DE102022107011A1 - Kit for a heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a kit for a heat exchanger, with several thermoplates, each thermoplate having several plate channels, preferably at least partially oriented parallel to one another, at least one inlet element, the inlet element having a flow channel and a plurality of side openings for connecting the flow channel to the plate channels, and at least one outlet element, wherein the outlet element has a flow channel and a plurality of side openings for connecting the flow channel to the plate channels, wherein the thermoplates can be connected to one another in modular form by means of a plug-in and/or adhesive connection at an edge region.

Description

The invention relates to a kit for a heat exchanger and a heat exchanger with several thermoplates, each thermoplate having several plate channels, preferably at least partially oriented parallel to one another, at least one inlet element, the inlet element having a flow channel and a plurality of side openings for connecting the flow channel to the plate channels and at least one outlet element, the outlet element having a flow channel and a plurality of side openings for connecting the flow channel to the plate channels.

A corresponding heat exchanger is available, for example DE 20 2019 105 538 U1 known. The content of the DE 20 2019 105 538 U1 is included in this application, for example with regard to the feasibility and possible embodiments of the invention.

The disadvantage of previous heat exchangers is the comparatively high manufacturing costs. Depending on the desired size, the thermal plates must be manufactured individually.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a kit for a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger and a method for producing a heat exchanger in which costs are saved.

This task is solved through the objects and the procedure of the independent claims.

According to the invention, a kit for a heat exchanger is provided.

The heat exchangers can be used, for example, in the transport and/or storage of organs, blood plasma, medical products, e.g. medications and/or vaccines, for example mRNA vaccines, e.g. against COVID-19, food and/or seeds. Other applications in the deep-freeze sector (cryogenics), e.g. in freeze-drying, are also conceivable. For example, the heat exchanger can be used in space travel, the chemical and/or electronics industry, e.g. when testing chips.

For example, the heat exchanger can be used in a cabinet with one or more cooling shelves.

The kit has several thermal plates.

Thermal plates have the advantage over grids, such as those traditionally used in refrigerators or freezers, in that the contact surfaces with the product to be cooled are significantly larger. This significantly reduces the time required for cooling and/or freezing.

The thermal plates are preferably rectangular, for example square.

For example, a thermal plate can have a width between 5 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 25 cm, for example 19 cm. The length of the thermal plate can be, for example, between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 60 cm, for example 50 cm. The thermal plate can, for example, have a height between 1 cm and 3 cm, for example 1.6 cm.

Each thermal plate has several plate channels, preferably at least partially oriented parallel to one another. The plate channels can be designed, for example, as holes.

Although meandering plate channels are fundamentally conceivable, the plate channels preferably extend in only one direction. The plate channels are therefore preferably oriented parallel to one another over the entire length. This reduces the flow path, which minimizes the differential pressure. This also distinguishes the plate channels from previously known pipes or plates, which behave about 50% worse thermodynamically, since, for example, a reduction in performance occurs when the physical state changes due to the pressure loss.

A cooling and/or refrigeration medium can preferably be passed through the plate channels.

A gas, for example nitrogen, liquid gas, for example methane, a liquid and/or highly viscous media, for example silicone or a silicone oil, can be used as the cooling and/or refrigeration medium. In principle, any organic or inorganic cooling and/or refrigeration medium can be used. Functional proteins, which are known for example as NOVOTEC®, halogen-carbon compounds and/or ammonia are also conceivable as a cooling and/or refrigeration medium.

The plate channels are preferably dimensioned in such a way that, for example, it is possible to regulate the amount and/or change the aggregate of the cooling and/or refrigeration medium. In refrigeration technology, the liquid cooling and/or refrigeration medium is evaporated to produce gas. The gas has a larger volume. This is not the case here Problem because, for example, several plate channels are provided.

The plate channels are preferably arranged in a, for example horizontal, plane. Preferably, the flow of a cooling and/or refrigerant medium takes place exclusively horizontally.

For example, the plate channels can be distributed evenly, for example equidistantly, in the plane. This enables an even cooling result of the entire thermal plate. This means that temperature differences on the outer surfaces of the thermal plate can be avoided. Alternatively, if desired, targeted areas with different temperatures can be created by appropriately arranging the plate channels.

