U.S. patent application number 16/399585 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-05 for high efficiency integrated ax-radial blower and heat exchanger.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation. Invention is credited to Chaitanya Vishwajit Halbe, Matthew Robert Pearson.
Application Number | 20200348089 16/399585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004066019 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-05 |
![](/patent/app/20200348089/US20200348089A1-20201105-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200348089/US20200348089A1-20201105-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200348089/US20200348089A1-20201105-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200348089/US20200348089A1-20201105-D00003.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200348089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Halbe; Chaitanya Vishwajit ;
et al. |
November 5, 2020 |
HIGH EFFICIENCY INTEGRATED AX-RADIAL BLOWER AND HEAT EXCHANGER
Abstract
A heat transfer device includes a heat exchanger with a base and
a plurality of fins. A center axis extends through the base such
that the base extends outward from the center axis in a radial
direction. The plurality of fins is connected to the base and
defines a corresponding plurality of air flow channels supported on
the base. Each of the plurality of air flow channels includes an
inlet and an outlet radially outward from the inlet relative the
center axis. Each of the plurality of air flow channels turns
between the inlet and the outlet relative the center axis and the
radial direction.
Inventors: |
Halbe; Chaitanya Vishwajit;
(Manchester, CT) ; Pearson; Matthew Robert;
(Hartford, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004066019 |
Appl. No.: |
16/399585 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 2250/08 20130101;
F28F 3/048 20130101; F04D 19/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28F 3/04 20060101
F28F003/04; F04D 19/00 20060101 F04D019/00 |
Claims
1. A heat transfer device comprising: a heat exchanger comprising:
a base; a center axis extending through the base such that the base
extends outward from the center axis in a radial direction; and a
plurality of fins connected to the base and defining a
corresponding plurality of air flow channels supported on the base,
wherein each of the plurality of air flow channels comprises: an
inlet; and an outlet radially outward from the inlet relative the
center axis, and wherein each of the plurality of air flow channels
turns between the inlet and the outlet relative the center axis and
the radial direction.
2. The heat transfer device of claim 1, further comprising: a
blower connected to the heat exchanger and coaxial with the center
axis, and wherein an exit of the blower is fluidically connected to
the inlet of each of the plurality of air flow channels.
3. The heat transfer device of claim 2, wherein each of the
plurality of air flow channels extends axially from the inlet and
extends radially through the outlet relative the center axis.
4. The heat transfer device of claim 3, wherein the blower is an
axial fan.
5. The heat transfer device of claim 2, wherein each of the
plurality of air flow channels is a mixed flow channel with the
inlet angled relative the center axis and the radial direction, and
the outlet facing radially outward.
6. The heat transfer device of claim 5, wherein the blower is a
mixed flow fan such that the exit of the blower is angled relative
the center axis and the radial direction.
7. The heat transfer device of claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of fins curves circumferentially relative the center
axis.
8. A heat transfer device comprising: a heat exchanger comprising:
a base; a center axis extending through the base such that the base
extends outward from the center axis in a radial direction; and a
plurality of fins connected to the base and defining a
corresponding plurality of air flow channels supported on the base,
wherein each of the plurality of fins comprises: a leading edge; a
trailing edge positioned radially outward from the leading edge;
and a fin body extending between the leading edge and the trailing
edge, wherein the fin body turns relative the center axis and the
radial direction between the leading edge and the trailing edge;
and a blower connected to the heat exchanger and coaxial with the
center axis, and wherein an exit of the blower is fluidically
connected to each of the plurality of air flow channels.
9. The heat transfer device of claim 8, wherein each of the
plurality of air flow channels comprises: an inlet; and an outlet
radially outward from the inlet relative the center axis, and
wherein each of the plurality of air flow channels turns between
the inlet and the outlet relative the center axis and the radial
direction.
10. The heat transfer device of claim 9, wherein each of the
plurality of air flow channels extends axially from the inlet and
extends radially through the outlet relative the center axis.
11. The heat transfer device of claim 10, wherein the base
comprises a conical hub coaxial with the center axis, and wherein
the leading edge of each of the plurality of fins is on the conical
hub.
12. The heat transfer device of claim 10, wherein the blower is an
axial fan.
13. The heat transfer device of claim 9, wherein each of the
plurality of air flow channels is a mixed flow channel with the
inlet angled relative the center axis and the radial direction, and
the outlet facing radially outward.
