Multiple channel heat exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal storage systems are complex, expensive, and maintenance-intensive due to their reliance on multiple components and open systems, which can lead to contamination and inefficiencies, particularly in latent heat storage methods that use water as the storage medium.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a multi-flow heat exchanger with multiple channels and conduits that allow for simultaneous heat exchange between different fluid channels and a thermal storage medium, reducing complexity and maintenance through a closed-circuit design that can utilize various fluids and phase-change materials for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heat exchangers with multiple components are used, then heat exchange function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heat exchanger functions into a single integrated unit with multiple channels. The heat exchanger includes a first channel for a first fluid, a second channel for a second fluid, and a third channel for a third fluid, all within one device. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate heat exchangers and reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable heat exchange between different fluid streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed as a universal component that can simultaneously perform multiple heat exchange operations. It enables heat transfer between the first fluid and second fluid, between the second fluid and third fluid, and between the first fluid and third fluid through its multi-channel configuration. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed in the thermal storage system.
2Reliability
If open systems with water as storage medium are used, then thermal storage is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary component that separates the thermal storage medium from the fluid streams requiring heat exchange. The multiple channels provide thermal coupling between fluids without direct mixing, allowing the storage medium to remain isolated and free from contamination while still enabling efficient heat transfer to and from the other fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the heat exchange function from the thermal storage function by using separate channels. The storage medium remains in its storage container while heat exchange occurs through the heat exchanger channels, preventing contamination of the storage medium and reducing maintenance requirements for the storage system.
3Reliability
If multiple separate heat exchangers are used, then comprehensive heat exchange is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate heat exchangers into a single integrated heat exchanger with multiple channels. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components, reducing material usage, and simplifying assembly processes while maintaining the capability to perform comprehensive heat exchange between multiple fluid streams.
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 approach simplifies thermal storage systems, reduces maintenance costs, and improves efficiency by allowing for versatile use in both sensible and latent heat storage applications, while maintaining stable equilibrium and efficient heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange between different fluid channels and a thermal storage medium
Implementation Method 2
simultaneous heat exchange between different fluid channels
Implementation Method 3
latent heat storage methods that use water as the storage medium
Implementation Method 4
In latent heat thermal storage, a heat/cold storage medium changes phase, for example from solid to liquid or liquid to vapor, to absorb or emit heat
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a heat exchanger with two or more channels is provided. The system includes means for one or more source channels and one or more load channels. The source channels and load channels are enclosed for containing and channeling a heat-bearing fluid through the heat exchanger. The source channels and load channels are integrated as components of complete source circuits and load circuits with the purpose of conveying the heat-bearing fluids between heat/cold loads and the heat exchanger. The system also includes means for providing thermal storage that may be used for sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, or a combination of sensible heat storage and latent heat storage. Within the system there are means for putting the source channels, load channels and thermal storage means in intimate thermal communication with one another for the purpose of exchanging heat in all flow-directions.