JP5882179B2 - Internal heat exchanger with external manifold - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a heat exchanger with at least one external manifold.

  Plate heat exchangers are used to transfer thermal energy between heat exchange working fluids. At least two heat exchange working fluid streams flow through separate flow passages formed between the heat exchanger plates in the plate heat exchanger. Often, the heat exchanger plates form part of a plate heat exchanger and are arranged in a stacked relationship. Separate fluid passages are typically formed by working fluid ports formed in the heat exchanger plates and flow paths formed between the heat exchanger plates.

  Heat transfer between the working fluid streams occurs in the region of the central heat transfer moving portion of the heat exchanger plate. To transfer thermal energy, the first working fluid stream passes through a port on one side of the heat exchanger and into a plurality of first flow paths formed by alternating heat exchanger plates. Flowing. At the same time, the second working fluid stream is also formed by alternating heat exchanger plates through a port on the opposite side of the heat exchanger, and a plurality of second fluids separate from the first flow path. It flows into the flow path. In this way, heat is exchanged between the two working fluid streams that back flow through the heat exchanger.

  Prevent contamination of the working fluid and damage to external systems, regardless of conduit orientation, working fluid flow circuit, or heat exchanger dimensions, while minimizing costs and maximizing heat exchanger manufacturability It is desirable to develop a heat exchanger having an internal structure and at least one external manifold.

  The present invention finds a heat exchanger having an internal structure and at least one external manifold that prevents contamination of the working fluid and damage to external systems while minimizing costs and maximizing manufacturability.

  In one embodiment, the heat exchanger is a plurality of first plate assemblies, an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first plate assembly first for containing a first working fluid therein. A first fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assembly includes a first surface and a substantially A plurality of first plates, each having a second surface that is generally planar, wherein each first plate and second plate of the first plate assembly is disposed with the first surfaces facing each other An assembly, a plurality of second plate assemblies, an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first plate and a second plate of the second plate assembly for containing a second working fluid therein plate A second fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assembly, each of the first plate and the second plate being substantially planar. Each of the second plate assemblies, the first plate and the second plate being arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, the first plate assembly being the first of the first plate assembly. The substantially planar surfaces of the second plate and the second plate substantially contact the substantially planar surfaces of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assembly. A plurality of second plate assemblies interleaved with the two plate assemblies.

  In other embodiments, the heat exchanger is a plurality of first plate assemblies, an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first plate assembly first for receiving a first working fluid therein. A first fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate is a first surface, substantially planar. A second surface, and at least one first working fluid port formed therein, wherein each first plate and second plate of the first plate assembly opposes the first surface to each other; The first working fluid port of the first plate assembly is substantially aligned to form a first outer manifold, wherein the first outer manifold is within the first working fluid. To accommodate the first A plurality of first plate assemblies and a plurality of second plate assemblies in fluid communication with the fluid flow path for receiving the upper working plate, the lower plate, and the second working fluid therein. And a second fluid flow path formed between the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assembly, wherein the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assembly Each comprises a first surface, a second surface that is substantially planar, and at least one second working fluid port formed therein, each first plate of the second plate assembly. And the second plate is disposed with the first surfaces facing each other, and the second working fluid port of the second plate assembly is substantially aligned to form a second outer manifold, and the second plate Outside of 2 The manifold is in fluid communication with a second fluid flow path for containing a second working fluid therein, and the first plate assembly includes first and second plates of the first plate assembly. The substantially planar surface is interleaved with the second plate assembly such that the substantially planar surface substantially contacts the substantially planar surface of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assembly. A plurality of second plate assemblies.

