Diffuser plates and diffuser plate assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffuser plates in heat exchangers often fail to optimize fluid flow uniformity and thermal efficiency, leading to suboptimal heat transfer and mechanical stability, particularly in boilers and condensing systems.
Innovation Solution
The design of diffuser plates with asymmetrically arranged apertures of varying sizes and shapes, allowing for customizable configurations that align differently between multiple plates in an assembly, enhancing fluid flow uniformity and thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional diffuser plates with symmetric aperture arrangements are used, then manufacturing is simple and device structure is straightforward, but fluid flow uniformity is poor and thermal efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging apertures in non-symmetric patterns on diffuser plates, where aperture positions, sizes, and shapes are deliberately asymmetric relative to the plate center and to each other. This asymmetric configuration optimizes fluid flow distribution and thermal efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through standardized plate fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying aperture characteristics (size, shape, position) at different locations on the diffuser plate. Each region of the plate has apertures specifically configured for its local flow and thermal requirements, creating zones with different aperture densities and dimensions to optimize overall system performance.
2Productivity
If diffuser plates with uniform aperture sizes are used, then manufacturing is easier and design is simpler, but fluid flow distribution is non-uniform and heat transfer is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies aperture sizes and shapes at different locations on the diffuser plate to optimize local flow and thermal conditions. Larger apertures are positioned in regions requiring higher flow rates, while smaller apertures are used in regions needing lower flow, creating non-uniform but optimized flow distribution across the plate surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of apertures (diameter, eccentricity, shape factors) systematically across the plate surface. These parameter variations are designed to compensate for non-uniform heat generation and fluid flow patterns, optimizing heat transfer efficiency while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing tolerances.
3Productivity
If multiple diffuser plates with identical aperture configurations are used in parallel, then assembly is simple and maintenance is easier, but fluid flow shortcuts occur and thermal efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric aperture arrangements on each diffuser plate that are specifically designed to work in parallel configurations. The asymmetric patterns on adjacent plates are coordinated to prevent fluid shortcuts and ensure uniform flow distribution across the entire heat exchanger assembly, maximizing thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the heat exchanger into multiple parallel diffuser plate sections, each with optimized aperture configurations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each plate while maintaining overall system performance, and enables modular assembly and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser plate for a thermal transfer device can include a body having a number of first apertures and a second aperture that traverse therethrough, where the first apertures are asymmetrically arranged with respect to the second aperture. The first apertures can have a first shape and a first size, and where the first apertures are configured to receive a plurality of tubes. The second aperture has a second size, where the second size is larger than the first size.