Asymmetric Heat Exchanger Layout for Compact Combustion Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers are not optimized for miniaturization, leading to inefficiencies and increased space requirements in heat exchange systems.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a front wall and back wall configuration where the upper portion is longer than the lower portion, allowing for the effective use of space and arrangement of elements within the housing, combined with the use of fins and pins on the inner surfaces for enhanced heat exchange efficiency and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the upper portion of the front wall is made short, then the heat exchanger structure is simplified, but dead space is formed under the upper portion reducing space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall's upper portion is designed to be longer than the lower portion, creating an asymmetric configuration that eliminates dead space under the upper portion while maintaining structural simplicity. This asymmetric design allows effective use of the housing space without complicating the overall structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the back wall extends straight along the lower portion of the front wall, then the heat exchanger can be downsized, but the combustion space configuration is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The back wall extends not only along the lower portion of the front wall but also along the upper portion, utilizing the vertical dimension more effectively. This dimensional extension allows the system to be downsized while maintaining adequate combustion space configuration through optimized spatial arrangement.
3Productivity
If pins are placed close to the burner in the combustion space, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the pins are damaged by overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surfaces of the front wall and back wall are selectively provided with heat exchange enhancing structures (fins and pins) at specific locations optimized for heat transfer, while maintaining adequate distance from the burner to avoid overheating damage. This localized application achieves high heat exchange efficiency without compromising durability.
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
This design enables the downsizing of heat exchange systems by minimizing dead space and improving both heat exchange efficiency and durability, while allowing for flexible design adjustments to optimize performance.
Implementation Method 1
Water flowing in the channels exchanges heat with the flue gas flowing between the inner surface of the front wall and the inner surface of the back wall
Implementation Method 2
a fin and pins extending backwardly from the inner surface of the front wall are formed on the front wall
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A heat exchanger (10) comprises a front wall (20) and a back wall (30) to form a space (40) for a flue gas such that a fluid flowing through a channel (60, 70) formed in the front and back wall (20, 30) can exchange heat with the flue gas, in use. The front wall (20) includes a lower portion (22) and an upper portion (24). The lower portion (22) extends along the back wall (30). The upper portion (24) extends upwardly from the upper end of the lower portion (22) and extends outwardly away from the back wall (30) so as to form a combustion space (42) of a flammable gas between the upper portion (24) and the back wall (30). The length (L2) of the upper portion (24) along the longitudinal direction thereof is longer than the length (L1) of the lower portion (22) along the longitudinal direction thereof.