Condensation Heat Transfer Pipe with Zigzag Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal shell pipe type condensers in refrigeration systems face inefficiencies due to greater heat resistance on the refrigeration medium side, leading to decreased refrigeration efficiency and inadequate heat transfer properties, despite existing enhancements like fins and zigzag designs.
Innovation Solution
The condensation enhancement heat transfer pipe features a smooth section, a fin section with acute zigzag fins, platforms, and inner thread teeth, optimizing heat transfer by increasing surface area, reducing liquid film thickness, and enhancing turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fins are formed on the outer surface of the heat transfer pipe by mechanical machine, then the heat transfer surface area is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer pipe is divided into multiple sections along its length, with different sections having different fin configurations (smooth section, transition section, fin section). This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by using standardized fin formation techniques on each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the heat transfer pipe are given different local structures: the smooth section has no fins for low flow resistance, the transition section has gradually increasing fin density to reduce thermal shock, and the fin section has dense fins for maximum heat transfer. This local differentiation optimizes performance while using simple, repeatable manufacturing processes for each local configuration.
2Productivity
If zigzag fins are formed to reduce liquid film thickness, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fins are formed with curved surfaces rather than flat planes, creating a zigzag pattern that naturally reduces liquid film thickness through geometric curvature. This curved fin design achieves the liquid film thinning effect without requiring complex mechanical processing, as the curvature can be formed through simple rolling or extrusion techniques during manufacturing.
3Productivity
If fin channels are formed for liquid discharge, then heat transfer enhancement is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is segmented into axial fin channels and peripheral fin channels that are formed through simple geometric arrangements rather than complex precision machining. The axial channels run parallel to the pipe axis while peripheral channels follow the circumferential direction, creating natural liquid discharge paths that are tolerant of normal manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin channel dimensions and angles are optimized within practical manufacturing ranges rather than requiring extreme precision. By selecting appropriate fin spacing, height, and angle parameters that work well with standard manufacturing capabilities, the design achieves effective heat transfer enhancement without imposing unrealistic precision requirements.
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 significantly improves the heat transfer coefficient and efficiency by facilitating faster liquid film flow and turbulence, resulting in enhanced heat transfer performance compared to conventional pipes, with a 15% improvement in heat transfer property at the condensing side.
Implementation Method 1
refrigeration medium outside of the pipe is condensed so as to transfer heat by phase change
Implementation Method 2
refrigeration medium outside of the pipe is cooled and condensed to form a liquid film outside of the outer wall of the pipe
Implementation Method 3
the fin walls are connected with the platform by an arc, and the platforms are parallel to each other along the peripheral direction
Implementation Method 4
The inner surface of the heat transfer pipe is provided with thread inner teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A condensation enhancement heat transfer pipe that includes an optical pipe section, a fin section, and a transition section connecting the optical pipe section and the fin section. The outer surface of the fin section includes a plurality of individual fins, each having an acute shape of zigzag and forms an angle relative to the axial direction, an axial fin channel forms between the two adjacent ones of said individual fins along the axial direction, a peripheral fin channel forms between the two adjacent ones of said individual fins along the peripheral direction, an end, which is distributed along said axial direction, of each of said individual fins includes platforms, the fin side walls are connected with the platform by an arc, and the platforms are parallel to each other along the peripheral direction.