U.S. patent application number 13/690376 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for heat transfer component and het transfer process.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to Michael Douglas ARNETT, Rebecca Evelyn HEFNER.
Application Number | 20130255931 13/690376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49233319 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130255931 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ARNETT; Michael Douglas ; et
al. |
October 3, 2013 |
HEAT TRANSFER COMPONENT AND HET TRANSFER PROCESS
Abstract
A heat transfer component and heat transfer process are
disclosed. The heat transfer component includes
thermally-responsive features positioned along a surface of the
heat transfer component. The thermally-responsive features deploy
from or retract toward the surface in response to a predetermined
temperature change. The deploying from or the retracting toward of
the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases a rate of
heat transfer between a flow along the surface and the surface. The
heat transfer process includes providing a heat transfer component
having thermally-responsive features positioned along a surface of
the heat transfer component; and increasing or decreasing a heat
transfer rate between the surface and a flow by deploying the
thermally-responsive features from or the retracting the
thermally-responsive features toward the surface in response to a
predetermined temperature change.
Inventors: |
ARNETT; Michael Douglas;
(Simpsonville, SC) ; HEFNER; Rebecca Evelyn;
(Fountain Inn, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
49233319 |
Appl. No.: |
13/690376 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13436420 |
Mar 30, 2012 |
|
|
|
13690376 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
165/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28B 1/02 20130101; F28D
5/00 20130101; F28F 27/00 20130101; F28F 13/06 20130101; F28F 13/12
20130101; F28D 7/106 20130101; F28D 15/02 20130101; F28F 2255/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/287 |
International
Class: |
F28F 27/00 20060101
F28F027/00 |
Claims
1. A heat transfer component, comprising: thermally-responsive
features positioned along a surface of the heat transfer component;
wherein the thermally-responsive features deploy from or retract
toward the surface in response to a predetermined temperature
change; wherein the deploying from or the retracting toward of the
thermally-responsive features increases or decreases a rate of heat
transfer between a flow along the surface and the surface.
2. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the deploying of
the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases
turbulation of the flow.
3. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the heat
transfer component is a heat exchanger.
4. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the heat
transfer component is a condenser.
5. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the heat
transfer component is a heat pipe, a regenerator, or an evaporative
cooler.
6. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the heat
transfer component is a personal temperature control suit.
7. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein a deployment
length of one or more of the thermally-responsive features is
between about 0.01 inches and about 0.125 inches.
8. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the
thermally-responsive features include a first metallic layer and a
second metallic layer.
9. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein one or both of
the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer include
material selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron,
cobalt, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, magnesium, gold,
platinum MCrAlY, and combinations thereof.
10. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the deploying
of the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases depth
of a boundary layer adjacent the surface.
11. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the increase or
the decrease in the rate of heat transfer is predominantly based
upon an increase or decrease in a proportion of convective heat
transfer.
12. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the deploying
of the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases the
velocity of the flow.
13. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the deploying
of the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases the
acceleration of the flow.
14. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the deploying
of the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases a
proportion of turbulent flow within the flow.
15. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the deploying
of the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases a
proportion of laminar flow within the flow.
16. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the deploying
of the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases a
proportion of transitional flow within the flow.
17. The heat transfer component of claim 1, wherein the deploying
of the thermally-responsive features increases or decreases mixing
of components of the flow.
18. A heat exchanger, comprising: thermally-responsive features
positioned along a surface of the heat exchanger, the
thermally-responsive features having a first metallic layer and a
second metallic layer; wherein the thermally-responsive features
deploy from or retract toward the surface in response to a
predetermined temperature change; wherein the deploying from or the
retracting toward of the thermally-responsive features increases or
decreases turbulation of a flow along the surface, thereby
increasing or the decreasing velocity of the flow, acceleration of
the flow, a proportion of turbulent flow within the flow, a
proportion of laminar flow within the flow, a proportion of
transitional flow within the flow, depth of a boundary layer
adjacent to the surface, or a combination thereof.
