EP1304536A2 - Refrigerant / air heat exchange system - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly includes heat exchanger cores (1,2) each having at one coolant passage and one air passage formed between plates set side-by-side. The coolant passage is divided by I- and/or U-shaped partitions with webs and/or flanges, soldered to and extending perpendicular from the plates, to form channels. The channels are coupled by diverting portions to form a serpentine path.

Description

The invention relates to a refrigerant / air heat exchanger network in the preamble of Claim 1 specified genus.

Heat exchange devices made with heat exchange networks of this type are used e.g. needed in compressed air systems, which generated by means of a Krompessors and under a pressure of e.g. 25 bar compressed air to remove moisture, thereby avoiding them for critical applications, e.g. in the food and beverage industry Paper industry or in the medical field. The air drying takes place in that the coming of the compressor, heated air after the Passage through an aftercooler is passed through a device that has a Air / air and a refrigerant / air heat exchanger contains. During the air / air heat exchanger Most in the manner of a plate heat exchanger of conventional construction is made, the coolant / air heat exchanger consists mostly of a combined pipe / plate heat exchanger with a network consisting of plates and these formed on distance holding strips formed air passages and intervening Has refrigerant passages. These consist e.g. from between two plates each arranged, round or square cross-sectioned tubes, the straight Sections and this Schlangenlinien- or meandering connecting deflecting sections have (EP 0 521 298 A2).

The serpentine or meandering laying of the pipes for the refrigerant brings the advantage that the heat exchanger network is flooded by the refrigerant instead of how is usually flooded, i. the refrigerant flows through the straight pipe sections one after the other and not parallel. A disadvantage of this construction, however, is that between The individual pipe sections unused spaces arise, which have the consequence that the Length of the refrigerant / air heat exchanger network usually greater than the length of the Air / air Wärmeraustauschernetzes must be formed. In addition, the lie curved deflecting sections usually taken outside of the actual network Space, so that they are not involved in the heat exchange.

In addition, it has also been proposed (also EP 0 521 298 A2), which is of Refrigerants flowed through passages of the network by in usual Plattenbauweise replaced pipe and deflection sections, in which these by usual, arranged between the plates, extending transversely and longitudinally strips be limited. With such an arrangement is indeed also a flooding of the Network reached. The disadvantage here, however, that either comparatively thick bars must be provided in order to ensure sufficient for stable solder joints To create solder pads, which reduced for given overall dimensions of the network Flow cross sections are obtained, or indeed used narrow strips can be that allow favorable flow cross sections, but comparatively small soldering surfaces must be accepted. One consequence of this is that always a compromise between the cross section of the refrigerant passages and the Size of the solder surfaces and the achievable strength of the heat exchanger network must be found in total. Given the fact that for many applications Burst pressures for the network of 100 bar and more must be provided is included assume that the overall dimensions of the heat exchanger network essential be influenced by the thickness of the channels limiting the channels.

In contrast, the invention is the technical problem underlying the refrigerant / air heat exchanger network the type described at the beginning in such a way that it at Use of cost-effective manufacturing process manufactured with the required strength can be, in soldering technology is unproblematic and given overall dimensions allows comparatively large flow cross sections for the refrigerant.

To solve this problem serve the characterizing features of claim 1.

By the inventive use of the webs and / or flanges of profiles for Forming the partitions between the refrigerant channels succeeds given Dimensions of the heat exchanger network larger flow cross sections of the refrigerant passages to realize so far, without thereby a reduced strength in use usual soldering, especially when soldering in a salt bath to accept have to.