The plate channels can be enclosed by the thermal plate. For example, a bottom of the thermal plate can limit the plate channels from below and a cover of the thermal plate can limit the plate channels from above. The base and the lid can be oriented parallel to each other. The thermal plate therefore has a double-bottomed structure. The base and the lid include several cavities designed as plate channels. The plate channels can be designed variably. This results in a variable volume.

The plate channels can be limited laterally, for example by side walls. The plate channels can preferably be open at the end faces, i.e. at the front and back. The plate channels can therefore be completely flowed through by the cooling and/or refrigeration medium.

The kit has at least one inlet element, the inlet element having a flow channel and a plurality of side openings for connecting the flow channel to the plate channels.

The flow channel and/or the openings of the inlet element can be designed, for example, as bores.

Furthermore, the kit has at least one outlet element, the outlet element having a flow channel and a plurality of side openings for connecting the flow channel to the plate channels.

The flow channel and/or the openings of the outlet element can be designed, for example, as bores.

The openings of the inlet element and/or the openings of the outlet element can be round, oval or rectangular, for example. A rectangular shape with rounded narrow sides is also conceivable. The openings can, for example, be between 1 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 4 cm, e.g. 3.5 cm, wide. The height of the openings can be, for example, between 0.1 cm and 2 cm, preferably between 0.5 cm and 1 cm, for example 0.8 cm.

Preferably, the outlet element is mirror-inverted, but otherwise constructed identically to the inlet element.

For example, several inlet elements and/or several outlet elements can be provided. Adjacent inlet elements or outlet elements can preferably be plugged and/or glued to one another, for example on the front side.

The flow channel of the inlet element and/or the flow channel of the outlet element can be at least partially enclosed by the inlet element or outlet element. For example, a bottom of the inlet element or outlet element can limit the flow channel from below and a cover of the inlet element or outlet element can limit the flow channel from above. The flow channel can be laterally delimited, for example, by side walls, whereby one side wall can have the openings. At one end, for example at the front, the flow channel can preferably be open. On the other end, for example at the back, the flow channel can be open or closed. If the end face is open, the flow channel can be extended by an adjacent inlet element or outlet element. In the case of the rearmost inlet element or outlet element, however, the flow channel can preferably be closed in order to prevent the cooling and/or refrigerant medium from escaping.

The flow channel of the inlet element and/or the flow channel of the outlet element can be arranged at right angles to the plate channels. When assembled, the plate channels branch off laterally from the flow channel.

The flow channel of the inlet element and/or the flow channel of the outlet element can preferably be arranged in the same plane as the plate channels.

The flow channel of the inlet element and the flow channel of the outlet element are preferably oriented parallel to one another and can preferably be arranged on opposite sides of the thermal plate.

The thermal plates can be connected to one another in modular form at an edge area using a plug-in and/or adhesive connection. When assembled, the thermal plates are firmly connected to each other.

A pin connection, for example, can be provided as a plug connection.

For example, an edge region of the thermal plate, which in the assembled state does not adjoin the inlet element or outlet element, can be designed to be flatter than a base body of the thermal plate. An opposite edge area can have a receptacle, e.g. a slot, for receiving a flat edge area of an adjacent thermal plate. In this way, several thermal plates can be placed side by side together.

Alternatively or in addition to the plug connection, an adhesive connection can be provided for connecting the thermal plates. The thermal plates can be glued together, for example glued.

In contrast to welding, no weld seams are created when gluing. The flat and/or smooth surfaces ensure optimal energy exchange with the goods to be cooled. They are also easy to clean, which improves hygiene. The production times for gluing are also significantly shorter than, for example, for welding. Energy and CO2 are also saved. It is also advantageous that an oil portion of the coolant and/or refrigerant cannot evaporate. This can serve as lubrication for the components present in the cooling and/or refrigeration circuit.

The wall thickness can be made significantly smaller than conventional heat exchangers. The heat transfer (K value) is calculated to be around 30% higher compared to a welded connection.

