Tube and chamber heat exchange apparatus having a medium directing assembly with enhanced medium directing panels
11566855 ยท 2023-01-31
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
F28F2009/224
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28F13/12
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28D7/1684
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28F1/40
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28F2009/226
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
Abstract
A heat exchanger with a chamber assembly, having a medium directing assembly disposed within. The medium directing assembly provided with a first and a second medium directing panel member, each respectively a planar panel member having a first side and a second side. A heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber assembly in an initial line of flow is vertically diverted into two flows to impact the first side of the first and the second medium directing panel member separately. Each diverted heat exchange medium is then further diverted into a pair of divergent arcuate lateral flow, wherein each lateral flow is directed to impact the lateral sides of the chamber assembly. On the respective second sides of the first and the second medium directing panel member, laterally diverted heat exchange medium is directed to collide into each other, where the pair of laterally diverted flows are subsequently merged.
Claims
1. A heat exchanger having a longitudinally extending hollow chamber assembly, the chamber assembly comprising: a first longitudinal end; a second longitudinal end; a chamber inlet at the first longitudinal end; a chamber outlet at the second longitudinal end; a first vertical chamber panel member defining a first vertical side of the chamber assembly; a second vertical chamber panel member defining a second vertical side of the chamber assembly; a first lateral chamber panel member defining a first lateral side of the chamber assembly; a second lateral chamber panel member defining a second lateral side of the chamber assembly; and a medium directing assembly disposed within, all of said panel members forming a longitudinally extending hollow chamber within the chamber assembly, a first heat exchange medium configured to flow around the exterior of the chamber assembly, the chamber inlet configured to introduce a second heat exchange medium into the chamber assembly in an initial line of flow, and the chamber outlet configured to discharge the second heat exchange medium out of the chamber assembly, the medium directing assembly having a pair of planar panels, comprising a first medium directing panel member and a second medium directing panel member, each of the medium directing panel members having; a first planar surface generally facing at an angle the chamber inlet, and configured to receive the second heat exchange medium at said angle, a second planar surface generally facing at an angle the chamber outlet, a first lateral edge generally facing the first lateral chamber panel member, and a second lateral edge generally facing the second lateral chamber panel member, the first medium directing panel member having a first longitudinal end disposed towards the chamber inlet, and a second longitudinal end disposed towards the chamber outlet, the first longitudinal end located vertically spaced apart from the first vertical chamber panel member, and the second longitudinal end generally engaging the first vertical chamber panel member, the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member engaging, at the first longitudinal end, the first lateral chamber panel member and the second lateral chamber panel member, respectively, and the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member are spaced apart, at the second longitudinal end, from the first lateral chamber panel member and the second lateral chamber panel member, respectively, the second medium directing panel member having a first longitudinal end disposed towards the chamber inlet, and a second longitudinal end disposed towards the chamber outlet, the first longitudinal end located vertically spaced apart from the second vertical chamber panel member, and the second longitudinal end engaging the second vertical chamber panel member, the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member engaging, at the first longitudinal end, the first lateral chamber panel member and the second lateral chamber panel member, respectively, and the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member are spaced apart, at the second longitudinal end, from the first lateral chamber panel member and the second lateral chamber panel member, respectively, the second heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber assembly in the initial line of flow is diverted into two vertically divergent flows, the two vertically divergent flows comprising a first flow directed towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member, and a second flow directed towards the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member, the flow of the second heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member initially directed to flow longitudinally within the chamber assembly following the contour of the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member, while simultaneously directed vertically towards the first vertical chamber panel member in an ascending manner, the flow of the second heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member initially directed to flow longitudinally within the chamber assembly following the contour of the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member, while simultaneously directed vertically towards the second vertical chamber panel member in a descending manner, the first lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member set at an acute angle relative to the plane established by the first lateral chamber panel member thereby defining a first upper lateral medium directing passageway therebetween, permitting flow of the second heat exchange medium therethrough in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner, the second lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member set at an acute angle relative to the plane established by the second lateral chamber panel member thereby defining a second upper lateral medium directing passageway therebetween, permitting flow of the second heat exchange medium therethrough in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner, the flow of the second heat exchange medium directed towards the first upper lateral medium directing passageway and the second upper lateral medium directing passageway further caused to flow in a laterally divergent fashion, the first lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member set at an acute angle relative to the plane established by the first lateral chamber panel member thereby defining a first lower lateral medium directing passageway therebetween, permitting flow of the second heat exchange medium therethrough in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner, the second lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member set at an acute angle relative to the plane established by the second lateral chamber panel member thereby defining a second lower lateral medium directing passageway therebetween, permitting flow of the second heat exchange medium therethrough in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner, the flow of the second heat exchange medium directed towards the first lower lateral medium directing passageway and the second lower lateral medium directing passageway further caused to flow in a laterally divergent fashion, and the flow of the second heat exchange medium directed to flow through the first upper lateral medium directing passageway, the second upper lateral medium directing passageway, the first lower lateral medium directing passageway, and the second lower lateral medium directing passageway are caused to merge into a unitary flow stream within the chamber assembly rearward of the second planar surface respectively of the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member, prior to been discharged from the chamber outlet.
2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a plurality of heat exchangers are coupled together in a serial fashion to form a heat exchanger assembly.
