EP2146173A1 - Plastic heat exchanger - Google Patents
Plastic heat exchanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2146173A1 EP2146173A1 EP20080160592 EP08160592A EP2146173A1 EP 2146173 A1 EP2146173 A1 EP 2146173A1 EP 20080160592 EP20080160592 EP 20080160592 EP 08160592 A EP08160592 A EP 08160592A EP 2146173 A1 EP2146173 A1 EP 2146173A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- heat exchanger
- baffle
- cooling
- end plate
- tubes
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/02—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular
- F28F1/04—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular polygonal, e.g. rectangular
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
- F28F1/12—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element
- F28F1/126—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element consisting of zig-zag shaped fins
- F28F1/128—Fins with openings, e.g. louvered fins
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
- F28F1/12—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element
- F28F1/24—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending transversely
- F28F1/32—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending transversely the means having portions engaging further tubular elements
- F28F1/325—Fins with openings
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
- F28F1/12—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element
- F28F1/34—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending obliquely
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F21/00—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials
- F28F21/06—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material
- F28F21/062—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of plastics material the heat-exchange apparatus employing tubular conduits
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/05316—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/0535—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
- F28D1/05366—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
- F28D2021/0019—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
- F28D2021/0043—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for fuel cells
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
- F28D2021/0019—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
- F28D2021/008—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for vehicles
- F28D2021/0082—Charged air coolers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D7/16—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged in parallel spaced relation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D7/16—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged in parallel spaced relation
- F28D7/1684—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged in parallel spaced relation the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
- F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
- F28F13/12—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by creating turbulence, e.g. by stirring, by increasing the force of circulation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/22—Arrangements for directing heat-exchange media into successive compartments, e.g. arrangements of guide plates
- F28F2009/222—Particular guide plates, baffles or deflectors, e.g. having particular orientation relative to an elongated casing or conduit
- F28F2009/228—Oblique partitions
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/007—Auxiliary supports for elements
- F28F9/013—Auxiliary supports for elements for tubes or tube-assemblies
- F28F9/0131—Auxiliary supports for elements for tubes or tube-assemblies formed by plates
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to a heat exchanger for use in a motor vehicle. More particularly, this invention relates to a plastic heat exchanger.
- a heat exchanger is adapted for transferring heat from one fluid to another fluid wherein the fluids are not physically in contact.
- One example application of a specific example of a heat exchanger is an intercooler which is adapted for cooling the charge air exiting the compressor of an air charging device such as a turbocharger.
- An intercooler is desired to cool and to reduce the volume of the charge air so that more air can be introduced into the cylinders of an engine.
- the hot charge air is directed through a plurality of tubes over which cooling air flows.
- a conventional heat exchanger for automotive appliances includes a plurality of tubes that span between manifolds or tanks on each end.
- the tanks typically comprise an open internal volume in communication with an open end of the plurality of tubes.
- the tanks include an inlet to provide for a single inlet or outlet for air flow through the heat exchanger.
- the tubes are typically formed from metals such as aluminium, copper or brass that are welded or brazed to end plates. The end plates are in turn attached to the tanks to provide the desired inlet and outlet for the heat exchanger.
- metal tube construction and fabrication provide a relatively heavy and cumbersome device.
- the use of metal tubes limits the configuration of the heat exchanger.
- the constraints on devices installed within vehicles are becoming more demanding as related to cost, weight and flexibility of design. Therefore it has been considered to produce a heat exchanger from plastic whereby the weight of the heat exchanger can be reduced whilst offering improved design flexibility.
- a disadvantage of using plastic as a material for the heat exchanger is that the heat transfer from plastic to air is relatively low compared to the heat transfer between metal and air. Therefore the efficiency of a plastic heat exchanger is lower than that of an equivalent metal heat exchanger.
- a plastic heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of plastic tubes that extend between plastic end plates.
- a baffle is arranged in the heat exchanger which extends across the flow path of the air flowing over plastic tubes.
- the baffle includes openings which allow the air to flow through the baffle and over the plastic tubes.
- the baffle introduces turbulence into the air flow and disrupts the boundary layer on the outside of the tube walls. By disrupting this boundary layer the heat transfer between the fluid inside the tubes and the air flowing over the tubes can be improved.
