Heat exchanger and heat pump system having same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers with microchannels face challenges in achieving space saving and weight reduction due to the need for large spaces and structural thickness to withstand fluid pressure, which compromises their efficacy.
Innovation Solution
The design includes collective flow channels that distribute and merge fluids within microchannels, optimizing their dimensions to reduce space requirements and structural thickness while maintaining fluid flow and pressure resistance, with microchannels A and B extending in directions perpendicular to the main flow channels, facilitating efficient heat exchange and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If microchannels are used for high integration, then space saving and weight reduction are expected, but large space is required for supply and discharge flow channels and structural thickness increases to withstand fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds microchannels A and B within the collective flow channels, creating a nested structure where smaller channels are integrated into larger ones. This allows the supply and discharge functions to be performed within the existing flow channel structure without requiring additional external space, thus achieving space saving while maintaining pressure resistance capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the thickness dimension of the plate by forming microchannels A and B that extend in the thickness direction. This dimensional approach allows the collective flow channels to serve multiple functions (supply, discharge, and pressure resistance) simultaneously, reducing the overall structural complexity while maintaining necessary mechanical strength
2Weight of stationary object
If microchannels are used for high integration, then space saving and weight reduction are expected, but structural thickness must increase to withstand fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The collective flow channels are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they serve as supply channels, discharge channels, and pressure-bearing structures. The microchannels A and B integrated within them add fluid distribution functionality without requiring separate structural elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional thickness dedicated solely to pressure resistance, thereby reducing overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining microchannels A and B within the collective flow channels, creating a multi-functional flow path system. This composite arrangement allows thinner plate design by distributing mechanical loads across multiple integrated channels rather than requiring a single thick structural wall
3Stress or pressure
If collective flow channels are designed to withstand fluid pressure, then pressure resistance is ensured, but space requirements and structural thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microchannels A and B are nested within the collective flow channels, allowing the latter to serve as both pressure-bearing structures and fluid distribution channels. This nested configuration enables pressure resistance to be achieved within the existing flow channel footprint without requiring additional external space
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 configuration achieves space-saving and weight reduction while ensuring adequate fluid flow and pressure resistance, enhancing the heat exchanger's performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
gas condensation is carried out in one of the first layer (10) or the second layer (20)
Implementation Method 2
liquid evaporation is carried out in the other one of the first layer (10) or the second layer (20)
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange is carried out between the first and second layers (10, 20)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A heat exchanger (100) includes a first layer (10), and a second layer (20) laminated on the first layer (10). A first one end-side collective flow channel (17) and a first other end-side collective flow channel (19) of the first layer (10) include first microchannels A and B (15a, 15b), respectively, the first microchannels A and B (15a, 15b) extending in a direction crossing a direction in which a plurality of first flow channels (12) extend. A second one end-side collective flow channel (27) and a second other end-side collective flow channel (29) of the second layer (20) include second microchannels A and B (25a, 25b), respectively, the second microchannels A and B (25a, 25b) extending in a direction crossing a direction in which a plurality of second flow channels (22) extend.