Supplemental Hydrodynamic Heating With an Integral Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive heating systems using engine cooling fluid as a heat source experience delays in achieving desired temperatures, especially in cold conditions, and may not provide sufficient heat under low load conditions or very cold ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental heating system incorporating a hydrodynamic heater with a heat exchanger, where a rotor and stator define a hydrodynamic chamber for fluid heating, and a manifold for controlling fluid distribution, powered by the vehicle's engine or an electric motor, to enhance heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a supplemental heating system is added to a refrigerator, then heating capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with the existing cooling system by integrating a heat exchanger into the refrigeration circuit. The same refrigerant circulation system provides both cooling and heating functions, eliminating the need for a separate heating system and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system is designed to perform multiple functions - both cooling and heating - using the same core components. The heat exchanger can operate in different modes depending on system requirements, allowing the refrigerator to serve as both a cooling appliance and a heating source for water or space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate heating system is used, then heating function is added, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating components are integrated into the existing refrigerator structure. The heat exchanger is positioned within the refrigerator housing, utilizing the same internal space that would otherwise be unused or partially used, thereby avoiding additional space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system components are nested within the existing refrigerator structure. The heat exchanger is placed inside the refrigerator housing, and the water storage tank is positioned within the same enclosure, effectively nesting the heating function within the cooling appliance's existing volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex heating systems are installed, then heating capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses existing refrigerator components (compressor, refrigerant lines, heat exchanger surfaces) for both cooling and heating functions. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate heating components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system components are designed to serve universal purposes - the heat exchanger surfaces transfer heat in both directions (cooling interior air and heating water). This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and manufacturing requirements compared to dedicated separate systems.
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 rapidly achieves desired air temperatures in the vehicle's passenger compartment and ensures consistent heating performance even under low load conditions or cold ambient temperatures by utilizing a hydrodynamic heater and heat exchanger to efficiently transfer heat.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger integrated into the evaporator assembly. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of finned tubes arranged in a substantially parallel configuration
Implementation Method 2
The supplemental heating system utilizes the heat exchanger to heat water during heating operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an exemplary supplemental heating system including a hydrodynamic heater and a heat exchanger. The hydrodynamic heater includes a hydrodynamic chamber disposed within an interior cavity of the hydrodynamic heater. The hydrodynamic chamber is operable for selectively heating a fluid present within the hydrodynamic chamber when the heating apparatus is connected to a fluid supply source. The hydrodynamic heater includes an inlet port fluidly connected to a discharge port of the heat exchanger, and a discharge port fluidly connected to an inlet port of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger core disposed within an interior cavity of the heat exchanger. A wall at least partially defines the interior cavity of the hydrodynamic heater and the interior cavity of the heat exchanger.