HEAT EXCHANGING SYSTEM

Abstract

A heat exchanger includes an inlet header and an outlet header in fluid communication with the inlet header. A conduit is disposed between the inlet header and the outlet header and has an inner surface and an outer surface. A turbulator is positioned in the conduit for disrupting flow of fluid within the conduit. A heat dispersing member is provide on the outer surface of the conduit.

Description

BACKGROUND

Heat exchanging systems or radiators utilize coolant that is circulated via tubes to absorb heat generated in equipment such as engines. The heat absorbed by the coolant is dissipated to the atmosphere by forced circulation of atmospheric air. Effective extraction of heat can increase the cooling efficiency and also prevent damage to heat generating units, particularly in vehicle engines.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a heat exchanger includes an inlet header and an outlet header in fluid communication with the inlet header. A conduit is disposed between the inlet header and the outlet header and has an inner surface and an outer surface. A turbulator is positioned in the conduit for disrupting flow of fluid within the conduit. A heat dispersing member is provide on the outer surface of the conduit.

According to another embodiment, a heat exchanger includes an inlet header and an outlet header in fluid communication with the inlet header. A plurality of conduits are disposed between the inlet header and the outlet header and has an inner surface and an outer surface. A turbulator is positioned in the conduit for disrupting flow of fluid within the conduit. A heat dispersing member is provide on the outer surface of the conduit.

According to a further embodiment, a vehicle system includes an engine and a fluid for extracting heat from the engine. A heat exchanging system cools the fluid. The heat exchanging system includes a conduit, a turbulator positioned in the conduit for disrupting the flow of fluid within the conduit, and a heat dispersing member provided on an outer surface of the conduit;. A pump transfers fluid that has extracted heat from the engine to the heat exchanging system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects and features of various exemplary embodiments will be more apparent from the description of those exemplary embodiments taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary heat exchanging system in accordance with an embodiment including conduits;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a heat exchanging system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line X-X;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary tube of the heat exchanging system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial, sectional view of the conduits and turbulators of the heat exchanging systems of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary heat dispersing member;

FIG. 7 is a partial view of an outer surface of a conduit having an exemplary heat dispersing member;

FIG. 8 is a partial view of an outer surface of a conduit having another exemplary heat dispersing member;

FIG. 9 is a partial view of another exemplary heat dispersing member; and

FIG. 10 is an exemplary circuit for circulation of the coolant through the heat exchanging system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

Effective extraction of heat helps increase the cooling efficiency and prevent damage to heat generating units, particularly in vehicle engines. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanging system 10a and FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanging system 10b. The heat exchanging systems 10a, 10b have an inlet header 15a, 15b for receiving a fluid at a first temperature and an outlet header 16a, 16b for discharging the fluid at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art when viewing this disclosure, the heat exchanging systems 10a, 10b and other exemplary embodiments can be used with an off-road vehicle, an on road vehicle, or any other system requiring cooling of fluid from a high temperature to a lower temperature. Further, although the embodiments of the heat exchanging systems 10a, 10b are described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one skilled in the art will understand that other embodiments and combinations of the illustrated embodiments are also possible.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanging systems 10a, 10b of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a plurality of conduits 12a, 12b in fluid communication with the inlet headers 15a, 15b and the outlet header s16a, 16b. For example, the conduits 12a, 12b can physically extend between the inlet headers 15a, 15b and outlet headers 16a, 16b. In certain embodiments, a sealed connection is provided between the conduits 12a, 12b and the inlet headers 15a, 15b and outlet headers 16a, 16b. The conduits 12a, 12b can include an inner surface and an outer surface. Certain embodiments may also use an inner wall and an outer wall.

The heat transferred to the walls of the conduits 12a, 2b, from the fluid flowing therethrough is dissipated to the surrounding environment of the heat exchanging system 10a, 10b via the conduit outer surface. The conduit outer surface can be plain or include one or more surface features, for example a plurality of heat dispersing members 14a, 14b to help facilitate dissipating the fluid's heat.

In an exemplary embodiment, the conduits 12a, 12b of the heat exchanging system 10a, 10b include one or more turbulators or turbulence creating members. The turbulence creating members do not have to create turbulence in all or any conditions, but can merely disrupt or alter fluid flow. The turbulence creating members can be positioned or mounted within the conduits 12a, 12b. The turbulence creating members are connected or mounted such that at least part of the fluid flowing through the conduits 12a, 12b at least partially flows through the turbulence creating members. For example, the fluid from the inlet header 15a, 15b flows to the outlet header 16a, 16b via the conduits 12a, 12b at least partially through the turbulence creating members. The turbulence creating member occupies a portion of the conduit 12a, 12b thereby defining a space within the conduits 12a, 12b to allow for the fluid to flow therethrough. The alteration or disruption of fluid flow through the conduits 12a, 12b helps facilitate the mixing of fluid and can lead to heat dissipation from the fluid to the wall of the conduits 12a, 12b.

FIGS. 2-4 show an exemplary embodiment of a turbulence creating member that includes a tube 18 having a one or more flow restrictors 22 and one or more apertures 24 extending through the outer surface. Although the term tube is used, the shape need not have a cylindrical cross section and can be changed as needed. The tubes 18 are positioned in the conduits 12a, 12b in a concentric configuration, an eccentric configuration, or a staggered configuration. A space 17 is defined between the tubes 18 and the conduits 12a, 12b. FIG. 3 shows the tubes 18 arranged in a concentric configuration, with one or more tubes 18 concentric with each associated conduit 12a, 12b. In an eccentric configuration, one or more tubes 18 are arranged in an off-center configuration with respect to the center of the conduits 12a, 12b. In the staggered configuration, one or more he tubes 18 are not arranged in a particular order. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the tubes 18 have substantially equal length to the conduits 12a, 12b. In alternative embodiments the size, shape, length, and position of the tubes 18 can be varied.

The flow restrictors 22 are positioned in the tubes 18, for example provided at intervals along the length of the tubes 18 and also at either ends of the tubes 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the flow restrictors 22 include a perforated plate, as best shown in FIG. 4. Other types of flow restrictors can be used including a blind plate, a plate having a single aperture, a partial plate, or any combination thereof. The term plate is used generally, as the flow restrictor 22 need not be limited to any particular shape.

The apertures 24 can be positioned in a predefined pattern or randomly placed along the tube 18. In the exemplary embodiment show in FIGS. 3 and 4, the apertures include substantially circular openings and substantially oblong openings. The oblong openings are positioned adjacent or near the flow restrictors 22. In alternative embodiments, different size, shape, spacing, and configuration of apertures 24 can be used.

The flow restrictor 22 acts as a constrictor or blockage along the path of the fluid flowing through the tubes 18 and can provide a back pressure to the fluid flowing therethrough. Under certain conditions this back pressure causes the fluid flowing through the tubes 18 to flow into the annular space 17 through the apertures 24, altering or disrupting the flow of the fluid and potentially causing turbulence. The altered flow causes mixing of the fluids and increases heat transfer from the fluid to the walls of the conduits 12a, 12b.

FIG. 5 shows another exemplary turbulence creating member in the form of baffles 26 that can be provided along the length of the conduits 12a, 12b. The baffles 26 extend from the inner wall of the conduits 12a, 12b in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central axis of the conduits 12a, 12b, although the baffles 26 can also be angled obliquely. The baffles 26 also alter or disrupt flow and can create turbulence within the fluid flowing through the conduits 12a, 12b. The baffles 26 can include openings, for example perforations or they can have an unbroken surface. The disruption or turbulence created by the baffles 26 causes mixing of the fluids which results in transferring of heat from the fluid to the walls of the conduits 12a, 12b.