- the baffle can also serve as a support for the tubes.
- Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example heat exchanger assembly.
- Figure 2 is a schematic view of an heat exchanger baffle.
- Figures 3A-3D are schematic views of example shapes for openings in the heat exchanger baffle.
- Figure 4 is a schematic view of an example square tube.
- Figure 5 is a schematic view of an example twisted square tube.
- Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section of the twisted square tube.
- a heat exchanger assembly 10 includes a first end plate 12 and a second end plate 14. Extending between the end first end plate 12 and the second end plate 14 are a plurality of plastic tubes 16. The plastic tubes 16 are secured to the end plates 12, 14 to provide the desired seal between the end plates 12, 14 and the ends of the tubes 16. This can be achieved by laser welding or another suitable method.
- a first tank 18 is attached to the first end plate 12 and a second tank 20 is attached to the second end plate 14.
- the first tank 18 includes an inlet opening 30 providing an inlet for a cooling fluid 50 and the second tank 20 includes an outlet opening 32 providing an outlet for the cooling fluid 50.
- the cooling fluid 50 follows a path through the first tank 18, the plastic tubes 16 and the second tank 20.
- the air which is to be cooled flows over the plastic tubes 16 in a direction indicated with arrows 22 perpendicular to the fluid flowing through the tubes 16.
- heat is transferred through the plastic tubes 16 to the cooling fluid 50 inside the tubes 16.
- a deflector or baffle 24 is introduced into the heat exchanger 10.
- the baffle 24 extends preferably between the endplates 12, 14 of the heat exchanger 10.
- the baffle 24 has preferably a concertina form, in particular a zigzag form as shown or a wave form.
- the concertina form extends through multiple rows of tubes 16.
- the concertina form provides for the baffle 24 to be angled relative to both charge air flow 22 and the plastic tubes 16.
- the specific angle of the baffle parts is provided to disrupt air flow 22, but not generate back pressure or reduce desired air flow.
- first openings 26 or oval shaped openings 26 which each accommodate a corresponding one of the plurality of plastic tubes 16.
- the plastic tubes 16 have a circular cross section. It is however also possible for the tubes 16 to have a non-circular cross section, e.g. oval or square, in order to increase the surface area of the tube and therefore improve the heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the charger air.
- second openings 28 or turbulence generating openings 28 are provided in the baffle 24.
- the turbulence generating openings 28 allow the air flowing over the plastic tubes 16 in the direction 22 to flow past the baffle 24 and, in doing so, the air flow is disturbed.
- the disturbed air creates turbulence that disrupts the boundary layer flow on the outer surface of the plastic tubes 16. Through disturbing the boundary layer flow the heat transfer between the plastic tubes 16 and the charge air flowing over the plastic tubes 16 can be increased.
- the area of the baffle 24 with turbulence generating openings 28 is large enough that no considerable back pressure is created within the heat exchanger 10 which would significantly reduce the air flow volume through the heat exchanger 10 and consequently adversely affect the cooling efficiency.
- the example baffle 24 can be a mesh e.g. a wire mesh whereby the plastic tubes 16 are inserted through openings in the wire mesh and openings adjacent to the plastic tubes serve as the turbulence generating openings.
- Figures 3A-3D Alternate example shapes of the openings 28 are shown in Figures 3A-3D.
- Figure 3A illustrates a star shaped cross-section 34.
- Figure 3B illustrates a triangle shaped tube cross-section 36.
- Figure 3C illustrates a cross shaped cross-section 38.
- Figure 3D illustrates a pentagon shaped cross-section 40.
- Other shapes which produce a large turbulence of the air flowing past the baffle 24 can also be used. It is particularly preferable for the shape to have a large edge length to surface area ratio.
- the baffle 24 can be used as a support for the plastic tubes 16 at the same time as providing the turbulence producing effect. This simplifies the manufacture in that the tubes 16 can be maintained together in a block using the baffle 24 as a support whilst the endplates 12, 14 are being attached.
- the example baffle 24 is shown to have five folds. It would however also be possible for the baffle 24 to be longer or shorter and to have more or less folds dependent on the size or shape of the heat exchanger 10.
