Heat exchanger based on 3D printing and rocket engine

Abstract

The utility model provides a heat exchanger based on 3D printing, which comprises a first collecting pipe, a second collecting pipe, a third collecting pipe and a fourth collecting pipe, the annular heat exchange channels are evenly distributed in the axial direction of the first collecting pipe, and a pressurizing medium flows into the heat exchange channels from the first collecting pipe for heat exchange; the second collecting pipe is arranged at an outlet of the heat exchange channel, and the second collecting pipe comprises a second connector used for outputting a pressurizing medium; the first collecting pipe, the heat exchange channel and the second collecting pipe are integrally formed in a 3D printing mode. The heat exchanger is light, efficient, high in reliability, simple in process and capable of reducing cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of aerospace, and particularly relates to a heat exchanger and a rocket engine based on 3D printing. Background Art

[0002] As an important part of a rocket engine, a rocket engine heat exchanger generally uses gas as a heat source to exchange heat with a pressurizing medium, so as to increase the temperature of the pressurizing medium and enhance the pressurizing effect on the storage tank.

[0003] At present, tube heat exchangers are usually adopted for rocket engine heat exchangers. When the tube heat exchanger is in use, the following problems exist: on the one hand, it includes complex processes such as machining of components, bending of tube bundles, assembly, and welding, with high process requirements, which increases the cost of the heat exchanger; at the same time, there are many welds, and there is a risk of the pressurizing medium and gas leaking into each other's cavities, resulting in poor reliability. On the other hand, the size of the heat exchange channels of the tube heat exchanger is generally much larger than 1 mm, and the specific surface area is relatively low, which increases the mass of the heat exchanger.

[0004] In view of this, there is an urgent need to design a heat exchanger and a rocket engine with high reliability, simple process, low cost, light weight and high efficiency. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a heat exchanger and a rocket engine based on 3D printing.

[0006] The utility model provides a heat exchanger based on 3D printing, including: a first manifold, the first manifold including a first interface for inputting a pressurizing medium; a plurality of annular heat exchange channels, uniformly distributed in the axial direction of the first manifold, and the pressurizing medium flows from the first manifold into the heat exchange channels for heat exchange; a second manifold, arranged at the outlet of the heat exchange channels, the second manifold including a second interface for outputting the pressurizing medium; the first manifold, the heat exchange channels and the second manifold are integrally formed by 3D printing.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the heat exchange channels are divided into three layers, namely an outer heat exchange channel layer, a middle heat exchange channel layer and an inner heat exchange channel layer, and all are communicated with the first manifold and the second manifold.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the heat exchanger based on 3D printing further includes: a housing, arranged outside the heat exchange channels, and the housing, the first manifold, the heat exchange channels and the second manifold are integrally formed by 3D printing.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the sequentially arranged housing, the outer heat exchange channel layer, the intermediate heat exchange channel layer, and the inner heat exchange channel layer are connected and fixed through a support structure.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the support structure includes long ribs and short ribs. The outer heat exchange channel layer and the housing are connected through a single long rib, and the outer heat exchange channel layer, the intermediate heat exchange channel layer, and the inner heat exchange channel layer are respectively connected through a plurality of short ribs.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the heat exchange channel is a semi-waist-shaped microchannel.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the 3D printing-based heat exchanger further includes: an adjustment channel disposed between the first header and the second header, and the adjustment channel, the first header, the heat exchange channel, and the second header are integrally formed by 3D printing.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the adjustment channel includes an extension channel along its axial direction.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the 3D printing-based heat exchanger further includes: an outer sleeve nut and an adjustment rod disposed on the extension channel, and the length of the adjustment rod in the adjustment channel can be fixed through the outer sleeve nut.

[0015] On the other hand, the present application also provides a rocket engine including the above-mentioned 3D printing-based heat exchanger.

[0016] In the present application, the first header, the heat exchange channel, and the second header of the heat exchanger are integrally printed by 3D printing, achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement of the heat exchanger, and avoiding the problems of complex processes and large mass existing in traditional tube heat exchangers. The pressurized medium converges in the first header and then is divided into multiple axially distributed heat exchange channels for heat exchange, and then flows into the second header. The 3D printed heat exchanger eliminates welds, reduces the risk of pressurized medium and gas cross-chambering, and improves the reliability of the heat exchanger.

