DE10328746A1 - Multi-stage heat exchange apparatus and method of making such apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-stage heat exchange apparatus and a method of manufacturing such apparatus in which at least three fluid media (fluids) are used in three flow devices which are subdivided into at least two heat exchange or flow assemblies. The latter consist of at least two flow elements, which are arranged such that they are alternately flowed through by different fluids. Furthermore, the distribution of the fluids to the flow elements for substantially liquid fluids via gas and liquid tight connected fluid collection and / or distribution takes place. The main flow directions of all fluids in the flow elements lie in mutually substantially parallel planes. At least two flow assemblies are connected in series directly and / or fluidly connected via fluid distribution means at least with respect to a flow device.

Description

The The present invention relates to a multistage device heat exchange and a method of manufacturing such a device.

The Requirements for today's cooling and Air conditioning systems in vehicles are steadily increasing. This is on the one hand because of the need for cooling on the whole, and on the other hand, the necessary improvement the efficiency of cooling systems, which is being pushed further and further. The improved utilization from heat sources and heat sinks especially in an overall concept can lead to a higher degree of utilization and above lead to a reduction in consumption. In this overall concept plays the design of heat exchangers a central role.

Cold and Heating concepts of the current state of the art usually see the single-stage heat transfer in heat exchangers in front. In this case, fluids such. As coolant, refrigerant, oil, exhaust or charge air cooled or heated. Normally, this is achievable with a single-stage temperature control Efficiency limited. To improve the performance of cooling circuits Therefore, in some cases it makes sense to have a fluid over two stages cool or warm up. This is possible if, in addition to the fluid to be tempered, two further fluids are available, which are at two different temperature levels.

disadvantage The two-stage temperature control of fluids is usually that the use of two conventional series-connected heat exchangers with significantly higher Costs and larger space requirements connected is.

Of the Invention is therefore based on the object to a device create, in which the at least two-stage cooling or heating of a Fluids compact and inexpensive can be implemented.

The The object is achieved by a Device according to claim 1 solved. The inventive method for the production of such a device is the subject of the claim 20. Preferred embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The inventive device to exchange heat has at least three flow devices on which flows through at least one flowable medium (fluid). After the flow the individual flow facilities can at least two of the at least three fluids also in the heat exchanger mixed and discharged together become.

Preferably is in the first flow assembly the cooling or heating the larger proportion transmit the heat output, preferably over 60%, in particular up to 70%. Under flowable media, respectively Fluids are in the context of the invention, liquid and / or gaseous media of any viscosity understood, in particular, but not exclusively oils, liquids, especially high heat of vaporization, Water, air or gases and refrigerants, which can evaporate or condense. The flowable media can as well as additives, for example for corrosion inhibition included.

Further has the device according to the invention for the least one of essentially liquid Fluids flowed through flow device at least one fluid supply device, at least one fluid collection device and / or distribution device and at least one fluid drainage device.

At least according to the invention two flow assemblies provided with at least two respective flow elements, which are such are arranged, that the latter alternately of different fluids flows through become. Furthermore, they are one of substantially liquid fluids perfused flow device associated flow elements form and / or substance and / or non-positively, essentially gas and liquid tight connected to at least one fluid collection and / or distribution device.

According to the invention while the main flow directions all fluids in the flow elements in mutually substantially parallel planes. Further, two flow assemblies the device according to the invention directly positive and / or material and / or non-positive and / or via a Fluid distribution device fluidly connected at least as regards a flow device connected in series.

Under a flow device This means a device through which a liquid or gaseous Medium flow respectively stream can and which, in the case of substantially liquid fluids perfused Flow devices, essentially gas and liquid tight is delimited against the surrounding space. The flow facilities are connected by flow formed in series and / or parallel flow elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention these flow elements are at least partially from ins special, but not exclusive, hollow discs, flat tubes, plates and / or layers formed. Hollow disks, plates or layers are understood to mean essentially gas-tight and liquid-tight hollow bodies with inlet and outlet openings whose lengthwise and widthwise extent is significantly greater than their height. The term "flat tubes" is understood to mean tubes which have a long side in cross-section and a side which is much shorter in relation to this long side.

