Segmented Heat Exchanger Layout for Low Air Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face increased air resistance and decreased heat exchange efficiency as the number of tubes and fins increases, making it difficult to efficiently exchange heat while minimizing air flow resistance, especially in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a main heat exchange unit with a larger first heat exchange surface and an auxiliary heat exchange unit with a smaller second heat exchange surface, where the auxiliary unit is positioned closer to the air introduction and has a different height configuration, reducing air resistance and improving heat exchange efficiency by optimizing the flow of refrigerant and air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of tubes and fins is increased to improve heat exchange efficiency, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but air resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into a main heat exchange unit and an auxiliary heat exchange unit. The main unit handles primary heat exchange with larger fins and tubes, while the auxiliary unit positioned downstream handles secondary heat exchange with smaller fins and tubes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high heat exchange efficiency while reducing overall air resistance by distributing the heat exchange function across multiple stages with progressively smaller components.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of rows of tubes and fins is increased to obtain additional heat, then heat exchange capacity increases, but air-blowing resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary heat exchange unit is positioned in the downstream direction (along the air flow path) rather than only increasing rows in the transverse direction. This dimensional arrangement allows additional heat exchange capacity to be achieved by extending the heat exchange path in the flow direction, thereby adding heat exchange capacity without proportionally increasing air resistance that would result from adding more transverse rows.
3Productivity
If more heat exchange surfaces are added to increase heat exchange efficiency, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary heat exchange unit is integrated into the downstream region of the main heat exchange unit, with the air flow path passing through both units in sequence. This nested arrangement allows the auxiliary unit to utilize the existing air flow and space efficiently, adding heat exchange capacity without requiring a proportionally larger overall device volume.
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 design reduces air resistance and enhances heat exchange efficiency by allowing increased air flow through the auxiliary unit, which supercools the refrigerant, thereby improving the overall performance of the air conditioner.
Implementation Method 1
a main heat exchange unit configured to perform heat exchange between refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 2
perform heat exchange between refrigerant discharged from the main heat exchange unit and air
Implementation Method 3
the auxiliary heat exchange unit may be located closer to the air introduction hole than the main heat exchange unit... which supercools the refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a main heat exchange unit configured to perform heat exchange between refrigerant and air and to define a first heat exchange surface and an auxiliary heat exchange unit configured to perform heat exchange between refrigerant discharged from the main heat exchange unit and air and to define a second heat exchange surface. The first heat exchange surface has an area larger than the area of the second heat exchange surface.