CN114251961A

CN114251961A - Web, web matrix and rotor for heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: CN114251961A
Application number: CN202111129698.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃曼·斯坦内扎; 弗雷德里克·尼尔松; 约翰·伊德纳
Original assignee: Hytex Co
Current assignee: Hytex Co
Priority date: 2020-09-25
Filing date: 2021-09-26
Publication date: 2022-03-29
Also published as: SE2051118A1; EP3974759A1; US20220099378A1

Abstract

A web for a rotary heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy and/or moisture to and/or from a fluid. The web comprises a plurality of first profiled sections and a plurality of second profiled sections protruding in opposite directions, the protrusion comprising a fluid passage. The first profiled section and the second profiled section form a plurality of fluid flow channels having a primary fluid flow axis and configured to allow fluid to flow at least partially along the primary fluid flow axis. Each fluid flow channel is formed by alternating at least one first profiled section and at least one second profiled section along a main fluid flow axis and aligning the fluid passages of the alternating first and second profiled sections. The fluid flow channels include at least one transverse opening that allows fluid flow to travel at least partially between adjacent fluid flow channels. A matrix of webs for transferring thermal energy and/or moisture to and/or from the fluid, a rotor for a heat exchanger and a rotary heat exchanger are also provided.

Description

Web, web matrix and rotor for heat exchanger

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a web for transferring thermal energy and/or moisture to and/or from a fluid, the web comprising a plurality of fluid flow channels.

Background

Heat exchangers are used to recover energy from an effluent gas stream to an influent gas stream in various applications such as ventilation, drying, thermal management of electronic devices, and the like. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of channels configured for fluid flow, which may be arranged in a matrix. Typically, the inlet fluid flows in one direction in one set of channels and the outlet fluid flows in the opposite direction in a different set of channels, as is the case with plate heat exchangers, where the heat exchanger matrix comprises an inlet fluid flow and an outlet fluid flow that are completely separated from each other.

The flow separation of the plate heat exchanger prevents contamination, i.e. transfer of odour or particles between the outlet flow and the inlet flow. An important parameter for the performance of a plate heat exchanger is the spacing between adjacent plates. Narrower channels, i.e. smaller height or distance between adjacent plates, result in higher pressure drop and higher efficiency, i.e. transfer more heat. Larger channel heights are preferred if a lower pressure drop is desired, but at the expense of lower efficiency. The plate heat exchanger has a temperature efficiency of about 65-80% and the allowable pressure drop is typically in the range between 20 and 100 kPa.

The corresponding matrix of rotary heat exchangers instead uses the same channels to accommodate both inlet and outlet fluid flows. As the rotor rotates, heat is captured from the outlet fluid in one half of the rotation cycle and released into the inlet fluid in the other half of the rotation cycle. This allows waste energy from the outlet fluid to be transferred to the matrix and then from the matrix to the inlet fluid. This increases the temperature of the inlet fluid by an amount proportional to the temperature difference between the fluids and which is dependent on the efficiency of the heat exchanger. Since the outlet fluid flow and the inlet fluid flow alternately pass through the same rotor channel, the rotor is also largely self-cleaning and freeze-proof.

The ability of the rotor to recover thermal and moisture, i.e., potential energy, makes the rotary heat exchanger very efficient. The rotary heat exchangers have a temperature efficiency of typically 70-90%, with a pressure drop between 50 and 300 Pa. The rotor may also be used as a drying wheel provided with a coating for transferring moisture from one fluid to another.

