Heat exchanger
By employing specific structures and tubular elements in the inlet box, outlet box, and intermediate box in the vehicle heat exchanger, the problems of pressure drop and flow loss are solved, achieving a highly efficient, compact, and economical heat exchanger design.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VALEO AUTOSYSTY
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
Smart Images
Figure CN115769040B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly, to a compact heat exchanger for use in a vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] Vehicles typically include multiple heat exchangers, such as radiators, evaporators, and condensers. Due to space constraints, heat exchangers used in vehicles are enclosed within a limited space, thus requiring compactness. Compactness is usually achieved by limiting the size of the heat exchanger core, particularly by reducing the number of heat exchange tubes. However, reducing the number of heat exchange tubes increases the pressure drop across them, especially across the heat exchanger core. Although fewer heat exchange tubes are used to make the heat exchanger compact, the flow rate of coolant through the heat exchange tubes needs to be maintained by increasing the flow velocity, particularly by increasing the pressure drop across the heat exchange tubes. As the flow velocity of coolant through the first heat exchange tube increases, problems such as inefficient heat exchange arise. This inefficient heat exchange due to the increased flow velocity of coolant through the first heat exchange tube adversely affects the performance of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the increased pressure drop across the heat exchange tubes necessitates a higher capacity pump to flow coolant through the heat exchanger core. The need for a higher capacity pump increases the overall cost of the coolant loop.
[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, such as the need for higher-capacity pumps due to increased pressure drop across the heat exchanger tubes and inefficient operation of the heat exchanger due to increased flow velocity, an auxiliary tube is used. The auxiliary tube connects and establishes fluid communication between the inlet and outlet boxes of the heat exchanger. In the case of I-type or Z-type flow, the inlet and outlet boxes are located on opposite sides of the heat exchanger core. In the case of U-type flow, the inlet and outlet boxes are located along the same side of the heat exchanger core, and the intermediate box is located on the side opposite to the side where the inlet and outlet boxes are located. Therefore, in the case of U-type flow, the auxiliary tube establishes fluid communication between the intermediate box and the outlet box, and in the case of I-type or Z-type flow, it establishes fluid communication between the inlet and outlet boxes. Compared to the remaining individual heat exchanger tubes, the auxiliary tube has a larger cross-sectional dimension, thus allowing a higher flow velocity through it than through the heat exchanger tubes in the core. The primary function of the auxiliary tube is to enhance the fluid flow through it when establishing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet boxes. Due to its shape, the auxiliary tube also provides robust reinforcement to the heat exchanger structure. Although some heat exchange exists between the initial heat exchange fluid flowing through the auxiliary tube and the air flowing outside the auxiliary tube, this heat exchange is limited or minimal. In one example, where the heat exchange tube is configured with an auxiliary tube in a U-shaped flow configuration, the auxiliary tube forms a return path from the intermediate box to the outlet box. Similarly, in another example, where the heat exchange tube is configured with an auxiliary tube in an I-shaped or Z-shaped flow configuration, the auxiliary tube forms a flow path from the inlet box to the outlet box. The auxiliary tube has a rectangular cross-section, and its internal dimensions are relatively larger than those of the heat exchange tube; this configuration provides a limited pressure drop across it. The slowing of flow through the auxiliary tube undermines the purpose of using it. Furthermore, the flow transition from the auxiliary tube to the outlet pipe through the outlet box is not smooth, resulting in flow / energy losses. Additionally, the outlet box and outlet pipe present packaging challenges. More specifically, the rectangular cross-section of the auxiliary tube provides robust reinforcement to the structure at low cost. However, given the limited space constraints, particularly regarding the fluid inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger, this shape and size complicate the efficient optimization of the heat exchanger.
