2009 R&D 100 Winner
Heat exchangers are commonly used to efficiently transfer heat to a radiating and convecting surface, appearing mostly in hydronic radiant floor heating of residences and commercial buildings. GrafIHX RX Series Flexible Heat Exchangers from GrafTech International, Parma, Ohio, differ from conventional rigid aluminum plates in that they are made of graphite. This helps make them flexible and easy to cut, which reduces installation time. It also reduces overall costs, in both materials and energy savings. GrafIHX RX heat exchangers have a thermal conductivity of 300 to 450 W/mK compared to aluminum, which has a conductivity of 180 W/mK. These heat exchangers can be provided in thickness up to 1 mm; aluminum heat spreaders tend to be limited to thickness of 0.5 mm. The comformability of the GrafIHX material allows a tight wrap against water tubing, improving the efficiency of conventional heating systems by 20%. In panel systems, the high thermal performance of GrafIHX material also reduces the amount of tubing needed.
Technology
Flexible heat exchangers
Developer
GrafTech International