Dual-Path Heat Exchange Element for Pressure-Controlled Thermal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger systems for absorbing thermal energy are not optimal in terms of efficiency and controllability.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange element with an outer flow element and an inner flow element, featuring a forward flow path between and a return flow path within, and a pressure control element to manage fluid flow and pressure, allowing for contactless heat exchange and efficient thermal energy absorption or expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the liquid flows through parallel flow elements from inlet to outlet, then the heat exchange area is increased, but the flow speed decreases and controllability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into forward and return paths within the same flow element, allowing the liquid to change direction and create multiple heat exchange passes through the gas, effectively increasing heat exchange area while maintaining flow speed
Solution Approach 2:
The flow element creates a three-dimensional heat exchange pattern where liquid flows forward and then returns backward through the gas, utilizing spatial dimensionality to increase heat exchange effectiveness without reducing flow velocity
2Productivity
If the flow rate is increased for efficient heat transfer, then the heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the pressure control and system stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous forward and return flow path ensures continuous heat exchange action, maintaining high heat transfer efficiency while the continuous flow regime provides stable pressure characteristics that improve controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The return flow path creates a natural feedback mechanism where the liquid recirculates through the heat exchange zone, allowing automatic pressure regulation and stable operation at high flow rates
3Device complexity
If a simple flow path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heat exchange efficiency and controllability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The forward and return flow paths are merged within a single flow element structure, achieving complex heat exchange patterns without requiring multiple separate components, thus maintaining simplicity while improving efficiency
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
Improves controllability and efficiency by maintaining high flow speed for efficient heat transfer while reducing the flow rate, enabling precise pressure control and flexible adaptation to various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The element flow path is configured to guide a working fluid from the forward flow path to the return flow path... heat exchange element is configured the absorb or expel thermal energy by means of the working fluid
Implementation Method 2
the pressure control element is configured to reduce the pressure of the working fluid for converting at least a part of the working fluid from a liquid to a gaseous state
Implementation Method 3
the gas is flowing around the flow elements... thermal energy provided by a gas... Heat exchanger systems for gas-liquid heat exchange
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange element, comprising: an outer flow element, an inner flow element arranged within the outer flow element, an element flow path comprising forward flow path and a return flow path, wherein the forward flow path is arranged between the outer flow element and the inner flow element, the return flow path is arranged within the inner flow element, the element flow path is configured to guide a working fluid from the forward flow path to the return flow path, a pressure control element, arranged fluidically between the forward flow path and the return flow path.