3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a plurality of heat exchangers are coupled together in a parallel fashion to form a heat exchanger assembly.
4. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a plurality of heat exchangers are coupled together in a serial and parallel fashion to form a heat exchanger assembly.
5. The heat exchanger of claim 3, wherein the chamber assembly further comprises a first longitudinal spacing member located towards the first longitudinal end of the chamber assembly, the first longitudinal spacing member extending away from the outer surface of the chamber assembly, and a second longitudinal spacing member located towards the second longitudinal end of the chamber assembly, the second longitudinal spacing member extending away from the outer surface of the chamber assembly, the first and second longitudinal spacing members configured to form a fluid passageway for the first heat exchange medium on the exterior surface of the chamber assembly.
6. The heat exchanger of claim 4, wherein the chamber assembly further comprises a first longitudinal spacing member located towards the first longitudinal end of the chamber assembly, the first longitudinal spacing member extending away from the outer surface of the chamber assembly, and a second longitudinal spacing member located towards the second longitudinal end of the chamber assembly, the second longitudinal spacing member extending away from the outer surface of the chamber assembly, the first and second longitudinal spacing members configured to form a fluid passageway for the first heat exchange medium on the exterior surface of the chamber assembly.
7. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the medium directing assembly further comprises an upper mating panel member in the form of a planar panel member, engaging the second longitudinal end of the first medium directing panel member and the chamber assembly, and a lower mating panel member in the form of a separate planar panel member, engaging the second longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member and the chamber assembly.
8. The heat exchanger of claim 7, further comprising a distribution support member in the form of a planar panel member, having a first planar side and a second planar side, the second planar side generally on the opposite side from the first planar side, having a first vertical edge engaging the upper mating panel member, a second vertical edge engaging the lower mating panel member, a first longitudinal edge facing the chamber inlet, and a second longitudinal edge facing the chamber outlet.
9. A heat exchanger comprising: a longitudinally extending chamber assembly comprising a plurality of panel members defining a hollow chamber within, the chamber assembly provided with a chamber inlet configured to introduce a heat exchange medium into the chamber, and a chamber outlet configured to discharge the heat exchange medium out of the chamber, the chamber establishing an initial line of flow of the heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber assembly; and a medium directing assembly disposed within the chamber assembly, the medium directing assembly including: a first medium directing panel member; and a second medium directing panel member, the first medium directing panel member located vertically above the second medium directing panel member, the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member each having a first planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial orientation established by the chamber assembly, each of the first planar surfaces facing the chamber inlet, the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member each having a first longitudinal end disposed towards the chamber inlet, and a second longitudinal end disposed towards the chamber outlet, the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member each having the first longitudinal end positioned spaced apart from the chamber assembly and positioned towards the central axis of the chamber, and having the second longitudinal end positioned in closer proximity to the chamber assembly and positioned away from the central axis of the chamber, the first longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member having a width greater than a width of the remainder longitudinal span of the respective medium directing panel member, the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member each having a second planar surface on the opposite side of the first planar surface of the respective medium directing panel member, the heat exchange medium flowing in the initial line of flow being diverted into two vertically divergent flows, the two vertically divergent flows comprising a first flow directed towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member, and a second flow directed towards the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member, the heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member further diverted into two divergent lateral flows, the two divergent lateral flows comprising a first flow generally flowing in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner cresting around a first lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member, and a second flow generally flowing in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner cresting around a second lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member, the heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member further diverted into two divergent lateral flows, the two divergent lateral flows comprising a first flow generally flowing in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner cresting around a first lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member, and a second flow generally flowing in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner cresting around a second lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member, and the heat exchange medium diverted from the initial line of flow by the medium directing assembly converges into a singular flow stream within the chamber, the singular flow stream flowing conforming to the initial line of flow, prior to being discharged from the chamber outlet.
10. The heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein a plurality of heat exchangers are coupled together in a serial fashion to form a heat exchanger assembly.
11. The heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein a plurality of heat exchangers are coupled together in a parallel fashion to form a heat exchanger assembly.
12. The heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein a plurality of heat exchangers are coupled together in a serial and parallel fashion to form a heat exchanger assembly.
13. The heat exchanger of claim 11, wherein the chamber assembly further comprises a first longitudinal spacing member located towards the first longitudinal end of the chamber assembly, the first longitudinal spacing member extending away from the outer surface of the chamber assembly, and a second longitudinal spacing member located towards the second longitudinal end of the chamber assembly, the second longitudinal spacing member extending away from the outer surface of the chamber assembly, the first and second longitudinal spacing members configured to form a fluid passageway for a first heat exchange medium on the exterior surface of the chamber assembly.
14. The heat exchanger of claim 12, wherein the chamber assembly further comprises a first longitudinal spacing member located towards the first longitudinal end of the chamber assembly, the first longitudinal spacing member extending away from the outer surface of the chamber assembly, and a second longitudinal spacing member located towards the second longitudinal end of the chamber assembly, the second longitudinal spacing member extending away from the outer surface of the chamber assembly, the first and second longitudinal spacing members configured to form a fluid passageway for a first heat exchange medium on the exterior surface of the chamber assembly.
15. The heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein the medium directing assembly further comprises an upper mating panel member in the form of a planar panel member, engaging the second longitudinal end of the first medium directing panel member and the chamber assembly, and a lower mating panel member in the form of a separate planar panel member, engaging the second longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member and the chamber assembly.
16. The heat exchanger of claim 15, further comprising a distribution support member in the form of a planar panel member, having a first planar side and a second planar side, the second planar side generally on the opposite side from the first planar side, having a first vertical edge engaging the upper mating panel member, a second vertical edge engaging the lower mating panel member, a first longitudinal edge facing the chamber inlet, and a second longitudinal edge facing the chamber outlet.
17. A heat exchanger assembly comprising: a plurality of longitudinally extending chamber assemblies, each chamber assembly comprising a plurality of panel members defining a respective hollow chamber within, each chamber assembly coupled together thereby defining a core of the heat exchanger assembly, the core configured to contain a first heat exchange medium within; a first tank coupled to the core, defining a first vertical side of the heat exchanger assembly; a second tank coupled to the core, defining a second vertical side of the heat exchanger assembly; a first core lateral wall in the form of a planar panel member having a thickness, coupled to the core, defining a first lateral side of the heat exchanger assembly; a second core lateral wall in the form of a planar panel member having a thickness, coupled to the core, defining a second lateral side of the heat exchanger assembly; a first longitudinal end of each of the plurality of chamber assemblies together defining a first longitudinal surface of the heat exchanger assembly; and a second longitudinal end each of the plurality of chamber assemblies together defining a second longitudinal surface of the heat exchanger assembly, each chamber assembly provided with a chamber inlet configured to introduce a second heat exchange medium into the chamber, flowing in an initial line of flow, each chamber assembly provided with a chamber outlet configured to discharge the second heat exchange medium from the chamber, and a medium directing assembly provided within each chamber, each of the medium directing assemblies including: a first medium directing panel member; and a second medium directing panel member, the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member are each a generally planar panel member having a first planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial orientation established by the chamber assembly, facing the chamber inlet, the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member, each having a second planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial orientation established by the chamber assembly, facing the chamber outlet, on the opposite side from the respective first planar surface, the first medium directing panel member located vertically above the second medium directing panel member, the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member each having a first longitudinal end disposed towards the chamber inlet, and each having a second longitudinal end disposed towards the chamber outlet, the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member each having the first longitudinal end positioned spaced apart from the chamber assembly and positioned towards the central axis of the chamber, and having the second longitudinal end positioned in closer proximity to the chamber assembly and positioned away from the central axis of the chamber, the first longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member having a width greater than a width of the remainder longitudinal span of the respective medium directing panel member, the first planar surface respectively of the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member configured to cause the second heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber flowing in the initial line of flow to divert into two divergent vertical flows, the second heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member further diverted into two divergent lateral flows, the two divergent lateral flows comprising a first flow generally flowing in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner cresting around a first lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member, and a second flow generally flowing in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner cresting around a second lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member, the second heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member further diverted into two divergent lateral flows, a first flow generally flowing in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner cresting around a first lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member, and a second flow generally flowing in a longitudinally extending arcuate manner cresting around a second lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member, the second heat exchange medium diverted into the two divergent lateral flows around the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member are caused to collide into each other on the second planar surface side of the first medium directing panel member, the second heat exchange medium diverted into the two divergent lateral flows around the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member are caused to collide into each other on the second planar surface side of the second medium directing panel member, and the second heat exchange medium diverted from the initial line of flow by the medium directing assembly converges into a singular flow stream within the chamber within the chamber assembly, the singular flow stream flowing conforming to the initial line of flow, prior to being discharged from the chamber outlet.
18. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 17, wherein the first longitudinal end of the first medium directing panel member engages the first longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member.
19. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 17, wherein the first lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member, the second lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member, the first lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member, and the second lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member are each set at an acute angle relative to the plane established by the laterally adjacent surface of the chamber body from each respective lateral edge of the first and the second medium directing panel member.
20. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 17, wherein the first longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member extend to the first longitudinal end of the chamber body, while the second longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member and the second medium directing panel member engages the chamber assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(24) Referring to the drawings and in particular
(25) Referring now to
(26) The chamber assembly 105 generally comprises the first vertical chamber panel member 115, the second vertical chamber panel member 120, the first lateral chamber panel member 125, and the second lateral chamber panel member 130 coupled together. In an embodiment of the present invention, a first lateral edge of the first vertical chamber panel member 115 engages a first vertical edge of the first lateral chamber panel member 125 while a second lateral edge of the first vertical chamber panel member 115 engages a first vertical edge of the second lateral chamber panel member 130. In a similar fashion, a first lateral edge of the second vertical chamber panel member 120 engages a second vertical edge of the first lateral chamber panel member 125, while a second lateral edge of the second vertical chamber panel member 120 engages a second vertical edge of the second lateral chamber panel member 130.
(27) The chamber assembly 105 on a first longitudinal axial end is provided with an inlet in the form of a chamber inlet 180, permitting means to introduce the second heat exchange medium into the heat exchanger 100. On a second longitudinal axial end of the chamber assembly 105, an outlet in the form of a chamber outlet 185 is provided to permit discharge means of the second heat exchange medium out of the heat exchanger 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber inlet 180 may be generally open to atmosphere, fluidly connecting the atmosphere to the chamber 190. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second heat exchange medium may be air. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, the second heat exchange medium may be other gas or liquid, for example. In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber outlet 185 may similarly be generally open to atmosphere, fluidly connecting the chamber 190 to the atmosphere. Referring to the drawings
(28) Referring now to
(29) In an embodiment of the present invention, the main means of providing transporting, agitating, as well as mixing effect to the second heat exchange medium flowing within the chamber assembly 105 may be provided by a first medium directing panel member 135 and by a second medium directing panel member 140 of the medium directing assembly 110. The first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 are each individually a generally planar panel member having a thickness. The first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 each respectively have a first generally planar surface facing at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the rectangular parallelepiped body of the chamber assembly 105 towards the chamber inlet 180. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first generally planar surface provided by the first medium directing panel member 135 may be provided with an inclining angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the rectangular parallelepiped body of the chamber assembly 105, while the first generally planar surface provided by the second medium directing panel member 140 may be provided with a declining angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the rectangular parallelepiped body of the chamber assembly 105, for example.
(30) The first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 each feature respectively on an opposite planar surface from the first planar surface, a second planar surface. The second planar surfaces respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 face the chamber outlet 185 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristic established by the rectangular parallelepiped body of the chamber assembly 105. In an embodiment of the present invention, the angled plane provided by the second planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135 may be set at an inclining angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the rectangular parallelepiped body of the chamber assembly 105, while the angled plane provided by the second planar surface of the second medium directing panel member 140 may be set at a declining angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the rectangular parallelepiped body of the chamber assembly 105, for example.
(31) Referring to
(32) In an embodiment of the present invention, the second longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may be shown generally terminating within the chamber 190. In other embodiment of the present invention, the second longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may extend to the second longitudinal axial end of the chamber 190 (Not shown). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may extend beyond the second longitudinal axial end of the chamber 190 for the desired effect (Not shown).
(33) Now referring to
(34) Located generally vertically below the first medium directing panel member 135 is the second medium directing panel member 140. The first medium directing panel member 135 generally occupies a vertical space above the vertical plane occupied by the second medium directing panel member 140. The first longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140 is generally located vertically spaced apart from the second vertical chamber panel member 120, while the second longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140 generally engages the second vertical chamber panel member 120, providing an angled relationship to the plane established by the second medium directing panel member 140 relative to the plane established by the second vertical chamber panel member 120. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140 may be positioned spaced apart from the second vertical chamber panel member 120, while the second longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140 may be positioned in close proximity to the second vertical chamber panel member 120 away from the central axis of the chamber 190, although the second longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140 may not engage the second vertical chamber panel member 120 (Not shown).
(35) The lateral width of the second medium directing panel member 140 on the first longitudinal end may be shown generally wider than the lateral width of the second medium directing panel member 140 on the second longitudinal end. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the lateral width of the second medium directing panel member 140 may vary, with the width on the first longitudinal end being wider than at least part section of the lateral width of the second medium directing panel member 140 along the longitudinal span of the second medium directing panel member 140.
(36) In an embodiment of the present invention, the first longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may be shown engaging each other forming a medium flow partition line 145. The medium flow partition line 145 is generally a physical flow diverting member that may facilitate the desired distribution of the second heat exchange medium within the chamber 190. In an embodiment of the present invention, the medium flow partition line 145 may be utilized to vertically distribute the second heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber 190 in an initial line of flow into generally two separate vertical heat exchange medium flow streams for the desired effect. In other embodiment of the present invention, the first longitudinal end respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may not engage each other for a different desired effect (Not shown), which may distribute the second heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber 190 into three distinct flow streams, wherein a portion of the second heat exchange medium may be distributed towards the first medium directing panel member 135, a portion towards the second medium directing panel member 140, and the remainder to flow in between the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140.
(37) In an embodiment of the present invention, now referencing
(38) Referring again to
(39) To achieve a desirable heat transfer performance in a heat exchanger, it is generally known in the art that providing agitating effect to the flow of the heat exchange medium as well as providing mixing effect to the heat exchange medium offer favorable effect by improving the convective heat transfer rate of the heat exchange medium. In an embodiment of the present invention, the medium directing assembly 110 provides a desirable heat exchange medium transport means of the second heat exchange medium flowing within the chamber assembly 105, whereby effectively utilizing the longitudinally extended surface provided for heat transfer by the generally rectangular parallelepiped body of the chamber assembly 105, while providing mixing effect and agitating effect to the second heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber assembly 105, enhancing the overall performance of the heat exchanger 100 as a result. By effectively utilizing the heat transfer surface area provided by the chamber assembly 105, while enhancing the heat transfer effectiveness by inducing mixing and agitating effect to the second heat exchange medium flowing within the chamber assembly 105, the present invention allows for heat exchange device having a smaller core surface comprising shorter lateral width and shorter vertical height than that of comparable conventional prior art heat exchangers, thereby permitting means to package the heat exchange device in a space restricted application, for example, while maintaining equal or improved performance in a smaller package. Smaller heat exchange device further lends to savings in raw material usage, which by extension results in a reduction in weight as well as cost savings.