With the kit according to the invention, a heat exchanger of any size can be assembled in a modular manner. For example, sizes up to 6 m are conceivable. Increasing the surface area and thus increasing performance is therefore easily possible. However, if the heat exchanger is not yet installed, the thermal plates can be stored and/or transported to save space.

In addition, several heat exchangers can be put together to form a bundle. Several thermal plates can be aligned parallel to each other.

The modular structure allows manufacturing costs to be saved because individual heat exchangers can be assembled from standard modules.

Further developments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

According to one embodiment, the inlet element can be connected to at least one edge region of one of the thermal plates by means of a plug-in and/or adhesive connection.

According to a further embodiment, the outlet element can be connected to at least one edge region of one of the thermal plates, preferably opposite the inlet element, by means of a plug-in and/or adhesive connection.

The inlet element and/or the outlet element can be connected to the thermoplate in modular form by means of a plug-in and/or adhesive connection at an edge region. In the assembled state, the inlet element and/or the outlet element are thus firmly connected to one another.

Depending on the size of the heat exchanger, several inlet elements and/or outlet elements can also be connected to the thermoplates in a modular manner.

An edge region of the inlet element and/or the outlet element can have a receptacle, for example a slot, for a flat edge region of the thermal plate. The inlet element and/or the outlet element can be attached and/or glued to the flat edge area of the thermal plate.

Alternatively, the inlet element and/or the outlet element can be formed in one piece with the thermal plate.

According to a further embodiment, the size of an inlet opening of a plate channel can be adjusted via the position of the inlet element.

This results in a variable volume or a variable power application.

The flow of the cooling and/or refrigeration medium can be controlled by the position of the inlet element. For example, the openings can be arranged immediately in front of the plate channels in order to achieve a maximum size of the inlet opening. Becomes the inlet element shifted, the openings and the end faces of the plate channels do not completely coincide, so that the inlet opening is reduced.

Preferably, the size of the inlet opening is finalized during assembly. Alternatively, the size of the inlet opening can be designed to be variable and/or changed, for example, during operation.

According to a further embodiment, the size of an outlet opening of a plate channel can be adjusted via the position of the outlet element.

This results in a variable volume or a variable power application.

The flow of the cooling and/or refrigeration medium can be controlled by the position of the outlet element. For example, the openings can be arranged immediately in front of the plate channels in order to achieve a maximum size of the outlet opening. If the outlet element is moved, the openings and the end faces of the plate channels do not completely coincide, so that the outlet opening is reduced.

Preferably, the size of the outlet opening is finalized during assembly. Alternatively, the size of the outlet opening can be designed to be variable and/or changed, for example, during operation.

Preferably, all of the side openings, the inlet openings and/or the outlet openings are the same size. Alternatively, these can also be of different sizes. For example, the openings can become smaller or larger in the direction of flow.

For example, the opening widths of the inlet openings and/or outlet openings can change.

Preferably, the opening widths of the inlet openings decrease or increase in the flow direction of the cooling and/or refrigeration medium. Alternatively or additionally, the opening widths of the outlet openings decrease or increase in the flow direction of the cooling and/or refrigeration medium. When the opening widths decrease, the flow speed of the cooling and/or refrigeration medium increases and the pressure decreases. This leads to even heat dissipation.

Alternatively, areas with different temperatures can be deliberately created.

According to a further embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flow channel changes over the length of the flow channel.

The cross-sectional area of the flow channel of the inlet element and/or the outlet element can, for example, decrease or increase in the flow direction of the cooling and/or refrigeration medium. In this way the flow speed and/or the pressure is influenced.

According to a further embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the plate channels change over the length of the plate channels.

The cooling and/or refrigerant medium flowing through the flow channel of the inlet element flows at least partially into the side openings of the inlet element and in this way reaches the plate channels through the inlet openings. When exiting the plate channels, the cooling and/or refrigerant medium flows via the outlet openings through the openings of the outlet element into the flow channel of the outlet element.

An inlet opening can, for example, be larger, smaller or exactly as large as the outlet opening opposite the corresponding plate channel.