[0004] Therefore, a heat exchanger is needed that incorporates features in the inlet, outlet, and intermediate tanks to reduce the internal pressure drop across the entire heat exchanger, thereby improving fluid flow throughout the heat exchanger and limiting reliance on external power sources such as pumps. Furthermore, a heat exchanger is needed that allows the use of lower-capacity pumps for fluid flow between the inlet and outlet tanks. Further, a heat exchanger is needed that addresses problems such as flow / energy losses due to the uneven transition of the flow cross-section when coolant flows from the auxiliary pipe through the outlet tank to the outlet pipe. Additionally, a heat exchanger is needed that is compact and addresses packaging issues. Furthermore, a heat exchanger is needed that is compact yet still energy-efficient and relatively inexpensive. Finally, a heat exchanger is needed that exhibits improved efficiency due to the reduced internal pressure drop across the entire heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention
[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that eliminates the disadvantages of conventional heat exchangers, particularly by reducing the internal pressure drop across the entire heat exchanger, thereby eliminating flow problems through the heat exchanger core and inefficient operation of the heat exchanger.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that ensures a smooth transition of the flow cross-section from the auxiliary pipe through the outlet box to the outlet pipe, thereby preventing flow / energy loss.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that is compact and solves the packaging problems associated with conventional heat exchangers.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger having features incorporated in at least one inlet box, outlet box and intermediate box to reduce the internal pressure drop across the entire heat exchanger.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that allows the use of a lower capacity pump for fluid flow between the inlet and outlet tanks.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that eliminates at least one side plate through the standardization of components.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that allows the use of a shorter core and a lower capacity pump, thereby being compact, inexpensive and energy-efficient.
[0012] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as first element and second element. In this case, unless otherwise stated, such indexing is only used to distinguish and name similar but not identical elements. Priority should not be inferred from such indexing, as these terms can be switched without departing from the invention. Furthermore, this indexing does not imply any order in which the elements of the invention are installed or used.
[0013] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes an inlet box, an outlet box, a plurality of heat exchange tubes, and tubular elements. The inlet box is connected to and in fluid communication with the inlet tubes for allowing a first heat exchange fluid to enter the inlet box. The outlet box is connected to and in fluid communication with the outlet tubes for allowing the first heat exchange fluid to flow out of the outlet box. The plurality of heat exchange tubes and tubular elements configure fluid communication between the inlet box and the outlet box. A first side of the outlet box is complementary to and connected to the outlet tubes. A second side of the outlet box, opposite the first side, is complementary to and aligned with the tubular elements. The tubular elements and the outlet tubes have different cross-sections. The shape of the outlet box smoothly transitions between these cross-sections along the fluid path.
[0014] Generally, the inlet box is in fluid communication with the heat exchange tube and supplies the first heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange tube, while the outlet box is in fluid communication with the tubular element and collects the first heat exchange fluid only from the tubular element.
[0015] Specifically, the inlet box has a variable cross-section, and its cross-section decreases in the direction away from the inlet pipe.
[0016] According to one embodiment, the tubular element and the outlet pipe have the same cross-sectional area but different shapes.
[0017] Furthermore, the tubular element and the outlet pipe are coaxial.
[0018] Alternatively, the tubular element and the outlet pipe are at an angle relative to each other.
[0019] In addition, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are parallel to each other.
[0020] Alternatively, the inlet and outlet pipes are at an angle relative to each other.
[0021] Generally, the inlet pipe is positioned near the interface between the inlet box and the outlet box, and the fluid flows away from the inlet pipe.
[0022] Generally, the inlet box and the outlet box are pressed into a first manifold, which is configured with a first set of slots to receive one end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and a first hole to receive one end of the tubular element.
[0023] Specifically, the outlet pipe has a circular cross-section, the tubular element has a rectangular cross-section, and the cross-section of the outlet box changes from a circle on its first side to a rectangle on its second side.
[0024] More specifically, the outlet pipe has a circular cross-section, the tubular element has a square cross-section, and the cross-section of the outlet box changes from a circle on its first side to a square on its second side.
[0025] More specifically, the export box has a larger size on the second side compared to the first side, thus converging toward its first side.
[0026] Generally speaking, heat exchange tubes and tubular elements constitute either a U-shaped flow or a Z-shaped flow.
