Thin film composite heat exchangers
AssigneeOasys Water, Inc.
InventorsRobert McGinnis, Gary McGurgan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention generally relates to thin film composite heat exchangers and methods of making thin film composite heat exchangers. The heat exchangers can be made with polymers or other materials including, but not limited to, inorganic materials such as silicon, clay, ceramic, brick, or metal. Heat exchangers in accordance with the invention may be made of a material that is non-corrosive, durable, and that may be applied in a thin coating so as to minimize resistance to heat transfer and material costs.
Claims22
A method of manufacturing a heat exchange panel, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a support structure comprising a first layer and a second layer;
- applying a first material to the first layer of the support structure to form a thin, porous support layer;
- applying a second material to the first material support layer to form a thin, non-porous heat transfer layer;
- and
- releasing the heat exchange panel by releasing the first layer of the support structure from the second layer of the support structure.
A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of heat exchange panels, the heat exchange panels comprising:
- a thin support structure having a high porosity and a low tortuosity;
- a first material disposed on a first side of the support structure and forming a thin, porous support layer;
- and
- a second material disposed on the support layer and forming a thin, non-porous heat transfer layer.
A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a housing defining an interior region and having a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet;
- forming a plurality of heat exchange panels having a first side and a second side, wherein the panels comprise:
- a thin support structure having a high porosity and a low tortuosity;
- a first material disposed on a first side of the support structure and forming a thin, porous support layer;
- and
- a second material disposed on the support layer and forming a thin, non-porous heat transfer layer;
- disposing each of the plurality of heat exchange panels within the interior region of the housing;
- fluidly coupling a first side of each of the plurality of heat exchange panels to the first inlet and the first outlet of the housing;
- and
- fluidly coupling a second side of each of the plurality of heat exchange panels to the second inlet and the second outlet of the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.