Heat exchanger apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchanger systems in central heating arrangements require significant space due to the limitations in pipe curvature, making it challenging to minimize the overall size of combined heat and power units, and existing solutions do not effectively optimize the physical layout for efficient fluid flow and component placement.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger apparatus with primary and secondary circuits, where pumps are arranged in parallel with the heat exchanger, and custom manifold arrangements connect the pumps to the heat exchanger and circuits, allowing for a compact design by aligning pump inlets and outlets with the flow direction between the heat exchanger's ends, and incorporating a three-way valve for flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional pipes are used to connect heat exchanger components, then the required flow paths can be achieved, but the space required between components becomes considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate primary and secondary circuits with dedicated pumps for each, allowing independent optimization of each circuit's flow path and reducing the overall space required for component arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional spatial arrangement of components and flow paths, utilizing vertical and horizontal dimensions efficiently to minimize the footprint while maintaining proper flow paths between heat exchanger components
2Area of stationary object
If components are placed close together to minimize space, then the overall unit size is reduced, but the pipe curvature limitations make this difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes curved flow paths and bent pipe configurations that optimize the radius of curvature to accommodate compact component placement while maintaining proper fluid flow, transforming the rigid linear arrangements into adaptable curved pathways
3Volume of moving object
If a manifold arrangement is used to minimize space, then component placement is simplified, but specific flow paths between components are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the heat exchanger system are designed with different flow path configurations - the primary circuit has one arrangement optimized for its function, while the secondary circuit has a different arrangement optimized for its function, allowing each local area to have the quality needed for its specific purpose
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 minimizes space usage by allowing pumps to be placed alongside the heat exchanger, optimizing fluid flow paths, and simplifying installation and maintenance, while maintaining the efficiency of heat transfer between circuits.
Implementation Method 1
Heat is thereby transferred to the secondary circuit 22 from the primary circuit 23
Implementation Method 2
Fluid such as water flows from a heat source 13, for example a boiler or engine, through the heat exchanger primary side and back to the heat source 13 again
Implementation Method 3
a primary circuit pump for propelling fluid through a primary circuit from the primary side inlet to a primary side outlet; a secondary circuit pump for propelling fluid through the secondary side of the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A heat exchanger apparatus comprises: a heat exchanger (11), the heat exchanger (11) having a primary side and a secondary side, each side having connections (18, 19, 20, 21) for an inlet and an outlet, wherein a first end of the heat exchanger (11) has one connection for the primary side and one connection for the secondary side, and wherein a second end of the heat exchanger (11) has the other connection for the primary side and the other connection for the secondary side; a pump (10, 7) for propelling fluid through one of the primary or secondary sides of the heat exchanger (11) and through a primary or secondary circuit (23, 22) connected thereto; and a manifold arrangement (6, 8, 12, 9) for connecting the pump (7, 10) to the heat exchanger (11) and to the circuit (22, 23); wherein the pump (7, 10) is arranged in parallel with a line between the first end and the second end of the heat exchanger (11) and has a pump inlet and pump outlet with inlet and outlet flow directions that are generally parallel to the line between the first end and the second end of the heat exchanger (11).