heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger is disclosed that includes a first set of first conduits having triangular cross-sectional portions for transporting a first fluid and a second set of second conduits having triangular cross-sectional portions for transporting a second fluid, with adjacent first conduits being spaced apart by intervening second conduits. In this manner, the conduits can be positioned in close proximity and in a space-efficient configuration that helps improve heat exchange between the first and second fluids while allowing for a compact arrangement that minimizes the amount of material used to construct the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the present invention relates to heat exchangers.

Background Art

[0002] Heat exchangers are known. Heat exchangers typically receive a first fluid and a second fluid and transport those fluids through a structure to effect heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid. Such heat exchangers exist, but each has its drawbacks. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved heat exchanger.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] According to a first aspect, there is provided a heat exchanger comprising a first set of first conduits having a triangular cross-sectional portion for transporting a first fluid and a second set of second conduits having a triangular cross-sectional portion for transporting a second fluid, wherein adjacent first conduits are spaced apart by an intervening second conduit.

[0004] The first embodiment recognizes that existing heat exchangers have problems such as being less efficient than desired, being larger than desired, and requiring a lot of material structurally. Therefore, a heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger may comprise a first set of conduits and a flow path or duct. The first set of conduits can transport a first fluid. The first conduits may have triangular cross-sectional portions. The heat exchanger may comprise a second set of conduits and a flow path or duct. The second conduits can transport a second fluid. The second conduits may have triangular cross-sectional portions. Adjacent first conduits may be spaced apart or offset, with space occupied by the intervening second conduit. In this way, the conduits can be positioned close together and in a space-efficient configuration, which helps improve heat exchange between the first and second fluids, while enabling a compact arrangement, which minimizes the amount of material used to construct the heat exchanger.

[0005] An intervening second conduit can share a first common surface with a first adjacent first conduit, and an intervening second conduit can share a second common surface with a second adjacent first conduit. That is, a first surface can define a portion of both one first conduit and a second conduit, while another surface can define a portion of both another first conduit and a second conduit.

[0006] The first and second conduits can be arranged in at least one mosaic row, with the first and second conduits alternately adjacent to each other. This allows for a particularly compact arrangement, improves heat transfer between the first and second conduits, and reduces the amount of material used in the heat exchanger.

[0007] The adjacent first and second conduits in each mosaic row can share two common vertices and common faces.

[0008] The heat exchanger may have multiple mosaic rows.

[0009] The first and second conduits of each mosaic row can be spatially aligned such that the vertices of each first conduit are positioned midway along the faces of the first conduits in adjacent rows. In this case as well, this allows for a particularly compact arrangement, improves heat transfer between the first and second conduits, and reduces the amount of material used in the heat exchanger.

[0010] The first and second conduits of each mosaic row can be spatially aligned such that the vertices of each second conduit are positioned midway along the faces of the second conduits in adjacent rows.

[0011] The first and second conduits of each mosaic row can be spatially aligned such that the faces of each first conduit are shared with the second conduits of adjacent rows.

[0012] The first and second conduits of each mosaic row can be spatially aligned such that the faces of each second conduit are shared with the first conduits of adjacent rows.

[0013] The first and second conduits of each mosaic row can be spatially aligned such that the second conduit is surrounded by four adjacent first conduits.

[0014] The first and second conduits of each mosaic row can be spatially aligned such that the first conduit is surrounded by four adjacent second conduits.

[0015] The first conduit and the first end of the second conduit can define a first opening having a triangular cross-section.

[0016] The first and second conduits may have a constricted portion toward a second end that defines a second opening.

[0017] The first and second conduits may have a constricted portion and an adjacent widening portion toward the second end.

[0018] Each second opening can be configured for fluid communication; that is, the first fluid or the second fluid can pass through each second opening.

[0019] Each second opening can be positioned to define a shared surface through which fluid can be transported.

[0020] The constricted portion can transition from a triangular cross-section to a non-triangular cross-section. This transition can be called a lofted transition.

[0021] Non-triangular cross-sections can include circular cross-sections.

[0022] The adjacent enlarged portion can transition to a non-circular section defining a second opening. This transition can be a lofted transition.

[0023] The adjacent enlarged portion can transition to a square section defining a second opening. This transition can be a lofted transition.

[0024] Each square cross-section can be positioned in a mosaic pattern to define a common surface through which the corresponding one of the first and second fluids can be transported. This allows for a convenient structure through which the fluid can be transported via a conduit.

[0025] A first set of the first conduit extends in a first direction from a first end to a second end, and a second set of the second conduit extends in a second direction from a first end to a second end, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. That is, the first and second conduits can be aligned in opposite directions, in opposite directions, or in different directions.

