Transverse-Channel Recuperator Layout for Lower Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recuperators with heat-exchanging channels parallel to the main flow direction experience high pressure drop due to a length-width ratio greater than 2, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased fan capacity requirements, which compromises comfort and efficiency in building applications.
Innovation Solution
The recuperator design features supply and discharge ducts extending transversely to the heat-exchanging channels, reversing the length-width ratio and reducing pressure drop by distributing airflow evenly, while also incorporating rotating valves for cyclical alternation of flow to manage condensation and ice formation, and using hydrophilic layers to enhance moisture recovery and sound damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat-exchanging channels extend parallel to the main flow direction, then the recuperator achieves sufficient heat exchange area, but the pressure drop becomes too high due to length-width ratio greater than 2
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by extending heat-exchanging channels transversely (perpendicularly) to the main flow direction instead of parallel. This inversion changes the length-width ratio from greater than 2 to less than 0.5, significantly reducing pressure drop while maintaining heat exchange effectiveness through the transverse channel configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional parallel arrangement to a two-dimensional transverse arrangement where channels extend perpendicular to the flow direction. This dimensional change allows the recuperator to achieve sufficient heat exchange area with a compact footprint, reducing the length-width ratio and pressure drop
2Device complexity
If heat-exchanging channels extend parallel to the main flow direction, then the recuperator structure is simple, but fan capacity must be increased to overcome high pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the channel orientation from parallel to transverse relative to the flow direction, the patent reduces pressure drop without complicating the overall structure. The transverse channel design maintains structural simplicity while eliminating the need for increased fan capacity
3Loss of energy
If heat-exchanging channels extend transversely to the main flow direction, then pressure drop is reduced, but uniform flow distribution over channels must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional area of supply and discharge ducts along their length. The supply duct cross-section decreases in the flow direction while the discharge duct cross-section increases, creating localized area variations that promote uniform flow distribution across all transverse channels
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 configuration reduces pressure drop, maintains high effectiveness, and allows for efficient moisture recovery and sound damping, ensuring comfort and efficiency in building applications, even at low outdoor temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the passage of the supply ducts decreases in the flow direction and wherein the passage of the discharge ducts increases in the flow direction
Implementation Method 2
at least a first recuperator unit with heat-exchanging channels extending parallel to each other
Implementation Method 3
using hydrophilic layers to enhance moisture recovery
Implementation Method 4
incorporating rotating valves for cyclical alternation of flow to manage condensation and ice formation
Implementation Method 5
using hydrophilic layers to enhance moisture recovery and sound damping
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a recuperator (7), comprising at least a recuperator unit with heat-exchanging channels (5, 6) extending parallel to each other, a first header (63) placed on a first side of the recuperator unit and having a triangular cross-section, one surface of which connects to a first end of the heat-exchanging channels (5, 6) of the recuperator unit, a second header (64) placed on the second side of the recuperator unit and having a triangular cross-section, one surface of which connects to the second side of the heat-exchanging channels (5, 6) of the recuperator unit, supply ducts (1, 4) extending to a second surface of the first and the second header (63, 64) and discharge ducts (2, 3) extending from the third surface of the first and the second header (63, 64), wherein the supply ducts (1, 4) and the discharge ducts (2, 3) extend transversely of the longitudinal direction of the heat-exchanging channels (5, 6), wherein the supply ducts (1, 4) and the discharge ducts (3, 4) extend on the sides of the headers (63, 64) lying opposite the recuperator units.