19. A heat transfer process, comprising: providing a heat transfer
component having thermally-responsive features positioned along a
surface of the heat transfer component; and increasing or
decreasing a rate of heat transfer between the surface and a flow
by deploying the thermally-responsive features from or the
retracting the thermally-responsive features toward the surface in
response to a predetermined temperature change.
20. The heat transfer process of claim 1, further comprising
increasing or decreasing depth of a boundary layer adjacent to the
surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility
application Ser. No. 13/436,420, filed Mar. 30, 2012, and entitled
"COMPONENTS HAVING TAB MEMBERS," the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to components and
processes of using components. More particularly, the present
invention is directed to heat transfer components and heat transfer
processes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Heat transfer is an important component of several
operations. Increased control of heat transfer between surfaces and
fluids contacting the fluids permits increased efficiency in
turbine operations, permits increased efficiency in engine
operations, permits increased cooling in cooling operations, and/or
permits increased properties for a variety of systems operating
based upon differential temperatures.
[0004] The heat transfer coefficient for liquids and gases flowing
through pipes in heat exchangers tends to be limited due to a fluid
boundary layer close to the pipe wall that is stagnant or moves at
a slow speed, thus acting as an insulating layer. This boundary
layer decreases heat transfer, which can decrease efficiency of
operations relying upon differential temperatures. Known heat
transfer surfaces do not provide selective turbulation and, thus,
are not capable of selectively increasing or decreasing the fluid
boundary layer, thereby limiting control of heat transfer.
[0005] A heat transfer component and a heat transfer process that
do not suffer from one or more of the above drawbacks would be
desirable in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a heat transfer component
includes thermally-responsive features positioned along a surface
of the heat transfer component. The thermally-responsive features
deploy from or retract toward the surface in response to a
predetermined temperature change. The deploying from or the
retracting toward of the thermally-responsive features increases or
decreases a rate of heat transfer between a flow along the surface
and the surface.
[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a heat exchanger includes
thermally-responsive features positioned along a surface of the
heat exchanger, the thermally-responsive features having a first
metallic layer and a second metallic layer. The
thermally-responsive features deploy from or retract toward the
surface in response to a predetermined temperature change. The
deploying from or the retracting toward of the thermally-responsive
features increases or decreases turbulation of a flow along the
surface, thereby increasing or the decreasing velocity of the flow,
acceleration of the flow, a proportion of turbulent flow within the
flow, a proportion of laminar flow within the flow, a proportion of
transitional flow within the flow, a depth of a boundary layer
adjacent to the surface, or a combination thereof.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a heat transfer process
includes providing a heat transfer component having
thermally-responsive features positioned along a surface of the
heat transfer component, and increasing or decreasing a rate of
heat transfer between the surface and a flow by deploying the
thermally-responsive features from or the retracting the
thermally-responsive features toward the surface in response to a
predetermined temperature change.
[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detailed description of the
preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary component
according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary component
according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary component
according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of an exemplary
component according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a portion of an exemplary
component according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portion of an exemplary heat
exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of an exemplary
condenser according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of an exemplary heat
pipe according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an exemplary regenerator
according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an exemplary evaporative
cooler according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an exemplary pattern for
thermally-responsive features according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an exemplary pattern for
thermally-responsive features according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an exemplary pattern for
thermally-responsive features according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an exemplary pattern for
thermally-responsive features according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0024] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Provided is an exemplary heat transfer component and a heat
transfer process. Embodiments of the present disclosure, for
example, in comparison to components not having features of the
heat transfer component, permit increased or decreased rate of heat
transfer, permit selective heat transfer, permit flow
characteristics to be modified, permit formation of selective
turbulent flow or turbulation, permit a fluid boundary layer to be
selectively increased or decreased in depth, permit a gradient of
heat transfer properties, or combinations thereof.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a heat transfer
component 1010 includes a structure 10 having thermally-responsive
features 20 (for example, tab members). The heat transfer component
1010 is any suitable component benefiting from increased or
decreased rate of heat transfer, other components with a surface 13
or heat transfer interface along the flow path 19, or a combination
thereof. As used herein, the phrase "thermally-responsive" refers
to being capable of physical movement based upon a predetermined
temperature change in a direction beyond expansion and contraction.
