Venturi Burner and Corrugated Heat Exchanger for Compact Indirect Heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for compact, energy-efficient indirect-fired heaters for temporary applications, such as construction sites, which are typically met by larger direct-fired heaters, and existing indirect-fired heaters are not optimized for seasonal use due to size and storage costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact indirect-fired heater design featuring a burner with a venturi action for efficient air and gas mixing and a heat exchanger with corrugated metal panels to enhance heat transfer, along with a rugged construction for durability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a heater is designed to be compact for seasonal storage, then storage costs are reduced, but heat transfer efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple sections with corrugated panels, creating numerous flow passages for combustion gases. This segmentation increases the surface area for heat transfer within a compact volume, resolving the contradiction between compact size and heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated panels introduce a third dimension (depth/undulation) to the heat transfer surface, allowing significantly increased heat transfer area within the same footprint. This dimensional change enables compact design while maintaining high efficiency.
2Productivity
If a venturi action is created in the burner to promote air-gas mixing, then combustion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi mixing chamber merges the air supply path and fuel supply path into a single integrated structure. The combustion air flows through the venturi passage while fuel is injected into this same passage, combining multiple functions (air delivery, fuel delivery, mixing) into one component, thus improving combustion efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi action utilizes pneumatic principles where the flowing combustion air creates a pressure differential that draws fuel into the air stream. This pneumatic mixing mechanism is more efficient than simple mechanical mixing while adding minimal structural complexity.
3Loss of energy
If corrugated panels are used in the heat exchanger to enhance heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated panels change the geometric parameters of the heat transfer surface, creating undulating patterns that increase surface area and induce turbulent flow. These parameter changes (shape, surface area, flow pattern) significantly improve heat transfer efficiency while the corrugation pattern can be efficiently produced through standard metal forming processes.
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 provides a highly efficient, compact, and cost-effective indirect-fired heater that promotes thorough air and fuel mixing, enhances heat transfer, and withstands the rigors of transportation and use in demanding applications, while reducing storage costs due to its smaller size.
Implementation Method 1
create a venturi-like flow action as the combustion air passes through the aligned tubular collars thus promoting thorough mixing of the air and the gaseous fuel
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger with corrugated metal panels to enhance heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
transfer the heat from the combustion gases to the heated space
Data Source
AI summary
A vented, gas-fired air heater especially designed for temporary heating applications includes an improved burner design providing effective air and gas mixing and efficient burning in the combustion chamber. Highly efficient heat exchanger including corrugated heat exchanger panels provides enhanced heat transfer characteristics.