Thermal Management System

Abstract

A thermal management system includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being configured to direct a first fluid into and out of the body. The body includes a channel fluidly separated from the inlet and the outlet. A second fluid is directed through the channel. A pipe assembly is fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of fluidly separated pipes. Each of the plurality of pipes extends along a respective tortuous path between a respective first end and a respective second end. The plurality of pipes are intertwined between the first end and the second end. The plurality of pipes are positioned so that a second fluid flowing through the channel flows through the plurality of pipes and exchanges thermal energy with a first fluid moving within each of the plurality of pipes.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Indian Application No. 202011029731 filed on July 13, 2020 and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 369,468 filed on July 7, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The described subject matter relates to fluid thermal management systems and methods. Background Art

[0004] Heat exchangers (e.g., radiators) can include oil, water, and air as a working medium to be cooled or heated. For example, a heat exchanger can be used with an engine to transfer heat between different bodies or volumes. For example, a first fluid with a relatively high temperature can pass through a first channel, while a second fluid with a relatively low temperature can pass through a second channel. The first channel and the second channel can be in thermal contact or close proximity, thereby allowing heat to be transferred from the first fluid to the second fluid. Therefore, the temperature of the first fluid can be reduced and the temperature of the second fluid can be increased.

[0005] Typically, heat exchangers include a finned tube design where the fins provide additional interaction area between the fluid media to enhance heat transfer and provide structural strength to the heat exchanger. As an example, Figure 1 A known heat exchanger system 10 is shown. The system includes a body 12 having an inlet 14 and an outlet 16 configured to introduce and remove a first fluid 24 from the system. The body may also include a channel 26 that is fluidly separate from the inlet and outlet and contains a second fluid 28. A plurality of tubes 20 are fluidly coupled to the inlet and outlet and direct the first fluid through the channel between the inlet and outlet. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the system is shown, for example, along Figure 1 Line 2-2 in. In the illustrated embodiment, each tube body has a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape, the size of which is substantially consistent with the size of each other tube. The system also includes a plurality of fins 22, which are connected to the tube body to increase the interaction area between the plurality of tube bodies 20 and the second fluid 28, while providing structural support for the plurality of tube bodies 20. A first fluid that is fluidly separated from the second fluid moves through the tube body and exchanges thermal energy with the second fluid that is directed into the channel. Each of these components may need to be individually positioned, oriented and connected to a support structure (e.g., a body) by fastening, brazing, welding or other connection methods. Due to the number of joints formed, the manufacturing time and cost associated with the assembly of such a heat exchanger may increase.

[0006] One technical problem with existing heat exchangers is that while the fins provide enhanced heat transfer and added structural advantages, the fins also increase resistance to the flow of the second fluid moving within the channels, resulting in fluid shearing along the fin walls. In addition, the fins of known systems may be stacked close to each other so that the fins are tightly packed within the system. As a result, additional mechanical power (e.g., a fan or blower 18) must be used to drive the second fluid through the channels and through the tightly stacked fins to achieve the desired cooling. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a thermal management system includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being configured to guide a first fluid into and out of the body. The body includes a channel separated from the inlet and the outlet fluids. A second fluid is guided through the channel. A pipe assembly is coupled to the inlet and the outlet fluids. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of fluidly separated pipes. Each pipe in the plurality of pipes extends between a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end along a corresponding tortuous path. The plurality of pipes are intertwined between the first end and the second end. The plurality of pipes are positioned so that the second fluid flowing through the channel flows over the plurality of pipes and exchanges thermal energy with the first fluid moving in each of the plurality of pipes.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the thermal management system includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being configured to guide a first fluid into and out of the body. The body also includes a channel separated from the inlet and outlet fluids. A second fluid is guided through the channel. A pipe assembly is coupled to the inlet and outlet fluids. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of fluidly separated pipes. Each pipe in the plurality of pipes extends between a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end along a corresponding tortuous path. The pipe assembly includes one or more arms coupled to the plurality of pipes and extending between the plurality of pipes. The one or more arms can maintain the position of each pipe in the plurality of pipes relative to each other pipe in the plurality of pipes between the corresponding first end and the second end of the plurality of pipes. The plurality of pipes are intertwined between the first end and the second end. The plurality of pipes are positioned so that the second fluid flowing through the channel flows over the plurality of pipes and exchanges heat energy with the first fluid moving in each of the plurality of pipes.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the thermal management system includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being configured to guide a first fluid into and out of the body. The body also includes a channel separated from the inlet and outlet fluids. A second fluid is guided through the channel. A pipe assembly is coupled to the inlet and outlet fluids. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of pipes separated from a first group of fluids and a plurality of pipes separated from a second group of fluids. Each of the first plurality of pipes and the second plurality of pipes extends between a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end along a corresponding tortuous path. The first plurality of pipes are intertwined between the first end and the second end. The second plurality of pipes are intertwined between the first end and the second end. The first plurality of pipes and the second plurality of pipes are positioned so that the second fluid flowing through the channel flows over the first plurality of pipes and the second plurality of pipes and exchanges thermal energy with the first fluid moving in the first plurality of pipes and the second plurality of pipes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The subject matter of the present invention may be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A known thermal management system is schematically shown;