[0017] It should be understood that the above general description and the following specific embodiments are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the scope claimed by the present utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The following drawings are a part of the specification of the present utility model, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present utility model. The attached drawings and the description of the specification are used together to explain the principle of the utility model.

[0019] Figure 1Schematic diagram of a heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to another embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger based on 3D printing shown at A-A;

[0022] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger based on 3D printing shown at B-B.

[0023] Reference numerals:

[0024] 101 - First manifold, 102 - First interface, 200 - Heat exchange channel, 201 - Outer heat exchange channel layer, 202 - Intermediate heat exchange channel layer, 203 - Inner heat exchange channel layer, 301 - Second manifold, 302 - Second interface, 400 - Outer shell, 500 - Support structure, 501 - Long rib, 502 - Short rib, 600 - Adjustment channel, 601 - Extension channel, 602 - Outer sleeve nut, 603 - Adjustment rod. Detailed implementation manners

[0025] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present utility model will be described in detail below. For the purpose of making the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present utility model and are used to exemplarily illustrate the principle of the present utility model, and are not configured to limit the present utility model. In addition, the components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some components or regions in the drawings may be enlarged for other components or regions to help understand the embodiments of the present utility model.

[0026] The directional terms appearing in the following description are all the directions shown in the drawings and do not specifically limit the structure of the embodiments of the present utility model. In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific situations.

[0027] In addition, the terms "comprise", "include", "have" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a structure or component including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to the structure or component. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the article or device including the element.

[0028] Spatial relationship terms such as "below", "beneath", "under", "lower", "above", "on", "higher", etc. are used to facilitate description and to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures. Additionally, for example, "one element is on / under another element" can mean that the two elements are in direct contact or that there are other elements between the two elements. Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are also used to describe various elements, regions, parts, etc., and should not be construed as limiting. Similar terms denote similar elements throughout the description.

[0029] For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely provided to better understand the present utility model by showing examples of the present utility model.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 3D printing-based heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a 3D printing-based heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the 3D printing-based heat exchanger shown at A-A; Figure 4 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the 3D printing-based heat exchanger shown at B-B.

[0032] As Figure 1 shown, the present utility model provides a 3D printing-based heat exchanger, comprising: a first header 101, the first header 101 including a first interface 102 for inputting a pressurized medium; a plurality of annular heat exchange channels 200, uniformly distributed in the axial direction of the first header 101, and the pressurized medium flows from the first header 101 into the heat exchange channels 200 for heat exchange; a second header 301, disposed at the outlet of the heat exchange channels 200, the second header 301 including a second interface 302 for outputting the pressurized medium; the first header 101, the heat exchange channels 200 and the second header 301 are integrally formed by 3D printing.

[0033] Specifically, the pressurized medium enters the first header 101 from the first interface 102. After converging in the first header 101, the pressurized medium is diverted from multiple axially distributed annular heat exchange channels 200. For example, the multiple annular heat exchange channels 200 can be distributed parallel to each other. After the multi-path pressurized medium exchanges heat in the heat exchange channels 200, it converges in the second header 301, and the pressurized medium is output through the second interface 302 on the second header 301. The heat exchanger structure of the present application can smoothly transition to the first header and the second header through the heat exchange channels 200 inside the heat exchanger, replacing the traditional welding process, thereby improving the reliability of the heat exchanger.

[0034] Among them, the heat exchanger in the present application integrally prints the first header 101, the heat exchange channels 200, and the second header 301 by means of 3D printing, realizing cost reduction and efficiency improvement of the heat exchanger, and avoiding the problems of complex processes and large quality existing in the traditional process. Based on 3D printing technology, dozens of components of the original tubular heat exchanger are integrated into one structural component, greatly simplifying the production process and reducing the process requirements. Under the condition of achieving the same heat exchange capacity, the cost is reduced by 50,000 - 100,000 yuan compared with the tubular heat exchanger.

