Annular Plate-Fin Core Layout for Compact Aerospace Heat Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace heat exchangers face challenges in achieving a compact design with sufficient fluid flow and efficient heat transfer due to space and weight constraints, limiting the effectiveness of heat exchange systems in mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
An annular plate-fin heat exchanger with a core structure that includes radial and circumferential flow channels separated by plates, providing a compact design suitable for aerospace applications, enhancing fluid flow and heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented to meet space constraints, then the heat exchanger size is reduced, but the fluid flow capability and heat transfer efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar plate-fin heat exchanger designs to a three-dimensional annular configuration with radial and circumferential flow channels. This dimensional change allows the heat exchanger to achieve compact footprint while maintaining extensive heat transfer surface area through vertical stacking of fin layers and radial expansion of flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger core is segmented into multiple stacked layers with alternating fin configurations. Each layer contains radial flow channels separated by circumferential partitions, creating multiple parallel flow paths that increase fluid throughput capacity within the compact annular volume.
2Weight of moving object
If the heat exchanger size is reduced to meet weight constraints, then the overall weight is decreased, but the fluid flow capacity and heat exchange effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger employs thin-walled annular cores with optimized fin structures that provide sufficient structural strength while minimizing weight. The thin-film separating walls define the flow channels and maintain pressure differential effectiveness without adding significant weight to the compact design.
3Productivity
If multiple fin layers are stacked to increase heat transfer area, then the heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fin layers with different orientations (radial and circumferential) are merged into a single integrated annular core structure. The separating walls and fin configurations are combined in such a way that they simultaneously define multiple flow channels and maximize heat transfer surface area within the unified compact geometry.
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 annular design increases fluid flow and improves heat transfer efficiency in aerospace applications, addressing the constraints of space and weight limitations while maintaining effective heat exchange.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal energy is transferred between the flow circuits
Implementation Method 2
Each flow circuit can carry a different temperature fluid, which can be gas, liquid, or two-phase. Thermal energy is transferred between the flow circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes an exhaust shell and an annular core contained within the exhaust shell. The annular core includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an outer diameter, and an inner diameter. The annular core further includes a first plurality of fins extending in a first direction between the inner diameter and the outer diameter in a first set of layers. The annular core further includes a second plurality of fins extending in a second direction between the inner diameter and the outer diameter in a second set of layers. The second plurality of fins further includes a first inlet manifold comprising a second inlet and a first outlet manifold comprising a second outlet. The annular core further includes a plurality of plates separating the first set of layers and the second set of layers.