14. The heat transfer device of claim 13, wherein the blower is a
mixed flow fan such that the exit of the blower is angled relative
the center axis and the radial direction.
15. The heat transfer device of claim 8, wherein each of the
plurality of fins curves circumferentially relative the center
axis.
16. A heat transfer device comprising: a heat exchanger comprising:
a base; a center axis extending through the base such that the base
extends outward from the center axis in a radial direction; and a
plurality of fins connected to the base and defining a
corresponding plurality of air flow channels supported on the base,
wherein each of the plurality of air flow channels comprises: an
inlet; an outlet radially outward from the inlet relative the
center axis; and a turn between the inlet and the outlet, wherein
the turn bends the respective air flow channel relative the center
axis and the radial direction.
17. The heat transfer device of claim 16, further comprising: a
blower connected to the heat exchanger and coaxial with the center
axis, and wherein an exit of the blower is fluidically connected to
the inlet of each of the plurality of air flow channels.
18. The heat transfer device of claim 17, wherein each of the
plurality of air flow channels extends axially from the inlet to
the turn, and extends radially from the turn to the outlet relative
the center axis, and wherein the blower is an axial fan.
19. The heat transfer device of claim 17, wherein each of the
plurality of air flow channels is a mixed flow channel with the
inlet at the turn and angled relative the center axis and the
radial direction, and the outlet facing radially outward, and
wherein the blower is a mixed flow fan such that the exit of the
blower is angled relative the center axis and the radial
direction.
20. The heat transfer device of claim 17, wherein each of the
plurality of air flow channels extends axially and curves
circumferentially from the inlet to the turn, and extends radially
and curves circumferentially from the turn to the outlet relative
the center axis, and wherein the blower is an axial fan.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling apparatus, and
in particular, to a blower and heat exchanger for cooling
electronics and other cooling applications.
[0002] Heat sinks are commonly used in electronics and other
systems to conductively remove heat. To further increase heat
transfer across the heat sink, a blower or fan is used to blow air
across the heat sink to remove heat from the heat sink via
convection. Cooling fins or rods are included on the heat sink to
increase the surface area of the heat sink that is in contact with
the blown air, thereby increasing the heat transfer between the
heat sink and the air. Additional improvements are needed to
further increase the heat transfer from the heat sink to the
air.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect of the disclosure, a heat transfer device
includes a heat exchanger with a base and a plurality of fins. A
center axis extends through the base such that the base extends
outward from the center axis in a radial direction. The plurality
of fins is connected to the base and define a corresponding
plurality of air flow channels supported on the base. Each of the
plurality of air flow channels includes an inlet and an outlet
radially outward from the inlet relative the center axis. Each of
the plurality of air flow channels turns between the inlet and the
outlet relative the center axis and the radial direction.
[0004] In another aspect of the disclosure, a heat transfer device
includes a heat exchanger and a blower. The heat exchanger includes
a base and a center axis extending through the base such that the
base extends outward from the center axis in a radial direction. A
plurality of fins is connected to the base and defines a
corresponding plurality of air flow channels supported on the base.
Each of the plurality of fins includes a leading edge, a trailing
edge positioned radially outward from the leading edge, and a fin
body extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The
fin body turns relative the center axis and the radial direction
between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The blower is
connected to the heat exchanger and is coaxial with the center
axis. An exit of the blower is fluidically connected to each of the
plurality of air flow channels.
[0005] In another aspect of the disclosure, a heat transfer device
includes a heat exchanger with a base and a plurality of fins. A
center axis extends through the base such that the base extends
outward from the center axis in a radial direction. The plurality
of fins is connected to the base and defines a corresponding
plurality of air flow channels supported on the base. Each of the
plurality of air flow channels includes an inlet, an outlet
radially outward from the inlet relative the center axis, and a
turn between the inlet and the outlet. The turn bends the
respective air flow channel relative the center axis and the radial
direction.
[0006] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
other aspects and embodiments of the present invention are possible
in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, including the
accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat transfer device with
a blower and a heat exchanger.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the blower and the heat
exchanger from FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the blower and the heat exchanger.
