Systems and Methods For Assembling Liquid Desiccant Heat Exchange Structures Using Controlled Multilayer Welding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is an ongoing need for improvements in the design and manufacturability of panels used in three-way heat exchangers to reduce costs and optimize operation and efficiency in HVAC systems that utilize liquid desiccants and heat transfer fluids for simultaneous sensible and latent cooling of air.
Innovation Solution
A method of assembling multilayer heat exchange structures by attaching an outer layer to a fluid isolation sheet, forming a sealed fluid channel, and selectively attaching the fluid isolation sheet to a structure without forming a seal between the outer layer and the sheet, using controlled multilayer welding techniques to enhance panel assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional welding methods are used to assemble multilayer panels, then assembly is simpler, but manufacturing precision and seal integrity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary sealing between the fluid isolation sheet and the first/second layers before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures seal integrity is established early in the process, allowing subsequent welding steps to focus on structural bonding rather than sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between seal quality and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is segmented into distinct stages: first welding the fluid isolation sheet to the first layer, then welding to the second layer. This segmentation allows each welding operation to be optimized independently for its specific sealing requirements, improving overall manufacturing precision without requiring all layers to be welded simultaneously at high complexity.
2Reliability
If all layers are sealed together, then fluid isolation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies partial sealing action by selectively sealing the fluid isolation sheet to specific layers (first and second layers) while leaving other interfaces unsealed or differently sealed. This partial action provides sufficient fluid isolation for the heat exchanger's operational requirements without implementing excessive sealing throughout all interfaces, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining necessary reliability.
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 approach enhances the efficiency and reduces costs associated with assembling multilayer panels in three-way heat exchangers, improving the overall performance and manufacturability of HVAC systems.
Implementation Method 1
attaching an outer layer to a fluid isolation sheet... selectively attaching the fluid isolation sheet, with the outer layer attached thereto, to a structure... using controlled multilayer welding techniques
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of assembling multilayer heat exchange structures. An example method includes attaching an outer layer to a fluid isolation sheet such that a first fluid channel is defined between the outer layer and the fluid isolation sheet; and selectively attaching the fluid isolation sheet, with the outer layer attached thereto, to a structure defining a second fluid channel that is separated from the first fluid channel by the fluid isolation sheet, wherein an internal seal is selectively formed between the fluid isolation sheet and the structure without forming a seal between the outer layer and the fluid isolation sheet.