EP2980520A1 - Plate-type heat exchanger - Google Patents
Plate-type heat exchanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2980520A1 EP2980520A1 EP13880428.1A EP13880428A EP2980520A1 EP 2980520 A1 EP2980520 A1 EP 2980520A1 EP 13880428 A EP13880428 A EP 13880428A EP 2980520 A1 EP2980520 A1 EP 2980520A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- channels
- channel
- heat transfer
- transfer plates
- fluid
- 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
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 185
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 9
- WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N alstonine Natural products C1=CC2=C3C=CC=CC3=NC2=C2N1C[C@H]1[C@H](C)OC=C(C(=O)OC)[C@H]1C2 WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 4
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 101100134058 Caenorhabditis elegans nth-1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012267 brine Substances 0.000 description 1
- KYKAJFCTULSVSH-UHFFFAOYSA-N chloro(fluoro)methane Chemical compound F[C]Cl KYKAJFCTULSVSH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;chloride;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Na+].[Cl-] HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D9/0031—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other
- F28D9/0043—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having openings therein for circulation of at least one heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another
- F28D9/005—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having openings therein for circulation of at least one heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another the plates having openings therein for both heat-exchange media
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2275/00—Fastening; Joining
- F28F2275/04—Fastening; Joining by brazing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger that is used as an evaporator and a condenser.
- a plate heat exchanger is used as an evaporator that evaporates a first fluid along with heat exchange between the first fluid and a second fluid, and as a condenser that condenses a first fluid along with heat exchange between the first fluid and a second fluid (see Patent Literature 1, for example).
- a plate heat exchanger generally includes a body portion 3 that includes a plurality of heat transfer plates 2.
- the body portion 3 includes first channels 30, second channels 31, a pair of first communication passages 32 and 33, and a pair of second communication passages 34 and 35.
- the first channel 30 circulates a first fluid A.
- the second channel 31 circulates a second fluid B.
- the pair of first communication passages 32 and 33 communicate with the first channels 30 to allow the first fluid A to flow into and out of the first channels 30.
- the pair of second communication channels communicate with the second channels 31 to allow the second fluid B to flow into and out of the second channels 31.
- the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 each include at least four openings (no reference numeral is allocated).
- the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 are stacked on each other in the body portion 3. With this configuration, the first channels 30 for circulation of the first fluid A and the second channels 31 for the circulation of the second fluid B are alternately formed with the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 respectively interposed therebetween. With the plurality of the heat transfer plates stacked on each other, each opening of each of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 forms a continuous opening extending in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2.
- the one first communication passage 32 for flowing the first fluid A into the first channels 30, the other first communication passage 33 for flowing the first fluid A out of the first channels 30, the one second communication passage 34 for flowing the second fluid B into the second channels 31, and the other second communication passage 35 for flowing the second fluid B out of the second channels 31 extend through the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 (see Patent Literature 1, for example).
- a plate heat exchanger 1 of this type the first fluid A supplied into the one first communication passage 32 flows out to the other first communication passage 33 through the first channels 30.
- the second fluid B supplied into the one second communication passage 34 flows out to the other second communication passage 35 through the second channels 31.
- the plate heat exchanger 1 enables the heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B through a large heat transfer surface of each heat transfer plate 2 separating the first channel 30 and the second channel 31.
- the first communication passages 32 and 33 and the second communication passages 34 and 35 which extend in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 increase in length according to the number of the stacked heat transfer plates 2.
- the pair of first communication passages 32 and 33 and the pair of second communication passages 34 and 35 each are formed by the alignment of the corresponding openings of the heat transfer plates 2, so that the channel length of each of the pair of first communication passages 32 and 33 and the pair of second communication passages 34 and 35 increases according to the number of the stacked heat transfer plates 2 when the number thereof increases.
- the distribution resistance of the first fluid A in the first communication channel for flowing the first fluid A into the first channels 30 (the one first communication channel) 32 increases and thus the first fluid A is not easy to circulate. Therefore, in the plate heat exchanger 1 of this type, the inflow of the first fluid A into the first channels 30 at the inlet side of the one first communication passage 32 and the inflow of the first fluid A into the first channels 30 at the far side of the one first communication passage 32 become uneven. That is, in the plate heat exchanger 1 of this type, distribution unevenness of the first fluid A is caused in the plurality of the first channels 30 aligning in the stacked direction of the heat transfer plates 2. As a result, in the plate heat exchanger 1 of this type, even if the number of the heat transfer plates 2 is increased or the number of the first channel 30 is increased, there is a limit in improving the heat exchange performance (evaporation performance).
- an object of the present invention is to provide a plate heat exchanger that is capable of evenly supplying a first fluid into a plurality of first flow channels for circulation of the first fluid, while suppressing increase in pressure loss in the plurality of the first flow channels.
- a plate heat exchanger comprising a body portion that includes a plurality of heat transfer plates stacked on each other, the body portion further including a plurality of first channels that circulate a first fluid, a plurality of second channels that circulate a second fluid, a pair of first communication channels that communicate with the plurality of the first channels and allow the first fluid to flow into and out of the plurality of the first channels, a pair of second communication channels that communicate with the plurality of the second channels and allow the second fluid to flow into and out of the plurality of the second channels, the plurality of the first channels and the plurality of the second channels being alternately formed with the plurality of the heat transfer plates being respectively interposed therebetween, and the pair of first communication channels and the pair of second communication channels extending in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates through the plurality of the heat transfer plates, wherein the plurality of the first channels communicate with each other to form a channel of the first fluid from one of the pair of first communication channels to the other of the other of the plurality of the first
- the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the plurality of the first channels comprise three or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the first channel of the three or more first channels located in a center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is an intermediate reference channel that serves as a branching position of the channel of the first fluid; the body portion includes a pair of secondary branch channels that provide communication between the corresponding intermediate reference channel and at least one first channel located on each of the one side and the other side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; the pair of primary branch channels respectively communicate with the corresponding intermediate reference channels located respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; and
- the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the plurality of the first channels comprise two or more first channels that are located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the number of the two or more first channels located on the one side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is the same as the number of the two or more first channels located on the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; on each of the one side and the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the body portion includes a connection channel that provides connection between the two or more first channels located on the one side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and a connection channel that provides connection between the two or more first channels located on the other side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; and at least one fist channel that is located on each of the first side and the other side of each of the intermediate
- the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: one of the plurality of the first channels located at a center of the center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is a reference channel; and the one of the pair of first communication channels communicates only with the one reference channel.
- the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the reference channel is constituted by a plurality of first channels located in the center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; the body portion includes a linear connection channel that provides communication between the plurality of the reference channels at positions corresponding thereto; the one of the pair of primary branch channels communicates with one of the two reference channels located on the outermost sides of the plurality of the reference channels; the other of the pair of primary branch channels communicates with the other of the two reference channels located on the outermost sides of the plurality of the reference channels; and the one of the pair of first communication channels communicates with the plurality of the reference channels.
- the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the plurality of the first channels comprise two or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; and the body portion includes a connection channel that provides communication between the two or more first channels located on the one side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and a connection channel that provides communication between the two or more first channels located on the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates.
- the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the plurality of the first channels comprise three or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; the body portion includes two or more connection channels that are located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and that each provide communication between each adjacent ones of the three or more first channels, in which the two or more connection channels are located at different positions in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; and one of the two or more connection channels is arranged at a different position in a direction orthogonal to the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates from the position of the other of the two or more connection channels that communicates with the first channel with which the one of the two or more connection channels communicates.
- the plate heat exchanger includes a body portion 3 that includes a plurality of heat transfer plates 2 stacked on each other.
- the body portion 3 includes first channels 30, second channels 31, a pair of first communication passages 32 and 33, and a pair of second communication passages 34 and 35.
- the first channels 30 circulate a first fluid A.
- the second channels 31 circulate a second fluid B.
- the pair of first communication passages 32 and 33 communicate with the first channels 30 to allow the first fluid A to flow into and out of the first channels 30.
- the pair of second communication passages 34 and 35 communicate with the second channels 31 to allow the second fluid B to flow into and out of the second channels 31.
- one passage 32 of the pair of first communication passages 32 and 33 is referred to as the "first inflow communication channel,” and the other passage 33 of the pair of first communication passages 32 and 33 is referred to as the “first outflow communication channel.”
- one passage 34 of the pair of second communication passages 34 and 35 is referred to as the “second inflow communication channel,” and the other passage 35 of the pair of second communication passages 34 and 35 is referred to as the "second outflow communication channel.”
- the first channels 30 and the second channels 31 are alternately formed with the heat transfer plates 2 respectively interposed therebetween.
- the first inflow communication passage 32, the first outflow communication passage 33, the second inflow communication passage 34, and the second outflow communication passage 35 each extend through the heat transfer plates 2 in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "first direction").
- a plate heat exchanger 1 includes the body portion 3 that includes the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 stacked on each other, and a pair of end plates 4 and 5 that sandwich the body portion 3.
- the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 each are provided by press forming a metal plate.
- the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 each include a heat transfer portion 20 that defines the first channel 30 and the second channel 31, and an annular fitting portion 21 that extends from the outer circumference of the heat transfer portion 20 in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the heat transfer portion 20.
- Each of the heat transfer plates 2 includes a front side and a back side on which a plurality of ridges and valleys (not shown) are alternately formed.
- the heat transfer portion 20 of each heat transfer plate 2 includes openings (no reference number is allocated) for forming the first inflow communication passage 32, the first outflow communication passage 33, the second inflow communication passage 34, and the second outflow communication passage 35. That is, openings are provided at at least four places of the heat transfer portion 20 of each heat transfer plate 2. These openings are to form channels extending in the first direction.
- the plate heat exchanger 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with different kinds of the heat transfer plates 2.
- the plate heat exchanger 1 according to the present embodiment includes the heat transfer plates 2 each having openings for forming primary branch channels 36a or secondary branch channels 36b, as well as the heat transfer plates 2 each having the openings for forming the first inflow communication passage 32, the first outflow communication passage 33, the second inflow communication passage 34, and the second outflow communication passage 35.
- the channels such as the first inflow communication passage 32, the first outflow communication passage 33, the second inflow communication passage 34, the second outflow communication passage 35, the primary branch channels 36a, and the secondary branch channels 36b, and the like.
- the description is not given for the number, arrangement and dimensions of the openings for forming them.
