EP1922519A1

EP1922519A1 - Heat exchanging device, use thereof, and method for heating a fluid

Info

Publication number: EP1922519A1
Application number: EP06805635A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Herbert Damsohn; Klaus Luz; Conrad Pfender
Original assignee: Behr GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Mahle Behr GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2005-08-27
Filing date: 2006-07-25
Publication date: 2008-05-21
Also published as: DE102005040615A1; WO2007025612A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanging device for hydrogen-operated motor vehicles, comprising two fluid sections (16, 18) and two heat exchangers (10, 12) which are interconnected such that a first medium flowing along the first (16) of said two fluid sections (16, 18) successively penetrates a first (10) of the two heat exchangers (10, 12), the second (12) of the two heat exchangers (10, 12), and once again the first heat exchanger (10) while a second medium flowing along the second (18) of the two fluid sections (16, 18) penetrates the second heat exchanger (12) such that heat transfer between a first medium flowing along the first fluid section (16) and a second medium flowing along the second fluid section (18) is made possible in the second heat exchanger (12) while allowing heat to be transferred in the first heat exchanger (10) between a first medium flowing in a first zone (20) of the first fluid section (16) and a first medium flowing in a second zone (22) of the first fluid section (16, 18) located at a distance from the first zone (20).

Description

BEHR GmbH & Co. KG Mauserstrasse 3, 70469 Stuttgart

Heat exchanger device, use of such and method for heating a fluid

The invention relates to a heat exchanger device, a use of such and a method for heating a fluid.

Hydrogen is considered an alternative to the fossil fuels used today for the operation of motor vehicles. In addition to storage in the vehicle in pressure tanks, the storage of cryogenic, liquid hydrogen offers a higher, if not significantly higher energy content, based on the storage volume. For consumers in the motor vehicle, however, it is usually required that the fuel hydrogen is provided at a temperature which is in the range of the ambient temperature, or that the fuel hydrogen is heated from very low temperatures in the range of ambient temperature.

A suitable means for heating a fluid usually provides a heat exchanger.

At least many of the conventional heat exchangers have a high construction volume, and are therefore unsuitable for automotive applications. Even complex conventional heat exchangers can be found, for example, under - at least certain designs of - tube bundle or plate heat exchangers. In the case of at least some of the known heat exchangers, due to the low or very low outlet temperature from a cryogenic or low-temperature tank, there is in principle the risk

BESTATIGUNGSKOPIE a coolant serving to heat the hydrogen freezes in the heat exchanger. Furthermore, in at least some of the known heat exchangers on very cold heat exchanger outer surfaces condensation of atmospheric oxygen - at least under unfavorable circumstances - cause a risk of fire by spontaneous combustion when in contact with organic materials.

The object of the invention is to provide a heat exchanger device which enables reliable heat transfer or heat transfer between media or fluids over a wide range of operating states.

According to the invention, in particular a heat exchanger device according to claim 1 or according to claim 5 is proposed. A use according to the invention is the subject of claim 36 or claim 38. A method according to the invention is the subject of claim 38 or claim 39. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

According to the invention, a heat exchanger device with two fluid paths and two heat exchangers is provided in particular. The two fluid lines or the two heat exchangers are connected in such a way that a first fluid flowing along the first of these fluid paths during operation of the heat exchanger device successively flows through a first, a second and in turn the first of these two heat exchangers. It is provided in particular that, as seen along the first fluid path, the first heat exchanger or a first region of the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the first heat exchanger or a second region of the first heat exchanger are connected or arranged in series. The design of the second heat exchanger or of the second fluid path is in particular such that a second fluid flowing along this second fluid path during operation of the heat transfer device can flow through or flow through the second heat exchanger. In particular, it is provided that the first fluid path and the second fluid path run through the second heat exchanger or so forms second heat exchanger, or that the first fluid and the second fluid can flow through the second heat exchanger, that in this second heat exchanger, a heat transfer between the second and the first fluid is possible, or takes place during operation. In particular, two regions or sections of the first fluid path are arranged in the first heat exchanger. In particular, it can also be provided that the first heat exchanger is formed by two such sections or regions. These two regions are viewed in the direction of the first fluid path or, viewed in the flow direction of a first fluid flowing in operation along this first fluid path, spaced apart from one another. Here, in particular between these areas or sections - as already indicated above - a portion of the first fluid path - provided, which is arranged in the second heat exchanger, or forms the second heat exchanger with. The spaced sections or regions of the first fluid path, which are arranged in the first heat exchanger or form this or co-operate or pass through it, are arranged so that in the first heat exchanger, a heat transfer between the first fluid, which in operation currently a first area or In the first fluid path, first fluid that is currently in operation in the second, spaced-apart portion or portions of heat transfer fluid is allowed to take place.

The first section of the first fluid path, which is also referred to as the first region of the first fluid path, and the second section of the first fluid path, which is also referred to as the second region of the first fluid path, are assigned in particular to the first heat exchanger.

It can be provided, in particular, that within the first heat transmitter a fluid exchange between the first region or section of the first fluid path and the second region or section of the first fluid path is prevented, but a heat transfer is made possible. There may be provided corresponding heat-conducting separating means, such as partitions or sheets or boundaries, such as channel boundaries of the first fluid path or the like. - A -

In a preferred embodiment, a third heat exchanger is provided in addition to the first and the second heat exchanger. Such a third heat exchanger may for example be connected or flow-connected to the first and second heat exchangers such that a fluid flowing during operation along the first fluid path flows through this third heat exchanger, and a second fluid flowing during operation along the second fluid path also through this third third heat exchanger flows, so that a heat exchange between the second and the third fluid, in particular while preventing fluid exchange in this third heat exchanger, is made possible. Here too, appropriate release agents, for example of the type mentioned above, can be provided. This third heat exchanger may for example be arranged or interconnected with the first and the second heat exchanger that a fluid flowing along the first fluid path in the manner already outlined above first the first area or section of the first heat exchanger, then the second heat exchanger, then flows through the first heat exchanger and then the third heat exchanger again in the second region or section, while a fluid flowing during operation along the second fluid path first flows through the second heat exchanger and then the third heat exchanger.

Furthermore, a heat exchanger device is proposed which has three heat exchangers. These three heat exchangers each have at least one first fluid inlet device, at least one first fluid outlet device, at least one second fluid inlet device, and at least one second fluid outlet device. Such a fluid inlet or outlet device is, in particular, such that the medium enters and leaves the respective heat exchanger through it; For example, the fluid inlet or outlet device can be an area in which fluid flows into or out of the relevant heat exchanger. Such a fluid inlet device is in particular the inlet of a heat exchanger, and a fluid outlet device is in particular the outlet of a heat exchanger. A fluid inlet or outlet device may, for example, a channel cross-sectional area or be an opening and / or be formed by a pipe or a channel or a pipe socket of the like, or be an arrangement of a plurality of the aforementioned designs or be formed by such. A fluid inlet device and a fluid outlet device may also consist of an arrangement of a plurality of such parallel-connected pipe or channel cross sections or channels or pipes. The first fluid inlet device is in each case fluidically connected, in particular in the respective heat exchanger, to the associated first fluid outlet device. This connection can be generated in particular by means of channels or parallel-connected channels. Such channels could, for example, be elongate and have a straight course or a stepped or a curved. Such fluidic connections can also be designed in other ways. It is preferably provided that in each of these three heat exchangers, the flow connection between the first fluid inlet device and the first fluid outlet device is separated from the flow connection between the second fluid inlet device and the second fluid outlet device such that a fluid exchange is prevented within this respective heat exchanger, wherein a heat transfer however, it is possible. For this purpose, it is possible to provide corresponding, in particular heat-conducting, separating means, which are also mentioned by way of example elsewhere in this disclosure. According to the invention, it is provided, in particular, that the first fluid outlet device of the first of these three heat exchangers is fluidically connected to the first fluid inlet device of the second of these three heat exchangers, and the first fluid outlet device of the second heat exchanger is fluidically connected to the second fluid inlet device of the first heat exchanger. Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention, in particular, that the second fluid outlet device of the first heat exchanger is fluidically connected to the first fluid inlet device of the third heat exchanger. Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention in particular that the second fluid outlet device of the second heat exchanger is fluidically connected to the second fluid inlet device of the third heat exchanger. These fluidic connections can also be such that a fluid outlet device is connected to the following fluid inlet device falls. Such a flow connection can also be such that a fluid outlet device is spaced apart from the following fluid inlet device and suitable connection means, such as tubes, channels or the like, bridge this distance.