In other embodiments, the heat exchanger is a plurality of first plate assemblies, an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first plate assembly first for receiving a first working fluid therein. A first fluid channel formed between the first plate and the second plate, and the first fluid channel includes a fluid turbulence forming unit disposed therein, Each of the first plate and the second plate of the plate assembly includes a first surface, a second surface that is substantially planar, and at least one first working fluid port formed therein. The first plate and the second plate of each of the first plate assemblies are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, and the first working fluid port of the first plate assembly is a first external To form a manifold A plurality of first plate assemblies that are qualitatively aligned and the first outer manifold is in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path to contain the first working fluid therein; A second plate assembly between an upper plate, a lower plate, and a first plate and a second plate of the second plate assembly for containing a second working fluid therein. A second fluid flow path formed, the second fluid flow path comprising a fluid turbulence forming portion disposed therein, the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assembly Each having a first surface, a second surface that is substantially planar, and at least one second working fluid port formed therein, the first of each of the second plate assemblies. The plate and the second plate are the first The second working fluid ports of the second plate assembly are substantially aligned to form a second outer manifold, wherein the second outer manifold is within the second Fluid communication with a second fluid flow path for containing two working fluids, wherein the first plate assembly is substantially planar with the first plate and the second plate of the first plate assembly. A plurality of second interleaved with the second plate assembly such that the surface substantially contacts the substantially planar surface of the first plate and the second plate of the second plate assembly. A plate assembly.
In addition to the above, other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when considered in light of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a heat exchanger with a plurality of first plate assemblies interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of a heat exchanger including a plurality of first plate assemblies interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies according to the present invention showing a modified plate assembly. FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of one of each of the plate assemblies of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 3, each plate assembly having an upper plate and a lower plate. It is an upper top view of the lower plate by the modification of the 1st plate assembly in which a plurality of bead-like projections were formed. A variation of the first plate assembly comprising a combination of elongated ribs angled inward through the gap and a V-shaped rib through the gap forming a substantially chevron-shaped pattern. It is an upper top view of the lower plate by. FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a lower plate according to a variation of the first plate assembly, comprising a plurality of alternating compartments, with a plurality of baffles entering one another via a gap. FIG. 6 is an upper plan view of a lower plate according to a modification of the first plate assembly in which a plurality of fins are formed. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a heat exchanger with a plurality of first plate assemblies interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies, showing a variation of the inlet / outlet conduit of the heat exchanger of the present invention.

  The following detailed description and the annexed drawings set forth and illustrate illustrative embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

  1-3 show a heat exchanger 10 according to the present invention. The heat exchanger 10 is a cooling heat exchanger. However, it is understood that the heat exchanger 10 may be any type of heat exchanger that is used for any desired application, such as, for example, automotive, commercial, residential, marine, aviation, and camper applications. Should. The heat exchanger 10 includes a plurality of first plate assemblies 12 interleaved with a plurality of second plate assemblies 14, the arrangement being in a stacked relationship between a pair of end plates 16, 18. Be placed.

  Illustratively, the plate assemblies 12,14 and end plates 16,18 have a generally rectangular shape, but the plate assemblies 12,14 and end plates 16,18 may be any shape and size as desired. Should be understood. Further, it should be understood that the plate assemblies 12, 14 and end plates 16, 18 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, a metallic material. The width and length of the heat exchanger 10 depends on the shape and dimensions of the plate assemblies 12, 14 and end plates 16, 18, and the height of the heat exchanger 10 is the height of the stacked plate assemblies 12, 14. Depends on the size and number. The number of stacked plate assemblies 12, 14 is determined based on the desired cooling, heating, and flow capacity of the heat exchanger 10. The illustrated heat exchanger 10 includes nine first plate assemblies 12 and nine second plate assemblies 14. However, it should be understood that additional or fewer plate assemblies 12, 14 may be employed as desired. For example, other plates such as blocking plates, corner plates, spacer plates, or transfer plates may be employed as desired.

  Each of the plate assemblies 12 has an upper plate 20 and a lower plate 22, and each of the plate assemblies 14 has an upper plate 24 and a lower plate 26. In certain embodiments, the plates 20, 22 of the first plate assembly 12 are substantially identical and the plates 24, 26 of the second plate assembly 14 are substantially identical. In other embodiments, the plates 20, 22 of the first plate assembly 12 are substantially identical to the plates 24, 26 of the second plate assembly 14. The same plate 20, 22, 24, 26 simplifies the manufacturing process involved in the production of the plates 20, 22, 24, 26 and minimizes mold costs. However, it should be understood that at least one of the plates 20, 22, 24, 26 is substantially characteristic as desired.

  The upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 of the first plate assembly 12 are spaced through a gap so as to form a flow path 28 for containing a first working fluid (not shown) therein. Similarly, the upper plate 24 and the lower plate 26 of the second plate assembly 14 are spaced through a gap so as to form a flow path 30 for containing a second working fluid (not shown) therein. The working fluid can be any fluid used in automotive applications, such as a refrigerant (eg, R12, R134a, etc.), coolant (eg, ethyl glycol), engine oil, transmission oil, power steering fluid, etc. Any working fluid from the street can be used. In a non-limiting example, the first working fluid is a refrigerant and the second working fluid is an engine or battery coolant. In certain embodiments, the channels 28, 30 are substantially U-shaped and are arranged in a counter-flow configuration with respect to each other to maximize working fluid flow distribution and maximize heat transfer therebetween. The However, it should be understood that the channels 28, 30 may be any suitable size and shape as desired. For example, the height, length, and width of the channels 28, 30 may be modified to accommodate the nature, distribution, and pressure drop of the respective working fluid.

