Method And System For Reducing Thermal Leak By Decoupling A Thermal Interface

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to issues that may arise from power loss in temperature control systems, such as a heat pump or thermal engine. According to the present disclosure, a temperature control system may comprise a temperature-controlling device configured to control a temperature-controlled unit. The temperature-controlling device and the temperature-controlling device may be thermally connectable through a thermal path connector. The thermal path connector may be actuatable, wherein actuation of the thermal path connector breaks the thermal path between the temperature-controlling device and the temperature-controlled unit, wherein the break limits temperature leak. Actuation may occur during power loss, which may allow for sustained temperatures without additional power.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A temperature control system comprising:
 a temperature-controlled unit;   a temperature-controlling device configured to control a temperature of the temperature-controlled unit, wherein the temperature controlling device is connectable to a power source;   a thermal path connector comprising:
 an actuatable connector comprising
 a first end comprising a first thermal interface connectable to the temperature-controlled unit; 
 a second end comprising a second thermal interface connectable to the temperature-controlling device; and 
 an actuation mechanism configured to actuate the actuatable connector based on predefined parameters, 
 
 wherein actuation of the actuatable connector controls connection of one or both the first thermal interface to the temperature-controlled unit and the second thermal interface and the temperature-controlling device, and wherein when connected, a thermal path between the temperature-controlled unit and the temperature-controlling device is continuous, and wherein when one or both the first thermal interface and the second thermal interface is disconnected, the thermal path is broken. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein actuation of the thermal path connector occurs with power loss. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the temperature control system comprises a power detector configured to detect power loss, wherein the power detector prompts actuation of the thermal path connector. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature-controlled unit comprises a plurality of zones, wherein temperature of each zone is independently controllable. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature-controlling device comprises a thermodynamic engine. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature-controlled unit comprises:
 a containing portion comprising:
 a cavity comprising at least a first containing wall to contain a load, wherein the temperature-controlling device directly or indirectly controls a load temperature when the load is located within the cavity, 
 an opening configured to receive the load into the cavity; and 
 a lid comprising a movable cover configured to control access to the opening, wherein a closed position of the lid limits passive temperature change within the cavity. 
   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein one or both the lid and the opening further comprises rigid bellows configured to limit passive temperature change within the cavity. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the temperature-controlled unit further comprises a second containing wall, wherein the second containing wall surrounds the first containing wall. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein a space between the first containing wall and the second containing wall comprises a vacuum jacket. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature control system is configured to operate in one or both microgravity or zero gravity conditions. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuatable connector comprises a thermal strap. 
     
     
         12 . A thermal path connector comprising:
 an actuatable connector comprising
 a first end comprising a first thermal interface connectable to a temperature-controlled unit; 
 a second end comprising a second thermal interface connectable to a temperature-controlling device; and 
 an actuation mechanism configured to actuate the actuatable connector based on predefined parameters, 
 wherein actuation of the actuatable connector controls connection of one or both the first thermal interface to the temperature-controlled unit and the second thermal interface and the temperature-controlling device, and wherein when connected a thermal path between the temperature-controlled unit and the temperature-controlling device is continuous, and wherein when one or both the first thermal interface and the second thermal interface is disconnected, the thermal path is broken. 
   
     
     
         13 . The thermal path connector of  claim 12 , wherein the thermal path connector comprises a pivot mechanism connected to the actuatable connector, wherein actuation of the actuatable connector occurs by pivoting the thermal path connector and wherein pivoting disconnects one or both the first thermal interface and the second thermal interface. 
     
     
         14 . The thermal path connector of  claim 12 , wherein breaking the thermal path limits passive temperature change of the temperature-controlled unit. 
     
     
         15 . The thermal path connector of  claim 12 , wherein actuation of the actuatable connector occurs with power loss. 
     
     
         16 . The thermal path connector of  claim 12 , wherein a resting state of the thermal path connector disconnects one or both the first thermal interface to the temperature-controlled unit and the second thermal interface and the temperature-controlling device. 
     
     
         17 . The thermal path connector of  claim 12 , wherein the actuatable connector comprises a thermal strap. 
     
     
         18 . A temperature control system comprising:
 a temperature-controlled unit;   a plurality of temperature-controlling devices connectable to a power source, wherein each of the plurality of temperature-controlling devices is configured to control temperature of the temperature-controlled unit when connected to the power source; and   a first thermal path connector comprising:
 a first actuatable connector comprising:
 a first end comprising a first thermal interface connectable to the temperature-controlled unit, 
 a second end comprising a second thermal interface connectable to at least a first portion of the plurality of temperature-controlling devices, and 
 a first actuation mechanism configured to actuate the first actuatable connector based on predefined parameters, wherein actuation of the first actuatable connector controls connection of one or both the first thermal interface and the second thermal interface, and wherein when both the first thermal interface and the second thermal interface are connected a thermal path between the temperature-controlled unit and at least the first portion of temperature-controlling devices is continuous, and wherein when one or both the first thermal interface and the second thermal interface is disconnected, the thermal path is broken. 
 
   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising a second thermal path connector comprising:
 a second actuatable connector comprising:
 a third end comprising a first thermal interface connectable to the temperature-controlled unit, 
 a fourth end comprising a second thermal interface connectable to at least a second portion of the plurality of temperature-controlling devices, and 
 a second actuation mechanism configured to actuate the second actuatable connector based on predefined parameters, wherein actuation of the actuatable connector controls connection of one or both the third thermal interface and the fourth thermal interface, and wherein when both the second thermal interface and the fourth thermal interface are connected a thermal path between the temperature-controlled unit and at least the second portion of temperature-controlling devices is continuous, and wherein when one or both the third thermal interface and the fourth thermal interface is disconnected, the thermal path is broken. 
   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein breaking the thermal path limits passive temperature change of the temperature-controlled unit.