- the pair of end plates 4 and 5 each are provided by press-forming a metal plate and has substantially the same shape as that of the heat transfer plates 2.
- the end plates 4 and 5 include sealing portions 40 and 50, and annular fitting portions 41 and 51.
- the sealing portions 40 and 50 have substantially the same shape as that of the heat transfer portion 20.
- the annular fitting portions 41 and 51 extend from the entire outer circumferences of the sealing portions 40 and 50 in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the sealing portions 40 and 50.
- One end plate (hereinafter referred to as the "first end plate") 4 includes openings (no reference numeral is allocated) that correspond to the openings formed in the adjacent heat transfer plates 2 and are configured to form the first inflow communication passage 32, the first outflow communication passage 33, the second inflow communication passage 34, and the second outflow communication passage 35. That is, the openings are provided at four places of the sealing portion 40 of the first end plate 4.
- tubular nozzles (no reference numeral is allocated) for connection of conduits are connected to the outer surface of the sealing portion 40 of the first end plate 4 in an arrangement corresponding to the respective openings.
- the sealing portion 50 of the other end plate (hereinafter referred to as the "second end plate") 5 is not provided with openings. That is, the second end plate 5 is provided with the sealing portion 50 that can seal the channels formed by the openings of the stacked heat transfer plates 2.
- the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 are stacked on each other. In this state, the ridges of each adjacent heat transfer plates 2 abut each other at their crossing points, and the annular fitting portions 21 of each adjacent heat transfer plates 2 fit each other. Accordingly, the tight contact portions of each adjacent heat transfer plates 2 are sealed by brazing to thereby form the body portion 3.
- the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 are stacked on each other with the first end plate 4 and the second end plate 5 sandwiching the stacked heat transfer plates 2 (the body portion 3).
- the annular fitting portions 21 of the first end plate 4 and the second end plate 5 respectively fit the fitting portions 21 of the adjacent heat transfer plates 2. Accordingly, the tight contact portions of the adjacent heat transfer plates 2 (the body portion 3) with the first end plate 4 and the second end plate 5 are sealed by brazing.
- the first channels 30 and the second channels 31 are alternately formed with the heat transfer plates 2 respectively therebetween.
- the first channels 30 circulate the first fluid A such as chlorofluorocarbon or ammonia whose phase changes.
- the second channels 31 circulate the second fluid B in liquid form such as water or brine.
- the openings of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 are connected to each other, thereby forming the first inflow communication passage 32, the first outflow communication passage 33, the second inflow communication passage 34, and the second outflow communication passage 35, which extend in the first direction.
- each heat transfer plate 2 has a rectangular shape in plan view (as viewed in the direction of the normal line of the heat transfer portion 20).
- the first inflow communication passage 32 and the second outflow communication passage 35 are provided on one side of the heat transfer plates 2 in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer portion 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "second direction").
- the first outflow communication passage 33 and the second inflow communication passage 34 are provided on the other side of the heat transfer plates 2 in the second direction.
- Fig. 3 is a schematic view, and therefore the first inflow communication passage 32, the first outflow communication passage 33, the second inflow communication passage 34, and the second outflow communication passage 35 align in the second direction (arranged in parallel).
- the first inflow communication passage 32 and the second outflow communication passage 35 align in the short side direction of the heat transfer portion 20 (the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, hereinafere referred to as the "third direction").
- the second inflow communication passage 34 and the first outflow communication passage 33 also align in the short side direction of the heat transfer portion 20 (the third direction).
- the first fluid A is circulated within the first channels 30 in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
- the second fluid B is circulated within the second channels 31 in the second direction. That is, in the plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, the first fluid A is circulated within the first channels 30 in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer portion 20, and the second fluid B is circulated within the second channels 31 in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer portion 20.
- the first channels 30 communicate with each other to form a channel for the first fluid A to flow from the first inflow communication passage 32 to the first outflow communication passage 33.
- at least one first channel 30 located in a center area in the first direction is a reference channel Ra.
- This reference channel Ra is a branching position of the channel of the first fluid A. More specifically, one first channel 30 located at a center of the center area in the first direction is the reference channel Ra.
- the body portion 3 includes at least one pair of primary branch channels 36a.
- the pair of primary branch channels 36a provide communication between the reference channel Ra and at least one first channel 30 located on one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction, and provide communication between the reference channel Ra and at least one first channel 30 located on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction. That is, the body portion 3 includes the primary branch channel 36a that provides communication (connection) between the reference channel Ra and at least one first channel 30 located on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction.
- the body portion 3 also includes the primary branch channel 36a that provides communication (connection) between the reference channel Ra and at least one first channel 30 located on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction.
- the primary branch channels 36a of the present embodiment are provided to extend through a center portion in the second direction of the heat transfer portion 20.
- the body portion 3 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of the first channels 30 located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction.
- the plurality of the first channels 30 of the body portion 3 are grouped into two or more blocks B1 and B2.
- the entire portion on the one side in the first direction with the reference channel Ra as a boundary is grouped as a single block (hereinafter referred to as the "first large block B1").
- the entire portion on the other side in the first direction with the reference channel Ra as a boundary is grouped as a single block (hereinafter referred to as the "second large block B2").
- the plurality of the first channels 30 located in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 are further grouped into a set of blocks B1a, B2a, B1b and B2b.
- the blocks B1a, B2a, B1b and B2b each include three or more first channels 30.
- the first channel 30 located in a center area in the first direction of each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 is an intermediate reference channel Rb at which the channel of the first fluid A is branched off. That is, the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 each are grouped into a single block that includes all of the first channels 30 (the plurality of the first channels 30) located on the one side in the first direction with each corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb as a boundary (this block is hereinafter referred to as the "first small block") B1a or B2a, and a single block that includes all of the first channels 30 (the plurality of the first channels 30) located on the other side in the first direction with each corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb as a boundasry (this block is hereinafter referred to as the "second small block”) B1b or B2b.
- the first channel 30 located at the center of the center area in the first direction of each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 is the intermediate reference channel Rb.
- the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the portions on the one side and the other side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb of each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 in the first direction) each include the plurality of the first channels 30.
- the number of the first channels 30 located in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b are the same as each other.
- the pair of primary branch channels 36a respectively communicate with the intermediate reference channels Rb. Specifically, the one of the pair of primary branch channels 36a extends through the second small block B1b of the first large block B1 and communicates with the intermediate reference channel Rb of the first large block B1. The other of the pair of primary branch channels 36a extends through the first small block B2a of the second large block B2 and communicates with the intermediate reference channel Rb of the second large block B2.
- the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 of the body portion 3 of the present embodiment are each sectioned into the blocks with the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb.
- the body portion 3 includes at least the pair of secondary branch channels 36b.
- This pair of secondary branch channels 36b each provide communication (connection) between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and at least one first channel 30 located on the one side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb, or between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and at least one first channel 30 located on the other side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction.
- the body portion 3 of the present embodiment includes the secondary branch channel 36b that provides communication (connection) between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and at least one first channel 30 of the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and at least one first channel 30 of the second small blocks B1b and B2b.
- the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each include the plurality of the first channels 30.
- the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b of the present embodiment each include three first channels 30.
- the body portion 3 includes connection channels 37a and 37b that provide communication between the adjacent first channels 30 in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b.
- the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each include three first channels 30, as described above.
- the three first channels 30 align in the first direction.
- the first channel 30 adjacent to the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb (hereinafter referred to as the "innermost first channel 30") communicates with the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb via the secondary branch channels 36b.
- the innermost first channel 30 communicates with the first channel 30 adjacent to the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb on the opposite side (the first channel 30 located at an intermediate position of the three first channels 30 aligned in the first direction (hereinafter referred to as the "intermediate first channel 30")) via the connection channel 37a (hereinafter referred to as the "first communication channel 30").
- the intermediate first channel 30 communicates with the first channel (hereinafter referred to as the "outermost first channel”) 30 adjacent to itself on the opposite side of the innermost first channel 30 via the connection channel (hereinafter referred to as the "second connection channel”) 37
- the first connection channels 37a of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b are arranged to be coaxial with each other in the first direction.
- the second connection channels 37b of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b are arranged to be coaxial with each other in the first direction.
- the secondary branch channels 36b and the first connection channels 37a are arranged with a distance from each other in the second direction in order to circulate the first fluid A in the first channels 30 in the second direction.
- the first connection channels 37a and the second connection channels 37b are arranged with a distance from each other in the second direction.
- the channel of the first fluid A is formed in serpentine manner with the innermost first channel 30, the first connection channel 37a, the intermediate first channel 30, the second connection channel 37b, and the outermost first channel 30.
- the first inflow communication passage 32 of the present embodiment extends from the one end in the first direction to the reference channel Ra located in the center area in the first direction, and communicates only with the reference channel Ra in the body portion 3.
- the first outflow communication passage 33 extends from one end to the other end in the first direction and communicates only with each of the outermost first channels 30 of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b in the body portion 3. That is, in the present embodiment, the terminal ends of the channels of the first fluid A in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (terminal ends of the channels of the first fluid A formed with the reference channel Ra serving as a starting point by the first channels 30 communicating with each other) are the outermost first channels 30 of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b.
- the outermost first channels 30 of each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 communicate with the first outflow communication passage 33. Accordingly, in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 of the plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, the channel of the first fluid A is formed in serpentine manner between the first inflow communication passage 32 and the first outflow communication passage 33.
- the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35 each extend from one end to the other end in the first direction of the body portion 3.
- the plurality of the second channel 31 each communicate with the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35.
- the channel of the second fluid B is formed to be straight between the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35.
- the channel of the second fluid B formed in the first large block B1 and the channel of the second fluid B formed in the second large block B2 are symmetrical with reference to the center area in the first direction.
- the channel of the first fluid A is arranged in serpentine manner between the first inflow communication passage 32 and the first outflow communication passage 33.
- the channel of the second fluid B is arranged to be straight between the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35.
- the plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment includes the body portion 3 that includes the plurality of the stacked heat transfer plates 2, as described above.
- the body portion 3 includes the first channels 30 for circulating the first fluid A, the second channels 31 for circulating the second fluid B, the first inflow communication passage 32 and the first outflow communication passage 33 that respectively communicate with the first channels 30 and allow the first fluid A to flow into and out of the first channels 30, and the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35 that respectively communicate with the second channels 31 and allow the second fluid B to flow into and out of the second channels 31.