The flow elements can one or more flow channels for the flowing or -strömende Have medium. You can straight, but also have several curved sections. In addition, you can the flow elements also have twisted sections, that is those sections in which the flow element twisted or twisted in itself.

Under a Fluidverteil- and / or -ammolleeinrichtung be in the frame of the invention in the case of substantially liquid fluids perfused flow devices essentially gas and liquid density hollow body understood, in which fluids can flow or flow and in which these are collected. At the same time, these can However, fluid distribution and / or collection facilities also serve distribute the respective fluids to several flow elements or to collect from different flow elements again.

Under flow-connected is understood in the context of the invention that a fluid between the Flow elements, Fluid distribution and / or - collecting devices flow or stream can. Substantially gas and liquid-tight becomes, in particular, but not exclusively a subdivision understood by separating devices, so that along certain directions of flow facilities, Flow elements, Fluidverteil- and / or-gathering no fluid at the respective Pass separator or currents can.

Under flow or main flow direction A fluid is understood to mean the direction of the fluid within a flow device, a flow element and / or a Fluidverteil- and / or - collecting device preferably assuming directional changes of the fluid locally are limited, ignore to be left.

In a preferred embodiment these are the fluid distribution and / or collection devices in the further Meaning around collection and / or distribution pipes.

In a further preferred embodiment At least one fluid collection and / or distribution device is at least partly from longitudinally arranged openings in the flow elements formed, wherein a first number of simple openings Fluidein- and outlets to adjacent flow elements form and wherein a second number of openings sealing devices are arranged to form passages in the corresponding flow element, through which adjacent flow elements are fluidly connected.

Under the first number along the side arranged openings in flow elements, preferably in hollow discs, plates or layers are in the frame of the invention, in particular, but not exclusively, round Punches or drill holes understood in the much longer and broader pages the flow elements provided are.

Under the sealing means to the second number of longitudinally arranged openings in flow elements, preferably in hollow discs, plates, or layers are in Scope of the invention, in particular, but not exclusively, to the adjacent flow element fabric and / or form and / or force fit adjacent characteristics in the corresponding flow element or sealing rings understood.

Prefers are in individual openings partitions substantially gas and liquid tight provided, whereby a preferred control of the fluid distribution by, in particular, but not exclusively, stacking the same disc-shaped flow elements is possible.

In a further preferred embodiment the device according to the invention are preferred within the flow device provided turbulence generating and / or -erhöhende mold elements, in particular to increase the heat transfer coefficient contribute between the fluids of different flow devices. Preference is given to these turbulence-generating or -holding molding elements taken from a group which in particular, but not exclusively, ribs, Webs, pimples, furrows, imprints or milled out includes.

In a further preferred embodiment are the turbulence generating and / or increasing mold elements in at least one and / or arranged between at least two flow elements. Furthermore, the profile of at least one flow element preferably has turbulence-generating and / or increasing Properties on.

In a further preferred embodiment are turbulence inserts provided, preferably for insertion in at least a flow element, in particular, but not exclusively, in hollow discs, plates and / or layers.

Under Turbulence inserts are within the scope of the invention, but in particular not exclusively, Sheet understood, the turbulence-generating and / or-increasing mold elements such as. Have ribs, webs, knobs, grooves, indentations and / or cut-outs and simplifying production are inserted into the flow elements, preferably with to the interior dimensions the flow elements corresponding external dimensions as well to the distribution devices with leaktightness, in particular the characteristics in the flow elements corresponding cutouts for the passages, through which neighboring flow elements flow-connected are.

In a further preferred embodiment the device according to the invention are at least two flow elements through which different fluids flow longitudinally positively and / or material and / or non-positively connected.

