Partitioned Heat Exchanger for Sterilization Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization devices face inefficiencies in thermal energy recovery due to the use of multiple heat exchangers for each stage of the sterilization cycle, leading to suboptimal recovery and utilization of stored thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A modular heat exchanger with two distinct parts and fluidic circuits that can be independently or collectively connected, allowing for dynamic adjustment of heat exchange surfaces and integration with a thermal energy storage module to optimize energy recovery and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple heat exchangers are used for each stage of the sterilization cycle, then heat exchange functionality is provided, but thermal energy recovery efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heat exchangers into a single integrated heat exchanger that performs multiple functions. The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section for cooling the main fluid and a second heat exchange section for heating the main fluid, both within the same device. This merging allows thermal energy recovered during cooling to be directly reused for heating, eliminating energy losses associated with multiple separate devices and improving overall thermal energy recovery efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a single heat exchanger is used for both heating and cooling stages, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal energy recovery efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single heat exchanger into distinct functional sections: a first heat exchange section for cooling operations and a second heat exchange section for heating operations. Each section is optimized for its specific function while remaining part of the same integrated device. This segmentation allows efficient thermal energy recovery within each stage while maintaining the benefits of a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger incorporates a circulation means with controllable fluidic circuits that can dynamically switch between heating and cooling modes. The circulation means includes a pump and valves that can direct the main fluid through different sections based on operational requirements, enabling the single heat exchanger to efficiently perform both heating and cooling functions with optimal thermal energy recovery at each stage.
3Productivity
If heat exchanger surface area is increased, then heat exchange capacity is improved, but device size deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact heat exchanger design that increases heat exchange capacity without proportionally increasing device size by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The first and second heat exchange sections are arranged in a compact configuration within the same housing, maximizing heat exchange surface area utilization while maintaining a space-efficient footprint. This dimensional optimization allows high heat exchange capacity in a reduced overall device size.
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 enables improved thermal energy recovery by efficiently storing and reusing energy, reducing energy losses, and allowing for flexible operation with various hot and cold sources, thereby enhancing the overall energy efficiency of sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
the circulation means comprise a first fluidic circuit arranged in contact with the first part of the heat exchanger and more precisely with the main circulation zone and intended to receive the secondary fluid so as to ensure heat exchange between the secondary fluid and the main fluid circulating in the first part
Implementation Method 2
ensure heat exchange between the secondary fluid and the main fluid circulating in the first part
Implementation Method 3
circulation means suitable for receiving a secondary fluid and configured to ensure heat exchange with the main circulation zone
Implementation Method 4
the exchanger is suitable for being fluidically connected to a thermal energy storage module; more specifically, the first fluidic circuit and the second fluidic circuit are suitable for being fluidly connected to the energy storage module so that the thermal energy exchanged by the exchanger can be stored to or released from the storage module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Partitioned heat exchanger, thermal energy recovery unit and associated sterilization device. The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) comprising: - a main circulation zone (2) adapted to receive a main fluid (5), and - circulation means adapted to receive a secondary fluid and configured to ensure heat exchange with the main circulation zone (2), characterized in that: - the main circulation zone (2) comprises a first part (7) and a second part (9) distinct, and - the circulation means comprise • a first fluidic circuit (6) arranged in contact with the first part (7) of the heat exchanger (1) and intended to receive the secondary fluid so as to ensure heat exchange between the secondary fluid and the main fluid (5) circulating in the first part (7),• a second fluidic circuit (8) arranged in contact with the second part (9) of the heat exchanger (1) and intended to receive the secondary fluid, so as to ensure heat exchange between the secondary fluid and the main fluid (5) circulating in the second part (9), - the first fluidic circuit (6) and the second fluidic circuit (8) being configured to be alternately fluidically independent or fluidically connected to each other. The present invention relates to the field of energy recovery and optimization of the use of thermal energy. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of sterilizers using heat discontinuously to implement a sterilization cycle.