CPC F28D 20/0034 (2013.01) [B23P 15/26 (2013.01); F28D 1/0471 (2013.01); F28D 1/05366 (2013.01); F28D 20/021 (2013.01); F28F 1/025 (2013.01); F28F 7/02 (2013.01); F28F 21/062 (2013.01); F28F 21/082 (2013.01); F28F 21/084 (2013.01); F28F 21/086 (2013.01); F28F 21/087 (2013.01); F28F 27/02 (2013.01); F28D 7/1615 (2013.01); F28D 7/1684 (2013.01); F28D 2020/0013 (2013.01); F28D 2020/0017 (2013.01); F28D 2020/0078 (2013.01); F28F 2255/04 (2013.01)] | 25 Claims |
1. A heat exchanger comprising:
a lattice structure including a plurality of conduits defining a plurality of interstitial voids between the plurality of conduits, wherein each of the plurality of conduits includes an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the plurality of conduits are arranged such that, between the inlet and the outlet, each of the conduits intersects at least one other conduit to enable flow between the intersecting conduits, wherein an intersection point between two conduits defines a node;
a first manifold formed unitarily with the lattice structure, the first manifold comprising a first plurality of openings in fluid communication with each inlet of the plurality of conduits;
a phase change material (PCM) disposed within and substantially filling the plurality of interstitial voids and contacting an exterior of the plurality of conduits;
a shell formed unitarily with the lattice structure and the first manifold such that the shell is coupled to both the lattice structure and the first manifold, wherein the shell surrounds the lattice structure to thereby form a closed container into which the PCM is confined; and
a valve positioned in the node between at least two conduits of the plurality of conduits, wherein the valve comprises a shape-memory alloy (SMA) that changes shape in response to temperature to control flow of fluid through the node, wherein a transition temperature of the SMA determines whether the valve is in an open position or a closed position, and wherein the SMA transitions from a martensitic state to an austenitic state when heated above a transition temperature and then returns to the martensitic state when cooled below the transition temperature.
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