Parallel-Channel Heat Exchanger for Uniform Surface Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers fail to achieve the required surface temperature uniformity of 3°C or less, leading to safety and product life issues in devices like batteries due to large temperature differences caused by fluid channel designs that result in pressure drops and non-uniform heat exchange.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger is redesigned with a dual fluid channel system between two plates, utilizing a third plate with convex and concave structures to enhance heat exchange and reduce temperature differences by alternating fluid channels with varying cross-sectional areas and flow pressures, ensuring even heat distribution across the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If refrigerant phase change heat exchange technology is adopted to improve heat exchange efficiency, then heat exchange effect is improved, but pressure drop increases and surface temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple independent heat exchange units arranged in parallel, with each unit having its own fluid channel. This segmentation allows the fluid to be distributed across multiple paths, reducing pressure drop while maintaining heat exchange efficiency through parallel heat transfer surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heat exchange units are merged in parallel configuration, where each unit independently performs heat exchange. The combined effect of multiple parallel units achieves both high heat exchange efficiency and uniform temperature distribution across the surface, as each unit contributes to overall heat transfer while maintaining local temperature control.
2Power
If fluid channel detours along width direction to form I-shaped or U-shaped loop, then heat exchange fluid can exchange heat with parts, but pressure drop increases and temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channel is segmented into multiple straight parallel paths instead of single detouring loops. Each segment provides a direct heat exchange path, eliminating the pressure losses associated with sharp turns and detours while maintaining effective heat transfer through the distributed channel arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channels are arranged in parallel along the length direction rather than detouring in the width direction. This dimensional reorganization creates straight flow paths that minimize pressure drop while the parallel arrangement ensures uniform heat exchange across the entire surface area.
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 redesign achieves improved surface temperature uniformity by reducing pressure drops and enhancing heat exchange efficiency, thereby ensuring safer and longer-lasting device performance.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchange fluid exchanges heat with the parts to be exchanged outside the heat exchanger in the process of flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet
Implementation Method 2
the technology of refrigerant phase change heat exchange is adopted
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a first plate, and a second plate. A third plate is disposed between the first plate and the second plate; a first fluid channel is formed between the first plate and the third plate, and a second fluid channel is formed between the second plate and the third plate. The heat exchanger has a first end and a second end; the fluid inlet is close to the first end of the heat exchanger and communicated with the first fluid channel; the fluid outlet is close to the first end of the heat exchanger and communicated with the second fluid channel; and the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are communicated at the position close to the second end of the heat exchanger.