Further advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Fig. 1 eine schematische Vorderansicht eines kombinierten Kältemittel/Luft- und Luft/-Luft-Wärmeaustauscherblocks für Kältetrockner an Druckluftanlagen;

Fig. 2 und 3 Schnitte längs der Linien II-II und III-III der Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 eine vergrößerte Vorderansicht des für den Kältemittel/Luft- Wärmeaustausch bestimmten Netzes des Blocks nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 einen Schnitt längs der Linie V-V der Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 eine nochmals vergrößerte Voderansicht eines Ausschnitts X eines einzigen Kältemittel-Durchgangs des Netzes nach Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 eine Draufsicht auf den Kältemittel- Durchgang nach Fig. 6 bei Weglassung einer oberen Platte;

Fig. 8 in starker Vergrößerung die Vorderansicht eines einzelnen I- Profils des Kältemittel-Durchgangs nach Fig. 6 und 7;

Fig. 9 schematisch eine einen Kältemittel- Durchgang bildende Platte für ein Wärmeaustauschernetz nach Fig. 1 bis 3 in einer teilweise aufgebrochenen, perspektivischen Darstellung; und

Fig. 10 einen Schnitt längs der Linie X-X der Fig. 9.

The invention will be explained in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings with reference to embodiments. Show it:

1 is a schematic front view of a combined refrigerant / air and air / air heat exchanger block for refrigeration dryers in compressed air systems;

Figures 2 and 3 are sections along the lines II-II and III-III of Fig. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the network for the refrigerant / air heat exchange of the block of FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 5 is a section along the line VV of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a further enlarged Voderansicht a section X of a single refrigerant passage of the network of FIG. 4;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the refrigerant passage of Fig. 6 omitting a top plate;

FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged front view of a single I-profile of the refrigerant passage of FIGS. 6 and 7; FIG.

Fig. 9 shows schematically a refrigerant passage forming plate for a heat exchanger network according to Figures 1 to 3 in a partially broken, perspective view. and

10 is a section along the line XX of FIG. 9th

A heat exchanger device for refrigeration dryers in compressed air systems contains after Fig. 1 to 3 in the right part of a refrigerant / air heat exchanger and in the left part an air / air heat exchanger. There are only one refrigerant / air heat exchanger network 1 and an adjacent air / air heat exchanger network 2, the both are combined to form an integral unit and a single, coherent one Form block 3. Alternatively, of course, it would also be possible to use both networks 1 and 2 to produce and operate as separate units.

The two networks 1 and 2 are mainly by planparellele, rectangular or square plates 4 formed over the entire width and length of the block. 3 are extended. According to FIGS. 1 and 3, a part of the plates 4 is on the one hand by perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at in Fig. 3 right and left ends of Blocks 3 arranged strips 5a and 5b and on the other hand by extending in the longitudinal direction, arranged on the side edges of the plates 4 strips 7, 8 in pairs Distance kept. This creates between these plates 4 passes 9. Am in Fig. 3 left end, the upper strips 7 are slightly shorter, so that between their left Ends and the strips 5a each gaps 10 arise through the air in Direction of an arrow 11 can enter laterally. Accordingly, the upper strip 7 at the right in Fig. 3 end slightly shorter, so that between their right Ends and the strips 5b each gaps 12 arise through which the air in Direction of the arrow 14 can escape laterally. In the passages 9 are in the other appropriate conventional slats 15 inserted, in Fig. 1 only partially are shown and their passages according to FIG. 3 along lines 16, 17 by 90 ° are diverted.

The other part of the plates 4 is shown in FIG. 1 and 2 in the network 2 forming part by parallel to the longitudinal direction, arranged on the side edges of the plates 4 and up to the in Fig. 1 and 2 left end of the network 1 extended strips 18 and 19th as well as transversely thereto, the left and right end of the network 2 forming end strips 20a and 20b kept in pairs at a distance. This creates between ever two plates 4 each a further passage 21. On the sides of the end strips 20 a and 20b are the top in Fig. 2 bar 18 is slightly shorter, so that between them and the two strips 20a, 20b respectively gaps 22a, 22b arise through the air enter laterally or exit and in the direction of arrows drawn 23, 24 (Fig. 2) can be supplied or removed. The deflection is analogous to FIG. 3 preferably with correspondingly formed, provided in the passages 21 slats 25th causes.

