Centrifugal heat exchanger
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure US2026014586_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTCENTRIFUGAL HEAT EXCHANGERRELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 756,485, filed February 10, 2025, titled “CENTRIFUGAL HEAT EXCHANGER,” the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This document relates to centrifugal heat exchangers.BACKGROUND
[0003] There is a need to broadly decrease the amount of water used for evaporative (wet) cooling in many applications, especially in power generation, but also in emerging cutting-edge technologies, such as data and supercomputing centers. This need for decreasing water utilization in cooling is especially pressing and relevant in solar-rich but arid regions, such as the U.S. Southwest. An alternative to wet cooling is dry cooling. Using dry cooling instead of wet cooling would reduce the amount of water used. The typical state-of-the-art approach to dry cooling (also referred to as air cooling) is to pass forced air over stationary heat exchange surfaces (such as fins), at relatively high velocity.
[0004] The main challenge in dry cooling using ambient air is the required temperature difference AT = Tair - Tfluid between the air and the heat transfer fluid, HTF, (e.g. steam from a power plant or coolant in a compression cycle). This required temperature difference is primarily driven by the heat transfer coefficient (h = q / AT), where q is the heat flux. The lower the coefficient, the higher the temperature difference must be to maintain the desired heat flux, and thus the higher the needed cooling surface area, air flow, and other parameters that negatively impact performance and cost.
[0005] As an example, if the required AT=10°C and the ambient air temperature is Tair = 40°C, a common occurrence in Arizona in the summer months, the heat transfer fluid temperature would have to be no lower than Tfluid = 50°C to sustain the desired heat flux. For a power plant, this temperature means a loss of efficiency (often at a time when air conditioning loads are the highest and power plant efficiency is critical). For other applications, such as electronics typically rated to operate below 40°C, 50°C is simply too high of a temperature, necessitating the use of wet cooling or refrigeration cycles to achieve the maximum rated operating temperature for the cooled equipment.Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTSUMMARY
[0006] According to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger may include a rotationally symmetric body configured to rotate about a central axis. In some embodiments, the body includes a plurality of fluid channels extending through a plurality of heat-exchange fins, where both the fluid channels and the fins are positioned radially outward from the central axis and rotate with the body during operation. The body may include an inlet located proximate a top end of the body and adjacent to the central axis, the inlet being configured to receive a heat-exchange fluid into the rotating body. The body may further include an outlet proximate a bottom end of the body and adjacent to the central axis, the outlet being configured to discharge the heat-exchange fluid after its passage through the body. In some embodiments, the body provides at least one pathway for the heat-exchange fluid beginning at the inlet, extending radially outward to the fluid channels, passing through the fluid channels, and returning radially inward to the outlet, enabling heat transfer as the fluid moves along the pathway.
[0007] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger further includes an inlet rotating seal positioned between the inlet and the rotating body and an outlet rotating seal positioned between the rotating body and the outlet. In certain embodiments, the inlet and the outlet remain stationary while the body rotates about the central axis.
[0008] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a fan configured to create airflow upward toward the rotating body. In additional embodiments, the body may be shaped to redirect such upward airflow radially outward across the heat-exchange fins.
[0009] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger may include a motor configured to rotate the body about the central axis. In further embodiments, at least a portion of the heat-exchange fins may include a patterned surface morphology.
[0010] In some embodiments, the body may be configured to redirect an externally supplied axial airflow radially outward across the fins during rotation.
[0011] According to the present disclosure, a heat-exchange system may include a body mounted for rotation about an axis, a plurality of heat-exchange fins secured to the body and positioned radially outward, and a plurality of fluid conduits extending within the fins. The system may additionally include a stationary support structure surrounding at least part of the rotating body and defining an airflow passage adjacent the fins. In some embodiments, a shaped wall is positioned above the fins to define a flow-deflection geometry that directs air toward the airflow passage. The fins may include a patterned surface morphology containing raised or recessed structural features distributed along the fin surfaces. In some embodiments, theAgent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTrotating body, fins, fluid conduits, stationary support structure, and shaped wall collectively establish a centrifugal heat-exchange system.
