Heat exchanger with distributing element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current distribution zones in heat exchangers suffer from poor fluid distribution and mechanical strength issues, leading to flow rate variations and increased pressure drops, which are detrimental to the exchanger's operation, especially under high-pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a distribution element with dividing walls that subdivide the distribution zone into channels of varying lengths and sections, supported by a brazed structure, which enhances fluid distribution uniformity and mechanical rigidity by controlling flow paths and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple wave mats are used in distribution zones to optimize blank falls, then manufacturing ease is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to increased play between mats and assembly accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wave mats into a single monolithic distribution element formed by stamping the plate. This integration eliminates the play and assembly issues between separate mats while maintaining the manufacturing advantage of using stamped blanks, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and mechanical strength.
2Ease of operation
If distribution zones use lower density waves (6-10 legs per inch) than heat exchange zones, then fluid distribution is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating variable wave density within the distribution zone itself - higher density near the inlet manifold for better distribution, and lower density toward the heat exchange zone for reduced pressure drop. This localized variation allows the distribution zone to achieve both good fluid distribution and adequate mechanical strength without compromising either function.
3Ease of operation
If distribution zone longitudinal extent is increased to improve fluid distribution, then fluid distribution uniformity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to increased vulnerability to high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from extending the distribution zone primarily in the longitudinal direction to utilizing the transverse dimension more effectively through increased wave density and optimized wave patterns. This dimensional shift allows achieving better fluid distribution uniformity without proportionally increasing the longitudinal extent, thereby maintaining mechanical strength while improving distribution performance.
4Strength
If distribution zones are made compact to improve mechanical strength, then resistance to high pressure is improved, but fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the wave density, wave pattern geometry, and channel dimensions within the compact distribution zone. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the design achieves uniform fluid distribution despite the reduced size, while the compact form factor inherently provides better mechanical strength and resistance to high pressure.
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 quasi-uniform fluid distribution across the heat exchange zone while minimizing pressure drops and improving mechanical strength, reducing flow rate variations and enhancing the exchanger's resistance to high-pressure fluids.
Implementation Method 1
said support being brazed with an adjacent plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention concerns a heat exchanger comprising a distribution element (22) configured to be arranged in at least one distribution area (20) of a plate-fin heat exchanger (1), said distribution element (22) comprising a plurality of separating walls (25) arranged such that, when the distribution element is arranged in a distribution area (20), said distribution area (20) is divided into a plurality of channels (26) for the flow of the fluid (F1). According to the invention, said channels (26) define flow paths of different lengths and having fluid passage cross-sections that vary along said flow paths.