Heat Exchanger Internal Communication Channels for Compact Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat exchangers are large and have low heat exchange efficiency, failing to effectively dissipate heat in compact power electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A heat exchanger design that includes a housing with a heat exchange core, an air vent, and communication channels within the housing, optimizing internal space usage by eliminating the need for additional connection tubes and enhancing heat exchange paths through multiple channels and partitions, thereby improving efficiency and reducing size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing heat exchanger designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the overall size is large and heat exchange efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidoverall size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchange core is divided into multiple independent channels (first heat exchange channel, second heat exchange channel, etc.), each with separate inlet and outlet channels. This segmentation increases the total heat exchange surface area and improves heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the internal three-dimensional space of the housing by arranging heat exchange channels in multiple layers and directions. The communication channels connect different levels of the heat exchange core, effectively using vertical and horizontal dimensions to maximize heat exchange surface area within a limited volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If existing heat exchanger designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the heat dissipation efficiency cannot satisfy compact electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication channels are integrated directly into the housing structure rather than being separate external components. The housing serves dual functions as both the structural enclosure and the heat exchange conduit, eliminating the need for additional connection tubes and reducing overall structural complexity despite the enhanced heat dissipation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure, serves as a heat exchange channel, and acts as a mounting structure for the heat exchange core. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining simplicity while improving heat dissipation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If communication channels are added inside the housing, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The communication channels are formed as integral parts of the housing structure during the housing manufacturing process. By combining the housing and communication channel fabrication into a single manufacturing step (such as injection molding or CNC machining), the patent avoids the need for separate assembly operations, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture despite the enhanced heat exchange functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively reduces the overall size of the heat exchanger while enhancing heat dissipation efficiency, maintaining performance even in high-temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchange core arranged inside the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the first heat exchange channel includes at least one inlet channel and at least one outlet channel... configured to enable a hot air flow and a cold air flow to exchange heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4414649A1Heat exchanger and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO LTD
  • EP4414649A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414649A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4414649A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A heat exchanger includes a heat exchange core arranged inside the housing, and a side of the housing is provided with an air vent. The heat exchanger is provided with a communication channel in communication with the air vent. The communication channel is located inside the housing, and is located at a side in the housing opposite to the air vent. In the heat exchanger, the air vent is in communication with the communication channel inside the housing, and the communication channel is located at the side in the housing opposite to the air vent, such that the internal space of the housing is fully utilized. Compared to the prior art, the overall size of the heat exchanger is reduced, and the cost for the heat exchanger is reduced.