[0012] In certain embodiments, the rotating body includes a cylindrical hub extending along the axis and supporting the fins through radially projecting arms. In some embodiments, the stationary support structure includes a lower inlet region aligned with the axis and an upper annular outlet region radially outward of the fins. In additional embodiments, the fluid conduits include metal tubes fixed within corresponding recesses formed in the fins. In some embodiments, the shaped wall includes a concave interior surface positioned above the fins to form a radially outward-directing airflow path. In certain embodiments, the patterned surface morphology includes a repeated array of ridges on the fin surfaces.
[0013] According to the present disclosure, a method of operating a centrifugal heat-exchange device may include rotating a body about an axis, the body supporting heat-exchange fins positioned radially outward. The method may include directing a heat-exchange fluid through fluid conduits extending within the fins, and providing a stationary support structure surrounding at least a portion of the rotating body to form an airflow region adjacent the fins. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning a shaped wall above the fins to define a flow-deflection geometry within the airflow region. The method may further include exposing a patterned surface morphology on the fins to air moving within the airflow region during rotation.
[0014] In some embodiments, rotating the body includes driving the body with a motor positioned below the axis. In certain embodiments, directing the heat-exchange fluid through the fluid conduits includes supplying the fluid through a stationary manifold coupled to the rotating body by a rotating seal. Additional embodiments include providing the stationary support structure to define an annular air-inlet space beneath the body. In some embodiments, positioning the shaped wall includes securing the wall to the stationary support structure to form a clearance gap above the rotating body. In certain embodiments, exposing the patterned surface morphology includes presenting raised structural features to airflow within the airflow region during rotation.
[0015] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the DESCRIPTION, DRAWINGS, and CLAIMS.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended and / or included DRAWINGS.Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCT
[0017] FIG. l is a schematic perspective view of a centrifugal heat exchanger according to some embodiments operating to cool an incoming heat transfer fluid.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section side view of a centrifugal heat exchanger according to some embodiments operating to cool an incoming heat transfer fluid.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic of air in the boundary layer next to a stationary heat exchanger.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic of air with a moving and accelerating heat exchanger according to some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic of air of a moving and accelerating heat exchanger having surface morphology according to some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a detailed schematic cross-section side view of an inlet a centrifugal heat exchanger according to some embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a detailed schematic cross-section side view of an inlet a centrifugal heat exchanger according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following detailed description provides numerous specific details. Those skilled in the relevant arts understand that embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. The disclosure may also be practiced in different and alternative configurations.
[0025] Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a step” includes a reference to one or more of such steps. The words “exemplary,” “example,” “embodiment,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or feature described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. The examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and do not limit or restrict the disclosure. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.
[0026] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components.Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCT
[0027] When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.
[0028] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific materials, devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed inventions. The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a centrifugal heat exchanger 100, according to some embodiments. Centrifugal heat exchanger 100 has a body 101. Body 101 has an inlet 104 extending from a top end 106 of body 101 and an outlet 105 extending from a bottom end 114 of body 101.
[0030] Body 101 may be configured to rotate about a central axis 102. In some embodiments, the body 101 is configured to rotate about a vertical axis 102 of body 101. In some embodiments, body 101 is configured to rotate about a different axis of body 101, such as a horizontal axis. Any other axis of rotation may be implemented. In some embodiments, body 101 may be rotationally symmetric about the axis of rotation. For example, centrifugal heat exchanger 100 shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the top, may have rotational symmetry (e.g., it may be broadly cylindrical). By having a rotationally symmetric body, centrifugal heat exchanger 101 is able to begin and sustain rotation about the axis of rotation with minimal energy consumption.
[0031] In some embodiments, the rotational symmetry is maintained by having a plurality of arms 116 extending radially outward from the axis of rotation, where each of the arms 116 is balanced by one or more other arms 116. Any number of arms 116 may be implemented. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the arms may be radial tubes or other fluid channels configured to distribute a heat exchange fluid 120 to heat exchange fins 108, described below. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, body 101 may be cylindrical and may have holes for the air flow 148 past heat exchange fins 108.
