Active Flow Disruption Members for Heat Exchanger Thermal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers face limitations in enhancing thermal energy transfer within their channels, as current methods fail to effectively induce unsteadiness in the flow to improve heat transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating active flow disruption members, such as vibratory tabs, flexible ribbons, or rotating fans, at the entrance of channels to induce unsteadiness in the flow, thereby increasing thermal energy transfer by promoting mixing and reducing thermal boundary layer thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heat exchanger channels are used without flow disruption members, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but thermal energy transfer efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger channels are segmented into multiple flow paths by introducing flow disruption members. These members divide the continuous flow into discrete segments that interact with the channel walls, increasing thermal energy transfer efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces active flow disruption members that can move or change configuration within the channels. This dynamic element creates unsteady flow patterns that enhance thermal energy transfer, improving productivity without requiring a completely complex static structure.
2Productivity
If flow disruption members are added to induce unsteadiness in the flow, then thermal energy transfer increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow disruption members are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they induce unsteady flow patterns for enhanced heat transfer, create vortex generation for improved mixing, and can be configured to work across multiple channels. This multi-functionality increases heat transfer efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the flow characteristics (velocity, turbulence intensity, flow direction) induced by the disruption members to enhance thermal energy transfer. By changing flow parameters rather than adding complex structural elements, the system achieves improved heat transfer with moderate increases in device complexity.
3Productivity
If active flow disruption members are introduced to create unsteadiness in the flow, then thermal energy transfer is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow disruption members are designed as simple, easily manufactured components that can be produced cost-effectively. Their relatively simple geometry allows for inexpensive manufacturing methods, making the addition of these active elements economically viable despite the increased manufacturing complexity compared to conventional smooth channels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The introduction of active flow disruption members significantly enhances thermal energy transfer by creating modulated flow, vortex generation, and increased mixing within the channels, leading to improved heat transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more active flow disruption members are configured to induce unsteadiness in a flow through the plurality of channels to increase transfer of thermal energy therein
Implementation Method 2
A flow is directed across the one or more active flow disruption members into the plurality of channels and an unsteadiness is produced in the flow via the one or more active flow disruption members. The unsteadiness in the flow increases the transfer of thermal energy between the heat exchanger and the flow
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of channels and one or more active flow disruption members disposed at an entrance to the plurality of channels. The active flow disruption members are configured to induce unsteadiness in a flow through the plurality of channels to increase thermal energy transfer in the plurality of channels. A method for transferring thermal energy from a heat exchanger includes locating one or more active flow disruption members at an entrance to a plurality of channels of the heat exchanger. A flow is directed across the one or more active flow disruption members into the plurality of channels and an unsteadiness is produced in the flow via the one or more active flow disruption members. The unsteadiness in the flow increases the transfer of thermal energy between the heat exchanger and the flow.