Plate Heat Exchanger Connectors for Adjustable Flow Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat exchangers with plates face challenges in optimizing heat yield due to variable temperature requirements and inefficient flow control, which affects performance in different usage scenarios and is costly and difficult to adjust.

Innovation Solution

A heat exchanger design with a choking element that allows for controlled fluid flow between plates, featuring T-shaped connectors and a deformable fin that can be adjusted to optimize heat transfer based on specific conditions, enabling personalized and adaptable heat distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed flow control inserts are used in connectors, then flow distribution between plates is controlled, but adjustment and modification become difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control adjustmentVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow control insert removable and replaceable rather than fixed. The connector allows dynamic adjustment of flow distribution by enabling users to remove existing inserts and install new ones with different choking characteristics, transforming a static system into a dynamic, adaptable one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flow control function is segmented from the connector structure itself. The insert is a separate, independent component that can be removed and replaced without affecting the connector's integrity. This segmentation allows flexible modification of flow control characteristics while maintaining the connector's structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If flow adjustors are associated at the entrance of the exchanger, then flow toward both plates is controlled, but accurate control for specific plates or rooms is not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control accuracyVSAvoidflow distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing individual flow control inserts at specific connector locations that serve particular plates or rooms. Each insert can be independently optimized for its local requirement, allowing precise control of flow distribution to meet specific heating demands of different zones without requiring complex centralized control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the heat exchanger is designed for continuous high temperature operation, then heating performance is maintained, but adaptability to varying usage conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating performanceVSAvoidusage condition flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by enabling modification of flow control characteristics through replacement of inserts with different choking degrees. This allows the system to adapt to varying usage conditions by changing the flow distribution parameters, thereby adjusting temperature distribution across plates to match different heating requirements while maintaining reliable heating performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effective and adaptable heat management, optimizing heat yield in various conditions, ensuring efficient heat transfer while being economical and easy to install and modify.

Implementation Method 1

the transmission of heat by the radiator to the room to be conditioned is obtained through the sum of the irradiance effect and the convection effect between plates and outside atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIrradiance effect: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the transmission of heat by the radiator to the room to be conditioned is obtained through the sum of the irradiance effect and the convection effect between plates and outside atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection effect: Convection

Implementation Method 3

Heat exchangers are known, of the type with two or more plates, parallel or not, into which a heat-carrying fluid is introduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2834582B1Heat exchanger with plates
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 DL RADIATORS SPA
  • EP2834582B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2834582B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2834582B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

Heat exchanger with plates, comprising at least a first plate (12) and a second plate (13), in each of which a heat-carrying fluid is suitable to circulate. The first plate (12) and the second plate (13) are both provided with apertures (17, 18, 21, 22). The first plate (12) and the second plate (13) are hydraulically connected to each other through the apertures (17, 18, 21, 22) by means of connection pipes or connectors (26, 27, 28, 29).