Nested Fired Heat Exchanger Layout for Fluid Flow Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat exchanger designs in industrial central heating systems lack control over fluid flow rate and are inefficient in terms of material usage, leading to larger-than-necessary exchanger dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A fired heat exchanger design featuring a cylindrical external and internal jacket with a misaligned combustion chamber, a sealed chamber for heated fluid flow, and flow direction control baffles, along with a tube array connected to the exhaust outlet for enhanced heat exchange, allowing for adjustable fluid flow and reduced size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional heat exchanger designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the fluid flow rate cannot be controlled and the dimensions are larger than necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow rate controlVSAvoidexchanger structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a variable cross-sectional area design in the heated fluid flow chamber, allowing the flow characteristics to be dynamically optimized. The misaligned combustion chamber and strategically positioned baffles create a dynamic flow path that enables control over fluid flow rate while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a third dimension of control by misaligning the combustion chamber relative to the heated fluid flow chamber and using vertical baffles. This spatial arrangement creates multiple flow paths and control zones, enabling fluid flow rate control without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of substance

If traditional heat exchanger designs are used, then the design is conventional, but material usage is inefficient and exchanger dimensions are larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial savingsVSAvoidexchanger design
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested configuration where the internal jacket with the combustion chamber is positioned within the external jacket containing the heated fluid flow chamber. This nesting arrangement maximizes heat exchange surface area within a compact volume, reducing material usage while achieving efficient heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the heat exchanger, including the misalignment distance between combustion and heated fluid chambers, the cross-sectional area ratios, and baffle positions. These parameter optimizations enable material savings by minimizing the exchanger dimensions while maintaining effective heat exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the combustion chamber is misaligned with the heated fluid flow chamber, then the size is reduced, but the flow control becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexchanger sizeVSAvoidflow control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the internal heated fluid flow chamber into multiple sections using baffles, creating distinct flow zones. This segmentation allows for simplified control of fluid flow in each zone while the overall misaligned configuration maintains compact dimensions. The baffles create a stepwise flow path that is easier to control than a fully integrated complex design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enables precise control of fluid flow rate and material savings by optimizing the heat exchange area, resulting in a more compact and efficient heat exchanger.

Implementation Method 1

a tube array connected to the heated fluid flow chamber is located inside the exhaust outlet hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

there is a common inlet for introducing a burner to the combustion chamber located inside the internal jacket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP2828586B1Fired heat exchanger
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 AIC SPOLKA AKCYJNA
  • EP2828586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2828586B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2828586B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Fired heat exchanger comprising an external jacket (2) in a cylindrical shape, closed on one end with a bottom (9) and on the other with a bottom (10) fitted with a hole. The external jacket (2) houses an internal jacket (1) also of a cylindrical shape, closed on one end like the external jacket (2) with a bottom (11) and on the other with a bottom (12) fitted with a hole. Between the holes in the bottoms (10, 12), a common passage (5) is formed to introduce a burner into the combustion chamber (13) located inside the internal jacket (1). A common outlet hole (14) for exhaust is made in the side wall of the internal jacket (1) and the side wall of the external jacket (2). A sealed heated fluid flow chamber (4) is formed between the internal jacket (1) and external jacket (2). The chamber (4) is equipped with an inlet and outlet stub pipe for fluid.