Capillary Heat Transfer Device for Liquid-Gas Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transfer devices between liquids and gases face inefficiencies due to uneven liquid distribution, droplet formation, and corrosion issues, especially with desiccants, leading to reduced system effectiveness and frequent refills.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reservoir and exchange element that utilizes capillary forces to control liquid flow and distribution, ensuring even contact with the exchange surface, while avoiding droplet formation and incorporating a duct and heat exchanger elements for efficient heat and mass transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distribution systems (perforated tubes, spray nozzles, rotating arm distributors) are used to distribute liquid, then liquid distribution is attempted, but distribution precision is insufficient and systems are limited to specific liquid mass flow ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing capillary pressure as the driving force for liquid distribution, replacing conventional mechanical distribution systems. The capillary pressure is controlled by adjusting the pore size and structure of the porous plate, allowing the system to adapt to various liquid mass flow rates while maintaining uniform distribution. This eliminates the limitation of conventional systems being restricted to specific flow ranges.
2Productivity
If liquid flows through conventional distribution systems, then liquid is delivered to contact surface, but droplet formation occurs reducing system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous plate as the distribution element, where the porous structure controls liquid flow through capillary forces. The liquid is distributed as a uniform film across the porous surface rather than forming droplets. This porous material approach ensures complete surface wetting and eliminates droplet formation, thereby maintaining high heat transfer efficiency and system reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If liquid desiccants are used in direct contact heat exchangers, then heat and mass transfer is enhanced, but droplet capture by gas stream causes corrosion and desiccant loss
Solution Approach 1:
The porous plate distributes liquid desiccant as a controlled film, preventing droplet formation that would otherwise be carried away by the gas stream. This eliminates the harmful effects of desiccant loss and subsequent corrosion in the gas pathway, while maintaining the enhanced heat and mass transfer benefits of direct contact between desiccant and gas.
4Device complexity
If exchange element is not in contact with liquid, then system is simpler, but liquid cannot flow along exchange element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from gravitational flow to capillary-driven flow. By submerging the lower end of the exchange element in the liquid reservoir, capillary forces automatically draw liquid up and along the exchange element surface. This creates a self-regulating system where liquid flow is maintained without complex pumping or distribution mechanisms, achieving both simplicity and functionality.
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 device achieves improved heat and mass transfer efficiency by ensuring uniform liquid distribution and preventing droplet formation, reducing corrosion risks and the need for frequent desiccant refills, and allowing for controlled liquid and gas flow management.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the liquid starts to flow upwards the upper part of the exchange element by a capillary force (against the force of gravity)
Implementation Method 2
Heat is exchanged between the liquid in the exchange element and the gas flowing along the soaked exchange element
Implementation Method 3
mass can be exchanged between the liquid and the gas
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for heat transfer between a liquid and a gas, comprising: a gas inlet for providing the gas into an exchange region, a gas outlet for retrieving the gas from the exchange region, a liquid inlet connected to a reservoir for holding the liquid, wherein the reservoir is formed with an opening in an upper region of the reservoir, and wherein the reservoir is arranged at an upper end of the exchange region, an impounding basin, wherein the impounding basin is arranged below the reservoir, and wherein the impounding basin is formed with a liquid outlet, and an exchange element arranged in the exchange region, wherein an upper part of the exchange element is disposed through the opening of the reservoir such that the upper part of the exchange element is arranged at least partially inside the reservoir and such that the upper part of the exchange element is at least partially submerged in the liquid. Furthermore, a method for operating a heat transfer device is disclosed.