In a further preferred embodiment at least two flow elements through which the same fluid flows are longitudinally above, in particular but not exclusively, the interposed relationship as profile own turbulence generating and / or increasing Form elements connected such that at least one between these flow elements resulting cavity a flow element for a forms another fluid.

In a further embodiment are the connections of the flow elements taken from a group, the solder joints, welds or adhesive bonds.

In a further preferred embodiment is at least between two traversed by different fluids Flow elements at least a sealing element provided, in particular, but not exclusively, of empty fluid hollow elements and / or separating elements is formed.

Prefers is at least one sealing element between series-shaped flow assemblies arranged.

In a further preferred embodiment has at least one of the sealing elements, in particular, but not exclusively, a fluid-empty hollow element, a tightness control opening. These proves especially during the preparation of the device according to the invention advantageous. Because then the individual flow devices are first individually filled with their respective fluids and should the respective flow device by, for example is a failure in the manufacturing process as leaking, there is the Possibility, that the exiting fluid in the initially empty hollow or also collects dummy element and by its exit at the Dichtigkeitskontrollöffnung the Leakage proves.

The Procedure, first every single flow device However, with their corresponding fluid to fill, it also allows by the transfer each filled Fluids in a second flow device the gas and liquid tightness the various flow facilities to check against each other.

In a further preferred embodiment the device according to the invention At least one of the sealing elements has at least one leak-tightness sensor on, in the case of fluid leakage from one of the flow devices causes a physically audible signal to be output.

In a further preferred embodiment are at least two flow assemblies separated from one another in a substantially thermally insulating manner, for example, by only spatially spaced arrangement, and / or but in particular in between arranged fluid empty hollow elements.

In a further preferred embodiment are within at least one flow element form elements provided, which at least partially the main flow direction in the flow element flowing Change fluids.

In a further embodiment is at least one flow device via at least another inflow means a fluid, in particular, but not exclusively, one which corresponds to the fluid in this flow device, added.

In a further preferred embodiment, the series connection of at least two flow assemblies with respect to at least one flow device takes place such that the temperature gradients of the fluid of this flow device along the flow path of this fluid from the fluid supply device to the fluid drain device of this flow device in each case with respect to the other, the flow assemblies of the flow assembly series circuit Fluide in terms of wesentli always get smaller.

In a further preferred embodiment There is a mixture of fluids in the heat exchanger, with different Shares of the total fluid can flow through different flow elements.

A further preferred embodiment allowed a separation of a fluid in the heat exchanger, wherein different proportions of the divided fluid are different Flow elements can flow through.

In a further preferred embodiment the heat exchange takes place in individual flow assemblies via condensation or evaporation of a fluid.

In Further preferred embodiments, the individual flow assemblies operated as cross, counter or DC heat exchange units become.

In a further preferred embodiment is the heat exchanger Part of a refrigeration cycle and the supply of the individual flow assemblies with the fluid over another low and / or high temperature cooling circuit.

In a further preferred embodiment the heat exchanger as at least two-stage heat exchanger for use in land, air or water vehicles, in particular for exhaust gas cooling for a Internal combustion engine is used.

Further Advantages, features and applications of the present Invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in connection with the figures.

In this demonstrate:

1 a schematic section through a heat exchange device according to the invention with stacked disk stacks as flow assemblies;

2 a partial exploded perspective view of the two-stage heat exchanger according to 1 ;

3 an upper longitudinal sectional view of two disc types for a further embodiment of the heat exchange device according to the invention;

4 an upper longitudinal sectional view of two disc types for a further embodiment of the heat exchange device according to the invention;

5 an upper longitudinal sectional view of two disc types for a further embodiment of the heat exchange device according to the invention;

6 a perspective view of another embodiment of the heat exchange device according to the invention with superimposed flow assemblies;

7 a perspective view of another embodiment of the heat exchange device according to the invention with juxtaposed flow assemblies;

8th a perspective view of another embodiment of the heat exchange device according to the invention with superposed flow assemblies for a gaseous fluid 2 ;

9 a perspective view of another embodiment of the heat exchange device according to the invention with superimposed flow assemblies and alternative arrangement of a drain device.

