Abstract: A fixed regenerative heat exchanger is provided, which consists of a heat exchange unit which is divided into two compartments, horizontally at both end sections and vertically at a middle section. A heat exchange matrix is housed in the middle section. Two sets of flow-switching dampers are also provided, with each set located between one end section and the middle section. In a first flow configuration, the two sets of dampers are arranged to allow hot air to flow through a left side of the middle section, while cold air flows through a right side of the middle section. In a second flow configuration, the two sets of dampers are arranged to allow hot air to flow through a right side of the middle section, while cold air flows through a left side of the middle section.

Abstract: Ventilation device with a heat exchange element, preferably for arrangement in an outer wall (13) of premises which are to be ventilated with balanced volumes of ambient air (15). The ventilation device comprises a pair of air flow passages (23A,23B) each including two separate ventilation tubes (16,19) aligned in the direction of air flow, with generally identical heat exchange elements (18,22) at the ends thereof. A fan (24A,24B) is located centrally between the two heat exchange elements in each passage.

Abstract: A computer cooling system provides a more efficient means of cooling, resulting in lower average temperatures and better reliability for the system. It comprises of a rotating baffle or set of baffles, and a formed enclosure. The enclosure accepts cooling fluid in a direction that is parallel to one of its walls. The enclosure is such that a recirculating airflow pattern is set up in its cavity. As the baffle rotates the direction of fluid flow reverses itself in the cavity of the enclosure. The turbulence created by such a system greatly enhances the rate of heat transfer on the components within the enclosure. The exact dimensions of the baffle, and frequency with which it oscillates will depend on the specific system.

Abstract: Various heat exchange apparatuses are described in which an oscillating flow of primary coolant is used to dissipate an incident heat flux. The oscillating flow may be imparted by a reciprocating piston, a double action twin reciprocating piston, fluidic oscillators or electromagnetic pumps. The oscillating fluid flows through at least one conduit in either an open loop or a closed loop. A secondary flow of coolant may be used to flow over the outer walls of at least one conduit to remove heat transferred from the primary coolant to the walls of the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dehumidifying air includes a duct with at least four ports, two at each end. The ports are regulated by valves that are biased in the closed position. A desiccant containing matrix is disposed within the duct. One or more fans are adapted to produce substantially axial air flow in two directions through the duct: a first direction during a regeneration phase of the dehumidifying cycle and a second direction during a process phase of the dehumidifying cycle. In the process direction, air from the enclosure enters one end of the duct, passes through the desiccant containing matrix where moisture is absorbed by the matrix and exits through the opposite end of the duct back to the enclosure. The air is thus at a lower relative humidity when it leaves the apparatus.

Abstract: A self-cleaning heat exchanger (10) has a reversible fan (12) located between two tube banks (14, 16) with a pressure switch (24) connected thereto. The fan (12) rotates in one direction blowing across the first tube bank (14) and drawing air over the second tube bank (16). The pressure switch and fan are interconnected by two relays (28, 30). When the refrigerant pressure in the tube banks exceeds the threshold pressure, the relay (28) is closed and grounded and electric current flows through the relay (30). The change in direction of current flow will reverse the polarity of the windings in motor (13) and thus the rotation of the motor (13) and the fan (12) thereby reversing air flow to remove debris from one tube bank while withdrawing heat from the other without loss of cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A condenser for a refrigerator and a method of operating the condenser, in which heat exchanger tubes for cooling the condenser each have brush receivers and cooling water inlet/outlet ports at both ends thereof, one of the brush receivers accommodating a brush for washing the tube, and cooling water supply and discharge pipes are connected to the cooling water inlet/outlet ports, respectively, through a four-way valve. When the condenser is to be cooled, the opening of the four-way valve is controlled on the basis of the pressure in the condenser or the temperature of the cooling water being discharged to thereby control the flow rate of cooling water supplied to the heat exchanger tubes, whereas when the heat exchanger tubes are to be washed, the four-way valve is switched so as to change the direction of flow in the heat exchanger tubes, thereby allowing the brush to travel through the tubes automatically, and thus automatically washing the inside of the tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which combines in a single, relatively compact housing the necessary components to efficiently exchange stale room air with fresh outside air. The apparatus includes a single, continuous duct having openings at each end. A heat storing matrix is disposed within the duct. A fan is also placed within the duct. The fan is capable of producing a substantially axial air flow through the duct. The fan is moveable between two positions: a first position wherein air flow is in a direction from the first end to the second end of the duct and a second position wherein air flow is reversed. The apparatus includes means for moving the fan from the first position to the second position such as a solenoid.

Abstract: A liquid heating or cooling circulator in which a liquid such as liquid egg is heated and cooled and flows easily and which is easily cleaned. The circulator includes a casing which holds a number of vertically disposed pipes held between upper and lower holding plates. The interior surfaces of the pipes is an aluminum alloy for corrosion resistance. A circulating pumps and valves are provided so as to circulate the liquid egg or other liquid through the pipes in the casing.

Abstract: A thermal insulating shade for interior use comprises at least one envelope with substantially parallel side panels which hold insulating air therebetween, at least one of the side panels having a highly reflective surface for reflecting away the sun's heat in summer, and, by reversing the shade, retaining interior heat in winter. The shade may be mounted in spaced relationship to any inadequately insulated interior surface such as a window, roof or door of a building or automobile. The shade envelope may have its air space filled with static air with or without porous insulating foam, or controlled air movement through the shade may be provided. Alternatively, the insulating shade may be formed of two envelopes, one inside the other, or of twin envelopes having a common center wall therebetween; in these embodiments, air may be pumped alternately into and removed from each envelope in turn to provide enhanced insulating effectiveness.

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle has a housing (1) accommodating an evaporator (2) and a heater (3) which are connected to a compressor and to an engine cooling system, respectively, and a fan (7) and controlled gates (9, 13) of hot and cool air ducts (8, 12). The evaporator 2 and heater (3) are in the form of a stack of alternating heat exchange plates having passages 4, 5 for a heat carrier. An auxiliary controlled gate (14) of the hot air duct (8) is provided between the fan (7) and the stack of the heat exchange plates for movement between two positions. The gate shuts off a part of the surface of the stack of the heat exchange plates in the first position, and in the second position, the gate uncovers the entire surface of the stack of the heat exchange plates. The invention may be used in self-propelled vehicles.

Abstract: A heat exchanger suitable for placing air and cold hydrogen in heat exchanger relationship with each other comprises two concentric annular arrays of header tubes, all the header tubes in the radially outer array being in flow communication with a first manifold while half of the header tubes in the radially inner array are in flow communication with a second manifold and the remainder are in flow communication with a third manifold. Heat exchange pipes interconnect the various header tubes and air flows over those pipes. Various valves and pipes are provided and are operable to ensure that the heat exchanger functions in two modes of operation; a first in which cold hydrogen flows through all the heat exchange pipes in a single direction and a second in which the cold hydrogen flows through alternate heat exchange pipes in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for ventilation, recovery of heat, dehumidification and cooling of air or industrial gases for use in industrial processes and in air conditioning of residential, commercial and industrial building comprises a highly effective valveless periodic flow type dehumidifier-heat exchanger in which a countercurrent flow of two gaseous streams through a stationary matrix of a desiccant and a solid heat exchanging material is achieved by an air fan controlled by a variable timer controller. The stationary matrix may include a single bed or two beds of solid materials with distinguished mositure and heat sorption properties, a heater and a wet filter to provide simultaneously an effective transfer of heat and moisture, removal of particulates and adiabatic cooling of the two gaseous streams.The released sorption heat is temporarily stored within the matrix material and then used in reactivation of the desiccant.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use where any of a number of possible configurations of ductwork are possible, includes an approximately rectangular housing having a first panel with a surface area and with four corners including a first and a second corner situated diagonally opposite one another, and a third and fourth corner situated diagonally opposite one another. A heat exchanger is coupled to the panel situated approximately diagonally within the housing spanning from approximately the third corner to the fourth corner such that the housing is partitioned into a first chamber adjacent the first corner and a second chamber adjacent the second corner. A first duct is situated near the first corner on the first panel and occupying less than approximately 1/4 of the surface area, for coupling air to the first chamber. A second duct is situated near the second corner on the first panel and occupying less than approximately 1/4 of the surface area, for coupling air from the second chamber.

Abstract: System and method for controlling flow rate of a fluid through a tube of a heat exchanger, such as through condenser or evaporator tubes disposed within a respective condenser or evaporator in a refrigerator. Flow direction of fluid through the tube is reversed, e.g. by way of a directional control valve, which can move a brush disposed within the tube therethrough, to automatically clean the same. The system and method is capable of increasing the flow rate of the fluid through the tube at or during the flow directional change, to ensure, e.g., that a minimum velocity required to move the cleaning brush through the tube is reached.

Abstract: A process of heating parts of a double band press used in pressing a material moving through the press involves heating a heat transfer medium and flowing it through the press parts in a first direction and, at specific time intervals, reversing the direction of flow so that it passes in the opposite direction. By periodically reversing the direction of flow, differential thermal expansion is avoided within the press parts. In a device for carrying out the proces, a supply line and a return line are connected to a device for heating the return heat transfer medium. A reversing valve is connected to the supply and return line so that the direction of flow of the heat transfer medium through the press parts can be reversed for providing a balanced heating effect.

Abstract: System and method for controlling flow rate of a fluid through a tube of a heat exchanger, such as through condenser or evaporator tubes disposed within a respective condenser or evaporator in a refrigerator. Flow direction of fluid through the tube is reversed, e.g. by way of a directional control valve, which can move a brush disposed within the tube therethrough, to automatically clean the same. The system and method is capable of increasing the flow rate of the fluid through the tube at or during the flow directional change, to ensure, e.g., that a minimum velocity required to move the cleaning brush through the tube is reached.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling electrochemical fuel cell system components. Periodic reversal of the direction of flow of cooling fluid through a fuel cell stack provides greater uniformity and cell operational temperatures. Flow direction through a recirculating coolant fluid circuit is reversed through a two position valve, without requiring modulation of the pumping component.

Abstract: A heat exchanging system including a heat exchanger element formed by stacking, in predetermined spaced relation, a plurality of thermally conductive partition plates, primary and secondary air streams being allowed to alternately flow through laminar spaces between the partition plates, and heat exchange being effected between the primary and secondary air streams while the primary and secondary air streams are cyclically switched. In accordance with different embodiments, the partition plates may be impermeable to moisture and be capable of accumulating moisture, (b) be moisture transmissive and hygroscopic, or (c) be impermeable to moisture and have no capability of accumulating moisture.

Abstract: A cooling device for use in ale coolers, automatic beverage machines, air-conditioning apparatus or the like, said cooling device mainly comprising a series-connected evaporator 3, a compressor 4, a lamella condensor 5 and an air displacing member 6 for generating a cooling air stream P along the condensor lamellae, wherein means, such as a polarity commutating electric motor or flaps, for inverting the direction of flow of the cooling air along the condensor lamellae at periodical intervals in order to blow back the dust deposited on the lamellae and to conduct it to the outside.

Abstract: Heat exchangers are placed in heat exchange relationship with each of an incoming and exhaust airstream and connected by a supply and return conduit. A pump is placed in the conduit from a reservoir or receiver adjacent the cooler of the two airstreams to the warmer of the two airstreams.

Abstract: In a space shuttle, payloads are individually temperature controlled by means of a liquid control loop in heat exchange relationship with both the payload and a radiator or shuttle cold plate. The liquid pump is driven at a variable speed to control the heat transferred between the load and the radiator or cold plate, and the motor may be reversed to by-pass the radiator through check valves. The radiator includes heat pipes seated in elongated, high thermal conductivity extrusions and retained therein by elongated springs. The motor is a brushless DC motor isolated from the pump by a magnetic clutch and thermal isolator. The motor is driven by a digital circuit which provides a single pulse to each set of windings during each energizing time frame. The width of that pulse is modulated to provide for speed control. Pulse width modulation is by means of a one-shot, the pulse duration of which is controlled by a speed control signal.

