Swirl-Flow Heat Exchanger for Compact Heat Pump Transfer

The patent applies curvature by introducing swirl flow through curved guide surfaces and helical flow channels, replacing straight linear flow paths with curved trajectories. This curvature generates centrifugal forces and secondary flows that enhance heat transfer intensity while maintaining compact dimensions, directly resolving the contradiction between heat transfer performance and installation space.

The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar heat exchanger surfaces to three-dimensional volumetric heat transfer by creating spiral and helical flow paths. This dimensional transformation allows the fluid to utilize the entire cross-sectional area of the flow channel for heat transfer, significantly increasing heat transfer intensity without proportionally increasing installation space.

The patent merges the swirl-generating function with the heat transfer surface itself by integrating guide surfaces and helical structures into the heat exchanger geometry. This combination eliminates separate internal components that would cause additional pressure losses, achieving enhanced heat transfer while minimizing hydraulic losses through a unified design approach.

The patent optimizes the swirl angle and flow channel geometry parameters to achieve an optimal balance between heat transfer enhancement and pressure loss. By carefully selecting the angle of the guide surfaces and the pitch of the helical channels, the design maximizes heat transfer intensity while keeping hydraulic losses within acceptable limits.