Heat exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers lack an automatic mechanism to interrupt heat transfer at a preset temperature, which is essential for efficient operation in varying temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a storage element, such as a molecular sieve or metal hydride, that absorbs a non-condensable gas below a predetermined temperature and desorbs it above this temperature, preventing refrigerant from rising into the condensation area and thus interrupting heat transfer, and reabsorbing the gas when temperature falls to resume operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage element that desorbs gas above a predetermined temperature is arranged in the heat pipe, then heat transfer is automatically interrupted at the preset temperature, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage element automatically desorbs gas when the predetermined temperature is exceeded, interrupting heat transfer without external control. When temperature falls below the threshold, it automatically reabsorbs gas to resume operation, making the system self-regulating
Solution Approach 2:
The storage element changes its gas absorption/desorption behavior based on temperature parameter changes, using the temperature-dependent sorption characteristics to control refrigerant displacement and heat transfer interruption
2Measurement precision
If the storage element is designed as a molecular sieve or metal hydride, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A molecular sieve with porous structure is used as the storage element, utilizing its pore size and surface area to selectively adsorb and desorb gas at specific temperatures, providing precise temperature control through its porous material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specialized materials such as metal hydrides or molecular sieves that combine specific chemical and physical properties to achieve precise temperature-dependent gas desorption, leveraging composite material characteristics for controlled thermal behavior
3Reliability
If the gas stored in the storage element is non-condensable, then the heat transfer interruption is more effective, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
A non-condensable gas is extracted and stored in the storage element separately from the refrigerant cycle. When desorbed, this gas displaces the refrigerant vapor in the condensation area, effectively interrupting heat transfer without the refrigerant being lost or contaminated
Solution Approach 2:
An inert, non-condensable gas is used in the storage element to create an atmosphere that prevents refrigerant condensation in the condensation area. This inert gas environment effectively blocks heat transfer by preventing the refrigerant vapor from condensing, while the refrigerant itself is not lost
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 solution allows for automatic temperature-controlled heat transfer interruption and resumption, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability in heat exchangers, particularly in thermal solar collectors.
Implementation Method 1
a storage element which sorbs a gas below a predetermined temperature and desorbs above the predetermined temperature is arranged in order to displace the fluid refrigerant in the heat pipe
Implementation Method 2
a storage element which sorbs a gas below a predetermined temperature and desorbs above the predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 3
This gas rises up in the heat pipe, i.e. in the condenser of the heat pipe
Implementation Method 4
The heat pipe has at its lower end an evaporation area 1.1 serving for evaporation of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
at its upper end a condensation area 1.2 serving for condensing the refrigerant
Implementation Method 6
a heat pipe in which a fluid (partly liquid, partly gaseous) refrigerant is stored
Implementation Method 7
a fluid (depending on the operating state partly liquid, partly gaseous) refrigerant is stored or stored
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a heat pipe (1) in which a refrigerant fluid is stored. According to the invention, a storage element (2) which sorbs a gas below a predefined temperature and desorbs the gas above the predefined temperature is provided to spatially displace the refrigerant fluid in the heat pipe (1).