Heat Exchanger Bundle With Elastic Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers face mechanical damage and fluid leaks due to thermal expansion and deformations caused by temperature gradients, with existing solutions either reducing thermal efficiency or increasing material costs by stiffening the heat exchange bundle.
Innovation Solution
Integrating elastic and/or plastic means within the heat exchange bundle, such as axially deformed tubes near the separation line, to absorb mechanical stresses and prevent breakage, while maintaining heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If dead tubes are added to ensure mechanical strength and neutralize temperature gradients, then the heat exchange bundle can withstand thermal stresses, but the thermal efficiency is reduced due to fewer tubes available for heat exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of specific tubes by subjecting them to elastic and/or plastic deformation processes. This creates zones with modified mechanical characteristics that can absorb thermal stresses while maintaining the tube's heat exchange function, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific deformed zones at predetermined locations within the heat exchange bundle where thermal stresses are most severe. These localized modifications provide stress absorption capacity only where needed, while the rest of the tubes maintain optimal heat exchange properties, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal efficiency.
2Strength
If wall thickness of tubes is increased to resist thermal stresses through greater rigidity, then the heat exchange bundle can withstand deformations, but the heat exchange capacity is reduced due to more material between the two fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the tubes through elastic and/or plastic deformation, creating zones with enhanced stress absorption capacity without altering the wall thickness. This allows the tubes to resist thermal stresses while maintaining thin walls that facilitate efficient heat exchange, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and heat exchange capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating deformed zones at specific locations where thermal stresses are most severe, rather than uniformly increasing wall thickness throughout. This localized approach provides the necessary rigidity and stress resistance only where needed, while the majority of the tube surface area remains thin-walled for optimal heat exchange, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and heat exchange capacity.
3Reliability
If the heat exchange bundle is stiffened to prevent deformations, then mechanical damage from thermal expansion is reduced, but the ability to absorb thermal expansion is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of specific tube zones through elastic and/or plastic deformation, creating regions with enhanced ductility and stress absorption capacity. These modified zones can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while protecting the overall bundle from mechanical damage, thus resolving the contradiction between resistance to mechanical damage and ability to absorb thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating deformed zones at predetermined locations where thermal stresses are most severe. These localized modifications provide adaptability and stress absorption capacity only where needed, while the rest of the bundle maintains its structural integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between resistance to mechanical damage and ability to absorb thermal expansion.
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 absorbs thermal expansion without risking breakage, maintaining heat exchange efficiency and reducing material costs by not relying on additional mechanical reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
said means for absorbing deformations consists of elastic and/or plastic means
Implementation Method 2
said means for absorbing deformations consists of elastic and/or plastic means
Implementation Method 3
temperature differences (temperature gradient) which cause thermal expansion phenomena
Implementation Method 4
the single fluid enters through the inlet pipe and heats, by conduction, part of the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
fluid/coolant heat exchanger comprising a plurality of passes for the circulating fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The exchanger has a heat exchanging bundle (2') permitting circulation of internal fluid exchanging heat with external fluid. The bundle is arranged between collectors for inlet and outlet of the internal fluid. The bundle includes absorption units (9), made up of elastic or plastic materials, to absorb deformation of the bundles. The bundle includes tubes (7) extending in a longitudinal direction and located near a separation line of the exchanger. A separation wall is disposed in a restraint unit placed on inner faces of the collectors.