In the network 1 serve the same plates 4, which limit the passages 21, for the formation of serpentine or meandering passageways 26 (Figure 1) which are straight and the deflection serving portions and are explained in more detail below. The passages 26 each extend from one of the end strips 20b to one End strip 27, which is arranged in Fig. 1 and 2 at the right end of the block 3. In this case, plate pairs preferably alternate with the passages 9 and plate pairs with the passages 21, 26 in superimposed planes, at least each a passage 9, 21, 26 is present. According to FIG. 5, the passages 26 at a indicated by an arrow 28 input a refrigerant supplied to a through an arrow 29 indicated output can flow out again and a not shown Flows through the refrigerant circuit.

The marked by the arrows 11, 12, 23, 24 and 28, 29 inputs and outputs are with Known, not shown inlet nipples, collection boxes or the like connected.

The operation of the heat exchanger device described is essentially as follows:

Coming from a compressed air system, e.g. approx. 35 - 55 ° C heated compressed air is fed in the direction of the arrow 11 so that it flows through the passages 9. there the air is first in the network 2 by the counter-current in the direction of arrow 23rd fed, coming from a water trap, not shown, cold air to a Temperature of 20 ° C cooled. On its way through the passages 9 becomes The compressed air is then gradually cooled in the grid 1 to its dew point, as they are here with the refrigerant interacts in the direction of arrow 28 (Figure 2) into the passages 26 flows in. The compressed air is then marked at the arrow 14 (Figure 3) Removed output and fed to a water separator, not shown, from where from the arrow 23 introduced into the network 2 and this at the by the arrow 24th indicated output is taken, which serves as a tapping point for the compressed air. there the arrangement is chosen so that the air at the tap again approximately on Room temperature is heated.

Heat exchanger devices of the type described and their mode of action are the skilled worker generally known (EP 0 521 298 A2) and therefore need not closer be explained.

In a preferred and hitherto considered best embodiment of the Invention for the network 1 of the refrigerant / air heat exchanger is each refrigerant passage from a plurality of fluidly connected in series, between each two plates 4 arranged channels formed by means of individual, parallel juxtaposed profiles are made with I-shaped cross-sections. Alternatively, a second exemplary embodiment of the network 1 is shown in FIG. 9, in which the channels of a variety of integrally interconnected and formed I-profiles are arranged one behind the other.

Referring particularly to Figures 4 and 5, the plates 4 each of an associated pair are spaced by ledges 30 and 31, respectively, which are transverse to a longitudinal axis 32 of the net 1 and have square or rectangular cross-sections to be plane-parallel therebetween To form cavities. The strip 30 can correspond to the strip 20b according to FIG. Between the plates 4 of each of these pairs also several, in particular from FIGS. 6 and 8 apparent profiles 33 are arranged with I-shaped cross-sections, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32 and to the plates 4, mutually parallel webs 33a and at both ends thereof each have a perpendicular to the webs 33a arranged belt or flange 33b, 33c. Heights h of the profiles 33 (Figure 6) correspond to the heights of the strips 30 and 31, so that in the assembled state, outer surfaces 33d, 33e (Figure 8) of the flanges 33b, 33c are disposed on the plates above and below them 4 abut. This results in a plurality of channels 34 between the plates 4, as shown particularly in FIG. 6, which extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32. The channels 34 are limited to the sides by two webs 33 a and up and down by the associated flanges 33 b, 33 c of the profiles 33. In this case, distances a (FIG. 6) of the profiles 33 are preferably chosen to be large enough that intermediate spaces 35 with a width b remain between the mutually facing ends of their flanges 33b, 33c, so that the channels 34 are not there from the flanges 33b and 33c but limited by these overlapping portions of the plates 4. Finally, for reasons explained below, the surfaces 33d, 33e (FIG. 8) are preferably slightly convex toward the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 in plan views, the profiles 33 are in their perpendicular to Longitudinal axis 32 extending longitudinal direction preferably the same length, but alternately offset to the front or rear relative to each other. The arrangement is such that the one end of a first, adjacent to the bar 30 profile 33 with a certain Distance from that in Fig. 7 lower edge of the associated plate 4 is arranged while the other end is flush with the upper edge of the plate 4 in FIG. 5. The same applies to the following third, fifth and so on. Profiles 33. Contrary to that the intermediate profiles 33, i. the second, fourth and so on Profile, opposite the Odd numbered profiles 33 offset so that they are flush with their one ends with the in Figs. 5 and 7 lower edges of the plates 4 complete, while their opposite End ends with intervals in front of the respective upper edge of the plates 4. This creates alternately at the one and other plate edges open spaces or Umlenkabschnitte 36, the parallel channels 34 at their in Fig. 5 above or underlying ends to a serpentine or meandering passage fluidly connect together.