[0012] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a known thermal management system;

[0013] Figure 3 shows a thermal management system according to one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A perspective view of the piping of the thermal management system shown;

[0015] Figure 5 According to an embodiment Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the thermal management system shown in FIG. 1 at a first position;

[0016] Figure 6 According to an embodiment Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the thermal management system shown in FIG. 1 at a second position;

[0017] Figure 7 According to an embodiment Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the thermal management system shown in FIG. 1 at a third position;

[0018] Figure 8 According to an embodiment Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the thermal management system shown in FIG. 1 at a fourth position;

[0019] Fig. 9illustrates a plurality of cross-sectional shapes of a conduit of a thermal management system according to one embodiment;

[0020] Fig.10 shows a cross-sectional view of a plurality of conduits of a thermal management system according to one embodiment;

[0021] Fig.11 Several examples of cross-sectional views of conduits of a thermal management system according to one embodiment are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to thermal management systems (e.g., heat exchangers) and methods that include a plurality of fluidly separated pipes that are wound around each other and extend along a tortuous path between a first end and a second end. The wound pipes guide a first fluid through the system that exchanges thermal energy with a second fluid in a system channel. For example, the wound pipes may have a tortuous path between the first and second ends of the pipes. The tortuous path of the pipe increases the surface area of ​​the pipe that interacts with the second fluid in the channel, thereby controlling the amount of thermal energy transferred between the first and second fluids. The system may include one or more arms extending between a pipe, and / or one or more arms extending between two or more different pipes to maintain the position of the tortuous path of the pipe between the first and second ends of the pipe. For example, the arms may maintain the spiral position of the pipes relative to each other around a central axis.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the pipes can be divided into multiple groups of pipes. For example, a first group of pipes can be intertwined with each other, while a second group of pipes can be intertwined with each other but not with the first group of pipes. The different groups of pipes can be separated from each other by structures disposed in the channels of the system. For example, the structure can separate the first group of pipes from the second group of pipes and can increase the rigidity of the system relative to a system that does not include these structures.

[0024] The thermal management system can be used in an engine, such as an engine associated with a mobile or motor vehicle system, including but not limited to automobiles, trucks, buses, mining vehicles, ships, manned or unmanned aircraft (such as drones), agricultural vehicles, or other off-highway vehicles. As an example, the thermal management system can be used or combined with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler system. Alternatively, the thermal management system can be used with a stationary power system, such as an industrial power system, a turbine, a water treatment device, any household or commercial cooling system, a personal appliance, or other system.

[0025] Figure 3A front cross-sectional view of a thermal management system 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The system includes a body 102 having a substantially rectangular shape between a first end 132 and a second end 134 and a top surface 142 and a bottom surface 144. The system and XYZ coordinate system are used herein only for the purpose of explaining various aspects of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, directional indications such as "left" and "right", "front" and "back", "top" and "bottom" are only used to indicate the relative positioning of the two sides of the system along the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0026] The body includes an inlet channel 112 disposed at a first end. The inlet channel is fluidly coupled to the inlet 104, through which the first fluid 108 is introduced into the system and enters the inlet channel. The body also includes an outlet channel 114 fluidly coupled to the outlet 106, through which the first fluid is led out of the system.

