Modular Heat Exchanger Module With Nested Feed Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers installed in sewage pipelines face contamination issues when the underside comes into contact with wastewater, leading to reduced heating efficiency and increased flow resistance, as well as difficulties in laying and maintaining the system due to complex piping configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular heat exchanger system with integrated feed lines within the flow line sections, allowing for fluidic connection of multiple modules to form a continuous flow and return line, reducing space requirements and minimizing exposure to contamination, while maintaining a compact design suitable for cramped spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat exchanger is installed with the underside contacting wastewater for improved heat exchange, then heat recovery efficiency is improved, but the inlet and outlet pipes become contaminated by wastewater
Solution Approach 1:
The feed line is nested within the supply line section, with the feed line positioned inside the supply line section. This nested configuration allows the heat exchanger to contact wastewater for heat recovery while the feed line remains protected inside the supply line section, preventing contamination.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heat exchanger contacts wastewater for improved heat exchange, then heat recovery is improved, but flow resistance increases and wastewater flow is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The feed line is nested within the supply line section, creating a compact configuration that reduces the overall cross-sectional area occupied by piping. This minimizes the disruption to wastewater flow and reduces flow resistance while maintaining effective heat exchange.
3Ease of manufacture
If the feed line is located outside the supply line section, then installation is simpler, but space utilization is inefficient and the heat exchanger chamber occupies insufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The feed line is nested within the supply line section, which optimizes space utilization in the heat exchanger module. This allows the heat exchanger chamber to occupy more space for improved heat exchange capacity while the nested feed line configuration does not significantly complicate installation.
4Ease of repair
If the feed line is located outside the supply line section, then access for maintenance is easier, but the feed line is more exposed to contamination and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The feed line is nested within the supply line section, which protects it from contamination and external damage. The nested configuration allows the feed line to be accessed through the supply line section during maintenance, balancing protection with accessibility.
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 modular design enhances heat exchange efficiency, reduces contamination risks, and simplifies installation by eliminating separate connections for feed lines, ensuring better flow resistance management and improved heat recovery from wastewater.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger chamber (2) to which a supply line section (4) and a return line section (6) are fluidically connected
Implementation Method 2
heat recovery from wastewater by means of heat exchangers subsequently installed in the wastewater pipeline
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A heat exchanger module (1) having a feed conduit section (4) and a return conduit section (6) which are fluidically connected to a heat exchanger chamber (2) of the heat exchanger module (1), wherein respective feed conduit sections (4) of multiple heat exchanger modules (1) can be fluidically connected to one another to form a feed conduit (24), and respective return conduit sections (6) of multiple heat exchanger modules (1) can be fluidically connected to one another to form a return conduit (26), and provided within the feed conduit section (4) is a supply conduit (12) by means of which the feed conduit section (4) can be supplied with a heat exchanger fluid.