(40) Referring to
(41) Directing the flow of the heat exchange medium towards a static planar surface is known in the art to generally enhance heat transfer effectiveness by offering agitating effect to the heat exchange medium flow. The respective first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140, further having an angled axial relationship to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber 190, provides the desirable agitating effect to the flow of the second heat exchange medium, while minimizing pressure drop effect to the flow of the second heat exchange medium.
(42) The first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 further having a laterally wider first longitudinal end towards the first longitudinal axial end of the chamber 190 facing the chamber inlet 180, the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 initially facilitate longitudinal movement of the second heat exchange medium within the chamber 190 towards the second longitudinal end of the chamber 190, directing the flow of the second heat exchange medium longitudinally within the chamber 190 along the respective first planar surfaces established by the first medium directing panel member 135 and by the second medium directing panel member 140, providing effective means of utilizing the longitudinally extended surface area offered by the chamber assembly 105 for heat transfer purposes.
(43) The second heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135 generally travel longitudinally within the chamber 190, while simultaneously moving vertically upwardly following the surface of the first planar surface established by the first medium directing panel member 135, wherein the flow is generally directed towards the first vertical chamber panel member 115. Meanwhile, the second heat exchange medium flow directed towards the first planar surface established by the second medium directing panel member 140, travel longitudinally within the chamber 190, while simultaneously moving vertically downwardly following the surface of the first planar surface established by the second medium directing panel member 140, generally directing the second heat exchange medium towards the second vertical chamber panel member 120.
(44) The second heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135 is eventually further directed to impact the first vertical chamber panel member 115, a conduit for heat transfer means provided by the chamber assembly 105. The act of directing heat exchange medium flow to a static planar surface is generally known in the act to enhance heat transfer effectiveness by inducing mixing and agitating effect to the heat exchange, which generally results in improved heat convection effects. The second heat exchange medium directed towards the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member 140 is similarly further directed to impact the second vertical chamber panel member 120, similarly having favorable mixing and agitating effect to the second heat exchange medium.
(45) Referring now to
(46) The lateral spacing provided on a second lateral side respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 similarly increases towards the second longitudinal end of the respective panels as shown in an embodiment of the present invention in
(47) The flow of the second heat exchange medium diverted towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135 within the chamber 190 generally travel longitudinally following the surface of the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135, while vertically directed towards the first vertical chamber panel member 115. As the second heat exchange medium travels further longitudinally within the chamber 190 following the surface of the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135, the flow of the second heat exchange medium is simultaneously diverted into two semi-circular divergent lateral flow paths as the second longitudinal end of the first medium directing panel member 135 generally engages the first vertical chamber panel member 115, thereby restricting further longitudinal movement of the second heat exchange medium in an embodiment of the present invention.
(48) As a result, a portion of the second heat exchange medium diverted towards the first medium directing panel member 135 is further directed to flow towards the first upper lateral medium directing passageway 150, while generally the remainder of the second heat exchange medium is diverted towards the second upper lateral medium directing passageway 155. The flow of the second heat exchange medium diverted to flow towards the first upper lateral medium directing passageway 150 and towards the second upper lateral medium directing passageway 155 each generally flows in a longitudinally extended arcuate fashion, generally in a divergent lateral direction (See
(49) The flow directional changes afforded by the diversion of the second heat exchange medium into two arcuate lateral flows generally provide desirable mixing and agitating effect to the second heat exchange medium, which generally provides desirable effects of enhancing heat transfer efficiency known in the art. Furthermore, the flow directional changes provide agitating effect by first directing a portion of the second heat exchange medium towards a planar surface provided by the chamber assembly 105 in the form of the first lateral chamber panel member 125 as the second heat exchange medium flow is diverted to the first upper lateral medium directing passageway 150, while the remainder of the second heat exchange medium is directed towards the planar surface provided by the second lateral chamber panel member 130 as the second heat exchange medium flow is diverted to the second upper lateral medium directing passageway 155, directly impacting the respective flow of the second heat exchange medium into a conduit for heat transfer provided by the heat exchanger 100 in the form of the first lateral chamber panel member 125 and the second lateral chamber panel member 130, generally known in the art to improve heat transfer efficiency by agitating the established heat exchange medium flow by directing the heat exchange medium flow directly into static heat conducting surfaces.
(50) The respective flow of the second heat exchange medium directed towards the first upper lateral medium directing passageway 150 and the second upper lateral medium directing passageway 155 continues its longitudinally extended arcuate flow once cresting over the first lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second lateral edge of the first medium directing panel member 135, respectively.