[0027] The body includes a channel 116, which can be or represent one or more open channels within the body, the channel 116 being separated from the inlet and inlet channel fluids, and being separated from the outlet and outlet channel fluids. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel is a separate channel extending substantially between the inlet channel and the outlet channel and between the top and bottom surfaces of the body. In alternative embodiments, the channel can have alternative sizes, can be divided into two or more different channels, or any combination thereof.

[0028] The thermal management system also includes a conduit assembly 118. The conduit assembly includes a plurality of fluidly separated conduits 120A-G, 121A-G. Each conduit extends from a first end 130, 131 to a second end 140, 141 within the channel. Figure 4 An example of a first group 220A of a plurality of pipes of a pipe assembly is shown. The first group includes a first pipe 120A and a second pipe 121A separated from the first pipe fluid. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the pipeline assembly includes seven groups of pipelines 220A-220G, and each group includes two pipelines separated from each other by fluid. Optionally, the pipeline assembly can include any number of groups, and any number of pipelines can be included in each group. For example, the first group 220A can include two pipelines, and the second group 220B can include three pipelines. Optionally, the pipeline assembly can include one or more ungrouped single pipelines.

[0029] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the first conduit extends between the first end 130 and the second end 140, and the second conduit extends between the first end 131 and the second end 141. The first conduit and the second conduit extend substantially along the axis 126 between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first conduit and the second conduit extend between the first end and the second end along a tortuous path 150, 151, respectively. The tortuous path of the first conduit and the second conduit positions the first conduit and the second conduit between the first end and the second end in a winding manner. As an example, the first conduit and the second conduit may have a profile similar to a DNA strand. As another example, the first conduit and the second conduit may be spirally wound around the axis between the first end and the second end, wherein a plurality of spaces are provided between each spiral turn of each of the first conduit and the second conduit. For example, the conduit may have a tortuous path including a curve having a tangent at a substantially constant angle to the axis. Alternatively, the tortuous path of the conduit may have a curve having a tangent at a non-constant angle to the axis. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of conduits forming any arrangement.

[0030] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first conduit and the second conduit have similar tortuous paths relative to each other. For example, the first conduit has a curve extending between the first end and the second end and around the axis, which is substantially similar to the curve of the second conduit. Optionally, one or more conduits may have a tortuous path different from another conduit. For example, the number of turns of the first conduit around the axis may be different from the number of turns of the second conduit. Optionally, the first conduit and the second conduit may include the same number of turns, but the turns of the first conduit may be separated from each other by a first distance, and the turns of the second conduit may be separated from each other by a different, second distance. Optionally, the second conduit may be a circumferential transformation of the first conduit along the length of the axis by a constant or varying angle. For example, the angle may change over a certain length of the axis, may remain substantially constant over another length of the axis, or any combination thereof. Optionally, the first conduit may be disposed at a first distance from the axis, and the second conduit may be disposed at a shorter or longer distance from the axis. Optionally, the first conduit may have a templated tortuous path, and the second conduit may have a random tortuous path between the first end and the second end. Alternatively, the tortuous path of the first conduit may include a segment extending in a direction substantially parallel to the axis, and another segment extending in one or more different radial directions away from or towards the axis.

