Heat Exchanger Side Cover Layout for End-Flow Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers suffer from reduced efficiency due to limited fluid flow and heat exchange at the extreme ends of the tubular elements, leading to inefficient performance and potential leaks at the side plates.
Innovation Solution
A side cover with orthogonal tabs is designed to cover and shield the lateral face of the heat exchanger core, regulating fluid flow and enhancing efficiency by covering portions of the fins between tubular elements, while also preventing leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If tubular elements are extended to the extreme ends of the heat exchanger core, then the heat exchanger dimensions are increased, but the heat exchange efficiency is reduced due to insufficient fluid flow through the extreme end tubular elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the non-functional extreme end tubular elements from the heat exchange process by covering them with side covers. This removes the harmful presence of dummy tubular elements that reduce overall efficiency while maintaining the extended length for other purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The side covers are applied selectively only at the extreme ends of the heat exchanger core where the problem occurs. This local intervention allows the majority of the tubular elements to continue functioning efficiently while addressing the specific issue at the boundaries.
2Area of stationary object
If fins are placed at the extreme ends of the heat exchanger core, then the surface area for heat exchange is increased, but the heat extraction capacity is reduced because fins at extreme ends contact only a single tubular element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ineffective fins from the extreme ends of the heat exchanger core by covering them with side covers. This eliminates the wasted surface area that does not contribute effectively to heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The side covers are positioned specifically at the lateral faces of the heat exchanger core to address the local problem of ineffective fins at the extreme ends, while leaving the functional fins in the middle sections intact.
3Device complexity
If the side plate arrangement is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but leaks of the second heat exchange fluid occur between the side plate and the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The side covers act as intermediary components between the side plates and the heat exchanger core. They provide a sealing function that prevents leaks while maintaining simplicity in the overall arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The side covers separate the sealing function from the structural support function of the side plates. This extraction of the sealing function to a dedicated component ensures reliability without complicating the main side plate arrangement.
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 side cover improves heat exchanger efficiency by optimizing fluid flow and reducing leaks, thereby enhancing overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
The fins disposed next to the tubular elements enhance turbulence in the second heat exchange fluid around the tubular elements and improve the surface contact between the second heat exchange fluid and the tubular elements
Implementation Method 2
The tubular elements connect the inlet tank and the outlet tank and configure fluid communication between the inlet tank and the outlet tank. The first heat exchange fluid received in the inlet tank flows through the tubular elements and undergoes heat exchange with a second heat exchange fluid flowing around and across the tubular elements
Implementation Method 3
the side cover is adjacent to a lateral face of the heat exchanger core. The side cover covers and shields at least one corresponding lateral face of the heat exchanger core and at least a portion of the heat exchanger core disposed between the tubular elements proximal to the lateral face of the heat exchanger core and the corresponding side cover
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a tank, spaced apart tubular elements, fins and a side cover. The tank receives a first heat exchange fluid therein. The spaced apart tubular elements defining a heat exchanger core are in fluid communication with the tank and enable heat exchange between a first heat exchange fluid flowing there through and a second heat exchange fluid flowing around and across the tubular elements. The fins arranged alternately with respect to the tubular elements promote heat exchange. The side cover adjacent to a lateral face of the heat exchanger core, covers and shields the lateral face and at least a portion of the heat exchanger core disposed between the tubular elements proximal to the lateral face of the heat exchanger core and the corresponding side cover.