  As shown in FIG. 4, each of the plates 20, 22 of the first plate assembly 12 includes a first surface 32, a second surface 34 that is substantially planar, and a pair of first formed therein. One working fluid port 36, 38 is provided. The first surface 32 of the plates 20, 22 extends laterally into the ridge portion 40 formed around its outer periphery and the central portion of the plates 20, 22, between the fluid ports 36 and 38. The partition 42 is formed. The plates 20 and 22 are disposed so as to cover each other so that the outer peripheries of the plates 20 and 22 and the partitions 42 thereof are adjacently engaged, and the first surfaces 32 are disposed to face each other. Plates 20, 22 may be applied in any suitable location and by any suitable means, substantially fluid tight. For example, the top plate 20 may be formed along the outwardly extending peripheral skirt portions 44, 46 of each plate 20, 22, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, or as shown in FIG. , 46 may be brazed to the respective lower plate 22 along the ridgeline portion 40 adjacent thereto. The illustrated ridge portion 40 and partition 42 further define a flow path 28 and direct a first working fluid flow F through the first plate assembly 12.

  Each of the plates 24, 26 includes a first surface 52, a second surface 54 that is substantially planar, and a pair of second working fluid ports 56, 58 formed therein. The first surface 52 of the plates 24, 26 extends laterally into the ridge portion 60 formed around its outer periphery and the central portion of the plates 24, 26 between the fluid ports 56 and 58. The partition 62 formed in is provided. The plates 24, 26 are arranged so as to cover the outer circumferences of the plates 24, 26 and their partitions 62, and are arranged with the first surfaces 52 facing each other. Plates 24, 26 can be applied in substantially any fluid location and by any suitable means in a substantially fluid tight manner. For example, the top plate 24 may be formed along the outwardly extending peripheral skirt portions 64, 66 of each plate 24, 26, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, or as shown in FIG. , 66 can be brazed to the respective lower plate 26 along ridge portions 60 adjacent to each other. The illustrated ridge portion ridge portion 60 and partition 62 further define a flow path 30 and direct a first working fluid flow F ′ through the second plate assembly 14.

  Each of the flow paths 28 and 30 may include at least one fluid turbulence forming unit 70 disposed therein as shown in FIGS. It should be understood that other fluid turbulence formations 70 other than those shown may be employed as desired. The fluid turbulence formation unit 70 causes a disturbance of the working fluid, and a plurality of non-linear channels in the channels 28 and 30 so as to maximize the total length of the channels 28 and 30 and heat transfer between the working fluids. Form. In some embodiments, the fluid turbulence formation 70 is a plurality of surfaces formed in or on at least one of the first surfaces 32 of the plates 20, 22 and the first surface 52 of the plates 24, 26. It is irregular. A preferred configuration of surface irregularities includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of beaded protrusions as shown in FIG. 5 and elongated ribs angled inwardly through gaps as shown in FIG. It includes a combination with a V-shaped rib with a gap forming a substantially chevron-shaped pattern. In other embodiments, the fluid turbulence formation 70 is disposed between at least one of the plates 20, 22 of the first plate assembly 12 and the plates 24, 26 of the second plate assembly 14, It is a separate turbulator. A preferred configuration of the turbulator includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of alternating compartments having a plurality of baffles entering each other through a gap as shown in FIG. 7 and a plurality of fins as shown in FIG. ing.

  To assemble the heat exchanger 10, the first plate assembly 12 is alternatively laminated with the second plate assembly 14. The plate assemblies 12,14 are positioned so as to be nested close to each other by positioning the plate assemblies 12,14 substantially 180 degrees opposite each other, as shown in FIG. In the nested position, the substantially planar second surface 34 of the first plate assembly 12 is adjacent to the substantially planar second surface 54 of the second plate assembly 14 so as to seal. To do. Thus, a double wall is formed between the flow paths 28, 30, while the substantial contact between the substantially planar surfaces 34, 54 of the respective plate assemblies 12, 14 results in conductive heat transfer efficiency. Maximize.

