EP3364121A1 - Flow guide for heat exchanger - Google Patents
Flow guide for heat exchanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3364121A1 EP3364121A1 EP17275021.8A EP17275021A EP3364121A1 EP 3364121 A1 EP3364121 A1 EP 3364121A1 EP 17275021 A EP17275021 A EP 17275021A EP 3364121 A1 EP3364121 A1 EP 3364121A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- flow guide
- heat exchanger
- aerofoils
- fluid
- inlet face
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 113
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dioxygen Chemical compound O=O MYMOFIZGZYHOMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001873 dinitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001882 dioxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
- F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/082—Grilles, registers or guards
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D9/0062—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by spaced plates with inserted elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D9/0093—Multi-circuit heat-exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat-exchangers for more than two fluids
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
- F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/08—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/026—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits
- F28F9/0265—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits by using guiding means or impingement means inside the header box
- F28F9/0268—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits by using guiding means or impingement means inside the header box in the form of multiple deflectors for channeling the heat exchange medium
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to a flow guide for a heat exchanger, methods of guiding a fluid onto a heat exchanger, and more specifically to a heat exchanger and systems or methods associated therewith.
- Heat exchangers for example heat recovery ventilators or "air-to-air" heat exchangers are known in the art and provide a way of transferring heat from one fluid to another without mixing the fluids. This is typically achieved by layering a series of parallel plates, alternate pairs of which are enclosed on two sides to form twin sets of ducts at right angles to each other. Each set of ducts contains either the input fluid stream or the extract fluid stream. In this manner, heat from one fluid stream may be transferred through the separating plates, and into the other fluid stream. The fluids are typically directed onto a portion of the face of the heat exchanger (i.e., the plane corresponding to the entrances to one set of ducts).
- the present disclosure provides a flow guide for a heat exchanger structure, comprising one or more aerofoils configured to distribute a fluid across an inlet face of a heat exchanger structure.
- the flow guide and heat exchanger structure may be provided in combination, and/or as part of a heat exchanger.
- the flow guide may be positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure.
- the present disclosure also extends to a method of manufacturing a flow guide for a heat exchanger structure, the method comprising positioning one or more aerofoils on the flow guide such that the aerofoils distribute a fluid across an inlet face of a heat exchanger structure to which the flow guide is attached.
- the heat exchanger structure may be configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts.
- the ducts may be formed by a series of parallel plates. Each adjacent pair of parallel plates may be enclosed on two sides thereof, so as to form a duct having an inlet on one side of the heat exchanger structure and an outlet on the opposite side of the heat exchanger structure.
- the inlet face may correspond to a plane formed by duct inlets of one of the sets of ducts.
- the heat exchanger structure may be a cuboid, and the inlet face may correspond to a side of said cuboid (e.g., a side having the duct inlets).
- the one or more aerofoils may comprise a plurality of aerofoils configured to direct (or "re-direct") a fluid in a common direction.
- re-direct it is meant that, in use, the general flow vector (or direction) of the fluid is changed from a first vector (or direction) prior to reaching the aerofoils to a second, different vector (or direction) once the fluid has passed the aerofoils.
- the common direction may correspond to a specific portion of the inlet face of a heat exchanger structure.
- the one or more aerofoils may comprise a first set of aerofoils, each of the first set of aerofoils being configured to direct fluid in a first direction, and a second set of aerofoils, each of the second set of aerofoils being configured to direct fluid in a second, different direction.
- the first direction may be the direction of a first (e.g., bottom) portion of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure (e.g., when the flow guide is placed in front of a heat exchanger structure in use), and the second direction may be the direction of a second, different (e.g., top) portion of the inlet face of a heat exchanger structure (e.g., when the flow guide is placed in front of a heat exchanger structure in use).
- the flow guide may further comprise one or more flow restrictors configured to impede fluid flowing through one or more portions of the flow guide.
- the one or more portions of the flow guide may comprise a portion corresponding to (e.g., in use, positioned in front of) a third (e.g., central) portion of the inlet face of a heat exchanger structure.
- the one or more flow restrictors may comprise cylindrical bars extending horizontally across the flow guide.
- the one or more aerofoils may extend horizontally across the flow guide.
- the flow guide may further comprise one or more support structures configured to support the one or more aerofoils in position.
- the one or more support structures may be or comprise struts extending vertically across the flow guide and optionally oriented in the direction of fluid flow through the flow guide, such that the flow of fluid flowing through the flow guide is not substantially impeded by the one or more support structures.
- the one or more support structures e.g., struts
- the one or more support structures may be flat and/or non-aerodynamic.
- the flow guide and heat exchanger structure may be provided as part of a heat exchanger.
- the flow guide may be a flow guide as described above, and may be configured to distribute a fluid to specific portions of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure using the one or more aerofoils.
- the fluid may be directed onto the flow guide by a component (e.g., a heat exchanger inlet), and the component may be configured to direct fluid onto or at a portion (e.g., a central portion) of the flow guide and/or heat exchanger.
- the one or more aerofoils may be configured to direct fluid away from the portion of the flow guide and/or heat exchanger onto which fluid is directed by the component.
- the flow guide may be a first flow guide, and the inlet face may be a first inlet face.
- the heat exchanger may comprise a second inlet face corresponding to the plane formed by duct inlets of the other of the sets of ducts.
- a second flow guide may be positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the second inlet face of the heat exchanger structure.
- the second flow guide may comprise any of the features described above in respect of the first flow guide, although references to "inlet face” and the like would become references to the "second inlet face” etc.
- the second flow guide may comprise one or more aerofoils configured to distribute a fluid across the second inlet face of the heat exchanger structure.
- the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger, comprising a flow guide as described above and a heat exchanger structure (e.g., a heat exchanger structure described above).
- the flow guide may be configured to distribute fluid to specific portions of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure using the one or more aerofoils.
- the aerofoils may be configured on the flow guide in a manner that provides a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face as compared to a heat exchanger not employing said flow guide, and/or a heat exchanger and/or flow guide not employing the aerofoils.
- the heat exchanger may comprise a heat exchanger inlet configured to direct the fluid at a portion of the heat exchanger structure.
- the flow guide may be positioned between the heat exchanger inlet and the heat exchanger structure, for example adjacent to and/or in front of the heat exchanger structure.
- the one or more aerofoils may be configured to direct fluid away from the portion of the heat exchanger structure at which fluid is directed by the heat exchanger inlet.
- the present disclosure provides a method of using a flow guide as described above, the method comprising positioning the flow guide adjacent to and/or in front of a heat exchanger structure such that the one or more aerofoils distribute a fluid across an inlet face of a heat exchanger structure.
- the method may comprise directing fluid at the centre of the flow guide and/or heat exchanger structure, for example from a heat exchanger inlet.
- the present disclosure provides a method of configuring a flow guide for a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger structure configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts, and comprises an inlet face corresponding to a plane formed by duct inlets of one of the sets of ducts.
- the flow guide may be a flow guide as described in any of the aspects and embodiments described above.
- the method may comprise configuring one or more aerofoils on said flow guide in a manner that provides a more uniform flow rate of fluid across said inlet face as compared to a heat exchanger not employing said flow guide, and/or a heat exchanger and/or flow guide not employing the aerofoils.