- the first channels 30 and the second channels 31 are alternately formed with the heat transfer plates 2 respectively therebetween.
- the first inflow communication passage 32, the first outflow communication passage 33, the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35 respectively extend through the heat transfer plates 2 in the first direction.
- At least one first channel 30 located in the center area in the first direction is the reference channel Ra at which the channel of the first fluid A is branched off.
- the body portion 3 includes at least one pair of primary branch channels 36a that provide communication between the reference channel Ra and the first channels 30 located in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction).
- the first inflow communication passage 32 communicates only with the reference channel Ra.
- the first outflow communication passage 33 communicates only with the first channels 30 that are located in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) and are terminal ends of the channels of the first fluid A formed with the reference channel Ra serving as a starting point by the first channels 30 communicating with each other.
- the channel of the first fluid A with the one primary branch channel 36a serving as a starting point in the first large block B1 (the block on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction), and the channel of the first fluid A with the other primary branch channel 36a serving as a starting point in the second large block B2 (the block on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel Ra.
- the first inflow communication passage 32 communicates only with the reference channel Ra (first channel 30) located in the center area in the first direction (the center of the center area in the present embodiment).
- the first inflow communication passage 32 is formed to extend up to only the center area in the first direction (the center of the center area in the present embodiment), it is possible to suppress increase in pressure loss of the first fluid A in the first inflow communication passage 32.
- the pair of primary branch channels 36a provide communication between the reference channel Ra and the first channels 30 respectively located in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Consequently , two systems are formed as channels of the first fluid A within the body portion 3, one including the one primary branch channel 36a communicating with the reference channel Ra, and the other including the other primary branch channel 36a communicating with the reference channel Ra.
- the length of the channel (the length of the channel per one system) of the first fluid A from the first inflow communication passage 32 to the first outflow communication passage 33 is shortened.
- the plate heat exchanger 1 having the above configuration makes it possible to suppress increase in pressure loss in the entire channel of the first fluid A, and hence achieve high heat exchange performance.
- the channel of the first fluid A with the one primary branch channel 36a in the first large block B1 (the block on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) serving as a starting point and the channel of the first fluid A with the other primary branch channel 36a in the second large block B2 (the block on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel Ra.
- the circulation form and the circulation distance of the first fluid A from the first inflow communication passage 32 to the first outflow communication passage 33 in the first large block B1 become equal to the circulation form and the circulation distance of the first fluid A from the first inflow communication passage 32 to the first outflow communication passage 33 in the second large block B2 (the block on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction).
- the first fluid A can be evenly circulated in all of the plurality of the first channels 30 in the body portion 3.
- the plate heat exchanger 1 having the above configuration makes it possible to provide efficient heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B within the body portion 3.
- three or more first channels 30 are provided in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction).
- the first channel 30 located in the center area in the first direction among the three or more first channels 30 is the intermediate reference channel Rb, at which the channel of the first fluid A is branched off.
- each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction), two systems are formed as channels of the first fluid A, one including the one secondary branch channel 36b communicating with the intermediate reference channel Rb, and the other including the other secondary branch channel 36b communicating with the intermediate reference channel Rb. Accordingly, in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 of the body portion 3, the length of the channel of the first fluid A from the primary branch channel 36a to the first outflow communication passage 33 (the channel length per one system) is shortened. Whereby, the plate heat exchanger 1 having the above configuration makes it possible to suppress increase in pressure loss in the entire channel of the first fluid A, and hence achieve high heat exchange performance.
- the circulation form and the circulation distance of the first fluid A from the one secondary branch channel 36b to the first outflow communication passage 33 in the first small blocks B1a and B2a become equal to the circulation form and the circulation distance of the first fluid A from the other secondary branch channel 36b to the first outflow communication passage 33 in the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the blocks on the other side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction).
- the first fluid A can be evenly circulated in all of the plurality of the first channel 30 in the body portion 3, even though the number of the heat transfer plates 2 contained in the body portion 3 is increased.
- the plate heat exchanger 1 having the above configuration makes it possible to provide efficient heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B within the body portion 3.
- the number of the first channels 30 in the first large block B1 is the same as that of the first channels 30 in the second large block B2.
- the first channels 30 in the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b are the same in number as each other and each are two or more.
- the body portion 3 includes the connection channels 37a and 37b that connect two or more first channels 30 located in the first small blocks B1a and B2a (the blocks on the one side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction) in each of the first small blocks B1b and B2b.
- the body portion 3 also includes the connection channels 37a and 37b that connect two or more first channels 30 located in the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the blocks on the other side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction).
- the first channel 30 located in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction) and serving as a terminal end of the channel of the first fluid A communicates with the first outflow communication passage 33. Whereby, the heat transmission area can be increased without increase in length of the channel of the first fluid A.
- one first channel 30 located in the center area in the first direction is the reference channel Ra.
- the first inflow communication passage 32 communicates only with the one reference channel Ra.
- the channel of the first fluid A is branched at one position (the reference channel Ra) on the most upstream side, the first fluid A is evenly delivered to the one side and the other side of the body portion 3 in the first direction. Accordingly, the first fluid A is evenly circulated in all of the portions of the body portion 3 on the one side and the other side in the first direction, so that efficient heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B can be achieved in the entire body portion 3.
- the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) each are provided with two or more first channels 30.
- the body portion 3 includes the connection channels 37a and 37b (the first connection channel 37a and the second connection channel 37b) that provide communication between the two or more first channels 30 provided in the first large block B1 (the block on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction).
- the body portion 3 also includes the connection channels 37a and 37b (the first connection channel 37a and the second connection channel 37b) that provide communication between the two or more first channels 30 provided in the second large block B2 (the block on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction).
- the first fluid A flown from the primary branch channel 36a transfers sequentially through the first channels 30 aligned in the first direction so that the first fluid A is circulated in the respective first channels 30. Accordingly, the first fluid A is evenly distributed in all of the two or more first channels 30 located on the one side and the two or more first channels 30 located on the other side.
- three or more first channels 30 are provided in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction).
- the body portion 3 includes two connection channels 37a and 37b in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction), which are arranged at different positions in the first direction and provide communication between the adjacent first channels 30.
- connection channels 37a and 37b is arranged at a different position in the second direction (the direction orthogonal to the first direction) from the position of the other of the connection channels 37a and 37b that communicates with the first channel 30, with which the one of these two connection channels 37a and 37b communicates.
- the first channels 30 respectively having different circulation directions of the first fluid A from each other are alternately arranged in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). That is, due to the difference in positions in the first direction at which the connection channels 37a and 37b are arranged, the first fluid A flows while changing its circulation direction (flows in serpentine manner) and reaches the first outflow communication passage 33 in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction).
- the plate heat exchanger according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.
- the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 each are sectioned into two small blocks (the first small block and the second small block) B1a, B2a, B1b and B2b with reference to the intermediate reference channel Rb, but there is no limitation thereto.
- all of the first channels 30 may directly communicate with the first outflow communication passage 33.
- the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 each are sectioned into two small blocks (the first small block and the second small block) B1a, B2a, B1b and B2b with reference to the intermediate reference channel Rb, but there is no limitation thereto.
- the body portion 3 may include two or more first channels 30 in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction), and connection channels 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f and 37g that provide communication between each adjacent first channels 30 of the two or more first channels 30.
- the body portion 3 includes three or more first channels 30 in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2. Also, the body portion 3 includes two or more connection channels 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f and 37g that provide communication between each adjacent first channels 30 and are provided at different positions in the first direction.
- One of the two or more connection channels 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f and 37g may be arranged at a different position in the second direction (the direction orthogonal to the first direction) from the position of each different one of the two or more connection channels 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f and 37g that communicates with the first channel 30, with which the one of the two or more connection channels 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f and 37g communicates.
- connection channels 37c, 37e and 37g are located on the one side in the second direction, and a plurality of connection channels 37d and 37f are located on the other side in the second direction
- the first fluid A evenly flows from the one first inflow communication passage 32 into the plurality of the first channels 30 (reference channels Ra) located in the center area in the first direction.
- efficient heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B can be achieved even in the center area of the body portion 3. Since the first fluid A is evenly distributed into the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side in the body portion 3 in the first direction), the first fluid A is evenly circulated in both the first large block B1 and the second large block B2. Whereby, the heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B can be achieve in the entire body portion 3.
- the channel of the first fluid A with the one primary branch channel 36a in the first large block B1 serving as a starting point and the channel of the first fluid A with the other primary branch channel 36a in the second large block B2 serving as a starting point are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the plurality of the reference channels Ra (in practice, with reference to the center area in the first direction of the block Bc encompassing the plurality of the reference channels Ra).
- the body portion 3 may include connection channels (hereinafter referred to as the "in-block connection channels”) 37h and 37i that provide communication between the plurality of the first channels 30 for every block B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b, and may include another connection channel (hereinafter referred to as the "block connection channel”) 37j that provides communication between the adjacent blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b (between the first channels 30).
- in-block connection channels hereinafter referred to as the "in-block connection channels” 37h and 37i that provide communication between the plurality of the first channels 30 for every block B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b
- block connection channel hereinafter referred to as the "block connection channel”
- the block connection channels 37j that provide communication between the adjacent two of the blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b are respectively continuous with the in-block connection channels 37h of the upstream blocks B1b and B2a in the adjacent two of the blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b.
- the in-block connection channels 37i of the downstream blocks B1a and B2b in the adjacent two of the blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b are respectively continuous with the corresponding block connection channels 37j that provide communication between the block B1a and its upstream block B2b, and between the block B2b and its upstream block B2a.
- the block connection channels 37j that provide communication between the adjacent two of the blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b align straight with the in-block connection channels 37h of the adjacent blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b.
- the arrangement of the in-block connection channels 37h and 37i and the block connection channels 37j is maintained in relation with the adjacent blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b even if the number of blocks is increased.
- the first channels 30 of the blocks B1a and B2b which serve as terminal points (most downstream points) of the circulation route of the first fluid A communicate with the first outflow communication passage 33.
- the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each encompass three first channels 30, but there is no limitation thereto.
- the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each may encompass at least one first channel 30, and may allow the at least one first channel 30 itself to communicate with the first outflow communication passage 33.
- the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b may each form one single channel by the first channels 30 encompassed by each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b, and the first channel 30 as a terminal end in each block may communicate with the first outflow communication passage 33.