10 a perspective view of another embodiment of the heat exchange device according to the invention with juxtaposed flow assemblies and common fluid drainage device;

11 two plan views of further embodiments of the heat exchange device according to the invention;

12 a cooling circuit, in which the heat exchanger according to 10 was integrated.

A first embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to FIGS 1 and 2 described. These figures show a schematic section through a two-stage heat exchanger whose flow elements are disks, and whose heat exchange or flow assemblies are formed by stacked disk stacks with a hollow disc arranged therebetween or a perspective exploded view of the same heat exchanger.

This flows into 1 the fluid 1 top left over the inflow device 10 through the cover 5 into the flow assembly 120 and first passes through a second opening 100 with expression through the top disc 22 in the top pane 12 as a fluid flow element 1 , From there you can find the fluid 1 two possible flow directions, namely on the one hand substantially diagonally across the top disc 12 to in 2 illustrated first opening 102 , where along this path a heat Exchange with the above or below discs 22 flowing fluid 2 he follows.

Subsequently, fluid passes 1 through the first opening 102 by a corresponding expression in the turn of fluid 2 flowed through underlying disc 22 in the following discs 12 , On the other hand, the in 2 illustrated first opening 101 the passage through the underlying disc 22 to the following discs 12 , However, an immediate flow path for fluid 1 directly through the first and second openings of the disks of both flow assemblies from the inlet means 10 to the drainage facility 11 without the fluid 1 over the discs 12 the lower flow assembly 130 would have to flow over the partition wall 71 blocked.

From the bottom pane 12 the upper flow assembly 120 finally fluid flows 1 by a corresponding expression in the dummy disk 7 in this way to flow assembly 120 with regard to fluid 1 serially connected flow assembly 130 , which forms a second heat exchange stage, through the discs 12 analogous flow paths between those of fluid 3 flowed through discs 32 result, what now a heat exchange between the fluids 1 and 3 allowed.

The partitions 72 and 73 such as 74 and 75 separate the slices 22 as an essential part of the fluid flow device 2 from the slices 32 as an essential part of the fluid flow device 3 , Finally, fluid enters 1 through the ground 6 and the drainage device 11 from the two-stage heat exchanger 9 out.

In an analogous manner, fluid flows through 2 the disks 22 the upper flow assembly 120 or fluid 3 the disks 32 the lower flow assembly 130 , Wherein the inflow devices 20 and 30 corresponding drainage device 21 respectively 31 for fluid 2 respectively 3 are each arranged on the same side, ie for fluid 2 above and for fluid 3 below.

The fluid-empty dummy disk 7 allows for a thermal isolation of preferably located at different temperature levels flow assemblies 120 and 130 On the other hand, it serves to check the tightness and avoidance of unnoticed fluid during operation 3 and 2 in case of occurring leakage in both flow devices or fluid circuits mix. The dummy disk 7 is closed from all sides and has a small opening on one side of its edge bar 8th outwards. In the event of a leak, the respective fluid can flow through this opening to the outside and does not penetrate into another flow device.

Between the discs 12 . 22 and 32 Turbulence generating ribs or elements can be inserted and / or but the discs themselves have embossed ribs, webs and / or nubs (not shown here). By soldering the surveys in the form of deposits or indentations from disc to disc a predetermined compressive strength is achieved.

In 3 Figure 3 is a top longitudinal sectional view of the two types of discs for a two-stage disc-shaped heat exchanger, showing the separation of two fluids within the first disc type 15 by means of two parallel webs 77 takes place, with two smaller first openings 121 . 122 such as 131 . 132 for inlet and outlet for fluid 2 and 3 are provided. Furthermore, the first disc type 15 two larger second openings 113 and 114 with circumferential characteristics as a passage for fluid 1 on.

The second disc type 25 In contrast, each has two smaller second openings 123 and 124 such as 133 and 134 with circumferential characteristic for the passage of fluid 2 respectively 3 through the second disc type 25 on and two larger first openings 111 and 112 for inlet and outlet for fluid 1 in or from the second disc type 25 ,

In 4 is a further variant of the two disc types for a two-stage disc-formed heat exchanger shown in the fluid 2 and 3 be supplied via separate fluid supply means. Inlet and passage of fluid 2 respectively 3 in or by the first disc type 17 takes place via two smaller third openings 126 and 136 with interrupted circumferential characteristic. The passage of fluid 2 respectively 3 through the second disc type 27 allow two smaller second openings 125 and 135 with circumferential character. Within the first disc type 17 become fluid 2 and 3 mixed and over an additional larger first opening 1231 dissipated.

The passage of the mixture of fluid 2 and 3 through the second disc type 27 allows an additional larger second opening located therein 1232 with circumferential character. Preferably, it is fluid 2 and 3 a fluid, but having different temperature levels at the fluid supply means. Because of the mixing of the fluids, the separation of the flow devices via the webs is omitted in this embodiment 77 according to 3 , Characteristic of this embodiment is that the fluid 2 with the fluid 1 in cocurrent and the fluid 3 with the fluid 1 transfer heat in countercurrent.

5 FIG. 12 illustrates an upper longitudinal sectional view of the two types of discs for a two-stage disc-shaped heat exchanger according to FIG 3 where in the second disc type 26 an additional larger first opening 141 to the inlet of a preferably fluid 1 corresponding fluids 4 in the second disc type 26 is provided. Preferably, there is fluid 4 at a different temperature level than fluid 1 and / or it may also contain, for example, corrosion inhibiting additives.

6 shows a perspective view of a two-stage heat exchanger, the flow elements of flat tubes 40 as well as intervening cavities 50 are formed, wherein the flow assemblies according to the invention for fluid 1 and 2 or fluid 1 and 3 are arranged one above the other and inlet and outlet of the fluid to be tempered 1 done on the same page. Between the flat tubes are Oberflächenvergrößernde cooling fins 99 indicated that increase the heat transfer coefficient between fluid 1 and 2 contribute. By soldering the cooling fins 99 from flat tube to flat tube, the compressive strength is increased.

In 7 is a perspective view of a two-stage heat exchanger shown, the flow elements of flat tubes 41 as well as intervening cavities 51 are formed, wherein the flow assemblies according to the invention for fluid 1 and 2 or fluid 1 and 3 are arranged side by side and inlet and outlet of the fluid to be tempered 1 done on opposite sides.

8th shows a perspective view of a two-stage heat exchanger whose flow elements are formed from flat tubes and from intervening cavities, wherein the fluid flow assemblies according to the invention 1 and 2 or fluid 1 and 3 corresponding to each other 5 are arranged, but due to a gaseous fluid 2 , Preferably ambient air to an inlet and outlet and an enclosure of the fluid flow assembly 1 and 2 can be waived. The flow direction of the fluid 2 is indicated by the arrow next to the corresponding reference numerals.

In 9 is a perspective view of a two-stage heat exchanger according to 5 as shown by the dashed drain flow direction of fluid 1 indicated alternative arrangement of the drainage device for fluid 1 on the same or the opposite side with respect to the inflow of fluid 1 , the second heat exchange stage in the form of the fluid flow assembly 1 and 3 used or waived.