At the end of the first and last profile 33, one of the deflection sections 36a, 36b serves to connect a connection nipple, collecting tank or the like in order to supply or remove the refrigerant in the direction of the arrows 28, 29. The other deflection portions 36 are, however, outwardly bounded by blocks 37, which have a height h (Fig. 6) corresponding height and a width, preferably substantially equal to the difference between the double distance a and the width of a Webs 33a in Fig. 6 or equal to the sum of the double width of the flanges 33b, 33c and the double width b minus the width of a web 33a, but at least equal to the sum of the distance a and the width b of a gap 35 be should. In this case, the blocks 37 are each in a space bounded on the one hand by the webs 33a and plates 4 and on the other hand by the mutually facing ends of the flanges 33b, 33c of those profiles 33 which border on one or the other edge of the plates 4. The blocks 37 abut both the webs 33a and plates 4 and at the ends of the flanges 33b, 33c.

The attachment of the various parts together is preferably carried out by soldering in a salt bath. In order that used flux, saline solutions and solder, air and the like flow freely into the channels 34, from there into the gaps between the plates 4, profiles 33 and blocks 37 penetrate and can flow freely again, remain between the blocks 37 and Profiles 33 existing channel sections until the completion of the soldering process preferably open. Following the soldering process and the complete leakage of the liquids, these channel sections are then preferably closed by a welding process. This can be easily performed in view of the comparatively small remaining free spaces (eg a = 10 mm, b = 2 mm, h = 10 mm).

The plates 4, profiles 33 and blocks 37 are preferably made of aluminum. to Soldering of these parts together, the plates 4 and blocks 37 to the corresponding Surfaces preferably with a suitable solder plated layers, as For example, in the production of aluminum coolers is well known. Of the Soldering is also favored by the fact that the surfaces 33d, 33e of Flanges 33b, 33c are slightly curved or convex, as a result of their investment in the flat plate surfaces wedge gaps arise, which is a large-scale wetting of the Ensure that the connecting parts are secure.

The I-shaped cross section of the profiles 33 brings the significant advantage that on the one hand at the ends of the profiles 33 comparatively large, for the soldering to Available surfaces 33d, 33e (Fig. 8) are obtained, on the other hand, the cross sections the profiles 33 in the middle parts comparatively small and therefore the Cross sections of the limited channels 34 are comparatively large. Thereby On the one hand, a high compressive strength of the channels 34 and deflecting sections 36 formed passages, on the other hand, a large effectiveness of the heat exchange achieved, because in a small space a large flow cross-section are housed can. Because of the high packing density of the channels 34, the width of the refrigerant / air Heat exchanger network 1 (Fig. 1) much shorter than before and thus the Overall device of air / air and refrigerant / air heat exchanger essential be made more compact and smaller.

The additional parts needed to complete the nets 1 and 2 are in the Drawing not shown, because they are designed in a conventional manner. this applies especially for upper and lower end plates 39 (Figure 1) and the required nipples or collection boxes.