- the method may comprise determining a flow pattern across the inlet face, identifying specific portions of the inlet face from the flow pattern that require an increased fluid flow rate to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face, and configuring one or more aerofoils on the flow guide in a manner that increases the flow rate of fluid at the specific portions, when the flow guide is positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the inlet face.
- the aerofoils may be positioned and/or oriented such that fluid is directed towards the specific portions by the aerofoils when the flow guide is positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the inlet face.
- the method may comprise determining, from said flow pattern, a portion of the inlet face that experiences the highest flow rate, and configuring one or more flow restrictors on the flow guide in a manner that decreases the flow rate of fluid at the portion of the inlet face that experienced the highest flow rate, when the flow guide is positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the inlet face.
- the one or more flow restrictors may comprise cylindrical bars extending across the flow guide, e.g., horizontally across the flow guide.
- the present disclosure relates generally to a flow guide for a heat exchanger, for example a heat exchanger comprising a structure (or "matrix") that is configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts, wherein the sets of ducts are fluidly separate from one another.
- the fluids may be air or another gas, or in various embodiments a liquid.
- the heat exchanger structure may comprise an inlet face, which corresponds to the plane formed by the inlets to one of the sets of ducts.
- the flow guide may be configured to distribute a fluid across the inlet face using one or more aerofoils.
- an aerofoil may be defined as a body having a shape that produces an aerodynamic force (e.g., lift) on the aerofoil, when the aerofoil is moved through a fluid.
- an aerodynamic force e.g., lift
- a matrix (or heat exchanger structure) as described above is shown in Fig. 1 , and is in the form of a substantially cubic or cuboid body 10 (although other shapes are possible) that is made up of a series of parallel plates 12. Each adjacent pair of parallel plates 12 are enclosed on two sides, so as to form a duct having an inlet on one side of the body 10, and an outlet on the opposite side of the body 10.
- the body 10 has four faces 40, 42, 44, 46, as well as a top surface 48 and a bottom surface 49.
- the faces 40, 42, 44, 46 are at right angles to one another and form the two input and output faces of the matrix.
- a first, inlet face 40 and a second, output face 42 are associated with a first set of ducts
- a third, inlet face 44 and a fourth, output face 46 are associated with a second set of ducts.
- a bottom duct 20 may be formed using the lowest pair of plates 12, and comprises an inlet 22 on the first face 40 of the body 10, and an outlet 24 on a second, opposite face 42 of the body 10.
- the bottom duct 20 is enclosed by side elements 26 and 28 which span between the plates 12 forming the duct 20. Fluid entering the inlet 22 travels from the first face 40, through the duct 20, and then exits the matrix through the outlet 24 on the second face 42.
- a number of corrugations 29 may be provided inside the duct 20, which can help to provide structural support, as well as aid in heat transfer.
- a duct 30 adjacent to the bottom duct 20 is similar in structure, but instead the inlet 32 to the adjacent duct 30 is located on the third face 44 of the body 10, and the outlet 34 of the adjacent duct 30 is located on the fourth face 46 of the body 10.
- the adjacent duct 30 is enclosed by side elements 36 and 38 which span between the plates forming the adjacent duct 30. Fluid entering the inlet 32 travels from the third face 44, through the duct 30, and then exits the matrix through the outlet 34 on the fourth face 46.
- a number of corrugations 39 may be provided inside the adjacent duct 30, which can help to provide structural support, as well as aid in heat transfer.
- the bottom duct 20 and the adjacent duct 30 are fluidly separate from one another and may be configured to transport different fluid flows through the matrix (or heat exchanger structure).
- the matrix may be positioned within a suitable housing, such that the faces 40, 42, 44, 46 are fluidly sealed from each other, as is known in the art.
- the bottom duct 20 and the adjacent duct 30 form a pair of ducts, and the pattern formed by these ducts continues, such that a first set of ducts are intermixed with a second set of ducts.
- the first set of ducts include the bottom duct 20, and are configured to transport a first fluid from the first face 40 to the second face 42.
- the inlets to each duct of the first set of ducts are located on the first face 40, and the outlets to each duct of the first set of ducts are located on the second face 42.
- the second set of ducts include the adjacent duct 30, and are configured to transport a second fluid from the third face 44 to the fourth face 46.
- the inlets to each duct of the second set of ducts are located on the third face 44, and the outlets to each duct of the second set of ducts are located on the fourth face 46.
- first fluid and second fluid herein should not be interpreted as the first and second fluids necessarily being structurally different (although they may be).
- first fluid and the second fluid may be the same or similar structurally (e.g., the first and second fluids may be air or a particular gas), but the first and second fluids will have a different temperature. This is typical of, e.g., heat recovery ventilation, where external air being transported into a building could correspond to the first fluid, and internal air being transported out of a building could correspond to the second fluid.
- the first and second fluids may be structurally different, e.g., the first fluid could be oxygen gas and the second fluid could be nitrogen gas.
- first and/or second fluids are liquid, or that one of the fluids is a liquid and the other is a gas.
- Fig. 2 schematically shows a heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger structure (e.g., body 10 of Fig. 1 ) and a flow guide 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the various inlets and outlets of the heat exchanger structure are not shown in Fig. 2 .
- the flow guide 100 is positioned adjacent to (and/or in front of) an inlet face of the body 10 (e.g., the first face 40 or the third face 44 in Fig. 1 ) such that a fluid flowing through the heat exchanger structure passes through the flow guide 100 prior to entering the heat exchanger structure through the inlet face.
- the flow guide 100 is provided such that the fluid is distributed across the surface of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure. This is achieved through the use of one or more aerofoils, which have been found to be particularly suitable for this purpose.
- the aerofoils may be configured such that the fluid is more evenly distributed across the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure. In other words, there is a more uniform flow rate of the fluid across the inlet face than if the flow guide 100 was not present. It has been found that in conventional arrangements fluid is directed onto a small portion of the heat exchanger structure (e.g., the centre) and the heat transfer capabilities of the heat exchanger structure are not fully utilised as a result. Therefore various embodiments of the present disclosure are aimed at using aerofoils to provide a more even distribution of airflow across the heat exchanger structure.
- the flow guide 100 is shown in more detail in Fig. 3 and comprises a bottom portion 110, middle portion 120 and top portion 130.
- a fluid to be transferred through the heat exchanger structure e.g., the first fluid or second fluid described above
- a plurality of aerofoils 150 are positioned at the top portion 130 and the bottom portion 110 of the flow guide 100. These aerofoils 150 are configured to direct air away from the centre of the heat exchanger structure, so as to reduce the fluid flow at the middle portion 120, and increase the fluid flow at the top portion 130 and bottom portion 110 respectively.
- a number of flow restrictors may be provided.
- these are provided as bars 140 in the middle portion 120 of the flow guide 100, which back up fluid such that it moves towards the aerofoils 150 in the top portion 130 and bottom portion 110.
- the flow restrictors 140 are not intended to be aerodynamic.
- the aerofoils 150 and the flow restrictors 140 are substantially straight and extend in a horizontal direction across the flow guide 100.
- the aerofoils 150 and the flow restrictors 140 are also parallel to each other.
- the aerofoils 150 and flow restrictors 140 are not straight, and/or not parallel to each other.
- the aerofoils may have any shape or orientation to provide the function of directing fluid to a specific portion of the heat exchanger structure.
- one or more support structures 160 may be provided to hold the aerofoils in place within the flow guide 100.