For example, such directions include, but are not limited to, those
associated with flexing, bending, raising, retracting or
combinations thereof. The thermally-responsive features 20 deploy
from or retract toward the surface 13 of the structure 10 in
response to a predetermined temperature change.
[0027] In one embodiment, the thermally-responsive features 20 are
capable of physical movement because a first layer 12, which may
coincide with the surface 13 and/or be proximal to the surface 13
in comparison to a second layer 14, includes a first metal or
metallic material and the first layer 12 is directly or indirectly
positioned on the second layer 14 having a second metal or metallic
material, the first metal or metallic material having a different
composition than the second metal or metallic material. The first
layer 12 and the second layer 14 are secured by any suitable
manner, such as, by diffusion bonding, electron beam welding, laser
welding, brazing, spraying, sputtering, ion plasma processing,
melt-solidification, direct writing, laser cladding, plating,
powder melting, laser sintering, galvanizing, or a combination
thereof. Suitable spraying techniques include, but are not limited
to, thermal spraying, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical
vapor deposition (PVD), plasma spraying, detonation spraying, wire
arc spraying, flame spraying, high velocity oxy-fuel coating
spraying (HVOF), warm spraying, cold spraying, and combinations
thereof.
[0028] The structure 10 is any suitable structure coated with at
least one dissimilar metallic layer. The first layer 12 and/or the
second layer 14 of the structure 10 include(s) any suitable metal
or metallic material. Suitable such alloys are selected from the
group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel,
aluminum, copper, magnesium, gold, platinum, MCrAlY (wherein M is
Ni, Co, Fe, or combinations thereof), alloys thereof, 304 stainless
steel substrate (available from AK Steel Corporation, West Chester,
Ohio), and combinations thereof. Other suitable materials include,
but are not limited to, CrMoV and NiCrMo (for example, having a low
thermal expansion coefficient of about 6), INCONEL.RTM. materials,
such as, but not limited to, INCONEL.RTM.625, INCONEL.RTM.718
(available from Special Metals Corporation, Huntington, W. Va.),
(for example, having a medium thermal expansion coefficient of
about 7), stainless steels, such as, but not limited to, 316
stainless steel (UNS 531600, an austenitic chromium, nickel
stainless steel containing molybdenum) or 304 stainless steel (UNS
530400, a variation of the basic 18-8 grade, Type 302, with a
higher chromium and lower carbon content) (available from AK Steel,
West Chester, Ohio) (for example, having a high coefficient of
thermal expansion of approximately 9).
[0029] The first layer 12 and the second layer 14 have dissimilar
thermal expansion coefficients. The difference in thermal expansion
coefficients (.alpha.) between the first layer 12 and the second
layer 14 allows the thermally-responsive features 20 to respond to
the predetermined temperature change, whether induced or
environmental. The first layer 12 has a first coefficient of
thermal expansion (.alpha..sub.1) and the second layer 14 has a
second coefficient of thermal expansion (.alpha..sub.2), the first
coefficient of thermal expansion (.alpha..sub.1) and the second
coefficient of thermal expansion (.alpha..sub.2) differ by a
predetermined amount to achieve a desired response based upon the
predetermined temperature change. Suitable differences include, but
are not limited to, a difference of about 3%, about 5%, about 7%,
about 10%, between about 3% and about 5%, between about 3% and
about 7%, an order of magnitude of 1.1, an order of magnitude of
1.5, an order of magnitude of 2, an order of magnitude between 1.1
and 2, or any suitable combination, sub-combination, range, or
sub-range thereof, an order of magnitude being based upon how much
deflection is desired, given a predetermined temperature change,
based upon bimetallic beam bending calculations for a given
material set and feature/beam geometry.