[0026] The first set of first conduits can extend toward the second set of second conduits, and the triangular cross-sectional portion of the first conduits is nested with the triangular cross-sectional portion of the second conduits. That is, the triangular cross-sections of some adjacent conduits can form the triangular cross-sections of other conduits.

[0027] The constricted portion of the second set of second conduits can define a first space between the outer surfaces of the constricted portion, and the first openings of the first set of first conduits are positioned to be in fluid communication with the first space for transporting the first fluid. That is, the constricted portion of the second conduits can provide a space for transporting the first fluid therein.

[0028] The constricted portion of the first set of first conduits can define a second space between the outer surfaces of the constricted portion, and the first openings of the second set of second conduits are positioned to be in fluid communication with the second space for transporting the second fluid. That is, the constricted portion of the first conduits can provide a space for transporting the second fluid therein.

[0029] The heat exchanger can include a first housing portion that surrounds the constricted portion of the second set of second conduits and defines a first port capable of transporting the first fluid. That is, the first housing portion can define a plenum capable of transporting the first fluid between the first port and the first openings of the first set of first conduits together with the constricted portion of the second set of second conduits.

[0030] The first housing portion can be in fluid communication with the first openings of the first set of first conduits for transporting the first fluid.

[0031] The first housing portion can at least extend between the triangular cross-sectional portion of the first set of first conduits and the second openings of the second set of second conduits.

[0032] The first housing section can enclose the first space.

[0033] The heat exchanger may include a second housing portion that surrounds a constricted portion of a first set of first conduits and defines a second port from which a second fluid can be transported. That is, the second housing portion, together with the constricted portion of the first set of first conduits, can define a plenum from which the second fluid can be transported between the second port and the first opening of the second set of second conduits.

[0034] The second housing portion can communicate with the first opening of a second set of second conduits for transporting the second fluid.

[0035] The second housing portion may extend at least between the triangular cross-sectional portion of the second set of the second conduit and the second opening of the first set of the first conduit.

[0036] The second housing section can surround the second space.

[0037] Further specific preferred embodiments are described in the attached independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and in combinations other than those expressly described in the claims.

[0038] When a feature of a device is described as being capable of operating to produce a certain function, it should be understood that this includes the features of the device that produce that function, or that are adapted or configured to produce that function.

[0039] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2A]This shows the heat exchanger with the housing removed. [Figure 2B] This is a cross-sectional view of the entire heat exchanger with the housing removed. [Figure 3A] The configuration of the second set of conduits is shown in more detail. [Figure 3B] The configuration of the second set of conduits is shown in more detail. [Figure 3C] The configuration of the second set of conduits is shown in more detail. [Figure 3D] The configuration of the second set of conduits is shown in more detail. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Before describing the embodiments in more detail, an overview will be provided first. Some embodiments provide a heat exchanger. Typically, the heat exchanger operates as a counterflow heat exchanger for heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid, although a parallel flow configuration is also intended. The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of first conduits and a plurality of second conduits. The first conduits transport the first fluid, and the second conduits transport the second fluid. At least some of these conduits have a triangular cross-section. The triangular cross-sectional portions are typically mosaic-like, and the conduits carrying the first fluid are adjacent to the conduits carrying the second fluid. Typically, adjacent triangular portions share a common surface to facilitate heat exchange between the first and second fluids. Such a configuration provides a compact structure, an improved contact surface area between conduits, a reduced thickness of material between conduits, and a smaller thermal mass compared to some existing configurations. Manifold arrangements are possible that can be coupled to each end of the first and second conduits to facilitate the transport of separate first and second fluids; however, an efficient arrangement assumes that one end of the first and second conduits is narrowed, creating a space that communicates with the opening at the other end of the first and second conduits to allow the fluids to be transported. Typically, these spaces are surrounded by respective housings having openings or ports through which the respective fluids are transported. By narrowing the conduits at opposite ends, two such housings can be provided to facilitate the transport of the first and second fluids.

[0042] heat exchanger Figure 1 schematically shows a heat exchanger 10 according to one embodiment. The heat exchanger 10 has a housing 20. One side of the housing 20 is provided with a set of second openings 30 through which a first fluid 40 is transported. Another side of the housing 20 is provided with a port 50 through which the first fluid is transported. Another set of second openings (not shown) is provided on another side through which a second fluid 60 is transported. Another port 70 is provided on the other side of the housing 20 through which the second fluid 60 is transported. The first fluid 40 is shown flowing from a set of second openings 30 to the first port 50, and the second fluid 60 is shown flowing from a set of second openings (not shown) to the second port 70. However, it should be understood that the directions of the first fluid 40 and the second fluid 60 can be reversed independently. In other words, the heat exchanger 10 does not need to operate as a counterflow heat exchanger as shown in Figure 1, but can also operate as a parallel flow heat exchanger.