- the support structures 160 are in the form of vertically-oriented bars that are arranged across the flow guide (i.e., perpendicular to the aerofoils 150 and the flow restrictors 140), and may provide structural support to the aerofoils 150 and flow restrictors 140. This can help to prevent these components from moving substantially when a fluid is passed through the flow guide 100.
- the support structures 160 have a specific shape in this embodiment, which is described in more detail below (see Fig. 4B ), but the support structures 160 can have any shape or orientation to provide the function of supporting the aerofoils.
- Fig. 4A shows a cross-section through the flow guide 100 along plane 4-4 in Fig. 3 , from which the distribution of the aerofoils 150 and the non-aerodynamic flow restrictors 140 can be seen in greater detail.
- the aerofoils 150 are oriented (e.g., at an angle) such that an incoming fluid is directed towards the top or bottom of a heat exchanger structure to which the flow guide 100 is attached.
- the aerofoils 150 comprise a first set of aerofoils 150A, wherein each of the first set of aerofoils 150A is configured to direct fluid towards the top portion 130 of the inlet face 40, 44, and a second set of aerofoils 150B, wherein each of said second set of aerofoils 150B is configured to direct fluid towards the bottom portion 110 of the inlet face 40, 44.
- a fluid may be incoming from any direction, but will be directed to the portions of the heat exchanger structure most efficiently using aerofoils as aforesaid.
- aerofoils in a flow guide as described herein is advantageous in its own right, and the broadest aspects of the present disclosure relate to the use of such aerofoils to distribute a fluid across an inlet face of the heat exchanger structure.
- the aerofoils 150A in the top portion 130 are oriented such that fluid impinging thereon (e.g., from any direction) is diverted substantially to the upper regions of a heat exchanger structure to which the flow guide 100 is attached, and the aerofoils 150B in the bottom portion 110 are oriented such that fluid impinging thereon (e.g., from any direction) is diverted substantially to the lower regions of a heat exchanger structure to which the flow guide 100 is attached.
- fluid impinging thereon e.g., from any direction
- the aerofoils 150B in the bottom portion 110 are oriented such that fluid impinging thereon (e.g., from any direction) is diverted substantially to the lower regions of a heat exchanger structure to which the flow guide 100 is attached.
- other orientations and arrangements are possible and may be provided, for example if air is intended to be directed to other parts of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure.
- the width of the flow restrictors 140 may be larger than the width of the aerofoils 150, such that the flow restrictors 140 force an increased amount of the fluid towards the aerofoils 150.
- the width of the aerofoils 150 may be defined as the width or thickness (e.g., the largest width or thickness) of the aerofoil in a direction perpendicular to the chord of the aerofoil (which has a well-defined meaning in the art).
- the width of the flow restrictors may be the width substantially perpendicular to the direction of incoming fluid, or the largest width.
- Fig. 4B shows a support structure 160 of the flow guide 100 in isolation.
- the support structure 160 When taken in a cross-section perpendicular to the general direction of fluid flow through the flow guide 100, the support structure 160 has a relatively large cross-sectional area where the aerofoils 150 are attached thereto, namely in the top portion 130 and the bottom portion 110.
- the support structure 160 may be connected to each of the aerofoils 150 along at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the length of the aerofoils 150, in order to provide optimum support to the aerofoils.
- the support structure 160 has a relatively small cross-sectional area, since the flow restrictors 140 have a smaller width than the aerofoils 150 as described above, and also won't be subject to as much, if any lateral force (e.g., lift) due to the flow restrictors 140.
- Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the flow guide 100 attached to a heat exchanger structure (e.g., body 10 as described above in respect of Fig. 1 ), as well as various flow lines showing approximately, and schematically how the flow guide directs air impinging thereon.
- a heat exchanger structure e.g., body 10 as described above in respect of Fig. 1
- the flow restrictors 140 covering the middle portion 120 cause an increased amount of the fluid to be diverted to the top portion 130 and the bottom portion 110 of the flow guide 100, whereupon this diverted fluid impinges on the aerofoils 150 and is distributed to the top portion 130 and the bottom portion 110 of the heat exchanger structure respectively. Fluid that was already impinging on the aerofoils 150 will still do so, and will be distributed in the same manner.
- the illustrated arrangement is suitable for most situations in which a heat exchanger structure is incorporated into a heat exchanger or other housing. Typically, in such applications the majority of the fluid will be drawn to the central region of the heat exchanger.
- the flow guide uses aerofoils to direct air to different portions of the heat exchanger structure. This could be for many reasons, for example the arrangement of ducts in the heat exchanger structure may not be uniform. In such a situation, it may be advantageous to use aerofoils to direct flow to areas of the heat exchanger structure that have the highest density of ducts.
- the use of aerofoils to direct air in such a flow guide is advantageous in its own right, and independent of the structure of the heat exchanger.
- Various embodiments extend to a method of configuring a flow guide (e.g., flow guide 100 as described above) for a heat exchanger, for example to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid through an inlet face of the heat exchanger in use, and increase the heat transfer capabilities of the heat exchanger.
- the heat exchanger may comprise a heat exchanger structure (e.g., the heat exchanger structure 10 described above), which may be configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts, and comprises an inlet face (e.g., inlet face 40,44 described above) corresponding to a plane formed by duct inlets (22,32) of one of the sets of ducts.
- the method may comprise configuring one or more aerofoils on said flow guide in a manner that provides a more uniform flow rate of fluid across said inlet face as compared to a heat exchanger not employing said flow guide.
- the method may comprise the steps of determining a flow pattern across the inlet face, identifying specific portions of the inlet face (e.g., the top portion 130 and bottom portion 110 in the example given above) from the flow pattern that require an increased and/or decreased fluid flow, for example to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face.
- the method may further comprise configuring one or more aerofoils on the flow guide in a manner that increases fluid flow to the portions of the inlet face that require an increased fluid flow, when the flow guide is positioned adjacent to (and/or in front of) the inlet face, e.g., to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face.
- the method may comprise incorporating one or more flow restrictors (e.g., the flow restrictors 140 described above) into the flow guide that are configured to restrict flow to other portions of the inlet face, which may be portions of the flow guide that require a decreased fluid flow (e.g., the middle portion 120 described above), for example to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face.
- flow restrictors e.g., the flow restrictors 140 described above
- the method may further comprise positioning the flow guide adjacent to (and/or in front of) the inlet face (and, e.g., fluidly sealing the flow guide to the inlet face), for example such that a more uniform flow rate of fluid is achieved across the inlet face in use.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates generally to a flow guide for a heat exchanger, methods of guiding a fluid onto a heat exchanger, and more specifically to a heat exchanger and systems or methods associated therewith.
- Heat exchangers, for example heat recovery ventilators or "air-to-air" heat exchangers are known in the art and provide a way of transferring heat from one fluid to another without mixing the fluids. This is typically achieved by layering a series of parallel plates, alternate pairs of which are enclosed on two sides to form twin sets of ducts at right angles to each other. Each set of ducts contains either the input fluid stream or the extract fluid stream. In this manner, heat from one fluid stream may be transferred through the separating plates, and into the other fluid stream. The fluids are typically directed onto a portion of the face of the heat exchanger (i.e., the plane corresponding to the entrances to one set of ducts).
- It is desired to improve the heat transfer achievable using a heat exchanger.