If, for example, an inlet opening is smaller than the outlet opening opposite the corresponding plate channel, the flow speed of the cooling and/or refrigerant medium increases as it enters the plate channel, while the pressure decreases. The flow velocity remains the same over the longitudinal extent of the plate channel. This leads to even heat dissipation and increased energy efficiency.

Alternatively, areas with different temperatures can be deliberately created.

According to a further embodiment, the thermal plates, the inlet element and/or the outlet element comprise or consist of a metal material, preferably aluminum.

The thermal plates, for example the base, the cover and/or the side walls of the plate channels, the inlet element and/or the outlet element, for example the base, the cover and/or the side walls of the flow channel, can for example be made of aluminum or have an aluminum alloy. In contrast to other types of metal, aluminum has high thermal conductivity and/or a significantly lower weight. In addition, aluminum is easy to transport and/or clean, which means it meets high hygiene requirements. It is also aluminum resistant to around -160° C and/or can withstand high pressure in the range of around 25 bar.

Preferably, the thermal plates, the inlet element and/or the outlet element are made from an extruded profile, for example 200 mm wide. The extruded profile can be pressed, whereby the plate channels and/or the flow channel can be formed. The thermal plates, the inlet element and/or the outlet element can be manufactured in different sizes as required.

The invention further relates to a heat exchanger from a kit according to the invention.

The individual components can be connected to one another via a plug and/or adhesive connection.

Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger according to the invention with a kit according to the invention, in which several thermoplates are connected to one another in a modular manner at an edge region by means of a plug-in and/or adhesive connection.

The size of an inlet opening of a plate channel can preferably be adjusted via the position of the inlet element.

The flow of the coolant and/or refrigerant can therefore be varied solely by the position of the inlet element or outlet element, even with standardized and/or equally sized plate channels.

For example, alternatively or additionally, the size of an outlet opening of a plate channel can be adjusted via the position of the outlet element.

All embodiments and components of the devices described here are preferably designed to be manufactured using the method described here. In addition, all embodiments of the devices described here and all embodiments of the method described here can each be combined with one another, preferably also independently of the specific embodiment in the context of which they are mentioned.

• 1 eine Perspektivansicht einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Wärmeaustauschers,
• 2 eine teiltransparente Draufsicht des Wärmeaustauschers gemäß 1,
• 3 eine Schnittansicht gemäß der Linie A-A in 2,
• 4 eine Schnittansicht gemäß der Linie B-B in 2, und
• 5 bis 7 Schnittansichten verschiedener Relativpositionen zwischen einer Öffnung und einem Plattenkanal.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the invention,
• 2 a partially transparent top view of the heat exchanger 1 ,
• 3 a sectional view along line AA in 2 ,
• 4 a sectional view along line BB in 2 , and
• 5 until 7 Sectional views of various relative positions between an opening and a plate channel.

First of all, it should be noted that the embodiments shown are purely exemplary in nature. Individual features can be implemented not only in the combination shown, but also alone or in other technically sensible combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined in any way with features of another embodiment. Preferably, the number of thermoplates, plate channels, inlet elements, outlet elements and/or openings can vary.

If a figure contains a reference symbol that is not explained in the directly associated description text, reference is made to the corresponding previous or subsequent statements in the figure description. The same reference numbers are used for the same or comparable components in the figures and these are not explained again.

1 shows a heat exchanger with three thermal plates 10, an inlet element 12 and an outlet element 14.

For example, the heat exchanger can have a length between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 50 cm and 60 cm, for example 55 cm. The width of the heat exchanger can be, for example, between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 60 cm, for example 50 cm. The heat exchanger can, for example, have a height between 1 cm and 3 cm, for example 1.6 cm.

The inlet element 12 and the outlet element 14 each have a mother channel 16.

A cooling and/or cold medium can enter the inlet element 12 via a welding nipple 18 or exit the outlet element 14.

As in 2 is shown, the inlet element 12 and the outlet element 14 each have a flow channel 20.

Furthermore, the inlet element 12 and the outlet element 14 have side openings 22.

Each thermal plate 10 has several plate channels 24 oriented parallel to one another.

