Plate-Fin Heat Exchanger Assembly Using Oversized Fin Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate and fin heat exchangers face challenges in simplifying assembly and improving thermal performance, particularly due to the formation of bypass voids that reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling a plate package where flat plates with peripheral flank portions are alternately joined with fin plates having oversized transverse extensions, minimizing the radius of rounded corner portions and adjusting distances to reduce bypass voids, thereby enhancing thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fin plates with standard transverse extension are used in conventional assembly, then assembly is simpler, but bypass voids are formed that worsen thermal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fin plate is pre-formed with an oversized transverse extension that protrudes beyond the heat exchange portion of the flat plate. This preliminary dimensional adjustment ensures that when plates are stacked and brazed, the fins maintain optimal positioning relative to the flat plate flanks, preventing bypass void formation without requiring complex assembly procedures or additional positioning mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional brazing assembly is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but bypass voids form on longitudinal side ends of fin plates
Solution Approach 1:
The fin plate is designed with non-uniform transverse extension: the fins themselves have standard dimensions for heat exchange functionality, while the transverse extension of the fin plate body is locally increased beyond the heat exchange portion. This localized dimensional modification ensures proper fin positioning during brazing without affecting the core heat exchange function or requiring changes to the brazing process itself.
3Loss of energy
If fin plates are tightly fitted to flat plates, then thermal performance improves, but assembly and permanent joining become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The oversized transverse extension is incorporated into the fin plate design before assembly begins. This pre-configured dimensional feature allows the fin plate to be easily placed onto the flat plate with the protruding extension, and subsequent brazing automatically achieves the tight fit needed for optimal thermal performance without requiring complex positioning or adjustment during assembly.
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 method minimizes bypass voids, leading to improved thermal performance and a more compact structure, resulting in a robust and efficient heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
the plates are permanently joined together by brazing
Implementation Method 2
fluids of different temperatures flow through the flow channels, which can comprise a fin plate providing a number of flow channels providing an increased heat exchange area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a plate package of a plate and fin heat exchanger (1) comprising a plurality of flat plates (4, 4') and a plurality of fin plates (3), wherein each flat plate (4, 4') comprises a peripheral flank portion (4a, 4b; 4a', 4b') on two opposing longitudinal sides of the respective flat plate. Each flank portion is permanently joined to an adjacent flat plate (4') such that a longitudinally extending flow channel (12) is formed between the adjacent flat plates (4, 4'), and wherein each flat plate (4, 4') comprises a heat exchange portion (14), which has a transversal extension between the peripheral flank portions (4a, 4b; 4a', 4b'). The fin plates (3) comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending fins (32) arranged in the heat exchange portion (14), which fins (32) form in a transversal direction parallel guide channels (34) for a first and second heat exchange medium (18, 22), respectively. The fin plates (3) and the flat plates (4, 4') are permanently attached to each other. The method comprises providing a larger fin plate than the heat exchange portion in the transversal direction and placing it onto the flat plate of the package before permanently joining the plates together. In this way the size of the bypass voids may be minimized.