Monolithic Finned Tube With Split Channels For Dual-Phase Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional finned tubes are designed for either evaporation or condensation, limiting their efficiency in applications requiring both phase changes, and they often suffer from condensate insulation and reduced heat transfer due to interface resistance between fins and the tube body.
Innovation Solution
A finned tube design featuring monolithic fins formed from the tube material, with wings and depressions that split channels into upper and lower sections, enhancing condensate shedding and heat transfer by increasing surface area and turbulence, while minimizing interface resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fins are attached to the tube to increase heat transfer area, then heat transfer rate is improved, but interface resistance between fin and tube reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fin and tube are merged into a single monolithic structure formed from the same material, eliminating the interface between fin and tube that causes thermal resistance. The fin is formed by deforming the tube material itself, creating a continuous thermal path from the tube interior through the fin structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional finned tubes are designed for condensation, then condensation heat transfer is improved, but they are limited for evaporation applications
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is designed with features that serve both condensation and evaporation functions. The monolithic construction with specific fin geometry and curvature characteristics enables effective heat transfer in both phase change modes, making the tube versatile for different refrigeration and heat pump applications.
3Productivity
If liquid condensate accumulates in the channels between fins, then condensation occurs, but condensate insulation restricts further heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure incorporates curved surfaces and specific geometric profiles that promote condensate shedding rather than accumulation. The curvature of the monolithic fin design creates surfaces that facilitate liquid drainage, reducing the insulating effect of condensate layers and maintaining higher heat transfer coefficients during condensation.
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 improves heat transfer rates by efficiently managing condensate shedding and promoting phase changes on both evaporation and condensation surfaces, making it suitable for dual-phase applications with reduced resistance and increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Heat flows from hot to cold, so heat transfer is accomplished by conducting heat from a warmer material to a cooler material
Implementation Method 2
There is also heat given off when a material condenses from a vapor to a liquid
Implementation Method 3
heat is absorbed when a liquid vaporizes or evaporates from a liquid to a vapor
Implementation Method 4
enhancing condensate shedding and heat transfer by increasing surface area and turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
A finned tube includes channels defined between adjacent fins on the tube body outer surface. Wings extend from side walls of the adjacent fins between the fin top and the fin base such that the wings form a barrier which splits the channel into an upper channel and a lower channel. A plurality of holes penetrate the barrier where the wings meet, so liquids and gases can pass into and out of the enclosed area defined by the lower channel. The wings can include alternating upper wings and lower wings, and there can be depressions formed in the fin top.