[0035] In one embodiment, the pressurized medium of the heat exchanger is liquid oxygen, and it can also be other pressurized media such as methane, liquid hydrogen, helium, unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0036] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange channels 200 are divided into three layers, namely the outer heat exchange channel layer 201, the middle heat exchange channel layer 202, and the inner heat exchange channel layer 203, and all are connected to the first header 101 and the second header 301.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the 3D printed heat exchanger further includes: a housing 400, which is arranged outside the heat exchange channels 200, and the housing 400, the first header 101, the heat exchange channels 200, and the second header 301 are integrally formed by 3D printing.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sequentially arranged housing 400, the outer heat exchange channel layer 201, the middle heat exchange channel layer 202, and the inner heat exchange channel layer 203 are connected and fixed by a support structure 500.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support structure 500 includes long ribs 501 and short ribs 502. The outer heat exchange channel layer 201 is connected to the housing 400 by a single long rib 501, and the outer heat exchange channel layer 201, the middle heat exchange channel layer 202, and the inner heat exchange channel layer 203 are respectively connected by multiple short ribs 502.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the heat exchange channel 200 is a semi-waist-shaped microchannel.

[0041] As Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, according to an embodiment of the present utility model, the 3D printing-based heat exchanger further includes: an adjustment channel 600, which is arranged between the first header 101 and the second header 301. The adjustment channel 600, the first header 101, the heat exchange channel 200, and the second header 301 are integrally formed by 3D printing.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the adjustment channel 600 includes an extension channel 601 along its axial direction.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the 3D printing-based heat exchanger further includes: an outer sleeve nut 602 and an adjustment rod 603, which are arranged on the extension channel 601, and the adjustment rod 603 is fixed in the length of the adjustment channel 600 through the outer sleeve nut 602.

[0044] On the other hand, the present application also provides a rocket engine, which includes the above-mentioned 3D printing-based heat exchanger.

[0045] Specifically, the pressurizing medium is split from the first header 101 to three layers of the heat exchange channel 200, wherein the annular inner diameters of the outer heat exchange channel layer 201, the middle heat exchange channel layer 202, and the inner heat exchange channel layer 203 decrease in sequence. Each heat exchange channel layer is evenly distributed with heat exchange channels 200 along the axial direction of the first header 101. There are about 150 heat exchange channels 200 in total, and the outermost side of the heat exchange channel layer is wrapped by a housing 400. Under the condition of achieving the same heat exchange capacity, the height and the outer diameter of the heat exchanger of the present application are reduced by about 30 mm compared with the tubular heat exchanger, which is beneficial to the compact layout of the rocket engine.

[0046] Among them, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange channel 200 of the heat exchanger can be a waist shape, an oval shape, a circular shape, or a rhombus shape. In an embodiment, the heat exchange channel 200 is a semi-waist-shaped microchannel, and the 3D printed heat exchange channel 200 can smoothly transition to the header. The small-sized heat exchange channel 200 can significantly improve the convective heat transfer coefficient and the heat transfer area of the pressurizing medium, so as to obtain a higher heat transfer efficiency. Under the condition of achieving the same heat exchange capacity, the weight of the heat exchanger of the present application is reduced by 5-8 kg compared with the tubular heat exchanger, which improves the thrust-to-mass ratio of the rocket engine and also enhances the carrying capacity of the rocket.

[0047] In one embodiment, the cylindrical outer shell 400, the outer heat exchange channel layer 201, the intermediate heat exchange channel layer 202, and the inner heat exchange channel layer 203 are spaced apart and are fixedly connected to each other through a support structure 500. The outer heat exchange channel layer 201 is connected to the outer shell 400 through a single long rib 501, the outer heat exchange channel layer 201 is connected to the intermediate heat exchange channel layer 202 through a plurality of first short ribs 502, and the intermediate heat exchange channel layer 202 and the inner heat exchange channel layer 203 are connected through a plurality of second short ribs 502.

[0048] Considering that there is a large temperature difference between the outer shell 400 and the heat exchange channel 200 layer during the operation of the heat exchanger, while the temperature difference between the heat exchange channel 200 layers is relatively small, the support structure 500 between the outer shell 400 and the outer heat exchange channel layer 201 is selected as a single long rib 501, and the support structure 500 between the outer heat exchange channel layer 201, the intermediate heat exchange channel layer 202, and the inner heat exchange channel layer 203 is selected as a plurality of short ribs 502. This layout of the support structure 500 can further reduce thermal stress and improve the reliability of the heat exchanger.

