Counter flow heat exchanger

Abstract

A counter-flow heat exchanger including: a primary flow passageway comprising a primary flow inlet, a primary flow outlet, and a plurality of primary flow subset passageways therebetween; a secondary flow passageway comprising a secondary flow inlet, a secondary flow outlet, and a plurality of secondary flow subset passageways therebetween; and a heat exchanger core comprising portions of the plurality of primary flow subset passageways and the plurality of secondary flow subset passageways, the secondary flow passageway being in thermal communication with the primary flow passageway in the heat exchanger core, wherein the primary flow subset passageways in the heat exchanger core and the secondary flow subset passageways in the heat exchanger core are oriented such that primary fluid flow through the primary flow subset passageways flows opposite secondary fluid flow through the secondary flow subset passageways.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to the field of heat exchangers, and more particularly to method and apparatus for heat exchangers of aircraft.[0002]Heat exchangers are conventionally utilized in aircraft to removed heat from fluid flows. Heat exchangers utilized aircraft must be designed to fit in limited volumes, which may reduce overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchangers and / or impede the flow of fluid through the heat exchanger.BRIEF SUMMARY[0003]According to one embodiment, a counter-flow heat exchanger is provided. The counter-flow heat exchanger including: a primary flow passageway comprising a primary flow inlet, a primary flow outlet, and a plurality of primary flow subset passageways therebetween; a secondary flow passageway comprising a secondary flow inlet, a secondary flow outlet, and a plurality of secondary flow subset passageways therebetween; and a heat exchanger core comprising portions of the plurality of primary ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a counter-flow heat exchanger that includes a primary flow passageway and a secondary flow passageway. The primary flow passageway has primary flow sub-passageways and the secondary flow passageway has secondary flow sub-passageways. The primary and secondary flow sub-passageways are oriented in opposite directions, creating a heat exchanger where the primary and secondary fluids flow in opposite directions. The heat exchanger core is designed to maximize heat transfer between the two fluids. The technical effect of this design is improved heat exchanger efficiency and performance.

Problems solved by technology

Heat exchangers utilized aircraft must be designed to fit in limited volumes, which may reduce overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchangers and / or impede the flow of fluid through the heat exchanger.

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