Self-Adjusting Flow Conditioner Tabs for Low-Pressure-Drop Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latent Heat Based Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES) systems face issues with non-uniform charging rates and increased heat losses due to fluid flow irregularities, particularly in the upstream section of the system, which lead to reduced energy efficiency and system longevity.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting fluid flow conditioning apparatus with cojoined tab members made of elastomeric material, which deform in response to fluid flow characteristics, reducing drag and generating vortices to improve flow intermixing and minimize pressure drops, thereby optimizing heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional flow conditioning devices are used, then flow profile is stabilized, but pressure drop increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tabs that can rotate or adjust their angle relative to the flow direction, allowing the flow conditioner to adapt its geometry based on flow conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes flow conditioning while minimizing pressure drop compared to fixed geometric devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow conditioning elements by allowing tabs to rotate or deform, thereby altering the flow interaction characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to achieve flow stabilization with reduced resistance compared to conventional fixed devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If flow conditioning devices with fixed geometry are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different flow conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable or adjustable tabs that can change their orientation or position in response to flow conditions. This dynamic capability allows the same device to adapt to varying flow rates and conditions while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for the individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow conditioner is divided into multiple independent tabs or elements that can move or adjust separately. This segmentation allows each element to respond independently to local flow conditions, enhancing overall adaptability while keeping individual component manufacturing simple.
3Area of stationary object
If inline elbows are used to reduce straight pipe runs, then space requirements are reduced, but flow distortion and swirl increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the harmful swirl and distortion effects generated by inline elbows by introducing flow conditioning tabs that actively counteract these disturbances. The tabs are positioned to neutralize the rotational components of the flow, restoring a more uniform velocity profile without requiring long straight runs.
4Strength
If rigid flow conditioning devices are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flow intermixing and vortex generation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible or movable tabs that can deform or rotate in response to flow forces. This flexibility enables the generation of vortices and enhanced flow intermixing, which improve heat transfer rates, while the overall device structure maintains sufficient structural stability for practical application.
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 apparatus enhances energy storage efficiency by stabilizing fluid flow, reducing pressure drops, and increasing system longevity through adaptive deformation and vortex generation, leading to improved heat transfer and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The leading edges of the first and second tabular members are cojoined. When the conjoint tabular members are placed into a fluid flow, an angle between the first tabular member and the second tabular member is configured to decrease in response to increasing a Reynold's number of the fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
generating vortices to improve flow intermixing and minimize pressure drops
Implementation Method 3
an angle between the first tabular member and the second tabular member is configured to decrease in response to increasing a Reynold's number of the fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow conditioning apparatus having self-adjusting tab members that reduce flow losses within a conduit. A plurality of tabular members is affixed to an insertion plate-type flow conditioner. Tabular members are cojoined in pairs at their leading edges. When the cojoined pair of the first tabular member and the second tabular member are placed into a fluid flow, an angle between the first tabular member and the second tabular member is configured to decrease in response to static and dynamic pressure exerted onto the outer surfaces of the tabular members by the fluid flow. The tabular members may be made of a hyperplastic material configured to undergo an elastic deformation and exhibit flapping due to the dynamic pressure of the fluid flow. Tabular members maybe cojoined by a hinge configured to partially close in response to pressure exerted by the fluid flow, decreasing the angle between the tabular members.