The plate channels 24 extend at a right angle to the flow channels 20 and are connected to them via the openings 22.

As in 3 is shown, the thermal plates 10 can be connected to one another in modular form by means of a plug-in and/or adhesive connection 26 at an edge region 28, 30.

An edge region 28 of the thermal plate 10, which in the assembled state does not adjoin the inlet element 12 or outlet element 14, can be flatter than a base body 31 of the thermal plate 10. For example, the flat edge region 28 can form a nose 32.

An edge region 30 of an adjacent thermal plate 10 can have a receptacle 36, for example a slot, for receiving the nose 32. In this way, several thermal plates 10 can be plugged together laterally.

Preferably, the thermal plates 10 can also be glued together, for example glued, at the edge regions 28, 30.

Due to the modular structure, basically any number of thermal plates 10 can be connected to one another.

As in 4 can be seen, the outlet element 14 - alternatively or additionally the inlet element 12 accordingly - can be connected to the thermal plates 10 by means of a plug and / or adhesive connection 26.

An edge region 38 of the outlet element 14 facing the thermal plates 10 can have a receptacle 40, for example a slot, for a flat, nose-shaped edge region 42 of the thermal plate 10. In this way, the outlet element 14 can be attached to the flat edge region 42 of the thermal plate 10 and preferably glued.

As in 5 is shown schematically, the outlet element 14 - alternatively or additionally also the inlet element 12 accordingly - and thus the side openings 22 can be moved relative to the plate channels 24 before, for example, a firm connection, for example gluing, takes place.

The size of an outlet opening 44 of the plate channel 24 - or the size of an inlet opening of a plate channel 24 - can therefore be adjusted by positioning the outlet element 14 or the inlet element 12.

In 6 part of the plate channel 24 is covered. The size of the outlet opening 44 is therefore reduced.

In 7 However, the opening 22 of the outlet element 14 and the front end of the plate channel 24 are congruent. The size of the outlet opening 44 of the plate channel 24 is therefore maximum.

The size of the outlet opening 44 can be adjusted according to the desired flow rate and/or requirements.

For example, the size of adjacent outlet openings 44 can decrease in the direction of flow.

Reference symbol list

10

Thermoplate

12

Inlet element

14

outlet element

16

Mother Channel

18

Welding nipple

20

Flow channel

22

opening

24

plate channel

26

Plug and/or adhesive connection

28, 30

Edge area

31

Basic body

32

Nose

36

Recording

38

Edge area

40

Recording

42

Edge area

44

outlet opening

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202019105538 U1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Kit for a heat exchanger, with several thermal plates (10), each thermal plate (10) having several plate channels (24), preferably at least partially oriented parallel to one another, at least one inlet element (12), the inlet element (12) having a flow channel (20) and a plurality of side openings (22) for connecting the flow channel (20) to the plate channels (24), and at least one outlet element (14), wherein Outlet element (14) has a flow channel (20) and a plurality of side openings (22) for connecting the flow channel (20) to the plate channels (24), the thermal plates (10) being modular by means of a plug-in and/or adhesive connection (26). an edge region (28, 30) can be connected to one another. Kit according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the inlet element (12) can be connected to at least one edge region (42) of one of the thermal plates (10) by means of a plug and / or adhesive connection (26). Kit according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the outlet element (14) can be connected to at least one edge region (42) of one of the thermal plates (10) by means of a plug and/or adhesive connection (26). Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the size of an inlet opening of a plate channel (24) can be adjusted via the position of the inlet element (12). Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the size of an outlet opening (44) of a plate channel (24) can be adjusted via the position of the outlet element (14). Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the flow channel (20) changes over the length of the flow channel (20). Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-sectional areas of the plate channels (24) change over the length of the plate channels (24). Kit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal plates (10), the inlet element (12) and/or the outlet element (14) comprise or consist of a metal material, preferably aluminum. Heat exchanger from a kit according to one of the preceding claims. Method for producing a heat exchanger Claim 9 with a kit according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , in which several thermal plates (10) are connected to one another in modular form by means of a plug-in and/or adhesive connection (26) at an edge region (28, 30).

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