[0027] Furthermore, the heat exchanger includes an intermediate chamber in fluid communication with the heat exchange tubes and tubular elements. The intermediate chamber collects a first heat exchange fluid from the heat exchange tubes and delivers the collected first heat exchange fluid to the tubular elements. The intermediate chamber has a variable cross-section, which increases towards the inlet of the tubular elements, reaching its maximum cross-section at the inlet of the tubular elements.
[0028] Furthermore, the intermediate box is pressed into a second manifold, which is configured to have a second set of slots to receive the opposite ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and is configured to have a second hole to receive the opposite ends of the tubular elements. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention. A more complete understanding of the invention and its many accompanying advantages will be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and will be better appreciated by referring to the following detailed description, in which:
[0030] Figure 1a An isometric view of a conventional heat exchanger is shown, wherein baffles disposed within the chambers construct the inlet and outlet chambers on the same side of the heat exchanger core of the conventional heat exchanger.
[0031] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a An exploded view of a traditional heat exchanger;
[0032] Figure 2a An isometric view of the box is shown, in which partitions are arranged inside the box to construct... Figure 1a The inlet and outlet boxes of a traditional heat exchanger;
[0033] Figure 2b It shows Figure 1a Isometric view of the intermediate chamber of a traditional heat exchanger;
[0034] Figure 3aAn isometric view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the inlet box and the outlet box are separate boxes disposed on the same side of the heat exchanger core;
[0035] Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a Exploded view of a heat exchanger;
[0036] Figure 4a It shows Figure 3a Isometric views of the separate inlet and outlet boxes of the heat exchanger;
[0037] Figure 4b It shows Figure 3a An isometric view of the intermediate chamber of the heat exchanger;
[0038] Figure 5a It shows Figure 3a The isometric cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger depicts multiple heat exchange tubes and tubular elements;
[0039] Figure 5b It shows Figure 3a Another sectional isometric view of the heat exchanger;
[0040] Figure 6a It shows Figure 3a The isometric view of the heat exchanger without a central box; and
[0041] Figure 6b It shows Figure 3a Another isometric view of the heat exchanger without inlet and outlet boxes. Detailed Implementation
[0042] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings disclose the invention in a sufficiently detailed manner for implementation, and these drawings help to better define the invention when necessary. However, the invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed in the specification.
[0043] The heat exchanger includes an inlet box, an outlet box, an intermediate box, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes. The plurality of heat exchange tubes receive a first heat exchange fluid from the inlet box and convey the first heat exchange fluid to the intermediate box. More specifically, the first heat exchange fluid flows through the heat exchange tubes, in which process, the first heat exchange fluid exchanges heat with a second heat exchange fluid flowing across and around the heat exchange tubes. Tubular elements enable fluid communication between the outlet box and the intermediate box. The outlet box and the intermediate box are configured with features that facilitate fluid flow through the tubular elements. For example, a first side of the outlet box is complementary to and connected to an outlet tube, and a second side of the outlet box opposite the first side is complementary to and aligned with the tubular element. The shape of the outlet box smoothly transitions between the cross-sections of the tubular element and the outlet tube along the fluid path. This configuration ensures a smooth transition of flow from the tubular element through the outlet box to the outlet tube, thereby preventing flow / energy loss. The tubular element and the outlet tube have different cross-sections and dimensions, and the outlet box converges towards its first side. At least a portion of the intermediate box at the inlet of the tubular element is larger than the rest of the intermediate box to facilitate fluid flow through the tubular element. Although the present invention has been described using a radiator as an example, the present invention is also applicable to other heat exchangers in which the pressure drop through the tubular element is inherently reduced due to the large internal dimensions of the tubular element, and it is necessary to reduce the pressure drop through the entire heat exchanger.
