Integrated Fin-Header Heat Exchanger for Flexible Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers, such as fin-tube type heat exchangers, face challenges in achieving high heat efficiency and low air flow resistance, and are not easily adaptable to various flow path configurations due to complex structures requiring separate headers.
Innovation Solution
A fin-tube-header integrated heat exchanger design that includes fins with open and closed openings, allowing for flexible flow path configurations, where the header is formed by coupling fin collars and panels with grooves, enabling easy assembly and optimization based on the heat exchanger's role, with series flow fins altering refrigerant flow paths to prevent stagnation and imbalance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate header is provided to define flow paths in fin-tube heat exchangers, then flow path configuration is enabled, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the header function with the fin structure by providing openings in the fins that serve as headers. The fins are formed with through-openings that allow refrigerant flow, eliminating the need for separate header components while maintaining flow path definition capability. This integration directly reduces device complexity while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin structure is given multiple functions: it serves both as a heat exchange surface and as a flow path definition structure through its openings. The same fin component that provides thermal exchange area also defines the refrigerant flow paths, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fins with openings are used to enable various flow paths, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is segmented into multiple fins, each with its own opening configuration. This allows different flow path patterns to be achieved by arranging fins with openings in different positions or configurations, providing adaptability while keeping individual fin manufacturing relatively simple through standardized opening formation processes.
3Reliability
If conventional fin-tube heat exchangers are used, then heat exchange function is provided, but air flow resistance is high and heat efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing openings at specific locations on the fins (upper portions and lower portions) rather than uniform distribution. This localized opening placement optimizes both heat exchange effectiveness and air flow characteristics, reducing resistance while maintaining reliable heat exchange function.
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 design achieves high heat efficiency, low air flow resistance, and allows for various flow path configurations, enhancing heat exchange efficiency and reducing refrigerant flow imbalances, while being easy to manufacture and assemble.
Implementation Method 1
a fin for heat exchange may be coupled to a tube through which refrigerant passes... the air may exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the tube
Implementation Method 2
Air may pass between the fin and the tube of the fin-tube type heat exchanger. As the air passes between the fin and the tube, the air may exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins each having an opening formed in an upper portion thereof and an opening formed in a lower portion thereof to allow a refrigerant to flow and being provided therein with a flow path through which the refrigerant flows, the plurality of fins being arranged at intervals in one direction; and a header formed at each of the upper portions and lower portions of the plurality of fins, the header being in communication with the flow path. At least one fin, among the plurality of fins, is configured such that at least one of the opening in the upper portion and the opening in the lower portion is closed.