Parallel Heat Exchanger Layout for Compact Thermal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger designs lack a compact and effective thermal coupling between cooling circuits, which hinders efficient heat transfer and can lead to increased size and energy consumption in cooling systems for electronics and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger arrangement featuring a first heat absorbing section and a second heat releasing section with multiple fluid guiding means arranged in parallel, thermally coupled to each other, and including clearances for airflow and heat sinks to enhance heat transfer, allowing for efficient thermal coupling and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat exchanger sections are disposed in separate compartments of a housing, then thermal coupling between cooling circuits is achieved, but the device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchanger sections by disposing them adjacent to each other within the same housing without requiring separate compartments. The first heat absorbing section and second heat releasing section are positioned next to each other, allowing thermal coupling through the housing wall or direct contact, thereby achieving effective heat transfer while simplifying the structural design and reducing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If heat exchanger sections are disposed adjacent to each other in the same housing, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal coupling effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves as an intermediary thermal pathway between the first heat absorbing section and the second heat releasing section. By positioning these sections adjacent to each other within the same housing, the housing wall or structural elements facilitate thermal coupling, enabling effective heat transfer while maintaining a simplified single-chamber structure.
3Reliability
If cooling systems are designed with adequate thermal coupling, then thermal efficiency improves, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger sections into a compact adjacent arrangement within a single housing, eliminating the need for separate compartments and extensive thermal coupling structures. This merging approach achieves adequate thermal efficiency through direct proximity and shared housing structure while significantly reducing the overall system volume and footprint.
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 solution provides improved thermal efficiency and a compact design by allowing airflow and heat transfer between adjacent heat exchange structures, effectively coupling cooling circuits and reducing the size and energy requirements of cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
each heat exchange structure comprises at least one fluid guiding means of the first plurality and at least one fluid guiding means of the second plurality thermally coupled to each other
Implementation Method 2
each heat exchange structure comprises a heat sink to thermally couple the at least one fluid guiding means of the first plurality and the at least fluid guiding means of the second plurality
Implementation Method 3
each heat exchange structure comprises a heat sink to thermally couple the at least one fluid guiding means of the first plurality and the at least fluid guiding means of the second plurality
Implementation Method 4
a clearance is disposed between at least two adjacent heat exchange structures to allow airflow between said adjacent heat exchange structures
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger including a first heat absorbing section and a second heat releasing section, such that a plurality of heat exchange structures are arranged, preferably in parallel, in a plane of extension. The first heat absorbing section includes a first plurality of fluid guiding devices and the second heat releasing section comprises a second plurality of fluid guiding devices. Each heat exchange structure includes at least one fluid guiding devices of the first plurality and at least one fluid guiding devices of the second plurality thermally connected to each other, and preferably arranged in parallel. A clearance disposed between two adjacent heat exchange structures allows airflow between adjacent heat exchange structures and/or each heat exchange structure includes a heat sink to thermally couple the fluid guiding devices of the first plurality and the fluid guiding devices of the second plurality.