In 10 is a perspective view of a two-stage heat exchanger according to 7 shown, with more flat tubes are used than in 7 , Characteristic of this embodiment is that it is fluid 2 and 3 is a fluid, analogous to 4 , In this embodiment, fluid is flowing 2 and 3 with different mass flows and temperatures in the heat exchanger. Substantially in the common fluid collection device of fluid 2 and 3 Both fluids mix and mixed flow through the common fluid drainage device. Additionally shows 10 a plan view of this embodiment, which illustrates that the flow assembly with the fluids 1 and 3 predominantly in cocurrent, the flow assembly with the fluids 1 and 2 predominantly in countercurrent and not predominantly in crossflow according to 7 is operated.

Advantages of this variant in the cooling of exhaust gases. In the high-temperature flow assembly (HT flow assembly) with the fluids 1 and 3 According to the top view illustration, a great deal of coolant flows in cocurrent to the very hot exhaust gas through the radiator. Due to the direct current, boiling of the coolant is largely avoided. In the low temperature flow assembly (NT flow assembly) with the fluids 1 and 2 flows a significantly lower cool coolant mass flow in countercurrent to the already highly cooled exhaust gas. Here, a countercurrent circuit can be allowed because the risk of boiling is no longer given by the already done exhaust gas cooling. The countercurrent circuit has the advantage that the heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the coolant is very high and the exhaust gas can be strongly cooled.

11 shows that the position of the fluid supply and drainage device can also be determined depending on the application so that the entire cooler in the counterflow (A) or DC (B) is flowed through. This is possible if there is no boiling risk for the coolant (s).

12 shows schematically the integration of a cooler 300 according to 10 in the case of exhaust gas cooling for an internal combustion engine 400 , Many circuits are conceivable, it is advantageous if the NT flow assembly 311 the radiator 300 flows through a small mass flow in a separate low-temperature cooler 310 is brought to a very low temperature by air. This small mass flow is going down the main air cooler 320 branched off from the main stream and in the low temperature cooler 310 cooled. The HT flow assembly 321 of the two-stage cooler 300 is flowed through by a larger mass flow at a higher temperature level, directly from that of the main air cooler 320 branched coolant mass flow is diverted.

It It is also conceivable that the two-stage heat exchanger has its own coolant circuit has, i. no involvement in the actual engine cooling circuit is provided. The NT circuit can also have its own pump.

Claims (26)