[0031] The tortuous path of the conduit between the first end and the second end of the conduit provides an amount of thermal energy transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid that is similar to or greater than a system including fins (e.g., Figure 1A thermal management system including conduits with tortuous paths provides a certain amount of heat transfer between the fluids without compromising the flow of the second fluid with the fins. In addition, the cross-sectional dimensions of the conduits (e.g., Figure 4 ) can be smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the pipe body of the known system (e.g. Figure 2 ). The smaller size pipe in the pipe assembly enables the pipe to have a tortuous path that may be different from the tortuous path of a pipe having a larger cross-sectional size. Increasing the amount or distance of travel of the tortuous path between the first end and the second end increases the surface area of ​​the pipe within the channel. Increasing the surface area of ​​the pipe within the channel increases the amount of thermal energy that can be transferred between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0032] The pipeline is connected to the inlet channel fluid at the first end of the body and connected to the outlet channel fluid at the second end of the body. For example, the first fluid is introduced into the body via the inlet, and at least a portion of the first fluid is introduced into one or more pipelines via the inlet channel. The first fluid moves between the inlet channel and the outlet channel via one or more pipelines. When the first fluid moves in the pipeline and along the tortuous path of the pipeline, the first fluid exchanges heat energy with the second fluid in the channel. In one embodiment, the first fluid can increase the temperature of the second fluid so that the second fluid cools the first fluid. Alternatively, the first fluid can reduce the temperature of the second fluid so that the second fluid heats the first fluid. The first fluid is drawn out of each pipeline and enters the outlet channel. The outlet channel draws the first fluid out of the body through the outlet. In one or more embodiments, the body may include two or more inlets for introducing one or more different fluids into the body. Alternatively, the body may include two or more outlets for drawing fluid out of the body. Alternatively, the first fluid can be introduced and drawn out of the pipeline by any alternative structure.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the inlet channel and / or the outlet channel can be coupled to one or more fluid control devices (not shown). For example, the inlet channel can be coupled to a blower or a pump, which can cause the first fluid to enter the inlet channel and move toward the pipeline. Optionally, the outlet channel can be coupled to a fluid control device (not shown), such as a pump that can cause the first fluid to move toward the outlet channel. The inlet channel can be coupled to a flow regulating device, such as a valve, a baffle, a louver, etc., to control the flow of the first fluid into the inlet channel and / or through the pipeline. Optionally, the outlet channel can be coupled to a flow regulating device, such as a valve, a baffle, a louver, etc., to control the flow of the first fluid flowing out of the outlet channel.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the pipe assembly may include one or more arms 136, 138 that may be coupled to and extend between a plurality of pipes. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second conduits of the first set of conduits include a plurality of arms 136, 138 extending in different directions between the first and second conduits. The arms can maintain the tortuous path of the first conduit relative to the tortuous path of the second conduit between the first and second ends. For example, the arms can maintain the spiral position of each conduit relative to each other around the central axis.

[0035] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of conduits extend in a substantially horizontal direction between an inlet channel and an outlet channel within the body. In one or more embodiments, one or more conduits, or one or more groups of conduits, may extend in any alternative direction that may not be substantially parallel to the top and bottom surfaces of the body. For example, the first ends 130, 131 of the first group of conduits 220A may be disposed proximate to the top surface of the body, and the second ends 140, 141 of the first group of conduits may be disposed proximate to the bottom surface of the body. Alternatively, the conduit assembly may have any alternative configuration within the body.

[0036] The second fluid 128 can be contained in the channel and move in the channel. In one or more embodiments, the system may include one or more fluid control devices 110 that can control the flow rate of the second fluid in the channel, such as fans, blowers, pumps, valves, baffles, shutters, etc. The illustrated embodiment includes two fluid control devices, but optionally there may be no fluid control device, or one or more different devices may be included. In one embodiment, the system may include a fan and a pump, which can be combined with mechanical action to control the flow of the second fluid in the channel. In one or more embodiments, the fluid control device can be used to change the flow rate of the second fluid moving in the channel, thereby controlling the amount of heat energy transferred between the first fluid moving in the pipeline and the second fluid in the channel.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the first fluid can be a liquid, a gas, a liquid-gas mixture, a liquid or a gas carrying a dispersed solid, or another medium. In addition, the second fluid can be a liquid, a gas, a liquid-gas mixture, or another medium that can be the same or different from the first fluid. For example, the first fluid can be water, and the second fluid can be air. Alternatively, the first fluid and the second fluid can be any alternative phases of different materials.