[0010] While the above-identified drawing figures set forth one or
more embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also
contemplated. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention
by way of representation and not limitation. It should be
understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be
devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope
and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not
be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present
invention may include features and components not specifically
shown in the drawings. Like reference numerals identify similar
structural elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] This disclosure relates to a heat transfer device with a
heat exchanger having a base and axial-radial fins connected to the
base. The fins define air flow channels with each air flow channel
having an inlet radially inward of an outlet relative a center axis
of the heat exchanger. Both the fins and the air flow channels turn
between the inlets and the outlets of the air flow channels
relative the center axis and a radial direction. Because the fins
and the air flow channels turn relative the center axis and a
radial direction, the length and surface area of the fins and the
air flow channels are longer than fins and passages on conventional
heat exchangers. The additional length and surface area of the fins
and the air flow channels allows the heat exchanger to transfer
more heat than conventional heat exchangers. The turn in the fins
and the air flow channels also allows the air flow channels to
smoothly transition an axial flow or a mixed flow of cooling air
into a radial flow, such that the heat exchanger can be paired with
an axial blower or a mixed flow rotor. The heat transfer device is
discussed below with reference to the figures.
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 will be discussed concurrently. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view of heat transfer device 10 with heat exchanger 12
and blower 14. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic of heat
transfer device 10. As shown collectively in FIGS. 1 and 2, heat
exchanger 12 includes fins 16, base 17, air flow channels 18, and
center axis CA. Blower 14 includes rotor 20 and fan blades 22. As
shown best in FIG. 2, each of fins 16 includes leading edge 24,
trailing edge 26, and turn 28. Fan blades 22 include leading edge
29 and trailing edge 30. Base 17 includes conical hub 32. Air flow
F and radial direction R are also referenced in FIG. 2.
[0013] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, heat exchanger 12 is an
axial-to-radial heat sink that turns air flow F from an axial flow
direction to a radial flow direction. Base 17 is a relatively flat
plate extending radially outward from center axis CA, with conical
hub 32 extending axially on center axis CA away from the rest of
base 17. As shown in FIG. 1, base 17 can have a square perimeter
but can be another shape (such as circular) in other embodiments.
Fins 16 are connected to base 17 and are spaced circumferentially
apart from one another about center axis CA to form and define air
flow channels 18. As shown best in FIG. 1, each air flow channel 18
is formed between two fins 16 and base 17. A cover (not shown) can
also be attached to heat exchanger 12 opposite base 17 to further
enclose air flow channels 18.
[0014] Each fin 16 extends between leading edge 24 and trailing
edge 26. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, leading edge 24 of
each fin 16 is positioned on conical hub 32 and extends away from
center axis CA in the radial direction R. Leading edge 24 can also
lean or curve circumferentially relative center axis CA as leading
edge 24 extends away from conical hub 32 and center axis CA.
Trailing edge 26 of each fin 16 is radially outward from leading
edge 24 and near a perimeter of base 17. Trailing edge 26 extends
axially from base 17. Trailing edge 26 can also lean or curve
circumferentially relative center axis CA as trailing edge 26
extends axially from base 17. A body of each fin 16 extends from
leading edge 24 to trailing edge 26. The body of each fin 16 can
curve (as shown in FIG. 1) circumferentially relative center axis
CA as the body of each fin 16 extends from leading edge 24 to
trailing edge 26. Turn 28 is formed on each of fins 16 and curves
and transitions the body of each fin 16 from the axial direction
(represented by center axis CA) to the radial direction R. As shown
best in FIG. 2, turn 28 is supported and connected to conical hub
32 downstream from leading edge 24.
[0015] Air flow channels 18 follow the profile of fins 16. Each air
flow channel 18 begins with an inlet at leading edge 24. As air
flow channel 18 progresses axially along fin 16 away from the inlet
and leading edge 24, air flow channel 18 turns and bends from the
axial direction to the radial direction R due to turn 28. Air flow
channel 18 then progresses radially outward from center axis CA and
terminates at an outlet at trailing edge 26 of fin 16. As air flow
channel 18 extends axially, turns to the radial direction R, and
progresses radially outward from the inlet and center axis CA, air
flow channel 18 can curve circumferentially relative center axis CA
(as shown in FIG. 1) in accordance with the curved geometry of fins
16.