- In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a flow guide for a heat exchanger structure, comprising one or more aerofoils configured to distribute a fluid across an inlet face of a heat exchanger structure. The flow guide and heat exchanger structure may be provided in combination, and/or as part of a heat exchanger. The flow guide may be positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure.
- In an aspect, the present disclosure also extends to a method of manufacturing a flow guide for a heat exchanger structure, the method comprising positioning one or more aerofoils on the flow guide such that the aerofoils distribute a fluid across an inlet face of a heat exchanger structure to which the flow guide is attached.
- In any of the aspects or embodiments disclosed herein, the heat exchanger structure may be configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts. The ducts may be formed by a series of parallel plates. Each adjacent pair of parallel plates may be enclosed on two sides thereof, so as to form a duct having an inlet on one side of the heat exchanger structure and an outlet on the opposite side of the heat exchanger structure.
- The inlet face may correspond to a plane formed by duct inlets of one of the sets of ducts. The heat exchanger structure may be a cuboid, and the inlet face may correspond to a side of said cuboid (e.g., a side having the duct inlets).
- The one or more aerofoils may comprise a plurality of aerofoils configured to direct (or "re-direct") a fluid in a common direction. By "re-direct", it is meant that, in use, the general flow vector (or direction) of the fluid is changed from a first vector (or direction) prior to reaching the aerofoils to a second, different vector (or direction) once the fluid has passed the aerofoils.
- The common direction may correspond to a specific portion of the inlet face of a heat exchanger structure.
- The one or more aerofoils may comprise a first set of aerofoils, each of the first set of aerofoils being configured to direct fluid in a first direction, and a second set of aerofoils, each of the second set of aerofoils being configured to direct fluid in a second, different direction.
- The first direction may be the direction of a first (e.g., bottom) portion of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure (e.g., when the flow guide is placed in front of a heat exchanger structure in use), and the second direction may be the direction of a second, different (e.g., top) portion of the inlet face of a heat exchanger structure (e.g., when the flow guide is placed in front of a heat exchanger structure in use).
- The flow guide may further comprise one or more flow restrictors configured to impede fluid flowing through one or more portions of the flow guide. The one or more portions of the flow guide may comprise a portion corresponding to (e.g., in use, positioned in front of) a third (e.g., central) portion of the inlet face of a heat exchanger structure.
- The one or more flow restrictors may comprise cylindrical bars extending horizontally across the flow guide. The one or more aerofoils may extend horizontally across the flow guide.
- The flow guide may further comprise one or more support structures configured to support the one or more aerofoils in position. The one or more support structures may be or comprise struts extending vertically across the flow guide and optionally oriented in the direction of fluid flow through the flow guide, such that the flow of fluid flowing through the flow guide is not substantially impeded by the one or more support structures. The one or more support structures (e.g., struts) may be flat and/or non-aerodynamic.
- As discussed above the flow guide and heat exchanger structure may be provided as part of a heat exchanger. The flow guide may be a flow guide as described above, and may be configured to distribute a fluid to specific portions of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure using the one or more aerofoils.
- The fluid may be directed onto the flow guide by a component (e.g., a heat exchanger inlet), and the component may be configured to direct fluid onto or at a portion (e.g., a central portion) of the flow guide and/or heat exchanger. The one or more aerofoils may be configured to direct fluid away from the portion of the flow guide and/or heat exchanger onto which fluid is directed by the component.
- The flow guide may be a first flow guide, and the inlet face may be a first inlet face. The heat exchanger may comprise a second inlet face corresponding to the plane formed by duct inlets of the other of the sets of ducts.
- A second flow guide may be positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the second inlet face of the heat exchanger structure. The second flow guide may comprise any of the features described above in respect of the first flow guide, although references to "inlet face" and the like would become references to the "second inlet face" etc. For example, the second flow guide may comprise one or more aerofoils configured to distribute a fluid across the second inlet face of the heat exchanger structure.
- In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger, comprising a flow guide as described above and a heat exchanger structure (e.g., a heat exchanger structure described above). The flow guide may be configured to distribute fluid to specific portions of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure using the one or more aerofoils.
- Additionally, or alternatively, the aerofoils may be configured on the flow guide in a manner that provides a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face as compared to a heat exchanger not employing said flow guide, and/or a heat exchanger and/or flow guide not employing the aerofoils.
- The heat exchanger may comprise a heat exchanger inlet configured to direct the fluid at a portion of the heat exchanger structure. The flow guide may be positioned between the heat exchanger inlet and the heat exchanger structure, for example adjacent to and/or in front of the heat exchanger structure. The one or more aerofoils may be configured to direct fluid away from the portion of the heat exchanger structure at which fluid is directed by the heat exchanger inlet.
- In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of using a flow guide as described above, the method comprising positioning the flow guide adjacent to and/or in front of a heat exchanger structure such that the one or more aerofoils distribute a fluid across an inlet face of a heat exchanger structure. The method may comprise directing fluid at the centre of the flow guide and/or heat exchanger structure, for example from a heat exchanger inlet.
- In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of configuring a flow guide for a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger structure configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts, and comprises an inlet face corresponding to a plane formed by duct inlets of one of the sets of ducts. The flow guide may be a flow guide as described in any of the aspects and embodiments described above.
- The method may comprise configuring one or more aerofoils on said flow guide in a manner that provides a more uniform flow rate of fluid across said inlet face as compared to a heat exchanger not employing said flow guide, and/or a heat exchanger and/or flow guide not employing the aerofoils.
- Alternatively, or additionally, the method may comprise determining a flow pattern across the inlet face, identifying specific portions of the inlet face from the flow pattern that require an increased fluid flow rate to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face, and configuring one or more aerofoils on the flow guide in a manner that increases the flow rate of fluid at the specific portions, when the flow guide is positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the inlet face. For example, the aerofoils may be positioned and/or oriented such that fluid is directed towards the specific portions by the aerofoils when the flow guide is positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the inlet face.
- The method may comprise determining, from said flow pattern, a portion of the inlet face that experiences the highest flow rate, and configuring one or more flow restrictors on the flow guide in a manner that decreases the flow rate of fluid at the portion of the inlet face that experienced the highest flow rate, when the flow guide is positioned adjacent to and/or in front of the inlet face. The one or more flow restrictors may comprise cylindrical bars extending across the flow guide, e.g., horizontally across the flow guide.
- Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Fig. 1
- shows an arrangement of a heat exchanger matrix;
- Fig. 2
- shows a heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment;
- Fig. 3
- shows a flow guide for a heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment;
- Fig. 4A
- shows a cross section of the flow guide along line 4-4 in
Fig. 3 ; - Fig. 4B
- shows a flange member for use in the flow guide of
Fig. 4A ; - Fig. 5
- schematically shows a flow distribution in accordance with an embodiment.
- The present disclosure relates generally to a flow guide for a heat exchanger, for example a heat exchanger comprising a structure (or "matrix") that is configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts, wherein the sets of ducts are fluidly separate from one another. The fluids may be air or another gas, or in various embodiments a liquid. The heat exchanger structure may comprise an inlet face, which corresponds to the plane formed by the inlets to one of the sets of ducts. The flow guide may be configured to distribute a fluid across the inlet face using one or more aerofoils.
- As used herein, an aerofoil may be defined as a body having a shape that produces an aerodynamic force (e.g., lift) on the aerofoil, when the aerofoil is moved through a fluid.
