Vortex shedding heat transfer method and apparatus

Abstract

A heating transfer method and apparatus that has a fixed physical obstruction placed in the air path causing the airflow to cause the airflow to shed into alternating patterns. A column is placed perpendicular to the airflow path to provide an obstruction to the airflow. The cross-section of the column can be round, square or another multi-sided design. The obstruction will affect the velocity and intensity at which the shedding occurs thus, causing motion of the jets to deliver a more uniform cook on the product surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A heat transfer apparatus for providing uniform airflow to a product, said apparatus comprising:
 a motor driven fan for providing a controllable airflow;   a plenum for receiving the airflow, said plenum having a horizontal width, an orifice surface that is essentially oriented parallel to the product;   a plurality of jets within the orifice surface of said plenum, wherein said plurality of jets direct the airflow to the product;   an obstruction perpendicular to the airflow in said plenum, wherein said obstruction has a predetermined cross-section shape, size corresponding to the geometry of said plenum and the output of airflow provided by the motor driven fan, wherein said obstruction extends across the width of said plenum, wherein said obstruction causes the airflow in the plenum to shed into alternating patterns thus causing the airflow exiting said jets to change direction due to vortex shedding taking place in said plenum.   
     
     
         2 . The heat transfer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said cross-sectional shape is a shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, or multi-sided. 
     
     
         3 . The heat transfer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said obstruction is rectangular. 
     
     
         4 . The heat transfer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus is part of an air impingement oven. 
     
     
         5 . The heat transfer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus is part of a refrigeration apparatus for quick cooling of products.