[0016] Blower 14 is connected to heat exchanger 12 and is coaxial
with center axis CA. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, blower 14
is an axial fan that generates air flow F in an axial direction by
rotating rotor 20 and fan blades 22. As an axial fan, blower 14 is
typically more efficient than a centrifugal blower. Blower 14
includes an electrical motor (not shown) that is connected to rotor
20 and configured to rotate rotor 20 and fan blades 22. Each fan
blade 22 extends between leading edge 29 and trailing edge 30, with
leading edge 29 being positioned near an inlet of blower 14 and
trailing edge 30 being positioned near an outlet of blower 14. The
outlet of blower 14 is fluidically connected to an inlet of air
flow channels 18 of heat exchanger 12.
[0017] During operation, base 17 of heat exchanger 17 is attached
to a heat producing device (not shown), such as a power
transformer, a microprocessor, or any other device that requires
heat dissipation, and base 17 and fins 16 absorb heat from the heat
producing device via conduction. Blower 14 forces air flow F
axially into air flow channels 18 and through air flow channels 18.
As air flow F flows through air flow channels 18, heat is
transferred from base 17 and fins 16 into air flow F. The heat
leaves heat exchanger 12 when air flow F exits air flow channels
18. Heat exchanger 12 is more efficient than prior art radial heat
exchangers because fins 16 cover more of base 17 and thus have more
surface area. In prior art radial heat exchangers, a substantial
portion of the base is clear of fins to accommodate a blower.
Furthermore, fins 16 have more surface area because fins 16 extend
in the radial direction R and axially. While the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2 show blower 14 as an axial fan, heat exchanger 12 can
be modified to accommodate a blower 14 that is a mixed flow
fan.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
heat transfer device 10 with heat exchanger 12 and blower 14. As
shown in FIG. 3, blower 14 is a mixed flow fan that pulls air flow
F axially into blower 14 and pushes air flow F out of blower 14 at
an angle between the radial direction R and center axis CA. As a
mixed flow fan, blower 14 is more efficient than a centrifugal
blower. Trailing edge 30 of each fan blade 22 and the outlet of
blower 14 are both angled relative center axis CA and the radial
direction R.
[0019] Each fin 16 extends between leading edge 24 and trailing
edge 26. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, leading edge 24 of each fin
16 is positioned on base 17 and extends axially away from base 17
and away from center axis CA in the radial direction R. Leading
edge 24 can also lean or curve circumferentially relative center
axis CA as leading edge 24 extends away from base 17 and center
axis CA. Trailing edge 26 of each fin 16 is radially outward from
leading edge 24 and near a perimeter of base 17. Trailing edge 26
extends axially from base 17. Trailing edge 26 can also lean or
curve circumferentially relative center axis CA as trailing edge 26
extends axially from base 17. A body of each fin 16 extends from
leading edge 24 to trailing edge 26. The body of each fin 16 can
curve circumferentially relative center axis CA as the body of each
fin 16 extends from leading edge 24 to trailing edge 26. Turn 28 is
formed on each of fins 16 and curves and transitions the body of
each fin 16 from the mixed axial and radial direction of leading
edge 24 to the radial direction R.
[0020] Air flow channels 18 follow the profile of fins 16. Each air
flow channel 18 begins with a mixed flow inlet at leading edge 24.
As air flow channel 18 progresses axially and radially along fin 16
away from the inlet and leading edge 24, air flow channel 18 turns
and bends from the mixed axial-radial direction to the radial
direction R due to turn 28. Air flow channel 18 then progresses
radially outward from center axis CA and terminates at an outlet at
trailing edge 26 of fin 16. As air flow channel 18 progresses from
the inlet to the outlet, air flow channel 18 can curve
circumferentially relative center axis CA (similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1) in accordance with the curved geometry
of fins 16.
[0021] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] In one embodiment, a heat transfer device includes a heat
exchanger with a base and a plurality of fins. A center axis
extends through the base such that the base extends outward from
the center axis in a radial direction. The plurality of fins is
connected to the base and defines a corresponding plurality of air
flow channels supported on the base. Each of the plurality of air
flow channels includes an inlet and an outlet radially outward from
the inlet relative the center axis. Each of the plurality of air
flow channels turns between the inlet and the outlet relative the
center axis and the radial direction.
