INTEGRATED THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of heat exchanging and heat integration systems. More particularly, it discloses an integrated thermal management system specifically designed to facilitate the collection and distribution of heat fluxes from multiple heat generation sources to multiple heat-consuming sinks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The thermal energy system encompasses diverse heat-generating components such as engine waste heat, and cooling units. Such components usually operate independently of each other and produce a significant amount of heat and cold flow, which is either wasted or not generated with maximum efficiency. This inefficiency results in the improper utilization of excess heat fluxes produced during operation, wherein the excess heat fluxes are not channelized intelligently to the individual components of the system, contributing to system inefficiency. Also, due to such excess waste heat, the surrounding environment is affected.

In traditional thermal management systems, addressing waste heat often requires the incorporation of separate devices for each heat/cold generator. However, this approach presents several challenges. Firstly, it can result in considerable costs, rendering system operation both complex and inefficient. Additionally, the use of separate coolers for each component separately dispensing the waste heat raises maintenance costs. Furthermore, the reliance on separate, heat management units mainly comprises air coolers which are bulky due to the presence of compressors and fans, leads to significant space requirements within the system.

Several initiatives have been undertaken previously to address these challenges and offer solutions. For instance, EP3743373B1 presents a method for enhanced heat integration in sulfur recovery units by introducing an acid gas stream and an air stream into a reaction furnace. Here, the mentioned document is mainly focused on heat extraction from a single sulfur recovery unit to utilize the waste heat in the furnace. However, the mentioned document did not provide any solutions that adequately tackle these challenges, of integrating the waste heat from various heat sources while providing distribution to several heat consumers at different temperatures and power levels. Therefore, there exists a need for some thermal management systems capable of significantly enhancing space utilization, reducing costs, and improving energy efficiency while integrating multiple heats of the heat-producing components.

Furthermore, limited space in various industries poses a significant challenge for existing thermal management systems, hindering their ability to maximize heat collection and sustain efficient operation. Given the aforementioned limitations, there is a need to develop an advanced thermal management system capable of operating effectively within compact spaces. Such a system should streamline heat dissipation through a single channel, overcoming the constraints outlined earlier.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a highly integrated thermal management system that overcomes the energy, space, and cost-related challenges incurred during waste heat collection.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to design a thermal management system that facilitates the seamless coupling of multiple separate heat or cold generators to optimize the channeling of heat/cold flow from these generators and consumers, thereby enhancing the overall working efficiency of the system.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to centralize the dissipation of waste heat, thereby eliminating the inefficiencies associated with the independent operation of separate thermal units.

A further objective of the present disclosure is to maximize the utilization of collected waste heat, by utilizing a single heat collection circuit.

A further objective of the present disclosure is to minimize operational costs as well as to enhance space utilization, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Additionally, another objective of the present disclosure is to ensure flexibility in retrofitting of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It will be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments of the present disclosure which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is to describe the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an integrated thermal management system comprises a distributed network of heat-exchanging means flowing, wherein a heat collector is flowing in said heat-exchanging means. The heat collector is adapted to collect waste heat from a plurality of sources. The heat-exchanging means comprising a plurality of heat exchangers and connecting pipes that are thermally coupled to each of the sources, facilitating the exchange of heat between the heat-exchanging means and the plurality of sources. A centralized control unit is integrated within the system to control/regulate the extraction or absorption of heat between the heat collector and the sources and the partial mass flow distribution in parallel connected heat exchangers. A centralized dissipation unit is installed within the system to release the extracted waste heat to the ambient air.

According to another embodiment, the plurality of sources in the system includes multiple heat and cold generators and consumers.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat collector is a liquid-based working fluid.

In another embodiment, the centralized control unit comprises a processing module, a plurality of control valves, and a central supply pump collaboratively regulating the total mass flow of the heat collector within the distributed network of heat exchanging means.

In another embodiment, the heat exchanging means comprises a plurality of heat exchangers and connecting pipes arranged in a parallel and series configuration, forming a heat exchanging circuit.