Preferably, the first medium in the first region or section of the first heat exchanger flows at an angle to the medium flowing in the second region or section of the first heat exchanger. This angle is particularly preferably 75 degrees to 105 degrees, particularly preferably 90 degrees. It can be provided that the first medium in the first region or section of the first heat exchanger in each case flows substantially straight or these regions or sections each extend substantially straight.

It is particularly preferred that the second fluid outlet device of the second heat exchanger substantially coincides with the second fluid inlet device of the third heat exchanger.

Preferably, the first fluid inlet device of the first heat exchanger, the first fluid outlet device of the first heat exchanger, the first fluid inlet device of the second heat exchanger, the first fluid outlet device of the second heat exchanger, the second fluid inlet device of the first heat exchanger, the second fluid outlet device of the first heat exchanger, the The first fluid inlet device of the third heat exchanger and the first fluid outlet device of the third heat exchanger are connected or arranged in series in this order. Preferably, it is further provided that the heat transfer device, particularly preferably exactly, has two fluid paths, wherein the aforementioned row is part of a first of these fluid paths, or is associated with the first of the fluid paths. This first fluid path can in particular be traversed by a first fluid, which may be hydrogen in particular.

Preferably, it is further provided that the second fluid inlet device of the second heat exchanger, the second fluid outlet of the second Heat exchanger, the second fluid inlet device of the third heat exchanger and the second fluid outlet of the third heat exchanger - in this order - are connected in series in this order or arranged. It is particularly preferred that this aforementioned series is part of a second of the previously mentioned two fluid paths, or the second of the fluid paths is assigned. This second fluid path can in particular be flowed through by a second fluid, which may be in particular a coolant. The first and the second fluid path are particularly preferably separated or fluidically separated such that a fluid exchange or an overflow of fluid between the first and the second fluid path is prevented.

It is particularly preferably provided that the first fluid inlet device of the first heat exchanger fluidly connected to a tank, in particular cryogenic tank or cryogenic tank, is connected.

The flow direction of a first fluid, such as hydrogen, is preferably such that it is directed from the first fluid inlet device of the first heat exchanger or of a tank of the type mentioned in the direction of the first fluid outlet of the third heat exchanger, and the flow direction of a second along the second fluid path during operation, the fluid is preferably such that it is directed from the second fluid inlet device of the second heat exchanger to the second fluid outlet device of the third heat exchanger. Preferably, the effluent from the first fluid outlet of the third heat exchanger fluid is provided to a consumer of a motor vehicle.

The first and the second fluid path are in a particularly preferred design fluidically separated from each other so that a fluid exchange between the first and the second fluid path is prevented. There are therefore particularly preferably two separate flow guides, namely a first flow guide for a first fluid, and a second flow guide for a second fluid. Preferably, the heat transfer device or are two or three heat exchanger of the heat exchanger device constructed in layer technology. In particular, provision may be made for the heat exchanger apparatus to have a multiplicity of stacked or layered metal sheets and for the two or three heat exchangers and / or the interconnection of these two or three heat exchangers to be formed by means of these metal sheets or within this sheet metal arrangement or integrated.

It is particularly preferred that such layers or sheets are arranged in parallel and stacked. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each of the two or three heat exchangers has a multiplicity of stacked or layered metal sheets. For example, it can be provided that the heat transfer device has structured or profiled sheets. Profiled sheets may in particular be such that profiling increases and profiling depressions are provided for the formation of flow channels in sheets.

Structured sheets are preferably such that they have breakthroughs. Profiled sheets may also have additional breakthroughs; Structured sheets may also include or be free from profilings and depressions in addition to the breakthroughs. Structured sheets can also be profiled sheets; they can also be free from breakthroughs.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the structured metal sheets have openings, by means of which flow channels are formed. This can be in particular flow channels, which are given in the respective heat exchanger. By means of such breakthroughs, it is also possible, for example, to form flow connections or connections between different interconnected or fluidically connected heat exchangers, in particular in cooperation with a plurality of plates and their openings. This may, for example, be such that laminations stacked on one another each have substantially congruent or at least partially congruent or overlapping apertures, which interact in a substantially vertical manner. produce right aligned to the sheet plane channel. In a preferred embodiment, each of the two or three heat exchangers is assigned structured perforated sheets. These, and particularly preferably all structured sheets may be made of stainless steel, for example. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the two or three heat exchangers of the heat exchanger device each have structured sheets with separating plates lying therebetween. The thickness of the structured sheets may, for example, in each case be in the range between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, and particularly preferably be 0.6 mm or approximately 0.6 mm. Other thickness dimensions are preferred. The separating plates are preferably thinner than the structured plates.

In particular, contact areas are formed between a respective structured sheet and an adjacent separating sheet, which are preferably formed by planar sections of the separating sheets or structured sheets. Flow channels formed in the structured metal sheets, which are assigned to a heat exchanger, extend perpendicularly to the plane of the sheet, preferably by a length dimension that substantially corresponds to the thickness of the respective, structured sheet, which is in particular also caused by a two-sided abutment of the separating sheets.

In this case, through openings for forming flow channels of the respective heat exchanger can be provided in the respective structured plates, wherein the separating plates delimit these flow channels in each case perpendicular to the plate plane. The structured sheets are preferably structured by means of apertures.

Such intermediate plates are in particular aligned parallel to one another and to the structured metal sheets.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the two or three heat exchangers are each assigned two differently shaped or structured sheets; In particular, these two or three heat exchangers are furthermore preferably assigned separating plates which separate adjacent structured plates from one another. It can be provided that in each of these two or three heat exchangers, the differently structured sheets are successively stacked or stacked alternately, wherein between each two differently structured sheets particularly preferably in each case a separating plate is provided hen.

This may, for example, be such that the structured sheets are differently structured, in particular in that the openings for forming the respective flow channels of the heat exchanger for different fluids in the stacked or layered arrangement are designed and / or arranged differently, and through the separating plates from each other are separated.

It can also be provided that two different heat exchangers are assigned to the same structured sheets. For example, it can be provided that a structured first structured sheet has a first region, in which openings for the formation of flow channels for the second heat exchanger are provided, and a second region, in which openings are provided for the formation of flow channels for the third heat exchanger , It is particularly preferably provided that first structured sheets with openings for the formation of flow channels for the first medium in the second heat exchanger and with openings for the formation of flow channels for the first medium in the third heat exchanger are provided. Particularly preferred are these openings for forming the flow channels in said heat exchangers each elongate, and optionally rectangular, designed and arranged parallel to each other. Preferably, webs are arranged between these respective openings.

Further preferably, second structured sheets are provided which have openings for the formation of flow channels for the second medium in the second and in the third heat exchanger. These openings for the formation of these channels are preferably each elongated, and for example rectangular, and aligned parallel to each other. In a particularly preferred design, it is envisaged that these will be stored side by side, in particular separated by webs, are arranged, and are flowed through in the operation of second fluid in its longitudinal direction. These second structured sheets are preferably arranged alternately in layers and / or in stack form with the first structured sheets in order to form the second and third heat exchangers. It may be provided that the openings for forming the flow channels in the second and third heat exchanger for the second medium, which are arranged in the second structured sheets, with their longitudinal direction at an angle, and preferably perpendicular to the openings or the Extend longitudinally of the openings, which are provided in the first structured sheets for forming flow channels of the second and third heat exchanger.

It is particularly preferably provided that the elongated openings in the first structured metal sheets, which are provided to form flow channels for the first medium in the second heat exchanger, are respectively flowed through in parallel by the first medium during operation. In a corresponding manner, it is preferably provided that the openings which are likewise arranged in the first structured metal sheets for the formation of flow channels in the third heat exchanger are likewise flowed through in parallel by the first medium during operation.

In a corresponding manner, it is preferably provided that the through-openings provided in second structured metal sheets are flowed through in parallel during operation in order to form flow channels for the second medium in the second and third heat exchanger.

