Crossing Heat Exchanger Tubes for Vibration-Resistant Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers experience vibratory responses due to cross-flow of fluids, which can be improved by reducing these vibrations and enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design with straight heat exchange tubes that cross a flowpath, featuring angular offsets and compliant or rigid connections between tubes, reducing unsupported lengths and increasing surface area for improved heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heat exchange tubes are arranged in parallel without crossing, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but vibratory responses are induced by cross flow of fluid through the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces crossing tubes that extend in different spatial dimensions (first tube along first trajectory, second tube along second trajectory) rather than simple parallel arrangement. This dimensional change allows tubes to cross each other within the flowpath, reducing vibratory responses by distributing flow-induced forces across multiple spatial planes while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric angular offsets where the first tube is offset from the first manifold wall by a first acute angle and from the second manifold wall by a second acute angle, with the second angle being greater than the first. This asymmetric configuration disrupts symmetric flow patterns that cause vibration, while the angles remain within manufacturable ranges, balancing structural simplicity with vibration reduction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tubes are connected at multiple locations with rigid connections, then structural stability increases and vibratory responses reduce, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tube connection system into discrete segments with connection points at specific locations along the tube trajectories. Rather than continuous constraints, the tubes are connected at segmented locations including crossing points and manifold wall interfaces. This segmentation provides stability at critical points while leaving other portions free to naturally dampen vibrations, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes compliant connections that allow controlled movement parameters between tubes, changing the rigidity parameter from fully rigid to partially flexible. This parameter change enables the connection to accommodate thermal expansion and vibratory movements while maintaining structural stability, reducing the need for multiple rigid constraints and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tube unsupported lengths are reduced through frequent connections, then vibratory responses decrease, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the tube crossing points: structural support, vibration reduction, and flow distribution all occur at the same crossing locations. By combining these functions, the need for separate support structures or frequent connections is eliminated, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining short unsupported lengths for vibration control.
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 design effectively reduces vibratory responses and enhances heat transfer efficiency by stabilizing tube engagement and increasing natural resonant frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger with multiple heat exchange tubes crossing a flowpath
Implementation Method 2
reduces vibratory responses and enhances heat transfer efficiency by stabilizing tube engagement and increasing natural resonant frequencies
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat exchanger (20) comprises a flowpath (52) extending longitudinally through a duct (40). The flowpath (52) extends laterally within the duct (40) between a first sidewall (46) and a second sidewall (47). The flowpath (52) extends vertically within the duct (40) between a first manifold wall (48) and a second manifold wall (49). The first manifold wall (48) is configured to form a peripheral boundary of a first manifold plenum (70) outside of the duct (40). The second manifold wall (59) is configured to form a peripheral boundary of a second manifold plenum (72) outside of the duct (40). A plurality of tubes (26) extend vertically across the flowpath (52) and are connected to the first manifold wall (48) and the second manifold wall (49). Each of the tubes (26) has a bore (110) configured to fluidly couple the first manifold plenum (70) to the second manifold plenum (72). The tubes (26) include a first tube (26A) and a second tube (26B). The first tube (26A) is adjacent and angularly offset from the second tube (26B).