[0030] In one embodiment, the thermally-responsive features 20 are
positioned to deploy up away from the surface 13, for example, in a
raising direction 32 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Additionally or
alternatively, the thermally-responsive features 20 are positioned
to retract toward the surface 13 in a retracting direction 34 as
shown in FIGS. 1-3. To deploy up away from the surface 13 in the
raising direction 32, for example, toward an adjacent surface 30 to
close a gap 42 and/or through a portion or all of a fluid boundary
layer 33 (see FIG. 4) as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and/or reduce
air flow volume and/or rate in response to the predetermined
temperature change being an increase in temperature, the first
coefficient of thermal expansion (.alpha..sub.1) is greater than
the second coefficient of thermal expansion (.alpha..sub.2). To
retract toward the surface 13 in the retracting direction 34, for
example, away from the adjacent surface 30 to create and/or
increase the gap 42 and/or away from the fluid boundary layer 33
(see FIG. 4) as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and/or increase air flow
volume and/or rate in response to the predetermined temperature
change being an increase in temperature, the first coefficient of
thermal expansion (.alpha..sub.1) is less than the second
coefficient of thermal expansion (.alpha..sub.2). In one
embodiment, the thermally-responsive features 20, in response to
the predetermined temperature, adjust in height 40 (see FIGS. 1-2),
for example, from the surface 13, within a predetermined range,
such as, between about 10% and about 50%, between about 15% and
about 45%, between about 20% and about 30%, or any suitable
combination, sub-combination, range, or sub-range therein.
[0031] In one embodiment, the thermally-responsive features 20 are
formed by cutting or penetrating at least a portion 28 of the
structure 10 and the second layer 14, thereby creating the
thermally-responsive features 20 in the surface 13 of the structure
10. Suitable methods for forming plurality of thermally-responsive
features 20, include, but are not limited to, laser surface
sculpting, breaking, fracturing or disrupting a brittle layer,
applying a pulsed laser, applying targeted mechanical shock and/or
mechanical stress, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the
thermally-responsive features 20 are sculpted into means for
forming a pattern 1001, such as, but not limited to, rows or lines
1003 (see FIG. 11), dashed rows/lines 1005 (see FIG. 12), fish
scales 1007 (see FIG. 13), zig-zags 1009 (see FIG. 14), slots or
elongate holes, other desired patterns, or a combination
thereof.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the heat transfer
component 1010 restricts a flow path 19 and/or increases or
otherwise modifies flow 16, for example, as is shown in FIGS. 4 and
5. As temperature increases resulting in the predetermined
temperature change, the thermally-responsive features 20 reposition
toward and/or press against the adjacent surface 30, for example,
of a separate body 31 sealing and/or restricting the flow path 19
and/or extend partially or completely through the fluid boundary
layer 33 increasing a proportion of the turbulent flow 35 in the
flow 16 in comparison to other types of flow (such as, laminar flow
37 and/or transitional flow, not shown). In one embodiment, the
heat transfer component 1010 acts as a turbulator for pipe flow,
such as, a twisted-tape turbulator (for example, a twisted ribbon
that forces fluid to move in a helicoidal path rather than in a
straight line), a Brock turbulator (for example, a zig-zag folded
ribbon), a wire turbulator (for example, an open structure of
looped and entangled wires that extends over an entire pipe
length), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the turbulent
flow 35 in the flow 16 is more prevalent than other types of flow.
Additionally or alternatively, the thermally-responsive features 20
increase and/or throttle the flow path 19. For example, as
temperature increases resulting in the predetermined temperature
change, the thermally-responsive features 20 retract toward the
surface 13 of the sealing structure 10 and/or away from the
adjacent surface 30 of separate body 31 and/or away from the fluid
boundary layer 33, thereby increasing the rate and/or volume of the
flow 16 through the flow path 19 and the gap 42.