[0032] In some embodiments, the centrifugal heat exchanger has a plurality of heat exchange fins 108 which are configured to provide a surface area for indirect contact between heat exchange fluid 120 within body 101 and ambient air surrounding the body. The centrifugal heat exchanger may also have a plurality of fluid channels 110 that are configured to extendAgent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTthrough the plurality of heat exchange fins 108. When heat exchange fluid 120 moves through heat exchange fins 108 by passing through fluid channels 110, heat transfer occurs between heat exchange fluid 120 and the ambient air surrounding heat exchange fins 108. Heat exchange fins 108 and fluid channels 110 may be radially offset 112 from the axis of rotation of the body, such as central axis 102. This causes heat exchange fins 108 and fluid channels 110 to rotate about the axis of rotation when body 101 rotates. Thus, in some embodiments of the disclosed centrifugal heat exchanger 100, the heat exchange surfaces are not stationary. Rather, the whole body 101 of the centrifugal heat exchanger 100, including heat transfer fluid channels 110 and heat exchange fins 108 attached to the channels, is in a state of rotational motion (see arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0033] As a result of the rotation of body 101, air moves radially outward over the fins, driven partly by interaction with the fins through viscous and inertial forces, and partly (if needed), by additional air moving devices, such as, for example, an attached fan 170 or blower, described in more detail below. In the embodiment shown in FIGs. 1-2, centrifugal heat exchanger 100 is shown to cool the heat transfer fluid, but the centrifugal heat exchanger could be used equally to heat the heat transfer fluid, such as would be desired in an HVAC application.
[0034] An inlet 104 of centrifugal heat exchanger 100 may be fluidly coupled to a top end 106 of body 101 adjacent to the axis of rotation. Inlet 104 is configured to pass heat exchange fluid 120 into the body. Similarly, outlet 105 of centrifugal heat exchanger 100 may be coupled to a bottom end 114 of body 101 adjacent to the axis of rotation and is configured to receive heat exchange fluid 120 out of body 101. In some embodiments, centrifugal heat exchanger 100 comprises an inlet rotating seal 150 that is positioned between inlet stream 400 and body 101. In some embodiments, centrifugal heat exchanger 100 comprises an outlet rotating seal 152 that is positioned between body 101 and outlet stream 402. This allows inlet stream 400 and / or outlet stream 402 to remain stationary when body 101 rotates. Thus, the inlet stream 400 and / or outlet stream 402 to remain stationary when the body rotates about the axis of rotation.
[0035] Body 101 is configured to provide at least one pathway for heat exchange fluid 120 through centrifugal heat exchanger 100. In some embodiments, the at least one pathway begins 200 A at inlet 104, extends radially outward 200B within body 101 to the plurality of fluid channels 116, passes through the plurality of fluid channels 200C, extends radially inward within body 101 to the outlet 200D, and exits body 101 through the outlet. By providing pathways through body 101 that pass through fluid channels 116, heat transfer is encouragedAgent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTbetween heat exchange fluid 120 and ambient air. Thus, centrifugal heat exchanger 100 is configured to transfer heat either away from or into heat exchange fluid 120 as heat exchange fluid 120 moves along the at least one pathway through the body.
[0036] In some embodiments, centrifugal heat exchanger 100 comprises a fan 170 configured to create air flow 140 toward body 101 along the axis of rotation. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, fan 170 is configured to create air flow 140 upward toward body 101. Fan 170 may be positioned to be centered on the axis of the rotation of body 101. For example, fan 170 may be positioned below body 101 and oriented to blow air toward body 101, as shown in FIG. 2. Body 101 may be shaped to redirect this air flow 142 past the plurality of heat exchange fins 108 to increase the amount of air flow over heat exchange fins 108 as body 101 rotates. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, body 101 is shaped to redirect the upward air flow radially outward 148 past the plurality of heat exchange fins. The surface of the body opposite the fan, such as top surface 107 in the embodiment shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, may be closed, without an air outlet. This may help to redirect the air flow radially outward, rather than letting the air continue in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
[0037] In some embodiments, centrifugal heat exchanger 100 comprises a motor 130 that is configured to rotate body 101 about the axis of rotation. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, motor 130 is positioned at the outlet of centrifugal heat exchanger 100.
