Heat exchange apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchange apparatuses face challenges in maintaining optimal efficiency, especially under partial load conditions, due to excessive superheating of the exchange fluid at the evaporator.
Innovation Solution
The proposed heat exchange apparatus incorporates a regenerative exchanger with adjustable valve means and sensor systems to measure thermodynamic parameters. These measurements allow for the calculation of instantaneous and reference efficiencies, enabling the adjustment of the regenerative exchanger to maintain optimal superheating levels and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the regenerative exchanger is used to increase supercooling of the liquid-phase exchange fluid, then the efficiency of the apparatus is improved, but the superheating of the exchange fluid at the evaporator becomes excessive under partial load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the regenerative exchanger adjustable through valve means that can vary the flow rates of liquid-phase and vapor-phase exchange fluids dynamically. This allows the system to adapt to different load conditions, particularly partial loads, by optimizing the degree of supercooling and superheating in real-time, thereby preventing excessive superheating while maintaining efficiency improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the flow rates of exchange fluids through the regenerative exchanger using adjustable valve means. By changing the flow rate parameters of liquid-phase and vapor-phase fluids independently, the system can control the degree of supercooling and superheating, allowing optimization of efficiency while avoiding excessive temperature deviations at different operating loads.
2Temperature
If the degree of opening of the expansion valve is adjusted to control superheating, then the superheating level is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by making the regenerative exchanger serve multiple functions: it provides supercooling of liquid-phase fluid, superheating of vapor-phase fluid, and acts as a flow control element through its adjustable valve means. This multi-functionality allows the system to control superheating levels without requiring separate dedicated control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the regenerative exchanger to automatically adjust its own flow rates through the adjustable valve means based on operating conditions. The system can self-regulate the superheating and supercooling levels without requiring complex external control systems, as the valve means integrated into the regenerative exchanger provides inherent control capability.
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 ensures efficient operation of the heat exchange apparatus under various load conditions by limiting superheating and keeping the exchange fluid at the dew point, thereby enhancing reliability, ease of implementation, and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a regenerative exchanger (7) which enables the heat exchange between the vapor-phase exchange fluid exiting from the evaporator (3) and the liquid-phase exchange fluid that exits from the condenser (5)
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator, in which the exchange fluid exchanges heat with the higher-temperature source by transiting from a liquid phase to a vapor phase
Implementation Method 3
a condenser, in which the exchange fluid exchanges heat with the lower-temperature source, by transiting, at least partially, from the liquid phase to the vapor phase
Implementation Method 4
A compressor is positioned between the outlet of the evaporator and the inlet of the condenser, and compresses the refrigerant fluid
Implementation Method 5
an expansion valve is interposed between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator, in which the exchange fluid is expanded in order to lower its pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange apparatus includes a heat exchange circuit which is provided with an evaporator which is connected in output to a condenser, which is connected, in output, by way of the interposition of expansion elements to the evaporator and in which there is at least one regenerative exchanger between the evaporator and the condenser. The apparatus includes adjustment valve elements between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator. Sensor elements are further provided which are adapted to measure at least one thermodynamic parameter of the exchange fluid at preset points of the circuit and control elements are further provided which are connected to the sensor elements and are configured to calculate, using measurements supplied by the sensor elements, the instantaneous efficiency and a reference efficiency of the regenerative exchanger.