[0038] The system may include one or more structures 124 extending between the first and second ends of the body. These structures may provide support for the body within the channel. In addition, these structures may separate one group of pipes from other groups of pipes. Figure 3The embodiment shown includes two structures, but alternatively any number of structures may be included within the channel. Optionally, one or more structures may extend in three or more different directions within the channel, may have any uniform or unique shape or size relative to each other structure, or any combination thereof.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, one or more parts of the body include an inlet channel and an outlet channel, and the pipeline assembly can be additively manufactured as a single integral component. For example, the system can be formed as a whole. Compared with the use of non-additive manufacturing methods such as extrusion, stamping, casting, forging, etc. to manufacture the system, the use of additive manufacturing thermal management system makes the system more compact. In addition, the system is additively manufactured so that the system has different three-dimensional shapes in the same single component, has multi-domain cooling technology (for example, different cooling channels or pipes), etc. Additive manufacturing can involve combining or solidifying materials under computer control to create a three-dimensional object, such as by adding liquid molecules or fusing powder particles to each other. Examples of additive manufacturing include three-dimensional (3D) printing, rapid prototyping (RP), direct digital manufacturing (DDM), selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), direct metal laser melting (DMLM), etc. Alternatively, the thermal management system or a part of the system can be formed in another way.

[0040] Figures 5 to 8 The cross-sectional views of the thermal management system at different positions in the channel are shown, for example, along Figure 3 Cross-sectional views along lines 5-5, 6-6, 7-7 and 8-8. Figures 5 to 8 The cross-sectional view shown in shows seven groups of pipelines.Each group in the seven groups of pipelines includes four pipelines separated from each other by fluid.Alternatively, the pipeline assembly can include any number of groups, any number of pipelines can be included in each group, and each pipeline can extend between the first end and the second end along any similar or unique tortuous path relative to each other pipeline.One or more arms 136 can be connected with the extension between two pipelines in the same group (for example, the first group 220A), or, alternatively, one or more arms can extend between two pipelines of different groups (for example, the fourth group 220D and the fifth group 220E).

[0041] The conduits may follow substantially similar tortuous paths between the first end and the second end. For example, as the distance from the first end to the second end of the body increases, the paths of the conduits wind around each other. As shown in the first set of conduits 220A, the conduits 120A, 121A, 320A, 321A rotate relative to each other about the axis 126 to different positions at different locations along the length of the body from the first end to the second end.

[0042] like Figures 5 to 8As shown, each conduit includes a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape at each different location between the first end and the second end of the conduit. For example, each conduit has Figures 5 to 8 In one or more embodiments, the shape and / or size of one or more conduits can be changed at different locations within the channel. For example, the size of one or more conduits can gradually increase and then gradually decrease between the first end and the second end, or alternatively can gradually decrease and then gradually increase between the first end and the second end. Alternatively, the shape of one or more conduits can be changed from a substantially circular cross-sectional shape near the first end to a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape near the second end.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the shape and / or size of the conduit can be varied to control the pressure of the first fluid moving in the conduit between the inlet channel and the outlet channel. Alternatively, the shape and / or size of the conduit can be varied to control the amount of heat transfer between the first fluid in the conduit and the second fluid in the channel and outside the conduit. Fig. 9 Different examples of cross-sectional shapes 902-916 of pipes are shown. One or more pipes may have a shape such as one of shapes 902-916, such as by increasing the surface area of ​​the pipe to improve the amount of heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid. For example, the surface area of ​​shape 904 is greater than that of shape 902. Relative to the pipe having shape 902, the first fluid moving in the pipe having shape 904 can transfer a greater amount of heat energy to the second fluid outside the pipe. As another example, the shape of the pipe can change the amount of resistance of the first fluid moving in the pipe. For example, the amount of resistance of the pipe having shape 906 is greater than the amount of resistance of the fluid moving in the pipe having shape 908. As another example, the size of the pipe can change the amount of resistance of the fluid. For example, the amount of fluid resistance of the pipe having the size of shape 910 is greater than the amount of resistance of the fluid moving in the pipe having shape 912. Optionally, the shape and / or size of the pipe can be based on the amount of twisting of the pipe around the axis (e.g., a twisting or tilting angle of 30° or 45° relative to the axis), the number of pipes in a group, etc.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the pipe assembly can be formed by one or more additive manufacturing methods, and the pipe can be connected to the inlet channel and the outlet channel by a non-additive manufacturing method. As an example, one or more pipes can be manufactured using a first material, and the second pipe can be manufactured using a different second material. Alternatively, a portion of the first pipe can be manufactured using a first material, and a second portion of the first pipe can be manufactured using a different second material. For example, one or more pipes can be additively manufactured using one or more materials to control the amount of heat energy transferred between the first fluid and the second fluid, control the amount of heat energy transferred at a position in the channel, etc. In one or more embodiments, one or more pipes can be additively manufactured using a first material, and can include a coating disposed along the inner surface of the pipe. Optionally, the inner surface of the pipe can be a first material, and the outer surface of the pipe can be a second material. Optionally, the inner surface can include a first surface treatment (e.g., water coating, water erosion, smooth finish, etc.), and the outer surface can include a second surface treatment (e.g., rough surface treatment). For example, the smooth inner surface of the pipe can reduce the amount of resistance of the fluid moving in the pipe relative to the rough inner surface. In addition, relative to the smooth outer surface, the rough outer surface can increase the amount of heat energy transferred between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the tubes within a group may have a different arrangement relative to each other tube within the group. Figures 5 to 8 Each of the groups 220A-G is shown to have a common number of four tubes within each group, and each group of tubes has the tubes spaced substantially evenly apart from one another in a quadrilateral shape. Alternatively, one or more groups of tubes may have a different number of tubes, and the tubes within a group may be spaced apart from one another in a different shape. For example, Fig.10 Different examples of tube groups 1020A-1020D are shown. The first group 1020A includes ten tubes in a first arrangement, and the second group 1020B includes ten tubes in a different arrangement. The third group 1020C includes eight tubes arranged differently from Figure 5 The arrangement of the groups 220A-220G shown. The fourth group 1020D includes six pipes in another arrangement. Optionally, the pipe assembly can include any number of pipes, the pipes can be separated or grouped into any number of groups, the groups can include any number of pipes, the pipes can be arranged in any arrangement relative to each other pipe, etc.

