Heat Exchanger Inlet Ring for Accurate Fluid Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in accurately measuring the temperature of working fluids in stacked microchannel heat exchangers due to surface temperature measurement errors caused by heat conduction and non-uniform temperature distributions, leading to incorrect heat transfer calculations and energy consumption inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow adjustment ring within the inlet pipes of the heat exchanger to create a core region with uniform velocity and temperature, allowing temperature sensors to be placed downstream for direct fluid contact and accurate temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature sensors are mounted on the outer surface of inlet/outlet pipes for easy installation, then installation ease is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to heat conduction errors and non-uniform temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
A flow adjustment ring is introduced as an intermediary component within the inlet pipe to create a core region with uniform temperature distribution. This mediator enables the temperature sensor to accurately measure fluid temperature by establishing a controlled thermal environment, resolving the contradiction between easy installation and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow adjustment ring performs preliminary action by creating uniform velocity and temperature distribution in the core region before the temperature sensor measurement point. This preliminary flow conditioning ensures that when the sensor measures temperature, the fluid already has uniform thermal characteristics, eliminating measurement errors from non-uniform distribution.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed in direct contact with working fluid for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional flow control components
Solution Approach 1:
The flow adjustment ring serves multiple functions: it creates uniform velocity distribution, establishes uniform temperature distribution, and defines a core region for accurate sensing. By combining these functions in a single component, the patent achieves precise temperature measurement without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow adjustment ring changes the flow parameters (velocity and temperature distribution) within the inlet pipe to create a core region with uniform characteristics. This parameter transformation enables accurate temperature measurement while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If flow adjustment ring is added to create uniform core region, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet pipe is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upstream region, a flow adjustment ring region, and a downstream core region. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately with specific functions, making the overall manufacturing process more manageable despite the added complexity of the flow adjustment ring.
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 precise temperature measurement of working fluids, reducing measurement errors and improving energy efficiency by ensuring accurate heat transfer calculations and optimal temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a flow adjustment ring that is disposed within at least either one of the high-temperature inlet pipe and the low-temperature inlet pipe and allows the high-temperature fluid or the low-temperature fluid to be mixed
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor provided in such a manner that a sensing point is arranged in a core region formed in a downstream region of the flow adjustment ring
Data Source
AI summary
In order to correctly measure a temperature of a working fluid flowing through an outlet/inlet of a heat exchanger body, a flow adjustment ring is disposed within at least either one of a high-temperature inlet pipe and a low-temperature inlet pipe of the heat exchanger body. In this manner, a core region in which velocity and temperature of the working fluid becomes approximately constant is formed on a downstream side of the flow adjustment ring. A temperature sensor is provided in such a manner that a sensing point is arranged in this core region.