Variable Geometry Heat Exchanger Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printed circuit heat exchangers suffer from inefficiencies in heat transfer due to their geometry and are prone to fluid flow channel blockages, requiring costly filtration systems for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design with reconfigurable fluid channels that change configuration along their length, increasing shared heat transfer length through rotation, twisting, or changes in cross-sectional shape and spacing, and utilizing additive manufacturing for construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional printed circuit heat exchanger geometry is used, then compact size is achieved, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the channel configuration variable along the length of the heat exchanger. The channels transition from a first configuration at the ends to a second configuration in the intermediate portions, allowing the geometry to dynamically adapt to optimize heat transfer at different locations while maintaining compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by giving different sections of the heat exchanger different channel configurations. The intermediate portions have optimized geometry with increased shared heat transfer length between adjacent channels, while the end portions maintain a different configuration suitable for fluid distribution. This localized optimization improves overall heat transfer efficiency without compromising compactness.
2Quantity of substance
If small channel size is used to increase surface area, then heat transfer surface area per unit volume is improved, but blockage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the heat exchanger into distinct zones with different channel configurations. The intermediate portions feature channels with optimized geometry that balances surface area maximization with blockage resistance, while end portions have different configurations for fluid distribution. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the channel geometry parameters along the length of the heat exchanger. The channel cross-sectional shape, size, and spacing are changed from the end portions to the intermediate portions, transitioning to configurations that provide both high surface area and resistance to blockage while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed channel configuration is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but heat transfer optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the channel configuration variable along the length of the heat exchanger. The channels transition from a first configuration at the ends to a second configuration in the intermediate portions, allowing the geometry to dynamically adapt to optimize heat transfer at different locations while maintaining compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements another dimension by introducing variation along the longitudinal dimension of the heat exchanger. Instead of a uniform cross-sectional configuration, the channel geometry varies in the third dimension (length), creating a progressive transition from end configurations to intermediate configurations. This dimensional approach enables heat transfer optimization without complicating the manufacturing process.
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
Enhances heat transfer efficiency and reduces the risk of blockages by optimizing channel geometry and construction method, leading to improved performance and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
heat transfer only takes place between these adjacent plates
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger has a plurality of sets of fluid channels, each fluid channel having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The first end portions in a plane perpendicular to a direction of fluid flow in the channels have respective end perimeters which are in a first configuration, where adjacent end portions of different sets of fluid channels have a total first shared heat transfer length, this being a summation of lengths of mutually opposed perimeters of the adjacent end portions of the different sets. The intermediate portions of the channels in a plane transverse to the direction of fluid flow have respective intermediate channel perimeters, the intermediate portions having a second configuration with a total second shared heat transfer length being a summation of lengths of mutually opposed channel perimeters of the adjacent channels of the different sets.