[0038] Embodiments of centrifugal heat exchanger 100 disclosed herein derive their disruptive potential from a subtle but critical distinction compared to conventional heat exchanger designs. Instead of relying solely on forced air passing over a conventional heat exchanger, the centrifugal heat exchangers 100 disclosed herein rotate. In some embodiments, centrifugal heat exchanger 1000 may rotate at -1000 RPM. The key physical distinction between a conventional heat exchanger and a rotating heat exchanger in a non-inertial reference frame is the presence of rotation-generated inertial forces, which significantly thin the stagnant boundary layer of air next to the surface, enhancing heat transfer.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, there is a boundary layer 504 adjacent to a stationary heat exchanger surface 500. The air 502 being forced across the heat exchanger accelerates by viscous drag, such that the air in boundary layer 504 (where 5 is the boundary layer thickness) is slower than the forced air farther away outside of boundary layer 504. Qualitatively, boundary layer 504 acts as an adherent insulating air blanket in conventional heat exchangers (see FIG. 3), leading to problems such as large temperature differences between the heatAgent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTexchanger surfaces / heat transfer fluid and output air (AT = Tair - THEx / iiuid), lowering the heat transfer coefficient, and acting as a “safe haven” for dust accumulation. Heat transfer in the boundary layer is comparatively slow, via molecular diffusion.
[0040] In a non-inertial reference frame, such as the one presented in the schematic of FIG.4, inertial (e.g. centrifugal) forces act on all air layers equally, accelerating (shearing) them away from the heat exchanger surface, which moves in direction 501. In the accelerated case, the boundary layer 504 can be significantly thinned relative to the stationary case, thus vastly increasing the air-side heat transfer (convection) coefficient, which increases the heat flux capacity of the heat exchanger. The inertial forces and the relatively thin boundary layer also brings high speed air close to the surface of the heat exchanger, facilitating self-cleaning and preventing the accumulation of dust and other fouling.
[0041] The added motion (moving receiver vs. moving only air) in the centrifugal heat exchanger eliminates the viscosity -temperature positive feedback loop, which in stationary heat exchangers (FIG. 3) leads to slowing the airflow (and heat removal) with increasing temperature, further increasing local temperature.
[0042] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger surfaces may have surface morphology 506, as shown schematically, for example, in FIG. 5. The surface morphology 506 may disrupt the laminar boundary layer and introduce turbulent heat transfer. Adjusting the macro- and meso-scale surface morphology amplifies the benefits of the rotating centrifugal heat exchanger by intentionally introducing turbulence 508 in the otherwise laminar boundary layer, causing its frequent disruption and reformation. Turbulence additionally decreases the boundary layer 510 thickness 504 and promotes mixing, further increasing the heat transfer coefficient.
[0043] The centrifugal heat exchanger geometry is also such that it provides pumping (including through viscosity), analogous to a centrifugal blower, reducing and possibly eliminating the need for air moving equipment, such as the fan shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
[0044] The centrifugal heat exchanger integrates these performance-enhancing design elements into an efficient and cost-effective package that couples well with many relevant heat exchange needs.
[0045] While thermo-mechanical aspects of a rotating heat exchanger could be considered a concern, centrifugal heat exchanger operation near 50°C at 1000 RPM with a ~1 m diameter is not an uncommon rotating machinery environment, and the forces are comparable to those routinely encountered in car tires.Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCT
[0046] It is expected that the presently disclosed centrifugal heat exchanger will provide a convection coefficient boost from -100 W / m2K to over 2500 W / m2K for small diameter units (D-0.1 m) at a rotation rate of -3000 RPM (50 Hz). Centrifugal acceleration scales with the diameter, so it is similarly expected that a D-0.9 m centrifugal heat exchanger should achieve similar boundary layer thinning and heat transfer benefits at - 1000 RPM, roughly three times slower than most electric rotating machinery.
