Supercritical Fluid Heat Exchanger Framework for Precise Heat Transfer Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing process for heat exchangers for supercritical pressure fluids faces challenges in obtaining high-precision data points, leading to low precision in structural parameters and poor performance due to variable physical properties and increased heat acceleration effects, especially in complex conditions where many data points are required, making the process costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that use a Gaussian regression process and Cokriging method to construct a machine heat transfer model, iteratively adjusting the heat exchanger framework to meet target heat transfer areas without relying on extensive high-precision data points, by determining convective heat transfer coefficients and heat transfer areas through thermal equilibrium control models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional manufacturing processes are used for heat exchangers with supercritical pressure fluid, then the process is simple and cost-effective, but the precision of structural parameters is low due to variable physical properties and heat acceleration effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of structural parametersVSAvoidcomplexity of manufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a comprehensive mathematical model that incorporates variable physical properties and heat acceleration effects before the manufacturing process begins. This model includes thermodynamic equations, heat transfer equations, and fluid dynamics equations that predict the optimal structural parameters in advance, allowing the manufacturing process to proceed with precise predetermined values rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mathematical model that acts as a mediator between the variable physical properties of supercritical fluid and the structural parameters of the heat exchanger. This model includes correction factors for heat acceleration effects and variable density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity, translating complex fluid behavior into actionable design parameters without requiring direct complex measurements during manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If extensive high-precision data points are collected to account for variable physical properties, then the accuracy of heat transfer calculations improves, but the cost and time of the manufacturing process increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of heat transfer calculationsVSAvoidtime for data collection and processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating the mathematical relationships between supercritical fluid properties and heat transfer coefficients before actual manufacturing. The model includes pre-determined correction factors for variable density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity across the operating range, eliminating the need to collect extensive experimental data during the manufacturing process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of collecting extensive experimental data points with a mathematical model-based system. Instead of physically measuring heat transfer coefficients under various conditions, the system uses thermodynamic equations, heat transfer equations, and empirical correlations to calculate the necessary parameters theoretically, significantly reducing time and resource requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional design methods are used without considering heat acceleration effects, then the design process is faster and simpler, but the heat transfer performance is poor due to increased heat acceleration effects in complex conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer performanceVSAvoidefficiency of manufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating heat acceleration effect correction factors at specific locations within the heat exchanger where supercritical fluid experiences significant property changes. The model divides the heat exchanger into segments and applies localized correction factors for density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity variations, ensuring accurate heat transfer calculations in critical regions without complicating the entire design process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting design parameters based on the operating conditions of supercritical fluid. The mathematical model includes equations that calculate how density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity change with temperature and pressure, allowing the design to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain optimal heat transfer performance across different scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3944125B1Method and system for manufacturing a heat exchanger for supercritical pressure fluid
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
  • EP3944125B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3944125B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3944125B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and a system for manufacturing a heat exchanger for supercritical pressure fluid are provided. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps: obtaining boundary conditions of the heat exchanger; adjusting a preliminary framework of the heat exchanger based on the boundary conditions; dividing each of fluid passages along a fluid flow direction and establishing a thermal equilibrium control model for each divided fluid passage based on the preliminary framework; constructing a machine heat transfer model in combination with a Gaussian regression process and a Cokriging method based on the thermal equilibrium control model; determining on-way thermal parameters about the working fluids flowing and transferring heat in the fluid passages according to the machine heat transfer model; determining a heat transfer area according to the on-way thermal parameters; determining whether the heat transfer area meets a target heat transfer area, If yes, manufacturing the heat exchanger according to the preliminary framework of the heat exchanger; if not, readjusting the primary framework of the heat exchanger until the heat transfer area meets the target heat transfer area. The disclosure can improve the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger.