Adaptive heat exchanger

Abstract

Disclosed is a heat exchanger comprising a first flow path with an inlet, an outlet and a first surface and a second flow path with an inlet, an outlet and a second surface wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface has a portion consisting of a shape memory alloy which has a first shape at a first temperature, a second shape at a second temperature different than the first temperature, and returns to the first shape in response to a return to the first temperature.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A heat exchanger comprising a first flow path with an inlet, an outlet and a first surface and a second flow path with an inlet, an outlet and a second surface wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface has a portion consisting of a shape memory alloy which has a first shape at a first temperature, a second shape at a second temperature different than the first temperature, and returns to the first shape in response to a return to the first temperature. 
     
     
         2 . The heat exchanger of  claim 1 , wherein the first surface and the second surface both have a portion consisting of a shape memory alloy. 
     
     
         3 . The heat exchanger of  claim 1 , wherein the first shape is planar with the first surface and the second shape projects into the flow path. 
     
     
         4 . The heat exchanger of  claim 1 , wherein the first shape is planar with the first surface and the second shape reduces the size of the flow path. 
     
     
         5 . The heat exchanger of  claim 1 , wherein the portion consisting of a shape memory alloy is fabricated using additive manufacturing. 
     
     
         6 . The heat exchanger of  claim 1 , wherein the first shape puts the first surface in the flow path and the second shape puts the first surface on the side of the flow path. 
     
     
         7 . The heat exchanger of  claim 1 , wherein the first shape is planar with the first surface and the second shape closes the flow path. 
     
     
         8 . A heat exchanger comprising:
 a first flow path with an inlet, an outlet and a first set of fins and   a second flow path with an inlet, an outlet and a second set of fins,   wherein at least one of the first set of fins and the second set of fins has a portion consisting of a shape memory alloy which has a first shape at a first temperature, a second shape at a second temperature different than the first temperature, and returns to the first shape in response to a return to the first temperature.   
     
     
         9 . The heat exchanger of  claim 8 , wherein the first set of fins and the second set of fins both have a portion consisting of a shape memory alloy. 
     
     
         10 . The heat exchanger of  claim 8 , wherein the first shape is planar with the fins in the first set fins and the second shape projects into the flow path. 
     
     
         11 . The heat exchanger of  claim 8 , wherein the portion consisting of a shape memory alloy is fabricated using additive manufacturing. 
     
     
         12 . The heat exchanger of  claim 8 , wherein the first shape is planar with the fins in the first set of fins and the second shape reduces the size of the first flow path. 
     
     
         13 . The heat exchanger of  claim 8 , the first shape puts the first set of fins in the first flow path and the second shape puts the first set of fins on the side of the first flow path. 
     
     
         14 . The heat exchanger of  claim 8 , wherein the first shape is planar with the first set of fins and the second shape closes the flow path.