Apparatus for exchanging heat with: - at least three flow devices through which at least one flowable medium (fluid) flows; At least one fluid supply device, at least one fluid collection and / or distribution device and at least one fluid drainage device, characterized in that at least two flow assemblies are provided with at least two flow elements each arranged in such a way that the latter are alternately flowed through by different fluids, - the flow elements belonging to at least one flow device belonging to substantially fluid fluids are substantially gas- and liquid-tight with at least one fluid collection and / or distribution device in a form-fitting and / or material and / or non-positive manner - are the main flow directions of all fluids in the flow elements in mutually substantially parallel planes, - at least two flow assemblies directly form and / or fabric and / or it is non-positively connected and / or fluidly connected via fluid distribution devices at least with respect to a flow device in series. Device, in particular according to claim 1,  thereby marked that  the flow elements at least in sections of in particular, but not exclusively, hollow discs, flat tubes, Plates, layers and the like are formed. Device, in particular for at least one of previous claims,  thereby marked that  at least one fluid collection and / or Distribution device at least in sections, in particular, but not exclusively of hollow bodies and / or pipes are formed. Device, in particular for at least one of previous claims,  thereby marked that  at least one fluid collection and / or Distribution device at least partially from longitudinally arranged openings in the flow elements are formed, with a first number simple openings Fluid inlets and outlets to adjacent flow elements form and wherein a second number of openings sealing devices are arranged to form Durchläs se in the corresponding flow element, through which adjacent flow elements are fluidly connected. Device, in particular for at least one of previous claims,  thereby marked that  turbulence generating and / or increasing mold elements are provided. Device, in particular for at least one of previous claims,  thereby marked that  the turbulence generating and / or increasing mold elements taken from a group which in particular, but not exclusively, ribs, bridges, Pimples, furrows, imprints or milled out includes. Device, in particular for at least one of previous claims,  thereby marked that  the turbulence generating and / or increasing mold elements in at least one and / or between at least two flow elements are arranged. Device, in particular for at least one of previous claims,  thereby marked that  the profile of at least one flow element having turbulence generating and / or increasing properties. Device, in particular for at least one of previous claims,  thereby marked that  at least two of different Fluids flowed through flow elements longitudinally are positively and / or material and / or non-positively connected. Device, in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the same fluid flow through the flow elements along the particular, but not exclusively, the interposed or profile own turbulence generating and / or increasing mold elements are connected such that the at least one resulting thereby between these flow elements cavity forms a flow element for another fluid. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  the connections between the flow elements taken from a group, the solder joints, welded joints or adhesive bonds. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  between at least two of different fluids flow elements through at least one sealing element is provided, which in particular, but not exclusively, of empty fluid hollow elements, reactive elements and / or separating elements is formed. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  at least one of the sealing elements, between at least two flow assemblies is arranged. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  at least one of the sealing elements, in particular, but not exclusively, a fluid-empty hollow element, a tightness control opening. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  at least one of the sealing elements at least a leak sensor, which in the case of fluid leakage from one of the flow means causes that a physically audible signal is output. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  at least two flow assemblies in substantially thermally insulating manner are separated from each other, in particular, but not exclusively, by hollow and / or separating elements or a spaced arrangement. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  within at least one flow element, form elements are provided, which at least partially the main flow direction in the flow element flowing Change fluids. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  at least one flow device over at least another inflow means a fluid, in particular, but not exclusively one which corresponds to the fluid in this flow device, is added. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  the series connection of at least two flow assemblies in terms of at least one flow device such that the temperature gradients of the fluid of this flow device along the flow path this fluid from the fluid supply means to the fluid drainage means this flow device respectively with respect to the other fluids flowing through the flow assemblies of the flow assembly in terms of amount substantially getting smaller and smaller. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  a mixture of fluids in the heat exchanger takes place, wherein different proportions of the total fluid different flow elements flow through can. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  a separation of a fluid in the heat exchanger takes place, with different proportions of the divided fluid different flow elements flow through can. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  in individual flow assemblies heat over condensation or evaporation of a fluid is exchanged. Device, in particular for at least one of the preceding claims,  thereby marked that  the individual flow assemblies as cross, Counter or DC heat exchange units can be operated. Device, in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger is part of a cooling circuit and the individual flow assemblies are supplied with the fluid of another low and / or high-temperature cooling circuit. Method for producing a device for Exchange of heat, in which: - at least three flow devices be formed, in particular, but not exclusively, by Puncture trough-shaped Metal plates, which flow elements form, with longitudinal openings of which a first number are simple openings Fluid inlets and outlets too adjacent flow elements form and wherein a second number of openings sealing devices are arranged, in particular, but not exclusively, to the adjacent flow element material and / or positive and / or non-positively adjacent forms in corresponding flow element, to form passages in the corresponding flow element, through which flow elements adjacent thereto flow connected are,  characterized in that - in particular, but not exclusively stacking the flow elements at least two flow assemblies are formed, wherein the flow elements be arranged so that they are alternating of different fluids flows through become, - the Main flow directions all fluids in the flow elements lie in mutually substantially parallel planes, - at least two flow assemblies direct positive and / or material and / or non-positive and / or Fluidverteileinrichtungen flow-connected at least as regards a flow device be connected in series, - Links between the Flow elements, fluid intake, - outflow, distribution and / or collection device are produced, which taken from a group, the solder joints, welded joints or adhesive bonds. Use of a device, in particular according to at least one of the preceding claims as at least two stages Heat exchanger for Use in land, air or water vehicles, in particular for exhaust gas cooling for one Combustion engine.