- the baffle 24 can also be used as a conductor to conduct heat from the charge air to the cooling fluid.
- the baffle 24 can be made from any suitable material including metal, plastic or card.
- a plastic tube 42 with a square cross section can be produced e.g. by extrusion.
- a twisted tube 44 is provided.
- the twisted tube 44 provides that the cross-sectional shape is twisted about the axis 52 at least once along a length between the endplates.
- the twisted tube 44 generates an internal air flow that follows the twists in the corners 48 ( Figure 6 ). Much of the airflow will try to continue straight down a middle flow area 46 of the twisted tube 44 and creates turbulence where it interfaces with the air 48 from the corners which is twisting.
- the heat exchanger 10 is preferably adapted to provide an intercooler for cooling charge air.
- the heat exchanger 10 may alternatively be adapted to provide a cooler for cooling batteries of an electric vehicle or a cooler for cooling a fuel cell, e.g. for cooling a fuel cell, of a vehicle, in particular a fuel cell vehicle.
- the heat exchanger 10 can be adapted to provide a cooler for cooling fluids, i.e. liquids and/or gases, in a vehicle, in particular in an electric vehicle.
- An electric vehicle uses at least one electric motor for generating drive power. It may also have an internal combustion engine (hybrid vehicle) or may not (pure electric vehicle).
- a fuel cell vehicle is a kind of an electric vehicle provided with at least one fuel cell for generating electric power to power at least one electric motor and/or to charge at least one battery of the electric vehicle.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geometry (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention generally relates to a heat exchanger for use in a motor vehicle. More particularly, this invention relates to a plastic heat exchanger.
- A heat exchanger is adapted for transferring heat from one fluid to another fluid wherein the fluids are not physically in contact. One example application of a specific example of a heat exchanger is an intercooler which is adapted for cooling the charge air exiting the compressor of an air charging device such as a turbocharger. An intercooler is desired to cool and to reduce the volume of the charge air so that more air can be introduced into the cylinders of an engine. The hot charge air is directed through a plurality of tubes over which cooling air flows.
- A conventional heat exchanger for automotive appliances includes a plurality of tubes that span between manifolds or tanks on each end. The tanks typically comprise an open internal volume in communication with an open end of the plurality of tubes. The tanks include an inlet to provide for a single inlet or outlet for air flow through the heat exchanger. The tubes are typically formed from metals such as aluminium, copper or brass that are welded or brazed to end plates. The end plates are in turn attached to the tanks to provide the desired inlet and outlet for the heat exchanger.
- Disadvantageously, metal tube construction and fabrication provide a relatively heavy and cumbersome device. Further, the use of metal tubes limits the configuration of the heat exchanger. The constraints on devices installed within vehicles are becoming more demanding as related to cost, weight and flexibility of design. Therefore it has been considered to produce a heat exchanger from plastic whereby the weight of the heat exchanger can be reduced whilst offering improved design flexibility. A disadvantage of using plastic as a material for the heat exchanger is that the heat transfer from plastic to air is relatively low compared to the heat transfer between metal and air. Therefore the efficiency of a plastic heat exchanger is lower than that of an equivalent metal heat exchanger.
- Accordingly, it is desirable to design a plastic heat exchanger with an improved heat transfer between the cooling medium and the medium to be cooled.
- A plastic heat exchanger assembly according to the present invention includes a plurality of plastic tubes that extend between plastic end plates. A baffle is arranged in the heat exchanger which extends across the flow path of the air flowing over plastic tubes. The baffle includes openings which allow the air to flow through the baffle and over the plastic tubes. The baffle introduces turbulence into the air flow and disrupts the boundary layer on the outside of the tube walls. By disrupting this boundary layer the heat transfer between the fluid inside the tubes and the air flowing over the tubes can be improved. The baffle can also serve as a support for the tubes.
