Heat Exchanger Fluid Tempering for Reduced Mass Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers require large amounts of heat transfer fluid to handle large volumes of media, leading to high equipment costs due to the need for powerful conveying devices and larger line cross-sections, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a two-step heat transfer process in multiple functional parts of a heat exchanger, where the heat transfer fluid is tempered after initial contact with the medium, allowing for reduced mass flow and smaller equipment designs, with optional use of a temperature compensation medium and overpressure to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large amounts of heat transfer fluid are used to handle large volumes of media, then the heat transfer capacity is improved, but the equipment costs increase due to the need for powerful conveying devices and larger line cross-sections
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple functional parts (first functional part, second functional part, etc.) through which the heat transfer fluid flows sequentially. This segmentation allows the heat transfer fluid to perform multiple heat exchange tasks in sequence, effectively reducing the total mass flow required while maintaining the overall heat transfer capacity. The patent applies this by creating separate flow paths within the heat exchanger structure, enabling the same fluid to serve multiple purposes.
2Device complexity
If the mass flow of heat transfer fluid is reduced, then the equipment costs and line cross-sections are reduced, but the heat transfer capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer fluid continuously circulates through multiple functional parts of the heat exchanger, performing heat exchange tasks in sequence without interruption. This continuous circulation allows the same fluid to repeatedly perform useful work, maximizing the utilization of the heat transfer fluid and maintaining high heat transfer capacity with reduced mass flow. The patent implements this by creating a closed or semi-closed flow path that guides the fluid through multiple functional parts in a continuous manner.
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 approach significantly reduces the mass flow of the heat transfer fluid, minimizing equipment requirements and costs while maintaining effective temperature control, with the potential for further savings through partial circulation and use of free or low-cost compensation media.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred in a known manner in a first functional part of a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer fluid is brought into thermal contact with a temperature compensation medium
Implementation Method 3
in the case in which the heat transfer fluid was used to cool the medium, the heat obtained during thermal contact with the medium is withdrawn from the heat transfer fluid again
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The method involves bringing a medium in thermal contact with a heat transfer fluid in a functional part of a heat exchanger (2), and withdrawing or supplying the heat to the fluid. The medium is partially transferred to the heat and/or withdrawn from the heat. The withdrawn and/or supplied heat is again partially supplied and/or withdrawn to the fluid in a device (15) for tempering of the fluid e.g. cooling- or heating device. The heated and/or cooled heat transfer fluid is again brought in thermal contact with the medium in another functional part of the exchanger for heat exchange. An independent claim is also included for a device for tempering a medium through thermal contact with a heat transfer fluid in a heat changer.