The channels of the matrix of the rotary heat exchanger conventionally have a substantially triangular or sinusoidal shape, so that as much surface area of the matrix as possible can be in contact with the fluid, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency. However, if the normal laminar flow of the fluid is interrupted, for example by a heat sink, and some turbulence is generated within the fluid, the heat exchange can be made more efficient. This is due to the fact that laminar flow forms a boundary layer adjacent to the channel walls that limits heat transfer, and any additional turbulence creates significant mixing of the boundary layer and bulk fluid, thereby allowing efficient heat exchange.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide improved webs and matrices for heat exchangers. The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further embodiments are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a web for a rotary heat exchanger, the web being configured for transferring thermal and/or moisture to or from a fluid, the web comprising a plurality of first profiled sections and a plurality of second profiled sections, the first profiled sections and the second profiled sections being configured to project in opposite directions relative to a main plane of the web, each projection comprising a fluid passage, the first profiled sections and the second profiled sections forming a plurality of fluid flow channels, each fluid flow channel having a main fluid flow axis and being configured to allow fluid to flow at least partially along the main fluid flow axis, each fluid flow channel being formed by alternating at least one first profiled section and at least one second profiled section along the main fluid flow axis and by aligning the fluid passages of the alternating first profiled sections and second profiled sections, each fluid flow channel includes at least one transverse opening that allows fluid flow to travel at least partially between adjacent fluid flow channels.

Webs similar to those described above include as few portions as possible to eliminate the need for spaced apart spacing members such as shims. This not only reduces material costs, but also facilitates assembly and allows for a more compact heat exchanger, when the webs are wound in a spiral or several webs are stacked on top of each other, forming a heat exchanger comprising multiple layers of webs and thus fluid flow channels.

Furthermore, this particular web provides as large a surface area as possible, i.e. an energy transfer area, while also allowing the laminar flow of fluid through each fluid flow channel to be interrupted by the transverse openings in the channel walls and some turbulence generated in the fluid. This significantly increases the energy transfer rate of the web as well as the moisture transfer rate when the slow moving boundary layer is disrupted.

In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first profiled section protrudes in a first direction perpendicular to the main plane and the second profiled section protrudes in a second direction opposite to the first direction, such that the profiled sections together form two spacers and a fluid flow channel.

In a further possible embodiment of the first aspect, the main fluid flow axes extend parallel to each other and to the main plane. This facilitates having only one common inlet side and one common outlet side in a heat exchanger comprising webs.

In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the fluid outlet end of a first profiled section is arranged adjacent to the fluid inlet end of an adjacent second profiled section, and/or wherein the fluid inlet end of a first profiled section is arranged adjacent to the fluid outlet end of an adjacent second profiled section, the fluid passage of the first profiled section extends along the main fluid flow axis from the fluid inlet end to the fluid outlet end, and the fluid passage of the second profiled section extends along the main fluid flow axis from the fluid inlet end to the fluid outlet end.

In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the fluid flow may deviate from the main fluid flow axis and proceed into the fluid passage of the second profiled section when it leaves the fluid outlet end of the first profiled section of the fluid flow channel and/or the fluid flow may deviate from the main fluid flow axis and proceed into the fluid passage of the first profiled section of the adjacent fluid flow channel when it leaves the fluid outlet end of the second profiled section of the fluid flow channel. In this way, openings in the channel walls, i.e. interruptions affecting the laminar flow of the fluid, are formed at each transition between the first profiled section and the second profiled section to allow a more efficient heat exchange.

In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first profiled section and the second profiled section of each fluid flow channel have the same shape, the axis of symmetry of the first profiled section extending coaxially to the axis of symmetry of the second profiled section and parallel to the main fluid flow axis of the fluid flow channel. This simplifies the manufacture of the web, since there is only one shape, which has to be realized, although upside down.

In another possible embodiment of the first aspect, the first profiled section and the second profiled section have different cross-sectional shapes, as seen in a plane perpendicular to the main fluid flow axis and the main plane, to increase the flexibility of the web. For example, the height of each profiled section may be selected to provide greater or lesser spacing between adjacent webs of the matrix to establish a desired surface area density of the matrix. This embodiment allows customizing the heat exchange matrix by using two different profiled sections having different surface area densities. Furthermore, for a matrix, the height of the profiled section determines the degree of separation between adjacent webs and therefore the diameter of the fluid flow channels, the surface area density, and consequently the relationship of the gas flow to the pressure drop.

In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first and second shaped sections each comprise a vertex and a base, the vertex of the first shaped section and the base of the second shaped section being arranged on one side of the main plane and the base of the first shaped section and the vertex of the second shaped section being arranged on the opposite side of the main plane. The distance between the apex and the base, i.e., the height of the profiled section, may be selected to provide greater or lesser spacing between adjacent webs to provide a desired surface area density.