In a further embodiment, the centralized dissipation unit comprises a liquid-to-air heat exchanger that releases the extracted waste heat to the ambient air.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigeration unit has an inlet and an outlet disposed within the network to exchange cold flows with a plurality of refrigeration consumers. The refrigeration consumers include food refrigeration, gas separation, and liquefaction.

Yet in a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the system further comprises a heat pump disposed within the distributed network of the heat exchanging means for the exchange of heat by the heat collector, to utilize an additional heat of the heat pump, as a useful heat output in various heat consumers. These heat consumers may include room air heating, hot water, engine preheating, and general process heat demand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram explaining the working of an integrated thermal management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

In an embodiment, it must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred, systems and methods are now described.

In an embodiment, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters outlined in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations—that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

In an embodiment, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content dictates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The present disclosure relates to an integrated thermal management system specifically designed to efficiently integrate various sources of heat/cold generation and sinks of heat and cold consumption, thereby combining the waste heat dissipation, reducing space consumption, and ensuring a seamless flow of heat/cold (Q) from the sources. Such optimizations collectively enhance the overall operational efficiency of the system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an integrated thermal management system 100. The thermal management system 100 comprises a distributed network of heat-exchanging means flows with a heat collector. The heat collector is adapted to collect waste heat from a plurality of sources 108 all configured within a thermal connection to the network of heat-exchanging means. A centralized control unit 120 is seamlessly integrated with the system and configured to control the absorption/extraction of heat between the heat collector and the sources 108 by regulating the total mass flow and the distribution of the heat collector therefore, minimizing the energy expenditure through pumps, heat pumps and chillers A centralized dissipation unit 102 is disposed within the network of heat-exchanging means to effectively release the waste heat absorbed by the heat collector, to the ambient air.

The distributed network of heat exchanging means comprises a plurality of heat exchangers 112 and connecting pipes 114. The heat exchanger 112 and the connecting pipes 114 are arranged in a parallel and series configuration to form a heat-exchanging circuit within the system. The distributed network of heat-exchanging means is coupled to each of the sources 108, such that each of the sources 108 is in thermal connection with a specific heat exchanger 112.

The above-mentioned configuration, of heat exchangers 112 and sources 108 facilitates the convective exchange of heat between the various sources 108 and the heat collector, which flows within the heat exchanging circuit. The heat collector is preferably a liquid-based working coolant that is adapted to collect waste heat from the heat generators and transfer the collected heat to the plurality of sources 108. The plurality of source 108 includes various heat/cold generators and consumers, wherein the heat consumers may include a heat pump, heating rod, and heating processes and the cold generators may include e.g., refrigeration units, and air-conditioning units.

In an embodiment, the heat collector may include, but is not limited to ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, mineral oil, dielectric fluids, and water.

In another embodiment, the heat exchangers 112 could be liquid-liquid heat exchangers, arranged in an energy-optimized manner and compactly incorporated in a space-efficient manner within the distributed network of heat exchanging means, so that entropy production or energy loss or the need for additional energy generation is minimized.

Further, a central pump 116 is installed in the distributed network of the heat exchanging means. The central pump 116 is operated by the centralized control unit 120 configured to facilitate the circulation of the heat collector within the heat exchanging circuit for extraction/absorption of heat between the heat collector and the sources 108.

In another embodiment, the centralized control unit 120 comprises a processing module configured to activate the central pump 116 to regulate the overall mass flow rate of the heat collector within the heat-exchanging circuit.

In an alternate embodiment, the centralized control unit 120 further comprises multiple control valves 106 strategically positioned within the heat exchanging circuit to collaboratively work with the central pump 116, to regulate the total mass flow rate of the heat collector in the system, The cooperative operation of the central pump 116 and the control valves 106 ensures a consistent circulation of the heat collector at the desired flow rate.

In another embodiment, the total mass flow of the heat collector is distributed throughout the system using the central pump 116 in conjunction with control valves 106, to ensure the optimal thermal performance of the system.

In a further embodiment, the control valves 106 along with the central pump 116 regulate the flow of the heat collector to absorb or release heat/cold flow (Q) at different temperature and output levels. The controlled flow of the heat collector allows the system to dynamically respond to the varying thermal requirements, thereby enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in heat management.