[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the
second layer 14 includes a first metallic layer 50 and a second
metallic layer 52, the first metallic layer 50 being distal from
the surface 13 in comparison to the second metallic layer 52. In
further embodiments, the second layer 14 further includes a third
metallic layer 54 and/or a fourth metallic layer 56 (see FIG. 3),
the third metallic layer 54 being positioned opposite the first
metallic layer on the second metallic layer 52 and the fourth
metallic layer 56 being positioned proximal to the surface 13 in
comparison to the third metallic layer 54. In one embodiment, the
first metallic layer 50, the second metallic layer 52, the third
metallic layer 54, the fourth metallic layer 56, or a combination
thereof, have different thermal expansion coefficients and/or form
at least a portion of the thermally-responsive features 20.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the
thermally-responsive features 20 include one or more layered
portions 26, the layered portion(s) 26 including the first metallic
layer 50, the second metallic layer 52, and the third metallic
layer 54. In one embodiment, the first metallic layer 50 is a
weaker or more brittle metallic layer than the second metallic
layer 52 and/or the third metallic layer 54. As used herein,
"brittle" refers to being less ductile. In one embodiment, the
first metallic layer 50 is a material with a tensile elongation at
failure of less than about 10%, a porosity between about 0% or 1%
by volume and about 50% by volume, or a combination thereof. In a
further embodiment, the first metallic layer 50 is configured to be
broken when mechanical stress or other stress is applied.
[0035] The third metallic layer 54 is a strong metallic layer
having a different coefficient of thermal expansion (.alpha.) than
the second metallic layer 52. In one embodiment, the third metallic
layer 54 is selected from a material having a coefficient of
thermal expansion (.alpha.) that is up to about the same or about
20% different than the first metallic layer 50 and/or the second
metallic layer 52. The 20% difference is either greater than or
less than, depending on the desired movement of
thermally-responsive features 20. Misfit strain (.epsilon.) is the
difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion (.alpha.)
for a temperature gradient and is calculated using the following
equation:
.epsilon.=(.alpha..sub.1-.alpha..sub.2).DELTA.T
where .epsilon. is misfit strain; .alpha..sub.1 and .alpha..sub.2
are the coefficient of thermal expansion of two layers; and
.DELTA.T is the temperature gradient, which is the current
temperature minus the reference temperature. The reference
temperature is the temperature at which the thermally-responsive
features 20 have no flexure or movement. In one embodiment, the
predetermined temperature change results in a misfit strain of at
least about 8%, for example, between the second metallic layer 52
and the third metallic layer 54.
[0036] Suitable examples of materials for the first metallic layer
50 include, but are not limited to, nickel-aluminum,
titanium-aluminum, nickel-chromium carbide, cobalt-chromium
carbide, alloys thereof and combinations thereof. Suitable examples
of materials for the second metallic layer 52 and the third
metallic layer 54 include, but are not limited to, nickel, iron,
cobalt, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, magnesium, gold,
platinum, MCrAlY, wherein M is Ni, Co, Fe, or combinations thereof,
alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment where
the thermally-responsive features 20 deploy from the surface 13
(for example, in the raising direction 32), the first metallic
layer 50 and/or the second metallic layer 52 have higher
coefficients of thermal expansion than the coefficient of thermal
expansion for the third metallic layer 54 and/or adjust in the
raising direction 32 upon the predetermined temperature change
being an increase in temperature. In an embodiment where the
thermally-responsive features 20 retract toward the surface 13,
(for example, in the retracting direction 34), the first metallic
layer 50 and/or the second metallic layer 52 have lower
coefficients of thermal expansion than the coefficient of thermal
expansion for the third metallic layer 54 and/or adjust in the
retracting direction 34 upon the predetermined temperature change
being an increase in temperature.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, protrusions 57 are
positioned on the thermally-responsive features 20. The protrusions
57 are formed by any suitable techniques, such as, by laser
sculpting the thermally-responsive features 20. In one embodiment,
the protrusions 57 are a discontinuous top layer, capable of
altering the shape of the thermally-responsive features 20 based
upon differing coefficients of thermal expansion. For example, such
altering is capable of generating a wavy set of
thermally-responsive features 20, increasing turbulence and/or
surface thickness.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment,
thermally-responsive features 20 are positioned along the surface
13, for example, of the heat transfer components 1010 shown in
FIGS. 1-3. The thermally-responsive features 20 deploy from or
retract toward the surface 13 in response to a predetermined
temperature change, thereby increasing or decreasing turbulation
along the surface 13. The increase or the decrease in the
turbulation increases or decreases heat transfer between the
surface 13 and the flow path 19 adjacent to the surface 13. In one
embodiment, the increase or the decrease in the heat transfer is
predominantly based upon an increase or decrease in convective heat
transfer.
