Partial-Height Fin Heat Exchangers for Reduced Thermal Strain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monolithic heat exchangers face increased thermal strains due to the formation of walls and grooves as a single, interconnected piece, which affects their performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The use of partial height fins in a monolithic heat exchanger design, where the terminal edges of the fins are at least partially spaced from the adjacent substrate, reducing mechanical coupling and allowing for thermal compliance, thereby improving thermal performance and reducing thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If monolithic heat exchangers are produced with walls and grooves formed as a single interconnected piece, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but thermal strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple separable components: a first heat exchanger assembly with first fins extending from a first plate, and a second heat exchanger assembly with second fins extending from a second plate. These assemblies are coupled together to form the complete heat exchanger. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with reduced thermal strain while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
2Area of moving object
If full-height fins are used in monolithic heat exchangers, then heat transfer area is increased, but thermal stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using full-height fins that extend completely between plates, the patent employs partial-height fins that extend only a portion of the way between plates. The first fins extend from the first plate toward the second plate, and the second fins extend from the second plate toward the first plate, but neither set of fins reaches the opposite plate. This partial action reduces thermal stress while maintaining adequate heat transfer area through the combined surface of both fin sets.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fins are closely coupled to adjacent substrates, then structural stability is improved, but thermal compliance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible thermal compliance elements between the fins and the opposite plate. These elements include compressible materials such as rubber grommets or foam that allow the partial-height fins to maintain structural stability while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction. The compliance elements absorb thermal stresses and allow the fin structures to adapt to temperature changes without compromising their 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 partial height fins enhance thermal compliance, reduce thermal strain, and increase the lifespan of the heat exchanger, while maintaining efficient heat transfer and mechanical stability, even in high-pressure environments.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
fluid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a heat exchanger includes a monolithic body that includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a third substrate, and a plurality of partial height fins. The second substrate is arranged parallel to and spaced from the first substrate, thereby defining a first fluid flow path. The third substrate is arranged parallel to and spaced from the second substrate opposite the first substrate, thereby defining a second fluid flow path. The plurality of partial height fins extend from one of the second substrate and the third substrate toward the other of the second substrate or the third substrate, wherein a terminal edge of each partial height fin is at least partially spaced from the other of the second substrate or the third substrate.