The exterior of the conduits 12a, 12b can include heat dispersing members 14a, 14b to help transfer heat to the atmosphere. The heat dispersing members 14a, 14b can include one or more fins extending from each of the conduits 12a, 12b although in alternative embodiments not all conduits need to include heat dispersing members 14a, 14b. Although depicted as substantially perpendicular to the outer wall of the conduits 12a, 12b, the heat dispersing members 14a, 14b may also extend at an oblique angle. The heat dispersing members 14a, 14b can be a profiled projection, a plurality of discreet members configured, or other heat dissipating structure on the outer surface of the conduits 12a, 12b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heat dispersing members 14a can include one or more fins having a length equal to the length of the conduit 12a. In alternative embodiments, the fins can be circumferentially arranged on the outer wall of the conduits 12a in a staggered configuration. The fins extend substantially planar across the conduits 12a, although curved, for example helically extending fins can also be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heat dispersing members 14b can include one or more discs extending along each conduit 12b. An example of the disc heat dispersing members 14b is shown in FIG. 6. The disc is configured to be mounted on the outer wall of the conduits 12a, 12b. The disc shaped heat dispersing members 14b include a planar surface 29 and one or more projections 30, extending from the planar surface 29. FIG. 6 shows a series of concentric curvilinear projections 30, although other sizes, shapes, spacing and configurations of projections can be used.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show alternative embodiments of heat dispersing members 14c, 14d that can be used with the heat exchanging systems 10a, 10b. These heat dispersing members 14c, 14d include one or more fins radially extending from the outer wall of the conduits 12a, 12b. FIG. 7 illustrates rectilinear fins while FIG. 8 illustrates curvilinear fins. Other sizes, shapes, spacing, and configurations of fins can be used.

FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of heat dispersing members 14e that extend from the conduits 12a, 12b and include one or more openings 28. The openings 28 can alternatively be positioned in or through the conduits 12a, 12b, for example in an outer wall. The heat dispersing members 14e can be arranged in a staggered manner to help disrupt flow or create turbulence in the air surrounding the heat exchanging system 10a, 10b. The size, shape, and configurations of the openings 28 can also be varied to disrupt flow or cause turbulence.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary circuit for circulation of the fluid, typically coolant. The circuit illustrated in FIG. 10 is described with reference to heat exchanging system 10b illustrated in FIG. 2, however it is understood that the described principles can be used with the heat exchanging system 10a illustrated in FIG. 1 or other heat exchanging systems.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cooled fluid from the outlet header 16b flows into a first fluid tank 32. The fluid coming from the outlet header 16b has a reduced temperature as compared to the heat generated by the engine 33. The fluid from the first fluid tank 32 is circulated through the engine 33 to extract heat therefrom. The temperature of the fluid increases after extraction of heat from the engine 33 to a first temperature. This first temperature is higher than a second temperature which represents the temperature of the fluid in the first fluid tank 32 where the fluid is contained after leaving the heat exchanging system 10b. The fluid at the first temperature flows into a second fluid tank 36 and is pumped back to the heat exchanging system 10b by a fluid pump 38. Before entering the heat exchanging system 10b, the fluid is passed through an orifice 40 via a valve 42. It is understood that the circuit for circulation of fluid, as illustrated in FIG. 10, is variable as required.

In an alternative embodiment, a determination may be made on whether to pass the fluid to the heat exchanging system 10b or to the engine 33. If the temperature of the fluid leaving the second fluid tank 36 is below a certain temperature, the flow of the fluid is directed towards the engine 33 by the valve 42 while by-passing the heat exchanging system 10b. On the other hand, if the temperature of the fluid is above a certain temperature, the flow of the fluid is directed towards the heat exchanging system 10b by the valve 42.

In various exemplary embodiments, the heat exchanging systems 10a, 10b illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are relatively stationary. In various alternative embodiments, each of the conduits 12a, 12b are rotatable about their respective axis while being supported between the inlet header 15a, 15b and the outlet header 16a, 16b. The conduits 12a, 12b can be mounted with a rotatable connection, for example a rotary joint or bearing.

In accordance with another alternative embodiment, the heat exchanging system 10a, 10b is rotated about an axis. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the heat exchanging system 10a can include or be connected to a pair of rotary joints 34 at either end so that all the conduits 12a can be rotated together. In other embodiments the turbulence creating members may be rotatably connected or free floating in the conduits 12a, 12b.

