System and method of controlling temperature of a medium by refrigerant vaporization and working gas condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional temperature control methods for chemical and biochemical reactions, such as fermentation, struggle to adapt to the time and spatially dependent heat production characteristics, leading to inefficient temperature control and potential adverse effects on reaction quality and product consistency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing working gas condensation to control the temperature of a medium in a container, where a working gas reservoir is configured to form a vapor space and enable condensation at a selected temperature, providing localized thermal coverage and adjusting to time and spatial variances in heat requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional external cooling jacket with chilled water or glycol is used, then rapid cooling capability is achieved, but unnecessary cooling occurs and temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into multiple independent heating zones, each with its own heating element and control circuitry. This segmentation allows each zone to independently adjust heating based on local temperature requirements, preventing unnecessary heating in already warm areas while providing targeted heating where needed, thus maintaining temperature uniformity across the entire reaction medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local temperature control by placing multiple heating elements at different locations within the reaction vessel, each controlled independently based on local temperature sensor feedback. This local quality approach ensures that heating is applied only where and when needed, rather than uniformly across the entire vessel, thereby maintaining temperature uniformity while achieving rapid temperature adjustment where required.
2Measurement precision
If temperature control element is submerged in reaction vessel, then local temperature control is achieved, but temperature uniformity across the vessel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heating elements and control systems into an integrated network where each local heating zone communicates with the overall control system. The control element receives temperature data from multiple sensors across the vessel and coordinates heating across multiple zones simultaneously, merging local precision control with vessel-wide temperature uniformity through centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by placing temperature sensors at multiple locations within the reaction vessel, each feeding data to its corresponding heating zone controller. The system continuously monitors local temperatures and adjusts heating power in real-time based on feedback from these sensors, ensuring both precise local temperature control and overall vessel temperature uniformity through dynamic adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If artificial agitation is applied, then temperature homogeneity is improved, but oxidation risk and flavor alteration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the reaction medium to self-regulate temperature through distributed heating elements that respond autonomously to local temperature conditions. Each heating zone independently adjusts its heating based on local sensor feedback, allowing the system to maintain temperature homogeneity without external mechanical agitation, thereby avoiding oxidation and flavor alteration while achieving the desired temperature uniformity.
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 approach allows for precise and efficient temperature control, minimizing unnecessary heating or cooling, reducing thermal shock risks, and optimizing reaction rates and product consistency by addressing the spatial and temporal variations in heat production.
Implementation Method 1
enable working gas condensation at or near a selected temperature of the volume of medium thermal coverage
Implementation Method 2
enable refrigerant vaporization at or near a selected temperature
Implementation Method 3
enable refrigerant vaporization at or near a selected temperature of the volume of medium thermal coverage
Implementation Method 4
exterior surface structured to be thermally coupled with a volume of the medium in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of controlling temperature of a medium by refrigerant vaporization, or working gas condensation, or a combination of both, the system including a container, at least one a working gas reservoir having at least one reservoir section that includes a wall with an exterior surface structured to be thermally coupled with a volume of the medium in the container and to provide a volume of medium thermal coverage in the container, a condensation apparatus to provide regulation of working gas condensation in the reservoir, whereby the working gas reservoir forms a vapor space in each of the at least one reservoir section in response to receiving the working gas and to the condensation apparatus regulation of condensation to enable working gas condensation at or near a selected temperature of the volume of medium in the container that is thermally coupled to the respective reservoir section.