The second and the third heat exchanger, or a region of the heat exchanger device in which the second and the third heat exchanger are arranged, is thus preferably formed from a plurality of stacked sheets, the stacking being such, that successive first structured sheets, separating plates, second structured sheets and separating sheets repeat themselves in this order several times in succession. In the case of such a layering or stacking, it may be provided, for example, that Breakthroughs in the respective sheets, ie in particular the first structured sheets, the dividing sheets, as well as the second structured sheets are provided at right angles to the plane formed by these sheets, which are arranged so that they are substantially congruent or at least partially congruent or overlapping lie one above the other, and thus form one or more extending perpendicular to the sheet plane collecting and / or Verteilkanäle from which or in which fluid can flow into the corresponding, associated flow channels of a heat exchanger. It can be provided, in particular, that a plurality of such collection or distribution channels or flow connection channels are formed, from which or in which fluid can flow into the respective associated flow channels formed in the heat exchanger. In this way, for example, different heat exchangers can be interconnected or fluidly connected. By appropriate arrangement of such openings, which are different from the flow channels in the heat exchangers forming breakthroughs, it can be achieved that also flow connections can be effected or generated from, to or between the heat exchangers in a desired manner.

The stacked or layered sheets, in particular first structured, separating sheets and second structured sheets, can be soldered together. It can be provided, for example, that they are soldered circumferentially in the edge region. Other soldering is preferred. It is preferably provided that soldering also ensures that the different fluid paths, that is to say in particular the first fluid path and the second fluid path, are separated from one another.

The same can also apply to third and fourth structured sheets and / or these separating dividers.

It is particularly preferred that seven, in particular exactly seven, openings are provided in the first structured sheets and the second structured sheets, which openings are different from the openings for forming flow channels in the heat exchangers. and in particular in cooperation with corresponding openings of adjacent separating plates or structured plates, channels or sections of such channels for generating a flow connection between heat exchangers and / or for generating channels or channel sections to form a respective heat exchanger or from a respective heat exchanger.

It is also preferred that adjacent sheets are soldered in the region of such breakthroughs.

In a preferred embodiment, copper, silver or nickel solder are used. But other solders are preferred.

Preferably, third structured sheets are further provided, which are associated with the first heat exchanger, and have openings for the formation of extending through the first heat exchanger flow channels for the first medium.

It is further preferred that of these third structured sheets, different fourth structured sheets are provided, which are likewise assigned to the first heat exchanger, and have openings for the formation of flow channels for the first medium extending through the first heat exchanger. The openings provided in these third, on the one hand, and fourth structured sheets, on the other hand, for forming flow channels or flow channels formed thereby are in particular those which form a first region or section of the first fluid path, on the one hand, and a second section or section Area, the first fluid path, on the other hand.

Preferably, the openings for the formation of flow channels extending through the first heat exchanger for the first medium in the third and in the fourth structured areas are each configured in the shape of a staircase. This step-shaped configuration may, for example, be such that each of these openings consists of three sections each extending straight, of which two are aligned in parallel, and third, the connection of these parallel aligned sections generated. In this case, this third section may, for example, be aligned perpendicular to the two parallel aligned sections of the opening, and, for example, connect one end of the one parallel section to one end of the other parallel section. Preferably, a plurality of such stepped openings are arranged in the third and in the fourth structured sheet. The arrangement of several such stepped breakthroughs in the same structured sheet can be, for example, in the manner of stacked stairs, with webs each remaining between the openings. The arrangement may, for example, be such that in each of these stepped apertures of the third structured sheet and / or the fourth structured sheet, the portion connecting the parallel portions of each stepped aperture has the same length in all stepped apertures associated with the same sheet ; For example, the length of adjacent staircase-shaped channels with each of these structured sheets may be such that in the respective following first of the parallel portions this corresponding parallel portion is shorter than in the previous one, and the other of these parallel portions is correspondingly longer, so that the Entity of the same structured sheet metal associated stepped perforations is limited in approximately a right-hand outer contour.

For example, the third and fourth structured sheets may be arranged and configured such that the staircase-shaped structure of the apertures of the third structured sheets increases in the opposite direction as the stepped structure of the perforations of the fourth structured sheets.

It is provided in a preferred development of the invention that the third and the fourth structured sheets and / or separating sheets positioned between them each have a plurality of openings for the formation of flow channels in the first heat exchanger different openings, in particular according to the above-mentioned manner, for the formation of flow channels between heat exchangers of the Serve meübertrager device or to form flow connections to the first heat exchanger. In particular, provision may be made for third and fourth structured sheets to be alternately stacked separately from separating sheets. In particular, it may be provided that a separating plate, in turn a fourth plate, and this in turn a separating plate follows a third plate, and a unit of such four plates repeatedly stacked repeated. It may be provided, for example, that the openings for forming flow connections between different heat exchangers or for forming flow connections to the first heat exchanger of the separating plates and the third and fourth structured plates are substantially congruent or at least overlapping each other, and thus in cooperation corresponding flow connections or Create flow channels.

It can be provided that four, in particular exactly four, of such openings are provided for forming flow connections between different heat exchangers and / or for forming flow connections to the first heat exchanger in the third and fourth structured surfaces and / or the separating plates respectively arranged between them ,

It is preferably provided that, in the manner already mentioned, such breakthroughs of the third and fourth structured sheets as well as of the separating sheets are positioned congruently or at least overlapping one over the other, whereby the openings for forming flow channels for the first medium are arranged in the third and fourth structured sheets are that the entirety of these step-shaped apertures of the fourth structured sheets are rotated relative to those of the third structured surfaces substantially by 180 ° about an axis perpendicular to the sheets axis.

Preferably, at least one connection plate with at least one, in particular exactly one, opening for the supply, and at least one, in particular exactly one opening for the discharge of the first fluid is provided. seen. This connection plate particularly preferably adjoins a first part of the heat exchanger device, in which the second and the third heat exchanger are arranged. The connection plate is particularly preferably arranged parallel to the first and second structured sheets.

Particularly preferably, the first, the second, the third and the fourth structured plates and the respective intermediate plates located therebetween are arranged parallel to each other, so that the planes formed by these respective plates lie substantially parallel to one another.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an intermediate plate is further provided, which limits a first part of the heat transfer device, to which the second and the third heat exchanger belong. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this intermediate plate has overflow openings or connections for producing flow connections to a second part of the heat transfer device; it is also preferred that the intermediate plate has openings for the supply and removal of second medium. In this second part of the heat exchanger device, the first heat exchanger is particularly preferably arranged.

Furthermore, a cover plate may be provided. This cover plate, for example, positioned on the side facing away from the connection plate of the unit from the first and the second and the third heat exchanger and aligned parallel to the connection plate. Preferably, therefore, a stack or a stack of third structured sheets, separating sheets, fourth structured sheets and separating sheets, which are repeated several times in succession in this order, are arranged between the cover sheet and the intermediate sheet, and a stack or a layer of first structured sheets Sheets, separating plates, second structured plates and separating plates, which repeat themselves several times in succession in this arrangement, arranged between the intermediate plate and the connecting plate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two or three heat exchangers, or the aforementioned first and second part of the Wärmeübertrager- device, or the unit of the two or three heat exchangers are surrounded by a housing. It can be provided that between this housing and the aforementioned unit or the aforementioned heat exchangers, a gap is formed, which can be flowed through by fluid. Preferably, it is provided that the second fluid flowing along the second fluid path during operation is passed into this intermediate space after flowing through the third heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger or the unit of the two or three heat exchangers flows around it. It can be provided that guide devices are provided which promote or create this wash-up by means of the second fluid. Preferably, it is provided that, in particular by means of such guide devices, the second fluid leaves the heat transfer device via a second main flow after the heat transfer medium or the unit formed therefrom flows around or flushed around.

The baffles preferably separate flow channels of a heat exchanger and are made of thermally conductive material to allow heat transfer through them or to form a heat transfer area.