- the blocks B1a 1 and B1a 2 result from sectioning of the first small block B1a.
- the blocks B2a 1 and B2a 2 result from sectioning of the first small block B2a.
- the blocks B1b 1 and B1b 2 result from sectioning of the second small block B1b.
- the blocks B2b 1 and B2b 2 result from sectioning of the second small block B2b.
- the second pair of primary branch channels 36a each communicate only with the first channel 30 located in an area outside, with reference to the reference channel Ra, of the area in which the channel of the first fluid A with the first pair of primary branch channels 36a serving as a starting point is located.
- the channel of the first fluid A that is located on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction and has the primary branch channel 36a (one of the second pair of primary branch channels 36a) serving as a starting point, and the channel of the first fluid A that is located on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction and has the primary branch channel 36a (the other of the second pair of primary branch channels 36a) are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel Ra.
- the plurality of the second channels 31 each communicate with the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35, and the circulation route of the second fluid B that connects the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35 is formed to be straight, but there is no limitation thereto.
- the circulation route of the second fluid B that connects the second inflow communication passage 34 and the second outflow communication passage 35 may be formed in serpentine manner in the same manner as the circulation route of the first fluid A. That is, the circulation route of the second fluid B may have the same configuration as that of the circulation route of the first fluid A.
- the circulation route of the second fluid B branches off at least at one place on each of the one side and the other side in the first direction in the body portion 3.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to
Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-74892 - The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger that is used as an evaporator and a condenser.
- There are hitherto many cases, in which a plate heat exchanger is used as an evaporator that evaporates a first fluid along with heat exchange between the first fluid and a second fluid, and as a condenser that condenses a first fluid along with heat exchange between the first fluid and a second fluid (see
Patent Literature 1, for example). - As shown in
Fig. 6 , a plate heat exchanger generally includes abody portion 3 that includes a plurality ofheat transfer plates 2. Thebody portion 3 includesfirst channels 30,second channels 31, a pair offirst communication passages second communication passages first channel 30 circulates a first fluid A. Thesecond channel 31 circulates a second fluid B. The pair offirst communication passages first channels 30 to allow the first fluid A to flow into and out of thefirst channels 30. The pair of second communication channels communicate with thesecond channels 31 to allow the second fluid B to flow into and out of thesecond channels 31. - More specific description is given herein. The plurality of the
heat transfer plates 2 each include at least four openings (no reference numeral is allocated). The plurality of theheat transfer plates 2 are stacked on each other in thebody portion 3. With this configuration, thefirst channels 30 for circulation of the first fluid A and thesecond channels 31 for the circulation of the second fluid B are alternately formed with the plurality of theheat transfer plates 2 respectively interposed therebetween. With the plurality of the heat transfer plates stacked on each other, each opening of each of the plurality of theheat transfer plates 2 forms a continuous opening extending in the stacked direction of the plurality of theheat transfer plates 2. Whereby, the onefirst communication passage 32 for flowing the first fluid A into thefirst channels 30, the otherfirst communication passage 33 for flowing the first fluid A out of thefirst channels 30, the onesecond communication passage 34 for flowing the second fluid B into thesecond channels 31, and the othersecond communication passage 35 for flowing the second fluid B out of thesecond channels 31 extend through the plurality of theheat transfer plates 2 in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 (seePatent Literature 1, for example). - In a
plate heat exchanger 1 of this type, the first fluid A supplied into the onefirst communication passage 32 flows out to the otherfirst communication passage 33 through thefirst channels 30. The second fluid B supplied into the onesecond communication passage 34 flows out to the othersecond communication passage 35 through thesecond channels 31. As described above, in theplate heat exchanger 1, the first fluid A circulates in thefirst channels 30, and the second fluid B circulates in thesecond channels 31. Whereby, theplate heat exchanger 1 enables the heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B through a large heat transfer surface of eachheat transfer plate 2 separating thefirst channel 30 and thesecond channel 31. - Meanwhile, in the
plate heat exchanger 1 of this type, as the number of theheat transfer plates 2 increases, the heat transfer surface contributing to the heat exchange increases and thereby it is assumed that the heat exchange performance becomes high. - However, as the number of the
heat transfer plates 2 increases, thefirst communication passages second communication passages heat transfer plates 2 increase in length according to the number of the stackedheat transfer plates 2. - That is, the pair of
first communication passages second communication passages heat transfer plates 2, so that the channel length of each of the pair offirst communication passages second communication passages heat transfer plates 2 when the number thereof increases. - As a result, the distribution resistance of the first fluid A in the first communication channel for flowing the first fluid A into the first channels 30 (the one first communication channel) 32 increases and thus the first fluid A is not easy to circulate. Therefore, in the
plate heat exchanger 1 of this type, the inflow of the first fluid A into thefirst channels 30 at the inlet side of the onefirst communication passage 32 and the inflow of the first fluid A into thefirst channels 30 at the far side of the onefirst communication passage 32 become uneven. That is, in theplate heat exchanger 1 of this type, distribution unevenness of the first fluid A is caused in the plurality of thefirst channels 30 aligning in the stacked direction of theheat transfer plates 2. As a result, in theplate heat exchanger 1 of this type, even if the number of theheat transfer plates 2 is increased or the number of thefirst channel 30 is increased, there is a limit in improving the heat exchange performance (evaporation performance). -
PATENT LITERATURE 1JP-1999-287572 A - In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a plate heat exchanger that is capable of evenly supplying a first fluid into a plurality of first flow channels for circulation of the first fluid, while suppressing increase in pressure loss in the plurality of the first flow channels.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a plate heat exchanger comprising a body portion that includes a plurality of heat transfer plates stacked on each other, the body portion further including a plurality of first channels that circulate a first fluid, a plurality of second channels that circulate a second fluid, a pair of first communication channels that communicate with the plurality of the first channels and allow the first fluid to flow into and out of the plurality of the first channels, a pair of second communication channels that communicate with the plurality of the second channels and allow the second fluid to flow into and out of the plurality of the second channels, the plurality of the first channels and the plurality of the second channels being alternately formed with the plurality of the heat transfer plates being respectively interposed therebetween, and the pair of first communication channels and the pair of second communication channels extending in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates through the plurality of the heat transfer plates, wherein the plurality of the first channels communicate with each other to form a channel of the first fluid from one of the pair of first communication channels to the other of the pair of first communication channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of the first channels located in a center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is a reference channel that serves as a branching position of the channel of the first fluid, wherein the body portion includes at least one pair of primary branch channels that provide communication between the reference channel and at least one of the plurality of the first channels located on each of one side and another side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, wherein the one of the pair of first communication channels communicates only with the reference channel, wherein the other of the pair of first channels communicates only with the first channel that is located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and that serves as a terminal end of the channel of the first fluid, and wherein the channel of the first fluid that is located on the one side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and has the one of the pair of primary branch channels serving as a starting point, and the channel of the first fluid that is located on the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and has the other of the pair of primary branch channels serving as a starting point are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the plurality of the first channels comprise three or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the first channel of the three or more first channels located in a center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is an intermediate reference channel that serves as a branching position of the channel of the first fluid; the body portion includes a pair of secondary branch channels that provide communication between the corresponding intermediate reference channel and at least one first channel located on each of the one side and the other side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; the pair of primary branch channels respectively communicate with the corresponding intermediate reference channels located respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; and the channel of the first fluid that is located on the one side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and has the one of the pair of secondary branch channels serving as a starting point, and the channel of the first fluid that is located on the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and has the other of the pair of secondary branch channels serving as a starting point are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the corresponding intermediate reference channel.
- In this case, the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the plurality of the first channels comprise two or more first channels that are located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the number of the two or more first channels located on the one side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is the same as the number of the two or more first channels located on the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; on each of the one side and the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the body portion includes a connection channel that provides connection between the two or more first channels located on the one side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and a connection channel that provides connection between the two or more first channels located on the other side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; and at least one fist channel that is located on each of the first side and the other side of each of the intermediate reference channels in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and serves as a terminal end of the channel of the first fluid communicates with the other of the pair of first communication channels.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: one of the plurality of the first channels located at a center of the center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is a reference channel; and the one of the pair of first communication channels communicates only with the one reference channel.
- According to still another aspect of the present invention, the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the reference channel is constituted by a plurality of first channels located in the center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; the body portion includes a linear connection channel that provides communication between the plurality of the reference channels at positions corresponding thereto; the one of the pair of primary branch channels communicates with one of the two reference channels located on the outermost sides of the plurality of the reference channels; the other of the pair of primary branch channels communicates with the other of the two reference channels located on the outermost sides of the plurality of the reference channels; and the one of the pair of first communication channels communicates with the plurality of the reference channels.
- According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the plurality of the first channels comprise two or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; and the body portion includes a connection channel that provides communication between the two or more first channels located on the one side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and a connection channel that provides communication between the two or more first channels located on the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates.
- In this case, the plate heat exchanger may be configured such that: the plurality of the first channels comprise three or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; the body portion includes two or more connection channels that are located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and that each provide communication between each adjacent ones of the three or more first channels, in which the two or more connection channels are located at different positions in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates; and one of the two or more connection channels is arranged at a different position in a direction orthogonal to the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates from the position of the other of the two or more connection channels that communicates with the first channel with which the one of the two or more connection channels communicates.
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Fig. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the plate heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 3 is a schematic view for explaining a channel of a first fluid and a channel of a second fluid in the plate heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 4 is a schematic view for explaining a channel of a first fluid and a channel of a second fluid in a plate heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 5 is a schematic view for explaining a channel of a first fluid and a channel of a second fluid in a plate heat exchanger according to still another embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 6 is a schematic view for explaining a channel of a first fluid and a channel of a second fluid in a conventional plate heat exchanger. - A description is made for a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.
