Heat Pipe Row Layout for Uniform Waste Heat Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste heat recovery boilers experience non-uniform heat absorption by fluids due to temperature differences caused by the flow rate and direction of exhaust gas, leading to performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

The heat pipes are arranged in multiple rows perpendicular to the exhaust gas flow and connected using intersecting connection pipes, forming a zigzag or intersecting pattern to ensure uniform heat exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If heat pipes are arranged in rows perpendicular to exhaust gas flow, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but non-uniform heat absorption occurs due to temperature differences between upstream and downstream sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoiduniformity of heat absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat pipe unit is segmented into multiple independent heat pipes arranged in rows, with each heat pipe serving as a separate heat transfer channel. This segmentation allows for better distribution of heat absorption across multiple units, reducing the impact of temperature variations in the exhaust gas flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-direction heat pipe arrangement to a multi-row arrangement perpendicular to the exhaust gas flow. This dimensional change creates multiple heat transfer paths, allowing heat to be absorbed more uniformly across different spatial locations and reducing the temperature gradient effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple heat pipes are used to increase steam generation capacity, then productivity is improved, but control difficulty increases due to varying steam generation conditions in each heat pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam generation capacityVSAvoidcontrol difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple heat pipes are merged into a unified heat pipe unit with a common structure and coordinated arrangement. This merging allows the heat pipes to work together as an integrated system, where the varying steam generation conditions in individual heat pipes are balanced by the overall system design, simplifying control compared to completely independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning heat pipes in specific rows and orientations within the exhaust gas flow path. Each heat pipe is strategically placed to optimize its heat absorption characteristics, with the local arrangement compensating for temperature variations and achieving more uniform overall performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 arrangement allows for consistent heat absorption and transfer throughout the system, preventing performance degradation of the waste heat recovery boiler.

Implementation Method 1

a heat pipe unit including a plurality of heat pipes provided inside a casing part of a waste heat recovery boiler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of heat pipes has a fluid which moves thereinside and exchanges heat with exhaust gas flowing out to an outside the casing part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4379260B1Heat pipe unit and waste heat recovery boiler including same
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 DOOSAN ENERBILITY CO LTD
  • EP4379260B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4379260B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Proposed is a heat pipe unit and a waste heat recovery boiler including the same, wherein a heat pipe unit includes a plurality of heat pipes provided inside a casing part of a waste heat recovery boiler and a plurality of connection pipes connecting the plurality of heat pipes to each other. The heat pipes are disposed in a plurality of rows along a direction in which the exhaust gas flows. The connection pipes includes a plurality of first connection pipes disposed in oblique directions and connecting the plurality of heat pipes disposed in corresponding front and rear side rows, and a plurality of second connection pipes(1222) connecting the plurality of heat pipes disposed in corresponding front and rear side rows, and disposed not to be parallel with the plurality of first connection pipes.