- An example of a matrix (or heat exchanger structure) as described above is shown in
Fig. 1 , and is in the form of a substantially cubic or cuboid body 10 (although other shapes are possible) that is made up of a series ofparallel plates 12. Each adjacent pair ofparallel plates 12 are enclosed on two sides, so as to form a duct having an inlet on one side of thebody 10, and an outlet on the opposite side of thebody 10. - In the illustrated embodiment of
Fig. 1 , thebody 10 has four faces 40, 42, 44, 46, as well as atop surface 48 and abottom surface 49. The faces 40, 42, 44, 46 are at right angles to one another and form the two input and output faces of the matrix. As discussed below, a first,inlet face 40 and a second, output face 42 are associated with a first set of ducts, and a third,inlet face 44 and a fourth, output face 46 are associated with a second set of ducts. - As shown in
Fig. 1 , abottom duct 20 may be formed using the lowest pair ofplates 12, and comprises aninlet 22 on thefirst face 40 of thebody 10, and anoutlet 24 on a second,opposite face 42 of thebody 10. Thebottom duct 20 is enclosed byside elements plates 12 forming theduct 20. Fluid entering theinlet 22 travels from thefirst face 40, through theduct 20, and then exits the matrix through theoutlet 24 on thesecond face 42. A number ofcorrugations 29 may be provided inside theduct 20, which can help to provide structural support, as well as aid in heat transfer. - A
duct 30 adjacent to thebottom duct 20 is similar in structure, but instead theinlet 32 to theadjacent duct 30 is located on thethird face 44 of thebody 10, and theoutlet 34 of theadjacent duct 30 is located on thefourth face 46 of thebody 10. Theadjacent duct 30 is enclosed byside elements adjacent duct 30. Fluid entering theinlet 32 travels from thethird face 44, through theduct 30, and then exits the matrix through theoutlet 34 on thefourth face 46. Similar to thebottom duct 20, a number ofcorrugations 39 may be provided inside theadjacent duct 30, which can help to provide structural support, as well as aid in heat transfer. - The
bottom duct 20 and theadjacent duct 30 are fluidly separate from one another and may be configured to transport different fluid flows through the matrix (or heat exchanger structure). The matrix may be positioned within a suitable housing, such that thefaces - The
bottom duct 20 and theadjacent duct 30 form a pair of ducts, and the pattern formed by these ducts continues, such that a first set of ducts are intermixed with a second set of ducts. - The first set of ducts include the
bottom duct 20, and are configured to transport a first fluid from thefirst face 40 to thesecond face 42. The inlets to each duct of the first set of ducts are located on thefirst face 40, and the outlets to each duct of the first set of ducts are located on thesecond face 42. - The second set of ducts include the
adjacent duct 30, and are configured to transport a second fluid from thethird face 44 to thefourth face 46. The inlets to each duct of the second set of ducts are located on thethird face 44, and the outlets to each duct of the second set of ducts are located on thefourth face 46. - References to "first fluid" and "second fluid" herein should not be interpreted as the first and second fluids necessarily being structurally different (although they may be). In various embodiments, the first fluid and the second fluid may be the same or similar structurally (e.g., the first and second fluids may be air or a particular gas), but the first and second fluids will have a different temperature. This is typical of, e.g., heat recovery ventilation, where external air being transported into a building could correspond to the first fluid, and internal air being transported out of a building could correspond to the second fluid. In other embodiments, the first and second fluids may be structurally different, e.g., the first fluid could be oxygen gas and the second fluid could be nitrogen gas.
- Furthermore, it is possible that the first and/or second fluids are liquid, or that one of the fluids is a liquid and the other is a gas.
-
Fig. 2 schematically shows a heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger structure (e.g.,body 10 ofFig. 1 ) and aflow guide 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The various inlets and outlets of the heat exchanger structure are not shown inFig. 2 . - The
flow guide 100 is positioned adjacent to (and/or in front of) an inlet face of the body 10 (e.g., thefirst face 40 or thethird face 44 inFig. 1 ) such that a fluid flowing through the heat exchanger structure passes through theflow guide 100 prior to entering the heat exchanger structure through the inlet face. Theflow guide 100 is provided such that the fluid is distributed across the surface of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure. This is achieved through the use of one or more aerofoils, which have been found to be particularly suitable for this purpose. - In various embodiments, the aerofoils may be configured such that the fluid is more evenly distributed across the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure. In other words, there is a more uniform flow rate of the fluid across the inlet face than if the
flow guide 100 was not present. It has been found that in conventional arrangements fluid is directed onto a small portion of the heat exchanger structure (e.g., the centre) and the heat transfer capabilities of the heat exchanger structure are not fully utilised as a result. Therefore various embodiments of the present disclosure are aimed at using aerofoils to provide a more even distribution of airflow across the heat exchanger structure. - The
flow guide 100 is shown in more detail inFig. 3 and comprises abottom portion 110,middle portion 120 andtop portion 130. A fluid to be transferred through the heat exchanger structure (e.g., the first fluid or second fluid described above) may be directed at the centre ormiddle portion 120 of the heat exchanger structure. This would typically mean that there is a larger fluid flow through themiddle portion 120 than thetop portion 130 andbottom portion 110. - To provide a managed (e.g., more even) distribution of fluid flow across the inlet face of the heat exchanger to which the
flow guide 100 is attached, a plurality ofaerofoils 150 are positioned at thetop portion 130 and thebottom portion 110 of theflow guide 100. Theseaerofoils 150 are configured to direct air away from the centre of the heat exchanger structure, so as to reduce the fluid flow at themiddle portion 120, and increase the fluid flow at thetop portion 130 andbottom portion 110 respectively. - In order to assist the aerofoils in providing the managed distribution of fluid flow, a number of flow restrictors (e.g., bars) may be provided. In the illustrated example, these are provided as
bars 140 in themiddle portion 120 of theflow guide 100, which back up fluid such that it moves towards theaerofoils 150 in thetop portion 130 andbottom portion 110. It should be noted that, unlike theaerofoils 150, theflow restrictors 140 are not intended to be aerodynamic. - The
aerofoils 150 and theflow restrictors 140 are substantially straight and extend in a horizontal direction across theflow guide 100. Theaerofoils 150 and theflow restrictors 140 are also parallel to each other. However, other embodiments are envisaged in which theaerofoils 150 and flow restrictors 140 (if provided) are not straight, and/or not parallel to each other. In the broadest aspects of the present disclosure, the aerofoils may have any shape or orientation to provide the function of directing fluid to a specific portion of the heat exchanger structure. - Referring back to
Fig. 3 , one ormore support structures 160 may be provided to hold the aerofoils in place within theflow guide 100. Thesupport structures 160 are in the form of vertically-oriented bars that are arranged across the flow guide (i.e., perpendicular to theaerofoils 150 and the flow restrictors 140), and may provide structural support to theaerofoils 150 andflow restrictors 140. This can help to prevent these components from moving substantially when a fluid is passed through theflow guide 100. Thesupport structures 160 have a specific shape in this embodiment, which is described in more detail below (seeFig. 4B ), but thesupport structures 160 can have any shape or orientation to provide the function of supporting the aerofoils. -
Fig. 4A shows a cross-section through theflow guide 100 along plane 4-4 inFig. 3 , from which the distribution of theaerofoils 150 and thenon-aerodynamic flow restrictors 140 can be seen in greater detail. As is evident fromFig. 4A , theaerofoils 150 are oriented (e.g., at an angle) such that an incoming fluid is directed towards the top or bottom of a heat exchanger structure to which theflow guide 100 is attached. - The
aerofoils 150 comprise a first set ofaerofoils 150A, wherein each of the first set ofaerofoils 150A is configured to direct fluid towards thetop portion 130 of theinlet face aerofoils 150B, wherein each of said second set ofaerofoils 150B is configured to direct fluid towards thebottom portion 110 of theinlet face - As will be appreciated, and generally, a fluid may be incoming from any direction, but will be directed to the portions of the heat exchanger structure most efficiently using aerofoils as aforesaid. Hence, the use of aerofoils in a flow guide as described herein is advantageous in its own right, and the broadest aspects of the present disclosure relate to the use of such aerofoils to distribute a fluid across an inlet face of the heat exchanger structure.
