Offset Corrugated Fin Structure for Low-Resistance Heat Exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fin devices for heat exchangers are delicate and difficult to install, and they often suffer from high flow resistance, which limits their energy efficiency and sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A fin device with corrugated fins that are offset relative to each other, connected only at their adjacent fin folds, forming an integral and mechanically stable structure that reduces flow resistance and allows for efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fin devices are constructed with delicate structures to achieve heat transfer function, then heat transfer capability is improved, but installation becomes difficult and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin device is divided into multiple individual fins that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. Each fin is a discrete component with standardized connection interfaces, allowing for easier handling and installation while maintaining the delicate heat transfer structure. The segmentation enables modular assembly where fins are connected via their folds to form the complete heat exchanger component.
2Strength
If traditional fin structures are used to maintain structural integrity, then mechanical strength is improved, but flow resistance increases reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure employs asymmetric geometry where the fin folds are positioned at different locations on adjacent fins. This asymmetric arrangement creates an offset pattern that prevents the formation of duct flows (high-velocity channels) through the fin array. The asymmetric fold positioning disrupts streamlined flow paths while maintaining structural integrity through the folded connections, thereby reducing overall flow resistance and energy loss.
3Stability of the object's composition
If corrugated fins are connected extensively to ensure stability, then mechanical stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted and concentrated specifically at the fin folds, rather than requiring extensive connections across the entire fin structure. By taking out the connection requirement and applying it only at the fold locations, the design achieves mechanical stability through localized connections. This extraction principle simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of connection points needed while maintaining structural integrity.
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 offset corrugated fin design enhances mechanical stability, reduces flow resistance, and improves heat transfer efficiency by preventing duct flow, allowing for easier installation and effective condensate drainage, leading to a more energy-efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a fin device that can be inserted into a heat exchanger for transferring heat-energy
Implementation Method 2
the corrugated fins can be flowed about by a fluid stream in the transverse direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fin device for heat exchangers having corrugated fins, which extend along a main direction and comprise fin walls with louvres and fin folds. With respect to the corrugated fins, fin walls that are adjacent in the main direction are each interconnected via a fin fold, while in addition, fin walls that are adjacent in the main direction each delimit between them a fluid channel. Furthermore, the corrugated fins are lined up one behind the other in a transverse direction extending transversely to the main direction, so that the fluid channels of the corrugated fins lead into one another. It is substantial that corrugated fins that are adjacent in the transverse direction are arranged offset to one another in the main direction by a spacing referred to as fin offset and are fixed to one another in that their adjacent fin folds are directly and in particular integrally connected to one another. The present invention, furthermore, relates to a heat exchanger having fin devices and to a method for manufacturing such a fin device.