Heat Exchanger Mixing Channels for Uniform Diphasic Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers face issues with uneven distribution of liquid-gas mixtures in their passages, leading to non-uniform temperature profiles and reduced performance, especially when using coolant mixtures with multiple constituent elements, which results in higher exchanger outlet temperatures and decreased energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device with a lateral channel and a series of longitudinal channels, where the longitudinal channel is divided into an upstream and downstream portion, with the downstream portion having a greater width than the upstream portion, facilitating more homogeneous distribution of the mixture across the exchanger passage width and reducing pressure losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional mixing device with uniform channels is used, then the structure is simple, but the distribution of diphasic mixture is uneven leading to non-uniform temperature profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal channel is designed with varying cross-sectional area along its length, creating different flow characteristics in different sections. The wider section promotes better mixing and distribution of the diphasic mixture, while maintaining overall structural simplicity. This local variation in geometry addresses the uniformity issue without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
2Productivity
If the downstream portion has greater width than upstream portion, then homogenization speed increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional area of the longitudinal channel is varied along its length, with the downstream portion having greater width than the upstream portion. This parameter change accelerates homogenization by promoting better mixing in the wider section where the diphasic mixture spends more time. The gradual transition in dimensions facilitates manufacturing while achieving the desired homogenization effect.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate introduction of liquid and gaseous phases is implemented, then phase distribution control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a lateral channel for liquid phase introduction and longitudinal channels for gaseous phase flow. This segmentation allows separate control of phase introduction while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The openings connecting lateral and longitudinal channels provide controlled interaction between phases without requiring complex multi-channel configurations.
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 configuration ensures faster homogenization of the diphasic mixture, reduces disparities in mass flow rates, and enhances thermal exchanges, thereby improving the overall performance and efficiency of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lateral channel configured for a first phase of the first fluid to flow from at least one first inlet; a series of longitudinal channels extending in the longitudinal direction and each configured for the second phase of the first fluid to flow from a second inlet to a second outlet
Implementation Method 2
said mixing device being configured to distribute a mixture of the first phase and the second phase
Implementation Method 3
downstream portion having, at any point of its length, a width that is greater than the width of the upstream portion
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing device for distributing a mixture of a first phase and a second phase of a first fluid in a longitudinal direction in at least one passage of a heat exchanger, said mixing device including at least one lateral channel configured for the first phase to flow from at least one first inlet; a series of longitudinal channels extending in the longitudinal direction and each configured for the second phase to flow from a second inlet to a second outlet, said longitudinal channels succeeding each other in a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; and at least one opening fluidly connecting said lateral channel to at least one longitudinal channel such that the mixing device is configured to distribute a mixture of the first phase and the second phase via the second outlet of said longitudinal channel.