Heat exchanger with embedded heater

Abstract

A heat exchanger having both heating and cooling functions includes a first container, a second container and at least one heater. The first container is adapted to hold a first fluid. The second container is adapted to hold a second fluid. Moreover, the second container is thermally coupled to the first container such that thermal energy transfer between the first and second container occurs. The at least one heater is embedded with the first and second container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to heat exchangers and in particular to heat exchangers having both heating and cooling functions. BACKGROUND [0002] Fluids are used in various industries for certain heating or cooling applications. For example, fluids (liquid or gas) are used in heat exchangers. A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer thermal energy from one fluid to another fluid. The two fluids are held in separate containers that are thermally coupled to each other so that the transfer of thermal energy occurs. In some applications the heat exchangers are designed for both heat exchange and cold exchange. For heat exchange, a heater is typically submerged in an associated fluid which is then activated to heat the fluid as it flows over the heater. The heated fluid is then pumped through the heat exchanger (i.e. through the containers thermally coupled to each other to transfer the heat from the heated fluid to the other fluid). This type of ar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a heat exchange system that includes two containers and at least one heater. The two containers are in thermal contact with each other, and the heater is embedded with both containers. The system allows for the transfer of thermal energy between the two fluids. The technical effects of this invention include efficient heating of fluids and improved heat exchange between them.

Problems solved by technology

This type of arrangement, however, presents a problem with the separation of control of the energy entering and exiting the system.

In particular, this type of arrangement, can cause oscillation at set points and unreliable operation during ramps (i.e. the transition period it takes from going from an initial temperature to a desired temperature).

In addition, in very cold dwells or rapid ramps, the cold exchanger can actually freeze the working fluid in the exchanger, stopping all flow.

This can take days in large systems causing loss of production and time.

Another disadvantage to this type of system is the bulkiness of the total system (i.e. the separate heater and heat exchanger takes up a lot of space).

Where space is limited, this type of heat exchanger system is not a viable option.

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