Heat exchanger apparatus and heat source unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat source units in commercial air conditioning systems have inefficiencies due to the large included angles between heat exchanger modules, leading to ineffective use of space and the need for additional shrouding plates to prevent wind passage, which affects heat exchange performance.

Innovation Solution

The heat exchange apparatus features heat exchanger modules with bent and flat-plate units arranged such that the included angle between adjacent edges is reduced to 0-15°, eliminating the need for additional sheet metal and enhancing the heat exchange area by allowing the units to be connected without a shrouding plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If heat exchangers are arranged in a V-shaped configuration with large included angles, then the structural stability is improved, but the space utilization deteriorates and additional shrouding plates are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter (included angle) of the heat exchanger configuration from a large V-shaped angle to a small included angle (0-15°) arrangement, transforming the structural configuration to achieve both stability and compact space utilization without requiring additional shrouding plates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If heat exchangers are arranged with large included angles, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the heat exchange area is reduced due to ineffective space utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidheat exchange area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the geometric parameter (included angle) to a small angle configuration, the patent maximizes the heat exchange area within the same structural footprint, allowing the heat exchangers to be arranged more efficiently without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If additional shrouding plates are used to connect heat exchangers, then the structural completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural completenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional shrouding plates by adopting a small included angle configuration where the heat exchangers can be directly connected or positioned adjacent to each other, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural completeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the heat exchanger units into a compact arrangement with small included angles, allowing them to function as an integrated assembly without requiring separate connecting components like shrouding plates

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

This configuration increases the heat exchange area and improves performance by utilizing the space between heat exchanger units more effectively, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing overall efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

heat exchange units (10, 20)... heat exchanger module (100)... heat exchange apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat exchange apparatus for a water chiller unit... heat exchanger module comprising two heat exchange units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3109570B1Heat exchanger apparatus and heat source unit
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 DANFOSS MICRO CHANNEL HEAT EXCHANGER JIAXING
  • EP3109570B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3109570B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3109570B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided are a heat exchanger apparatus and a heat source unit that are for use in a chiller unit. The heat exchanger apparatus comprises at least one heat exchanger module (100). The heat exchanger module (100) comprises two heat exchanger units (10 and 20) that are oppositely fitted with each other. At least one between the two heat exchanger units (10 and 20) is bent so that an angle between adjacent two edges (c and d) on at least one extremity of the two heat exchanger units (10 and 20) is less than an angle between main parts (12 and 22) of the two heat ex- changer units (10 and 20), thus increasing the area for heat exchange.