[0039] In one embodiment, thermally-responsive features 20 regulate
the flow 16 (for example, of air, gas, liquid, coolant,
refrigerant, or any other suitable fluid) and/or heat transfer
along the flow path 19. For example, by deploying/raising or
retracting in response to the predetermined temperature change, the
thermally-responsive features 20 increase or decrease resistance
along the flow path 19. The increase or decrease in resistance
increases or decreases heat transfer. Additionally or
alternatively, in one embodiment, the thermally-responsive features
20 are positioned to provide a predetermined flow characteristic
along the flow path 19, for example, the turbulent flow 35, the
laminar flow 37, the transitional flow (not shown), or a
combination thereof. In further embodiments, the
thermally-responsive features 20 direct the flow path 19 to spiral,
divert, narrow, expand, or a combination thereof.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the surface 13
includes two or more regions configured for operation under
different flow conditions. The velocity, acceleration, proportion
of the turbulent flow 35, proportion of the laminar flow 37,
proportion of the transitional flow (not shown), rate of heat
transfer, mixing of components within the flow 16, depth of the
boundary layer 33, or a combination thereof, of the flow 16 along
the flow path 19 decrease(s) or increase(s) as a result of the
thermally-responsive features 20 being deployed or retracted,
thereby increasing or decreasing the surface area of the
thermally-responsive features 20. In one embodiment, the surface 13
includes a first region 402 configured for operation under
predetermined flow conditions, such as a slower axial flow rate
along the flow path 19, for example, due to a greater proportion of
the flow 16 being the turbulent flow 35 in comparison to a second
region 404 configured for operation under predetermined flow
conditions, such as a faster axial flow rate along the flow path
19, for example, due to a lower proportion of the flow being the
turbulent flow 35. In a further embodiment, the surface 13 includes
a third region 406 with an axial flow rate that is faster than the
axial flow rate within the second region, for example, due to a
lower proportion of the flow 16 being the turbulent flow 35.
[0041] In one embodiment, heat transfer results in temperature
differences between the first region 402, the second region 404,
and/or the third region 406. Suitable temperature differences
include, but are not limited to, a range of between about
10.degree. F. and about 100.degree. F., a range of between about
10.degree. F. and about 50.degree. F., a range of between about
10.degree. F. and about 30.degree. F., a range of between about
10.degree. F. and about 20.degree. F., a range of between about
20.degree. F. and about 100.degree. F., a range of between about
30.degree. F. and about 100.degree. F., a range of between about
50.degree. F. and about 100.degree. F., an amount greater than
about 10.degree. F., an amount greater than about 30.degree. F., an
amount greater than about 50.degree. F., an amount of about
10.degree. F., an amount of about 30.degree. F., an amount of about
50.degree. F., an amount of about 100.degree. F., or any suitable
combination, sub-combination, range, or sub-range therein.
