Heat Exchanger Inner Fin Curvature and Meander Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers face challenges in maintaining the strength of inner fins while enhancing heat transfer efficiency, as the formation of fine flow paths can lead to increased pressure drop and degradation in strength due to compression external forces.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger incorporates a flow path tube with a flat cross-sectional shape and an inner fin that divides the internal space into fine flow paths. The inner fin has a corrugated cross-sectional shape and a meander shape in different cross-sectional views, with a communication part that includes a communication port and wall parts. The communication port is designed with edges of equal length to prevent uneven buckling under compression, and the inner fin includes through holes and cut-and-raised parts to resist compression and enhance heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the internal space of the flow path tube is divided into finer flow paths to enhance heat transfer efficiency, then the heat transfer area increases, but the pressure drop increases and the strength of the inner fin degrades under compression external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The inner fin is designed with a corrugated cross-sectional shape featuring curved surfaces instead of flat surfaces. This curvature provides structural rigidity to resist compression external forces while maintaining the fine flow path configuration for enhanced heat transfer. The corrugated structure acts as a reinforcement that prevents buckling under compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner fin incorporates a meander shape pattern that creates a composite structural design, combining multiple geometric features (corrugated cross-section with meander plan view) to achieve both structural strength and heat transfer efficiency. This composite geometry allows the fin to maintain integrity under compression while providing sufficient surface area for heat exchange.
2Productivity
If the internal space of the flow path tube is divided into finer flow paths to enhance heat transfer efficiency, then the heat transfer area increases, but the pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated cross-sectional shape with curved surfaces reduces flow resistance compared to sharp-edged divisions. The smooth curvature of the corrugated structure allows fluid to transition more easily between flow paths, reducing turbulence and pressure drop while maintaining effective heat transfer surface area.
3Strength
If the inner fin is made stronger to resist compression external forces, then the strength increases, but the heat transfer efficiency may degrade due to reduced surface area or increased flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated cross-sectional shape provides structural reinforcement that increases compression resistance without requiring additional material or reducing surface area. The curved geometry of the corrugations acts as structural ribs that strengthen the fin while maintaining the same overall dimensions and heat transfer surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The meander shape pattern adds a dimensional complexity to the inner fin structure, creating a three-dimensional configuration that provides both structural strength and heat transfer surface area. This multi-dimensional geometry allows the fin to resist compression forces while maximizing the heat transfer surface within the available space.
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 configuration enhances the strength of the inner fins by ensuring even buckling and resistance to compression, while also improving heat transfer efficiency without the need to make the flow paths finer, thus minimizing pressure drop.
Implementation Method 1
cause heat exchange between a heating medium flowing inside and a target of heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
having, in the first cross section, a corrugated cross sectional shape... The inner fin includes a meander shape... to resist compression and enhance heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path tube of a heat exchanger includes an inner fin having a meander shape in which a one-side top part and an other-side top part are alternately arranged via an intermediate part. The intermediate part includes a communication part with a communication port that communicates the adjacent fine flow paths. A one-side wall part is extended from the one-side top part, which is adjacent on one side, to the communication part and separates the adjacent fine flow paths. An other-side wall part is extended from the other-side top part, which is adjacent on the other side, to the communication part and separates the adjacent fine flow paths. An edge of the one-side wall part is formed such that an edge of the other-side wall part is shifted in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the flat cross sectional shape of the flow path tube.