  In addition, in the nested position, the first working fluid ports 36, 38 of the first plate assembly 12 are substantially aligned and brazed together to form an outer inlet manifold 72 and an outer outlet manifold 74. The The size and shape of the first working fluid ports 36,38 are adapted to accommodate changes in the size and shape of the flow paths 28,30 to ensure assembly and contact between the plate assemblies 12,14. It should be understood that modifications may be made. The first working fluid inlet manifold 72 allows the first working fluid to flow into the flow path 28, and the first working fluid outlet manifold 74 allows the first working fluid to flow out of the flow path 28. Enable. In certain embodiments, the at least one baffle 75 is configured to configure a multi-pass circuit in the heat exchanger 10 to maximize the flow distribution of the first working fluid and maximize heat transfer between the working fluids. , Disposed in at least one of the first working fluid inlet manifold 72 and the first working fluid outlet manifold 74. For example, the baffle 75 may be used to configure a 2-pass circuit, a 4-pass circuit, and a 6-pass circuit in the heat exchanger 10 as desired.

  An inlet conduit 76 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with the first working fluid inlet manifold 72 so that the working fluid can flow into the heat exchanger 10. An outlet conduit 78 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and is in fluid communication with the first working fluid outlet manifold 74 so that the first working fluid can flow out of the heat exchanger 10. As shown, the conduits 76, 78 are received in respective openings formed in the end plate 16 so as to form a fluid tight connection therebetween. The conduits 76, 78 may be coupled to one of the end plates 16, 18 by any means as desired, such as, for example, brazing, soldering, welding, clamping, using gaskets. The good thing is to understand.

  Similarly, the second working fluid ports 56, 58 of the second plate assembly 14 are substantially aligned and brazed together to form an outer inlet manifold 82 and an outer outlet manifold 84. The size and shape of the second working fluid ports 56, 58 are adapted to accommodate changes in the size and shape of the flow paths 28, 30 to ensure assembly and contact between the plate assemblies 12, 14. It should be understood that modifications may be made. The second working fluid inlet manifold 82 allows the second working fluid to flow into the flow path 30, and the second working fluid outlet manifold 84 allows the second working fluid to flow out of the flow path 30. Enable. In certain embodiments, the at least one baffle 85 maximizes the flow distribution of the second working fluid, maximizes heat transfer between the working fluids, and configures a multi-pass circuit within the heat exchanger 10. Located in at least one of the two working fluid inlet manifolds 82 and the second working fluid outlet manifold 84. For example, the baffle 85 may be used to configure a 2-pass circuit, a 4-pass circuit, and a 6-pass circuit in the heat exchanger 10 as desired.

  Inlet conduit 86 is coupled to heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with second working fluid inlet manifold 82 so that the second working fluid can flow into heat exchanger 10. An outlet conduit 88 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with the second working fluid outlet manifold 84 so that the second working fluid can flow out of the heat exchanger 10. As shown, the conduits 86, 88 are received in respective openings formed in the end plate 16 so as to form a fluid tight connection therebetween. The conduits 86, 88 may be coupled to one of the end plates 16, 18 by any means as desired, such as, for example, brazing, soldering, welding, clamping, or using gaskets. The good thing is to understand. Further, it should be understood that the conduits 76, 78, 86, 88 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, a metallic material or a plastic material. As shown, the conduits 76, 78, 86, 88 extend outward in the lateral direction from one side of the heat exchanger 10. However, as shown in FIG. 9, as desired, each of the conduits 76, 78, 86, 88, and further conduits minimize the package size of the heat exchanger 10, simplify the supply of working fluid, Can be formed to extend from any side of the heat exchanger 10 in any direction and configuration, as desired, close to the block of thermal expansion valve to the heat exchanger 10 or as desired. It should be understood that it can be mounted directly.

  During operation, the first working fluid enters the inlet manifold 72 for the first working fluid through the inlet conduit 76 and flows to the heat exchanger 10. The first working fluid then flows into the flow path 28 formed between the plates 20 and 22. As the first working fluid moves through the flow path 28, the first working fluid flows around the fluid turbulence formation 70 formed in the plates 20, 22, thereby the first working fluid. Fluid is disturbed. Thereafter, the first working fluid flows from the flow path 28 through the outlet manifold 74 and into the outlet conduit 78 and exits the heat exchanger 10.

