Heat Exchanger Ring Channel Segmentation for High Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face challenges in achieving efficient heat transfer while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design, particularly in applications where high temperatures and large heat transfer volumes are involved, such as in exhaust gas systems of internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a housing with a tube and jacket forming a ring channel, incorporating a primary path and bypass path for the primary medium, and multiple secondary paths for the secondary medium, which are coupled in a heat-transferring manner to reduce flow resistance and enhance heat transfer efficiency, along with a control mechanism to manage the primary medium flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional heat exchanger design is used, then the structure is simple, but the heat transfer efficiency is insufficient and the volume is large
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple independent heat transfer channels (first heat transfer channel, second heat transfer channel, third heat transfer channel) within the ring channel. This segmentation allows parallel heat transfer paths, increasing overall heat transfer efficiency while maintaining a compact structure. Each channel can be optimized independently for specific heat transfer requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-path or two-path designs to a multi-dimensional heat transfer architecture with at least three heat transfer channels arranged in specific spatial configurations. This dimensional expansion of the heat transfer pathway network significantly increases heat transfer surface area and efficiency within a constrained volume.
2Productivity
If the number of heat transfer channels is increased, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat transfer channels are merged into a unified ring channel structure where the first, second, and third heat transfer channels share common inlet and outlet regions. This merging approach allows parallel heat transfer paths while maintaining streamlined flow patterns, reducing overall flow resistance compared to completely separate channel designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring channel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the pathway for all heat transfer channels, acts as a flow distributor, and enables compact arrangement of multiple channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional flow control components, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact design is pursued, then volume is reduced, but heat transfer surface area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer channels are nested within the ring channel structure, with multiple channels arranged concentrically or in compact configurations. This nesting allows maximum utilization of the available volume, packing extensive heat transfer surface area into a minimal external footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-dimensional spatial arrangement of heat transfer channels within the ring structure, utilizing radial, axial, and circumferential dimensions to maximize heat transfer surface area. This dimensional optimization enables compact design without sacrificing heat transfer capability.
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 allows for increased heat transfer efficiency and compactness, enabling effective heat absorption from high-temperature exhaust gases, reducing pressure loss, and facilitating the use of the heat exchanger in high-pressure environments, while maintaining a low-cost structure.
Implementation Method 1
The primary path is coupled with the secondary paths in a heat-transferring manner with the media separated
Implementation Method 2
a primary inlet and a primary outlet are connected with one another fluidically via a primary path carrying a primary medium through the ring channel
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger (5) includes a housing (31), which contains a tube (32) and has a jacket (33), which surrounds the tube (32) while forming a ring channel (34). A primary inlet (35) and a primary outlet (36) are connected to one another fluidically via a primary path (37) carrying a primary medium through ring channel (34) and via a bypass path (38) carrying the primary medium through the tube (32). A control device (39) controls the flow of the primary medium through the primary path (37) and the bypass path (38). A secondary inlet (42) and a secondary outlet (43) are connected to one another fluidically via at least two secondary paths (44) for carrying a secondary medium. The primary path (37) is coupled with the secondary paths (44) in a heat-transferring manner with the media separated from one another.