[0046] Fig.11Examples of pipes having different internal and external shapes and sizes are shown. For example, a first pipe 1102 has an outer surface 1110 and an inner surface 1112. A second pipe 1104, a third pipe 1106, and a fourth pipe 1108 each have an outer surface that forms an outer profile substantially similar to the outer profile of the first pipe. In addition, the inner surfaces of the first pipe 1102, the second pipe 1104, the third pipe 1106, and the fourth pipe 1108 form an inner pipe having a different shape relative to each other and relative to the outer profile of the pipe. For example, the outer surface of the first pipe forms an outer profile that is substantially similar to the outer profile of the second pipe, the third pipe, and the fourth pipe. Optionally, one or more of these pipes may have a different outer profile (e.g., such as Fig. 9 As shown). The inner pipe formed by the inner surface of the first pipe has a shape different from the outer contour of the first pipe. In addition, the inner pipe of the first pipe has a shape different from the inner pipe of the second pipe.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, a thermal management system includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being configured to guide a first fluid into and out of the body. The body includes a channel separated from the inlet and outlet fluids. A second fluid is guided through the channel. A pipe assembly is coupled to the inlet and outlet fluids. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of fluidly separated pipes. Each of the plurality of pipes extends between a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end along a corresponding tortuous path. The plurality of pipes are intertwined between the first end and the second end. The plurality of pipes are positioned so that the second fluid flowing through the channel passes over the plurality of pipes and exchanges thermal energy with the first fluid moving in each of the plurality of pipes.

[0048] Optionally, the pipe assembly may include one or more arms coupled to and extending between the plurality of pipes. The one or more arms may maintain the position of each of the plurality of pipes relative to each other of the plurality of pipes between the respective first and second ends of the plurality of pipes.

[0049] Optionally, one or more arms may maintain a respective tortuous path of each of the plurality of conduits relative to the tortuous path of each other conduit.

[0050] Optionally, one or more arms may maintain the helical position of each conduit relative to each other about the axis.

[0051] Optionally, each of the plurality of conduits comprises a first end, a second end, and a tortuous path.

[0052] Alternatively, the plurality of tubes may be helically wound about the axis between the first end and the second end of the plurality of tubes.