- These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
-
Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example heat exchanger assembly. -
Figure 2 is a schematic view of an heat exchanger baffle. -
Figures 3A-3D are schematic views of example shapes for openings in the heat exchanger baffle. -
Figure 4 is a schematic view of an example square tube. -
Figure 5 is a schematic view of an example twisted square tube. -
Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section of the twisted square tube. - Referring to
Figure 1 , aheat exchanger assembly 10 includes a first end plate 12 and asecond end plate 14. Extending between the end first end plate 12 and thesecond end plate 14 are a plurality ofplastic tubes 16. Theplastic tubes 16 are secured to theend plates 12, 14 to provide the desired seal between theend plates 12, 14 and the ends of thetubes 16. This can be achieved by laser welding or another suitable method. - A
first tank 18 is attached to the first end plate 12 and asecond tank 20 is attached to thesecond end plate 14. Thefirst tank 18 includes an inlet opening 30 providing an inlet for a cooling fluid 50 and thesecond tank 20 includes an outlet opening 32 providing an outlet for the cooling fluid 50. The cooling fluid 50 follows a path through thefirst tank 18, theplastic tubes 16 and thesecond tank 20. - The air which is to be cooled (or charge air) flows over the
plastic tubes 16 in a direction indicated witharrows 22 perpendicular to the fluid flowing through thetubes 16. As the charge air flows over theplastic tubes 16 heat is transferred through theplastic tubes 16 to the cooling fluid 50 inside thetubes 16. In order to improve the heat transfer between the fluid 50 inside theplastic tubes 16 and the air flow over the plastic tubes 16 a deflector orbaffle 24 is introduced into theheat exchanger 10. Thebaffle 24 extends preferably between theendplates 12, 14 of theheat exchanger 10. Thebaffle 24 has preferably a concertina form, in particular a zigzag form as shown or a wave form. The concertina form extends through multiple rows oftubes 16. The concertina form provides for thebaffle 24 to be angled relative to bothcharge air flow 22 and theplastic tubes 16. The specific angle of the baffle parts is provided to disruptair flow 22, but not generate back pressure or reduce desired air flow. - Referring to
Figure 2 , a portion of thebaffle 24 is shown withfirst openings 26 or ovalshaped openings 26 which each accommodate a corresponding one of the plurality ofplastic tubes 16. Theplastic tubes 16 have a circular cross section. It is however also possible for thetubes 16 to have a non-circular cross section, e.g. oval or square, in order to increase the surface area of the tube and therefore improve the heat transfer between the cooling fluid and the charger air. - Between the oval shaped
openings 26, second openings 28 or turbulence generating openings 28 are provided in thebaffle 24. The turbulence generating openings 28 allow the air flowing over theplastic tubes 16 in thedirection 22 to flow past thebaffle 24 and, in doing so, the air flow is disturbed. The disturbed air creates turbulence that disrupts the boundary layer flow on the outer surface of theplastic tubes 16. Through disturbing the boundary layer flow the heat transfer between theplastic tubes 16 and the charge air flowing over theplastic tubes 16 can be increased. - The area of the
baffle 24 with turbulence generating openings 28 is large enough that no considerable back pressure is created within theheat exchanger 10 which would significantly reduce the air flow volume through theheat exchanger 10 and consequently adversely affect the cooling efficiency. Theexample baffle 24 can be a mesh e.g. a wire mesh whereby theplastic tubes 16 are inserted through openings in the wire mesh and openings adjacent to the plastic tubes serve as the turbulence generating openings. - Alternate example shapes of the openings 28 are shown in
Figures 3A-3D. Figure 3A illustrates a starshaped cross-section 34.Figure 3B illustrates a triangleshaped tube cross-section 36.Figure 3C illustrates a crossshaped cross-section 38.Figure 3D illustrates a pentagonshaped cross-section 40. Other shapes which produce a large turbulence of the air flowing past thebaffle 24 can also be used. It is particularly preferable for the shape to have a large edge length to surface area ratio. - Referring back to
Figure 1 , thebaffle 24 can be used as a support for theplastic tubes 16 at the same time as providing the turbulence producing effect. This simplifies the manufacture in that thetubes 16 can be maintained together in a block using thebaffle 24 as a support whilst theendplates 12, 14 are being attached. Theexample baffle 24 is shown to have five folds. It would however also be possible for thebaffle 24 to be longer or shorter and to have more or less folds dependent on the size or shape of theheat exchanger 10. Thebaffle 24 can also be used as a conductor to conduct heat from the charge air to the cooling fluid. Thebaffle 24 can be made from any suitable material including metal, plastic or card. - Due to the low heat transfer between air and plastic it is preferable to have a liquid as the cooling fluid flowing through the
