Fusion-Welded Strip Heat Exchanger With Low-Loss Microchannels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face increased pressure drops and reduced thermodynamic performance due to their configuration, which affects the efficiency of heat transfer between fluids.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger features superposed metal strip layers welded by fusion, creating microchannels with a high surface-to-volume ratio, controlled surface roughness, and metallurgical continuity for enhanced thermal conductivity and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional heat exchanger configuration is used, then heat transfer surface is provided, but pressure drops increase and thermodynamic performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the heat exchanger by implementing a microchannel design with specific dimensions (channel height of 0.5-2mm, width of 1-5mm) and a layered structure. This parameter optimization reduces pressure drops while maintaining effective heat transfer surface area, directly resolving the contradiction between thermodynamic performance and pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional macro-scale heat exchanger geometry to micro-scale dimensions, creating a multi-layered structure with channels in the thickness direction. This dimensional change enables high heat transfer efficiency with reduced pressure drops by exploiting microchannel flow characteristics and increased surface-to-volume ratio.
2Loss of energy
If heat exchange surface area is increased, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but exchange volume increases causing thermodynamic performance loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving to micro-scale dimensions and utilizing the thickness direction for channel arrangement. The microchannel geometry (height 0.5-2mm, width 1-5mm) provides extensive heat transfer surface area within a compact volume, achieving high exchange efficiency without significant volume increase that would create thermodynamic losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the heat exchanger through its layered structure. The walls have high thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer, while the channel geometry is optimized for low pressure drops. This local optimization allows high heat exchange efficiency with minimal dead volume affecting thermodynamic performance.
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 maximizes heat exchange efficiency while minimizing thermodynamic losses, reducing pressure drops and boundary layer thickness, and maintaining high thermal conductivity across the exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
superposed layers, which are welded by fusion to each other
Implementation Method 2
The main function of a recuperator-type heat exchanger is to allow the transfer of thermal energy through the walls of the exchanger, between a first fluid and a second fluid
Implementation Method 3
The exchanges between the wall of the channels of the exchanger according to the invention and the fluid which circulates in these channels are thus maximized
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This heat exchanger (100) comprises fluid circulation channels (C) extending lengthwise along a first axis (X – X), and a plurality of layers (L) that are flat and superposed on one another along a second axis (Z – Z). In order to improve the performance of this exchanger, each layer is made up of metal strips (B) such that the strips of the one same layer all extend lengthwise in a direction perpendicular to the second axis and adjacent to one another, without necessarily touching, in the plane of the relevant layer. In addition, each of the channels is jointly defined by first, second and third layers, the second layer being intercalated, along the second axis, directly between the first and third layers so that each channel is delimited by a one face of the first layer, one face of the third layer and edges of the second layer which run parallel to the first axis and transversely to the plane of this second layer, these edges being formed by strips of this second layer which are fusion-welded to the first and third layers in fusion zones which extend continuously along the entire length of the channel and which are situated, along a third axis (Y – Y), on either side of the channel.