Thermal Energy Conversion Unit with Sinusoidal Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy conversion units for motor vehicles face limitations in performance and flexibility due to the use of plate exchangers and complex conduit systems, particularly when dealing with exhaust gases, which can lead to unwanted heating of thermovector fluids and increased encumbrance.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy conversion unit with a U-shaped flow path and a valve system that controls the flow of thermovector fluid, allowing for efficient energy exchange while minimizing space and complexity, featuring a baffle and sinusoidal conduit geometry to optimize fluid dynamics and reduce unwanted heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass conduit is provided for exhaust gases to run parallel to or inside the second heat-exchange unit, then the exhaust gases can be bypassed, but this generates unwanted heating of the second thermovector fluid and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the valve from the traditional wall-mounted position and relocates it to a floating position within the chamber defined by the sinusoidal conduits. This extraction allows the valve to independently control flow between the two heat-exchange units without being constrained by wall mounting, thereby preventing unwanted heating of the second thermovector fluid while maintaining flow path flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sinusoidal conduits act as intermediary flow paths that connect the first and second heat-exchange units. These conduits with their complex sinusoidal geometry provide controlled flow paths that allow the valve to regulate exhaust gas flow between units, mediating the thermal interaction and preventing direct unwanted heating while maintaining system adaptability
2Device complexity
If the valve is mounted on the wall of the first heat-exchange unit, then the structure is simplified, but the flow control flexibility and energy performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static wall-mounted valve configuration into a dynamic floating valve system that moves with the sinusoidal conduits. This dynamic positioning allows the valve to optimally control flow between the two heat-exchange units based on operating conditions, significantly improving energy performance while the modular design keeps the overall structure manageable
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sinusoidal conduits are used instead of straight conduits, then fluid dynamics are optimized and unwanted heating is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sinusoidal conduit structure with the valve mounting system, where the sinusoidal conduits naturally guide the exhaust gas flow in a controlled manner. This integration optimizes fluid dynamics and reduces unwanted heating by creating extended flow paths that distribute thermal energy more evenly, while the modular assembly approach keeps manufacturing feasible
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 solution achieves high energy performance with compact dimensions and rational hydraulic-electrical circuitry, enhancing integration and efficiency by regulating the flow of exhaust gases and thermovector fluids, thus improving overall system performance and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat-exchange unit defining a first flow path for a first thermovector fluid... the second thermovector fluid, which exchanges heat with the flow of exhaust gases
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of modules made of thermoelectric material, which are configured for generating a difference of potential when lapped by a flow of heat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
Described herein is a unit for conversion of thermal energy (1) designed in particular for installation along an exhaust-gas line (EGL) of a motor vehicle and configured for exchange and conversion of the thermal energy of the exhaust gases.