(51) Now referring to
(52) As a result, a portion of the second heat exchange medium flow diverted towards the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member 140 is further diverted towards the first lower lateral medium directing passageway 160, while generally the remainder of the second heat exchange medium is diverted towards the second lower lateral medium directing passageway 165. The second heat exchange medium diverted to flow towards the first lower lateral medium directing passageway 160 and towards the second lower lateral medium directing passageway 165 each generally flows in a longitudinally extended arcuate fashion, generally in a divergent lateral direction (See
(53) The directional flow changes afforded by the diversion of the second heat exchange medium into two arcuate lateral flows generally provide desirable mixing and agitating effect to the second heat exchange medium, which generally provides desirable effects of enhancing heat transfer efficiency known in the art. Furthermore, the flow directional changes provide agitating effect by first directing a portion of the second heat exchange medium towards a planar surface provided by chamber assembly 105 in the form of the first lateral chamber panel member 125 as the second heat exchange medium flow is diverted to the first lower lateral medium directing passageway 160, while the remainder of the second heat exchange medium is directed towards the planar surface provided by the second lateral chamber panel member 130 as the second heat exchange medium flow is diverted to the second lower lateral medium directing passageway 165, directly impacting the respective flow of the second heat exchange medium into a conduit for heat transfer provided by the heat exchanger 100 in the form of the first lateral chamber panel member 125 and the second lateral chamber panel member 130, generally known in the art to improve heat transfer efficiency by agitating the established heat exchange medium flow by directing flow of heat exchange medium to a static planar surface provided for heat conducting purposes.
(54) The flow of the second heat exchange medium directed towards the first lower lateral medium directing passageway 160 and the second lower lateral medium directing passageway 165 each respectively continues its longitudinally extended arcuate flow once cresting over the first lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member 140 and the second lateral edge of the second medium directing panel member 140, respectively.
(55) Referring again to
(56) Now referring again to
(57) The flow of the second heat exchange medium diverted towards the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135 that has been diverted into further two distinct lateral flow directions, one towards the first upper lateral medium directing passageway 150 and the other towards the second upper lateral medium directing passageway 155, are generally directed to flow into each other on the second planar side of the first medium directing panel member 135, wherein the two separate flows are generally merged into a singular flow once again. The flow of the second heat exchange medium diverted towards the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member 140 that has been diverted into further two distinct lateral flow directions, one towards the first lower lateral medium directing passageway 160 and the other towards the second lower lateral medium directing passageway 165, are generally directing to flow into each other on the second planar side of the second medium directing panel member 140, merging into a singular flow.
(58) On the second planar side respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140, the second heat exchange medium that was diverted into four distinct flow paths comprising the first upper lateral medium directing passageway 150, the second upper lateral medium directing passageway 155, the first lower lateral medium directing passageway 160, and the second lower lateral medium directing passageway 165 are generally directed to merge into generally a singular flow once again within the chamber 190. Once generally merged into a singular flow within the chamber 190, flow characteristics of the second heat exchange medium generally maintain its agitated flow state as four distinct flow streams are mixed, until eventually settling to conform to a unitary flow stream. The flow of the second heat exchange medium generally eventually conforms to the initial line of flow, generally conforming to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, while being directed to flow towards the chamber outlet 185. Once the second heat exchange medium reaches the chamber outlet 185, the second heat exchange medium is then discharged out of the chamber 190, thereby discharged out of the heat exchanger 100 by extension.
(59) In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of heat exchanger 100 may be coupled together to form a larger heat exchange assembly to facilitate greater heat transfer performance. As the material forming the chamber assembly 105 generally facilitate as a conduit to transfer heat between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium, the greater the number of chamber assembly 105 bundled together to form a heat exchanger assembly, generally results in greater heat transfer capacity. Now referring to
(60) The core assembly 215 may be laterally bound on a first lateral side by a first core lateral wall 220 and on a second lateral side by a second core lateral wall 225, establishing a first and a second lateral side of the heat exchanger assembly 210. The first core lateral wall 220 and the second core lateral wall 225 may each individually be a generally planar panel member having a thickness. On the vertical sides of the core assembly 215, the core assembly 215 may be vertically bound by an inlet tank 230 on a first vertical side and an outlet tank 235 on a second vertical side, establishing a first and a second vertical side of the heat exchanger assembly 210. The inlet tank 230 and the outlet tank 235 may each individually be a hollow member, capable of containing the first heat exchange medium therein for the desired effect. A first longitudinal end of the core assembly 215 generally establishes the frontal plane of the heat exchanger assembly 210, while a second longitudinal end of the core assembly 215 generally establishes the backward plane of the heat exchanger assembly 210.
(61) The first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the core assembly 215, along with the first core lateral wall 220, the second core lateral wall 225, the inlet tank 230, and the outlet tank 235 form a fluid containing vessel, a vessel that may be used to contain the first heat exchange medium therein. The heat exchanger assembly 210 may be shown generally as rectangular in shape, however, in other embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger assembly 210 may be shaped into other geometric shapes, such as a trapezoidal shape or a cylindrical shape, for example.
(62) Now referencing
(63) Referring now to
(64) Referring again to
(65) In other embodiment of the present invention, the use of the inlet tank 230 may be combined with use of an inlet distribution plate (Not shown), a generally planar panel member having a thickness with a plurality of orifices extending therethrough, disposed between the inlet tank 230 and the core assembly 215, for further control of distribution of the first heat exchange medium into the heat exchanger assembly 210. Similarly, the use of the outlet tank 235 may be combined with use of an outlet distribution plate (Not shown), a generally planar panel member having a thickness with a plurality of orifices extending therethrough, disposed between the outlet tank 235 and the core assembly 215, for a desired effect of providing further control of the distribution of the first heat exchange medium within the heat exchanger assembly 210.
