Heat transfer systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vapor compression refrigeration cycles require external fans for enhanced heat transfer, which are not efficient in height-constrained spaces and consume excessive power, necessitating an improvement in heat transfer systems.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer system comprising a first fin array and a centrifugal pump in fluid communication, with a heat transfer layer defining a serpentine fluid flow path, and a separator layer for thermal isolation, allowing for efficient heat transfer between fluids without an external fan, utilizing a shared motor for both pumps to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If external fans are used to enhance heat transfer on the external side of heat exchangers, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases and the system becomes unsuitable for height-constrained spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan system with a two-phase heat exchanger system that uses refrigerant phase change (evaporation and condensation) to transfer heat. The refrigerant absorbs heat during evaporation and releases heat during condensation, eliminating the need for external fans and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining or improving heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the refrigerant (liquid to vapor during evaporation, vapor to liquid during condensation) as the core mechanism for heat transfer. This phase change process provides high heat transfer coefficients without requiring mechanical assistance, thereby solving the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and power consumption.
2Productivity
If external fans are used to enhance heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the system becomes unsuitable for height-constrained spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fan-based heat transfer system with a two-phase heat exchanger system that uses refrigerant phase change. This substitution eliminates the need for tall fan housings and allows for a compact, low-profile design that is suitable for height-constrained spaces while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency through the phase change mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical fan-based heat transfer approach to a horizontal or integrated two-phase heat exchanger design. By changing the dimensional orientation and using the phase change process, the system achieves effective heat transfer without requiring significant vertical space, making it suitable for applications with height constraints.
3Productivity
If separate evaporator and condenser heat exchangers are used, then heat transfer functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evaporator and condenser heat exchanger functions into a single integrated two-phase heat exchanger component. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger, undergoing phase change to transfer heat from one fluid to another, thereby combining multiple heat transfer functions into one device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-phase heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an evaporator and a condenser, and also serves as the heat transfer interface between the first fluid and the second fluid. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 system achieves efficient heat transfer with reduced power requirements and compact design, suitable for height-constrained applications, providing a low-profile heat pump solution for refrigeration and heating needs.
Implementation Method 1
The first heat transfer layer and the first fin array can be configured to cause heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid
Implementation Method 2
at least a first heat transfer layer attached to and/or in thermal communication with the first fin array
Implementation Method 3
The first pump can be a centrifugal pump disposed in the central hole and configured to cause the first fluid to flow through the first fin array
Implementation Method 4
a separator layer can be attached on a first side to the first heat transfer layer to thermally isolate the first heat transfer layer from a second side of the separator layer
Data Source
AI summary
A heat transfer system (e.g., a heat pump) can include at least a first fin array and at least a first pump disposed in fluid communication with the first fin array and configured to cause a first fluid to flow through the first fin array. The system can include at least a first heat transfer layer attached to and/or in thermal communication with the first fin array. The first heat transfer layer can define a second fluid flow path therein for a second fluid to flow fluidly isolated from the first fluid. The first heat transfer layer and the first fin array can be configured to cause heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid.