TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Enhanced Surface Improvements for Compact Heat Exchangers and Thermal Systems: Extending Lifetime and Performance

Elevate the efficiency and longevity of heat exchangers with this surface improvement technology, increasing fouling resistance without intensifying pressure drop.

Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), offers the opportunity to explore a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this technology for enhanced surface improvements of compact heat exchangers. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses, and, ultimately, an improved way of life for the American people.

Overview: The compact heat exchanger's design and performance are paramount in any energy-intensive system. Increasing demand for high-temperature, efficient systems means continuously pushing the boundaries of heat exchanger design. The primary challenge with compact heat exchangers, due to their small hydraulic diameter, is the heightened possibility of fouling and pressure drop, negatively impacting performance and system reliability. The deterioration of heat exchanger performance is exacerbated by surface roughness and elevated temperatures, necessitating innovative solutions.

Description: Our proprietary technology addresses these challenges head-on, introducing a novel method for surface improvements on compact heat exchangers and thermal systems using Directed-energy Deposition (DED) additive manufacturing. This technique gives us active control over surface wettability by modifying the geometry of surface roughness determined by the size of the metal powder used. The result? A significant enhancement in the compact heat exchanger's resistance to fouling, improved heat transfer performance, and extended equipment lifespan—even under harsh and aggressive chemical environments.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Heat Exchanger Performance: By modifying surface roughness, heat transfer efficiency is improved without increasing pressure drop.

• Increased Equipment Lifetime: Enhanced fouling resistance results in less wear and tear, extending the lifespan of the heat exchanger.

• Cost Savings: The increased lifespan and enhanced performance translate into significant long-term cost savings for customers.

• Applicability: The inherent surface modification technique offers a broad range of applicability across various industries and systems.

Applications:

• Energy Intensive Industries: Improves system performance and lifespan, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

• High-temperature Systems: Enhances heat transfer while mitigating fouling, a critical advantage for systems operating in extreme thermal conditions.

• Compact Heat Exchangers: Inherent surface modification widens applicability, meeting the unique challenges posed by compact heat exchangers.

• Chemical Industry: Offers superior resistance to fouling in aggressive chemical environments, providing a robust and reliable solution.

Development Status: TRL 3 (Technology Readiness Level 3), with proof-of-concept validated both analytically and experimentally.

IP Status: Provisional Patent Application No. 63/490,925, “Methods of Forming Heat Exchangers by Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing and Related Heat Exchangers and Reactor Assemblies,” BEA Docket No. BA-1302.

INL seeks to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities.

Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.