- As shown in
Fig. 1 , the plate heat exchanger includes abody portion 3 that includes a plurality ofheat transfer plates 2 stacked on each other. - As shown in
Fig. 2 andFig. 3 , thebody portion 3 includesfirst channels 30,second channels 31, a pair offirst communication passages second communication passages first channels 30 circulate a first fluid A. Thesecond channels 31 circulate a second fluid B. The pair offirst communication passages first channels 30 to allow the first fluid A to flow into and out of thefirst channels 30. The pair ofsecond communication passages second channels 31 to allow the second fluid B to flow into and out of thesecond channels 31. In the following description, onepassage 32 of the pair offirst communication passages other passage 33 of the pair offirst communication passages passage 34 of the pair ofsecond communication passages other passage 35 of the pair ofsecond communication passages - The
first channels 30 and thesecond channels 31 are alternately formed with theheat transfer plates 2 respectively interposed therebetween. On the other hand, the firstinflow communication passage 32, the firstoutflow communication passage 33, the secondinflow communication passage 34, and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 each extend through theheat transfer plates 2 in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "first direction"). - More specific description is given herein. A
plate heat exchanger 1 according to this embodiment includes thebody portion 3 that includes the plurality of theheat transfer plates 2 stacked on each other, and a pair ofend plates body portion 3. - As shown in
Fig. 2 , the plurality of theheat transfer plates 2 each are provided by press forming a metal plate. The plurality of theheat transfer plates 2 each include aheat transfer portion 20 that defines thefirst channel 30 and thesecond channel 31, and anannular fitting portion 21 that extends from the outer circumference of theheat transfer portion 20 in a direction orthogonal to the plane of theheat transfer portion 20. - Each of the
heat transfer plates 2 includes a front side and a back side on which a plurality of ridges and valleys (not shown) are alternately formed. Theheat transfer portion 20 of eachheat transfer plate 2 includes openings (no reference number is allocated) for forming the firstinflow communication passage 32, the firstoutflow communication passage 33, the secondinflow communication passage 34, and the secondoutflow communication passage 35. That is, openings are provided at at least four places of theheat transfer portion 20 of eachheat transfer plate 2. These openings are to form channels extending in the first direction. - The
plate heat exchanger 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with different kinds of theheat transfer plates 2. Theplate heat exchanger 1 according to the present embodiment includes theheat transfer plates 2 each having openings for formingprimary branch channels 36a orsecondary branch channels 36b, as well as theheat transfer plates 2 each having the openings for forming the firstinflow communication passage 32, the firstoutflow communication passage 33, the secondinflow communication passage 34, and the secondoutflow communication passage 35. In the present embodiment, detailed description is given for the channels such as the firstinflow communication passage 32, the firstoutflow communication passage 33, the secondinflow communication passage 34, the secondoutflow communication passage 35, theprimary branch channels 36a, and thesecondary branch channels 36b, and the like. On the other hand, the description is not given for the number, arrangement and dimensions of the openings for forming them. - The pair of
end plates heat transfer plates 2. Specifically, theend plates portions 40 and 50, and annularfitting portions 41 and 51. The sealingportions 40 and 50 have substantially the same shape as that of theheat transfer portion 20. The annularfitting portions 41 and 51 extend from the entire outer circumferences of the sealingportions 40 and 50 in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the sealingportions 40 and 50. - One end plate (hereinafter referred to as the "first end plate") 4 includes openings (no reference numeral is allocated) that correspond to the openings formed in the adjacent
heat transfer plates 2 and are configured to form the firstinflow communication passage 32, the firstoutflow communication passage 33, the secondinflow communication passage 34, and the secondoutflow communication passage 35. That is, the openings are provided at four places of the sealing portion 40 of thefirst end plate 4. Along with this configuration, tubular nozzles (no reference numeral is allocated) for connection of conduits are connected to the outer surface of the sealing portion 40 of thefirst end plate 4 in an arrangement corresponding to the respective openings. - On the other hand, the sealing
portion 50 of the other end plate (hereinafter referred to as the "second end plate") 5 is not provided with openings. That is, thesecond end plate 5 is provided with the sealingportion 50 that can seal the channels formed by the openings of the stackedheat transfer plates 2. - The plurality of the
heat transfer plates 2 are stacked on each other. In this state, the ridges of each adjacentheat transfer plates 2 abut each other at their crossing points, and the annularfitting portions 21 of each adjacentheat transfer plates 2 fit each other. Accordingly, the tight contact portions of each adjacentheat transfer plates 2 are sealed by brazing to thereby form thebody portion 3. - The plurality of the
heat transfer plates 2 are stacked on each other with thefirst end plate 4 and thesecond end plate 5 sandwiching the stacked heat transfer plates 2 (the body portion 3). In this state, the annularfitting portions 21 of thefirst end plate 4 and thesecond end plate 5 respectively fit thefitting portions 21 of the adjacentheat transfer plates 2. Accordingly, the tight contact portions of the adjacent heat transfer plates 2 (the body portion 3) with thefirst end plate 4 and thesecond end plate 5 are sealed by brazing. - With the above configuration, as shown in
Fig. 2 andFig. 3 , thefirst channels 30 and thesecond channels 31 are alternately formed with theheat transfer plates 2 respectively therebetween. In the present embodiment, thefirst channels 30 circulate the first fluid A such as chlorofluorocarbon or ammonia whose phase changes. Thesecond channels 31 circulate the second fluid B in liquid form such as water or brine. - The openings of the plurality of the
heat transfer plates 2 are connected to each other, thereby forming the firstinflow communication passage 32, the firstoutflow communication passage 33, the secondinflow communication passage 34, and the secondoutflow communication passage 35, which extend in the first direction. - More specific description is given herein. In the present embodiment, the
heat transfer portion 20 of eachheat transfer plate 2 has a rectangular shape in plan view (as viewed in the direction of the normal line of the heat transfer portion 20). - The first
inflow communication passage 32 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 are provided on one side of theheat transfer plates 2 in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer portion 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "second direction"). The firstoutflow communication passage 33 and the secondinflow communication passage 34 are provided on the other side of theheat transfer plates 2 in the second direction. -
Fig. 3 is a schematic view, and therefore the firstinflow communication passage 32, the firstoutflow communication passage 33, the secondinflow communication passage 34, and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 align in the second direction (arranged in parallel). However, according to the actual arrangement, the firstinflow communication passage 32 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 align in the short side direction of the heat transfer portion 20 (the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, hereinafere referred to as the "third direction"). The secondinflow communication passage 34 and the firstoutflow communication passage 33 also align in the short side direction of the heat transfer portion 20 (the third direction). - With the above configuration, in the
plate heat exchanger 1, the first fluid A is circulated within thefirst channels 30 in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second fluid B is circulated within thesecond channels 31 in the second direction. That is, in theplate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, the first fluid A is circulated within thefirst channels 30 in the longitudinal direction of theheat transfer portion 20, and the second fluid B is circulated within thesecond channels 31 in the longitudinal direction of theheat transfer portion 20. - In the
plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, thefirst channels 30 communicate with each other to form a channel for the first fluid A to flow from the firstinflow communication passage 32 to the firstoutflow communication passage 33. In theplate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, at least onefirst channel 30 located in a center area in the first direction is a reference channel Ra. This reference channel Ra is a branching position of the channel of the first fluid A. More specifically, onefirst channel 30 located at a center of the center area in the first direction is the reference channel Ra. - The
body portion 3 includes at least one pair ofprimary branch channels 36a. The pair ofprimary branch channels 36a provide communication between the reference channel Ra and at least onefirst channel 30 located on one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction, and provide communication between the reference channel Ra and at least onefirst channel 30 located on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction. That is, thebody portion 3 includes theprimary branch channel 36a that provides communication (connection) between the reference channel Ra and at least onefirst channel 30 located on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction. Thebody portion 3 also includes theprimary branch channel 36a that provides communication (connection) between the reference channel Ra and at least onefirst channel 30 located on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction. Theprimary branch channels 36a of the present embodiment are provided to extend through a center portion in the second direction of theheat transfer portion 20. - The
body portion 3 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of thefirst channels 30 located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction. - The plurality of the
first channels 30 of thebody portion 3 are grouped into two or more blocks B1 and B2. In thebody portion 3 of the present embodiment, the entire portion on the one side in the first direction with the reference channel Ra as a boundary is grouped as a single block (hereinafter referred to as the "first large block B1"). In thebody portion 3, the entire portion on the other side in the first direction with the reference channel Ra as a boundary is grouped as a single block (hereinafter referred to as the "second large block B2"). - The first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (portions respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction of the body portion 3) each include a plurality of the
first channels 30. In the present embodiment, the first large block B1 (the portion on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction of the body portion 3) includes the same number of thefirst channels 30 as that of thefirst channels 30 of the second large block B2 (the portion on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). - The plurality of the
first channels 30 located in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the portions respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) are further grouped into a set of blocks B1a, B2a, B1b and B2b. The blocks B1a, B2a, B1b and B2b each include three or morefirst channels 30. - In the present embodiment, the
first channel 30 located in a center area in the first direction of each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 is an intermediate reference channel Rb at which the channel of the first fluid A is branched off. That is, the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 each are grouped into a single block that includes all of the first channels 30 (the plurality of the first channels 30) located on the one side in the first direction with each corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb as a boundary (this block is hereinafter referred to as the "first small block") B1a or B2a, and a single block that includes all of the first channels 30 (the plurality of the first channels 30) located on the other side in the first direction with each corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb as a boundasry (this block is hereinafter referred to as the "second small block") B1b or B2b. - In the present embodiment, the
first channel 30 located at the center of the center area in the first direction of each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 is the intermediate reference channel Rb. The first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the portions on the one side and the other side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb of each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 in the first direction) each include the plurality of thefirst channels 30. In the present embodiment, the number of thefirst channels 30 located in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the portions respectively on the one side and the other side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction) are the same as each other. - The pair of
primary branch channels 36a respectively communicate with the intermediate reference channels Rb. Specifically, the one of the pair ofprimary branch channels 36a extends through the second small block B1b of the first large block B1 and communicates with the intermediate reference channel Rb of the first large block B1. The other of the pair ofprimary branch channels 36a extends through the first small block B2a of the second large block B2 and communicates with the intermediate reference channel Rb of the second large block B2. - As described above, the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 of the
body portion 3 of the present embodiment are each sectioned into the blocks with the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb. With this configuration, thebody portion 3 includes at least the pair ofsecondary branch channels 36b. This pair ofsecondary branch channels 36b each provide communication (connection) between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and at least onefirst channel 30 located on the one side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb, or between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and at least onefirst channel 30 located on the other side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction. That is, thebody portion 3 of the present embodiment includes thesecondary branch channel 36b that provides communication (connection) between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and at least onefirst channel 30 of the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and at least onefirst channel 30 of the second small blocks B1b and B2b. - The first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each include the plurality of the
first channels 30. The first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b of the present embodiment each include threefirst channels 30. - The
body portion 3 includesconnection channels first channels 30 in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b. - More specifically, the first small blocks B1a and B2a, and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each include three
first channels 30, as described above. The threefirst channels 30 align in the first direction. Thefirst channel 30 adjacent to the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb (hereinafter referred to as the "innermostfirst channel 30") communicates with the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb via thesecondary branch channels 36b. The innermostfirst channel 30 communicates with thefirst channel 30 adjacent to the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb on the opposite side (thefirst channel 30 located at an intermediate position of the threefirst channels 30 aligned in the first direction (hereinafter referred to as the "intermediatefirst channel 30")) via theconnection channel 37a (hereinafter referred to as the "first communication channel 30"). The intermediatefirst channel 30 communicates with the first channel (hereinafter referred to as the "outermost first channel") 30 adjacent to itself on the opposite side of the innermostfirst channel 30 via the connection channel (hereinafter referred to as the "second connection channel") 37b. - In the present embodiment, the
first connection channels 37a of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b are arranged to be coaxial with each other in the first direction. Thesecond connection channels 37b of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b are arranged to be coaxial with each other in the first direction. As described above, thesecondary branch channels 36b and thefirst connection channels 37a are arranged with a distance from each other in the second direction in order to circulate the first fluid A in thefirst channels 30 in the second direction. Also, thefirst connection channels 37a and thesecond connection channels 37b are arranged with a distance from each other in the second direction. With these arrangements, in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b, the channel of the first fluid A is formed in serpentine manner with the innermostfirst channel 30, thefirst connection channel 37a, the intermediatefirst channel 30, thesecond connection channel 37b, and the outermostfirst channel 30. - The first
