Buoyancy-based platform assembly for phase change material thermal management
AssigneeGeorgia Tech Research Corporation
InventorComas Haynes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosed technology includes systems and methods of managing temperature distributions of phase change material. The disclosed technology can include a system comprising a platform having a passageway therethrough. The platform can include a density that is less than a density of the phase change material when in a solid phase and greater than a density of the phase change material when in a liquid phase. The system can further include a whip rod disposed at least partially in the passageway of the platform.
Claims20
A system for managing temperature distribution of a phase change material, the system comprising:
- a platform comprising a passageway therethrough, the platform comprising a density that is less than a density of the phase change material when in a solid phase and greater than a density of the phase change material when in a liquid phase;
- a whip rod disposed at least partially in the passageway of the platform, wherein the whip rod is an extendable whip rod.
A system for managing temperature distribution of a phase change material, the system comprising:
- a platform comprising a passageway therethrough, the platform comprising a density that is less than a density of the phase change material when in a solid phase and greater than a density of the phase change material when in a liquid phase;
- and
- a whip rod configured to orbit around a central axis of the passageway proximate an inside surface of the passageway.
A system for managing temperature distribution of a phase change material, the system comprising:
- a platform comprising a passageway therethrough, the platform comprising a density that is less than a density of the phase change material when in a solid phase and greater than a density of the phase change material when in a liquid phase;
- and
- at least one extensible heat transfer fluid line configured to extend or retract as the platform moves between (1) a first position corresponding to a position of the platform when a majority of the phase change material is in the liquid phase and (2) a second position corresponding to a position of the platform when a majority of the phase change material is in the solid phase.
A system for managing temperature distribution of a phase change material, the system comprising:
- a platform comprising a passageway therethrough, the platform comprising a density that is less than a density of the phase change material when in a solid phase and greater than a density of the phase change material when in a liquid phase,
- wherein the platform comprises:
- a base portion configured to extend laterally along a line between a first phase and a second phase of the phase change material;
- and
- a housing portion affixed to, and extending from, the base portion,
- wherein the passage passes through the base portion and the housing portion.
A method for managing temperature distribution of a phase change material, the method comprising:
- providing a platform comprising a passageway therethrough, the platform comprising a density that is less than a density of the phase change material when in a solid phase and greater than a density of the phase change material when in a liquid phase;
- and
- providing an extendable whip rod whip rod disposed at least partially in the passageway of the platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.