Abstract: An air supply and return system for heating and cooling a room, including an air flow loop having a first set of openings positioned high in a wall of the room (high vents) and a second set of openings positioned low in a wall of the room (low vents). The air flow loop includes a reversible air moving device, heating and cooling coils, and ducts connecting the reversible air moving device, filters, and the heating and cooling coils to the high vents and the low vents. During the cooling cycle, air is withdrawn from the room through the low vents, circulated with high air flow by the air mover through the ducts, filter, and the cooling coils, and discharged to the room from the high vents. During the heating cycle the air mover, and thereby the direction of air flow within the duct system, is reversed.

Abstract: A temperable container with a heat-insulating jacket completely enclosing a tank supported in the container with predetermined passages between the tank and the jacket for conducting a heat transfer medium in forced circulation around the entire outer surface of the tank. An inlet and outlet pass through the jacket to connect to external equipment for supplying the heat transfer medium, and to avoid a short circuit flow from inlet to outlet a partition is provided in the container and has at least one throttleable bypass opening the throttle position of which can be adjusted by a programmable control.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus for use with a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchange tubes. The flow control apparatus comprises a housing; and the housing is divided into a first compartment for communication with a first set of heat exchanger tubes, a second compartment for communication with a second set of heat exchange tubes, an inlet compartment for connection to an external fluid source, and an outlet compartment for discharging fluid from the housing. First, second, third, and fourth ports are provided for transmitting fluid between, respectively, the first and outlet compartments, the first and inlet compartments, the second and inlet compartments, and the second and outlet compartments. The flow control apparatus further comprises a flow control gate having a normal flow position directing fluid through the second and fourth ports, and a reverse flow position directing fluid through the first and third ports.

Abstract: A solar energy collector wherein the absorber means comprises a black liquid absorber for converting solar energy to thermal energy and absorbing the thermal energy. The solar energy collector includes an upper cover having a plurality of raised chamber modules each having surfaces angularly disposed to the cover surface for collecting and transmitting solar energy to the black liquid absorber. Center plate means are provided for exposing the black liquid absorber to solar radiation and comprise a floating member having an upper and lower surface means transparent to solar energy and defining a plurality of upper and lower elongated channel means for circulating the black liquid absorber there within to provide a flow-return flow of the black liquid absorber thereby providing additional exposure to solar radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conversion of a substantially conventional gas fired furnace utilizing two or more of the clam shell-type heat exchanger cells, which is modified by converting one cell to a final stage counterflow heat exchanger for the hot gases of combustion, which modification incorporates directing the gases of combustion from the fired cells in a counterflow path through the non-fired cell by utilizing a positive displacement fan and then exhausting the gases of combustion. The modification eliminates the need for positive venting, while substantially increasing the operational efficiency of the furnace unit. The normal flue gas temperature in this type of furnace will be about 450.degree. F., while with the modification, the temperature will be reduced to less than about 200.degree. F. and efficiency will be increased by greater than 10 percent.

Abstract: Power generating plants discharge steam or hot water typically from a steam turbine to a condenser system for the purpose of cooling the discharged fluid prior to its being recirculated. The condenser system receives water from an ambient source pumped using a circulating water pump, said water being elevated to a temperature on the order of 115.degree. F. to 125.degree. F. upon passing through the condenser system. The condenser system can operate in basically two different states to provide either single pressure, single pass condenser operation when the waste hot water is discharged to the source and not used, or multi-pressure, multi-pass condenser operation to maintain an elevated hot water supply that is fed to a load (utilization equipment). Valve controls are provided for enabling serial-to-parallel and vice versa, switching between modes of operation without difficulties and with only a slight drop in load during the transition. The heated water is temperature controlled to the above mentioned range.

Abstract: A novel heat transfer element which permits simple, low-cost conversion of energy inefficient electrically heated water heaters to energy efficient potable-water storage tanks for storing water heated by energy-efficient gas-fired water heating systems.