[0049] Furthermore, the long rib 501, the first short rib 502, and the second short rib 502 in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger are regarded as a group of support structures 500, and multiple groups of support structures 500 are provided along the circumferential direction of the entire annular heat exchanger. The number of support structures 500 is not limited. In one embodiment, the support structures 500 can be a total of 7 groups, and the 7 groups of support structures 500 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the annular heat exchanger. The support structure 500, the heat exchange channel 200, and the outer shell 400 of the heat exchanger in this application all adopt a self-supporting design and do not require additional process supports.

[0050] Furthermore, the heat exchanger in this application further includes an adjustment channel 600, where the adjustment channel 600 is arranged between the first header 101 and the second header 301 that are far from the first interface 102 and the second interface 302. An adjustment rod 603 and an outer sleeve nut 602 are provided on the extension channel 601 of the adjustment channel 600.

[0051] In specific operations, when the adjustment rod 603 is at the limit length in the extension channel 601, the adjustment channel 600 is in a completely blocked state, and the temperature of the pressurizing medium in the heat exchanger is the highest at the second collector. When the adjustment rod 603 adopts a smaller length in the extension channel 601, part of the low-temperature pressurizing medium can directly flow through the adjustment channel 600 and converge to the second collector, thereby obtaining a lower outlet temperature of the pressurizing medium. By setting the adjustment channel, the heat exchanger in this application can adjust the outlet temperature of the pressurizing medium by adjusting the adjustment rod 603 of different lengths. The adjustment channel 600 has the advantages of being simple, compact, and convenient for disassembly and assembly.

[0052] In this application, the heat exchanger based on 3D printing can be made of materials such as stainless steel or superalloy, and has good 3D printing processability. On the one hand, the internal medium channels (including the first header 101, the heat exchange channels 200, the second header 301 and the adjustment channels 600), the support structure 500 and the housing 400 all adopt a self-supporting design without adding process supports. On the other hand, the internal medium channels of the 3D printed part are all smoothly transitioned to the first interface 102 and the second interface 302, and powder cleaning is convenient. For example, a conventional powder cleaning machine can be used to effectively clean the powder inside the channels. The 3D printed heat exchanger is applicable to rocket engines, its heat exchange capacity can meet the requirements of medium and large liquid rockets, and its structural strength meets the requirements of ground testing and flight. In addition, the heat exchanger of this application also has better scalability, and can meet the heat exchange requirements of different types of rocket engines by adjusting parameters such as the number and length of the heat exchange channels 200.

[0053] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included in the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger based on 3D printing, characterized in that: include: A first header, the first header comprising a first interface for inputting a pressurized medium; A plurality of annular heat exchange channels are evenly distributed in the axial direction of the first header, and the pressurized medium flows from the first header into the heat exchange channels for heat exchange; A second header, disposed at the outlet of the heat exchange channel, the second header comprising a second interface for outputting a pressurized medium; The first header, the heat exchange channel and the second header are integrally formed by 3D printing.

2. The heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange channel is divided into three layers, namely, an outer heat exchange channel layer, a middle heat exchange channel layer and an inner heat exchange channel layer, and all of them are connected with the first header and the second header.

3. The heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The shell is arranged outside the heat exchange channel, and the shell, the first header, the heat exchange channel and the second header are integrally formed by 3D printing.

4. The heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shell, the outer heat exchange channel layer, the middle heat exchange channel layer and the inner heat exchange channel layer which are arranged in sequence are connected and fixed by a supporting structure.

5. The heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support structure includes long ribs and short ribs. The outer heat exchange channel layer and the outer shell are connected by a single long rib, and the outer heat exchange channel layer, the middle heat exchange channel layer and the inner heat exchange channel layer are respectively connected by a plurality of short ribs.

6. The heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange channel is a semi-waist-shaped microchannel.

7. The heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The regulating channel is arranged between the first header and the second header, and the regulating channel, the first header, the heat exchange channel and the second header are integrally formed by 3D printing.

8. The heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to claim 7, characterized in that: The regulating passage includes an extending passage along an axial direction thereof.

9. The heat exchanger based on 3D printing according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also includes: The outer sleeve nut and the adjusting rod are arranged on the extension channel, and the length of the adjusting rod in the adjusting channel can be fixed by the outer sleeve nut.

10. A rocket engine, characterized in that: Comprising a 3D printing-based heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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