In a further embodiment, the centralized control unit 120 continuously monitors the temperatures of the heat collector while entering or exiting the distributed network of heat-exchanging means.

After the collection of waste heat from all sources, the central pump 116 redirects the heat collector to the centralized dissipation unit 102 disposed into the distributed network of heat exchanging means. The centralized dissipation unit 102 releases the extracted waste heat to the ambient environment. The centralized dissipation unit 116 may comprise a liquid-to-air heat exchanger, which is configured to convectively exchange the absorbed heat of the heat collector with the ambient air, thereby releasing the extracted waste heat to the ambient air.

In an alternate embodiment, the thermal management system further comprises a refrigeration unit 104 having an inlet and an outlet disposed within the distributed network of heat-exchanging means. The refrigeration unit (KM) 104 is configured to exchange cold flows within the system, such that the cold flows are utilized by a plurality of refrigeration consumers. In particular, the refrigeration machine may not dissipate waste heat into the distributed network of the system and may transfer waste heat directly to the ambient air. The plurality of refrigeration consumers includes food refrigeration, gas separation, and liquefaction which absorb the cold flows from the refrigeration unit for the required cooling purposes.

In another alternate embodiment, the proposed system further comprises a heat pump (WP) 110 with its inlet and outlets integrated within the distributed network of heat-exchanging means. Such that, the heat collector absorbs additional heat output from the heat pump (WP) 110, to utilize the additional heat as a useful heat in different heat consumers. The heat consumer refers to room air heating, hot water, engine preheating, and general process heat.

In accordance with the above embodiments, the heat or cold flows provided by heat pumps 110 or chillers respectively, are incorporated into the heat exchanging circuit of the thermal management system. These flows are introduced on both the cold and hot sides of the heat-exchanging circuit. This integration enables the utilization of combined chillers, which can efficiently transfer heat or cold between the fluid streams. The heat pump and chillers are liquid-liquid heat exchangers that deliver high efficiency while requiring minimum possible space. By incorporating heat pumps or chillers, the thermal management system gains versatility in utilizing various heat sources or sinks. Additionally, it allows for the utilization of electrical drive power as a heat source, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the system.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure extends beyond its primary role of heat and cold transfer through an integrated heat exchanger and may also support material extraction, which allows for the transfer of heat and cold to occur at a spatial distance from the thermal management system itself. Material extraction involves the removal of a substance, such as the heat collector fluid carrying heat or cold, from the thermal management system (TMS) and transporting it to another location where heat or cold transfer is desired. This process enables the TMS to be utilized in places where direct physical proximity to the heat or cold source is not feasible or practical.

The material extraction may enhance the flexibility and adaptability of the thermal management system and also allow for retrofitting or modification of the system to accommodate new purposes or applications thereby, ensuring its effectiveness in diverse applications and environments.

Further, in a thermal management system, material extraction is useful in managing heat load fluctuations and enhancing thermal energy storage. Additionally, removing material can expose more surface area, improving heat dissipation and reducing hotspots.

In an embodiment, the thermal management system can be integrated into stationary energy supply systems such as micro gas turbines, local heating/cooling networks, and e-charging stations. By efficiently managing heat and cold flows, the TMS enhances the overall performance and efficiency of these energy supply systems.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the illustrated methodologies are shown and described as a series of blocks/steps, it is to be appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks can occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from that shown and described. Moreover, less than all the illustrated blocks may be required to implement an example methodology. Blocks may be combined or separated into multiple components. Furthermore, additional and/or alternative methodologies can employ additional, not illustrated blocks.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details, the representative embodiments, and the illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, this application is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

The methodology and techniques described for the exemplary embodiments can be performed using a machine or other computing device within which a set of instructions when executed may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client-user machine in a server-client-user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that moreover, although the present various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, and composition of matter, means, methods, and steps described in the specification. As one will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

The preceding description has been presented with reference to various embodiments. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this application pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principle, spirit, and scope.