(66) In other embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of chamber inlet 180 provided by the heat exchanger assembly 210 may be coupled to a tank assembly (Not shown) to introduce the second heat exchange medium into the heat exchanger assembly 210 from a container device coupled to the heat exchanger assembly 210. In a similar fashion, the plurality of chamber outlet 185 provided by the heat exchanger assembly 210 may also be coupled to another tank assembly (Not shown) to discharge the second heat exchange medium from the heat exchanger assembly 210 into a container device in the form of a tank assembly. In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more tank devices may be utilized to introduce and then to discharge the second heat exchange medium out of the heat exchanger assembly 210. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the second heat exchange medium may be recirculated as part of a cooling loop or a heat source, for example.
(67) Reference is now made to
(68) Now reference is made to
(69) Referring again to
(70) Referring again to
(71) Referring now to
(72) Now reference is made to
(73) Referring again to
(74) Referring again to
(75) Referring now to
(76) A first longitudinal edge of the distribution support member 205B faces towards the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly 110B, while a second longitudinal edge of the distribution support member 205B faces towards the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly 110B. The first planar surface and the second planar surface of the distribution support member 205B provides heat transfer surfaces, wherein the second heat exchange medium diverted towards the first lateral edge respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135B and the second medium directing panel member 140B are directed towards the first planar surface of the distribution support member 205B, while the second heat exchange medium diverted towards the second lateral edge respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135B and the second medium directing panel member 140B are directed towards the second planar surface of the distribution support member 205B. The action of directing the flow of heat exchange medium towards a static heat transfer surface is generally known in the art to improving heat transfer effectiveness, by introducing swirling and mixing action to the heat transfer medium thereby enhancing heat convection.
(77) In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper mating panel member 170B and the lower mating panel member 175B are generally shown to be rectangular in shape. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, the respective panels may be in other geometric shapes, such as a square, an oval, or a circle, for example. Furthermore, the embodiment of the respective panel members may be shown generally to be plain surfaced panel members. In other embodiment of the present invention, however, respective panel members may feature surface enhancements known in the art, such as louvers, protrusions, or indentations, for example, for the desired effect.
(78) In an embodiment of the present invention, the distribution support member 205B may be shown generally rectangular in shape. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, the distribution support member 205B may be shaped into other geometric shapes, such as an oval, trapezoidal, or square, for example. In an embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal span of the distribution support member 205B may be shown generally similar to the longitudinal span of the upper mating panel member 170B and the lower mating panel member 175B. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal span of the distribution support member 205B may be longer or shorter than the longitudinal span of the upper mating panel member 170B as well as the longitudinal span of the lower mating panel member 175B, for example.
(79) Referring now to
(80) The first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 are each generally a planar panel member having a thickness, extending outwardly away generally in a perpendicular fashion from the outer planar surface established by the generally rectangular parallelepiped chamber assembly 105 of the heat exchanger 100A, generally comprising the first vertical chamber panel member 115, the second vertical chamber panel member 120, the first lateral chamber pane member 125, and the second lateral chamber panel member 130. A first vertical edge respectively of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 extend outwardly away from the exterior planar surface established by the first vertical chamber panel member 115, while a second vertical edge respectively of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 extend away from the exterior planar surface established by the second vertical chamber panel member 120. In a similar fashion, a first lateral edge respectively of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 extend away from the exterior planar surface established by the first lateral chamber panel member 125, while a second lateral edge respectively of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 extend away from the exterior planar surface established by the second lateral chamber panel member 130.
(81) In an embodiment of the present invention, the second lateral edge of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 provided by a first heat exchanger 100A may engage the first lateral edge of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 provided by a second heat exchanger 100A, thereby forming a vertical passageway 250 permitting flow of the first heat exchange medium therebetween. The second lateral edge of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 provided by the first heat exchanger 100A may be extended or shorted to obtain the desired spacing arrangement between the first heat exchanger 100A and the second heat exchanger 100A that may be positioned laterally adjacent to each other, to allow for desired flow of the first heat exchange medium between the first heat exchanger 100A and the second heat exchanger 100A. In a similar fashion, the first lateral edge of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 provided by the second heat exchanger 100A may be extended or shorted to obtain the desired spacing between the first heat exchanger 100A and the second heat exchanger 100A to allow for desired flow of the first heat exchange medium around the plurality of heat exchanger 100A.
(82) Further in an embodiment of the present invention, when the first heat exchanger 100A is positioned located vertically adjacent to the second heat exchanger 100A, the second vertical edge of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 provided by the first heat exchanger 100A may engage the first vertical edge of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 provided by the second heat exchanger 100A to form a horizontal passageway 255, permitting flow of the first heat exchange medium therebetween. The second vertical edge of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 provided by the first heat exchanger 100A may be extended or shorted to obtain the desired spacing between the first heat exchanger 100A and the second heat exchanger 100A for desired flow of the first heat exchange medium between the first heat exchanger 100A and the second heat exchanger 100A. In a similar fashion, the first vertical edge of the first longitudinal spacing member 195 and the second longitudinal spacing member 200 provided by the second heat exchanger 100A may be extended or shorted to obtain a desired spacing arrangement for flow of the first heat exchange medium between the first heat exchanger 100A and the second heat exchanger 100A.
