Guide Vane Vortex Generation for Heat Exchanger Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vortex generating devices fail to effectively generate and maintain vortex flows that reach heat exchangers, leading to suboptimal heat exchange performance.
Innovation Solution
A vortex generating device is positioned adjacent to the heat exchanger in a refrigeration cycle apparatus, utilizing a configuration of vane structures and support bodies to convert laminar air flows into turbulent vortex flows, enhancing heat transfer and diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a metal mesh vortex generating device is provided at the air inlet of the heat exchanger, then vortex flows are generated to improve heat exchange performance, but the vortex flows break before reaching the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
A guide vane is introduced as an intermediary component between the vortex generating device and the heat exchanger. The guide vane has a curved surface that redirects the vortex flow direction and supports the vortex structure, preventing it from breaking before reaching the heat exchanger. This intermediary element mediates the transition of vortex flow from generation to effective heat exchange application.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vane utilizes a curved surface geometry that operates in a three-dimensional space, redirecting the vortex flow along a curved path rather than a straight line. This dimensional approach allows the vortex flow to maintain its structure while changing direction to enter the heat exchanger effectively.
2Productivity
If vortex flows are generated using a metal mesh, then heat exchange performance is expected to improve, but the vortex flows cannot be effectively supplied to the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vane serves as a mediator that facilitates the delivery of vortex flows from the generating device to the heat exchanger. By providing a curved support surface, it ensures the vortex flow reaches the heat exchanger in an effective manner, solving the delivery problem without compromising heat exchange performance.
3Speed
If the guide vane curved surface is positioned closer to the vortex generating device, then vortex flow direction can be changed more effectively, but the distance for vortex flow development is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal position of the guide vane curved surface is determined by adjusting the parameter of distance from the vortex generating device. The invention identifies a specific distance range that balances the need for effective direction change with the requirement for sufficient vortex flow development, achieving optimal heat exchange 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
The solution effectively generates and sustains vortex flows that improve heat exchange performance by promoting heat transfer between air and heat exchanger tubes, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex generating device provided adjacent to a heat exchanger of a refrigeration cycle apparatus
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a configuration of vane structures and support bodies to convert laminar air flows into turbulent vortex flows
Implementation Method 3
promoting heat transfer between air and heat exchanger tubes, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A(a)~5B
AI summary
A vortex generating device includes support bodies and vane bodies provided on the support bodies. Between each of the support bodies and an associated one of the vane bodies, a first space is provided to allow air to flow therethrough. Each vane body has one end located on one side in a flow direction of air, the other end located on the other side in the flow direction of air, and a surface extending along the flow direction of air and from the one end to the other end.