In another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the apex of the first profiled section and the base of the second profiled section are arranged in a first common plane and the base of the first profiled section and the apex of the second profiled section are arranged in a second common plane. This allows the symmetric webs to be easily manufactured and assembled into a matrix.

In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first profiled section and the second profiled section comprise strips of web material. By dividing the web material into a plurality of strips, a simple method of manufacturing a web having aligned fluid flow channels and transverse openings between adjacent fluid flow channels is facilitated.

In another possible embodiment of the first aspect, the shape substantially corresponds to one period of a sine wave.

In another possible embodiment of the first aspect, the apex corresponds to a peak of the sine wave and the base corresponds to two troughs of the sine wave.

In a further possible embodiment of the first aspect, the first profiled section and the second profiled section each comprise at least one step portion, the step portion of a first profiled section extending adjacent to the step portion of an adjacent second profiled section. The stepped portion provides stability to the web and increases the surface area of each fluid flow channel.

In another possible embodiment of the first aspect, the step portion of the first profiled section extends coplanar to the step portion of the second profiled section. The stepped portion provides a larger contiguous surface sub-area within each fluid flow channel.

In another possible embodiment of the first aspect, the step portion is arranged equidistantly between the apex and the base to facilitate web symmetry.

In a further possible embodiment of the first aspect, the web comprises a web material such as a polymer, steel or aluminium foil, and optionally a coating of a hygroscopic or epoxy resin. This makes the web thin, lightweight, and useful for transferring moisture in addition to transferring energy.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a web matrix for transferring thermal energy and/or moisture to and/or from a fluid, the matrix comprising a plurality of webs according to the above, the webs being stacked on top of each other such that the primary fluid flow axes of the webs extend in parallel.

The provision of the projections allows the webs of the matrix to be stacked without the need for separate spacing members such as spacers, as each projection provides both a fluid passage and a vertical separation.

In a possible embodiment of the second aspect, the web matrix further comprises at least one monolithic sheet, each sheet being arranged between two adjacent webs. The unitary sheet provides separation between adjacent webs.

In another possible implementation form of the second aspect, each sheet is configured to support the apex of the first profiled section and the base of the second profiled section or to support the apex of the second profiled section and the apex of the second profiled section.

In another possible embodiment of the second aspect, the apex and/or the base of the first profiled section and/or the second profiled section of the web is fixedly attached to the sheet.

According to a third aspect, a rotor for a heat exchanger is provided, comprising a matrix according to the above, the axis of rotation of the rotor extending parallel to the primary fluid flow axis of the webs of the matrix. Such a solution not only facilitates a rotor with an increased energy transfer rate and an increased moisture transfer rate, but also enables significant material savings in the manufacture of the rotor.

In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, each fluid flow channel of the web is configured to accommodate a bidirectional fluid flow at least partially along the primary fluid flow axis, the fluid flowing in a first direction along the primary fluid flow axis within the rotor segment when the rotor segment is in the first angular position, and the fluid flowing in a second, opposite direction along the primary fluid flow axis within the rotor segment when the rotor segment is in the second angular position.

In a further possible embodiment of the third aspect, the rotor is configured for air-to-air heat transfer.

In another possible embodiment of the third aspect, the rotor is configured for air to liquid.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a rotary heat exchanger comprising a rotor according to the above. This solution not only facilitates the heat exchanger to have an increased energy transfer rate and an increased moisture transfer rate, but also enables a significant material saving in the manufacture of the heat exchanger.

In a possible embodiment of the fourth aspect, the rotary heat exchanger is configured for use in a ventilation system.

This and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

In the following detailed part of the disclosure, aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a web according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of a web according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4a to 4c show cross-sectional side views of a web according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the profiled section of the embodiment shown in fig. 4 c.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial perspective view of a heat exchanger including a rotor and a matrix according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 6 shows a rotary heat exchanger 13 comprising a rotor 12, which rotary heat exchanger 13 may be configured for use in e.g. a ventilation system where it is not necessary to separate the inlet and outlet fluid flows. The rotor 12 may be configured for air-to-air heat transfer, air-to-liquid heat transfer, or liquid-to-liquid heat transfer. Further, the rotor 12 may be configured for moisture transfer. The rotor 12 may have a temperature efficiency of 70-90% with a pressure drop between 50 and 300 Pa.

