Method for the high speed indentation of a recyclable heat exchanger in a land-based infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recovering thermal energy from roadways are inefficient due to the need for cooling and pressurization of pipes, use of adhesive layers that compromise mechanical properties, and requirements for angle control during installation, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing road surfacing with integrated heat exchanger pipes that can be indented without cooling or pressurization, eliminating the need for adhesive layers and angle control, using asphalt mix with specific properties to ensure strong thermal contact and mechanical stability, allowing for high-speed installation and efficient thermal exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipes are integrated in hot porous bituminous plant mixes at high temperature, then pipes can be protected thermally and mechanically, but cooling and pressurization equipment is required which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the asphalt mix from traditional high temperature (110-160°C) to a lower temperature range (60-120°C). This parameter change eliminates the need for cooling and pressurization equipment while still allowing proper pipe integration and compaction, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining pipe protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the cooling and pressurization subsystems from the pipe integration process. By using modified asphalt mix properties (lower temperature, specific viscosity characteristics), the patent eliminates these auxiliary systems entirely, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining reliable pipe protection
2Reliability
If adhesive layers are used to fill void spaces between pipes and porous asphalt, then pipes are securely positioned, but mechanical properties of the asphalt mix are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the adhesive layer from the system entirely. By using non-porous asphalt mix at controlled lower temperatures with specific viscosity characteristics, the asphalt naturally fills all void spaces around the pipes during compaction, providing secure pipe positioning while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the asphalt structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves homogeneous distribution of asphalt material around the pipes without requiring separate adhesive layers. The modified asphalt mix properties ensure uniform flow and consolidation, filling void spaces completely while maintaining consistent mechanical properties throughout the entire asphalt structure
3Temperature
If traditional hot asphalt mix is used for pipe integration, then thermal protection of pipes is achieved, but high energy consumption and complex cooling requirements result
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the temperature parameter from traditional high temperature (110-160°C) to a lower range (60-120°C). This reduction in temperature parameter directly decreases energy consumption during asphalt production and installation, while the modified asphalt composition and viscosity characteristics ensure proper pipe integration and thermal protection at the lower temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts what would traditionally be a disadvantage (lower temperature) into a benefit. By using modified asphalt mix properties, the lower temperature eliminates the need for expensive cooling and pressurization equipment, reducing both energy consumption and device complexity while maintaining effective pipe protection
4Reliability
If pipes are installed in hot asphalt mix, then pipes are protected during laying, but angle control with compactor rollers is required which reduces installation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes multiple parameters simultaneously: lower temperature (60-120°C), modified viscosity characteristics, and adjusted compaction pressure. These parameter changes allow the asphalt to flow and consolidate around pipes at any angle during compaction, eliminating the need for precise angle control and enabling high-speed installation without compromising pipe protection
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 method enables cost-effective, high-speed installation of heat exchanger devices in road surfacing that can support heavy traffic and optimize thermal exchange, while maintaining recyclability of the road surface.
Implementation Method 1
optimised thermal exchange, notably by minimising the amount of voids around the pipes of the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a road surfacing on the surface pipes of a heat exchanger device by a) spreading asphalt mix comprising a granular fraction, a hydrocarbon-based binder at a temperature below 160° C., wherein the asphalt mix has a workability of less than 400 N, b) depositing the pipes, said pipes having a crushing strength greater than 3000 N per linear metre of pipe at 100° C., a thermal expansion less than 200·10−6 K−1 at 20° C. in such a way as to enable their indentation even in the absence of cooling means or pressure application means, c) indenting the deposited pipes into said integration layer by compacting said asphalt mix during the workability period of said asphalt mix, to form an integration layer comprising the pipes of a heat exchanger device, and d) applying a surface layer there above for the road surface.