By Josh Perry, Editor
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Scientists at South Ural State University (Chelyabinsk, Russia) have designed a new heat exchange device with polymeric hollow fibers that will lighten the components of home heating and cooling systems, avoid corrosion thanks to the new materials, and also lower production costs.

Heat exchanger with elements based on polymeric hollow fibers.
(South Ural State University)

According to a report from the university, “The presence of hot water in a residential building and comfortable temperature in it are the primary needs of a man. However, today the breakages often occur in the system of heating or hot water supply. The new design solutions, as well as the use of new materials, allow preventing them.”

The design seeks to combat the amount of dissolved minerals that can impact the storage tanks and heat exchangers in home water systems. Using plastic avoids rust, which can damage the system.

Researchers designed a two-part system that included a heat exchanger and a storage tank, both made of hollow polymer fibers, essentially small, hollow pipes through which the water can flow. The fibers are made of polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, and other polymers and the material, diameter, length, and number of fibers is dependent on the application.

“The hollow fiber bundles are compact and have low weight, which greatly simplifies installation and maintenance,” the article continued. “In addition, the heat transfer process is significantly accelerated.”

Next, researchers are working on simplifying the manufacturing process to make the heat exchanger device viable for mass production.

The article concluded, “It will allow providing the consumer with hot water and protecting the heating system from overheating. In addition, the heating system can react more quickly to the changes in the thermal conditions of the room: excess heat from the heat generator, if necessary, will be given to the hot water supply system.”