Pleated Enthalpy Exchanger Sheets for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger manufacturing processes for enthalpy exchangers are cumbersome due to the need for separate plastic plates and result in high strain on thin sheets, leading to potential leakage and reduced thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thin, pleated water vapor-permeable sheets with a non-woven thermoplastic support layer, where the sheets are folded to form conduits with optimized pleat radii and thickness ratios to distribute strain evenly, eliminating the need for separate support plates and enhancing thermal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If separate plastic plates are used to support the membrane in enthalpy exchangers, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and production becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the membrane and support structure into a single integrated sheet element. The support layers are directly associated with the membrane, eliminating the need for separate plastic plates. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design where support layers are positioned at edges and corners to provide necessary rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure consisting of a membrane layer combined with support layers made of different materials (plastic, metal, or textile). This composite structure provides both the permeability needed for enthalpy exchange and the mechanical strength required for structural stability, eliminating the need for separate support plates while maintaining compositional stability.
2Temperature
If thin sheets are used to improve heat transfer capabilities, then thermal performance is improved, but strain on the sheet material increases leading to potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction with a thin membrane layer for thermal performance combined with integrated support layers for mechanical strength. The support layers are directly associated with the membrane, providing reinforcement that prevents strain-induced leakage while maintaining the thin profile needed for efficient heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The support layers are incorporated into the sheet element beforehand to prevent strain on the thin membrane during manufacturing and operation. By having the support structure in place before the membrane is subjected to strain, the design prevents potential leakage while maintaining the thermal performance benefits of thin sheet material.
3Temperature
If the sheet thickness is reduced below 0.5 mm, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the sheet becomes more susceptible to damage during folding and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite sheet element where a thin membrane (thickness < 0.5 mm) is combined with integrated support layers. This composite structure maintains the high heat transfer efficiency of thin material while the support layers provide the necessary strength and durability to prevent damage during folding and manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin film technology with membrane thickness less than 0.5 mm to achieve superior heat transfer efficiency. The thin film is made durable through the integrated support layers that are directly associated with the membrane, allowing the sheet to be folded and manipulated during manufacturing without compromising strength or causing leakage.
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 method produces a stiff, leak-resistant enthalpic heat exchanger with improved thermal performance and reduced strain on the sheet material, allowing for efficient heat and humidity transfer between supply and exhaust air without the need for additional support plates.
Implementation Method 1
a core having a plurality of water vapor-permeable sheets separating the supply air and exhaust air
Implementation Method 2
each pleat provides associated folded sheet sections... increased surface available for heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
heat-exchange apparatus configured for heat and humidity transfer between supply air and exhaust air
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The current invention relates to a heat-exchange apparatus configured for heat and humidity transfer between supply air and exhaust air, the apparatus comprising a core having a plurality of water vapor-permeable sheets separating the supply air and exhaust air and wherein the plurality of water vapor-permeable sheets are stacked to form a corresponding plurality of conduits, wherein each conduit of the plurality of conduit is formed between two adjacent water vapor-permeable sheets of the plurality of water vapor-permeable sheets, the method comprising a step of; - providing a sheet of the plurality of water vapor-permeable sheets, having a sheet thickness less than 0,5 mm, preferably between 0,2 mm and 0,35 mm, and - folding the sheet to form a pleat extending across the sheet, wherein the pleat comprises a pleat radius greater than 0,2 mm, preferably between 0,2 mm and 0,3 mm.