Abstract: A heat exchanger wherein the hot and cold sides are arranged in side-by-side relationship, both sides being connected to a reactor by properly valved pipes, and means providing for a forward flow with reactor influent flowing through one side to the reactor and thermally conditioned liquid exiting from the reactor through the other side. Valves are selectively operable to reverse this flow.One form of the invention utilizes a pair of heat exchangers utilizing a third heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A heat exchanger or regenerator system useable in an air separation plant to minimize infiltration of air into the low pressure nitrogen stream comprising a heat exchanger (regenerator) having at least one flow path for the reversing heat exchange fluids, which flow path has at each end, an inlet branch and an outlet branch, wherein each branch has two series connected valves with a vent pipe between each pair of valves. Fluid flow through the vent pipe is controlled, e.g. by remotely actuable switch valves.

Abstract: Two evaporators are alternately fed with freon with subsequent timed reversal of the air flow thereabout so as to eliminate trouble resulting from coil-icing and to further increase the heat recovery of building heating systems.

Abstract: Recuperative heat exchangers are disposed in the supply and exhaust ducts of a ventilating system. To reduce frost build-up at the exit end of the exhaust-duct heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is disposed so that the exhaust air flows through it alternately from one end to the other, and vice-versa, when the temperature is below freezing. The reversal of flow of the exhaust air is accompanied by a reversal of the flow of heat exchange medium so that the efficiency of heat exchange is not adversely affected. Several systems of heat exchange are disclosed.

Abstract: An improvement in heat transfer and a reduction in fouling by liquid flowing inside of heat exchanger tubes is achieved by the apparatus and method of the present invention wherein the heat exchanger includes internally ridged or corrugated metal tubes rather than conventional plain tubes. Despite the formation of a normal appearing fouling layer on the downstream portion of a ridge, the ridged tubes remain relatively clear on the upstream portion of the ridge. Periodically, as the downstream portions of the tubing ridge surfaces build up a fouling coating, the flow direction of the tube side fluid is reversed to remove at least a substantial portion of the previously deposited coating.

Abstract: A vehicle engine radiator assembly has a radiator having first and second opposed surfaces, an inlet conduit, and an outlet conduit. A fluid coupling is connected to each conduit and is of a construction sufficient for pivotal movement of the radiator for controllably directing either the first or second surface outwardly from the vehicle. Means is provided for permitting pivotal movement of the radiator and maintaining the radiator fixed to the vehicle at a preselected position. The radiator is pivoted for changing the direction of air flow therethrough for removing dirt and other materials from the radiator.

Abstract: An air flow control mechanism for use in a radiator system of the type having a radiator core constructed from a plurality of parallel core sections which are equally spaced apart and aligned in a single row with the opposing faces of adjacent core sections being open to provide air flow passageways through each core sections at right angles to the cooling air directed at the front of the radiator core. The radiator air flow control mechanism comprises gate means operatively connected in each of the spaces between adjacent core sections to pivot between a first and second position, where the gate means in the first position directs the cooling air through each of the core sections' air flow passageways in one direction and where the gate means in the second position reverses the direction of flow through each of these passageways. A drive means is provided for reciprocally moving the gate means between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A heat exchanger or regenerator system useable in an air separation plant to minimize infiltration of air into the low pressure nitrogen stream comprising a heat exchanger (regenerator) having at least one flow path for the reversing heat exchange fluids, which flow path has at each end, an inlet branch and an outlet branch, wherein each branch has two series connected valves with a vent pipe between each pair of valves. Fluid flow through the vent pipe is controlled, e.g. by remotely actuable switch valves.

Abstract: In an ocean thermal energy conversion system utilizing solar energy stored as heat in tropical waters to generate electricity, the evaporating and condensing functions of the heat exchangers are interchanged in order to prevent the accumulation of micro-organisms on their surfaces. The surfaces of the heat exchangers are also mechanically brushed or scraped so as to remove any thin films of microbial slime. In order to remove additional micro-organisms from the surfaces of the heat exchangers, the flow of hot and cold sea water through each of the heat exchangers is interchanged preferably on a daily basis. Thus, micro-organisms from the warm surface waters that attach themselves to one heat exchanger surface will be destroyed by the cold water that flows through that heat exchanger on the next day. On the other hand, the organisms that live in the cold water at great depths cannot survive the next day's warm water environment which is caused by alternating the flow to the two heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in a reversible refrigeration system. The exchanger is divided into a plurality of heat transfer zones containing one or more circuits. Control means are provided to route refrigerant through each zone in a series progression when the heat exchanger is serving as a condenser. The flow geometry is automatically changed when the function of the exchanger is reversed from condenser to evaporator so that refrigerant flows simultaneously through each of the heat transfer zones.

