Other

University of California

Symyx Technologies, Inc.

Bluelagoon Technologies Ltd.

Tahoe Technologies, Ltd.

Ningbo Infinite Materials Technology Co., Ltd.

Xiaodong Xiang

Peter G Schultz

Isy Goldwasser

Kai-An Wang

Xiao-Dong Sun

Rong Zhang

Gabriel Briceno

Hong Yang Wang

In various embodiments, novel methods of fabricating and/or packaging aerogels are provided.

Apparatus and method for manufacturing and packaging of high performance thermal insulator aerogels

A high-throughput combinatorial materials experimental apparatus for in-situ synthesis and real-time characterization includes a composition spread device to prepare continuous or discrete composition distribution as precursor of the high-throughput experimental samples library, a low temperature diffusion mixing device to thoroughly mix the composition spread in the thickness direction through diffusion at a relatively low temperature to form an amorphous precursor, and an integrated synthesis-characterization unit for heat treatment of the material library precursor in either a parallel or point-by-point scanning mode at different thermodynamic conditions for phase formation and to characterize features or properties of the materials of interest in an in-situ and real-time manner. The integrated synthesis-characterization unit includes a chamber maintained at desired vacuum and atmosphere, a micro-heating source, an excitation source, a signal collector, and a sample holder.

High-throughput combinatorial materials experimental apparatus for in-situ synthesis and real-time characterization and related methods

A 3-D 'phase change heat exchange' structure and method are used in a rechargeable battery to dissipate heat from surfaces of the battery cells and lower the temperature inside the battery cells. The battery cells are placed inside an enclosure and spaced apart from each other with free spaces in between. A liquid to vapor phase change material (L-V PCM) is provided inside the enclosure. A hydrophilic thin film or wick or fiber structure is provided on the cell surfaces to help form a thin liquid layer of the L-V PCM over cell surfaces. During operation, the L-C PCM is evaporated at the cell surfaces and condenses back to a liquid either on the battery enclosure or in an external heat exchanger, and drips back on top of the cells. The designs extend the battery life and improve the battery performance significantly.

Cooling mechanism for batteries using L-V phase change materials

Novel 3-D super-thermal conducting heat management design and delayed cooling using phase change materials are adopted to lower the temperature inside LEDs and other devices. The cooling mechanism uses a fin structure with hollow fins to dissipate heat to the environment. The hollow space inside the fins is connected to an interior chamber, where a liquid to vapor phase change material (L-V PCM) is provided to transfer heat from the LED chips to the surface of the hollow fins. The LED chips are mounted on an evaporator located at the bottom of the chamber. A liquid reservoir is provided, and the evaporator surface is hydrophilic with an additional wick structure to transport the L-V PCM liquid to the evaporator surface. The fins are parallel to each other and are either parallel or perpendicular to the evaporator surface. This structure has superior performance and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Cooling mechanism for LED light using 3-D phase change heat transfer

A mechanism for cooling the anode of an x-ray tube using a phase change material to transfer heat away from the anode. The x-ray tube is joined to a sealed heat exchange chamber which contains a liquid metal as a liquid to vapor phase change material (L-V PCM). The back side of the anode is exposed to an interior of the heat exchange chamber, and a jet sprayer inside the heat exchange chamber sprays a liquid of the metal onto the back side of the heated anode. The L-C PCM evaporates on that surface to carry away the heat, and the vapor then condenses back into the liquid on the cool surfaces of the heat exchange chamber. The surfaces of the heat exchange chamber may be cooled by convection cooling. Optionally, pipes containing a circulating cooling fluid may be provide inside the heat exchange chamber.

Cooling mechanism for high-brightness X-ray tube using phase change heat exchange

Systems, methods, and computer-implemented embodiments consistent with the inventions herein are directed to storing and/or transferring heat. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a system for transferring/storing heat comprised of a heat exchange/storage apparatus including a chamber, and a heat input device adapted to heat/provide a vapor into the chamber. Other exemplary implementations may include one or more features consistent with a heat output device through which a working medium/fluid passes, a thermal storage medium located within the chamber, and/or a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage medium.

Systems and methods of thermal transfer and/or storage

In various embodiments, phase change and heat exchange methods between heat collection, heat transfer, heat exchange, heat storage, and heat utility systems are described. In certain embodiments, the heat transfer fluids/heat exchange fluids, heat storage media, and working media in the system are all phase change materials with transition temperatures close to each other and in decreasing order and perform their respective function through phase changes within a relatively narrow temperature range. Methods to control heat transfer rate, heat exchange and/or heat charging/discharging rate between heat collection, thermal energy storage and heat utility apparatus at will are provided. Methods of controlling such systems are also provided.

Methods and apparatus for latent heat (phase change) thermal storage and associated heat transfer and exchange

Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc. Once prepared, these materials can be screened for useful properties including, for example, electrical, thermal, mechanical, morphological, optical, magnetic, chemical, or other properties. Thus, the present invention provides methods for the parallel synthesis and analysis of novel materials having useful properties.

Growing community of inventors

Danville, CA, United States of America

Xiaodong Xiang