[0023] The heat transfer device of the preceding paragraph can
optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or
more of the following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0024] a blower connected to the heat exchanger and coaxial with
the center axis, and wherein an exit of the blower is fluidically
connected to the inlet of each of the plurality of air flow
channels;
[0025] each of the plurality of air flow channels extends axially
from the inlet and extends radially through the outlet relative the
center axis;
[0026] the blower is an axial fan;
[0027] each of the plurality of air flow channels is a mixed flow
channel with the inlet angled relative the center axis and the
radial direction, and the outlet facing radially outward;
[0028] the blower is a mixed flow fan such that the exit of the
blower is angled relative the center axis and the radial direction;
and/or
[0029] each of the plurality of fins curves circumferentially
relative the center axis.
[0030] In another embodiment, a heat transfer device includes a
heat exchanger and a blower. The heat exchanger includes a base and
a center axis extending through the base such that the base extends
outward from the center axis in a radial direction. A plurality of
fins is connected to the base and defines a corresponding plurality
of air flow channels supported on the base. Each of the plurality
of fins includes a leading edge, a trailing edge positioned
radially outward from the leading edge, and a fin body extending
between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The fin body turns
relative the center axis and the radial direction between the
leading edge and the trailing edge. The blower is connected to the
heat exchanger and is coaxial with the center axis. An exit of the
blower is fluidically connected to each of the plurality of air
flow channels.
[0031] The heat transfer device of the preceding paragraph can
optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or
more of the following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0032] each of the plurality of air flow channels comprises: an
inlet; and an outlet radially outward from the inlet relative the
center axis, and wherein each of the plurality of air flow channels
turns between the inlet and the outlet relative the center axis and
the radial direction;
[0033] each of the plurality of air flow channels extends axially
from the inlet and extends radially through the outlet relative the
center axis;
[0034] the base comprises a conical hub coaxial with the center
axis, and wherein the leading edge of each of the plurality of fins
is on the conical hub;
[0035] the blower is an axial fan;
[0036] each of the plurality of air flow channels is a mixed flow
channel with the inlet angled relative the center axis and the
radial direction, and the outlet facing radially outward;
[0037] the blower is a mixed flow fan such that the exit of the
blower is angled relative the center axis and the radial direction;
and/or
[0038] each of the plurality of fins curves circumferentially
relative the center axis.
[0039] In another embodiment, a heat transfer device includes a
heat exchanger with a base and a plurality of fins. A center axis
extends through the base such that the base extends outward from
the center axis in a radial direction. The plurality of fins is
connected to the base and defines a corresponding plurality of air
flow channels supported on the base. Each of the plurality of air
flow channels includes an inlet, an outlet radially outward from
the inlet relative the center axis, and a turn between the inlet
and the outlet. The turn bends the respective air flow channel
relative the center axis and the radial direction.
[0040] The heat transfer device of the preceding paragraph can
optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or
more of the following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0041] a blower connected to the heat exchanger and coaxial with
the center axis, and wherein an exit of the blower is fluidically
connected to the inlet of each of the plurality of air flow
channels;
[0042] each of the plurality of air flow channels extends axially
from the inlet to the turn, and extends radially from the turn to
the outlet relative the center axis, and wherein the blower is an
axial fan;
[0043] each of the plurality of air flow channels is a mixed flow
channel with the inlet at the turn and angled relative the center
axis and the radial direction, and the outlet facing radially
outward, and wherein the blower is a mixed flow fan such that the
exit of the blower is angled relative the center axis and the
radial direction; and/or
[0044] each of the plurality of air flow channels extends axially
and curves circumferentially from the inlet to the turn, and
extends radially and curves circumferentially from the turn to the
outlet relative the center axis, and wherein the blower is an axial
fan.
[0045] Any relative terms or terms of degree used herein, such as
"substantially", "essentially", "generally", "approximately", and
the like, should be interpreted in accordance with and subject to
any applicable definitions or limits expressly stated herein. In
all instances, any relative terms or terms of degree used herein
should be interpreted to broadly encompass any relevant disclosed
embodiments as well as such ranges or variations as would be
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
entirety of the present disclosure, such as to encompass ordinary
manufacturing tolerance variations, incidental alignment
variations, transitory vibrations and sway movements, temporary
alignment or shape variations induced by operational conditions,
and the like.
[0046] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment(s), 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(s) disclosed, but that the invention will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *