Trapezoidal Heat Exchanger Layout for V-Bank Space Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat exchangers in HVAC systems are inefficient in utilizing space, requiring additional sheet metal to close the V-shaped gap between units, which increases costs and reduces energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The heat exchanger design features a trapezoidal shape with bent heat exchange tubes and manifolds, allowing for increased heat exchange area without additional sheet metal, by forming a trapezoidal side that connects heat exchanger units, thereby optimizing space utilization and enhancing heat exchange performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If heat exchangers are arranged in a V-shaped configuration with bent parts, then the structural flexibility and space adaptation are improved, but the space utilization between heat exchangers deteriorates due to gaps that require additional shrouding plates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural flexibilityVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shrouding plate function with the heat exchanger structure by integrating the plate directly into the heat exchanger body. The plate extends from the bent part to connect with adjacent heat exchangers, eliminating the need for separate shrouding components and closing the V-shaped gaps effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural connector between heat exchangers and a shrouding element that closes the V-shaped gaps. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional dedicated shrouding plates while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If larger heat exchangers are manufactured to meet higher energy efficiency requirements, then the heat exchange performance is improved, but the manufacturing and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by extending plates upward from the bent parts of heat exchangers. This allows the system to achieve higher effective heat exchange area and better space utilization without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby avoiding the need for larger overall unit dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The design nests the plate structure within the existing heat exchanger configuration, where plates extend from bent parts to connect adjacent units. This nested approach maximizes the use of existing structural space rather than requiring additional external components or larger overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If additional sheet metal is used to connect heat exchangers, then the structural completeness is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural completenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connector and shrouding functions into a single integrated plate structure that is part of the heat exchanger assembly. This eliminates the need for separate connecting components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining structural completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design increases the heat exchange area and energy efficiency of HVAC systems, reducing the need for larger units and lowering manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining compactness.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heat exchange tube extending between the main body part and the bending part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat exchange tubes in the bending part being bent or inclined relative to heat exchange tubes in the main body part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

heat exchange tubes in the bending part being bent or inclined relative to heat exchange tubes in the main body part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface area expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS10030912B2Heat exchanger and manufacturing method therefor, heat exchange module, heat exchange device, and heat source unit

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 DANFOSS MICRO CHANNEL HEAT EXCHANGER JIAXING

AI summary

A heat exchanger (10) of a heat exchange device used for air cooling cold water units or commercial roof machines, a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger (10), a heat exchange module, a heat exchange device, and a heat source unit. The heat exchanger (10) comprises: a main body portion (ab); a bent portion (cd) with a trapezoid cross section, the bent portion (cd) and the main body portion (ab) being connected and approximately perpendicular to each other; two collecting pipes (11, 12), disposed on two opposite sides of the heat exchanger (10); and multiple heat exchange pipes (13), each extending from one collecting pipe (11) of the two collecting pipes (11, 12) to the other collecting pipe (12) by passing through the main body portion (ab) and the bent portion (cd), wherein a top edge of the bent portion (cd) and a top edge of the main body portion (ab) of the heat exchanger (10) are approximately located at the same height level.