Heat Exchanger Layout for Vapor-Condensate Flow Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heat pipe heat exchangers, the rising vapor and returning condensate interfere with each other due to their shared channel, affecting heat exchange efficiency, especially in compact layouts where the evaporation and condensation sections are in the same plane.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchange apparatus features a vapor pipe protruding from the condensation section's return wall, gas-collecting hood with gas outlet pipes, and a return pipe that does not protrude, creating multiple gas-liquid separations to separate rising vapor and returning condensate, allowing for efficient condensation and return without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the evaporation section and condensation section are disposed in the same plane to make the layout compact, then the device complexity is reduced, but the rising vapor and returning condensate share the same channel causing interference and reducing heat exchange efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single channel into multiple independent channels: a vapor channel for rising vapor and a condensate channel for returning condensate. The vapor channel includes a vapor pipe that protrudes from the second return wall, while the condensate channel includes a return pipe that does not protrude. This segmentation allows vapor and condensate to flow separately without interference, resolving the contradiction between compact layout and heat exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by making the vapor pipe protrude from the second return wall (which is part of the condensation section's bottom wall). This creates a three-dimensional configuration where vapor rises vertically through the protruding pipe while condensate returns horizontally through the non-protruding return pipe, eliminating interference between the two phases while maintaining a compact planar layout.
2Productivity
If the vapor pipe protrudes from the second return wall to separate vapor and condensate, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vapor pipe and return pipe into a single integrated structure formed by the second return wall. The vapor pipe is formed by the portion of the second return wall that protrudes outward, while the return pipe is formed by the portion that does not protrude. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing, offsetting the increased structural complexity from the protruding configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The second return wall serves multiple functions: it acts as the bottom wall of the condensation section, provides structural support, and simultaneously forms both the vapor pipe (through its protruding portion) and the return pipe (through its non-protruding portion). This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate pipe structures.
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 design enhances heat exchange efficiency by ensuring gaseous and liquid phases are separated effectively, facilitating rapid vapor rise and condensate return, thereby improving overall heat transfer performance.
Implementation Method 1
a working medium in an evaporation section being heated and gasified
Implementation Method 2
the working medium vapor is evaporated and conveyed
Implementation Method 3
is condensed into a liquid working medium after being regularly cooled
Implementation Method 4
a heat pipe heat exchanger has a relatively great heat exchange effect
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange apparatus, an inverter cooling system, and a converter cooling system. The heat exchange apparatus includes an evaporation section, a condensation section, a vapor pipe, a return pipe, a gas-collecting hood and a plurality of gas outlet pipes. The vapor pipe is in communication with the evaporation section and the condensation section. The vapor pipe protrudes from a second return wall defined by a bottom wall of the condensation section. The return pipe is in communication with the evaporation section and the condensation section. The return pipe does not protrude outward from the second return wall. The gas-collecting hood is disposed on the condensation section and is provided with a gas-collecting groove, the gas-collecting groove is provided with an opening towards the second return wall. The plurality of gas outlet pipes protrude from a first return wall defined by a bottom of the gas-collecting groove.