The rotor 12 includes a web matrix 10 comprising a plurality of webs 1 or foils, as will be described in more detail further below. As shown in fig. 6, the axis of rotation a4 of the rotor 12 extends parallel to the primary fluid flow axis a1 of the webs 1 of the web matrix 10. The web matrix 10 may be a unitary or segmented, segmented rotor divided into sectors, i.e., pie-shaped pieces, which are assembled when the rotor is installed.

The web 1 comprises a plurality of fluid flow channels 5 configured to accommodate bi-directional fluid flow at least partially along the primary fluid flow axis a1, which reduces the build-up of laminar flow. Bidirectional means that when a rotor segment is momentarily in a first angular position R1, fluid flows in a first direction D3 along a primary fluid flow axis a1 of a fluid flow channel 5 that is disposed within the particular rotor segment. Accordingly, when the same rotor segment is momentarily in the second angular position R2, fluid flows in the opposite second direction D4 along the same primary fluid flow axis a 1. The first angular position R1 may be, for example, any position of the upper 180 ° of one rotation of the rotor 12 about the rotation axis a4, and the second angular position R2 may be any position of the lower 180 ° of rotation.

Fig. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the above-described web 1, the web 1 being configured for transferring thermal energy and/or moisture to and/or from a fluid passing therethrough. The fluid may be air, water or any suitable gas.

The web 1 comprises a plurality of first profiled sections 2 and a plurality of second profiled sections 3. The first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 are configured such that they project in opposite directions with respect to the main plane P1 of the web 1. Each projection forms a fluid passage 4, in other words the first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 are shaped such that they extend in opposite directions, and the fluid passage 4 is formed by and within the projection. Furthermore, since the plurality of first profiled sections 2 and the plurality of second profiled sections 3 project in opposite directions with respect to the main plane P1, they form a distance between adjacent, i.e. stacked, webs 1.

The first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 together form a plurality of fluid flow channels 5. Each fluid flow channel 5 has a primary fluid flow axis a1 and is configured to allow fluid to flow in the first and second directions D3 and D4 at least partially along the primary fluid flow axis a 1. The plurality of fluid flow channels 5 in one web 1 are arranged such that they extend substantially parallel, i.e. the primary fluid flow axes a1 of the fluid flow channels 5 are parallel to each other in the primary plane P1. The main plane P1 may be curved, for example when using webs 1 in a matrix of rotary heat exchangers 13. This bending or arching requires that a plurality of webs 1 of the web matrix 10 be stacked or wound such that each layer of webs 1 is properly arched and spaced apart from each other.

Each fluid flow channel 5 is formed by alternating at least one first profiled section 2 and at least one second profiled section 3 along the main fluid flow axis a1 such that each second section is a first profiled section 2 and each second profile is a second profiled section 3. As shown in fig. 2, the first profiled section 2 projects in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the main plane P1, and the second profiled section 3 correspondingly projects in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. The fluid passages 4 of the first and second profiled

sections

2, 3, which are alternately arranged, are aligned such that a fluid flow channel 5 is formed by the plurality of aligned fluid passages 4. The dimensions of the fluid passage 4 and thus the fluid flow channel 5 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are generally referred to as well height (hole height). Different well heights and rotor diameters will produce different efficiencies, pressure drops and air flow rates.

By alternating the first profiled sections 2 and the second profiled sections 3, the fluid outlet end 2b of a first profiled section 2 may be arranged adjacent to the fluid inlet end 3a of an adjacent second profiled section 3 and/or the fluid inlet end 2a of a first profiled section 2 may be arranged adjacent to the fluid outlet end 3b of an adjacent second profiled section 3. The fluid passage 4 of the first profiled section 2 extends along the main fluid flow axis a1 from the fluid inlet end 2a to the fluid outlet end 2b of the first profiled section 2. The fluid passage 4 of the second profiled section 3 extends along the main fluid flow axis a1 from the fluid inlet end 3a to the fluid outlet end 3b of the second profiled section 3.

The use of two alternating first and second profiled

sections

2, 3 not only provides fluid flow channels, but also spaces the distance between immediately adjacent webs 1 and contributes to the arching and stabilization of the webs and a web matrix 10 that is efficient. The increased number of profiled sections complicates manufacturing and arching.

Each fluid flow channel 5 comprises at least one transverse opening 6 which allows fluid flow to travel at least partially between adjacent fluid flow channels 5, rather than solely along the primary fluid flow axis a 1. A transverse opening 6 may be formed at each transition between the first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3, as shown in fig. 1 and 3, i.e. the transverse opening 6 may be an air gap formed between adjacent profiled

sections

2, 3.

The fluid flow may deviate from the primary fluid flow axis a1 as it exits the fluid outlet end 2b of the first profiled section 2 of the fluid flow channel 5a, i.e. travel through the transverse opening 6 and into the fluid passage 4 of the second profiled section 3 of the adjacent fluid flow channel 5 b. Accordingly, the fluid flow may deviate from the primary fluid flow axis a1 as it exits the fluid outlet end 3b of the second profiled section 3 of the fluid flow channel 5a, i.e. travel through the transverse opening 6 and into the fluid passage 4 of the first profiled section 2 of the adjacent fluid flow channel 5 b.

The first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 of each fluid flow channel 5 may have the same shape as shown in fig. 2 and 4a and 4 c. In this case, the axis of symmetry a2 of the first profiled section 2 can extend coaxially to the axis of symmetry A3 of the second profiled section 3. The axes of symmetry a2, A3 extend parallel to the primary fluid flow axis a1 of the fluid flow channel 5. However, the first and second profiled

sections

2, 3 may also be offset with respect to each other in the first or second direction D1, D2 (vertically or radially) or in a direction within the main plane P1 (horizontally or circumferentially).

Furthermore, the first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 may have different cross-sectional shapes as seen in a plane P2 perpendicular to the main fluid flow axis a1 and the main plane P1. In this case, the symmetry axes a2, A3 may extend coaxially or in parallel.

As shown in fig. 2, the first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 may each comprise a vertex 7 and a base 8. The apex 7 of the first profiled section 2 and the base 8 of the second profiled section 3 are arranged on one side of the main plane P1, and the base 8 of the first profiled section 2 and the apex 7 of the second profiled section 3 are arranged on the opposite side of the main plane P1. The apex 7 of the first profiled section 2 and the base 8 of the second profiled section 3 may be arranged in a first common plane P3, and the base 8 of the first profiled section 2 and the apex 7 of the second profiled section 3 may be arranged in a second common plane P4. One or several of the apex 7 and the base 8 may also be arranged with some vertical offset so that they do not extend in a common plane.

The cross-sectional shape of the first and second profiled

sections

2, 3 may substantially correspond to the period of a sine wave. The apex 7 may correspond to a peak of a sine wave and the base 8 may correspond to two troughs of a sine wave. The cross-sectional shape of the first and second profiled

sections

2, 3 may also substantially correspond to the period of a square wave, a triangular wave, a saw tooth wave or any other suitable periodic wave.

The first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 may be shaped such that they have substantially the same apex 7 and base 8. This is illustrated in fig. 4a to 4c, which show different embodiments of the first and second profiled

sections

2, 3. The cross-sectional shape of the first and second profiled

sections

2, 3 may correspond to the period of the sine wave, wherein each second vertex 7 of each

profile

2, 3 corresponds to a peak of the sine wave and each second vertex 7 corresponds to a trough of the sine wave, as shown in fig. 4a and 4 bc.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4a to 4c, the apex 7 and base 8 may be shaped such that they have as little surface as possible in contact with any adjacent element, such as the sheet 11 or adjacent web 1 described in more detail below.

The first and second profiled

sections

2, 3 may also have a complex period as shown in fig. 4c and 5. For example, the first and second profiled

sections

2, 3 may be shaped such that they have a wave shape that is not purely sinusoidal, but may for example comprise flat areas, such as flat vertices 7 and flat bases 8.

