Heat Transfer Plate Roller Coaster Pattern High Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate heat exchangers face challenges in withstanding high pressure levels while maintaining efficient heat transfer, often requiring thick casings and excessive material usage.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer plate with a 'roller coaster' pattern featuring alternating tops and grooves, inclined transitions, and strategically placed fluid blockers and flow reducers, which forms flow channels to maintain constant gaps under pressure and ensure efficient fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a casing is made thick to withstand high pressure levels, then the pressure resistance is improved, but the total weight and overall cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin heat transfer plates with specific geometric patterns (ridges and grooves) that provide structural strength and pressure resistance without requiring thick casings. The plates are designed to withstand high pressure levels while maintaining thin profiles, thereby reducing overall weight and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer plates are segmented into multiple rows with alternating tops and grooves, creating a distributed structural pattern that enhances pressure resistance across the entire plate surface. This segmentation allows each section to independently handle pressure loads, enabling thin plate design while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Stress or pressure
If heat transfer plates are designed for withstanding high pressure levels, then the pressure resistance is improved, but the heat transfer efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer plates feature local geometric variations with alternating tops and grooves in specific patterns. These local structural qualities are optimized to simultaneously provide pressure resistance in high-stress areas and maintain heat transfer efficiency in fluid flow channels, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curved or inclined transition surfaces between tops and grooves, creating smooth fluid flow paths that maintain heat transfer efficiency while the overall plate structure withstands high pressure. The curved geometries prevent flow separation and maintain laminar flow conditions.
3Productivity
If traditional chevron type heat transfer plates are used, then heat transfer efficiency is maintained, but the ability to withstand high pressure levels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static chevron patterns to a dynamic 'roller coaster' pattern where the plate structure actively manages both fluid flow and pressure distribution. The alternating tops and grooves create a three-dimensional flow path that adapts to pressure conditions while maintaining heat transfer effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a third dimension to the traditional two-dimensional chevron pattern by creating alternating tops and grooves that extend through the plate thickness. This dimensional enhancement allows the plate to withstand high pressure while maintaining efficient heat transfer surfaces.
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 solution enables the heat transfer plate to withstand high pressure levels without material excess, ensuring efficient heat transfer and uniform fluid distribution, reducing the need for additional flow diverters and supporting structures.
Implementation Method 1
a transition between a top and an adjacent groove in the same row is formed by a portion of the heat transfer plate that is inclined relative the central plane
Implementation Method 2
allowing a first fluid to flow over a top surface of the heat transfer plate, from the first port opening to the second port opening; allowing a second fluid to flow over a bottom surface of the heat transfer plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A heat transfer plate comprising a first port opening (22) and a second port opening (23) for allowing a first fluid (F1) to flow over a top surface of the heat transfer plate, a first side opening (24) and an opposite, second side opening (25) for allowing a second fluid (F2) to flow over a bottom surface (89) of the heat transfer plate, a number of rows of alternating tops and grooves that extend along the heat transfer plate, where a transition between a top and an adjacent groove is formed by an inclined portion, and plate portions that extend along the heat transfer plate, between the rows of tops and grooves, thereby forming flow channels between the rows of tops and grooves.