Axial flow heat exchanger devices and methods for heat transfer using axial flow devices
| DWPI Title: Method for transferring heat between stationary structure and unitary structure, involves transferring heat across gas-filled gap defined between finned structure and stationary structure in inward radial direction |
| Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to rotary heat exchangers configured to transfer heat to a heat transfer medium flowing in substantially axial direction within the heat exchangers. Exemplary heat exchangers include a heat conducting structure which is configured to be in thermal contact with a thermal load or a thermal sink, and a heat transfer structure rotatably coupled to the heat conducting structure to form a gap region between the heat conducting structure and the heat transfer structure, the heat transfer structure being configured to rotate during operation of the device and flow a heat transfer medium in a substantially axial direction through the heat transfer structure. In example devices heat may be transferred across the gap region from a heated axial flow of the heat transfer medium to a cool stationary heat conducting structure, or from a heated stationary conducting structure to a cool axial flow of the heat transfer medium. |
| Use: Method for transferring heat between a stationary structure and a finned structure i.e. unitary structure, operable to rotate relative to the stationary structure by axial flow heat exchangers in an internal combustion engine and in mechanical systems e.g. heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, used in applications. Uses include but are not limited to an indoor or automotive environment, power plants, chemical plants, petroleum refineries, natural gas processing and sewage treatment. |
| Advantage: The method enables using a torque-limiting clutch to limit transmission of maximum torque from a motor to a rotating heat transfer structure to prevent increase in angular velocity, thus preventing increase in centrifugal deformation. The method enables placing a thermal load inside a heat pipe cavity to reduce or eliminate problems related to establishing and maintaining a low thermal-resistance interface between heat loads and heat conducting structures. |
| Novelty: The method involves rotating a finned structure relative to a stationary structure. A heat transfer medium is flowed through the finned structure and along a longitudinal axis of the finned structure, where the finned structure is in thermal contact with the stationary structure which is configured to function as one of a heat source (Q) or a heat sink. Heat is transferred across a gas-filled gap defined between the finned structure and the stationary structure in an inward radial direction. |
| Filed: 1/6/2016 |
| Application Number: US14989603A |
| Tech ID: SD 11892.3 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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