Conformable Membrane Heat Exchanger for Confined-Space Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers are rigid and inflexible, limiting their ability to fit into confined spaces and adapt to different shapes, which restricts design flexibility and performance improvement, and are often heavy and costly due to their metallic construction, leading to inefficiencies in heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
The development of membrane heat exchangers using thin, flexible polymer films that can change size and shape in response to fluid pressure, increasing surface area without increasing mass or cost, and utilizing computer-controlled manufacturing to create intricate fluidic networks for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid heat exchangers are used, then structural strength and manufacturing simplicity are improved, but adaptability to different shapes and confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible structure that can change its configuration. The flexible membrane allows the heat exchanger to adapt to different shapes and confined spaces while maintaining structural integrity through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible polymer membrane films as the heat exchanger structure, replacing conventional rigid metallic shells. These thin flexible films enable the heat exchanger to conform to arbitrary shapes and confined spaces while providing sufficient mechanical strength for operation.
2Reliability
If metallic heat exchangers are used, then durability and heat transfer efficiency are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy metallic shells with thin flexible polymer membrane films, dramatically reducing weight while maintaining durability. The membrane structure provides sufficient mechanical strength and corrosion resistance for long-term operation without the weight penalty of conventional metals.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger uses composite construction combining flexible polymer membranes with supportive structural elements. This composite approach maintains durability and heat transfer efficiency while minimizing weight, achieving a balance between mechanical strength and lightweight design.
3Productivity
If surface area of heat exchanger is increased, then heat transfer performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane structure allows the heat exchanger to achieve large surface area through dynamic configuration changes rather than complex static geometries. The membrane can be inflated or expanded to increase surface area on demand, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high heat transfer performance.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional heat exchangers are designed for specific shapes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different system configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane heat exchanger serves multiple functions and adapts to various system configurations with a single standardized design. The membrane can be configured into different shapes and sizes without requiring custom manufacturing, providing universal applicability across diverse HVAC and thermal management systems.
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 solution allows for more efficient use of space, improved heat transfer performance, and reduced energy consumption by increasing surface area while maintaining low weight and cost, enabling heat exchangers to conform to arbitrary shapes and sizes, thus enhancing system efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane can be any material that is flexible and allows for heat transfer, such as a polymer
Implementation Method 2
the membrane can change shape and size in response to fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making and operating a heat exchanger that includes introducing a first fluid into a fluid chamber of a membrane heat exchanger to change the membrane heat exchanger from a flat configuration to a non-flat configuration while the membrane heat exchanger is disposed within a chamber with the membrane heat exchanger extending from a first end to a second end of the chamber and generating a fluid flow of the first fluid within the fluid chamber of the membrane heat exchanger between first and second ends of the membrane heat exchanger, the first fluid generating heat exchange with a second fluid disposed within the chamber. The membrane heat exchanger includes sheets that form a fluid chamber.