Curved Heat Exchanger Modules for Compact Cylindrical Reactors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger modules with two fluid circuits face challenges in optimizing their geometry to meet the dimensional constraints of cylindrical enclosures, particularly in integrated SMR-type reactors, requiring improved compactness, mechanical strength, and efficient flow distribution while minimizing thermal inertia and pressure drop.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method involving initial bending and final calibration of metal plates with grooves to create curved heat exchanger modules, assembled via diffusion welding or brazing, and subjected to high-pressure hot isostatic compression to achieve a final curved shape, optimizing the module's curvature and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If heat exchanger modules are designed with standard flat geometry, then manufacturing is simpler, but they cannot optimize space utilization and compactness in cylindrical enclosures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to heat exchanger modules by bending metal plates into arc-shaped configurations that match the cylindrical geometry of reactor enclosures. This allows the modules to conform to the curved inner surface of cylindrical tanks, optimizing space utilization and compactness while maintaining efficient heat exchange surfaces.
2Volume of moving object
If heat exchanger modules are curved to fit cylindrical enclosures, then compactness and space utilization improve, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary bending of metal plates during the manufacturing process, before final assembly. This allows the curved shape to be established while the material is still formable, and the bending operations can be performed on individual plates or small groups rather than on fully assembled modules, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to create curved modules, then design flexibility improves, but assembly complexity and potential leakage points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple metal plates with grooves into integrated curved modules through diffusion welding or brazing. This merging of separate components into a unified welded structure eliminates gasket interfaces and potential leakage points, while maintaining the design flexibility to create various curved configurations by assembling different numbers and arrangements of plates.
4Temperature
If heat exchanger modules are designed for maximum heat exchange surface area, then thermal performance improves, but the modules become larger and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from flat, two-dimensional heat exchange surfaces to three-dimensional curved surfaces that conform to cylindrical enclosures. By utilizing the radial dimension and creating arc-shaped modules, the design achieves increased heat exchange surface area within a more compact volume, effectively using spatial arrangement to resolve the contradiction between surface area and size.
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 method results in heat exchanger modules with enhanced compactness, reduced reactor size, improved mechanical strength, and optimized flow distribution, meeting the specifications for integrated SMR-type reactors by minimizing the reactor's diameter and reducing connecting piping.
Implementation Method 1
initial bending and final calibration of metal plates with grooves to create curved heat exchanger modules
Implementation Method 2
assembled via diffusion welding or brazing
Implementation Method 3
subjected to high-pressure hot isostatic compression to achieve a final curved shape
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
The invention essentially relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger module having at least two fluid circuits intended to provide the module with an overall curved shape with at least one longitudinal and/or transverse radius of curvature relative to the flow of the fluids.