The heat exchanger device preferably has a first main inlet and a first main outlet for a first fluid, as well as a second main inlet and a second main outlet for a second fluid. The first main inlet is preferably fluidly connected to the first fluid drain device of the first heat exchanger, and the first main outlet is preferably fluidically connected to the first fluid outlet device of the third heat exchanger. The second main inlet is connected, for example, to the second fluid inlet device of the second heat exchanger, and the second main inlet is preferably fluidically connected to the intermediate space and / or second fluid outlet device of the third heat exchanger. It may be provided that the first main inlet is fluidically connected to a cryogenic tank or cryogenic tank. In this tank, for example, be stored cryogenic, liquid hydrogen. Furthermore, provision can be made for hydrogen to be supplied to consumers of a motor vehicle via the first main sequence, where this hydrogen may, for example, have ambient temperature or a temperature which is within a predetermined temperature interval, such as between minus 3O ⁰ C and Plus 50 ⁰ C or between 5 ⁰ C and 25 ° C, located.

The first fluid path and the second fluid path are each formed in particular by or by means of suitable fluid guidance means or within such suitable fluid guidance means. Such fluid guide means may be, for example, channels, tubes or the like. Within the heat exchanger, they can also be formed, for example, by the mentioned structured plates adjacent to such plates. Breakthroughs in structured metal sheets and separating plates, which, in particular, interact with one another to create channels or channel-like regions for connecting heat exchangers and / or to supply or discharge media to or from heat exchangers, can be part of such a fluid path or a fluid path (with). create.

In the first or the second fluid path, in particular in the region of the respective heat exchangers, a plurality of channels or channel-like regions can be arranged or configured in parallel at the same point of the fluid path in the longitudinal direction of the fluid path or in the direction of flow of the fluid flowing there. It can also be provided that in the fluid path areas are given, which have a kind of areal extent. Also, the mentioned gap may be part of a fluid path.

Separating means are in each case provided in particular in the heat exchangers which separate the media which are to flow through the respective heat exchangers - in particular for heat exchange, so that a fluid exchange of these media is prevented within this respective heat exchanger and a heat transfer is made possible. In the first heat exchanger, this is in particular such that within this first Heat exchanger prevents direct flow of the first fluid from the first region or section to the second region or section; In particular, it is provided that the first fluid must flow out of the first section out of the first heat exchanger and through the second heat exchanger in order to access the second section of the first heat exchanger.

Particularly preferably, the three heat exchangers are integrated with the compounds or flow connections between these individual heat exchangers in a single component or designed as a unit. The components of this unit or this component are preferably non-detachably connected to each other, for example, soldered. Particularly preferably, the first, second third and fourth structured sheets are each made in one piece. Breakthroughs in these can be generated, for example, by punching.

The heat transfer device according to the invention is preferably used for heating a first fluid by means of a second fluid. It can be provided, for example, that the entire heat transfer between the first and the second fluid is divided into sub-steps. This can for example also be such that the fluid to be heated is cooled in the meantime. It can be provided, for example, that the fluid flowing during operation in the first region or section of the first fluid path in the first heat exchanger is heated, while the first fluid flowing in the second section of this first fluid path in the first heat exchanger is simultaneously cooled. In the second heat exchanger can be provided that by means of a coolant entering from the direction of the first region of the first heat exchanger in the second heat exchanger fluid is heated there by means of the coolant. In the third heat exchanger, it can be provided that the first fluid is reheated by means of the coolant.

An apparatus according to the invention is particularly preferably used for heating cryogenic hydrogen, in particular by means of a coolant. For example, it may be provided that the low-caliber te hydrogen is heated to ambient temperature or substantially ambient temperature. It can also be provided that, depending on the actually given ambient temperature, the coolant is introduced into the second heat exchanger at different temperatures in order to cause the temperature of the first fluid leaving the third heat exchanger to correspond substantially to the currently given ambient temperature. For example, a corresponding control device for controlling the temperature and / or the flow velocity of the second fluid entering the second heat exchanger can be provided.

It can be provided, in particular, that in the first heat exchanger - in particular in the first region of the first fluid path currently positioned - cryogenic hydrogen with already by means of a coolant in the second heat exchanger heated hydrogen - which is currently currently in the second region of the first flow path - preheated , In this case, it is provided, in particular, that the heated hydrogen exits the first heat exchanger at a lower temperature than the temperature when flowing into the first heat exchanger or the second area of the first fluid section and heats up to the desired temperature in the third heat exchanger by means of coolant becomes.

According to the invention, a method is also provided in particular for heating a first fluid by means of a second fluid. The first fluid is preferably cryogenic, in particular liquid, hydrogen and the second

Fluid is preferably a coolant. It can be provided, for example, that the supplied cryogenic hydrogen has a temperature which is below minus 200 ⁰ C, such as minus 250 ⁰ C. It can be provided that the coolant is supplied at a temperature above 50 ° C, such as at 60 ° C is located.

In particular, it is provided that, during operation of the heat transfer device, the first and the second fluid path are flowed through substantially continuously by first or second medium. It can be provided in particular that the entire heat transfer from the first to the second fluid is divided into several sub-steps or is. It can also be provided that the first fluid to be heated is cooled in the meantime, if appropriate, then further heated.

A method according to the invention is further subject matter of claim 39, wherein this design may also be a preferred embodiment of the previous one.

The first medium is preferably a first fluid and the second medium is preferably a second fluid. The first medium or fluid is particularly preferably hydrogen and the second medium or fluid is preferably a coolant, for example a water-glycol mixture.

The invention provides the basis for designs that reduce the risk of freezing coolant. This danger can be reduced, for example, by dividing the entire heat transfer into several substeps. Furthermore, the invention provides the basis for a compact design of a heat exchanger device. Further, the invention provides the basis for designs where heat transfer between media is safely enabled over a wide range of operating conditions while minimizing space requirements and media delivery costs such as piping. Further, the invention provides the basis for designs in which the risk of freezing coolant is reduced by the fact that the entire heat transfer is divided into several sub-steps. Furthermore, the invention provides the basis for designs in which three heat exchangers are integrated with the connections between which individual heat transformers in one component. Thus, the invention further provides the basis for the fact that in particular from this in conjunction with the advantages of the layer construction, a compact, possibly even extremely compact, size of a heat exchanger device can be realized. The invention also provides the basis for designs in which by means of an enclosure of portions of the heat transfer device with a flowed through housing - possibly even safe - the condensation of the air components and in many areas, the condensation is prevented by the humidity. The embodiments covered by the invention do not have to have these advantages or achieve these effects. However, the invention provides a basis for the realization of designs having such advantages or effects.

In the following example embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the Fig, whereby the invention should not be limited. It shows:

1 shows an exemplary circuit diagram or block diagram of a preferred embodiment according to the invention in a schematic representation;

2 shows an exemplary embodiment according to the invention in a schematic view;

Fig. 3 is a section along the line A-A of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a section along the line B-B of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a section along the line C-C of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a section along the line D-D of Fig. 2;

7 shows an exemplary embodiment according to the invention in a schematic view, which may in particular have the design according to FIGS. 2 to 6;

FIG. 8 shows the design according to FIG. 7 with the housing partially removed; FIG.

1 shows a circuit diagram of an exemplary heat exchanger device 1 according to the invention. The heat exchanger device 1 has a first heat exchanger 10, a second heat exchanger 12 as well a third heat exchanger 14. Furthermore, the heat exchanger device 1 has two fluid paths 16, 18.

The first heat exchanger 10 and the second heat exchanger 12 are connected in such a way that a first fluid flowing along the first fluid path during operation of the heat exchanger device 1 successively moves the first one

Heat exchanger 10, the second heat exchanger 12 and then in turn flows through the first heat exchanger 10. In particular, as indicated in FIG. 2, this fluid may be hydrogen, which enters as cryogenic hydrogen and emerges as heated hydrogen.

The fluid paths and / or the heat exchangers are further designed so that a second fluid flowing in operation along the second fluid path 18 flows through the second heat exchanger 12. The flow connections or the fluid paths or the heat exchangers are designed such that heat can be transferred between the second fluid flowing along the fluid path 18 and the first fluid flowing along the first fluid path 16 during operation in the second heat exchanger , Furthermore, the fluid paths or the heat exchangers are configured such that in operation in the first heat exchanger 10 heat is transferred between a first fluid flowing in a first region of the first fluid path 16, which is schematically indicated by the dashed line 20, and one in a second Area of the first fluid path 16 flowing first fluid, which is indicated schematically by the dashed line 22, is transmitted or such heat transfer is made possible. It can be provided, in particular, that the first region 20 of the first fluid path 16 is formed by a plurality of parallel channels, which will be explained with reference to the following figures, or can be seen from these.