[0047] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two embodiments of a rotating-body heat-exchange apparatus in which rotation of the heat-exchanger body induces movement of a heat-transfer fluid (HTF) through internal flow passages. In the embodiments shown, fluid flow is generated either by centrifugal action (FIG. 6) or by a positive-displacement swash-plate compressor mechanism (FIG. 7). In both embodiments, relative rotation between a stationary inlet structure and a rotating heat exchange body facilitates continuous HTF movement during operation. Embodiments such as the one show in FIG. 6 may be suitable for applications in which the heat-transfer fluid does not require substantial pressurization. Embodiments such as the one show in FIG. 7, by contrast, compresses the heat exchange fluid within the rotating heat exchange body — eliminating the need for a separate compressor and ensuring that only the exit-side seal must withstand the higher pressure differential, as in applications such as an air-conditioning condenser.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of centrifugal heat exchanger 100. Centrifugal heat exchanger 600 receives heat exchange fluid 120 in inlet chamber 630. An impeller 640 is affixed to an inner wall of the rotating inlet. When centrifugal heat exchanger 100, impeller 640 accelerates and pressurizes heat exchange fluid 120 in a discharge region 631 after impeller 640.
[0049] FIG. 7 an embodiment of centrifugal heat exchanger 100 in which the rotation of the of centrifugal heat exchanger 100 drives a positive-displacement compressor. Mounted within centrifugal heat exchanger 100 is cylinder block 730. A plurality of pistons 740 are mounted to cylinder block 730. Each piston 740 is biased outward by a spring return 745. A stationary swash plate 750 is positioned adjacent to cylinder block 730. As centrifugal heat exchanger 100 rotates, pistons 740 follow the angled surface of the swash plate 750, producing a reciprocating (in-and-out) motion in each piston 740.
[0050] A stationary port body 760 provides both the low-pressure intake and high-pressure discharge flow paths. Port body 760 includes an intake sector 762 and a discharge sector 764. An intake valve 766 is open and a discharge valve 768 is closed when piston 740 is aligned with intake sector 762. As cylinder block 730 continues to turn, each piston 740 moves nextAgent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTinto alignment with discharge sector 764, during which discharge valve 768 opens and intake valve 766 closes. The rotation of cylinder block 730 relative to stationary port body 760 ensures that each piston 740 undergoes sequential intake and discharge cycles during each revolution.
[0051] When piston 740 enters intake sector 762, spring return 745 extends piston 740 outward, increasing the internal volume of its compression chamber and drawing low-pressure heat exchange fluid 120 through intake valve 766. Continued rotation forces piston 760 inward as it climbs the angled surface of swash plate 750, compressing the trapped heat exchange fluid 120.
[0052] Upon reaching discharge sector 764, the pressure within the piston chamber surpasses the discharge threshold, causing discharge valve 768 to open. The compressed, high-pressure heat exchange fluid 120 is then expelled into discharge region 631. The relative rotation between the stationary inlet stream 400 and centrifugal heat exchanger 100 therefore drives a multi-piston, positive-displacement pumping action.
[0053] More specifically, this disclosure, its aspects and embodiments, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and / or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.
[0054] Many additional implementations are possible. Further implementations are within the CLAIMS.
[0055] It will be understood that implementations of the preceding disclosure include but are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, it should be understood that, while the drawings and accompanying text show and describe particular implementations, any such implementation may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and / or the like consistent with the intended operation.
[0056] The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. For example, it is specifically contemplated that the components included in particular embodiments may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations that can readily be formed into shaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operationAgent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTof the disclosure. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and / or natural) and / or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination therefore, and / or other like materials; elastomers and / or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, and / or the like, thermosets (such as epoxy, phenolic resin, polyimide, polyurethane, and / or the like), and / or other like materials; plastics and / or other like materials; composites and / or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, and / or other like materials; and / or any combination of the foregoing.
[0057] Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, may involve 3-D printing, extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and / or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener, any combination thereof, and / or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the components.
[0058] In places where the description above refers to particular implementations, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other implementations disclosed or undisclosed. The presently disclosed are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
Claims
Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A heat exchanger, comprising:a rotationally symmetric body configured to rotate about a central axis, the body having a plurality of fluid channels configured to extend through a plurality of heat exchange fins, wherein the plurality of fluid channels and the plurality of heat exchange fins are radially offset from the central axis and are configured to rotate about the central axis when the body rotates;an inlet fluidly coupled to a top end of the body adjacent the central axis, the inlet configured to pass a heat exchange fluid into the body; andan outlet fluidly coupled to a bottom end of the body adjacent the central axis, the outlet configured to receive the heat exchange fluid out of the body, wherein the body provides at least one pathway for the heat exchange fluid through the heat exchanger, wherein the at least one pathway begins at the inlet, extends radially outward within the body to the plurality of fluid channels, passes through the plurality of fluid channels, extends radially inward within the body to the outlet, and exits the body through the outlet, andwherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat either away from or into the heat exchange fluid as the heat exchange fluid moves along the at least one pathway through the body.
