Heat Exchanger Flow Diverter for Uniform Tube Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers face challenges in achieving uniform fluid distribution between tubes when the inlet port is oriented perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubes, especially when the flow area is small relative to the fluid flow rate, leading to turbulent flow and inefficient heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow diverter with elongated projections within the inlet tank to redirect fluid flow from the inlet port, ensuring even distribution among multiple tubes by diverting fluid away from the initial flow direction and optimizing the angle and positioning of these projections to enhance fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the inlet port is oriented perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubes, then the space for fluid lines is optimized, but the fluid distribution among tubes becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
A flow diverter is introduced as an intermediary component within the inlet tank to mediate between the inlet port and the tubes. The flow diverter redirects turbulent flow from the inlet port to achieve uniform distribution among tubes, resolving the contradiction between compact inlet port orientation and uniform fluid distribution.
2Area of stationary object
If the flow area of the inlet port is reduced, then the device size is minimized, but the fluid enters the inlet tank in a turbulent flow regime causing non-uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter converts the harmful turbulent flow regime (caused by small inlet port area) into a beneficial uniform distribution pattern. By strategically positioning the flow diverter, the turbulent energy is redirected to evenly distribute fluid among all tubes, transforming the problem of small flow area into an opportunity for compact design.
3Manufacturing precision
If a baffle plate is added to redirect flow, then flow distribution is improved for parallel inlet orientation, but the solution is ineffective when inlet port is perpendicular to tubes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional baffle plate that blocks flow, the invention uses a flow diverter that actively directs flow in the opposite manner - guiding turbulent flow from the perpendicular inlet port to achieve uniform distribution. This inverted approach of directing rather than blocking makes the solution effective for perpendicular inlet orientation where traditional baffles fail.
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 flow diverter significantly improves fluid distribution, reducing disparities in fluid volume between tubes and enhancing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the heat exchanger by ensuring more uniform flow, as demonstrated through numerical simulations and graphical comparisons.
Implementation Method 1
A flow diverter can be positioned in the tank at a third position between the first position and the second position to direct at least a portion of fluid flow away from the first general flow direction and thereby distribute the fluid flow from the inlet substantially evenly to each of the plurality of tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger including a tank with first and second ends defining a length and a cross-sectional area transverse to the length. An inlet orifice defined at the first end through which fluid flows in a first direction into the tank, the inlet orifice having a cross-sectional area transverse to the first direction. A voluminous region defined by boundaries which extend generally linearly from the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the inlet orifice to the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the tank. A plurality of conduits providing an outlet for fluid flow from the tank in a second flow direction at a non-parallel angle to the first flow direction. A flow diverter positioned within the voluminous region to direct a portion of fluid flow out of the region and distribute the total volume of fluid flow from the inlet substantially uniformly between the plurality of conduits.