[0042] Within each of the regions, the thermally-responsive
features 20 have a deployment length 408. The deployment length 408
is based upon the temperature proximal to the thermally-responsive
feature 20, the materials used in the thermally-responsive feature
20, the arrangement of the materials in the thermally-responsive
feature 20, the thickness of the materials in the
thermally-responsive feature 20, or a combination thereof, and is
capable of increasing or decreasing the depth of the fluid boundary
layer 33. In one embodiment, the deployment length 408 of the
thermally-responsive features 20 within the first region 402 is
greater than the deployment length 408 of the thermally-responsive
features 20 within the second region 404. In a further embodiment,
the deployment length 408 of the thermally-responsive features 20
within the second region 404 is greater than the deployment length
408 of the thermally-responsive features 20 within the third region
406.
[0043] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any
suitable number of the regions is included. For example, in some
embodiments, four regions, five regions, six regions, seven
regions, eight regions, nine regions or more are included.
Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the amount of the regions
included correspond to the amount of the thermally-responsive
features 20 included (for example, nine of the thermally-responsive
features 20 corresponding with a first region 502, a second region
504, a third region 506, a fourth region 508, a fifth region 510, a
sixth region 512, a seventh region 514, an eighth region 516, a
ninth region 518). In one embodiment, the thermally-responsive
features 20 create a substantially continuous decrease in the
deployment lengths 408, for example, capable of increasing or
decreasing the velocity, the acceleration, the proportion of the
turbulent flow 35, the proportion of the laminar flow 37, the
proportion of the transitional flow, the rate of the heat transfer,
mixing of components, the depth of the fluid boundary layer 33, or
a combination thereof.
[0044] The deployment length(s) 408 are any suitable length capable
of resulting in a predetermined temperature profile. In one
embodiment, the deployment length 408 for one of the
thermally-responsive features 20 is between 1 and 10 times greater
than the deployment length 408 for another of the
thermally-responsive features 20, whether the thermally-responsive
features 20 are adjacent or separated by one or more other
thermally-responsive features 20. Other suitable differences in the
deployment length 408 of one of the thermally-responsive features
20 and another of the thermally-responsive features 20 include, but
are not limited to, being 1 time greater, 1.2 times greater, 1.4
times greater, 1.6 times greater, 3 times greater, 5 times greater,
7 times greater, 10 times greater, or any suitable combination,
sub-combination, range, or sub-range therein. Additionally or
alternatively, in one embodiment, the deployment length 408 of one
or more of the thermally-responsive features 20 is between about
0.01 inches and about 0.125 inches, between about 0.01 inches and
about 0.05 inches, between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1 inches,
between about 0.05 inches and about 0.125 inches, between about
0.08 and about 0.125 inches, between about 0.1 inches and about
0.125 inches, about 0.1 inches, about 0.05 inches, about 0.08
inches, about 0.1 inches, about 0.125 inches, or any suitable
combination, sub-combination, range, or sub-range therein.
[0045] In addition to the deployment length 408, the
thermally-responsive features 20 include a length defined by a
portion 410 applied to or integral with the surface 13. In
embodiments with the length of the thermally-responsive features 20
being consistent or substantially consistent among the
thermally-responsive features 20, the thermally-responsive features
20 with the deployment length 408 being longer include the portion
410 being shorter in comparison to the thermally-responsive
features 20 with the deployment length 408 being shorter.
Alternatively, in embodiments with the length of the
thermally-responsive features 20 differing among the
thermally-responsive features 20, for example,
increasing/decreasing along the path of the flow path 19, the
portion 410 applied to or integral with the surface 13 differs
accordingly.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the
thermally-responsive features 20 are positioned on the surface 13
of a heat exchanger 602, such as a shell and tube heat exchanger, a
plate heat exchanger, a plate and shell heat exchanger, an
adiabatic wheel heat exchanger, a plate fin heat exchanger, a
pillow plate heat exchanger, a fluid heat exchanger, waste heat
recovery unit, a dynamic scraped surface heat exchanger, a
phase-change heat exchanger, or any other suitable heat exchanger.