[0044] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a conventional heat exchanger 1 is shown. Figure 1b An exploded view of a conventional heat exchanger 1 is shown. The conventional heat exchanger includes a housing 2a, an intermediate housing 2b spaced apart from the housing 2a, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes 4a disposed between the housing 2a and the intermediate housing 2b, forming the heat exchanger core 4. The conventional heat exchanger 1 also includes tubular elements 6 and additional side elements 7. The side elements 7 are disposed between the tubular elements 6 and one of the side plates 8a, 8b. Figure 1b As shown, the heat exchange tube 4a forming the core 4, the tubular element 6, and the additional side element 7 are sandwiched between a pair of side plates 8a and 8b. The opposite ends of the heat exchange tube 4a and the tubular element 6 are received in corresponding grooves formed on the corresponding manifolds 9a and 9b. The manifolds 9a and 9b are respectively pressed into the housing 2a and the intermediate housing 2b.
[0045] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2a and Figure 2b , Figure 2a An isometric view of box 2a is shown, in which baffle 3a is disposed within box 2a to construct the inlet box 3b and outlet box 3d of conventional heat exchanger 1. Figure 2bAn isometric view of the intermediate tank 2b is shown. More specifically, a baffle 3a divides the interior of the tank 2b into a first portion defining an inlet tank 3b and a second portion defining an outlet tank 3d. The inlet tank 3b receives heat exchange fluid from an inlet pipe 3c. The inlet tank 3b is in fluid communication with heat exchange pipes 4a and supplies the first heat exchange fluid received therein to the heat exchange pipes 4a. The plurality of heat exchange pipes 4a receive the first heat exchange fluid from the inlet tank 3b and convey the first heat exchange fluid to the intermediate tank 2b. More specifically, the first heat exchange fluid flows through the heat exchange pipes 4a, during which it exchanges heat with a second heat exchange fluid that passes over and surrounds the heat exchange pipes 4a. The intermediate tank 2b collects the first heat exchange fluid that has passed through the heat exchange pipes 4a. The outlet tank 3d is in fluid communication with the intermediate tank 2b via a tubular element 6 and receives the first heat exchange fluid collected in the intermediate tank 2b. The heat exchange fluid received in the outlet tank 3d flows out of the outlet tank 3d through an outlet pipe 3e.
[0046] A conventional heat exchanger 1 may lack devices sufficient to reduce the internal pressure drop across its entire length. This results in an increased internal pressure drop across the entire heat exchanger 1, which is detrimental to its efficiency. Furthermore, the conventional heat exchanger 1 does not include any means for a smooth transition of the fluid flow cross-section, as the fluid flows from the auxiliary tube through the outlet box to the outlet tube, resulting in flow / energy losses. Therefore, a higher capacity pump is required to address the energy losses caused by the abrupt change in flow cross-section and the reduced pressure drop across the tubular element 6. Consequently, the total cost of the heat exchanger 1 increases. Moreover, a heat exchanger 1 with the auxiliary tubular element 6 still requires a pair of side plates 8a and 8b. With the increased number of components and the need for a higher power pump, the total cost of the heat exchanger 1 increases further.
[0047] Figure 3aA heat exchanger 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The heat exchanger 100 includes an inlet box 10a, an outlet box 10b, a plurality of heat exchange tubes 20, an intermediate box 14, and tubular elements 30. The tubular elements 30 have a rectangular cross-section and a relatively large diameter compared to the heat exchange tubes 20 to improve fluid flow through the tubular elements 30. The outlet box 10b is separate from the inlet box 10a. The inlet box 10a is connected to and in fluid communication with an inlet pipe 12a for allowing a first heat exchange fluid to enter the inlet box 10a. The outlet box 10b is connected to and in fluid communication with an outlet pipe 12b for allowing the first heat exchange fluid to flow out of the outlet box 10b. The inlet box 10a and the outlet box 10b are press-fitted to a first manifold 16a, which includes a first set of grooves 18a for receiving one end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 20. The first manifold also includes a first orifice 18b for receiving one end of the tubular element 30 defining an outlet 30b of the tubular element 30. The intermediate chamber 14 is press-fitted to a second manifold 16b, which includes a second set of grooves 18c to receive the opposite ends of a plurality of heat exchange tubes 20, and a second orifice 18d to receive the opposite ends of tubular elements 30. With this configuration, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 20 and tubular elements 30 establish fluid communication between the inlet chamber 10a and the outlet chamber 10b.