Rotation of individual conduits 12a and 12b, the turbulence creating members, or the heat exchanging system 10a, 10b can help increase disruption and turbulence in the surrounding air and/or fluid in the system. This disruption leads to forced circulation of atmospheric air, and it can eliminate the need to supply forced air, for example from a draft fan to circulate air and dissipate heat from the coolant to the atmosphere. The rotation of each of the conduits 12a, 12b or rotation of the cooling system 10a, 10b by the rotating joint 34, illustrated in FIG. 1, can be caused by a driving arrangement 35, such as, a rope and pulley arrangement, a belt and pulley arrangement and the like. The driving arrangement can be powered by the engine 33. Alternatively, the driving arrangement is powered by an additional power means. Appropriate sealing arrangement can be provided to prevent leakage of the fluid in the heat exchanging systems 10a, 10b depending on the application.

Accordingly, certain embodiments enable a system that can eliminate or reduce the use of a fan for forcing atmospheric air over the heat exchanging system 10a, 10b to extract heat from the fluid flowing therethrough. The exemplary embodiments can also provide a heat exchanging system 10a, 10b that eliminates or reduces choking problems present in conventional radiators. Certain exemplary embodiments can also enable a reduction in the cost of operating the cooling system. Furthermore, existing cooling systems can be retrofit with the heat exchanging systems 10a, 10b in accordance with the present disclosure.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the general principles and practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present application to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A heat exchanging system comprising:

an inlet header;

an outlet header in fluid communication with the inlet header;

a conduit disposed between the inlet header and the outlet header having an inner surface and an outer surface;

a turbulator positioned in the conduit for disrupting the flow of fluid within the conduit; and

a heat dispersing member provided on the outer surface of the conduit.

2. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the turbulator is positioned in the conduit in one of a concentric configuration and an eccentric configuration.

3. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the turbulator includes a tube having a plurality of apertures.

4. The heat exchanging system of claim 3, wherein the apertures include substantially circular openings and substantially oblong openings.

5. The heat exchanging system of claim 3, wherein the turbulator includes a flow restrictor.

6. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the turbulator includes a baffle positioned on the inner surface.

7. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the heat dispersing member includes a projection extending along the length of the conduit.

8. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the heat dispersing member includes a plurality of discrete projections.

9. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the heat dispersing member is substantially perpendicular to the conduit.

10. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the heat dispersing member includes a curvilinear projection.

11. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the heat dispersing member includes one or more openings.

12. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the conduit is rotatable with respect to the inlet and outlet headers.

13. The heat exchanging system of claim 1, wherein the inlet header, outlet header, and conduit are rotatable about an axis.

14. A heat exchanging system comprising:

an inlet header;

an outlet header in fluid communication with the inlet header;

a plurality of conduits disposed between the inlet header and the outlet header having an inner surface and an outer surface;

a turbulator positioned in at least one of the conduits for disrupting the flow of fluid within the conduit; and

a heat dispersing member provided on the outer surface of the conduit.

15. The heat exchanging system of claim 14, wherein a sealed connection is made between the conduits and the inlet and outlet headers.

16. The heat exchanging system of claim 14, wherein one of the conduits includes two turbulence members.

17. The heat exchanging system of claim 14, wherein the conduits are rotatably connected to the inlet and outlet headers.

18. The heat exchanging system of claim 14, wherein a space is defined between the conduit and the turbulator.

19. An vehicle system comprising:

an engine;

a fluid for extracting heat from the engine;

a heat exchanging system for cooling the fluid including a conduit, a turbulator positioned in the conduit for disrupting the flow of fluid within the conduit, and a heat dispersing member provided on an outer surface of the conduit; and

a pump for transferring fluid that has extracted heat from the engine to the heat exchanging system.

20. The vehicle system of claim 19, wherein

fluid is transferred to the heat exchanging system after extracting heat from the engine if the fluid is above a first temperature and fluid is transferred back to the engine if it is below a first temperature.