As the flow 16 travels through the heat exchanger 602 along the
flow path 19, the thermally-responsive features 20 deploy or
refract, permitting an increase or decrease in the rate of heat
transfer between the flow 16 and the surface 13.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the
thermally-responsive features 20 are positioned on the surface 13
of a condenser 702, such as a surface condenser or shell and tube
heat exchanger, a Liebig condenser, a Graham condenser, an Allihn
condenser, or any other suitable condenser. As the flow 16 travels
through the condenser 702 along the flow path 19, the
thermally-responsive features 20 deploy or retract, permitting an
increase or decrease in the rate of heat transfer between the flow
16 and the surface 13.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the
thermally-responsive features 20 are positioned on the surface 13
of a heat pipe 802, such as a thin planar heat pipe or heat
spreader, a tubular heat pipe, a one-dimensional tubular heat pipe,
a two-dimensional heat pipe, a loop heat pipe, or any other
suitable heat pipe. As the flow 16 travels through the heat pipe
802 along the flow path 19, the thermally-responsive features 20
deploy or retract, permitting an increase or decrease in the rate
of heat transfer between the flow 16 and the surface 13.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the
thermally-responsive features 20 are positioned on the surface 13
of a regenerator 902, such as a rotary regenerator, a fixed matrix
regenerator, a micro scale regenerative heat exchanger, a
Rothemuhle regenerator, or any other suitable regenerator. As the
flow 16 travels through the regenerator 902 along the flow path 19,
the thermally-responsive features 20 deploy or retract, permitting
an increase or decrease in the rate of heat transfer between the
flow 16 and the surface 13.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the
thermally-responsive features 20 are positioned on the surface 13
of an evaporative cooler 1002, such as a direct evaporative cooler
or open circuit evaporative cooler, an indirect evaporative cooler
or closed circuit evaporative cooler, a two-stage evaporative
cooler or indirect-direct evaporative cooler, a hybrid evaporative
cooler, or any other suitable evaporative cooler. As the flow 16
travels through the evaporative cooler 1002 along the flow path 19,
the thermally-responsive features 20 deploy or refract, permitting
an increase or decrease in the rate of heat transfer between the
flow 16 and the surface 13.
[0051] In one embodiment, the heat transfer component 1010 is
positioned in a personal temperature control suit (not shown), such
as Space Shuttle Extra vehicular Mobility Units or EMUs, race car
driver suits, firefighter gear, motorcycle racer suits, or other
suitable personal temperature control suits. In one embodiment, the
personal temperature control suit includes a network of small
diameter water circulation tubes having the thermally-responsive
features 20. The tubes are held close to a body by an elastic body
suit, configured for heat to be released by body movements and
transferred to water in the water circulation tubes that is
transported to a refrigeration unit, for example, in a backpack of
the personal temperature control suit. In this embodiment, the
water contacts the heat transfer component 1010, which is a porous
metal plate that is exposed to the vacuum of outer space on the
other side. Small amounts of the water pass through the pores and
freeze on the outside of the porous metal plate. As additional
heated water runs across the plate, the heat is absorbed by
aluminum in the metal plate and is conducted to the exposed side.
There the ice begins to sublimate, or turn directly into water
vapor and disperses in space, thereby cooling. Additional water
passes through the pores, and freezes in a similar manner.
Consequently, the water flowing across the plate is cooled again
and used to recirculate through the suit to absorb more heat. In
one embodiment, the personal temperature control suit is
supplemented with an air circulation system (not shown) that draws
perspiration-laden air from the suit into a water separator. The
water is added to the cooling water reservoir while the drier air
is returned to the suit. Both the cooling system and the air
circulation system work together to contribute to a comfortable
internal working environment. In a further embodiment, the
thermally-responsive features 20 deploy or retract based upon heat
from the body with the personal temperature control suit to control
a heat transfer rate.
[0052] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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