(83) Now reference is made to
(84) In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of horizontal fluid passageway 255 may be shown to be arranged to extend laterally from the first lateral side to the second lateral side of the heat exchanger assembly 210 (See
(85) Referring again to
(86) In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber inlet 180 and the chamber outlet 185 may be generally similar in shape. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, the chamber inlet 180 and the chamber outlet 185 may be of a dissimilar shape, wherein the chamber inlet 180 may be square in shape whereas the chamber outlet 185 may be circular shaped, for example. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the chamber assembly 105 may be formed to accommodate the dissimilar shape of the chamber inlet 180 and the chamber outlet 185, for example. In a similar fashion, the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may be shown as generally similarly shaped. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may be dissimilar in shape, size, as well as in angulation and configuration, for example.
(87) The heat exchanger 100 may be utilized as a cooler, a condenser, an evaporator, a radiator, an oil cooler or any other application requiring heat to be transferred from one heat exchange medium to another heat exchange medium. The heat exchanger 100 may be for use in various heat exchange applications, such as in automotive, industrial, commercial, or consumer electronics and appliance applications, for example, where packaging space provided for the heat exchanger may be generally limited or where the reduction in weight of the heat exchanger is desired. The first heat exchange medium, as well as the second heat exchange medium, may be air, liquid, or gas, known in the art. In an embodiment of the present invention, more than one type of heat exchange medium may be utilized. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first heat exchange medium, as well as the second heat exchange medium, may be combined with more than one type of material, such as with the use of air and silica gel solids to obtain additional desired features, for example. Similarly, the heat exchanger assembly 210 may be utilized as a cooler, a condenser, an evaporator, a radiator, an oil cooler or any other application requiring heat to be transferred from one heat exchange medium to another heat exchange medium. The heat exchanger assembly 210 may be for use in various heat exchange applications, such as in automotive, industrial, commercial, or consumer electronics and appliance applications, for example, where packaging space provided for the heat exchanger may be generally limited or where the reduction in weight of the heat exchanger is desired.
(88) The first heat exchange medium, as well as the second heat exchange medium utilized in the heat exchanger assembly 210, may be air, liquid, or gas, known in the art. In an embodiment of the present invention, more than one type of heat exchange medium may be utilized in the heat exchanger assembly 210. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first heat exchange medium, as well as the second heat exchange medium, may be combined with more than one type of material, such as with air and silica gel solids to obtain additional desired features, for example.
(89) In an embodiment of the present invention, various components comprising the heat exchanger 100 may be produced of ferrous or non-ferrous material. Similarly, the components may be made of plastics or composite materials. The various components may be produced of the same material or may be produced of dissimilar materials. Various bonding and brazing means may be utilized, which may include but not limited to adhesives, epoxy, mechanical means, or brazing and soldering, for example. In another embodiment of the present invention, various components may be welded without additional bonding material, such as in the case of laser welding. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a portion or all the components comprising the heat exchanger 100 may be manufactured by means of 3D printing technology, known in the art. Similarly, in an embodiment of the present invention, various components comprising the heat exchanger assembly 210 may be produced of ferrous or non-ferrous material. Similarly, the components may be made of plastics or composite materials. The various components may be produced of the same material or may be produced of dissimilar materials. Various bonding and brazing means may be utilized, which may include but not limited to adhesives, epoxy, mechanical means, or brazing and soldering, for example. In another embodiment of the present invention, various components may be welded without additional bonding material, such as in the case of laser welding. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a portion or all the components comprising the heat exchanger assembly 210 may be manufactured by means of 3D printing technology, known in the art.
(90) In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 100 may be shown to comprise of components generally of the same thickness. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, components of various thickness may be used to improve the heat transfer effectiveness or to increase the structural rigidity of the heat exchanger 100, for example. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the material thickness within a particular component utilized in the heat exchanger 100 may feature varying material thickness to obtain the desired effect.
(91) In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the flow direction described herein may be reversed. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber outlet 185 may function as an inlet to introduce the second heat exchange medium into the heat exchanger 100, while the chamber inlet 180 may function as an outlet to discharge the second heat exchange medium out of the heat exchanger 100. In such an embodiment of the present invention, flow of the second heat exchange medium within the chamber 190 described herein may be similarly reversed, wherein the second heat exchange medium introduced from the chamber outlet 185 into the chamber 190 may be directed towards the second planar sides respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140. The subsequent flow pattern around the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may proceed through the first upper lateral medium directing passageway 150, the second upper lateral medium directing passageway 155, the first lower lateral medium directing passageway 160, and the second lower lateral medium directing passageway 165 until the second heat exchange medium is directed towards the first planar side respectively of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140, where the second heat exchange medium is then subsequently discharged out of the chamber inlet 180.
(92) In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 100 may feature surface enhancements, such as protrusions, indentations, louvers, fins, or other surface enhancements known in the art that may be known to enhance heat transfer effectiveness or structural rigidity. The surface enhancements made to the heat exchanger 100 may be featured on the outside surface to improve the heat transfer effectiveness of the first heat exchange medium. In other embodiment of the present invention, surface enhancements may be featured on the inside surface to improve the heat transfer effectiveness of the second heat exchange medium. In yet some other embodiment of the present invention, surface enhancements may be made to the outside surface as well as the inside surface of the heat exchanger 100 for the desired effect.
(93) Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.