Aerodynamic heat exchange structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to heat exchangers, and more particularly to a heat exchange structure configured to operate in an air stream. In one embodiment, a heat exchange structure configured to operate in an air stream includes coolant flow portions, each of the coolant flow portions having at least one substantially closed surface directed into the air stream; and air flow portions disposed between adjacent coolant flow portions for receiving air from the air stream, the air flow portions having air passages directed into the air stream; the substantially closed surface of the coolant flow portions having an aerodynamic shape.

1 . A heat exchange structure configured to operate in an air stream, the heat exchange structure comprising:
 coolant flow portions, each of the coolant flow portions having at least one substantially closed surface directed into the air stream; and   air flow portions disposed between adjacent coolant flow portions for receiving air from the air stream, the air flow portions having air passages directed into the air stream;   the substantially closed surface of the coolant flow portions having an aerodynamic shape.   
     
     
         2 . The heat exchange structure of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially closed surface is at a leading edge of the coolant flow portions directed into the air stream. 
     
     
         3 . The heat exchange structure of  claim 2 , wherein the substantially closed surface has a shape that is convex into the air stream. 
     
     
         4 . The heat exchange structure of  claim 2 , wherein each coolant flow portion has a trailing edge at an end of the coolant flow portion opposite the leading edge. 
     
     
         5 . The heat exchange structure of  claim 4 , wherein the trailing edge has a shape that is tapered rearwardly away from the leading edge. 
     
     
         6 . The heat exchange structure of  claim 1 , wherein the heat exchange structure is configured in a free air stream. 
     
     
         7 . The heat exchange structure of  claim 1 , wherein the heat exchange structure is configured in an air duct. 
     
     
         8 . The heat exchange structure of  claim 1 , wherein the heat exchange structure is configured in an air plenum. 
     
     
         9 . A method of manufacturing a heat exchange structure configured to operate in an air stream, comprising:
 providing coolant flow portions, each of the coolant flow portions having at least one substantially closed surface;   arranging the coolant flow portions such that the substantially closed surface is directed into the air stream;   providing air flow portions between adjacent coolant flow portions, the air flow portions having air passages for receiving air from the air stream;   arranging the air flow portions such that the air passages are directed into the air stream; and   configuring the substantially closed surface of the coolant flow portions to have an aerodynamic shape.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein configuring the substantially closed surface of the coolant flow portions to have an aerodynamic shape further comprises designing the aerodynamic shape to be convex into the air stream. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising designing each of the coolant flow portions to have a trailing edge at an end opposite the substantially closed surface, wherein the trailing edge has a shape that is tapered rearwardly away from the substantially closed surface.