inflow communication passage 32 of the present embodiment extends from the one end in the first direction to the reference channel Ra located in the center area in the first direction, and communicates only with the reference channel Ra in thebody portion 3. - Contrary to the above, the first
outflow communication passage 33 extends from one end to the other end in the first direction and communicates only with each of the outermostfirst channels 30 of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b in thebody portion 3. That is, in the present embodiment, the terminal ends of the channels of the first fluid A in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (terminal ends of the channels of the first fluid A formed with the reference channel Ra serving as a starting point by thefirst channels 30 communicating with each other) are the outermostfirst channels 30 of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b. - As described above, the outermost
first channels 30 of each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 communicate with the firstoutflow communication passage 33. Accordingly, in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 of theplate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, the channel of the first fluid A is formed in serpentine manner between the firstinflow communication passage 32 and the firstoutflow communication passage 33. A serpentine channel for the first fluid A formed in the first large block B1 (a channel of the first fluid A that is located on the one side in the first direction and has the oneprimary branch channel 36a serving as a starting point) and a serpentine channel for the first fluid A formed in the second large block B2 (a channel of the first fluid A that is located on the other side in the first direction and has the othersecondary branch channel 36b serving as a starting point) are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel Ra. - Contrary to the above, the second
inflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 each extend from one end to the other end in the first direction of thebody portion 3. The plurality of thesecond channel 31 each communicate with the secondinflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35. With this configuration, the channel of the second fluid B is formed to be straight between the secondinflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35. In the present embodiment, the channel of the second fluid B formed in the first large block B1 and the channel of the second fluid B formed in the second large block B2 are symmetrical with reference to the center area in the first direction. - Accordingly, in the
plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, the channel of the first fluid A is arranged in serpentine manner between the firstinflow communication passage 32 and the firstoutflow communication passage 33. On the other hand, the channel of the second fluid B is arranged to be straight between the secondinflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35. - The
plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment includes thebody portion 3 that includes the plurality of the stackedheat transfer plates 2, as described above. Thebody portion 3 includes thefirst channels 30 for circulating the first fluid A, thesecond channels 31 for circulating the second fluid B, the firstinflow communication passage 32 and the firstoutflow communication passage 33 that respectively communicate with thefirst channels 30 and allow the first fluid A to flow into and out of thefirst channels 30, and the secondinflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 that respectively communicate with thesecond channels 31 and allow the second fluid B to flow into and out of thesecond channels 31. Thefirst channels 30 and thesecond channels 31 are alternately formed with theheat transfer plates 2 respectively therebetween. The firstinflow communication passage 32, the firstoutflow communication passage 33, the secondinflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 respectively extend through theheat transfer plates 2 in the first direction. - In the
plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, at least onefirst channel 30 located in the center area in the first direction is the reference channel Ra at which the channel of the first fluid A is branched off. Thebody portion 3 includes at least one pair ofprimary branch channels 36a that provide communication between the reference channel Ra and thefirst channels 30 located in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). The firstinflow communication passage 32 communicates only with the reference channel Ra. The firstoutflow communication passage 33 communicates only with thefirst channels 30 that are located in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) and are terminal ends of the channels of the first fluid A formed with the reference channel Ra serving as a starting point by thefirst channels 30 communicating with each other. The channel of the first fluid A with the oneprimary branch channel 36a serving as a starting point in the first large block B1 (the block on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction), and the channel of the first fluid A with the otherprimary branch channel 36a serving as a starting point in the second large block B2 (the block on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel Ra. - Thus, according to the
plate heat exchanger 1 of theplate heat exchanger 1, the firstinflow communication passage 32 communicates only with the reference channel Ra (first channel 30) located in the center area in the first direction (the center of the center area in the present embodiment). Thus, since the firstinflow communication passage 32 is formed to extend up to only the center area in the first direction (the center of the center area in the present embodiment), it is possible to suppress increase in pressure loss of the first fluid A in the firstinflow communication passage 32. - The pair of
primary branch channels 36a provide communication between the reference channel Ra and thefirst channels 30 respectively located in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Consequently , two systems are formed as channels of the first fluid A within thebody portion 3, one including the oneprimary branch channel 36a communicating with the reference channel Ra, and the other including the otherprimary branch channel 36a communicating with the reference channel Ra. - Accordingly, the length of the channel (the length of the channel per one system) of the first fluid A from the first
inflow communication passage 32 to the firstoutflow communication passage 33 is shortened. Whereby, theplate heat exchanger 1 having the above configuration makes it possible to suppress increase in pressure loss in the entire channel of the first fluid A, and hence achieve high heat exchange performance. - Especially, in the
plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, the channel of the first fluid A with the oneprimary branch channel 36a in the first large block B1 (the block on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) serving as a starting point and the channel of the first fluid A with the otherprimary branch channel 36a in the second large block B2 (the block on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel Ra. Therefore, the circulation form and the circulation distance of the first fluid A from the firstinflow communication passage 32 to the firstoutflow communication passage 33 in the first large block B1 (the block on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) become equal to the circulation form and the circulation distance of the first fluid A from the firstinflow communication passage 32 to the firstoutflow communication passage 33 in the second large block B2 (the block on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Whereby, the first fluid A can be evenly circulated in all of the plurality of thefirst channels 30 in thebody portion 3. Thus, theplate heat exchanger 1 having the above configuration makes it possible to provide efficient heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B within thebody portion 3. - In the present embodiment, three or more
first channels 30 are provided in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). In each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2, thefirst channel 30 located in the center area in the first direction among the three or morefirst channels 30 is the intermediate reference channel Rb, at which the channel of the first fluid A is branched off. Thebody portion 3 includes at least one pair ofsecondary branch channels 36b that provide communication between the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb and thefirst channels 30 located in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b (portions respectively on the one side and the other side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction of the body portion 3). Theprimary branch channels 36a communicate respectively with the intermediate reference channels Rb located in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (blocks on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). The channel of the first fluid A that is located in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a (on the one side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction) and has the one of thesecondary branch channels 36b serving as a starting point, and the channel of the first fluid A that is located in each of the second small blocks B1b and B2b (on the other side of the corresponding intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction) and has the other of thesecondary branch channels 36b serving as a starting point are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the corresponding reference channel Ra. - Accordingly, the
primary branch channels 36a each communicate only with the intermediate reference channel Rb located in the center area in the first direction (the center of the center area in the present embodiment) in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Thus, theprimary branch channels 36a are formed to extend up to only the center area in the first direction (the center of the center area in the present embodiment) in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Therefore, it is possible to suppress increase in pressure loss of the first fluid A in theprimary branch channels 36a. In each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction), two systems are formed as channels of the first fluid A, one including the onesecondary branch channel 36b communicating with the intermediate reference channel Rb, and the other including the othersecondary branch channel 36b communicating with the intermediate reference channel Rb. Accordingly, in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 of thebody portion 3, the length of the channel of the first fluid A from theprimary branch channel 36a to the first outflow communication passage 33 (the channel length per one system) is shortened. Whereby, theplate heat exchanger 1 having the above configuration makes it possible to suppress increase in pressure loss in the entire channel of the first fluid A, and hence achieve high heat exchange performance. - The channel of the first fluid A that is located in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a (the blocks on the one side of the intermediate reference channels Rb in the first direction) and has the one
secondary branch channel 36b serving as a starting point and the channel of the first fluid A that is located in each of the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the blocks on the other side of the intermediate reference channels Rb in the first direction) and has the othersecondary branch channel 36b serving as a starting point are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the intermediate reference channel Rb. Therefore, the circulation form and the circulation distance of the first fluid A from the onesecondary branch channel 36b to the firstoutflow communication passage 33 in the first small blocks B1a and B2a (the blocks on the one side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction) become equal to the circulation form and the circulation distance of the first fluid A from the othersecondary branch channel 36b to the firstoutflow communication passage 33 in the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the blocks on the other side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction). Whereby, the first fluid A can be evenly circulated in all of the plurality of thefirst channel 30 in thebody portion 3, even though the number of theheat transfer plates 2 contained in thebody portion 3 is increased. Thus, theplate heat exchanger 1 having the above configuration makes it possible to provide efficient heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B within thebody portion 3. - In particular, the number of the
first channels 30 in the first large block B1 is the same as that of thefirst channels 30 in the second large block B2. Thefirst channels 30 in the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b are the same in number as each other and each are two or more. Thebody portion 3 includes theconnection channels first channels 30 located in the first small blocks B1a and B2a (the blocks on the one side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction) in each of the first small blocks B1b and B2b. Thebody portion 3 also includes theconnection channels first channels 30 located in the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the blocks on the other side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction). Thefirst channel 30 located in each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the intermediate reference channel Rb in the first direction) and serving as a terminal end of the channel of the first fluid A communicates with the firstoutflow communication passage 33. Whereby, the heat transmission area can be increased without increase in length of the channel of the first fluid A. - In the present embodiment, one
first channel 30 located in the center area in the first direction is the reference channel Ra. The firstinflow communication passage 32 communicates only with the one reference channel Ra. With this, the channel of the first fluid A is branched at one position (the reference channel Ra) on the most upstream side, the first fluid A is evenly delivered to the one side and the other side of thebody portion 3 in the first direction. Accordingly, the first fluid A is evenly circulated in all of the portions of thebody portion 3 on the one side and the other side in the first direction, so that efficient heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B can be achieved in theentire body portion 3. - The first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction) each are provided with two or more
first channels 30. Thebody portion 3 includes theconnection channels first connection channel 37a and thesecond connection channel 37b) that provide communication between the two or morefirst channels 30 provided in the first large block B1 (the block on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Thebody portion 3 also includes theconnection channels first connection channel 37a and thesecond connection channel 37b) that provide communication between the two or morefirst channels 30 provided in the second large block B2 (the block on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Whereby, the first fluid A flown from theprimary branch channel 36a transfers sequentially through thefirst channels 30 aligned in the first direction so that the first fluid A is circulated in the respectivefirst channels 30. Accordingly, the first fluid A is evenly distributed in all of the two or morefirst channels 30 located on the one side and the two or morefirst channels 30 located on the other side. - In particular, in the present embodiment, three or more
first channels 30 are provided in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Thebody portion 3 includes twoconnection channels first channels 30. One of these twoconnection channels connection channels first channel 30, with which the one of these twoconnection channels - Whereby, in the
plate heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment, thefirst channels 30 respectively having different circulation directions of the first fluid A from each other are alternately arranged in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). That is, due to the difference in positions in the first direction at which theconnection channels outflow communication passage 33 in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). - Accordingly, the form of heat exchange (the timing of heat transfer) is different between the first fluid A circulated in the
first channels 30 and the second fluid B circulated in thesecond channels 31 due to the difference in arrangement of thefirst channels 30, and therefore the first fluid A is surely used during the circulation from the firstinflow communication passage 32 to the firstoutflow communication passage 33. Whereby, high heat exchange performance can be achieved in the entire body portion 3 (the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the portions respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction)). - It is a matter of course that the plate heat exchanger according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.
