Heat exchanger with center manifold

Abstract

A heat exchange device includes a first section and a second section. Each of the first and second sections includes flow passages configured to cool fluid. A center manifold is disposed between the first and second sections. Hot fluid enters the manifold at one end, passes through the first and second sections and cooled fluid exits the manifold at the opposing end. Each of the flow passages can have a bend at an outer edge of the heat exchange device configured to return high pressure fluid to the center manifold.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present disclosure relates to heat exchangers, and more particularly to plate-stack heat exchangers.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Heat exchangers such as, for example, tube-shell heat exchangers, are typically used in aerospace turbine engines. These heat exchangers are used to transfer thermal energy between two fluids without direct contact between the two fluids. In particular, a primary fluid is typically directed through a fluid passageway of the heat exchanger, while a cooling or heating fluid is brought into external contact with the fluid passageway. In this manner, heat may be conducted through walls of the fluid passageway to thereby transfer energy between the two fluids. One typical application of a heat exchanger is related to an engine and involves the cooling of air drawn into the engine and / or exhausted from the engine.[0005]However, typical tube shell design heat exchangers have structura...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a heat exchange device that includes an upper section and a lower section with flow passages for heat exchange. A center manifold is used to distribute fluid between the two sections. The flow passages have bends to even out pressure drop and create uniform flow. The device also includes air inlets and outlets for fluid to enter and exit the center manifold. The sections have a stacked arrangement with plate-fin core sections and secondary heat transfer elements to limit wear. The housing provides a tight seal and prevents air from flowing around the passages. The device is made using additive manufacturing. The technical effects include improved efficiency, reduced pressure drop, and reduced wear and tear.

Problems solved by technology

However, typical tube shell design heat exchangers have structural issues when their cantilevered tube bundles are exposed to typical aerospace vibration environments.

In addition, there can be significant bypass of flow around the tubes on the low pressure side of the heat exchanger, resulting in reduced thermal effectiveness as well as other adverse system impacts such as excessive low pressure flow.

Subsequently, the heat exchangers either fail, or are heavy, expensive, and difficult to manufacture.

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