2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising an inlet rotating seal positioned between the inlet and the body and an outlet rotating seal positioned between the body and the outlet.
3. The heat exchanger of claims 1 or 2, wherein the inlet and the outlet are configured to remain stationary when the body rotates about the central axis.
4. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 - 3, further comprising a fan configured to create air flow upward toward the body.
5. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the body is shaped to redirect the upward air flow radially outward past the plurality of heat exchange fins.Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCT6. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 - 5, further comprising a motor configured to rotate the body about the central axis.
7. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of heat-exchange fins comprises a patterned surface morphology.
8. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the body is configured to redirect an externally supplied axial airflow radially outward across the plurality of heat-exchange fins during rotation.
9. A heat-exchange system comprising:a body mounted for rotation about an axis;a plurality of heat-exchange fins secured to the body and positioned radially outward from the axis;a plurality of fluid conduits extending within the plurality of heat-exchange fins;a stationary support structure surrounding at least a portion of the body and defining an airflow passage adjacent the plurality of heat-exchange fins;a shaped wall coupled to the stationary support structure and positioned above the plurality of heat-exchange fins, the shaped wall defining a flow-deflection geometry configured to direct air toward the airflow passage; anda patterned surface morphology formed on at least a portion of the plurality of heat-exchange fins, the patterned surface morphology comprising raised or recessed structural features distributed along surfaces of the plurality of heat-exchange fins, wherein the body, the plurality of heat-exchange fins, the plurality of fluid conduits, the stationary support structure, and the shaped wall collectively define a centrifugal heat-exchange system.
10. The heat exchange system of claim 9, wherein the body comprises a cylindrical hub extending along the axis and supporting the plurality of heat exchange fins through radially projecting arms.
11. The heat exchange system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the stationary support structure comprises a lower inlet region aligned with the axis and an upper annular outlet region positioned radially outward of the plurality of heat exchange fins.Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCT12. The heat exchange system of any one of claims 9 - 11, wherein the plurality of fluid conduits comprise metal tubes fixed within corresponding recesses formed in the plurality of heat exchange fins.
13. The heat exchange system of any one of claims 9 - 12, wherein the shaped wall comprises a concave interior surface positioned above the plurality of heat exchange fins to form a radially outward-directing flow path.
14. The heat exchange system of any one of claims 9 - 13, wherein the patterned surface morphology comprises a repeated array of ridges extending along an outer surface of each of the plurality of heat exchange fins.
15. A method of operating a centrifugal heat-exchange device, the method comprising:rotating a body about an axis, the body supporting a plurality of heat-exchange fins positioned radially outward from the axis;directing a heat-exchange fluid through a plurality of fluid conduits extending within the plurality of heat-exchange fins;providing a stationary support structure surrounding at least a portion of the body to define an airflow region adjacent the plurality of heat-exchange fins;positioning a shaped wall above the plurality of heat-exchange fins to define a flow-deflection geometry within the airflow region; andexposing a patterned surface morphology on at least a portion of the plurality of heat-exchange fins to air moving within the airflow region during rotation of the body.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein rotating the body comprises driving the body with a motor positioned below the axis.
17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein directing the heat-exchange fluid through the plurality of fluid conduits comprises supplying the heat-exchange fluid through a stationary manifold coupled to the body by a rotating seal.
18. The method of any one of claims 15 - 17, wherein providing the stationary support structure comprises positioning the support structure to define an annular air-inlet space beneath the body.Agent Reference: 11157-208WO-PCT19. The method of any one of claims 15 - 18, wherein positioning the shaped wall comprises securing the shaped wall to the stationary support structure so that a clearance gap is formed between the shaped wall and an upper surface of the body.
20. The method of any one of claims 15 - 19, wherein exposing the patterned surface morphology comprises presenting a series of raised features on the plurality of heat-exchange fins to airflow in the airflow region during rotation.