Heat Exchanger Profiles Aligning Flow to Reduce Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers in refrigerant circuits of motor vehicles experience disadvantageous pressure loss due to the vertical component of the flow path between plates, leading to increased material usage and manufacturing costs, as well as suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring plates with profiles that run essentially along the main flow direction, formed by straight sections and tip angles, which reduce pressure loss by deflecting the flow within the plane of the plate, thereby improving heat transfer and reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the flow path between plates has a vertical axis component, then the heat transfer area is increased, but the pressure loss increases disadvantageously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the profiles with wave-shaped contours instead of straight lines. The curved profile geometry guides the flow in a smooth, continuous path that follows the contour of the plates, eliminating sharp vertical direction changes and reducing flow separation and turbulence that cause pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar flow path to a three-dimensional curved flow path that follows the wave profile. By utilizing the vertical dimension of the wave contour, the flow maintains contact with the heat transfer surfaces while following a smoother trajectory that reduces pressure loss compared to direct vertical flow paths.
2Productivity
If a larger number of plates are used to compensate for pressure loss, then the heat transfer performance is improved, but the material usage and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow path by introducing curved wave profiles with specific amplitudes and wavelengths. This parameter optimization allows the flow to maintain higher velocities and better distribution across the heat transfer area, achieving improved heat transfer performance with fewer plates and reduced material consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If the profiles deflect the flow beyond the plane of the plate, then the heat transfer area is increased, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved wave profiles that guide the flow along the plate surface in a smooth, continuous manner. The curved geometry eliminates sharp deflections beyond the plate plane, maintaining laminar flow characteristics and reducing pressure loss while still maximizing heat transfer area utilization.
4Productivity
If the profiles run against the main flow direction, then the heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-shaped profiles create a balanced flow path that follows the main flow direction while incorporating gentle undulations. The curved geometry ensures that the flow is deflected along the profile contour rather than against it, maintaining flow momentum and reducing pressure loss while still achieving enhanced heat transfer efficiency through increased surface area contact.
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 results in lower pressure loss, reduced material consumption, and enhanced adaptability of the heat exchanger's performance to specific tasks, while maintaining efficient heat transfer between media.
Implementation Method 1
It is also possible that a turbulent flow develops. The increase in surface area as well as the type of flow improves the heat transfer between the two media.
Implementation Method 2
The increase in surface area as well as the type of flow improves the heat transfer between the two media.
Implementation Method 3
The profiles in the plates increase the area available for internal heat transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular for the refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle. The heat exchanger is formed of interconnected rectangular plates. Channels are formed between the plates. Two heat exchanging media flow alternately through the channels formed in this way via at least one inflow opening and at least one outflow opening. The plates have profiles. Contact points are formed between the plates. The plates are connected to each other at said contact points. Flow paths of the two media from the corresponding inflow port to the corresponding outflow port are formed in this way. The flow has a main flow direction. The profiles of the plates as well as their contact points are shown such that the profiles run essentially along the main flow direction of the flow formed between the plates.