- Referring back to the embodiment of
Fig. 4A , theaerofoils 150A in thetop portion 130 are oriented such that fluid impinging thereon (e.g., from any direction) is diverted substantially to the upper regions of a heat exchanger structure to which theflow guide 100 is attached, and theaerofoils 150B in thebottom portion 110 are oriented such that fluid impinging thereon (e.g., from any direction) is diverted substantially to the lower regions of a heat exchanger structure to which theflow guide 100 is attached. Of course, other orientations and arrangements are possible and may be provided, for example if air is intended to be directed to other parts of the inlet face of the heat exchanger structure. - The width of the
flow restrictors 140 may be larger than the width of theaerofoils 150, such that theflow restrictors 140 force an increased amount of the fluid towards theaerofoils 150. As used in this embodiment, and generally throughout this disclosure, the width of theaerofoils 150 may be defined as the width or thickness (e.g., the largest width or thickness) of the aerofoil in a direction perpendicular to the chord of the aerofoil (which has a well-defined meaning in the art). In embodiments where theflow restrictors 140 have a non-uniform cross-section, the width of the flow restrictors may be the width substantially perpendicular to the direction of incoming fluid, or the largest width. -
Fig. 4B shows asupport structure 160 of theflow guide 100 in isolation. When taken in a cross-section perpendicular to the general direction of fluid flow through theflow guide 100, thesupport structure 160 has a relatively large cross-sectional area where theaerofoils 150 are attached thereto, namely in thetop portion 130 and thebottom portion 110. Thesupport structure 160 may be connected to each of theaerofoils 150 along at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the length of theaerofoils 150, in order to provide optimum support to the aerofoils. In themiddle portion 120, thesupport structure 160 has a relatively small cross-sectional area, since theflow restrictors 140 have a smaller width than theaerofoils 150 as described above, and also won't be subject to as much, if any lateral force (e.g., lift) due to theflow restrictors 140. -
Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of theflow guide 100 attached to a heat exchanger structure (e.g.,body 10 as described above in respect ofFig. 1 ), as well as various flow lines showing approximately, and schematically how the flow guide directs air impinging thereon. - The flow restrictors 140 covering the
middle portion 120 cause an increased amount of the fluid to be diverted to thetop portion 130 and thebottom portion 110 of theflow guide 100, whereupon this diverted fluid impinges on theaerofoils 150 and is distributed to thetop portion 130 and thebottom portion 110 of the heat exchanger structure respectively. Fluid that was already impinging on theaerofoils 150 will still do so, and will be distributed in the same manner. - The illustrated arrangement is suitable for most situations in which a heat exchanger structure is incorporated into a heat exchanger or other housing. Typically, in such applications the majority of the fluid will be drawn to the central region of the heat exchanger. However, various embodiments are envisaged in which the flow guide uses aerofoils to direct air to different portions of the heat exchanger structure. This could be for many reasons, for example the arrangement of ducts in the heat exchanger structure may not be uniform. In such a situation, it may be advantageous to use aerofoils to direct flow to areas of the heat exchanger structure that have the highest density of ducts. Various other arrangements are envisaged. As discussed above, the use of aerofoils to direct air in such a flow guide is advantageous in its own right, and independent of the structure of the heat exchanger.
- Various embodiments extend to a method of configuring a flow guide (e.g., flow
guide 100 as described above) for a heat exchanger, for example to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid through an inlet face of the heat exchanger in use, and increase the heat transfer capabilities of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may comprise a heat exchanger structure (e.g., theheat exchanger structure 10 described above), which may be configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts, and comprises an inlet face (e.g.,inlet face - The method may comprise configuring one or more aerofoils on said flow guide in a manner that provides a more uniform flow rate of fluid across said inlet face as compared to a heat exchanger not employing said flow guide.
- The method may comprise the steps of determining a flow pattern across the inlet face, identifying specific portions of the inlet face (e.g., the
top portion 130 andbottom portion 110 in the example given above) from the flow pattern that require an increased and/or decreased fluid flow, for example to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face. - The method may further comprise configuring one or more aerofoils on the flow guide in a manner that increases fluid flow to the portions of the inlet face that require an increased fluid flow, when the flow guide is positioned adjacent to (and/or in front of) the inlet face, e.g., to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face.
- The method may comprise incorporating one or more flow restrictors (e.g., the
flow restrictors 140 described above) into the flow guide that are configured to restrict flow to other portions of the inlet face, which may be portions of the flow guide that require a decreased fluid flow (e.g., themiddle portion 120 described above), for example to ensure a more uniform flow rate of fluid across the inlet face. - The method may further comprise positioning the flow guide adjacent to (and/or in front of) the inlet face (and, e.g., fluidly sealing the flow guide to the inlet face), for example such that a more uniform flow rate of fluid is achieved across the inlet face in use.
- Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.
Claims (15)
- A flow guide (100) for a heat exchanger structure (10), comprising one or more aerofoils (150) configured to distribute a fluid across an inlet face (40,44) of a heat exchanger structure (10).
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heat exchanger structure (10) is configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts.
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said inlet face (40,44) corresponds to a plane formed by duct inlets (22,32) of one of said sets of ducts.
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said one or more aerofoils (150) comprise a plurality of aerofoils (150A; 150B) configured to direct a fluid in a common direction.
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 4, wherein said common direction corresponds to a specific portion (110, 130) of said inlet face (40,44) of a heat exchanger structure (10).
- A flow guide as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said one or more aerofoils (150) comprise a first set of aerofoils (150A), each of said first set of aerofoils (150A) configured to direct fluid in a first direction, and a second set of aerofoils (150B), each of said second set of aerofoils (150B) configured to direct fluid in a second, different direction.
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first direction corresponds to a bottom portion (110) of said inlet face (40,44) of said heat exchanger structure (10), and said second direction corresponds to a top portion (130) of said inlet face (40,44) of a heat exchanger structure (10).
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 6 or 7, further comprising one or more flow restrictors (140) configured to impede fluid flowing through one or more portions of said flow guide (100).
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 8, wherein said one or more portions of said flow guide (100) comprise a portion corresponding to a central portion (120) of said inlet face (40,44) of a heat exchanger structure (10).
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein said one or more flow restrictors (140) comprise cylindrical bars extending horizontally across the flow guide (100).
- A flow guide as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said one or more aerofoils (150) extend horizontally across said flow guide (100).
