Invention Reference Number
Performance of heat exchangers greatly suffers due to maldistribution of fluid, which also impacts the performance of the entire HVAC system. One method to reduce fluid maldistribution is to improve the design of the manifold to make the flow evenly distributed. But traditional manufacturing cannot create the complicated designs required for such manifolds. This technology utilizes additive manufacturing to fabricate manifold designs that reduce fluid maldistribution, which otherwise are impossible to fabricate.
Description
Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques now make it possible to manufacture complicated manifolds for heat exchangers that result in more even distribution of fluids through tubing. Using AM techniques, products can be rapidly fabricated without using molds or tools. This technology is a unique polymer manifold designed to reduce maldistribution in heat exchangers using AM technology, for more efficient performance of the entire HVAC system. These spiral structure designs are more complicated and are relatively easier to fabricate than are possible with traditional manufacturing. Spiral baffles are used to create vortices in the tubes to regulate the flow in each tube. The design also keeps the tubes away from the manifold inlet to avoid direct flow from the inlet. A polymer material is used because it is less expensive, won’t corrode, and has better energy usage.
Benefits
- Reduces maldistribution of fluids
- Reduces energy loss
- Increases efficiency of entire HVAC system
- More complex manifold designs are possible
Applications and Industries
- Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems
- Energy storage
- Chemical plants
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