The first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 may each comprise at least one step portion 9. As shown in fig. 2, each first profiled section 2 and each second profiled section 3 may comprise two, preferably coplanar, stepped portions 9. As shown in fig. 5, each first profiled section 2 and each second profiled section 3 may comprise a step portion 9. The step portion 9 of a first profiled section 2 may extend adjacent to the step portion 9 of an adjacent second profiled section 3. The step portion 9 may be arranged coplanar with or at an angle to the main plane P1. The step portion 9 of the first profiled section 2 may extend coplanar to the step portion 9 of the second profiled section 3. Furthermore, the stepped portion 9 may be arranged equidistantly between the apex 7 and the base 8 of the section, i.e. at the vertical centre point of the fluid flow channel 5.

The first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 may each comprise a strip of web material. The web material may be a one-piece sheet in which parallel through-slits are cut and the strip is formed from material located between two such adjacent slits. Several profiled sections may be formed from one such unitary piece of material as shown in fig. 4a to 5. By allowing the strip to protrude in direction D1 or direction D2, a profiled section is formed. The slits preferably extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the primary fluid flow axis a 1.

The web 1 may comprise a web material such as polymer, steel or aluminium foil and is optionally covered by a coating of hygroscopic or epoxy resin.

The invention also relates to a web matrix 10 for transferring thermal energy and/or moisture to and/or from a fluid. The web matrix 10 comprises a plurality of webs 1 which are stacked on top of one another such that the main fluid flow axes a1 of the webs 1 extend in parallel. This is illustrated schematically in fig. 6. A plurality of webs 1 may be stacked on each other by stacking and bending the individual webs or rolling one or several webs on each other to form a spiral. The web is configured such that curing of the web is possible without affecting the configuration of the first profiled section 2 and the second profiled section 3 and therefore without affecting the efficiency of the web matrix 10.

As shown in fig. 3, the web matrix 10 may further comprise at least one integral sheet 11, each sheet 11 being arranged between two adjacent webs 1 such that they together form a fluid flow channel 5 for the passage of a fluid. Each sheet 11 may be configured to support the apex 7 of the first profiled section 2 and the base 8 of the second profiled section 3 or, alternatively, the apex 7 of the second profiled section 3 and the apex 7 of the second profiled section 3.

The apex 7 and/or the base 8 of the first profiled section 2 and/or the second profiled section 3 of the web 1 may be fixedly attached to the sheet 11, for example by an adhesive such as glue, or may be non-fixed relative to the sheet 11. The apex 7 and/or the base 8 of the first profiled section 2 may also be in fixed or non-fixed contact with the adjacent and corresponding apex 7 and/or base 8 of the second profiled section 3.

Various aspects and implementations have been described in connection with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. The terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper" and "lower," as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "rightwardly," "upwardly," etc.), as used in the specification, refer only to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the direction of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or rotation, as the case may be.

Claims

1. A web (1) for a rotary heat exchanger (13), the web (1) being configured for transferring thermal energy and/or moisture to and/or from a fluid,

the web (1) comprising a plurality of first profiled sections (2) and a plurality of second profiled sections (3),

the first profiled section (2) and the second profiled section (3) being configured to protrude in opposite directions with respect to a main plane (P1) of the web (1), each protrusion comprising a fluid passage (4),

the first profiled section (2) and the second profiled section (3) forming a plurality of fluid flow channels (5), each fluid flow channel (5) having a primary fluid flow axis (A1) and being configured to allow fluid to flow at least partially along the primary fluid flow axis (A1),

each fluid flow channel (5) is formed by: alternating at least one first profiled section (2) and at least one second profiled section (3) along the main fluid flow axis (A1), and aligning the fluid passages (4) of the alternating first profiled sections (2) and second profiled sections (3),

each fluid flow channel (5) comprises at least one transverse opening (6) allowing the fluid flow to travel at least partially between adjacent fluid flow channels (5).

