ES280851A1 - Heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat exchanger comprises, a first housing 2 provided with external heat transfer surfaces 5 and containing a heat-storing mass 1 which is traversed alternately in one direction by a first heating medium and in the opposite direction by a second medium to be heated a second housing 6 surrounds housing 2 and is spaced from it to form an annular reflux channel 16 through which some of the medium having the higher thermal-capacity flow intensity is caused to flow in order to obtain thermal balance within the heat exchanger. Assuming that the thermal-capacity flow intensity of the hot medium flowing in at A is greater than that of the medium flowing in at B, then medium A gives up heat to the heat storing mass I during its passage. After passing through the mass, some of the medium A as it flows out through the duct 11 passes via valve 13 and duct 12, through the annular reflux channel 16 which it leaves by way of ducts 9. During this reflux the medium absorbs, through the helical wound copper wire 5 and the housing 2, part of the heat given up to the mass 1. When the colder medium passes through the heat exchanger, the valve 13 is closed, hence preventing flow through the reflux channel 16. The medium is heated by contact with the hot mass 1. The mass 1 consists of layers of metal gauze soldered to the inner side of housing 2. A modification employing valves operated by differential fluid pressure is described (Fig. 2, not shown).