The region 20 is separated from the region 22 so that the heat transfer can take place, but a fluid exchange within the first heat exchanger 10 is prevented. Fluid may flow along the corresponding portion of the first fluid path 16 via the second heat exchanger 12 from the portion 20 to the portion 22. The regions or sections 20 and 22 of the first fluid path 16 are spaced apart from one another along the fluid path 16 or the operating direction indicated by the arrow tips 24, as indicated schematically.

The third heat exchanger 14 is connected to the first fluid path 16 and to the second fluid path 18, or the first heat exchanger 10 and the second heat exchanger 12 such that the second fluid flowing along the second fluid path 18 during operation flows through the third heat exchanger 14, after it has passed through the second heat exchanger 12, and that fluid flowing along the first fluid path 16 flows through the first fluid path 16 through the third heat exchanger 14 after flowing through the second region 22. For this purpose, in particular corresponding flow connections, which can be in particular channels or channel-like flow guidance means, are provided. Such suitable flow guidance means or channel-like flow guidance means or channels are provided in particular in the regions in which fluid flows along the first fluid path 16 or along the second fluid path 18. Flow guiding means or channels are also provided in the heat exchangers 10, 12, 14. It can also be provided that a fluid flowing along a fluid path 16 or 18 flows after leaving a heat exchanger directly into a following heat exchanger, as for example in Figs. 3 and 4 for the second fluid path 18 in operation flowing second Medium is shown that there enters immediately after exiting the second heat exchanger in the third heat exchanger.

The first 10, second 12 and third heat exchanger 14 each have a first fluid inlet device and a first fluid outlet device and a second fluid inlet device and a second fluid outlet device. Such a fluid inlet device can be, for example, an arrangement of parallel flow cross sections, or a flow cross section or a nozzle or a pipe section or a channel or the like. Through the respective fluid inlet device or inlet, fluid flows into the respective heat exchanger and out of the respective heat exchanger through the respective fluid outlet device or outlet. The respective first fluid inlet device is fluidically connected to the respective first fluid outlet device within the respective heat exchanger, and the respective second fluid inlet device is fluidically connected to the respective second fluid outlet within the respective heat exchanger fluidly. These flow connections can also be effected via suitable fluid guiding means, such as channels and / or channels connected in parallel or the like. Such channels or channels connected in parallel can also be realized, for example, by means of plates, in particular structured sheets, the structure of which is such that they have corresponding apertures, and separating plates each located between two structured plates.

1, the first fluid inlet device is designated by the reference numeral 26, the first fluid outlet device by the reference numeral 28, the second fluid inlet device by the reference numeral 30 and the second fluid outlet device by the reference numeral 32 with respect to the first heat exchanger 10. With respect to the second heat exchanger 12, in Fig. 1, the first fluid inlet means is provided with the reference numeral 34, the first fluid outlet means 36, the second fluid inlet means 38, and the second fluid outlet 40. With respect to the third heat exchanger 14, in Fig. 1, the first fluid inlet means is designated 42, the first fluid outlet means 44, the second fluid inlet means 46 and the second fluid outlet means 48.

In Fig. 1, in the first fluid path 16, the first fluid inlet means

26 of the first heat exchanger 10, the first fluid outlet device 28 of the first heat exchanger 10, the first fluid inlet device 34 of the second heat exchanger 12, the first fluid outlet device 36 of the first heat exchanger 10 2 heat exchanger 12, the second fluid inlet 26 of the first heat exchanger 10, the second fluid outlet 32 of the first heat exchanger 10, the first fluid inlet 42 of the third heat exchanger 12 and the first fluid outlet 44 of the third heat exchanger 12 in series in this order or switched. In particular, they are flowed through by a first medium during operation - also in this order.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the second fluid inlet device 38 of the second heat exchanger 12, the second fluid outlet device 40 of the second heat exchanger 12, the second fluid inlet device 46 of the third heat exchanger 14, and the second fluid outlet device 48 of the third heat exchanger 14 are arranged in series in this order. During operation, they are flowed through by a second fluid in this order.

The said fluid inlet and outlet devices of the first and the second fluid path - are connected via suitable fluidic connection means, such as channels, parallel channels or the like for generating flow connections.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, exactly two fluid paths 16, 18 are provided.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the direction of flow of a second fluid flowing during operation along the second fluid path 50 is indicated by the arrowheads 50.

The first fluid is preferably hydrogen, and the second fluid is preferably a coolant. The second fluid may be, for example, a water-glycol mixture.

The letters A, B, C, D, E shown in rectangles schematically indicate flow channels or flow connections, in each of which a medium between the adjacent heat exchangers or to or can flow from these heat exchangers. These letters A, B, C, D, E are also shown in Figs. 2 to 6, where exemplary, preferred structural embodiments for such flow channels are shown.

As indicated in FIG. 1, cryogenic, in particular liquid hydrogen, on the one hand, and coolant, on the other hand, flows into the heat transfer device 1. Hydrogen flows along the first fluid path 16 and the coolant flows along the second fluid path 18.

In the first heat exchanger 10 cryogenic hydrogen is preheated with already heated by means of coolant in the second heat exchanger 12 hydrogen. This exits the first heat exchanger 10 at low temperature, and is heated in a third heat exchanger 12 with coolant to the desired temperature.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary heat transfer device 1 according to the invention in a schematic representation.

The design shown in Fig. 2 may also be surrounded by a housing, which will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 7.

In a first part or region 60 of the heat exchanger device 1, as indicated by the curved brackets WÜ Il and WÜ III, the second and the third heat exchanger, in particular juxtaposed, arranged. In a second, indicated schematically by the reference numeral 62 part or region of the heat exchanger device 1, as schematically indicated by the curved bracket WÜ I, the first heat exchanger is arranged.

As is shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 to 6 or 2 to 8, the connection of three heat exchangers according to FIG. 1 can take place in a single heat exchanger or in a single heat exchanger unit or in a single heat exchanger apparatus 1 or which is constructed in layer technology to be integrated. The structure of the individual heat exchanger sub-blocks or parts or areas 60, 62 or heat exchanger 10, 12, 14 corresponds to the stratification of structured stainless steel sheets and intermediate separating plates. The individual layers or sheets are soldered to one another and to the limiting plates, for example via copper, silver or nickel solder.

In a first part or region 60 of the heat exchanger device 1, the second 12 and the third 14 heat exchanger are arranged so that hydrogen-side flow channels are parallel to each other and the coolant-side channels offset by these two heat exchangers 12, 14 in a right angle to a layer to extend. This first part of the heat exchanger device 1 is limited by a connection plate, with openings for the supply and discharge of the hydrogen flow, and by an intermediate plate. The intermediate plate is provided with overflow openings, which allows the hydrogen-side connection to the second part or region 62 of the heat exchanger device 1 or to the first heat exchanger 10. On the opposite side, the second part or region 62 of the heat exchanger device 1 is closed by a cover plate.

Fig. 3 shows a section entlag the line AA of Fig. 2, in particular an exemplary, structured second sheet 80. This second structured sheet 80 has a plurality of mutually parallel, elongated, here rectangular shaped openings 82. These openings 82 are assigned to both the second heat exchanger 12 and the third heat exchanger 14. The openings 82 serve in particular for the formation of flow channels 84, 86 for the second fluid or for the coolant, which extend through the second and the third heat exchanger. The flow channels 86 form the continuation of the flow channels 84. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the fluid inlet device 46 of the third heat exchanger essentially coincides with the second fluid outlet device 40 of the second heat exchanger 12. This is such that these two devices are each formed by channel cross sections of the flow channels 84, 86. The second structured sheets 80 also have a frame-like web 88, which surrounds the arrangement of the openings 82 separated by intermediate webs. This frame-like web 88 is formed in the manner of a rectangular frame, and has two opposite long sides 90 and two opposite short sides 92. The short sides 92 are arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the also parallel to each other arranged long sides 90. Outside this frame-like web 88 80 further separate openings are provided in the second structured plate, which are each surrounded by material. This is a total of seven breakthroughs. Two of these openings 94, 96 adjoin a long side 90 of the frame-like web 88. On the opposite long side 90, three openings 98, 100, 102 close to this. At the respective short sides 92 of the frame-like web 88, in each case an opening 104 or 106 adjoins this respective. In the apertures 94, 96, 98, 102 each project a plurality of projections 104 projecting from the long sides 90 of the frame-like web in these openings. For example, these projections may extend perpendicular to the long sides 90.

