Heat exchangers, systems and methods of using the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers for ground source heating and cooling systems are cumbersome and expensive to install due to their large size, requiring extensive drilling and trenching, and are difficult to repair due to their depth, which limits their efficiency and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A compact heat exchanger design featuring a conical or truncated conical shape with a helical structure, allowing for easier installation and repair, and a modular design that can be adapted for various applications, including geothermal systems, by utilizing a pump and pipes to facilitate thermal energy transfer between the ground and a building.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional heat exchangers are used for ground source heating and cooling systems, then thermal energy transfer function is provided, but installation becomes cumbersome and expensive due to large size requiring extensive drilling and trenching
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple segments that can be connected together, allowing the system to achieve the required thermal exchange capacity while maintaining a compact overall size that simplifies installation and reduces drilling requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The inner housing is nested within the outer housing, creating a compact dual-chamber configuration that maximizes thermal exchange surface area within a minimized external volume, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining thermal exchange function
2Reliability
If conventional heat exchangers are installed at depth for ground source systems, then thermal energy exchange with ground is enabled, but repair becomes difficult due to depth
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows individual sections to be accessed, removed, or replaced independently, enabling maintenance and repair operations to be performed on specific segments without requiring complete system excavation or shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger incorporates movable or adjustable components that can be accessed and modified during operation, allowing for in-situ maintenance and repair activities that reduce system downtime and improve accessibility despite installation depth
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heat exchangers are designed for standard applications, then basic thermal exchange is achieved, but adaptability for various applications including geothermal systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is designed with universal features including adjustable pitch helical structures, variable conical angles, and modular segmentation that enable the same basic design to be adapted for multiple applications including ground source heating, cooling, and geothermal systems without requiring complete redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows modification of key parameters such as helical pitch, conical angle, and segment configuration to optimize performance for different applications and environmental conditions, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base design
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 compact design reduces installation costs and complexity, enhances thermal energy transfer efficiency, and allows for quicker deployment and maintenance, making it more practical for both small and large-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
flowing a fluid through the outer chamber to transfer thermal energy between the outer environment and the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The pump is configured to flow a fluid through the at least one pipe and the at least one heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An example heat exchanger includes an outer housing defining an outer chamber. The heat exchanger also includes an inner housing disposed in the outer chamber. The inner housing defines an inner chamber and at least one opening allowing the outer and inner chambers to be in fluid communication with each other. The heat exchanger further includes a first connector in fluid communication with the outer chamber and a second connector in fluid communication with the inner chamber. The first and second connectors are configured to allow a fluid to flow into or out of the heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger may also at least one of exhibit a generally conical shape, a truncated generally conical shape, or a generally cylindrical shape; include at least one helical structure disposed in the outer chamber; or exhibit a modular design.