Reversible Airflow Radiator Design for Enhanced Cooling Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump radiators face inefficiencies in cooling capacity due to airflow direction during heating and cooling operations, as the same airflow direction reduces temperature differences and mixing effects, leading to decreased cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A radiator design with a blower that reverses airflow direction between heating and cooling modes, utilizing axial fans and control mechanisms to adjust airflow direction based on operational state, allowing for optimized airflow patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the airflow direction during cooling operation is the same as during heating operation (bottom to top), then the radiator structure remains simple and consistent, but the cooling capacity decreases due to reduced temperature difference and mixing effects
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator employs a movable deflector plate that can dynamically change its position to redirect airflow direction. During heating operation, the deflector directs airflow upward (bottom to top), while during cooling operation, it redirects airflow downward (top to bottom). This dynamic adjustment optimizes cooling capacity by maintaining larger temperature differences, while the deflector mechanism remains integrated into the existing radiator structure, minimizing added complexity.
2Productivity
If the airflow direction is reversed from top to bottom during cooling operation, then the cooling capacity increases due to maintained temperature difference, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the airflow direction parameter based on operational mode (heating or cooling). A control unit receives signals about the desired operating mode and automatically adjusts the deflector plate position accordingly. This parameter change approach allows the radiator to optimize cooling capacity by reversing airflow direction when needed, while the control mechanism remains relatively simple through automated sensor-based detection and actuation of the deflector position.
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 reversed airflow direction enhances heat transfer, increasing cooling capacity by up to 38% while maintaining sound levels, particularly during cooling operations.
Implementation Method 1
the blower is arranged in the radiator and is configured to generate an airflow through the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger and a blower, wherein the blower is arranged in the radiator and is configured to generate an airflow through the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a radiator (1) comprising a heat exchanger (2) and a fan (3), wherein the fan (3) is arranged in the radiator (1) and configured to generate an airflow (6) through the heat exchanger (2), and wherein the radiator (1) is configured such that, during cooling operation, the airflow direction (7) of the airflow (6) generated by the fan (3) is opposite to the airflow direction (7) during heating operation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a radiator (1), wherein an airflow (6) is generated through a heat exchanger (2) by means of a fan (3), and wherein the fan (3) is controlled and/or operated such that, during cooling operation, the airflow direction (7) of the airflow (6) generated by the fan (3) is opposite to the airflow direction (7) during heating operation.