- In the above embodiment, the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 each are sectioned into two small blocks (the first small block and the second small block) B1a, B2a, B1b and B2b with reference to the intermediate reference channel Rb, but there is no limitation thereto. For example, in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 located on both sides of the reference channel Ra, all of the
first channels 30 may directly communicate with the firstoutflow communication passage 33. - In the above embodiment, the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 each are sectioned into two small blocks (the first small block and the second small block) B1a, B2a, B1b and B2b with reference to the intermediate reference channel Rb, but there is no limitation thereto. For example, as shown in
Fig. 4 , thebody portion 3 may include two or morefirst channels 30 in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction), andconnection channels first channels 30 of the two or morefirst channels 30. Whereby, the first fluid A flown from theprimary branch channels 36a transfers sequentially through thefirst channels 30 aligned in the first direction so that the first fluid A is circulated in the respectivefirst channels 30. Accordingly, the first fluid A is evenly distributed in all of the two or morefirst channels 30 located on each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). - In this case, as shown in
Fig. 4 , thebody portion 3 includes three or morefirst channels 30 in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2. Also, thebody portion 3 includes two ormore connection channels first channels 30 and are provided at different positions in the first direction. One of the two ormore connection channels more connection channels first channel 30, with which the one of the two ormore connection channels connection channels connection channels connection channels connection channels - With the above configuration, the plurality of the
first channels 30 respectively having different circulation directions of the first fluid A from each other are alternately arranged in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2. That is, due to the difference in positions in the first direction at which theconnection channels outflow communication passage 33 in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2. - Accordingly, the form of heat exchange (the timing of heat transfer) is different between the first fluid A circulated in the
first channels 30 and the second fluid B circulated in thesecond channels 31 due to the difference in arrangement of thefirst channels 30. Therefore, the first fluid A is surely used for heat exchange during the circulation from the one firstinflow communication passage 32 to the other firstoutflow communication passage 33. Whereby, high heat exchange performance can be achieved in the entire body portion 3 (the first large block B1 and the second large block B2). - In the present embodiment, the one
first channel 30 located at the center of the center area in the first direction is the reference channel Ra, but there is no limitation thereto. For example, as shown inFig. 5 , the plurality of thefirst channels 30 located in the center area in the first direction each may be the reference channel Ra. In this case, thebody portion 3 includes alinear connection channel 38 that provides communication between the plurality of the reference channels Ra. The oneprimary branch channel 36a communicates with one of the two reference channels Ra located on the outermost sides of the plurality of the reference channels Ra. The otherprimary branch channel 36a communicates with the other of the two reference channels Ra located on the outermost sides of the plurality of the reference channels Ra. The firstinflow communication passage 32 communicates with the plurality of the reference channels Ra. - With the above configuration, the first fluid A evenly flows from the one first
inflow communication passage 32 into the plurality of the first channels 30 (reference channels Ra) located in the center area in the first direction. Thus, efficient heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B can be achieved even in the center area of thebody portion 3. Since the first fluid A is evenly distributed into the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side in thebody portion 3 in the first direction), the first fluid A is evenly circulated in both the first large block B1 and the second large block B2. Whereby, the heat exchange between the first fluid A and the second fluid B can be achieve in theentire body portion 3. In this case, even in the configuration provided with the plurality of the reference channels Ra, the channel of the first fluid A with the oneprimary branch channel 36a in the first large block B1 serving as a starting point and the channel of the first fluid A with the otherprimary branch channel 36a in the second large block B2 serving as a starting point are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the plurality of the reference channels Ra (in practice, with reference to the center area in the first direction of the block Bc encompassing the plurality of the reference channels Ra). - In the above embodiment, one single channel is formed by providing communication between the plurality of the
first channels 30 via theconnection channels Fig. 5 , the plurality of thefirst channels 30 are sectioned (grouped) into blocks by every certain number of thefirst channels 30 in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2. Thebody portion 3 may include connection channels (hereinafter referred to as the "in-block connection channels") 37h and 37i that provide communication between the plurality of thefirst channels 30 for every block B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b, and may include another connection channel (hereinafter referred to as the "block connection channel") 37j that provides communication between the adjacent blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b (between the first channels 30). - In this case, the
primary branch channels 36a that communicate with the reference channel Ra communicates all of thefirst channels 30 in the adjacent blocks B1b and B2a. The in-block connection channels 37h that provide communication between thefirst channels 30 in the blocks B1b and B2b each are arranged to be spaced away from the correspondingprimary branch channel 36a in the second direction. - The
block connection channels 37j that provide communication between the adjacent two of the blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b are respectively continuous with the in-block connection channels 37h of the upstream blocks B1b and B2a in the adjacent two of the blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b. The in-block connection channels 37i of the downstream blocks B1a and B2b in the adjacent two of the blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b are respectively continuous with the correspondingblock connection channels 37j that provide communication between the block B1a and its upstream block B2b, and between the block B2b and its upstream block B2a. - That is, the
block connection channels 37j that provide communication between the adjacent two of the blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b align straight with the in-block connection channels 37h of the adjacent blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b. The arrangement of the in-block connection channels 37h and 37i and theblock connection channels 37j is maintained in relation with the adjacent blocks B1a, B1b, B2a and B2b even if the number of blocks is increased. - In each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2, the
first channels 30 of the blocks B1a and B2b which serve as terminal points (most downstream points) of the circulation route of the first fluid A communicate with the firstoutflow communication passage 33. - With the above configuration, a group of the
first channels 30 respectively having different circulation directions of the first fluid A from each other are alternately arranged in each of the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 (the blocks respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction). Accordingly, the form of heat exchange (the timing of heat transfer) is different between the first fluid A circulated in thefirst channels 30 and the second fluid B circulated in thesecond channels 31 due to the difference in arrangement of thefirst channels 30. Therefore, the first fluid A is surely used for heat exchange during the circulation from the firstinflow communication passage 32 to the firstoutflow communication passage 33. Whereby, high heat exchange performance can be achieved in the entire body portion 3 (the first large block B1 and the second large block B2). - In the above embodiment, the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each encompass three
first channels 30, but there is no limitation thereto. For example, the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each may encompass at least onefirst channel 30, and may allow the at least onefirst channel 30 itself to communicate with the firstoutflow communication passage 33. Alternatively, the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b may each form one single channel by thefirst channels 30 encompassed by each of the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b, and thefirst channel 30 as a terminal end in each block may communicate with the firstoutflow communication passage 33. - In the above embodiment, the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 are each sectioned into the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b, only, but there is no limitation thereto. For example, the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b may be further sectioned into smaller blocks B1a1, B1a2, B1b1, B1b2, B2a1, B2a2, B2b1 and B2b2. In this case, the channels of the first fluid A in the first large block B1 and the second large block B2 are also arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel Ra. Here, the blocks B1a1 and B1a2 result from sectioning of the first small block B1a. The blocks B2a1 and B2a2 result from sectioning of the first small block B2a. The blocks B1b1 and B1b2 result from sectioning of the second small block B1b. The blocks B2b1 and B2b2 result from sectioning of the second small block B2b.
