Multi-Row Radiator Outlet Control for Plate Flow Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple row radiators lack the ability to control the flow ratio of heating medium among individual heating plates, leading to inefficient heating output and reduced thermal performance, as the heating medium primarily flows into the front plate, leaving subsequent plates with cooled-down medium, resulting in lower heating output and no means to regulate the flow.
Innovation Solution
The method involves distributing the heating medium through a common inlet port and allowing selective merging of individual outlet streams into a single outlet, enabling the modification of flow ratios from 0 to 100% and complete shut-off of returning medium outflows, using a selective merger system with throttling or closing devices for hydraulic resistance modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the heating medium flows symmetrically into all heating plates, then the flow distribution is uniform, but the thermal performance is reduced because the front plate receives cooled-down medium and cannot provide sufficient heating output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing different flow resistance characteristics to different heating plates. The front heating plate is designed with lower flow resistance (larger cross-sectional area of flow channels) to receive more heating medium, while subsequent plates have progressively higher flow resistance. This asymmetric flow distribution ensures the front plate receives hot medium for maximum heating output, while subsequent plates receive progressively less flow, optimizing overall thermal performance.
2Power
If the heating medium flows primarily into the front heating plate, then the front plate provides higher heating output, but the flow ratio among individual heating plates cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow resistance of individual heating plates adjustable rather than fixed. Flow resistance adjusting devices (such as valves or variable restrictors) are installed in the flow channels of each heating plate, allowing the flow ratio among plates to be dynamically controlled. This enables adaptation to different operating conditions while maintaining optimized heating distribution.
3Device complexity
If subsequent heating plates receive cooled-down heating medium, then the flow sequence is simple, but the thermal performance of the entire radiator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the flow characteristics specific to each heating plate's position and function. The front plate has larger flow channels for high flow rate, while subsequent plates have progressively smaller channels. This localized optimization of flow channel dimensions ensures each plate receives appropriate flow quantity and temperature for its specific heating contribution, maximizing overall thermal performance.
4Ease of manufacture
If the heating plates are hydraulically interconnected, then the system is simple to manufacture, but it is impossible to control the flow through individual plates independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hydraulic system into independent controllable sections. Each heating plate is equipped with its own flow resistance adjusting device, allowing independent control of flow through each plate while maintaining the overall hydraulic connection. This segmentation enables individual plate flow control without requiring complete hydraulic isolation, balancing manufacturing simplicity with operational flexibility.
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 approach allows for precise control of heating output by adjusting the flow ratios of individual heating plates, enhancing thermal performance and enabling complete shut-off of outflows, thereby optimizing heating efficiency and adaptability to ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the heating medium is supplied into the individual heating plates from the inlet port through the supply outlets and flows always symmetrically into each of the heating plates
Implementation Method 2
the heating medium transfers the greater part of its heat to said frontal heating plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Method of controlling the flow of heating medium through a multiple row radiator, in particular through the heating plate unit with a inlet port (2) and an outlet port (3) for the heating medium, with the first medium-passing heating plate (4) facing the heated room / space and with at least one heating plate (5) situated behind said plate intended for reducing of the heating medium flow, in particular for its heating output reduction, characterized in that the heating medium supplied through a common inlet port (2) is distributed without restriction in individual heating plates (4,5), and then the heating medium returns through individual outflows to be selectively merged in a single outflow fixture emptying into the outlet port (3).