascular channels for localized component temperature control. This segmentation allows direct heat management at the component level, reducing the energy burden on the central HVAC system while maintaining thermal comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Vascular channels act as intermediaries between heat sources (electronic components) and the cabin environment. These channels carry fluids to absorb or dissipate heat directly at the component level, serving as a thermal mediator that reduces the need for high-capacity HVAC systems.
2Temperature
If HVAC system capacity is increased to address heat sources directly, then thermal comfort improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control system is segmented into independent vascular channel units embedded in individual components rather than relying on a single large-capacity HVAC system. This modular approach simplifies the overall HVAC requirements while providing targeted thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
Components with vascular channels embedded in them perform their own thermal regulation by circulating fluid through the channels. This self-service capability reduces the burden on the central HVAC system, allowing it to be smaller and less complex.
3Productivity
If vascular channels are embedded in components, then thermal control efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vascular channels are merged with the component manufacturing process itself, allowing channels to be formed directly during molding or fabrication. This integration eliminates separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity despite the added thermal control functionality.
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
Enhances thermal comfort by rapidly reducing or increasing temperatures in vehicle cabins and components, reducing energy consumption and the size of HVAC components, while allowing for efficient heat dissipation and addition.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid circuit is connected with the vascular channels and circulates a fluid through the component to alter a thermal state of the component
Implementation Method 2
The fluid circuit includes a heat exchanger. A HVAC system is configured to circulate a second fluid through the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for thermal control using vascular channels. Vascular channels are incorporated in a network within a component. The component is a part of a manufactured environment configured for occupants. A fluid circuit is connected with the vascular channels and circulates a fluid through the component to alter a thermal state of the component.