Abstract: A reversible vapor compression system having control means associated therewith for automatically routing refrigerant through the heat exchangers in response to a system mode of operation to produce optimum system performance when the system is called upon to produce either heating or cooling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved method for automatically balancing the temperature of a plurality of reversing heat exchanger units provided in parallel relation with each other. The balancing method comprises the steps of: detecting the temperature in portions of each core of the reversing heat exchangers whenever the flow paths of a feed stream and a heat medium stream are changed over, calculating a mean temperature of each core from the said detected values during the most recent certain changeover period from the current time point, calculating a mean temperature for all exchangers from the said calculated mean temperatures of each core, calculating deviation and deviation trend in temperature of respective exchangers depending on a difference between the mean temperature of each core and the mean temperature of all exchangers, feeding back a system deviation in dependence on the said deviation and deviation trend to control valves for balancing the temperature of reversing heat exchangers.

Abstract: In a heat exchanger unit having a heating section and a regenerative section, the product to be heat treated is first passed through the regenerative section to preheat the product, thence through the heating section and then back through the regenerative section to recover heat from the product. In the regenerative section, the return flow of the product is counter-current to its incoming flow; but when the exchanger unit is to be heated, as for cleaning or sterilizing, a liquid other than the product is passed through the regenerative and heating sections in the same path as the product flow except that the incoming and return flows of the liquid through the regenerative section are concurrent to each other.

Abstract: An improvement in heat transfer and a reduction in fouling by liquid flowing inside of heat exchanger tubes is achieved by the apparatus and method of the present invention wherein the heat exchanger includes internally ridged or corrugated metal tubes rather than conventional plain tubes. Despite the formation of a normal appearing fouling layer on the downstream portion of a ridge, the ridged tubes remain relatively clear on the upstream portion of the ridge. Periodically, as the downstream portions of the tubing ridge surfaces build up a fouling coating, the flow direction of the tube side fluid is reversed to remove at least a substantial portion of the previously deposited coating.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application relates to an improvement in a water cooling system for an engine of the type that passes air and water through the radiator at relatively low flow rates whenever the engine is running in its low idle speed condition. The radiator is disclosed as having upper and lower headers interconnected by a plurality of parallel extending rows of water tubes. A means responsive to the engine speed is provided for converting the water flow through the water tubes from a plurality of parallel paths to a single series path upon the engine speed dropping to its low idle speed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for reacting diluted molasses with lime in a tank 5 includes a pair of heat exchangers 12, 17, a pair of four-way valves 10, 14, an inlet circuit 2, 15 for the tank, and a circuit 8, 19 for recirculating part of the reacted molasses back through the tank. The positions of the valves are periodically switched which reverses both the circuit couplings of and the directions of flow through the heat exchangers, to thereby dissolve any built up deposits and crusts in the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A reversible vapor compression system having control means associated therewith for automatically routing refrigerant through the heat exchangers in response to a system mode of operation to produce optimum system performance when the system is called upon to produce either heating or cooling.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in a reversible refrigeration system. The exchanger is divided into a plurality of heat transfer zones containing one or more circuits. Control means are provided to route refrigerant through each zone in a series progression when the heat exchanger is serving as a condenser. The flow geometry is automatically changed when the function of the exchanger is reversed from condenser to evaporator so that refrigerant flows simultaneously through each of the heat transfer zones.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in a reversible refrigeration system. The exchanger is divided into a plurality of heat transfer zones containing one or more circuits. Control means are provided to route refrigerant through each zone in a series progression when the heat exchanger is serving as a condenser. The flow geometry is automatically changed when the function of the exchanger is reversed from condenser to evaporator so that refrigerant flows simultaneously through each of the heat transfer zones.

Abstract: A reverse cycle heat pump refrigeration system including multi-circuited heat exchangers arranged to provide a series of refrigerant flow through the circuits for either heat exchanger when it is used as a condenser, and a parallel refrigerant flow through the circuits for either heat exchanger when it is used as an evaporator.