Integrated Plate Heat Exchanger for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning and thermal management systems face limitations due to pressure drops across separate components, particularly on the refrigerant side, which restrict the operating range and efficiency of compressors in heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
A compact and versatile integrated-plated combination heat exchanger with unique flow circuitry, featuring a nested stack plate design with adjustable port locations and thermal energy transfer devices like fins, allows multiple fluids to exchange thermal energy efficiently, functioning as a water-cooled condenser, chiller, and economizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (compressor, condenser, chiller, economizer) are used in thermal management systems, then each component can be optimized independently, but the pressure drops across these separate components limit the operating range and efficiency of the compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate thermal management components (condenser, evaporator, economizer, heater) into a single integrated plate heat exchanger assembly. This merging eliminates multiple connection points and flow path discontinuities, thereby reducing cumulative pressure drops across the system and improving compressor operating range and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated plate heat exchanger performs multiple functions simultaneously - acting as a condenser, evaporator, economizer, and heater within a single compact unit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, minimizing pressure losses while maintaining system reliability and performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional plate heat exchangers are used with fixed flow channel lengths, then the structure is simple, but the outer dimensions and connection positions define the flow channel length, limiting design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple individual plates, each with standardized flow channel patterns. By stacking and arranging these segmented plates in different configurations, the system achieves flexible flow channel lengths and connection positions without requiring custom-designed plates, balancing adaptability with manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of flow paths by selectively connecting different plate arrangements and adjusting flow distribution. This enables the heat exchanger to adapt to various thermal management requirements while maintaining a relatively simple standardized plate structure.
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 enhances thermal energy transfer efficiency and flexibility, optimizing performance across various functions while minimizing pressure drops, thereby improving the operating range and efficiency of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first plates; and a plurality of second plates alternatingly arranged with the first plates to form at least three flow paths for at least three fluids/mediums, wherein each of the fluids/mediums is in thermal energy exchange relationship with at least another one of the fluids/mediums
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of first plates and a plurality of second plates disposed between two end plates. The first plates and the second plates are alternatingly arranged in a stacked relationship. When in the stacked relationship, the first and second plates form at least a first flow path for a first fluid/medium, a second flow path for a second fluid/medium, and a third flow path for a third fluid/medium.