Vortex Gas Separator With Return Flow for Low-Energy Air Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vortex tube devices for cold and hot gas separation using the Ranque-Hilsch effect are inefficient due to the need for compressed gas, high energy consumption, noise, small internal volume, and limited application, with unclear optimal geometric dimensions for maximal temperature difference and low efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vortex type cold and hot gas separating device with a cylindrical inner chamber and an intake and agitation fan device that forms a vortex, featuring a hot gas stream discharge port and a vortex return device to enhance separation efficiency, eliminating the need for compressed gas and optimizing the structure for larger air quantity and low wind speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If compressed gas is used to drive the vortex tube, then the temperature separation effect is achieved, but the energy consumption increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a vortex tube that utilizes the kinetic energy of the incoming gas flow itself to create the vortex and achieve temperature separation, rather than requiring external compressed gas. The gas flow automatically generates the rotational motion needed for separation through properly designed inlet structures, making the system self-driven and eliminating the need for additional energy input from compressors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a fluid dynamic system. Instead of using a mechanical compressor to create high-velocity flow, the invention uses carefully designed inlet passages and guide vanes that convert the kinetic energy of ambient air into rotational vortex flow through fluid mechanical means, thereby eliminating the mechanical compression component.
2Temperature
If compressed gas is used to drive the vortex tube, then the temperature separation effect is achieved, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
By making the vortex tube self-driven through ambient air flow, the system eliminates the high-velocity compressed gas injection that causes noise. The gentle induction of ambient air through inlet openings and guide structures creates vortex flow without the shock waves and turbulence associated with compressed gas expansion, thereby reducing noise generation.
3Temperature
If conventional vortex tube structure is used, then temperature separation is achieved, but the internal volume is small and application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the vortex tube in the axial dimension, creating an elongated structure with multiple sections. This dimensional extension allows the device to process larger volumes of air while maintaining the vortex separation mechanism, thereby increasing the internal volume and expanding potential applications without compromising the temperature separation effect.
4Temperature
If vortex tube operates with compressed gas, then separation occurs, but efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes key parameters including the inlet opening angle, guide vane geometry, and axial length-to-diameter ratio to enhance vortex stability and temperature separation efficiency. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the device achieves more effective separation with ambient air flow, improving productivity without requiring compressed gas input.
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 device achieves efficient cold and hot gas separation with reduced noise and energy consumption, capable of producing a large air quantity with low flow speed and comfortable temperatures, while simplifying the structure and eliminating the need for compressed gas.
Implementation Method 1
the intake and agitation fan device is disposed to suck external air into the cylindrical inner chamber and agitate the external air to form a vortex
Implementation Method 2
a vortex return device to return the remaining gas of the first vortex, thereby forming a second vortex traveling in an opposite direction through a cyclone core of the first vortex
Implementation Method 3
a temperature at a center of a gas stream is different from temperatures of peripheral layers of the gas stream, the center of the gas stream has a lower temperature, while the outer edge of the gas stream has a higher temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separating device includes a body defining a cylindrical inner chamber having a first and second ends; an intake and agitation fan disposed at the first end and drawing external gas into the inner chamber and agitates the external gas to form a first vortex traveling towards the second end; a hot gas stream discharge port located at or adjacent to an edge of the second end to discharge a part of gas of the first vortex; a vortex return device located at the second end to return the remaining gas of the first vortex not discharged from the hot gas stream discharge port, forming a second vortex traveling towards the first end through a cyclone core of the first vortex; and a cold gas stream discharge port located at a radial center of the first end or located adjacent to and around the radial center.