- A flow guide as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising one or more support structures (160) configured to support said one or more aerofoils (150) in position.
- A flow guide as claimed in claim 12, wherein said one or more support structures (160) are struts extending vertically across said flow guide (100).
- A heat exchanger, comprising a flow guide (100) as claimed in any preceding claim and a heat exchanger structure (10), wherein said aerofoils (150) are configured on said flow guide (100) in a manner that provides a more uniform flow rate of fluid across said inlet face (40,44) as compared to a heat exchanger not employing said flow guide (100).
- A method of configuring a flow guide (100) for a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger structure (10) configured to transfer heat from one fluid to another using a first set of ducts that are intermixed with a second set of ducts, and comprises an inlet face (40,44) corresponding to a plane formed by duct inlets (22,32) of one of said sets of ducts, the method comprising:configuring one or more aerofoils (150) on said flow guide (100) in a manner that provides a more uniform flow rate of fluid across said inlet face (40,44) as compared to a heat exchanger not employing said flow guide (100).
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17275021.8A EP3364121A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2017-02-16 | Flow guide for heat exchanger |
US15/879,768 US20180231335A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2018-01-25 | Flow guide for heat exchanger |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17275021.8A EP3364121A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2017-02-16 | Flow guide for heat exchanger |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3364121A1 true EP3364121A1 (en) | 2018-08-22 |
Family
ID=58057061
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17275021.8A Withdrawn EP3364121A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2017-02-16 | Flow guide for heat exchanger |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20180231335A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3364121A1 (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1775041A (en) * | 1925-02-21 | 1930-09-02 | Karmazin John | Radiator |
GB634608A (en) * | 1946-10-23 | 1950-03-15 | Andre Huet | Improvements in or relating to tubular heat exchange apparatus |
DE2161604A1 (en) * | 1971-12-11 | 1973-06-14 | Linde Ag | Plate heat exchanger - esp with water cooling,for turbo compressor after-cooler |
EP0094987A2 (en) * | 1982-04-28 | 1983-11-30 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Steam generator flow control device |
US20100300647A1 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2010-12-02 | Hans-Ulrich Steurer | Heat exchanger |
WO2016062382A1 (en) * | 2014-10-21 | 2016-04-28 | Daimler Ag | Grille for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle as well as a vehicle |
Family Cites Families (70)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1820779A (en) * | 1929-11-25 | 1931-08-25 | Clifford C Carson | Unit heater |
US3543838A (en) * | 1968-04-16 | 1970-12-01 | Transicold Corp | Cooling system for vehicle compartment |
US3628443A (en) * | 1969-12-09 | 1971-12-21 | Mc Graw Edison Co | Adjustable air-direction means for a conditioner |
US3713376A (en) * | 1971-03-22 | 1973-01-30 | Gen Electric | Air conditioner air directing means |
NO126883B (en) * | 1971-06-22 | 1973-04-02 | Farex Fab As | |
US3759054A (en) * | 1972-07-03 | 1973-09-18 | Kysor Industrial Corp | Split shutter control system |
US3847066A (en) * | 1972-07-10 | 1974-11-12 | Ham W V D | Inlet grill |
US3888327A (en) * | 1974-01-30 | 1975-06-10 | Vernon N Reece | Vehicle radiator protection device |
US3963070A (en) * | 1975-02-18 | 1976-06-15 | American Warming And Ventilating Inc. | Condition controlling air flow damper |
US4103601A (en) * | 1976-10-22 | 1978-08-01 | Lloyd Giddis Dayus | Air grille components and air grille therefrom |
US4177861A (en) * | 1977-11-07 | 1979-12-11 | Modine Manufacturing Company | Recuperator structure |
US4753288A (en) * | 1986-10-22 | 1988-06-28 | Kysor Industrial Corporation | Polymeric shutter assembly |
JPH02143045A (en) * | 1988-11-25 | 1990-06-01 | Toshiba Corp | Air conditioner |
US5163871A (en) * | 1991-04-02 | 1992-11-17 | Robert Huibregtse | Floor register grill |
US5957194A (en) * | 1996-06-27 | 1999-09-28 | Advanced Thermal Solutions, Inc. | Plate fin heat exchanger having fluid control means |
JP3637705B2 (en) * | 1996-11-26 | 2005-04-13 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Air conditioner blowout structure |
US6019161A (en) * | 1998-09-15 | 2000-02-01 | Travis; Scott D. | All terrain vehicle radiator air flow enhancing assembly |
US20030047365A1 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2003-03-13 | Jain Sunil K. | Fluid inlet grille with novel aerodynamic grill bars |
US6918456B2 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2005-07-19 | International Truck International Property Company, Llc | Fluid inlet grille with aerodynamic grille bars |
US6935419B2 (en) * | 2002-02-20 | 2005-08-30 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Heat sink apparatus with air duct |
US20070056948A1 (en) * | 2003-08-26 | 2007-03-15 | Bruce Hall | System and Method for Preventing Growth of Mold or Mildew in a Building |
US20060060401A1 (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2006-03-23 | Bole Matthew M | Adjustable airflow regulator |
DE102004062689A1 (en) * | 2004-12-21 | 2006-07-13 | Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for regulating an air flow |
JP2007182206A (en) * | 2005-12-06 | 2007-07-19 | Denso Corp | Heat exchanger for heating and air conditioner |
US20070240868A1 (en) * | 2006-04-17 | 2007-10-18 | Chaun-Choung Technology Corp. | Air-guiding structure for heat-dissipating fin |
US20070281601A1 (en) * | 2006-06-01 | 2007-12-06 | Hammonds David R | Air diverter for evaporator and heating units |
SE530032C2 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2008-02-12 | Scania Cv Abp | Radiator for a motor vehicle |
US8161919B2 (en) * | 2008-12-08 | 2012-04-24 | Webasto Ag | Variable vent system integrated into a vehicle front end grill |
US20100155025A1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2010-06-24 | Tessera, Inc. | Collector electrodes and ion collecting surfaces for electrohydrodynamic fluid accelerators |
DE102008064513A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-24 | Veritas Ag | Adjustable grille arrangement |
US8979622B2 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2015-03-17 | Daniel P. Casey | Louver system |
US20110053487A1 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-03-03 | Casey Daniel P | Vent Cover and Louver Assembly |
TWM391269U (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2010-10-21 | Wistron Corp | Heat dissipating structure,heat dissipating module and electronic device capable of preventing airflow from flowing back |
US8403400B2 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2013-03-26 | Volvo Group North America, Llc | Air flow guide for a tractor trailer gap |
DE102010060253A1 (en) * | 2010-10-29 | 2012-05-03 | Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg | Device for setting cooling air inflow in front area of motor vehicle, has frame unit, where air passage cross-section of frame unit is changeable by multiple adjusting locking elements |
JP2012188003A (en) * | 2011-03-10 | 2012-10-04 | Howa Kasei Kk | Air blowing device |
US20120240757A1 (en) * | 2011-03-25 | 2012-09-27 | David Arthur Schade | Composite grille louvers |
DE102011105968A1 (en) * | 2011-06-29 | 2013-01-03 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Ram air channel arrangement for air conditioning apparatus of commercial airplane to cool airplane cabin, has control device placed downstream to air outlet such that control device exhibits cross section extending in direction of outlet |
CN103906637B (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2016-04-20 | 丰和化成株式会社 | Drafting apparatus |