[0043] Figure 2A shows the heat exchanger 10 with the housing 20 removed to illustrate its internal structure. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the entire heat exchanger with the housing 20 removed. As shown in the figure, a first set of conduits 80 is provided, which are nested within a second set of conduits 90.

[0044] Each first conduit 80 extends between its second opening 30 and its first opening 150, which terminates in the space between it and the second conduit 90. Each second conduit 90 extends between its second opening 100 and its first opening 110. As shown in the figure, the first opening 110 is positioned in the space between each first conduit 80.

[0045] Figures 3A to 3D show the configuration of the second set of conduits 90 in more detail. As can be seen from Figure 2, the first set of conduits 80 has a similar configuration. Figure 3A is a perspective top view, Figure 3B is a perspective bottom view, Figure 3C is a view facing the second opening 110, and Figure 3D is a view facing the first opening 100.

[0046] As shown in the figure, each second conduit 90 extends between the first opening 110 and the second opening 100. The first opening 110 has a triangular cross-section. The second conduit 90 has a triangular cross-sectional portion 120 that extends along an elongated axis from the first opening 110 toward the second opening 100. Adjacent to the triangular cross-sectional portion 120 is a constricted portion 130. The constricted portion 130 has a reduced cross-section or area toward the second opening 100. As described above, this creates a space for fluid communication with the first opening 150 of the first conduit 80. Adjacent to the constricted portion 130 is an enlarged portion 140. The cross-section or area of ​​the enlarged portion 140 increases toward the second opening 100. The constricted portion of the second conduit 90 provides a space for fluid communication with the first opening 150 of the first conduit 80. The enlarged portion 140 allows the second opening 100 to form a common surface through which the second fluid 60 can be transported. In this example, the constricted portion 130 transitions from a triangular cross section adjacent to the triangular cross section 120 to a circular cross section 145 adjacent to the enlarged portion 140. However, it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes are also possible. Furthermore, the enlarged portion 140 transitions from a circular cross section to a square cross section at the second opening 100. However, it should be understood that cross-sectional shapes other than square are also possible. Having a square cross-sectional area is particularly advantageous for the uniform arrangement of the second conduit 90, allowing for a compact, mosaic-like arrangement, which helps optimize the area through which the second fluid 60 is transported.

[0047] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3A, as shown in the figures, the triangular cross-sectional portion 120B of the first conduit 80 (one end of which is indicated by an "x" in Figure 3A) is positioned in a series of mosaic rows between adjacent triangular cross-sectional portions 120B of the second conduit 90. In fact, in this embodiment, the triangular cross-sectional portion 120B is defined by the faces of adjacent triangular cross-sectional portions 120.

[0048] During operation, the first fluid 30 enters the first conduit 80 through the second opening 30, passes through its enlarged portion, its constricted portion, and the triangular cross-sectional portion 120B, exits through the first opening 150, enters the space created by the constricted portion 130 of the second conduit 90, and then exits through the first port 50. Meanwhile, the second fluid 60 enters the second conduit 90 through the second opening 100, passes through the enlarged portion 140, the constricted portion 130, and the triangular cross-sectional portion 120, exits through the first opening 110, enters the space defined by the constricted portion of the first conduit 80, and exits through the second port 70. This provides a counterflow heat exchanger in which the first and second fluids remain separated, but facilitates heat exchange between the first and second fluids as they pass through the first and second conduits.

[0049] Some embodiments provide highly efficient countercurrent heat exchangers designed to recover heat from catalytic reactants. While detoxification of combustion byproducts (e.g., NOx) can be performed on the catalyst, this requires operation at high temperatures and therefore heating may be necessary. Since destructive reactions are often exothermic, if heat can be recovered, the system can be self-contained. Such heat exchangers in some embodiments would ideally be small in mass / volume but highly efficient. Additive manufacturing techniques can be used to fabricate such structures.

[0050] In some embodiments, the central part of the heat exchanger includes a nest of triangular passages formed between matching walls. Each wall is a boundary between forward and reverse (or high-temperature and low-temperature) passages. Typically, the passages have the same cross-sectional area. The high-temperature passages are grouped at the inlets and outlets, and similarly, the low-temperature passages are grouped at these inlets and outlets. This grouping is achieved by transitioning the triangular shape into a circular shape by reducing the area, and then expanding it into a square shape, so that the boundary walls of the individual square passages coincide with each other. Where this forms an outlet, the inlet consists of an annular structure or belt surrounding the gap passage formed between the transition features. These passages are perpendicular to the flow direction through the central part of the heat exchanger. Increasing the height of the circular portion of the transition and / or decreasing its diameter improves the permeability of the structure.

