Rotating Disc Convector for Boundary-Layer Heat Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat management technologies, such as convectors, face challenges in efficiently transferring heat from high power electronic components due to limitations in boundary layer disruption and fluid flow mechanisms, which affect heat exchange efficiency and versatility in various applications.
Innovation Solution
The design of convectors incorporates an array of flat, rotatable discs between fixed, thermally conductive plates, utilizing the disruption of the boundary layer to enhance heat transfer, with features like scroll-shaped casings and adjustable disc configurations to optimize fluid flow and heat distribution, allowing operation with both gases and liquids, and reversibility for flexible application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional heat management technologies are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but heat transfer efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer device is segmented into multiple flat discs arranged in a stack, with each disc acting as an independent heat transfer element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high heat transfer efficiency through cumulative effect of multiple surfaces while maintaining relative simplicity in the basic disc-stack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional heat transfer surfaces to a three-dimensional stacked disc configuration. This dimensional change creates multiple heat transfer surfaces within a compact volume, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Temperature
If boundary layer disruption is enhanced, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but fluid flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flat discs are positioned to partially disrupt the boundary layer rather than completely breaking it. This partial disruption achieves sufficient heat exchange efficiency improvement while minimizing the energy loss from excessive fluid flow resistance. The discs create controlled turbulence that enhances heat transfer without creating excessive drag.
3Temperature
If disc array configuration is optimized, then heat distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat distribution system is segmented into identical or similar flat discs that can be manufactured using standard processes. Each disc is a simple, standardized component that can be produced independently and then assembled into the stack, improving heat distribution through proper spacing and arrangement while avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes heat distribution by adjusting parameters such as disc spacing, disc diameter, and stack configuration rather than creating complex disc geometries. These parameter changes allow for improved heat distribution while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard fabrication processes.
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
Convectors effectively manage heat by disturbing the boundary layer, ensuring efficient heat transfer and distribution across all surfaces, making them suitable for diverse applications, including high power electronics, with improved performance through adjustable designs and reduced debris and dust collection.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer between the static plates and the cooling fluid takes place due to the disruption of the boundary layer by the rotating discs on the static plates
Implementation Method 2
the movement of the fluid in and out of the device occurring due to the resistance or drag that takes place between the discs and the fluid and the walls of the rotating discs that conform the rotor and the walls of the static plates that conform the stator
Data Source
AI summary
A convector includes a rotor having a shaft extending along an axis of rotation, and a plurality of discs offset from one another along the axis of rotation and mechanically coupled to and rotatable with the shaft. The convector also includes a stator having a plurality of plates offset from one another along the axis of the shaft. Each plate of the plurality of plates defines a through-hole configured to receive the shaft and an opening configured to receive a corresponding disc of the plurality of discs. Rotation of the shaft causes each disc to rotate at least partially within the opening defined by the corresponding plate, and relative to the corresponding plate.