Heat Exchanger Core Partial Sheets for Thermal Stress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cross-flow heat exchangers face challenges in handling thermal stresses due to their low strength, which is exacerbated by the need for reinforcement that can disrupt fluid flow and add unnecessary material.
Innovation Solution
A cross-flow heat exchanger core design incorporating partial sheets that are smaller in size than standard sheets, strategically positioned to provide structural reinforcement while minimizing weight and maintaining fluid flow efficiency, with corrugated fins dividing the core into channels for effective heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcement components are added to handle thermal stresses, then strength is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger core is divided into alternating cold and hot layers, with parting sheets separating these layers. This segmentation allows each layer to be structurally optimized independently, with parting sheets providing reinforcement where needed while maintaining the overall structural integrity without excessive material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement is applied locally through parting sheets positioned between alternating cold and hot layers, rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. This local quality approach strengthens the core at critical thermal stress points while avoiding unnecessary material addition in areas where reinforcement is not needed.
2Strength
If reinforcement components are added to handle thermal stresses, then strength is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core structure is segmented into discrete layers with parting sheets providing reinforcement only where thermal stresses occur between alternating cold and hot layers, rather than using material throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement material is applied locally at critical interfaces between layers rather than uniformly throughout the structure, optimizing material usage by placing it only where structural support is needed to handle thermal gradients.
3Strength
If reinforcement components are added to handle thermal stresses, then strength is improved, but fluid flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The parting sheets are positioned between alternating layers rather than within the fluid flow paths, segmenting the structure for strength while keeping fluid channels clear and unobstructed for efficient flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement function is extracted and placed in the form of parting sheets between layers, separate from the fluid flow paths. This allows the reinforcement components to provide structural support without interfering with the fluid flow through the heat exchanger channels.
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 design effectively mitigates thermal stress effects by reinforcing the heat exchanger core without compromising fluid flow or adding excessive material, enhancing its structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer from the hot fluid to the cold fluid, cooling the hot fluid and warming the cold fluid
Implementation Method 2
cold fluid flowing one direction and the hot fluid flowing another direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A heat exchanger core includes a first standard sheet (36A) having a first face and a second face opposite of the first face, a second standard sheet (36B) opposing the first face of the first standard sheet, a first fin (24A) extending between the first standard sheet and the second standard sheet, the first fin defining multiple channels, and a first partial sheet (38A) connected to the first face. The first partial sheet is smaller in width and/or height than the first face of the first standard sheet.