Heat exchanger containing a component capable of discontinuous movement

Abstract

Regenerative heat exchangers are described for transferring heat between hot and cold fluids. The heat exchangers have seal-leakage rates significantly less than those of conventional regenerative heat exchangers because the matrix is discontinuously moved and is releasably sealed while in a stationary position. Both rotary and modular heat exchangers are described. Also described are methods for transferring heat between a hot and cold fluid using the discontinuous movement of matrices.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention is related to regenerative heat exchangers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHeat exchangers are devices used to transfer heat between a hot fluid stream and a cold fluid stream. In conventional heat exchangers the heat is transferred from one stream to another through a wall and the heat transfer is limited by the conductivity of the material of which the wall is made.Regenerative heat exchangers typically are capable of achieving higher heating temperatures. Regenerative heat exchangers expose a heat-absorbing mass or matrix alternately to a hot stream and to a cold stream. In general, therefore, regenerative heat exchangers have periodic flow.Periodic-flow exchangers operate differently from conventional fixed-surface heat exchangers in that heat is transferred from the hot fluid to the cold fluid by alternatively heating and cooling a high surface area matrix material. This matrix or core is either rotated through or shuttled back and forth between ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

According to the invention the seal leakage rate of a heat exchanger is reduced by discontinuously moving either the matrix or ducting while releasably isolating portions of the matrix with sealing members. In one embodiment of the invention a regenerative heat exchanger for transferring heat between a hot fluid stream and a cold fluid stream has a matrix defining a first group of passageways for fluid to fl

Problems solved by technology

In conventional heat exchangers the heat is transferred from one stream to another through a wall and the heat transfer is limited by the conductivity of the material of which the wall is made.

In tubular or plate fin type heat exchangers, problems can be encountered if the passages are small because deposits from the hot and cold fluids can accumulate and block the small passages.

In addition, because hot and cold-stream separation is controlled by the seals rather th

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