- In the above embodiment, the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each encompass three
first channels 30, and thesefirst channels 30 sequentially communicate with each other to allow the channel of the first fluid A to be formed in serpentine manner, but there is no limitation thereto. For example, it may be configured such that the first small blocks B1a and B2a and the second small blocks B1b and B2b each encompass a plurality offirst channels 30, and all of the plurality of thefirst channels 30 communicate with thesecondary branch channels 36b and the firstoutflow communication passage 33. In this way, the first fluid A flows from thesecondary branch channels 36b into the plurality of thefirst channels 30, then circulates in the plurality of thefirst channels 30, and then flows out of the firstoutflow communication channel 33. In such a way in which the first fluid A is circulated in the plurality of thefirst channels 30, a large heat transfer area can be secured without extending the length of the channel of the first fluid A. As a result, high heat exchange performance of theplate heat exchanger 1 can be achieved. - The
body portion 3 of the above embodiment includes a pair ofprimary branch channels 36a, but there is no limitation thereto. Thebody portion 3 may include two or more pairs ofprimary branch channels 36a. That is, thebody portion 3 may include at least a pair ofprimary branch channels 36a. - In this case, the second pair of
primary branch channels 36a each communicate only with thefirst channel 30 located in an area outside, with reference to the reference channel Ra, of the area in which the channel of the first fluid A with the first pair ofprimary branch channels 36a serving as a starting point is located. In this case, in the outside area, the channel of the first fluid A that is located on the one side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction and has theprimary branch channel 36a (one of the second pair ofprimary branch channels 36a) serving as a starting point, and the channel of the first fluid A that is located on the other side of the reference channel Ra in the first direction and has theprimary branch channel 36a (the other of the second pair ofprimary branch channels 36a) are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel Ra. - That is, it may be configured such that the nth pair of
primary branch channels 36a communicate only with thefirst channels 30 located in an area (the nth area) outside of the nth - 1 area of thebody portion 3, and the channel of the first fluid A with the nth pair ofprimary branch channels 36a serving as a starting point is located in the nth area, in which n is natural number. - In the above embodiment, the plurality of the
second channels 31 each communicate with the secondinflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35, and the circulation route of the second fluid B that connects the secondinflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 is formed to be straight, but there is no limitation thereto. For example, the circulation route of the second fluid B that connects the secondinflow communication passage 34 and the secondoutflow communication passage 35 may be formed in serpentine manner in the same manner as the circulation route of the first fluid A. That is, the circulation route of the second fluid B may have the same configuration as that of the circulation route of the first fluid A. Specifically, the circulation route of the second fluid B branches off at least at one place on each of the one side and the other side in the first direction in thebody portion 3. The secondoutflow communication passage 35 may communicate only with thesecond channel 31 that is located on each of the one side and the other side in the first direction in thebody portion 3, and that is a terminal end of the channel of the second fluid B. Also, in this case, it may be configured such that the secondinflow communication passage 34 provides each of its one side and other side in thebody portion 3 in the first direction with a channel that serves as the branching position of the circulation route of the second fluid B; then, thebody portion 3 is sectioned into small blocks with reference to this channel so that the circulation route of the second fluid B may be branched off at least at two places. -
- 1
- Plate Heat Exchanger
- 2
- Heat Transfer Plate
- 3
- Body Portion
- 4
- First End Plate (End Plate)
- 5
- Second End Plate (End Plate)
- 20
- Heat Transfer Portion
- 21
- Fitting Portion
- 30
- First Channel
- 31
- Second Channel
- 32
- First Inflow Communication Passage (One First Communication Passage)
- 33
- First Outflow Communication Passage (Another First Communication Passage)
- 34
- Second Inflow Communication Passage (One Second Communication Passage)
- 35
- Second Outflow Communication Passage (Another Second Communication Passage)
- 36a
- Primary Branch Channel
- 36b
- Secondary Branch Channel
- 36c
- Tertiary Branch Channel
- 37a
- First Connection Channel (Connection Channel)
- 37b
- Second Connection Channel (Connection Channel)
- 37c
- Connection Channel
- 40, 50
- Sealing Portion
- 41, 51
- Fitting Portion
- A
- First Fluid
- B
- Second Fluid
- B1
- First Large Block (Block)
- B2
- Second Large Block (Block)
- B1a, B2a
- First Small Block (Block)
- B1b, B2b
- Second Small Block (Block)
- Ra
- Reference Channel
- Rb
- Intermediate Reference Channel
- Rc
- Branching Reference Channel
Claims (7)
- A plate heat exchanger comprising a body portion that includes a plurality of heat transfer plates stacked on each other, the body portion further including a plurality of first channels that circulate a first fluid, a plurality of second channels that circulate a second fluid, a pair of first communication channels that communicate with the plurality of the first channels and allow the first fluid to flow into and out of the plurality of the first channels, a pair of second communication channels that communicate with the plurality of the second channels and allow the second fluid to flow into and out of the plurality of the second channels, the plurality of the first channels and the plurality of the second channels being alternately formed with the plurality of the heat transfer plates being respectively interposed therebetween, and the pair of first communication channels and the pair of second communication channels extending in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates through the plurality of the heat transfer plates,
wherein the plurality of the first channels communicate with each other to form a channel of the first fluid from one of the pair of first communication channels to the other of the pair of first communication channels,
wherein at least one of the plurality of the first channels located in a center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is a reference channel that serves as a branching position of the channel of the first fluid,
wherein the body portion includes at least one pair of primary branch channels that provide communication between the reference channel and at least one of the plurality of the first channels located on each of one side and another side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates,
wherein the one of the pair of first communication channels communicates only with the reference channel,
wherein the other of the pair of first channels communicates only with the first channel that is located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and that serves as a terminal end of the channel of the first fluid, and
wherein the channel of the first fluid that is located on the one side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and has the one of the pair of primary branch channels serving as a starting point, and the channel of the first fluid that is located on the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and has the other of the pair of primary branch channels serving as a starting point are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the reference channel. - The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of the first channels comprise three or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates,
wherein, on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the first channel of the three or more first channels located in a center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is an intermediate reference channel that serves as a branching position of the channel of the first fluid,
wherein the body portion includes a pair of secondary branch channels that provide communication between the corresponding intermediate reference channel and at least one first channel located on each of the one side and the other side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates,
wherein the pair of primary branch channels respectively communicate with the corresponding intermediate reference channels located respectively on the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and
wherein the channel of the first fluid that is located on the one side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and has the one of the pair of secondary branch channels serving as a starting point, and the channel of the first fluid that is located on the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and has the other of the pair of secondary branch channels serving as a starting point are arranged to be symmetrical with reference to the corresponding intermediate reference channel. - The plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of the first channels comprise two or more first channels that are located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the number of the two or more first channels located on the one side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is the same as the number of the two or more first channels located on the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates,
wherein, on each of the one side and the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, the body portion includes a connection channel that provides connection between the two or more first channels located on the one side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and a connection channel that provides connection between the two or more first channels located on the other side of the intermediate reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and
wherein at least one fist channel that is located on each of the first side and the other side of each of the intermediate reference channels in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and serves as a terminal end of the channel of the first fluid communicates with the other of the pair of first communication channels. - The plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the plurality of the first channels located at a center of the center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates is a reference channel, and
wherein the one of the pair of first communication channels communicates only with the one reference channel. - The plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reference channel is constituted by a plurality of first channels located in the center area in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates,
wherein the body portion includes a linear connection channel that provides communication between the plurality of the reference channels at positions corresponding thereto,
wherein the one of the pair of primary branch channels communicates with one of the two reference channels located on the outermost sides of the plurality of the reference channels,
wherein the other of the pair of primary branch channels communicates with the other of the two reference channels located on the outermost sides of the plurality of the reference channels, and
wherein the one of the pair of first communication channels communicates with the plurality of the reference channels. - The plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of the first channels comprise two or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and
wherein the body portion includes a connection channel that provides communication between the two or more first channels located on the one side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and a connection channel that provides communication between the two or more first channels located on the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates. - The plate heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of the first channels comprise three or more first channels located on each of the one side and the other side in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates,
wherein the body portion includes two or more connection channels that are located on each of the one side and the other side of the reference channel in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates and that each provide communication between each adjacent ones of the three or more first channels, in which the two or more connection channels are located at different positions in the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates, and
wherein one of the two or more connection channels is arranged at a different position in a direction orthogonal to the stacked direction of the plurality of the heat transfer plates from the position of the other of the two or more connection channels that communicates with the first channel with which the one of the two or more connection channels communicates.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2013074892 | 2013-03-29 | ||
PCT/JP2013/082580 WO2014155837A1 (en) | 2013-03-29 | 2013-12-04 | Plate-type heat exchanger |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2980520A1 true EP2980520A1 (en) | 2016-02-03 |
EP2980520A4 EP2980520A4 (en) | 2016-11-23 |
EP2980520B1 EP2980520B1 (en) | 2019-02-20 |
Family
ID=51622872
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13880428.1A Active EP2980520B1 (en) | 2013-03-29 | 2013-12-04 | Plate-type heat exchanger |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2980520B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5818396B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105026870B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014155837A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014155838A1 (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2014-10-02 | 株式会社日阪製作所 | Plate-type heat exchanger |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3106243A (en) * | 1957-11-29 | 1963-10-08 | Danske Mejeriers Maskinfabrik | Plate for holding section in a plate heat exchanger |
JP2992606B2 (en) * | 1991-12-24 | 1999-12-20 | 株式会社日阪製作所 | Plate heat exchanger |
DK9300044U4 (en) * | 1993-01-21 | 1994-05-27 | Tarm H S As | Plate heat exchanger and heat exchanger system with plate heat exchanger |
JPH10288480A (en) * | 1997-04-15 | 1998-10-27 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Plate type heat-exchanger |
JPH11287572A (en) | 1998-03-31 | 1999-10-19 | Hisaka Works Ltd | Brazing plate type heat exchanger |
US7241423B2 (en) * | 2000-02-03 | 2007-07-10 | Cellular Process Chemistry, Inc. | Enhancing fluid flow in a stacked plate microreactor |
JP2002267289A (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2002-09-18 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Plate heat exchanger |
EP1435502B1 (en) * | 2002-12-30 | 2008-02-27 | Halla Climate Control Corporation | Laminated heat exchanger |
DE102005031026B3 (en) * | 2005-07-02 | 2007-04-12 | Danfoss A/S | heat exchangers |
JP5100860B2 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2012-12-19 | 株式会社日阪製作所 | Plate heat exchanger |
-
2013
- 2013-12-04 JP JP2015507954A patent/JP5818396B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-12-04 WO PCT/JP2013/082580 patent/WO2014155837A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-12-04 CN CN201380073890.2A patent/CN105026870B/en active Active
- 2013-12-04 EP EP13880428.1A patent/EP2980520B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN105026870B (en) | 2017-05-24 |
CN105026870A (en) | 2015-11-04 |
JP5818396B2 (en) | 2015-11-18 |
EP2980520A4 (en) | 2016-11-23 |
WO2014155837A1 (en) | 2014-10-02 |
EP2980520B1 (en) | 2019-02-20 |
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