Heat exchanger, and refrigeration cycle device with same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face challenges in scaling heat exchange capability without increasing size, as they are typically designed in spiral or serpentine configurations that become oversized when heat exchange capacity is enhanced.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger comprising multiple units with inner and outer pipes connected by a joint unit, allowing fluid flow in a helical channel across multiple units, enabling adjustable heat-transfer area based on heat exchange requirements, and incorporating features like drain ports and exhaust ports for efficient water and air management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the heat exchanger is designed in a spiral or serpentine configuration to increase heat exchange capability, then the heat transfer area is increased, but the device size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple modular heat exchange units that can be connected in series through joint units. Each unit contains a simplified linear or slightly curved flow channel structure rather than a complex spiral, reducing the volume per unit while allowing the total heat transfer area to be scaled by adding more modules in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional spiral/serpentine layouts to a three-dimensional modular arrangement where multiple linear heat exchange units are stacked and connected vertically or horizontally. This dimensional reorganization allows compact packaging while maintaining extended heat transfer pathways through the series connection of multiple units.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple heat exchange units are connected in parallel to increase heat exchange capability, then the heat transfer area is increased, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized, interchangeable heat exchange units with uniform connection interfaces. This modular segmentation allows multiple units to be connected in parallel or series through simple joint units without requiring complex custom piping, thereby increasing heat transfer area while keeping the system relatively simple through repetition of standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint units serve multiple functions: they connect heat exchange units in series or parallel configurations, provide drainage capabilities through integrated drain ports, and enable flexible system expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while accommodating various heat exchange requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional heat exchangers are upsized to achieve larger heat exchange capability, then the heat transfer area is increased, but the compactness and space efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating one large monolithic heat exchanger, the system uses multiple compact modular units that can be densely packed and connected. This segmentation allows the heat exchanger to achieve large total heat transfer area while maintaining a compact overall footprint through efficient spatial arrangement of the modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking and three-dimensional arrangement of modular heat exchange units to maximize space utilization. By transitioning from horizontal expansion to vertical or multi-directional modular assembly, the system achieves high heat exchange capability within a compact volume, improving space efficiency while maintaining heat transfer performance.
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 solution allows for a compact, high-efficiency heat exchanger that can adjust its heat-transfer area according to heat exchange needs, ensuring high reliability and efficient defrosting capabilities by effectively managing fluid flow and air venting.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid flows in a helical flow channel including an inner surface of the inner pipe, the shaft, and the helical protrusion
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between fluids
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat exchanger of the present invention includes a plurality of heat exchange units each including an inner pipe in which a first fluid flows, an insertion body inserted in the inner pipe, and at least one or more outer pipes in which a second fluid flows, the one or more outer pipes being provided on an outer periphery of the inner pipe, and a joint unit installed on the inner pipe. The insertion body includes a shaft and a helical protrusion placed on an outer surface of the shaft. The first fluid flows in a helical flow channel including an inner surface of the inner pipe, the shaft, and the helical protrusion. At least two or more heat exchange units among the plurality of heat exchange units are communicated by the joint unit.