[0053] Optionally, a first conduit of the plurality of conduits may include an inner surface forming a first inner conduit. A second conduit of the plurality of conduits may include an inner surface forming a second inner conduit.

[0054] Optionally, the first inner conduit has a shape that is different from the shape of the second inner conduit.

[0055] Optionally, the first pipe and the second pipe may be intertwined between the first end and the second end of the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0056] Optionally, a first conduit of the plurality of conduits comprises an outer surface forming an outer contour and an opposing inner surface forming an inner conduit.The shape of the outer contour may be different from the shape of the inner conduit.

[0057] Optionally, the system may include one or more fluid control devices coupled to the body. The one or more fluid control devices may control the flow rate of the second fluid in the channel.

[0058] Optionally, the one or more fluid control devices may include one or more blowers, fans, pumps, valves, dampers, or shutters.

[0059] Optionally, one or more fluid control devices may vary the flow rate of the second fluid to control the amount of thermal energy transferred between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0060] Optionally, the plurality of fluidly separated conduits is a first set of a plurality of fluidly separated conduits. The conduit assembly may include a second set of a plurality of fluidly separated conduits.

[0061] Optionally, the structure may be disposed between the first group of the plurality of pipes and the second group of the plurality of pipes.

[0062] Optionally, each of the plurality of conduits may be fluidly coupled to the inlet channel.At least a portion of the first fluid may be introduced into each of the plurality of conduits via the inlet channel.

[0063] Optionally, each of the plurality of conduits may be fluidly coupled to an outlet channel.The first fluid may be drawn from each of the plurality of conduits via the outlet channel.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the thermal management system includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being configured to guide a first fluid into and out of the body. The body also includes a channel separated from the inlet and outlet fluids. A second fluid is guided through the channel. A pipe assembly is coupled to the inlet and outlet fluids. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of fluidly separated pipes. Each of the plurality of pipes extends between a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end along a corresponding tortuous path. The pipe assembly includes one or more arms coupled to the plurality of pipes and extending between the plurality of pipes. The one or more arms can maintain the position of each of the plurality of pipes relative to each other pipe in the plurality of pipes between the respective first and second ends of the plurality of pipes. The plurality of pipes are intertwined between the first and second ends. The plurality of pipes are positioned so that the second fluid flowing through the channel flows over the plurality of pipes and exchanges thermal energy with the first fluid moving in each of the plurality of pipes.

[0065] Optionally, each of the plurality of conduits comprises a first end, a second end, and a tortuous path.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the thermal management system includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being configured to guide a first fluid into and out of the body. The body also includes a channel separated from the inlet and outlet fluids. A second fluid is guided through the channel. A pipe assembly is coupled to the inlet and outlet fluids. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of pipes separated from a first group of fluids and a plurality of pipes separated from a second group of fluids. Each of the plurality of pipes in the first group and the second group extends between a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end along a corresponding tortuous path. The plurality of pipes in the first group are intertwined between the first end and the second end. The plurality of pipes in the second group are intertwined between the first end and the second end. The plurality of pipes in the first group and the second group are positioned so that the second fluid flowing through the channel flows over the plurality of pipes in the first group and the second group and exchanges thermal energy with the first fluid moving in the plurality of pipes in the first group and the second group.

[0067] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "computer" and related terms such as "processing device", "computing device" and "controller" may not be limited to those integrated circuits known in the art as computers, but refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), field programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits. Suitable memory may include, for example, computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), computer-readable non-volatile media, such as flash memory. The term "non-transitory computer-readable medium" represents a tangible computer-based device for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and submodules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions contained in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, which includes, but is not limited to, a storage device and / or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Thus, the term includes tangible computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer storage devices, including but not limited to volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as solid-state, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and other digital resources, such as a network or the Internet.

[0068] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the event or situation described subsequently may or may not occur, and the description may include situations where the event occurs and situations where it does not occur. Approximate expressions used throughout the specification and claims may be used to modify any quantitative representation that may be allowed to vary without causing changes in the basic function to which it is associated. Therefore, a value modified by one or more terms (such as "approximately", "substantially", and "approximately") may not be limited to the precise value specified. At least in some cases, an approximate expression may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring values. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and unless the context or expression indicates otherwise, these ranges may be identified and include all subranges contained therein.