Fig. 4 shows a section entlag the line B-B of Fig. 2, in particular an exemplary second, structured sheet 120, which is associated with the second 12 and the third heat exchanger 14. The structured sheet metal 120 has a multiplicity of elongated, in this case rectangular, respectively adjacent and mutually parallel openings 122, as well as a multiplicity of elongated, in this case rectangular, apertures 124, which likewise extend parallel to one another. The elongate openings 122 are arranged parallel to the elongate openings 124. The elongate openings 122 serve to form flow channels for the first medium in the second heat exchanger 12, and the elongated openings 124 serve to form flow channels for the first medium in the third heat exchanger 14.

This arrangement of the openings 122, 124 which are each separated or spaced apart by intermediate webs is also surrounded by a frame-like web 88 in the case of the first structured metal sheets 120. This Frame-like web 88 is also designed substantially rectangular and has two opposite long side 90 and two opposite short sides 92.

The frame-like web 88 of the first structured sheets differs from the frame-like web 88 of the second structured sheets 80, however, in that here the short sides 88 are made longer and the long sides 90 shorter than in the frame-like web 88 of the second structured sheets.

Instead of the projections 104 projections 126 are provided in the first structured sheets, which extend from the short sides, not here of the long sides, in the openings 104 and 106, for example, perpendicular to the short sides 92nd Wie hiermit As already indicated, the apertures 104, 106 already mentioned above are also present in the first structured sheets 120. Furthermore, the above-mentioned breakthroughs 94, 96 and 98, 100 and 102 are given in the appropriate place.

In the first part 60 of the heat exchanger device, a multiplicity of first structured metal sheets 120 and second structured metal sheets 80 are alternately stacked or stacked with respective intermediate metal sheets. Thus, an arrangement of the first, structured metal sheet 200 with following separating sheet and subsequent second, structured sheet 80 and subsequent separating sheet is repeated several times. The dividers are not shown in the figures; However, the design of such baffles will be explained with the aid of Figs. 3 and 4.

The separating plates also have openings 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106. Instead of provided for the formation of flow channels 84, 86, 120, 124 openings 122, 124, 82, a closed, non-piercing portion is provided at the dividing plates, which is designed substantially rectangular. The contour limiting this rectangular, non-piercing section substantially corresponds to a contour which results when the shorter, compared to the design of FIG. 4 shorter sides 92 from the design of FIG. 3 on the long sides 90 of FIG. 4, which are shortened relative to the long sides 90 of FIG. 3, are connected. From this rectangular area protrude projections 104 in the context of the description of Fig. 3 mentioned type in the openings 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, and projections 126 in the manner explained in connection with FIG. 4 type in the apertures 104, 106th

The outer contour of the first structured sheets 120 and of the second structured sheets 80 and of the separating sheets is essentially identical.

The fact that the partitions with their rectangular, closed sections are respectively positioned between first structured sheets 120 and second structured sheets 106 form boundaries for the flow channels in the first structured sheets 120 and second structured sheets 80 which correspond to the second or are assigned to third heat exchanger respectively. Furthermore, a heat exchange between the corresponding channels can take place via these dividing plates. In the stacked arrangement, the apertures 94, 96, 98, 100, 102 of the structured metal sheets 120, 80 and of the separating plates, in cooperation, form flow channels which extend substantially perpendicular to the metal sheets. These forming flow channels are denoted by the letters B, D, C ₁ A, E, in Figs. 3 and 4, and form flow connections or sections of such flow connections, such as the corresponding arranged in rectangles letters in Fig. 1st show this schematically.

In a corresponding manner, the apertures 104 of the stacked sheets in cooperation form inflow channels for the second medium to the second heat exchanger 12, and the openings 106 of the first structured sheets 120, the second structured sheets 80 and the partitions in cooperation flow channels or a flow channel or a Section of such for the removal of the second medium from the third heat exchanger 14. By the flow channels 84, 86, a second Fluid from the channels formed by the openings 104 to flow through the channels 106 formed by the apertures 106.

Due to the short webs 88, an inflow from the apertures or channels formed by them into the flow channels 84 in the plane of the structured sheet 80 is prevented. In order nevertheless to allow inflow, the long sides 90 of the frame-like webs 88 in the structured, second metal sheets 80 are longer than those of the first structured metal sheets 100 and of the separating sheets. This makes it possible, in fact, for the second medium to flow in the plane of the first structured metal sheets 120 and of the separating plates in their respective spaces between the projections 126, and from there into the flow channels 84 substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sheet. This is illustrated by FIG. 4 in that there the ends of the flow channels 84 are shown by dashed lines 128.

In a corresponding manner, the second medium can flow out of the flow channels 86 into the channel formed by the openings 106. The ends of the flow channels 106 located in this region are indicated schematically in FIG. 4 by the dashed lines 130.

For the corresponding reason, the short sides 92 of the frame-like web 88 in the first structured sheets are longer than the short sides 92 of the frame-like webs 88 in the second structured sheets, so that in a corresponding manner first medium or hydrogen through the openings or channels 122 can flow from the channel B into the channel C, or through the flow channels or openings 124 from the channel D into the channel E, as indicated by the corresponding arrows in Fig. 4.

The flow channels 84 and 86 or 122 and 124, which are formed in different second 80 and first structured sheets 120, respectively, are flowed through substantially parallel or in the manner of a parallel connection. The channels A, B ₁ C, D, E and the channels formed by the openings 104 and 106 are each a kind of collection and distribution device. FIG. 5 shows a section along the line CC from FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 shows a section along the line DD from FIG. 2.

5 shows, in particular, a fourth, structured sheet 140, and FIG. 6 shows, in particular, a third, structured sheet 142.

5 and 6, a respective portion of the intermediate plate 66 is shown, in which an opening 144 for the supply of coolant or second fluid is provided, and an opening 146 for the discharge of coolant or second fluid. If the design according to FIGS. 2 to 6 is combined with a housing shown in FIG. 7, it can be provided, for example, that through the opening 146 the coolant in a gap between the unit of the three heat exchangers 10, 12, 14 and their flow connections on the one hand, and the housing, on the other hand, can flow to first circulate this unit before the coolant leaves the housing.

The third structured plates 142 and the fourth structured plates 140 are each arranged alternately in the second part 62 of the heat exchanger, or the unit formed by the first 10, second 12 and third 14 heat exchangers and the flow connections connecting them, and separated from one another by separating plates. In this second part 62, therefore, a packet of a third structured sheet metal, an adjacent separating sheet, a fourth structured sheet 140, which adjoins it in turn, is repeated several times, and a separating sheet, which in turn adjoins it, several times. These dividers differ in their design from those which are each positioned between adjacent first and second structured sheets.

The fourth structured plates have a multiplicity of openings 148 for forming flow channels 150 for the first fluid which flows during operation in the first heat exchanger in the second region or section of the first fluid path, which is then discharged from the first heat exchanger 10 in the direction of the third heat exchanger 14 , or or of the warmer hydrogen flowing through the first heat exchanger 10, on. These flow channels 148 are each designed staircase-shaped. A preferred design and arrangement of these different and differently shaped openings 148 for forming the flow channels 150 is shown in FIG. 5.

The arrangement of these apertures 148 is in the fourth structured sheets each surrounded by a frame-like web 152 which lies in the sheet metal plane. This frame-like web is designed approximately rectangular, and has long sides 154 and 156 short sides. In a similar manner as in the design in FIGS. 3 and 4, openings 94 and 96 adjoin the one of these long sides outside of the web 154, and apertures 98, 100 are formed on the opposite long side 154. The openings 100 are in FIG Essentially designed as the connected unit of the apertures 100 and 102 in the design according to Figures 3 and 4. Thus, in the design according to FIG. 5, there is no need for a partition wall between the apertures 100 and 102, which is given in the design according to FIGS. 3 and 4.

