Heat exchanger manifold improvements for transient start-up

Abstract

A heat exchanger configured to condition a flow of fluid therein. The heat exchanger includes a first manifold, a second manifold, and a conditioning assembly having a plurality of tubular elements extending between the first manifold and the second manifold. The first manifold includes a first end having an inlet formed therein and a second end formed opposite the first end, wherein a generally tapered portion of the second end of the first manifold and a fluid drain feature formed in the generally tapered portion of the first manifold are configured to minimize an amount of the first fluid remaining in at least one of the first manifold and the tubular elements after operation of the heat exchanger.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a heat exchanger and, more particularly, to a heat exchanger manifold with for transient start.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Conventional radiators are usually provided with a cooling portion in which a radiator liquid is cooled, and two manifolds which are connected to the cooling portion at opposite ends. The first manifold receives the heated radiator liquid before it is led into the cooling portion. The second manifold receives the radiator liquid after it has passed through the cooling portion. The cooling portion usually includes a plurality of tubular elements arranged in parallel which lead the radiator liquid between the manifolds. Surrounding air flows in spaces between the tubular elements so that the radiator liquid is subjected to cooling within the tubular elements. Heat transfer elements of various kinds, e.g. in the form of thin folded fins, are usually arranged in the spaces between the tubula...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a new design for a heat exchanger that reduces the amount of fluid remaining after operation. The design includes a manifold with a tapered shape that gradually decreases the volume of the manifold as it moves away from the inlet. This reduces the amount of fluid needed and helps to quickly distribute the fluid to all the tubular elements. The tapered shape also helps to minimize the amount of fluid remaining in the tubular elements, which can improve the efficiency of the heat exchanger and reduce the amount of unused fluid.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback of such conventional radiators is poor heat exchange efficiency, especially during cold start-up transients.

The back wall directs the radiator liquid downward, causing the tubular elements adjacent the inlet to receive the heated radiator liquid which leads to difficulty in introduction of the heated radiator liquid into the tubular elements adjacent a second end of the first manifold, especially during the cold start up.

Because the heated radiator liquid is unable to flow through the tubular elements adjacent the second end of the first manifold, a temperature imbalance develops between the tubular elements adjacent the first end of the first manifold and the tubular elements adjacent the second end of the first manifold.

As a result of the temperature imbalance, severe thermal stresses may occur which can potentially damage the first manifold, the tubular elements adjacent the second end of the first manifold, and / or a joint formed between the first manifold and the tubular elements.

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