Phase-Change Hollow Heat Exchanger for Lightweight Thermal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face inefficiencies in heat transfer and weight due to the use of solid fins and enclosures, limiting the ability to effectively exchange heat between fluids.
Innovation Solution
The use of hollow enclosures with working fluids that undergo phase changes, combined with wick structures and additive manufacturing techniques, enhances thermal conductivity and reduces weight by allowing for increased separation and optimized geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid fins and enclosures are used in conventional heat exchangers, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but heat transfer efficiency is limited and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transition by introducing a working fluid inside the hollow enclosure that undergoes phase change (liquid to vapor and back) during heat transfer operations. This phase change mechanism enables much higher heat transfer efficiency compared to solid fins, while the hollow structure with working fluid weighs less than equivalent solid enclosures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the enclosure from solid to hollow, and utilizes the phase change parameter of the working fluid to enhance heat transfer. By changing these parameters, the system achieves superior heat transfer efficiency with reduced weight
2Reliability
If solid fins are used to increase contact surface area, then heat transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and component数量 increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat transfer function from solid fins and transfers it to a working fluid contained within a hollow enclosure. The working fluid performs the heat transfer function that would otherwise require extensive fin structures, thereby reducing component数量 and simplifying the overall device
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow enclosure serves multiple functions: it contains the working fluid, provides structural support, and enables heat transfer through the phase change of the working fluid. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components (enclosure + fins + working fluid system)
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
This configuration improves heat transfer efficiency and reduces the number of components needed, resulting in a lighter and more effective heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
said working fluid is configured to undergo a phase change in an operative mode of the heat exchanger module
Implementation Method 2
the working fluid, in an operative mode, undergoes evaporation of a liquid phase into a vapor phase by the action of a hot first fluid
Implementation Method 3
the vapor phase undergoes condensation into the liquid phase by action of a cold second fluid
Implementation Method 4
the working fluid, in an operative mode, undergoes evaporation of a liquid phase into a vapor phase by the action of a hot first fluid
Implementation Method 5
the vapor phase undergoes condensation into the liquid phase by action of a cold second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger module including: a hollow chamber having an inner volume configured through which flows a first fluid in fluidic communication with a source of the first fluid, and a fluid outlet; a hollow enclosure extending outwardly from a surface of the hollow chamber wherein the hollow enclosure includes an inner volume through which flows a working fluid that undergoes a phase change in an operative mode of the heat exchanger module, wherein the hollow enclosure is in fluidic communication with a source of the working fluid, and an enclosure root of the hollow enclosure is inserted in the hollow chamber extending into the inner volume such that in an operative mode a working fluid flowing through the hollow chamber from the inlet to the outlet bathes the outer surface of the enclosure root.