US 9,291,402 B2 · Heat exchanger

Abstract

This invention provides a heat exchanger (2) which has an elongate heat exchange element (4). The heat exchange element (4) has a substantially cylindrical structure with a first end and a second end and the length of the element (4) is greater than the diameter. A plurality of elongate flow paths extend between the first end and the second end. A first inlet (8) and a second outlet (14) are disposed in the first end and a first outlet (10) and a second inlet (12) are disposed in the second end. The first inlet (8) and first outlet (10) define a first flow path and the second inlet (12) and second outlet (14) define a second flow path. The heat exchanger is provided with a motor (16, 18) for rotating the cylindrical structure and the rotation of the cylindrical structure (4) moves the elongate flow paths from the first flow path to the second flow path.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A heat exchanger comprising:

an elongate heat exchange element comprising:
a substantially cylindrical structure having a first end and a second end and wherein the length is greater than the diameter;
and a plurality of elongate flow paths extending between the first end and the second end;
and a first inlet and a second outlet disposed in the first end and a first outlet and a second inlet disposed in the second end, the first inlet and first outlet defining a first flow path and the second inlet and second outlet defining a second flow path;
a seal element that seals against the end faces of the said plurality of elongate flow paths, the seal element defining the first flow path on one side thereof and the second flow path on the other side thereof, and comprising a plurality of resilient rollers arranged to rotate against the end faces of the plurality of flow paths as they rotate;
and
a drive configured to rotate the cylindrical structure;
wherein
rotation of the cylindrical structure moves the elongate flow paths from the first flow path to the second flow path.

6 more elements

A heat exchanger comprising:

an elongate heat exchange element comprising:
a substantially cylindrical structure having a first end and a second end and wherein the length is greater than the diameter;
and a plurality of elongate flow paths extending between the first end and the second end;
and a first inlet and a second outlet disposed in the first end and a first outlet and a second inlet disposed in the second end, the first inlet and first outlet defining a first flow path and the second inlet and second outlet defining a second flow path;
a seal element that seals against the end faces of the said plurality of elongate flow paths, the seal element defining the first flow path on one side thereof and the second flow path on the other side thereof, wherein the seal element is surrounded by a seal housing and wherein the seal housing at the second end of the cylindrical structure further comprises a seal bypass within the housing so that, immediately adjacent the seal, a flow path is provided from outlets of the elongate flow paths of the first flow path to the inlets of the elongate flow paths of the second flow path;
and
a drive configured to rotate the cylindrical structure;
wherein rotation of the cylindrical structure moves the elongate flow paths from the first flow path to the second flow path.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Heat exchanger

Life of this patent

Heat exchanger

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18