Plate Heat Exchanger Injector Layout for Even Two-Phase Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate heat exchangers face challenges in optimizing the distribution and control of a two-phase cooling agent, leading to inefficient energy use and pressure drops, particularly at part load operations, due to chaotic flow and uneven distribution across plate interspaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of at least two injectors arranged in the wall portion of the inlet channel, each supplying the cooling agent to multiple plate interspaces, reduces chaotic flow and pressure drops by providing multiple inlet points and allowing for optimized distribution and control through adjustable nozzle patterns and valve control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inlet port is used to supply cooling agent to the inlet channel, then the structure is simple, but the flow distribution becomes chaotic and hard to control
Solution Approach 1:
The single inlet port is segmented into multiple inlet ports (first inlet port and second inlet port) positioned at different locations along the inlet channel. This segmentation allows independent control of cooling agent supply to different sections of the plate interspaces, transforming the chaotic single-source flow into controlled multi-source distribution.
2Device complexity
If cooling agent is supplied from one end of the inlet channel, then the injection system is simple, but pressure drop increases with distance from inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is segmented into multiple injection points (first inlet port at one end, second inlet port at another location) along the inlet channel. This segmentation ensures that cooling agent is supplied at multiple locations, reducing the distance each portion of fluid must travel and thereby minimizing cumulative pressure drops across the plate interspaces.
3Quantity of substance
If cooling agent flows through the entire inlet channel length, then coverage is complete, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling agent supply is segmented into multiple independent streams from different inlet ports. This allows the system to supply cooling agent only to the sections that need it, rather than forcing flow through the entire inlet channel length, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining complete coverage of plate interspaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling agent is introduced at multiple predetermined locations along the inlet channel based on the specific operational requirements. This preliminary positioning of injection points ensures that cooling agent reaches all necessary plate interspaces without unnecessary travel distance, optimizing energy efficiency.
4Quantity of substance
If droplets undergo angular flow change to enter plate interspaces, then distribution is achieved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is segmented into multiple inlet ports positioned at different angular locations along the inlet channel. Each inlet port directs cooling agent droplets at optimized angles specific to its location, reducing the magnitude of angular flow changes required and thereby minimizing pressure drops associated with directional 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
This solution enhances the efficiency of the plate heat exchanger by ensuring even distribution of the cooling agent across all plate interspaces, reducing energy consumption and improving performance across varying operation duties.
Implementation Method 1
at least two injectors are arranged in a wall portion of the first inlet channel, each injector being arranged to supply a first fluid to more than one of the first plate interspaces
Implementation Method 2
a plate heat exchanger designed for evaporation of a cooling agent
Implementation Method 3
a plate heat exchanger in the form of an evaporator, i. e. a plate heat exchanger designed for evaporation of a cooling agent
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger including a plate package (P), which includes a number of first heat exchanger plates (A) and a number of second heat exchanger plates (B). The plates are joined to each other and arranged side by side in such a way that a first plate interspace (3) is formed between each pair of adjacent first and second heat exchanger plates (A, B), and a second plate interspace (4) is formed between each pair of adjacent second and first heat exchanger plates (B, A). The first and the second plate interspaces (3, 4) are separated from each other and provided side by side in an alternating order in the at least one plate package (P). Substantially each heat exchanger plate (A, B) has at least a first porthole (8), wherein the first portholes (8) form a first inlet channel (9) to the first plate interspaces (3). At least two injectors (25) are arranged in a wall portion of the first inlet channel, each injector (25) is arranged to supply a first fluid to more than one of the first plate interspaces (3).