Heat Exchanger Plate Diagonal Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers suffer from uneven temperature distribution due to non-symmetric arrangement of inlet and outlet ports, leading to inefficient heat transfer and fluid heating, particularly in smaller units where space and size constraints limit the use of different patterns for distribution and transfer areas.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger plate design featuring a corrugated pattern with open and closed adiabatic distribution areas, including diagonal grooves and support sections, and transfer and bypass paths that allow fluid to enter the heat transfer passage uniformly across the entire width, reducing pressure drop and enhancing flow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If inlet and outlet ports are arranged at the corners of heat exchanger plates to maximize heat transfer surface area, then the heat transfer surface area is maximized, but the temperature distribution over the channel width becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary distribution area with specific corrugation patterns between the inlet/outlet ports and the heat transfer surface. This distribution area acts as a mediator that redirects and evenly distributes the fluid flow across the channel width before it reaches the heat transfer surface, thereby maintaining uniform temperature distribution while preserving the corner-port configuration that maximizes heat transfer area.
2Ease of operation
If different corrugation patterns are used in distribution area and heat transfer area to improve flow distribution, then the flow distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat exchanger plate into distinct functional areas: a distribution area with specific corrugation patterns designed for flow distribution, and a heat transfer area with different corrugation patterns optimized for heat exchange. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall flow distribution without requiring complete redesign of the entire plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by using different corrugation patterns in different areas of the plate. The distribution area near the ports uses patterns optimized for flow distribution, while the heat transfer area uses patterns optimized for heat exchange efficiency. This localized optimization allows the system to achieve good flow distribution without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If pressure drop is increased to distribute fluid more evenly in larger heat exchangers, then the flow distribution is improved, but the energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by creating a distribution area with specific corrugation patterns that pre-distribute the fluid flow evenly across the channel width before the fluid enters the main heat transfer area. This preliminary distribution prevents the need for high pressure drops during the main heat transfer process, thereby improving flow distribution while minimizing energy loss.
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 design achieves improved flow distribution and heat transfer efficiency by ensuring uniform fluid flow across the heat transfer passage, minimizing low-flow regions and optimizing pressure drop, thus enhancing the overall performance of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
The channels are provided with different corrugated patterns designed to induce maximum turbulence in both the fluid flows in order to make heat transfer as efficient as possible.
Implementation Method 2
The two fluids flow in alternate channels which gives a large surface area over which the transfer of heat energy from one fluid to the other can take place.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger plate, where the plate is provided with a heat transfer surface having a corrugated pattern, comprising a diagonal open and closed side distribution support section positioned between a diagonal open respectively closed groove and the heat transfer surface, and a diagonal open and closed side adiabatic support section positioned between the open respectively closed diagonal groove and a port hole, where the heat exchanger plate further comprises a transfer path between the diagonal open side distribution support section and the heat transfer surface and a bypass path between the diagonal closed side distribution support section and the heat transfer surface. A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of heat exchanger plates is also disclosed. The advantage of this heat exchanger plate is that it allows for heat exchangers with an improved efficiency.