Moreover, it follows from Fig. 1 and 4, that in the finished block 3 from the pairs of plates 4, the strips 5a, 5b, 7 and 8 and the fins 15 formed passages 9 in the right Part, i. in the network 1, with those from the I-profiles 33, further pairs of plates 4 and passages 34 formed in the blocks 37, in the left part, on the other hand. in the network 2, with from the same pairs of plates 4, the strips 18, 19, 20a, 20b and the slats 25 formed passages 9 alternate. How many passes 9 or 21, 34 respectively depend on the requirements of the individual case, whereby in principle one each Passage 9, 21 and 34 is sufficient to those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 To enable function.

According to a second, shown in Fig. 9 embodiment of the invention are the Passages 34 (FIG. 6) do not consist of individual, juxtaposed I-profiles 33, whose webs 33a form the lateral partitions of the individual channels, but from a Variety of rigidly connected, consecutively arranged I-profiles 41st educated. Webs 41 a of the profiles 41 thereby form shelves, while with their Outer surfaces contiguous or merging flanges 41b lateral Partitions between each, transverse to the longitudinal axis 32 and parallel to each other arranged channels 42a and 42b form. As in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and 8, the profiles 41 are offset in their longitudinal direction relative to each other, and the Channels 42a and 42b are at their ends on one and the other longitudinal side by Deflection sections 43a and 43b meandering or even serpentine with each other connected. In this case, the deflection sections 43a are outwardly through wall sections 44a, the deflection portions 43b, however, bounded by wall sections 44b, which at each Long side but only with each second flange 41b are connected, while the intermediate Flanges 41b forming the deflection portions 43a, 43b in front of these Wall sections 44 a, 44 b end, so that the individual partitions analogous to Fig. 1 to 8 are offset transversely to the longitudinal direction 32 and relative to each other. Otherwise, FIG. 9, that due to the special arrangement in each case on both sides of the webs 41 a and Intermediate shelves each a plurality of corresponding channels 42a and 42b is formed, the are fluidly connected in series by the deflection sections 43a, 43b and form a passage for the refrigerant. Up and down are the channels 1 to 8 covered by the plates 4 and closed (Fig. 10), which with the side edges of the flanges 41b are connected by soldering.

The preparation of the apparent from Fig. 9 and 10 passages according to the invention in that a workpiece 45, z. B. a plane-parallel plate, on its two Broad sides with the channels 42a, 42b and deflecting portions 43a, 43b forming grooves is provided. This can be done by milling, in particular track milling, so that the entire, consisting of the channels 42a, 42b and deflecting sections 43a, 43b passage produced in one operation. In this case, the flanges 41b are called between the grooves are permanent wall sections and the webs 41 a as stand permanent groove bottoms are obtained, all of these soils lying in one plane, the one forms over the entire width and length of the workpiece 45 extended intermediate bottom, from each of the flanges 41b each half perpendicular up or down protrude. Alternatively, it would also be possible, the grooves only on one surface of the Workpiece 45 form, in which case a cross section through the workpiece 45th along the longitudinal axis 32 would lead to a substantially U-shaped profiling. The refrigerant passage could then be made up of a plurality of juxtaposed, U-shaped profiles are thought to be assembled with their lateral webs adjoin one another or merge into one another. In any case, this forms the refrigerant passage comprising part of an integrally manufactured, I- or U-shaped profiled Workpiece, which is used to close the channels 42a, which are initially open or open at the bottom, 42b and deflecting sections 43a, 43b on one or both sides by soldering to the plates 4th is connected.

Arranged at the arrows 28, 29 (FIG. 5) are the grooves through the wall parts 44a, 44b extends through, as indicated in Fig. 9 by a reference numeral 46 is, so that not shown from the outer sides, for the supply and removal of the Refrigerant certain headers or the like can be attached.

