Interleaved Multi-Coil Heat Exchanger for Turbulent Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coiled heat exchangers face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to flow regimes, with single coils either experiencing reduced heat transfer in laminar flow or increased pressure drop in turbulent flow, making it difficult to achieve a net increase in heat transfer rate without negative effects on pressure drop.
Innovation Solution
A multi-coil heat exchanger system with two interconnected flow loops and a heat exchanger that thermally couples them, allowing for heat transfer between the loops, along with internal bypass lines and valves to manage flow based on demand, using smaller-diameter coils to minimize pressure drop and maintain turbulent flow for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single coil with larger diameter is used, then flow resistance is reduced, but heat transfer efficiency decreases due to laminar flow regime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single coil into multiple smaller-diameter coils (e.g., two or more coils) within the heat exchanger. This segmentation allows each coil to maintain turbulent flow regime for better heat transfer while the overall system accommodates multiple flow paths, effectively managing flow resistance through distributed geometry rather than a single large-diameter coil.
2Productivity
If a single coil with smaller diameter is used, then turbulent flow regime is achieved for better heat transfer, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path into multiple smaller coils, each operating in turbulent flow regime for enhanced heat transfer. The multiple coils are arranged to distribute the total flow, so that while individual coils have smaller diameter, the system overall manages flow resistance through parallel flow paths and optimized geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses interleaved coil configurations where coils are arranged in alternating patterns (e.g., one coil forward, one coil backward) to create three-dimensional flow distribution. This spatial arrangement optimizes heat transfer surface area utilization and manages pressure drop by distributing flow across multiple dimensions rather than a single linear path.
3Productivity
If multiple coils are used, then heat transfer efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat exchanger into multiple coil segments that can be independently configured. Each coil is a complete flow path from inlet to outlet, allowing modular assembly and simplified manufacturing while achieving enhanced heat transfer through the combined effect of multiple coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the multiple coils to serve dual purposes: each coil independently provides heat transfer functionality while collectively managing flow distribution and pressure drop. The interleaved configuration allows the system to handle multiple flow rates and temperature conditions through the same coil structure, reducing the need for additional control components.
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 multi-coil system achieves increased heat transfer efficiency with reduced pressure drop, allowing for a smaller, more compact pump and unified system capable of providing both domestic hot water and space heating, while maintaining turbulent flow for improved heat transfer rates.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger thermally coupling the first flow loop and the second flow loop, the heat exchanger is configured to cause heat transfer between the first flow of the first flow loop and the second flow of the second flow loop
Implementation Method 2
the fluid flow within the coil can range from a trickle flow... to a large flow... Flow regimes may be altered by increasing or decreasing the coil diameter
Implementation Method 3
a smaller diameter coil causes increased flow resistance although the flow may also fall more frequently within the turbulent flow regime which is more beneficial for heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger including more than one fluid conductor, each of the fluid conductors is configured to receive a distinct flow of fluid and heat from only one heat source, wherein the coils are configured to be interleaved to form a structure of a single-sized lumen in which the heat source is disposed.