2. The web (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid outlet end (2b) of the first profiled section (2) is arranged adjacent to the fluid inlet end (3a) of an adjacent second profiled section (3), and/or wherein

The fluid inlet end (2a) of the first profiled section (2) is arranged adjacent to the fluid outlet end (3b) of an adjacent second profiled section (3),

the fluid passage (4) of the first profiled section (2) extends along the main fluid flow axis (A1) from the fluid inlet end (2a) to the fluid outlet end (2b), and

the fluid passage (4) of the second profiled section (3) extends along the main fluid flow axis (A1) from the fluid inlet end (3a) to the fluid outlet end (3 b).

3. The web (1) according to claim 2,

said fluid flow being capable of deviating from said main fluid flow axis (A1) upon exiting said fluid outlet end (2b) of said first profiled section (2) of said fluid flow channel (5a), and

into the fluid passage (4) of the second profiled section (3) of an adjacent fluid flow channel (5b), and/or

Said fluid flow being capable of deviating from said main fluid flow axis (A1) upon exiting said fluid outlet end (3b) of said second profiled section (3) of said fluid flow channel (5a), and

into the fluid passage (4) of the first profiled section (2) of an adjacent fluid flow channel (5 b).

4. The web (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,

the first profiled section (2) and the second profiled section (3) of each fluid flow channel (5) have the same shape,

the axis of symmetry (A2) of the first profiled section (2) extends coaxially to the axis of symmetry (A3) of the second profiled section (3) and

extends parallel to the primary fluid flow axis (A1) of the fluid flow channel (5).

5. The web (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first profiled section (2) and the second profiled section (3) each comprise an apex (7) and a base (8), the apex (7) of the first profiled section (2) and the base (8) of the second profiled section (3) being arranged on one side of the main plane (P1), and

the base (8) of the first profiled section (2) and the apex (7) of the second profiled section (3) are arranged on opposite sides of the main plane (P1).

6. The web (1) according to claim 5, wherein the apex (7) of the first profiled section (2) and the base (8) of the second profiled section (3) are arranged in a first common plane (P3), and

the base (8) of the first profiled section (2) and the apex (7) of the second profiled section (3) are arranged in a second common plane (P4).

7. The web (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first profiled section (2) and the second profiled section (3) each comprise at least one step portion, the step portion (9) of the first profiled section (2) extending adjacent to the step portion (9) of an adjacent second profiled section (3).

8. The web (1) according to claim 7, wherein the step portion (9) of the first profiled section (2) extends coplanar to the step portion (9) of the second profiled section (3).

9. The web (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the web (1) comprises a web material such as polymer, steel or aluminium foil, and optionally a coating of hygroscopic or epoxy resin.

10. A web matrix (10) for transferring thermal energy and/or moisture to and/or from a fluid, the web matrix (10) comprising a plurality of webs (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the webs (1) are stacked on top of one another such that the main fluid flow axes (A1) of the webs (1) extend in parallel.

11. The web matrix (10) of claim 10, further comprising at least one unitary sheet (11), each sheet (11) being arranged between two adjacent webs (1).

12. The web matrix (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the apex (7) and/or the base (8) of the first profiled section (2) and/or the second profiled section (3) of the web (1) is fixedly attached to the sheet (11).

13. A rotor (12) for a heat exchanger comprising a web matrix (10) according to any of claims 10 to 12, the rotational axis (a4) of the rotor (12) extending parallel to a primary fluid flow axis (a1) of the webs (1) of the web matrix (10).

14. The rotor (12) of claim 13, wherein each fluid flow channel (5) of the web (1) is configured to accommodate a bi-directional fluid flow at least partially along the primary fluid flow axis (A1),

the fluid flows in a first direction (D3) along the primary fluid flow axis (A1) within the rotor segment when the rotor segment is in a first angular position (R1),

when the rotor segment is in a second angular position (R2), the fluid flows within the rotor segment in a second, opposite direction (D4) along the primary fluid flow axis (a 1).

15. The rotor (12) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the rotor (12) is configured for air-to-air heat transfer.

16. A rotary heat exchanger (13) comprising a rotor (12) according to any one of claims 13 to 15.