  At the same time, the second working fluid enters the second working fluid inlet manifold 82 through the inlet conduit 86 and flows to the heat exchanger 10. The second working fluid then flows into the flow path 30 formed between the plates 24,26. As the second working fluid moves through the flow path 30, the second working fluid flows around the fluid turbulence formation 70 formed in the plates 24, 26, thereby causing the second working fluid. Is disturbed. Usually, heat is transferred from the second working fluid to the first working fluid. However, it should be understood that in certain applications of the heat exchanger 10, such as for use in cold weather, heat may be transferred from the first working fluid to the second working fluid as desired. It is. Thereafter, the second working fluid flows from the flow path 30 through the outlet manifold 84 and into the outlet conduit 88 and exits the heat exchanger 10.

  Accordingly, the heat exchanger 10 of the present invention separates the respective working fluid flow paths 28, 30 with adjacent double walls and is external to the second working fluid manifolds 82, 84 on the outside. By providing a first working fluid manifold 72, 74, working fluid leakage and contamination is minimized.

  From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the critical characteristics of the present invention and adapt the invention to various usages and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Changes and modifications can be made.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Heat exchanger 12 1st plate assembly 14 2nd plate assembly 16 End plate 18 End plate 20 Upper plate of 1st plate assembly 22 Lower plate of 1st plate assembly 24 Upper part of 2nd plate assembly Plate 26 Lower plate of second plate assembly 28 Channel 30 Channel 32 First surface 34 Second surface 36 First working fluid port 38 First working fluid port 40 Ridge portion 42 Partition 44 Peripheral skirt portion 46 Peripheral skirt portion 52 First surface 54 Second surface 56 Second working fluid port 58 Second working fluid port 60 Edge portion 62 Partition 64 Perimeter skirt portion 66 Perimeter skirt portion 70 Fluid turbulence forming portion 72 First operation Fluid inlet manifold 74 First working flow Outlet manifold 76 inlet conduit 78 outlet conduit 82 second working fluid inlet manifold 84 second working fluid outlet manifold 86 inlet conduit 88 outlet conduit

Claims (5)

A heat exchanger,
A plurality of first plate assembly, the first top plate, a first lower plate, said first upper portion of the first plate assembly to accommodate the first working fluid therein and a first fluid flow path formed between the plate and the first bottom plate, said each of the first upper plate and the first bottom plate, a first surface, a substantially The first upper plate and the first lower plate of each of the first plate assemblies, the second surface being planar, and at least one first working fluid port formed therein. Are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, and the first working fluid port of the first plate assembly is substantially aligned to form a first outer manifold, and the first Outside mani Field is in fluid communication with said first fluid flow path to accommodate the first working fluid therein, and the plurality of first plate assembly,
A plurality of second plate assemblies, the second upper plate, the second lower plate, and the second upper portion of the second plate assembly for containing a second working fluid therein; each of the second fluid flow path, comprising the above said second plate assembly second upper plate and the second bottom plate which is formed between the plate and the second bottom plates, The second top plate of each of the second plate assemblies comprising a first surface, a second surface that is substantially planar, and at least one second working fluid port formed therein. and the second lower plate are disposed opposite to each other the first surface, the said second working fluid port of the second plate assembly, substantially so as to form a second external manifold And wherein the second external manifold is in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path for containing the second working fluid therein, and the first plate assembly includes the first plate assembly. The substantially planar surfaces of the first upper plate and the first lower plate of the second plate assembly are the second upper plate and the second lower plate of the second plate assembly. A plurality of second plate assemblies interleaved with the second plate assembly so as to substantially contact a substantially planar surface;
At least one of the first external manifold and the second external manifold of at least one of the first plate assembly and the second plate assembly includes a multipath circuit in the heat exchanger. Comprising at least one baffle disposed therein for configuring;
Each of the first upper plate and the first lower plate of each of the first plate assemblies and each of the second upper plate and the second lower plates of the second plate assembly are substantially A heat exchanger characterized by being identical to each other.   The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein at least one of the flow paths is substantially U-shaped.   The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein at least one dimension of the flow path is determined based on a flow characteristic of one of the first working fluid and the second working fluid.   The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the flow paths includes at least one fluid turbulence forming portion disposed therein. The first plate assembly, the heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein Ru der those brazed together with the second plate assembly.

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