Microstructured Flow Guide Elements for Defined Fluid Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow channels lack defined guidance of volume flow and efficient heat/mass exchange processes, relying on static mixing elements that primarily enhance mixing and heat exchange as side effects rather than targeted exchange processes.
Innovation Solution
Microstructured flow guide elements are introduced into the flow channel to divide the volume flow into partial flows, allowing for controlled guidance and exchange with the channel wall and between partial flows, utilizing 3D printing technology to create complex shapes that optimize contact distance and exchange processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If static mixing elements are installed in the channel, then heat exchange is improved, but a defined flow pattern is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into multiple partial flows by the flow guide element. The element divides the single volume flow into several parallel partial flows, each following a defined path. This segmentation enables both controlled flow patterns and enhanced heat exchange, as each partial flow can be individually guided along the channel wall.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flow channel are given different functions through the flow guide element. The element creates zones where fluid is directed to contact the channel wall for heat exchange, while other zones allow for mixing between partial flows. This local differentiation achieves both defined flow guidance and improved thermal exchange.
2Temperature
If mixing elements are used to improve heat exchange, then turbulence is generated, but a defined flow pattern is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide element creates a dynamic flow pattern where partial flows alternately contact the channel wall and mix with each other. This controlled dynamics generates turbulence for heat exchange while maintaining an overall stable and reproducible flow structure, unlike random mixing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guide element establishes periodic flow patterns where partial flows systematically alternate between wall contact phases (for heat exchange) and mixing phases (for mass transfer). This periodic action ensures both defined flow guidance and enhanced thermal exchange through controlled turbulence.
3Manufacturing precision
If volume flow is divided into partial flows, then contact distance with channel wall is defined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it divides the volume flow into partial flows, defines contact distances with the channel wall, generates controlled turbulence for heat exchange, and maintains overall flow guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guide element introduces spatial organization in the radial dimension by creating multiple partial flows at different radial positions. This dimensional approach allows precise control of wall contact distances without requiring complex axial or temporal mechanisms, managing structural complexity through spatial efficiency.
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 approach ensures a defined flow guidance and enhanced heat/mass exchange by alternately directing partial flows to the channel wall, improving thermal conductivity and process control within the flow channel.
Implementation Method 1
a defined guidance of the volume flow is achieved and at the same time the required heat and/or mass exchange e.g. by means of diffusion is ensured
Implementation Method 2
Flow vortices form at the edges, for example, which improve cross-mixing
Implementation Method 3
In such static mixers, the heat exchange with the channel wall is also improved as a result of the increased cross-mixing
Implementation Method 4
heat exchange is improved and turbulence is generated
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for achieving a defined guide of a volume flow of a fluid through a channel-shaped element, characterized in that micro-channel structured flow conducting elements for dividing the volume flow and guiding the resulting partial streams of fluids are arranged in the channel-shaped element.