[0048] In one example, inlet box 10a is in fluid communication with heat exchange tube 20 and supplies the first heat exchange fluid received therein to heat exchange tube 20. Multiple heat exchange tubes 20 receive the first heat exchange fluid from inlet box 10a and convey it to intermediate box 14. Specifically, as the first heat exchange fluid flows through heat exchange tube 20, it exchanges heat with a second heat exchange fluid that passes over and flows around heat exchange tube 20. Intermediate box 14 collects the first heat exchange fluid that has passed through heat exchange tube 20 and conveys the collected heat exchange fluid to tubular element 30. Outlet box 10b is in fluid communication with intermediate box 14 via tubular element 30 and receives the first heat exchange fluid collected in intermediate box 14. The heat exchange tube 20 and tubular element 30 connecting inlet box 10a and outlet box 10b constitute any of the following flow patterns: I-type, U-type, and Z-type flow of the first heat exchange fluid (particularly the coolant between inlet box 10a and outlet box 10b). In one example, when the heat exchange tube 20 is configured with a U-shaped flow along with the tubular element 30, the tubular element 30 forms a return channel from the intermediate box 14 to the outlet box 10b. In another example, when the heat exchange tube 20 is configured with an I-shaped or Z-shaped flow along with the tubular element 30, the tubular element 30 forms a flow channel from the inlet box 10a to the outlet box 10b. The primary function of the tubular element 30 is fluid communication, specifically enhancing fluid flow between the inlet box 10a and the outlet box 10b, rather than heat exchange. Although heat exchange exists between the first heat exchange fluid flowing through the tubular element 30 and the air flowing outside the tubular element 30, this heat exchange is limited. The tubular element 30 has a rectangular cross-section instead of a circular cross-section, thereby reducing the internal pressure drop across the tubular element 30. This construction of the tubular element 30 limits the energy loss associated with fluid transport through the heat exchanger 100. This construction of the tubular element results in a reduction in the flow through the tubular element 30, thus undermining the purpose of the tubular element 30.
[0049] The inlet box 10a, intermediate box 14 and outlet box 10b are configured with at least one feature to reduce the pressure drop across the entire heat exchanger 100.
[0050] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 3b and Figure 4a The outlet box 10b has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The first side of the outlet box 10b is complementary to and connected to the outlet pipe 12b. The second side of the outlet box 10b is complementary to and aligned with the tubular element 30. The tubular element 30 and the outlet pipe 12b are coaxial. Alternatively, the tubular element 30 and the outlet pipe 12b are at an angle relative to each other. The inlet pipe 12a and the outlet pipe 12b are parallel to each other. Alternatively, the inlet pipe 12a and the outlet pipe 12b are at an angle relative to each other. As shown in the attached diagram. Figures 3a-3bAs shown in Figures 4a and 5b, the inlet pipe 12a and outlet pipe 12b are at an angle to each other. The angle between the inlet pipe 12a and outlet pipe 12b is chosen to address packaging issues. The tubular element 30 and outlet pipe 12b have different cross-sections. Specifically, outlet pipe 12b has a circular cross-section, while tubular element 30 has a rectangular cross-section, and the cross-section of outlet box 10b changes from a circle on its first side to a rectangle on its second side. According to another embodiment, outlet pipe 12b has a circular cross-section, while tubular element 30 has a square or rectangular cross-section, and the cross-section of outlet box 10b changes from a circle on its first side to a square or rectangle on its second side. In yet another embodiment, tubular element 30 and outlet pipe 12b have the same cross-sectional area but different shapes. The shape of outlet box 10b smoothly transitions from the cross-section of tubular element 30 to the cross-section of outlet box 10b along the fluid path. This construction of outlet box 10b ensures a smooth transition of the flow cross-section when the first heat exchange fluid flows from the auxiliary pipe to the outlet pipe through the outlet box, thereby preventing flow / energy loss. Compared to the first side of the outlet box 10b connected to the outlet pipe 12b, the outlet box 10b has a larger dimension on the second side aligned with the tubular element 30, thus converging towards its first side. This converging configuration of the outlet box 10b facilitates fluid flow through the tubular element 30. This configuration of the outlet box 10b also facilitates a smooth and uninterrupted fluid flow from the tubular element 30 to the outlet pipe 12b.
