Adjustable multi-pass heat exchanger system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchanger systems face inefficiencies and mechanical failures due to fixed refrigerant charge levels, improper calibration for variable loads, and issues with liquid and gas mixtures passing through, leading to suboptimal performance and resource waste.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pass heat exchanger system with adjustable flow paths and valves allows for variable operation between high and low states with a constant refrigerant charge, enabling separation of gas and liquid, and customizable fluid flow paths to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a heat exchanger is designed for high load operation, then it achieves optimal performance at high capacity, but it encounters problems and inefficiency when operating at low load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic flow path configuration system where valves can redirect refrigerant flow between multiple passes (first pass, second pass, third pass) based on operating conditions. This allows the heat exchanger to adapt its effective surface area and flow characteristics dynamically, resolving the contradiction between high-load capacity and low-load reliability by adjusting the active flow paths to match the current operating demand.
2Productivity
If the refrigerant charge is set for high load operation, then the system performs well at high capacity, but excess gas and liquid accumulate when operating at low load
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the refrigerant charge distribution by redirecting flow through different passes using valves. At high load, all passes are active with full charge utilization. At low load, the system redirects flow to utilize only a portion of the charge effectively, preventing excess gas and liquid accumulation while maintaining energy efficiency across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple passes (first pass, second pass, third pass) that can be independently activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary portion of the refrigerant charge for the current load condition, preventing waste while maintaining the ability to handle high-load conditions when all passes are activated.
3Device complexity
If a fixed flow path configuration is used, then the heat exchanger structure is simple, but it cannot be calibrated for variable loads leading to poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic flow path selection system with valves that can redirect refrigerant through different passes based on load conditions. This adds controlled complexity to the structure, enabling the system to adapt to variable loads by activating appropriate flow paths, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and load adaptability.
4Device complexity
If insufficient liquid collects in certain portions of the heat exchanger, then the structure remains simple, but excess gas accumulates leading to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic flow path configuration system actively manages liquid and gas distribution by redirecting flow through different passes. This prevents insufficient liquid collection in certain portions that would lead to excess gas accumulation and mechanical failure, while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through the use of valves and multiple passes.
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 system enhances efficiency by allowing adjustable operation, reducing mechanical failures and resource waste, and maintaining optimal fluid properties across varying loads, improving heat transfer and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchanger system
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger system
Data Source
AI summary
In various implementations, a heat exchanger system may include one or more flow paths. At least one of the flow paths may be associated with more than one pass and/or fluid flow through the flow path may be restricted. A setting of the heat exchanger system may include associations between flow path(s) and/or pass(es). A setting for the heat exchanger system may be determined, and the heat exchanger system may be allowed to operate in the determined setting, in some implementations.