In the long sides 154 of the frame-like webs 152, a slight offset extending perpendicularly to these long sides 154 is provided in the fourth structured sheets. On the one side of this offset extend - in a corresponding manner, as already explained above - from the long web pages 154 projections 158 in the openings 94 and 100. The extending into the openings 94 projections 158 are substantially diagonally opposite to the extending into the openings 100 projections 158 arranged. The offset provided in each of the long sides and the length of these webs are substantially the same, so that the connection of the outer ends of the webs terminates essentially flush with the part of the long side 154 which, following the offset, further out.

The third structured sheets 142 shown in FIG. 6 have a multiplicity of openings 170 for forming flow channels 172 for the first During operation, the fluid discharged from the first heat exchanger 10 in the direction of the second heat exchanger 12, or the colder hydrogen flowing through the first heat exchanger 10, or the first fluid flowing in the first region 120 of the first fluid path. The openings 170 are designed in each case essentially staircase-shaped. The multiplicity of flow channels 170, which are separated or spaced apart by a gutter, are also surrounded by a frame-like web 152 in the design according to FIG. For the design of this frame-like web 152 and the step-shaped openings 170, reference may be made to the comments on FIG. 5, wherein it should be noted that the pitch of the staircase-shaped structure, which is indicated schematically in FIG. 6 by the arrow 174, is opposite to FIG is aligned by the arrow 176 schematically indicated slope of the stepped openings 148 of the fourth structured sheets 140, and the offset in the long sides 154 of the frame-like web 152 is opposite to that given in the fourth structured sheets 140, so that the projections 158 protrude at third structured sheets in the openings 96 and 98, respectively. The openings 94, 96, 98 are substantially of the type already explained with reference to FIG. 5.

The dividing plates, not shown, each arranged between the third structured sheets 142 and the fourth structured sheets 140 agree with respect to their outer contour and the openings 94, 96, 98, 100 substantially with the third 142 and fourth structured sheets 140. The partitions have a substantially rectangular, closed area. This rectangular region extends between the opposite short sides 152, as viewed in the direction of the long sides 154, and between the sections of the long sides 154 which are closer to each other when viewed in the direction of the short sides 152 ,

Channels C formed by the apertures 148 connect the channels C fluidically with the channels D, wherein first medium from the channel C through the first heat exchanger 10 in the channel D can flow. In a corresponding manner, the channels 172 formed by the openings 170 connect the channel A to the channel B, so that first fluid can flow from channel A into the channel B through the first heat transfer or the channels 172 formed by the openings 170.

The channels 172 and the channels formed by the apertures 148 are - also limited by the separating plates - according to the manner described above. In a corresponding manner, as has already been explained in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, the different design of the frame-like webs 152 in the third structured sheets 142 and the fourth structured sheets 140 as well as the design of the separating sheet or the closed area the separating plates allows the first fluid from the channel A in the channels 172 of the first heat exchanger 10, and from these into the channel B can flow, or first FIid id from the channel C in the channels formed by the openings 148 150th first heat exchanger 10, and from these into the channel D can flow.

The flow guidance in the design according to FIGS. 2 to 6 along the first 16 or second fluid path 18 results in particular also with reference to FIG. 1, in which the channels A, B, C, D, E are drawn in and in FIG the coolant supply and coolant removal is clarified.

In the design according to FIGS. 2 to 6, the structure of the individual heat exchanger partial blocks or of the first 60 and second region or of the heat exchangers 10, 12, 14 corresponds to a layering of structured stainless steel plates and separating plates lying therebetween. The individual layers or sheets are soldered to each other by means of respective limiting plates 64, 66 and 66, 68. For this example, copper, silver or nickel solder or other suitable solders can be used.

7 shows the exemplary heat transfer device according to the invention. The unit shown there, consisting of the first area 60 and the second area 62, may for example be designed as explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. The flow guide can at This configuration should be essentially as it was explained in particular with reference to FIG. 1, or as well as in the design according to FIGS. 2 to 6.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the unit formed by the first area 60 and the second area 62 is surrounded by a housing 190, wherein a unit is formed between this housing 190 and the unit formed by the first area 60 and the second area 62 Unit extending around space 192 is given. This intermediate space 192 can be lapped by second medium or coolant leaving the third heat exchanger. The longitudinally extending rod-like elements 194 in Fig. 7 are stacking aids for stacking the sheets and plates, the unit consisting of the areas 60 and 62.

Different outer surface areas of the heat exchanger or heat exchanger device can, especially when no housing is present, since from the inside acted upon by cryogenic hydrogen, very low temperatures at which a condensation of humidity with subsequent icing can occur. Even the condensation of components of the air will occur, which is to prevent in the case of oxygen (fire hazard). For this purpose, the entire heat exchanger or the heat exchanger device, or the unit formed from the first 60 and second area 62 in a preferred embodiment of the invention surrounded by a housing 190 so that the exiting after the third heat exchanger, warm Coolant flow the heat exchanger, or the unit formed from the areas 60 and 62, in particular completely, flows around. However, such flushing can also be provided for other purposes.

Fig. 7 further shows a main nozzle 196 for supplying coolant and a main nozzle 198 for the discharge of coolant. After flowing around, the second medium or coolant can leave the housing through the main nozzle 198. Fig. 8 shows the design of FIG. 7, wherein the housing 190 is partially not shown. Shown is a housing cover 210 and a housing plate or housing bottom plate 212nd

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the flow around the unit formed from the first area 60 to the second area 62 by means of the coolant by means of corresponding arrows. Furthermore, it is shown in FIG. 8 that partitions and / or nozzles and / or guide devices 214, 216 are provided which promote the flow around the unit formed from the first region 60 and the second region 62 by means of the coolant.

Claims

Patent claims

1. A heat transfer device for vehicles operable with hydrogen fluid with two fluid paths (16, 18) and two heat exchangers (10, 12), which are connected so that along the first (16) of these two fluid paths (16, 18) flowing first Medium first successively a first (10) of these two Wärmeübertra- ger (10, 12), then the second (12) of these two heat exchangers (10, 12) and then again the first heat exchanger (10) can flow through or flows through, and that a second medium flowing along the second (18) of these two fluid paths (16, 18) flows through the second heat exchanger (12), so that heat transfer between a first medium flowing along the first fluid path (16) in the second heat exchanger (12) takes place or is made possible along the second fluid path (18) flowing second medium, and in the first heat exchanger (10), a heat transfer between the in a first region (20) of the first fluid path (16) flowing first

Medium and in a second, from the first (20) spaced region (22) of the first fluid path (16, 18) flowing first medium takes place or made possible.

2. Heat exchanger device according to claim 1, characterized in that a third heat exchanger (14) is provided, wherein said third heat exchanger (14) is arranged so that along the first fluid path (16) flowing first medium through this third heat exchanger ( 14) flows.

3. Heat exchanger device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first (10) and the third heat exchanger (14) are connected so that a along the first fluid path (16) flowing first medium after flowing through the second heat exchanger (12) and after a subsequent

Flow through the first heat exchanger (10) through the third heat exchanger (14) flows or can flow.

4. Heat exchanger device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second (12) and the third heat exchanger (14) are interconnected, which flows along the second fluid path (18) second medium after flowing through the second heat exchanger ( 12) through the third heat exchanger (14) flows or can flow.

5. Heat exchanger device for hydrogen-operable motor vehicles, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with three heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) each having a first fluid discharge device (26, 34, 42) and one, in particular with the (26, 34, 42) fluidly connected, first Fluidauslas- device (28, 36, 44), and which in each case a second fluid inlet means (30, 38, 46) and one, in particular with this (30, 38, 46) The first fluid outlet device (28) of the first (10) of these three heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) is fluidically connected to the first fluid inlet device (34) of the second fluidically connected second fluid outlet device (32, 40, 48) (12) of these three heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) is connected, and wherein the first fluid outlet means (36) of the second heat exchanger (12) fluidly with the second fluid inlet device (30) of the first heat over and the second fluid outlet device (32) of the first heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) is fluidly connected to the first fluid inlet device (42) of the third (14) of these three heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) , and further wherein the second Fluidauslassein- direction (40) of the second heat exchanger (12) fluidly is connected to the second fluid inlet means (46) of the third heat exchanger (14).

6. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger device (1) is constructed with its, in particular three, heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) in layer technology.

7. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger device (1) has a plurality of layered or stacked sheets (80, 120, 142, 144), wherein within this layer or this Stack, the, in particular three, heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) are formed.

8. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Wärmeübertrager- device (1) has a plurality of layered or stacked sheets (80, 120, 142, 144), wherein the shading of, in particular three , Heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) is integrated in this layer or this stack.

9. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) of the Wärmeübertrager- device (1) structured and / or profiled sheets (80, 120, 140, 142).

10. Wärmeübertrager- device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) of the heat exchanger device (1) sheets (80, 120, 142, 144) which are structured so that they Breakthroughs (82, 94, 96, 98 "100, 102, 104, 106, 122, 124, 148, 170) have.

11. Wärmeübertrager- device according to any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the structured sheets (80, 120, 142, 144) are made of stainless steel.

12. Heat exchanger device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) of the heat exchanger device (1) each have structured sheets (80, 120, 142, 144), each with intermediate separating plates ,

13. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all the structured sheets (80, 120, 142, 144) and all intermediate separating plates of the heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) are aligned parallel to each other.

14. Wärmeübertrager- device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) each have a plurality of structured sheets (80, 120, 142, 144) are associated with two different structures, and these different structured sheets (80, 120, 142, 144) of the respective same heat exchanger (10 or 12 or 14) are alternately layered or stacked, wherein in each of these heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) between two differently structured sheets (80 , 120, 142, 144) in each case a separating plate is arranged.

15. Wärmeübertrager- device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that first structured sheets (120) are provided, which are associated with the second (12) and the third heat exchanger (14) and which the second

Heat exchangers (12) associated openings (122) for forming flow channels (122) for the first medium in the second heat exchanger (12) and which the third heat exchanger (14) associated with apertures (124) to form Strö- ming channels (124) for the first medium in the third heat exchanger (14).

16. Heat exchanger device according to claim 15, characterized in that the openings (122) form flow channels (122) for the first medium in the second heat exchanger (12) and the openings (124) for forming flow channels for the each first medium in the third heat exchanger (14) extend longitudinally and, in particular juxtaposed, are aligned parallel to each other.

17. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that second structured sheets (80) are provided which are each associated with both the second (12) and the third heat exchanger (14), and the

Breakthroughs (82) for the formation of both the second (12) and by the third heat exchanger (14) extending flow channels (84, 86) for the second medium.

18. Wärmeübertrager- device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of first (120) and second structured sheets (80) are stacked alternately and separated from each other by a separating plate or layered.

19. Wärmeübertrager- device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second (12) and in the third heat exchanger (14) formed flow channels (122, 124) for the first medium at an angle, in particular 90 ° angle, to extending in the second (12) and in the third heat exchanger (14) formed flow channels (84, 86) for the second medium.

20. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (120) and the a plurality of perforations (94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106) for forming flow connections (B, C, D) between different heat exchangers (10, 12), in each case in the form of second structured plates (80) and / or separating plates respectively positioned between them , 14) of the heat exchanger device (1) and / or for the formation of flow connections (A, E) from and / or to at least one heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) of the heat exchanger device (1), wherein these Breakthroughs (94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106) of the openings (82, 122, 124) to form flow channels of the - second (12) and the third heat exchanger (14) are different.

21. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that third structured surfaces (142) are provided which are associated with the first heat exchanger (10), and in particular the first region of the first flow path, and which openings (170 ) for forming by the first heat exchanger (10) extending flow channels (170) for the first medium.

22. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that of the third structured sheets (142) different fourth structured sheets (140) are provided which the first heat exchanger (10), and in particular the second region of the first flow path, and having openings (148) for forming first channel flow channels (150) through the first heat exchanger (10).

23. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the openings (148 or 170) for forming by the first heat exchanger (10) extending flow channels (150 or 172) for the first medium in the third ( 142) and fourth structured sheets (140) are each designed staircase-shaped.

24. Heat exchanger apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the third (142) and the fourth structured sheets (140) are arranged and designed so that the stepped shapes of the openings (148 or 170) to form by the first heat exchanger (10) extending flow channels (150 and 172) for the first medium in the third (140) and fourth structured sheets (142) with opposite pitch (174 and 176, respectively).

25. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third (142) and the fourth structured sheets (140) and / or between these each positioned separating plates in each case a plurality of openings (94, 96, 98, 100) for forming of flow connections (B, C, D) between different heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) of the heat exchanger device (10) and / or for forming flow connections (A) to the first heat exchanger (10) of the heat exchanger device (1) have, wherein these openings (94, 96, 98, 100, 102) of the openings (148, 172) to form flow channels (150,172) of the first heat exchanger (10) are different.

26. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection plate (64) is provided which has openings for the supply and discharge of a first medium.

27. Heat exchanger device according to claim 26, characterized in that the openings provided with openings for the supply and the discharge of a first medium connecting plate (64) has a first

Part (60) of the Wärmeübertrager- device (1) limited, in which the second (12) and the third heat exchanger (14) of the heat exchanger device (10) is arranged.

28. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an intermediate plate (66) is provided, which has a first part (60) of the heat exchanger device (1), in which the second (12) and the third heat exchanger.

5 exchanger (14) of the Wärmeübertrager- device (1) is arranged, and which overflow openings for generating flow connections to a first heat exchanger (10) having second part (62) of the heat transfer device (1). -10 - -

29. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cover plate (68) is provided, which forms a conclusion of a second part (62) of the heat transfer device (1), in which the first heat transfer

15 ger (10) of the heat exchanger device (1) are arranged, wherein the cover plate (68) in particular on the intermediate plate (66) and / or the connection plate (64) facing away from this second part (62) of the heat transfer device ( 10, 12, 14) is arranged.

20

30. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing (190) surrounds, in particular three, heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) of the heat exchanger device (1), wherein between these heat transfer

25 (10, 12, 14) and said housing (190) extending substantially around said heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) around the gap (192) between these heat exchangers (10, 12, 14) and the housing (190 ) given is.

31. Heat exchanger device according to claim 30, characterized in that the third heat exchanger (14) and the intermediate space (192) are fluidically connected such that a medium emerging from the third heat exchanger (14), in particular second medium, passes through the intermediate space (192) flows or flows can, to the two or three heat exchanger (10, 12, 14) of the heat exchanger device (1) to flow around.

32. Heat exchanger device according to claim 31, characterized in that the circulation-promoting guiding devices (214, 216) are provided for the second medium.

33. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a first main inlet and a first main outlet for a first medium and a second main inlet (196) and a second main outlet (198) for a second medium.

34. Heat exchanger device according to one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that the second main outlet (198) for the second medium with the gap (192) is flow-connected so that the second medium after the flushing through this second main outlet (198 ) can flow out.

35. Heat exchanger device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first main inlet for the first medium is fluidly connected to a cryogenic tank or cryogenic tank.

36. Use of a heat exchanger device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for heating a first medium by means of a second medium, wherein it is provided in particular that the entire heat transfer between the second and the first medium is divided into sub-steps.

37. Use of a Wärmeübertrager- device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 35, in particular use according to claim 36, for heating cryogenic hydrogen, in particular by means of a coolant.

38. A method for heating a, in particular cryogenic, first medium, such as cryogenic hydrogen, by means of a second medium, such as coolant, characterized in that, that the entire heat transfer from the first to the second medium is divided into several sub-steps.

39. A method for heating a, in particular cryogenic, first medium, such as cryogenic hydrogen, by means of a second medium, such as coolant, in particular according to claim 38, characterized in that, the first medium in a first heat exchanger (10) or step means a first medium heated in a second step or second heat exchanger (12) by means of a second medium is then preheated in the preheated state to the second

Step or second heat exchanger (12) is fed, and is further heated there by means of the second medium, so that in the second step or by the second heat exchanger (12) the heated first medium for the first step or the first heat transfer (10) supplied, heated first medium is provided.

40. The method according to any one of claims 38 and 39, characterized in that the first medium used in the first step or first heat exchanger (10) for preheating the first medium first medium in a third step or third heat exchanger (14) is heated by means of second medium which is used in the second step or second heat exchanger (12) for further heating of the first medium previously preheated in the first step or first heat exchanger (10), and wherein the first medium in this third step or third heat exchanger (14 ) is heated in particular to a predetermined target temperature or a temperature lying in a predetermined target temperature range.