Slotted Fin Array for Centrifugal Fan Heat Exchanger Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal fans are not commonly used as compact solutions for heating, cooling, and refrigeration sources, lacking efficient heat exchange mechanisms in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A fin and tube array configuration within a centrifugal fan, where fins are sandwiched between tubes and extend parallel to the air flow, allowing for independent operation of multiple fluids and cycles, with features like slotted fins and recirculation scoops to enhance heat transfer and condensate management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fin and tube array configuration is added to a centrifugal fan, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger (fin and tube array) with the centrifugal fan into a single integrated unit. The fin array is positioned within the fan housing such that the fan moves air across the fins, simultaneously achieving air circulation and heat transfer functions in one device, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency while managing the complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal fan device is designed to perform multiple functions: air circulation (original fan function) and heat exchange (new heat exchanger function). The fin and tube array configuration allows the same device to serve as both a fan and a heater/cooler, enabling multi-functionality that addresses the technical contradiction by making the device versatile rather than adding separate components
2Productivity
If multiple fluids operate at different temperatures in the heat exchanger, then heating and cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into separate tube sections that can independently handle different fluids at different temperatures. The fin array is configured to facilitate heat transfer from multiple tubes, allowing segmentation of fluid pathways while maintaining a compact structure, thus improving heating and cooling efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates switching mechanisms that allow the heat exchanger to dynamically alternate between heating and cooling modes. The recirculation scoop and fluid distribution system can be configured to direct different fluids through different tube sections at different times, enabling dynamic operation that improves productivity while managing complexity through controlled switching rather than permanent complex configurations
3Reliability
If fins extend parallel to air flow, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but air flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin array is configured with varying characteristics along its length. Fins closer to the fan wheel have different dimensions or spacing compared to those farther away, allowing optimization of heat transfer in high-velocity regions while minimizing resistance in other areas. This local variation in fin quality improves heat transfer efficiency without uniformly increasing air flow resistance across the entire array
Solution Approach 2:
The fin array is positioned to occupy only a portion of the available space within the fan housing, strategically placed where it can intercept the maximum amount of heat-transferring air flow without creating excessive resistance. The fins extend parallel to air flow in specific zones where this orientation provides optimal heat transfer, while leaving other zones open for顺畅 air passage, thus achieving partial action that balances heat transfer improvement with acceptable air flow resistance
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 configuration enables efficient heating and cooling of air by allowing multiple fluids to operate at different temperatures and states, preventing ice buildup and improving heat transfer efficiency through alternating and switching fluid flows, while also managing condensate effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The configuration enables efficient heating and cooling of air by allowing multiple fluids to operate at different temperatures and states, improving heat transfer efficiency through alternating and switching fluid flows
Implementation Method 2
A centrifugal fan, also referred to as a blower fan or squirrel-cage fan, is a mechanical device which brings a fluid, frequently air, into an inlet surrounding the axis of a fan wheel. The wheel forces the air out into the fan housing, creating increased pressure in the air.
Implementation Method 3
The slotted fin apparatus further includes a first gap including an aperture defined by the cutout floor line, the first extension, the second extension, and at least one of the first tube or the second tube, whereby the aperture is configured to permit condensate to exit the fin array
Data Source
AI summary
A fin array is disclosed for use in a centrifugal fan having a housing and a fan wheel, the fin array having: a first tube in a first plane perpendicular to an axis of the fan wheel; a second tube in a second plane parallel to the first plane; and a fin in a third plane parallel to the first place. The fin is sandwiched between the first tube and the second tube, all of which partially surround the axis of the fan wheel. The fin comprises a slotted fin apparatus for permitting condensate to move from a region between the fan wheel and the first tube to a region between the first tube and the housing. The slotted fin apparatus has a first cutout disposed between a first extension and a second extension along at least a port of the length of the fin.