Folded Conduit with Varying Cross-Sections for Heat Exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face inefficiencies in heat transfer and fluid flow due to fixed channel configurations, which do not adapt to varying fluid types and phases, leading to suboptimal performance in condensers and evaporators.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchange conduit is formed by folding a planar sheet of material to create varying flow channels with non-uniform cross-sections and hydraulic diameters along its length, optimized for different fluids, and featuring textured surfaces to disrupt boundary layers and enhance heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heat exchangers use fixed channel configurations, then manufacturing is simpler, but heat transfer efficiency and fluid flow performance deteriorate due to inability to adapt to varying fluid types and phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional dimensions and flow channel configurations at different locations along the conduit length. The first portion has different cross-sectional characteristics than the second portion, allowing each section to be optimized for specific heat transfer requirements and fluid flow conditions, thereby improving overall heat transfer efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the cross-sectional dimensions, hydraulic diameter, and flow channel geometry along the length of the conduit. These parameter variations are optimized based on fluid type and phase (liquid, vapor, two-phase refrigerant, water, brine) to enhance heat transfer performance while maintaining manufacturability through systematic design approaches
2Productivity
If the heat exchange conduit uses varying cross-sections and optimized length-to-hydraulic-diameter ratios, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conduit into distinct portions (first portion and second portion) with different cross-sectional characteristics. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for specific heat transfer requirements while maintaining overall system manufacturability through modular design principles that can be produced using standard fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a conduit with varying cross-sectional dimensions and flow channel configurations along its length, transitioning from a uniform structure to a non-uniform structure. This dynamic design allows the conduit to adapt to different heat transfer conditions at different locations, achieving optimized performance while remaining manufacturable through controlled variation rather than complete complexity
3Productivity
If conventional heat exchangers use uniform hydraulic diameter throughout, then manufacturing is easier, but pressure drop characteristics and heat transfer performance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different hydraulic diameter characteristics in different portions of the conduit. The first portion has different cross-sectional dimensions and flow channel geometry compared to the second portion, allowing each section to be optimized for specific pressure drop and heat transfer requirements based on local fluid flow conditions and heat transfer demands
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 improves heat transfer efficiency and pressure drop characteristics while providing corrosion durability and reduced complexity and cost, outperforming conventional heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
an interior surface of the heat exchange conduit includes a texture or pattern to form a boundary layer disruption of a fluid passing through the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange conduit includes a body having a first portion including a first flow channel and a second portion including a second flow channel. A cross-section of the heat exchange conduit varies over a length of the heat exchange conduit.