plastic tubes 16. It is however possible in applications where no cooling liquid is available to have the charge air flowing through theplastic tubes 16 and the cooling air flowing in the direction of thearrows 22 over theplastic tubes 16. In the case where the charge air is flowing through theplastic tubes 16 it is advantageous to create turbulence within theplastic tubes 16. This can be achieved by producing non-circular shaped twisted tubes. - Referring to
Figures 4-6 , aplastic tube 42 with a square cross section can be produced e.g. by extrusion. By then twisting thesquare tube 42 along its length and about the axis 52 atwisted tube 44 is provided. Thetwisted tube 44 provides that the cross-sectional shape is twisted about theaxis 52 at least once along a length between the endplates. Thetwisted tube 44 generates an internal air flow that follows the twists in the corners 48 (Figure 6 ). Much of the airflow will try to continue straight down amiddle flow area 46 of the twistedtube 44 and creates turbulence where it interfaces with theair 48 from the corners which is twisting. - Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
- The
heat exchanger 10 is preferably adapted to provide an intercooler for cooling charge air. Theheat exchanger 10 may alternatively be adapted to provide a cooler for cooling batteries of an electric vehicle or a cooler for cooling a fuel cell, e.g. for cooling a fuel cell, of a vehicle, in particular a fuel cell vehicle. In general, theheat exchanger 10 can be adapted to provide a cooler for cooling fluids, i.e. liquids and/or gases, in a vehicle, in particular in an electric vehicle. - An electric vehicle uses at least one electric motor for generating drive power. It may also have an internal combustion engine (hybrid vehicle) or may not (pure electric vehicle). A fuel cell vehicle is a kind of an electric vehicle provided with at least one fuel cell for generating electric power to power at least one electric motor and/or to charge at least one battery of the electric vehicle.
Claims (18)
- A heat exchanger comprising:a plurality of plastic cooling tubes (16) extending between a first end plate (12) and a second end plate (14); anda baffle (24) arranged in the heat exchanger (10) and extending at least partially between the first end plate (12) and the second end plate (14), the baffle (24) comprising a plurality of first openings (26) for receiving a respective plastic cooling tube (16) and a plurality of second openings (28) arranged between the first openings (26).
- The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the baffle (24) has one or more folds or waves to form a concertina shape.
- The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross section of the plastic tubes (16) is substantially circular and the first openings (26) in the baffle (24) for receiving the plastic tubes (16) are oval shaped.
- The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plastic tubes (16) have a non-circular cross section.
- The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein the tubes (16) furthermore have a twisted form along their length.
- The heat exchanger according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the second openings (28) in the baffle (24) are circular.
- The heat exchanger according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the baffle (24) is made from plastic, metal or card.
- The heat exchanger according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the first end plate (12) is included into a first tank (18); the second end plate (14) is included into a second tank (20); the plastic tubes (16) being in communication on distal ends with each of the first tank (18) and the second tank (20).
- The heat exchanger according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat exchanger (10) is adapted for providing at least one of the following:an intercooler for cooling charge air, a cooler for cooling batteries of an electric vehicle,a cooler for cooling a fuel cell, a cooler for cooling a fuel cell in a vehicle, in particular a fuel cell vehicle, a cooler for cooling liquid and/or gaseous fluids in a vehicle, in particular in an electric vehicle and/or in a fuel cell vehicle.
- A heat exchanger comprising:a first tank (18) including a first end plate (12);a second tank (20) including a second end plate (14); anda plurality of plastic tubes (16) extending between the first and second end plates (12, 14) and in communication on distal ends with each of the first tank (18) and the second tank (20), the plastic tubes (16) including a non-arcuate cross-sectional shape.
- The heat exchanger as recited in claim 10, wherein the cross-sectional shape comprises a rectangle.
- The heat exchanger as recited in claim 10, wherein the cross-sectional shape comprises a square.
- The heat exchanger as recited in any one of the claims 10 to 12, wherein the cross-sectional shape is twisted at least once between the first end plate (12) and the second end plate (14).
- The heat exchanger as recited in any one of the claims 10 to 13, wherein the cross-sectional shape is disposed along an axis and is rotated at least once about the axis.
