Axial flow heat exchanger devices and methods for heat transfer using axial flow devices
| DWPI Title: Heat exchanger e.g. condenser used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, has heat transfer structure that is rotatably coupled to heat conducting structure to form gas-filled gap region |
| 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. 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: Heat exchanger such as condenser and evaporator coil used in HVAC system. Can also be used in internal combustion engine, computing system, power plant, chemical plant, petroleum refineries plant, natural gas processing plant and sewage treatment plant. |
| Advantage: The gas in the gas-filled gap can be maintained at pressure having sufficient magnitude to counteract or balance forces that can be applied to the rotating surface during rotation of the heat transfer structure. The contact between primary surface of the heat conducting structure and secondary surface of the heat transfer structure can be prevented by the use of bearing structure. The internal thermal resistance of the heat transfer structure can be reduced. The need for wicking materials or structures can be eliminated, so that cost of the exchanger can be reduced. |
| Novelty: The heat exchanger has a heat conducting structure (110) whose primary surface is located radially about the center axis. A heat transfer structure (120) is rotatably coupled to the heat conducting structure to form a gas-filled gap region (105) between primary surface of the heat conducting structure and secondary surface of the heat transfer structure. The heat transfer structure transfers heat across the gas-filled gap region, while rotating about the center axis to generate flow of heat transfer medium along an axial direction. |
| Filed: 3/1/2012 |
| Application Number: US13409956A |
| Tech ID: SD 11892.1 |
| 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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