Helical Double Pipe Structure for Heat Exchange and Crush Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing double pipe design for refrigeration cycles suffers from reduced heat exchange efficiency due to uneven flow distribution of the gaseous cooling medium and potential crushing from internal/external pressure differences, which necessitates increased inner pipe thickness for rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A double pipe configuration with a helically extending plate member partitioning the inner pipe into chambers, enhancing fluid stirring and heat exchange, while maintaining a thinner inner pipe thickness to prevent crushing and improve rigidity through helical support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the inner pipe thickness is increased to prevent crushing from pressure difference, then the structural strength is improved, but the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates due to reduced heat conduction through the pipe wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inner pipe into multiple longitudinal segments using plate members, creating a segmented structure that enhances rigidity without requiring increased wall thickness. This segmentation allows the pipe to resist external pressure better while maintaining thin walls for efficient heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to the rigidity problem by adding plate members that extend along the length of the pipe. This transforms the solution from a radial thickness issue to a longitudinal structural reinforcement, allowing thin-walled construction with enhanced抗压能力.
2Productivity
If the gaseous cooling medium flows at high speed through the inner pipe, then the productivity is improved, but the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates because the fluid passes through before sufficient heat transfer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The plate members divide the inner pipe flow into multiple channels, creating turbulence and extending the effective heat exchange path length without increasing the pipe length or reducing flow rate. This segmentation ensures adequate heat transfer time while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical configuration of plate members introduces curved flow paths that enhance turbulence and mixing, improving heat transfer efficiency without reducing flow velocity. The curved geometry increases the effective heat exchange surface area in contact with the pipe wall.
3Loss of energy
If protrusions and recesses are formed helically on the inner pipe surface to improve heat exchange, then the heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates making the pipe susceptible to crushing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming protrusions and recesses that weaken the pipe wall, the patent uses plate members that segment the internal flow while the external surface remains smooth and structurally intact. This maintains full pipe strength while achieving heat exchange enhancement through internal flow modification.
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 configuration improves heat exchange efficiency and prevents inner pipe crushing by distributing pressure and enhancing radial rigidity, allowing for efficient heat transfer between gaseous and liquid cooling media without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the first fluid flowing in the interior of the inner pipe is stirred by the plate member
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange is performed between the gaseous cooling medium in the interior of the inner pipe and the liquid cooling medium outside the inner pipe through the inner pipe
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange is performed between the gaseous cooling medium in the interior of the inner pipe and the liquid cooling medium outside the inner pipe through the inner pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A double pipe includes an inner pipe through an interior of which low pressure gaseous cooling medium flows and an outer pipe having the inner pipe in its interior, the outer pipe being configured such that high-pressure liquid cooling medium flows between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe has a plate member that extending in the longitudinal direction so as to partition the interior of the inner pipe into a plurality of chambers. The plate member has a helical shape along the longitudinal direction.