Thus, the soldering as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 inexpensively in a salt bath can take place, the wall sections 44a, 44b before the soldering with appropriate Slots 47 provided, which are indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 9 in some places and the Connecting deflection sections 43a, 43b with the outer sides of the wall sections 44a, 44b, i.e. enforce this. As a result, air and liquids can easily enter the soldering process the channels 42a, 42b penetrate to the parts to be soldered in the region of forming Soldering soldering column, and after the soldering process just as easily back out of the channels 42a, 42b flow out. Following this, the slots 47 are made by a welding process locked.

Also, the design of the network described with reference to FIG. 8 (FIG. 1) leads to a high-strength construction that can withstand high bursting pressures.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, which can be modified in many ways. This is especially true for those from the Drawings apparent cross sections of I or U profiles, which also other forms and could be provided in combination. Next is the invention not limited to the application of the material aluminum, as for the production of described heat exchange networks also numerous other suitable for this purpose Materials can be used. Furthermore, it is basically indifferent whether the networks 1 and 2 form an integral component by means of the continuous plates 4, separately manufactured and then assembled into an integral component or as separate components find application through corresponding lines with each other are connected. In addition, it would be possible in a conventional manner, the two networks 1 and 2 on top of each other instead of side by side to arrange. Finally, it is understood that the various features in other than those described and illustrated Combinations can be applied.

Claims (15)

Refrigerant / air heat exchanger network having at least two plates (4) between which at least one respective refrigerant passage and an air passage are formed, wherein the refrigerant passage has a plurality of channels (34, 42) extending laterally through perpendicular to the Plates (4) arranged and limited by soldering attached to these partitions and at their ends by Umlenkabschnitte (36, 43) serpentine or meandering manner are interconnected so that they are flowed through one behind the other from the refrigerant, characterized in that the partitions by webs ( 33a) and / or flanges (41b) of between the plates (4) arranged profiles (33, 41) are formed with I and / or U-shaped cross-sections. Heat exchanger network according to claim 1, characterized in that the partitions are formed by webs (33a) of I-profiles (33) arranged substantially perpendicular to the plates (4). Heat exchanger network according to claim 2, characterized in that the flanges (33b, 33c) of the profiles (33) are provided with outwardly convexly curved surfaces (33d, 33e). Heat exchanger network according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the partitions are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Heat exchanger network according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that intermediate spaces (35) are present between the flanges (33b, 33c) of adjacent I-sections (33). Heat exchanger network according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the deflecting sections (36) are formed by longitudinal displacement of the I-sections (33) and outwardly by their webs (33a), flanges (33b, 33c) and plates (4) brazed braids (37) are limited. Heat exchanger network according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that between the blocks (37) and the webs (33a) and flanges (33b, 33c) of each second I-profile (33) remaining free passage sections are sealed by welding. Heat exchanger network according to claim 1, characterized in that the partitions are formed of flanges (41b) of I-profiles (41) arranged substantially perpendicular to the plates (4). Heat exchanger network according to claim 8, characterized in that the I-sections (41) are arranged in a row one behind the other and adjoin one another with their flanges (41b) or merge into one another. Heat exchanger network according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the I-profiles (41) form an integrally produced, coherent workpiece (45). Heat exchanger network according to claim 10, characterized in that the workpiece (45) is plate-shaped and provided by two opposite broad sides with the I-profiles (41) forming grooves. Heat exchanger network according to claim 11, characterized in that the deflection sections (43) consist of grooves formed in the workpiece (45). Heat exchanger network according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of superimposed refrigerant passages and between these each having an air passage. Heat exchanger network according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is formed as part of a combined refrigerant / air and air / air heat exchanger block (3). A heat exchanger network according to claim 14, characterized in that the plates (4) comprise two sections, each section forming a refrigerant / air heat exchanger network (1) and the other sections forming an air / air heat exchanger network (2).

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