Quasi-meandering Flow Path for Thermal Afterburner Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal post-combustion systems face inefficiencies in heating exhaust air due to limited heat transfer path length without increasing system longitudinal extension, and require optimization for better energy balance and VOC oxidation.
Innovation Solution
A quasi-meandering flow path design with nested flow sections and heat exchanger tubes, where at least two annular spaces radially surround the combustion chamber, and varying tube numbers, diameters, and designs in each section to enhance heat transfer, along with an annular heat exchanger space for additional heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the flow path is extended to increase heat transfer path length, then heat transfer effectiveness is improved, but system longitudinal extension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed to extend in a quasi-meandering manner around the combustion chamber, with flow sections nested in the radial direction. This allows the exhaust air to travel a longer path through multiple annular spaces surrounding the combustion chamber, increasing heat transfer effectiveness without extending the system longitudinally.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path transitions from a simple linear arrangement to a multi-dimensional quasi-meandering configuration that wraps around the combustion chamber in radial and circumferential directions. This dimensional transformation enables extended heat transfer path length within a compact longitudinal footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple flow sections are arranged radially adjacent to maximize space utilization, then radial space requirement is reduced, but heat transfer effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different flow sections are designed with varying numbers and diameters of heat exchanger tubes according to local requirements. The first flow section has a different configuration than the second flow section, allowing optimization of heat transfer in each specific region while maintaining compact radial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger system is divided into multiple flow sections (first flow section, second flow section) with intermediate walls separating them. Each section can be independently optimized with different tube configurations, enabling localized heat transfer enhancement while maintaining overall compact structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform heat exchanger tubes are used throughout, then manufacturing is simplified, but heat transfer optimization in different flow sections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly allows different numbers and diameters of heat exchanger tubes in different flow sections based on local heat transfer requirements. The first flow section may have a different tube configuration than the second flow section, enabling optimized heat transfer performance in each section while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular design.
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 increases the usable heat transfer path length effectively, enhances heat transfer efficiency, and allows for more efficient heating of exhaust air before combustion, improving the energy balance and VOC oxidation process.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger system, to which at least part of the hot, clean air that is generated can be fed as the heat exchanger medium and through which exhaust air that flows through the flow path can be heated
Implementation Method 2
a burner by which the combustion chamber can be heated, resulting in clean air
Implementation Method 3
the exhaust air is heated in the combustion chamber and the impurities are oxidized
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A thermal afterburner comprises a combustion chamber (16) with a combustion chamber (18) to which exhaust air can be supplied, a burner (20) by which the combustion chamber (18) can be heated, thereby producing clean air, an inlet (26) for exhaust air, and an outlet (40) for clean air. A flow path (28) connects the inlet (26) to the combustion chamber (18). Exhaust air flowing through the flow path (28) can be heated by a heat exchanger system (42), to which at least a portion of the generated, hot clean air can be supplied as a heat exchange medium.The flow path (28) comprises a first, second, and third flow section (30, 32, 34), wherein the first flow section (32) is connected to the inlet (26) and the exhaust air flows from the third flow section (34) to the combustion chamber (18), the flow sections (30, 32, 34) being connected to each other at deflectors (36, 38) such that the exhaust air flows through two successive flow sections (30, 32; 32, 34) with different flow directions. Heat exchanger tubes (44, 46) run at least within the first and second flow sections (30, 32), or at least the first and second flow sections (30, 32) run within heat exchanger tubes (44, 46).