Heat Exchanger with Bidirectional Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers require a specific installation position to function properly, limiting their versatility and flexibility in orientation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fluid distribution elements at the connecting parts of the heat exchanger to enable bidirectional fluid flow between evaporator and condenser channels, allowing the heat exchanger to operate as a Pulsated Heat Pipe, which enables operation in any orientation without additional costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat exchanger is designed with conventional evaporator and condenser channels, then it achieves efficient cooling of power electronics, but it requires installation in a specific position and cannot operate in upside down or horizontal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple groups of channels (first group, second group, third group) with evaporator and condenser channels arranged in alternating sequence. This segmentation allows the fluid flow to be distributed across multiple pathways, enabling the system to maintain functionality regardless of orientation. Each group can independently facilitate heat transfer, ensuring reliable operation in any position.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting parts are designed with multiple fluid distribution elements that can direct fluid flow in different directions. The first connecting part includes a first fluid distribution element that distributes fluid to multiple evaporator channels, while the second connecting part includes a second fluid distribution element that distributes fluid to multiple condenser channels. This multi-functional design allows the heat exchanger to operate effectively in any orientation, achieving both reliable cooling and installation flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid distribution elements are added to enable bidirectional flow, then the heat exchanger can operate in any orientation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid distribution elements are integrated into the connecting parts, which serve dual functions as both connection points and distribution centers. The first connecting part combines the function of connecting evaporator channels with distributing fluid to multiple channels through the first fluid distribution element. Similarly, the second connecting part combines condenser channel connection with fluid distribution through the second fluid distribution element. This merging reduces the need for separate distribution components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-orientation capability.
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 heat exchanger can now function effectively in any orientation due to capillary-sized channels and fluid distribution elements, reducing positional sensitivity and maintaining reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
said evaporator channels and said condenser channels have capillary dimensions
Implementation Method 2
a first heat transfer element arranged in a vicinity of said first end for transferring a heat load to a fluid in said evaporator channels
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary heat exchanger includes evaporator channels and condenser channels, connecting parts for providing fluid paths between evaporator channels and the condenser channels, a first heat transfer element for transferring a heat load to a fluid in said evaporator channels, and a second heat transfer element for transferring a heat load from a fluid in the condenser channels. In order to achieve a heat exchanger that can be used in any position, the evaporator channels and said condenser channels can have capillary dimensions. The connecting part arranged at a first end of heat exchanger can include a first fluid distribution element for conducting fluid from a predetermined condenser channel into a corresponding predetermined evaporator channel, and the connecting part arranged at a second end of the heat exchanger can include a second fluid distribution element for conducting fluid from a predetermined evaporator channel into a corresponding predetermined condenser channel.