Micro-scalable thermal control device
US6385973B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2400/15
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A microscalable thermal control module consists of a Stirling cycle cooler that can be manipulated to operate at a selected temperature within the heating and cooling range of the module. The microscalable thermal control module is particularly suited for controlling the temperature of devices that must be maintained at precise temperatures. It is particularly suited for controlling the temperature of devices that need to be alternately heated or cooled. The module contains upper and lower opposing diaphragms, with a regenerator region containing a plurality of regenerators interposed between the diaphragms. Gaps exist on each side of each diaphragm to permit it to oscillate freely. The gap on the interior side one diaphragm is in fluid connection with the gap on the interior side of the other diaphragm through regenerators. As the diaphragms oscillate working gas is forced through the regenerators. The surface area of each regenerator is sufficiently large to effectively transfer thermal energy to and from the working gas as it is passed through them. The phase and amplitude of the oscillations can be manipulated electronically to control the steady state temperature of the active…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.