Heat Exchanger with Electric Heating Coating for Fluid Preheating
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil-water heat exchangers face challenges in effective preheating, particularly in reducing pollutants when engine oil is not at operating temperature, and their production processes are cumbersome and specific.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design incorporating an electric heating coating applied to a fluid-receiving volume connected to fluid channels, allowing for efficient warming of fluids, with the coating arranged at either the inlet or outlet side, and optionally combined with a turbulator, to enhance warming efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an electric heater is integrated into the heat exchanger for preheating, then preheating effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric heating coating is integrated directly into the fluid-receiving volume of the heat exchanger, merging the heating function with the existing fluid reception and distribution structure. This eliminates the need for separate heater assemblies and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective preheating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-receiving volume serves multiple functions: it receives fluid from inlet channels, distributes fluid to outlet channels, and now also serves as the mounting substrate for the electric heating coating. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Ease of manufacture
If a heating coating is applied directly to the fluid-receiving volume, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but thermal insulation performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The heating coating is applied selectively to specific surfaces of the fluid-receiving volume where direct fluid contact occurs, rather than coating the entire exterior. This localized application maintains thermal insulation where not needed while providing heating where fluid warming is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate insulating layer between the heating coating and the external environment in certain areas, allowing the heating coating to be applied to the fluid-receiving volume while preventing unwanted thermal losses to the surroundings.
3Productivity
If the heating coating is positioned at the inlet side, then preheating efficiency is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating coating positioned at the inlet side performs preliminary heating of the fluid before it enters the main heat exchange channels. This preliminary action prepares the fluid for more efficient heat exchange downstream, improving overall preheating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating coating extends along the fluid flow path from the inlet, providing continuous heating action as the fluid moves through the heat exchanger. This continuous heating maintains optimal temperature gradients throughout the heat exchange process, improving efficiency while managing energy utilization.
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
Enables simple and effective warming of fluids, such as engine oil, reducing pollutant formation and improving preheating efficiency, while allowing for modular upgrades and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid-receiving volume is equipped with an electric heating coating
Implementation Method 2
at least one first fluid channel for conducting a first fluid, and at least one second fluid channel for conducting a second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular an water-air heat exchanger or oil-water heat exchanger, comprising at least one first fluid channel for guiding a first fluid, and at least one second fluid channel for guiding a second fluid, the at least one first fluid channel being joined to a fluid receiving volume, in particular on the outlet side, said fluid receiving volume being equipped with an electric heating coating (13).