[0051] A similar structure can be considered with square passages, but calculations show that the triangular arrangement has a higher heat transfer coefficient and therefore better space efficiency. The upper grid surface of the heat exchanger can function as a support for the catalyst bed. Depending on the relative size of the passages to the catalyst particles, additional structures can subdivide the square outlet passages to form a grid, preventing the catalyst from entering the tubular heat exchange passages. As an example, a heat exchanger with 4800 triangular passages with a 2.5 mm pitch and 45 mm effective length, used at a gas flow rate of approximately 600 slpm, should be able to exchange approximately 5 kW of heat. This will result in a temperature difference of 50°C. Therefore, if the temperature of the gas exiting the catalyst bed is 450°C, the temperature of the preheated gas supplied to the catalyst should be 400°C.

[0052] In some embodiments, the triangular outline provides a compact geometry. Furthermore, the integrated grid supports the catalyst bed. The orthogonal passages, in cooperation with the intended outline of the catalytic reactant, simplify its integration (minimum space / effort related to piping / connectivity).

[0053] Please understand that the pitch (area) of the passages, the height of the heat exchange elements, and the outer shape of the transition section can be changed. It is also possible to use passages with triangular, square, or other cross-sectional shapes.

[0054] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Heat exchanger 20 Housing 30 Second opening 40 First fluid 50 ports 60 Second fluid 70 Ports 80 First conduit 90 Second conduit 100 Second opening 110 First opening 120 Triangular cross-section 120B Triangular cross-section 130 Stenosis 140 Enlarged section 145 Circular cross-section 150 First opening

Claims

1. It is a heat exchanger, A first set of a plurality of first conduits for transporting a first fluid, the first set of conduits extending in a first direction from a second opening into which the first fluid enters to a first opening from which the first fluid exits, A second set of a plurality of second conduits for transporting a second fluid, wherein the second conduits extend in a second direction from a second opening into which the second fluid enters to a first opening from which the second fluid exits, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction. Equipped with, The first opening of the first conduit has a triangular cross-section, and the first conduit is A portion having a triangular cross-section extending from the first opening of the first conduit toward the second opening of the first conduit, A portion of the first conduit having a triangular cross-section and a constricted portion adjacent to it, the cross-sectional area of ​​which decreases toward the second opening of the first conduit, The first conduit has a narrowed portion and an enlarged portion adjacent to it, the cross-sectional area of ​​which increases toward the second opening of the first conduit, The first opening of the second conduit has a triangular cross-section, and the second conduit is A portion having a triangular cross-section extending from the first opening of the second conduit toward the second opening of the second conduit, A portion of the second conduit having a triangular cross-section and a constricted portion adjacent to it, the portion of the second conduit whose cross-sectional area decreases toward the second opening, The second conduit has a narrowed portion and an enlarged portion adjacent to it, the cross-sectional area of ​​which increases toward the second opening of the second conduit, The first set extends toward the second set, The adjacent first conduit is occupied by the intervening second conduit, The portions of the first conduit having a triangular cross-section and the portions of the second conduit having a triangular cross-section are arranged in a plurality of mosaic rows in which the portions of the first conduit having a triangular cross-section and the portions of the second conduit having a triangular cross-section are alternately adjacent to each other. The constricted portion of the second conduit defines a first space between the outer surfaces of the constricted portion of the second conduit, and the first opening of the first conduit is positioned to be in fluid communication with the first space in order to transport the first fluid. The constricted portion of the first conduit defines a second space between the outer surfaces of the constricted portion of the first conduit, and the first opening of the second conduit is positioned to be in fluid communication with the second space in order to transport the second fluid. The enlarged portion of the first conduit is configured to transition from a circular cross-section to a square cross-section defining the second opening of the first conduit, A heat exchanger in which the enlarged portion of the second conduit is configured to transition from a circular cross-section to a square cross-section defining the second opening of the second conduit toward the second opening of the second conduit.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a first housing portion that surrounds the constricted portion of the second conduit of the second set and defines a first port capable of transporting the first fluid.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the first housing portion is in fluid communication with the first opening of the first conduit of the first set for transporting the first fluid, and the first housing portion surrounds the first space.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a second housing portion that surrounds the constricted portion of the first conduit of the first set and defines a second port capable of transporting the second fluid.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein the second housing portion is in fluid communication with the first opening of the second conduit of the second set for transporting the second fluid, and the second housing portion surrounds the second space.

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