[0069] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and include other examples that occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system, comprising: a body comprising an inlet and an outlet configured to introduce a first fluid into and out of the body, the body further comprising a passageway fluidly separated from the inlet and the outlet, wherein a second fluid is configured to be directed through the passageway; as well as a conduit assembly fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet and comprising a plurality of fluidly separated conduits, each conduit of the plurality of conduits extending along a respective tortuous path between a respective first end and a respective second end, wherein the plurality of pipes are mutually wound between the first end and the second end such that the plurality of pipes are spirally wound around a common axis, and The plurality of pipes are positioned such that the second fluid flowing through the channel flows over the plurality of pipes and exchanges heat energy with the first fluid moving within each of the plurality of pipes.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The pipe assembly also includes one or more arms coupled to and extending between the plurality of pipes, the one or more arms maintaining a position of each of the plurality of pipes relative to each other of the plurality of pipes between respective first and second ends of the plurality of pipes.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: The one or more arms are configured to maintain a respective tortuous path of each tube of the plurality of tubes relative to a tortuous path of each other tube.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The one or more arms are configured to maintain a helical position of each of the plurality of conduits relative to each other about an axis.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Each tube of the plurality of tubes includes a first end, a second end, and a tortuous path.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of tubes are helically wound about an axis between the first end and the second end of the plurality of tubes.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: A first tube of the plurality of tubes includes an inner surface forming a first inner tube, and a second tube of the plurality of tubes includes an inner surface forming a second inner tube.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein: The first inner conduit has a shape that is different from a shape of the second inner conduit.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The first pipe and the second pipe are intertwined between first ends and second ends of the first pipe and the second pipe.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: A first tube of the plurality of tubes includes an outer surface forming an outer contour and an opposing inner surface forming an inner tube, wherein the outer contour has a shape different from a shape of the inner tube.

11. The thermal management system of any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 to 8, and 10, further comprising one or more fluid control devices coupled to the body, wherein the one or more fluid control devices are configured to control a flow rate of the second fluid within the channel.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 11, wherein: The one or more fluid control devices include one or more blowers, fans, pumps, valves, dampers, or shutters.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 11, wherein: The one or more fluid control devices are configured to vary a flow rate of the second fluid to control an amount of thermal energy transferred between the first fluid and the second fluid.

14. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 to 8 and 10, wherein: The plurality of fluidly separated tubes is a first set of fluidly separated tubes, and the tube assembly further comprises a second set of fluidly separated tubes.

15. The thermal management system of claim 14, wherein: A structure is configured to be disposed between the first plurality of tubes and the second plurality of tubes.

16. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 to 8 and 10, wherein: Each conduit of the plurality of conduits is fluidly coupled to an inlet channel, wherein at least a portion of the first fluid is configured to be introduced into each conduit of the plurality of conduits via the inlet channel.

17. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 6 to 8 and 10, wherein: Each of the plurality of conduits is fluidly coupled to an outlet channel, wherein the first fluid is configured to be directed from each of the plurality of conduits via the outlet channel.

18. A thermal management system comprising: a body comprising an inlet and an outlet configured to introduce a first fluid into and out of the body, the body further comprising a passageway fluidly separated from the inlet and the outlet, wherein a second fluid is configured to be directed through the passageway; as well as a conduit assembly fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet and comprising a first plurality of fluidly separated conduits and a second plurality of fluidly separated conduits, each conduit in the first plurality of conduits and the second plurality of conduits extending along a respective tortuous path between a respective first end and a respective second end, wherein the first plurality of tubes are intertwined between the first end and the second end such that the first plurality of tubes are spirally wound around a first common axis, the second plurality of tubes are intertwined between the first end and the second end such that the second plurality of tubes are spirally wound around a second common axis, and The first plurality of tubes and the second plurality of tubes are positioned such that the second fluid flowing through the channel flows over the first plurality of tubes and the second plurality of tubes and exchanges heat energy with the first fluid moving within the first plurality of tubes and the second plurality of tubes.

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