Multi-Pipe Heat Exchange Layout With Thermal Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchange apparatuses are limited by single piping, leading to inefficiencies in heat source transportation, long warm-up times, inability to combine different heat sources, and lack of buffering mechanisms, resulting in increased costs and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pipe-switching heat exchange apparatus with a heating module, auxiliary module, buffering module, and operation module, featuring dual-tube valve modules, closed circulation loops, and a preheater to manage heat sources and temperatures, allowing for multiple heat sources and independent heat exchange cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single piping system is used to transport heat source from heating end to operation end, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the reliability is poor because when the piping is broken the heat source cannot be transported
Solution Approach 1:
The single piping system is segmented into multiple independent piping systems (first piping system and second piping system). Each piping system can independently transport heat source from different heating ends to the operation end, ensuring that if one system fails, the other can still operate.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the piping system are assigned different functions and characteristics. The first piping system connects the first heating end to the operation end, while the second piping system connects the second heating end to the operation end, allowing localized optimization and independent operation of each segment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single piping system is used to transport heat source, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the adaptability is poor because other types of heat sources cannot be combined for use
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple piping systems are designed to be universal in function, where both the first piping system and second piping system can transport different types of heat sources (steam, hot water, etc.) from different heating ends to the operation end, enabling the apparatus to handle multiple heat source types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic switching and combination of different heat sources through the multiple piping systems. The operation end can receive heat sources from either the first heating end or the second heating end or both simultaneously, providing flexible adaptation to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If no buffering mechanism is deposited between heating end and operation end, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the buffering effect is poor when the amount of heat source generated is larger than the amount required
Solution Approach 1:
A buffering mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating ends and the operation end. This buffering mechanism stores excess heat source when generation exceeds demand and releases it when demand exceeds generation, stabilizing the heat source supply without requiring complex active control systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If biomass fuels are used to generate heat source, then environmental requirements are met, but the warm-up time is long and the apparatus productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows preliminary heating and storage of heat source in the buffering mechanism before actual operation is needed. Biomass fuel can be burned in advance to generate and store heat energy, so that when operation is required, the stored heat is already available, eliminating the long warm-up time.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple piping systems and buffering mechanism enable continuous heat source supply. While one heating end is warming up or being maintained, the other heating end can continue to supply heat through its dedicated piping system, ensuring uninterrupted operation and reducing overall warm-up time.
5Temperature
If the heat source is directly transported from heating end to operation end without buffering, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the temperature control is poor when heat source generation exceeds requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering mechanism serves as a thermal intermediary between the heating end and operation end. It absorbs excess thermal energy when generation exceeds demand and releases it when demand exceeds generation, acting as a thermal buffer that smooths out temperature fluctuations and enables precise temperature control at the operation end.
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 design reduces warm-up times, enables efficient buffering of heat sources, and allows for continuous operation during maintenance, improving convenience and reducing costs by enabling the use of multiple heat sources and independent heat exchange cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a preheater is deposited beside the at least one heating boiler, connected to and communicating with the at least one heating boiler to adjust the temperature of the heat source before the heat source enters the at least one heating boiler
Implementation Method 2
The heating module has at least one heating boiler
Implementation Method 3
Two pumps are deposited on the two branch pipes
Implementation Method 4
A heat source may be generated by the boiler and is transported to the greenhouse via a piping that is connected to the boiler and the greenhouse, and this may provide a heat exchange effect
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A multi-pipe-switching heat exchange apparatus has a heating module (10), an auxiliary module (20), a buffering module (30), and an operation module (40). The heating module (10) has at least one heating boiler (11). The auxiliary module (20) is deposited beside the heating module (10) and has at least one spare boiler (21). The buffering module (30) is connected to and communicates with the heating module (10) and the auxiliary module (20), and has a buffering body (31), a first pipeline set (32) deposited between the buffering body (31) and the heating module (10), and a second pipeline set (33). The operation module (40) is connected to and communicates with the buffering module (30) and has an operation end (42) and a third pipeline set (41) connected to and communicating with the buffering body (31) and the operation end (42).