Defrostable Heat Exchanger With Flow Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers face reduced cooling capacity and operational inefficiency due to ice buildup when using liquid at temperatures below freezing, and existing defrosting methods require the heat exchanger to be taken out of service, which disrupts continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A defrostable heat exchanger system with a positioning mechanism that uses a blockage actuated by liquid flow to reduce liquid flow through specific channels, allowing the heat exchanger to continue operating while defrosting by positioning a blockage upstream to divert liquid flow and utilize warm gas for defrosting without shutting down the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid at temperature below freezing is used in heat exchanger, then cooling efficiency is improved, but ice buildup occurs reducing cooling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger channels are divided into multiple segments or zones. A blockage device is introduced that can selectively block specific channels or zones, allowing different portions of the heat exchanger to operate in different modes (cooling vs. defrosting) simultaneously or sequentially, thereby preventing complete ice buildup while maintaining cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic defrosting cycles where the blockage device alternately blocks and unblocks channels. During operation, liquid flows through all channels for cooling; periodically, the blockage device closes to redirect liquid flow, allowing warm gas to defrost specific zones. This periodic action prevents ice accumulation while maintaining overall cooling efficiency.
2Reliability
If heat exchanger is taken out of service for defrosting, then ice buildup is removed, but continuous operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The blockage device enables continuous operation by allowing defrosting to occur while the heat exchanger remains in service. By selectively blocking certain channels, the system redirects liquid flow to allow warm gas to defrost those zones without shutting down the overall heat exchanger, maintaining continuous cooling operation in unaffected zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockage device is made movable or adjustable, transitioning from a static to a dynamic system. The device can be positioned to block specific channels as needed, enabling flexible, on-demand defrosting of different zones without requiring complete system shutdown. This dynamic control allows adaptive defrosting while maintaining continuous operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid temperature is raised above freezing to prevent ice buildup, then ice formation is avoided, but cooling efficiency decreases and system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly heating all liquid channels above freezing, the blockage device enables localized defrosting by selectively blocking specific channels. This allows different zones of the heat exchanger to have different temperature conditions - some zones operate with cold liquid for maximum cooling efficiency while others are periodically defrosted by warm gas flow, achieving local quality differentiation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If blockage device is added to enable selective channel blocking, then defrosting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blockage device is designed to be actuated by the liquid flow itself or integrated control systems already present in the heat exchanger. The device may use the existing liquid pressure and flow to activate the blocking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex actuation systems. This self-service approach adds defrosting capability while minimizing additional system complexity.
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
Enables continuous heat exchange and maintains high cooling capacity by defrosting the heat exchanger without taking it out of service, allowing for efficient operation with liquid at temperatures below freezing, thus preventing ice buildup and ensuring uninterrupted performance.
Implementation Method 1
Heat from the air may be absorbed by the liquid so as to cool the air and heat the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a positioning mechanism configured to move the blockage relative to the heat exchanger, such as in response to the flow of liquid
Implementation Method 3
a blockage positionable upstream of the heat exchanger with respect to the liquid so as to reduce flow of the liquid through a portion of the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A heat exchanging apparatus and an associated method are provided so as to permit a heat exchanger to be defrosted without being taken out of service. A defrostable heat exchanging apparatus includes a heat exchanger configured to cool gas flowing there through by heating a liquid also passing there through. The defrostable heat exchanging apparatus also includes a blockage positionable upstream of the heat exchanger with respect to the liquid so as to reduce flow of the liquid through a portion of the heat exchanger aligned with the blockage relative to the flow of the liquid through other portions of the heat exchanger. The defrostable heat exchanging apparatus may also include a positioning mechanism for moving the blockage relative to the heat exchanger.