Modular Hollow Plate Heat Exchanger for Flexible Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers are costly to adapt to different applications and often require complex designs that limit their reuse, while also facing challenges in efficiently managing phase separation and thermodynamic interactions during heat exchange.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring superimposed first and second exchange modules with separation plates and shaped plates or stacks, allowing for easy adaptation to various applications and enabling efficient heat exchange and phase separation through flexible fluid circulation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If complex solutions are adopted to optimize heat exchanger performance for specific applications, then thermal efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and adaptability to other applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple exchange modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module contains standardized components (frames, plates, seals) that can be reconfigured for different applications, while allowing customization of internal flow channels through selective assembly of shaped plates within the modular framework
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized frame and plate designs create a universal base structure that can serve multiple applications. The modular architecture allows the same external framework to accommodate different internal configurations (single-phase or two-phase flow, various channel patterns) by changing the inserted shaped plates, enabling one heat exchanger design to fulfill multiple functional requirements
2Temperature
If the thickness of the separating plate is reduced to decrease thermal resistance, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but mechanical strength and sealing reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The separating plate is constructed as a composite structure combining a thin metal core (for thermal conductivity) with elastomeric sealing layers (for reliability). This multi-layer composite allows the plate to maintain both excellent heat transfer properties and robust sealing capability, as the sealing function is distributed to the elastomeric layers rather than relying solely on the metal plate's thickness and surface flatness
3Temperature
If turbulence is increased in fluid circulation systems to improve thermal efficiency, then heat exchange performance is improved, but pressure drop and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Turbulence-promoting features (such as raised portions, ribs, or modified surface geometries) are applied locally at specific positions within the exchange channels rather than throughout the entire flow path. This allows turbulence to be generated at critical locations (e.g., near the separating plate where heat transfer is most effective) while maintaining smoother flow in other regions, thereby improving heat exchange without excessive pressure drop
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating turbulence throughout the entire flow system, the invention applies turbulence-promoting elements only in specific zones where they provide the greatest thermal benefit. This partial action approach achieves sufficient mixing and heat transfer enhancement in the critical heat exchange regions while minimizing the overall pressure drop and energy penalty across the complete fluid circulation system
4Temperature
If welded plate heat exchangers are used to achieve high thermal efficiency, then heat exchange performance is improved, but maintainability and adaptability decrease due to single-piece design
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is constructed from discrete, separable components (frames, shaped plates, seals, end plates) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and replace specific worn or damaged components (such as individual shaped plates or seals) without having to dismantle the entire welded structure, significantly improving maintainability while maintaining thermal performance through proper reassembly of the modular components
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 design facilitates easy maintenance, reduces production costs, and enhances thermal efficiency by allowing for customizable fluid flow paths and phase separation within a compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal conductivity of the separating plate induces a resistance to heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
Turbulence in the fluid circulation systems of each fluid (distribution chamber, collection chamber, exchange channels, etc.) is generally sought because it increases the thermal efficiency of the exchanger
Implementation Method 3
In the case of two-phase flow, the heat exchange benefits from a very favorable condition, because the phase change generally occurs at a constant temperature: the logarithmic temperature difference therefore increases considerably
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5d
AI summary
Heat exchanger (1) comprising: - first (13) and second (15) heat exchange modules comprising fluidic circulation systems, and - separation plates (19) that fluidly disconnect at least one of the heat exchange modules from the adjacent fluidic circulation systems, comprising: - a frame plate (37, 67, 105) of constant thickness having a through window (39, 69, 107, 109), and - an inner piece (41, 71, 111, 113) entirely housed within the window and of equal thickness to the thickness of the frame plate, and consisting of one or more stacked plates (43) each consisting of at least one through-cut area (47, 141) and a surrounding solid area (49, 131) of constant thickness, the corresponding fluidic circulation system being formed in the cut-out area of the single plate or each plate of the stack and delimited by the or the surrounding solid areas and by the adjacent separation plates.