DE102011120865B3 (en) * | 2011-12-12 | 2012-11-15 | Audi Ag | Vehicle, has fan assembly generating airflow through heat exchanger and including fan, which generates strong adjacent airflow using primary airflow from annular element, where fan assembly is designed as component of radiator grill |
US20130223980A1 (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Shape Corp. | Active grill shutter vane design and vehicle system |
DE102012011594B4 (en) * | 2012-06-13 | 2016-09-22 | Decoma (Germany) Gmbh | Controllable air intake for a motor vehicle with cylinder fins |
US10029558B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2018-07-24 | Srg Global, Inc. | Grille shutter assembly |
US20140342653A1 (en) * | 2013-05-17 | 2014-11-20 | Noll/Norwesco Llc | Rim joist vent |
US9409474B2 (en) * | 2013-11-27 | 2016-08-09 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Method and system for adjusting grille shutters based on temperature and position feedback |
US9216643B2 (en) * | 2014-02-25 | 2015-12-22 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Stacking radiator aperture closure panels |
FR3020602B1 (en) * | 2014-04-30 | 2017-12-22 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | AIR GUIDE AND AIR GUIDE MODULE |
US9902256B2 (en) * | 2014-05-19 | 2018-02-27 | Shiroki Corporation | Vehicular shutter device |
AT516173B1 (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2016-03-15 | Merlin Technology Gmbh | Device for air humidification in an air duct |
JP2016135636A (en) * | 2015-01-23 | 2016-07-28 | シロキ工業株式会社 | Shutter device for vehicle |
JP2016137747A (en) * | 2015-01-26 | 2016-08-04 | シロキ工業株式会社 | Manufacturing method of shutter device for vehicle |
US9708792B2 (en) * | 2015-04-27 | 2017-07-18 | Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. | Construction machine having cooling function |
US10471822B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2019-11-12 | Weidplas Gmbh | Ventilation flap assembly for a vehicle |
FR3042031B1 (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2020-01-17 | Renault S.A.S. | "HEAT EXCHANGER FOR COOLING THE CHARGING AIR OF AN ENGINE, ESPECIALLY A MOTOR VEHICLE" |
US9956866B2 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2018-05-01 | Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, Llc | Active grille shutter |
JP6448507B2 (en) * | 2015-10-20 | 2019-01-09 | ヤンマー株式会社 | Work vehicle |
US9616742B1 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2017-04-11 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Vehicle grill shutter system |
US9958219B2 (en) * | 2015-11-20 | 2018-05-01 | Denso International America, Inc. | Heat exchanger and dynamic baffle |
US20180370348A1 (en) * | 2015-12-09 | 2018-12-27 | Denso Corporation | Cooling device |
DE102015016812A1 (en) * | 2015-12-23 | 2017-06-29 | Audi Ag | Intercooler for an internal combustion engine and method for operating a charge air cooler |
DE112016006548T5 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2018-12-06 | Denso Corporation | Air ejector |
DE102016006531A1 (en) * | 2016-05-27 | 2017-11-30 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Radiator unit for a motor vehicle |
US9975421B2 (en) * | 2016-07-18 | 2018-05-22 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Heated vehicle shutter |
US10166857B2 (en) * | 2016-10-06 | 2019-01-01 | Hyundai Motor Company | Two-way motion type active air flap system and vehicle having the same |
KR101866064B1 (en) * | 2016-10-10 | 2018-06-08 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Cross Fan Engine Room Air Blower Syatem |
FR3061953B1 (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2019-09-13 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | THERMAL EXCHANGER AND ASSOCIATED TUBE |
US10809021B2 (en) * | 2016-12-08 | 2020-10-20 | Hamilton Sunstrand Corporation | Heat exchanger with sliding aperture valve |
DE102016015116A1 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2018-06-21 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Radiator and damper assembly therefor |
DE102017200624A1 (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2018-07-19 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Heat exchanger device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, and vehicle with such a heat exchanger device |
DE102017000401A1 (en) * | 2017-01-18 | 2018-07-19 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Locking system, in particular for a motor vehicle |
-
2017
- 2017-02-16 EP EP17275021.8A patent/EP3364121A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2018
- 2018-01-25 US US15/879,768 patent/US20180231335A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1775041A (en) * | 1925-02-21 | 1930-09-02 | Karmazin John | Radiator |
GB634608A (en) * | 1946-10-23 | 1950-03-15 | Andre Huet | Improvements in or relating to tubular heat exchange apparatus |
DE2161604A1 (en) * | 1971-12-11 | 1973-06-14 | Linde Ag | Plate heat exchanger - esp with water cooling,for turbo compressor after-cooler |
EP0094987A2 (en) * | 1982-04-28 | 1983-11-30 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Steam generator flow control device |
US20100300647A1 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2010-12-02 | Hans-Ulrich Steurer | Heat exchanger |
WO2016062382A1 (en) * | 2014-10-21 | 2016-04-28 | Daimler Ag | Grille for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle as well as a vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20180231335A1 (en) | 2018-08-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10107555B1 (en) | Heat exchanger assembly | |
US8446725B2 (en) | Airflow control in an electronic chassis | |
JP5847913B1 (en) | Heat exchanger | |
US10011362B2 (en) | Aircraft outer skin heat exchanger, aircraft cooling system and method for operating an aircraft outer skin heat exchanger | |
US10443959B2 (en) | Integral heat exchanger manifold guide vanes and supports | |
US10371053B2 (en) | Microchannel heat exchangers for gas turbine intercooling and condensing | |
US20170089643A1 (en) | Heat Exchanger | |
US20080302716A1 (en) | Hollow Fiber Membrane Module and Method for Making Thereof | |
US20210229013A1 (en) | High pressure water extraction device with shave off edge that feeds a low pressure chamber and internal helix feature to improve water collection and drainage | |
CN104791020A (en) | Gas turbine blade with longitudinal crossed rib cooling structure | |
US20110303398A1 (en) | Surface cooler with noise reduction | |
US20210041188A1 (en) | Turning vanes and heat exchangers and methods of making the same | |
US20170205156A1 (en) | Heat exchangers | |
US20160377350A1 (en) | Optimized plate fin heat exchanger for improved compliance to improve thermal life | |
ITRM970793A1 (en) | HEAT EXCHANGER FOR AN AIR CONDITIONER | |
KR20190019141A (en) | Non-contact support platform with edge lifting | |
EP3167954B1 (en) | Static mixer | |
EP3364121A1 (en) | Flow guide for heat exchanger | |
CN110392769B (en) | Cooling structure of turbine blade | |
US20160305719A1 (en) | Inline Cross Flow Heat Exchangers | |
SE456449B (en) | Heat exchanger working by natural convection | |
JP2014137219A (en) | Cooler | |
US20190086156A1 (en) | Cross-flow plate heat and/or moisture exchanger | |
CN109780565B (en) | Flue assembly | |
CN105431022B (en) | Cooling system and the electronic equipment with the cooling system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20190222 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20210809 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R079 Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: F24F0013150000 Ipc: F24F0013080000 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F28D 9/00 20060101ALI20231027BHEP Ipc: F28F 9/02 20060101ALI20231027BHEP Ipc: F28F 13/06 20060101ALI20231027BHEP Ipc: F24F 13/08 20060101AFI20231027BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20231113 |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: MCCORMICK, JOHN |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20240314 |