Nested Pipe Heat Exchanger for Buried Drainage Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat exchange systems are inefficient and cumbersome for thawing frozen drainage systems buried beneath the earth's surface, as they require thawing from the surface and are not flexible or robust enough for various applications, including concrete hardening and frost protection.
Innovation Solution
A closed heat exchange device comprising an external and internal pipe system with a flexible coupling mechanism, allowing for efficient heat transfer without water supply, suitable for thawing buried drainage systems and concrete hardening, featuring a rigid external pipe and flexible internal pipe with threaded connections and swivel devices for adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If surface thawing systems are used for frozen drainage systems, then the ground surface can be thawed, but the buried drainage system remains frozen and inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested pipe configuration where an internal pipe device is positioned inside an external pipe device. The internal pipe has its second end positioned close to the second end of the external pipe, creating a concentrated heat exchange zone that directly targets the buried drainage system, eliminating the need to thaw large volumes of surrounding ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange element acts as an intermediary between the heat exchange medium and the buried drainage system. The external and internal pipe devices work together to transfer heat efficiently from the circulating medium to the drainage system, enabling direct thawing without requiring surface ground thawing.
2Productivity
If traditional heating systems are used for frozen drainage, then thawing can be achieved, but the systems are cumbersome and require continuous operator monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where the heat exchange medium circulates through the external and internal pipe devices, automatically transferring heat to the drainage system without requiring continuous operator intervention. The system maintains itself through the closed-loop circulation of the heat exchange medium.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid pipe systems are used for heat exchange, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility for various applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is divided into external and internal pipe devices that can be independently configured. The internal pipe device can be flexible while the external pipe device provides structural stability, allowing the system to adapt to various applications including buried drainage thawing and concrete hardening while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the pipe system have different properties - the external pipe device provides structural stability while the internal pipe device provides flexibility. This local differentiation of qualities allows the system to simultaneously achieve stability and adaptability for various applications.
4Use of energy by moving object
If open systems with water supply to drainage are used, then direct heating is possible, but system complexity and water management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heat transfer function from the water supply function. The heat exchange medium circulates in a closed loop through the external and internal pipe devices, transferring heat to the drainage system without requiring direct water supply to the drainage, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining effective heat transfer.
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 device effectively thaws frozen drainage systems and controls concrete temperature during hardening, providing a flexible and robust solution for various applications, including thawing long ditches and frost protection without continuous operator monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange medium can circulate through the external pipe device (10), the internal pipe device (20) and the coupling device (3)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for heat exchange in a drainage system and a device for heat exchange on a building and construction site. The device comprises a heat exchange element (2) comprising an external pipe device (10) and an internal pipe device (20), where the internal pipe device (20) is provided inside the external pipe device (10). A coupling device (3) provides a fluid-communicating coupling between the heat exchange element (2), a first fluid connector (4) and a second fluid connector (5). The coupling device (3) comprises an external coupling interface (31) for coupling the heat exchange element (2) to the second fluid connector (5) and an internal coupling interface (32) for coupling the heat exchange element (2) to the first fluid connector (4). The external pipe device (10) comprises a first end (10a) connected to the external coupling interface (31) and a second end (10b) which is closed. The internal pipe device (20) comprises a first end (20a) connected to the internal coupling interface (32) and a second end (20b) which is open. The device (1) is configured so that a heat exchange medium can circulate through the first fluid connector (4), the internal pipe device (20), the external pipe device (10) and the second fluid connector (5).