- The heat exchanger as recited in any one of the claims 10 to 14, including a baffle (24) for disrupting fluid flow over the plurality of plastic tubes (16).
- The heat exchanger as recited in claim 15, wherein the baffle (24) includes a plurality of first openings (26) through which extend the plurality of tubes (16), and a plurality of second openings (28) through which fluid flows.
- The heat exchanger as recited in claim 15 or 16, wherein the baffle (24) is disposed at an angle relative to the direction of fluid flow over the plurality of plastic tubes (16).
- The heat exchanger as recited in any one of the claims 10 to 17, wherein the heat exchanger (10) is adapted for providing at least one of the following:an intercooler for cooling charge air, a cooler for cooling batteries of an electric vehicle,a cooler for cooling a fuel cell, a cooler for cooling a fuel cell in a vehicle, in particular a fuel cell vehicle, a cooler for cooling liquid and/or gaseous fluids in a vehicle, in particular in an electric vehicle and/or in a fuel cell vehicle.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP08160592.5A EP2146173B1 (en) | 2008-07-17 | 2008-07-17 | Plastic heat exchanger |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP08160592.5A EP2146173B1 (en) | 2008-07-17 | 2008-07-17 | Plastic heat exchanger |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2146173A1 true EP2146173A1 (en) | 2010-01-20 |
EP2146173B1 EP2146173B1 (en) | 2015-09-09 |
Family
ID=40149715
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08160592.5A Ceased EP2146173B1 (en) | 2008-07-17 | 2008-07-17 | Plastic heat exchanger |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2146173B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2767792A3 (en) * | 2013-02-14 | 2015-01-21 | S.C. Kober Srl | Heat exchanger and process of realizing thereof |
US11215405B2 (en) | 2016-03-25 | 2022-01-04 | Unison Industries, Llc | Heat exchanger with non-orthogonal perforations |
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US3135322A (en) * | 1961-04-06 | 1964-06-02 | Gen Electric | Liquid cooled condenser |
US3804159A (en) * | 1972-06-13 | 1974-04-16 | Thermo Electron Corp | Jet impingement fin coil |
JPS60101485A (en) * | 1983-11-09 | 1985-06-05 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Heat exchanger |
EP0305702A1 (en) * | 1987-08-25 | 1989-03-08 | Behr GmbH & Co. | Heat exchanger with a finned tube arrangement |
EP0582835A1 (en) * | 1992-08-11 | 1994-02-16 | Steyr Nutzfahrzeuge Ag | Heat-exchanger |
US20050247442A1 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2005-11-10 | Siemens Vdo Automotive, Inc. | Non-metallic laser welded intercooler system |
US20080173436A1 (en) * | 2007-01-23 | 2008-07-24 | Bobbye Kaye Baylis | Plastic intercooler |
-
2008
- 2008-07-17 EP EP08160592.5A patent/EP2146173B1/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3135322A (en) * | 1961-04-06 | 1964-06-02 | Gen Electric | Liquid cooled condenser |
US3804159A (en) * | 1972-06-13 | 1974-04-16 | Thermo Electron Corp | Jet impingement fin coil |
JPS60101485A (en) * | 1983-11-09 | 1985-06-05 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Heat exchanger |
EP0305702A1 (en) * | 1987-08-25 | 1989-03-08 | Behr GmbH & Co. | Heat exchanger with a finned tube arrangement |
EP0582835A1 (en) * | 1992-08-11 | 1994-02-16 | Steyr Nutzfahrzeuge Ag | Heat-exchanger |
US20050247442A1 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2005-11-10 | Siemens Vdo Automotive, Inc. | Non-metallic laser welded intercooler system |
US20080173436A1 (en) * | 2007-01-23 | 2008-07-24 | Bobbye Kaye Baylis | Plastic intercooler |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2767792A3 (en) * | 2013-02-14 | 2015-01-21 | S.C. Kober Srl | Heat exchanger and process of realizing thereof |
US11215405B2 (en) | 2016-03-25 | 2022-01-04 | Unison Industries, Llc | Heat exchanger with non-orthogonal perforations |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2146173B1 (en) | 2015-09-09 |
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