[0051] Further reference Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 4a and Figure 5a The inlet box 10a has a variable cross-section, which decreases in the direction away from the inlet pipe 12a. The inlet pipe 12a is located near the interface between the inlet box 10a and the outlet box 10b, and the fluid flows out through the inlet pipe 12a. With this configuration of the inlet box 10a, the first heat exchange fluid is uniformly distributed on the inlet box 10a. More specifically, with this configuration of the inlet box 10a, the first heat exchange fluid entering the interior of the inlet box 10a through the inlet pipe 12a even reaches the portion of the inlet box 10a furthest from the inlet pipe 12a. With this configuration of the inlet box 10a, the first heat exchange fluid is uniformly distributed within the heat exchange tube 20.
[0052] Further reference Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 4bThe intermediate box 14 has a variable cross-section, which increases towards the inlet 30a of the tubular element 30, reaching its maximum cross-section at the inlet 30a. With this configuration, the first heat exchange fluid collected in the intermediate box 14 converges in a portion 14a of the intermediate box 14 located at the inlet 30a of the tubular element 30, thereby improving fluid flow through the tubular element 30. More specifically, the variable cross-section configuration of the intermediate box 14 (with its cross-section increasing towards the inlet 30a of the tubular element 30) and the converging configuration of the outlet box 10b combine to increase the pressure drop across the tubular element 30.
[0053] This modification to the inlet box 10a, outlet box 10b, and intermediate box reduces the internal pressure drop across the entire heat exchanger 100, thereby improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger 100. Furthermore, this configuration of the heat exchanger 100, with its improved fluid flow through the tubular element 30, requires a small-capacity / low-power pump, making the heat exchanger 100 cheaper than conventional heat exchangers.
[0054] The tubular element 30 also serves as a side plate, thus eliminating the need for a dedicated component for use as a side plate. Figure 3b The exploded view of the heat exchanger 100 of the present invention shown is shown in the figure. Figure 1b Compared to the conventional heat exchanger 1 shown, which uses two side plates 8a and 8b, the tubular element 30 used in the heat exchanger 100 of the present invention serves as a side plate on one side of the heat exchanger core, and only a single side plate 22 is required on the other side of the heat exchanger core.
[0055] Various modifications and improvements can be made to the heat exchanger described above by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and improvements are still considered to be within the scope of the invention, provided that it includes an inlet box connected to and in fluid communication with the inlet pipe to allow coolant to enter therein, and an outlet box connected to and in fluid communication with the outlet pipe to allow coolant to flow out therefrom. The heat exchanger also includes heat exchange tubes and tubular elements to configure fluid communication between the inlet box and the outlet box. A first side of the outlet box is complementary to and connected to the outlet pipe, and an opposite second side of the outlet box is complementary to and aligned with the tubular element. The tubular element and the outlet pipe have different cross-sections, wherein the shape of the outlet box smoothly transitions between those cross-sections along the fluid path.
Claims
1. A heat exchanger (100), comprising: An inlet box (10a) is connected to and in fluid communication with an inlet pipe (12a) for a first heat exchange fluid to enter the inlet box (10a). An outlet box (10b) is connected to and in fluid communication with an outlet pipe (12b) for the first heat exchange fluid to flow out from the outlet box (10b); Multiple heat exchange tubes (20) and tubular elements (30) are adapted to provide fluid communication between the inlet box (10a) and the outlet box (10b). The characteristic feature is that a first side of the outlet box (10b) is complementary to and connected to the outlet pipe (12b), and a second side of the outlet box (10b) opposite to the first side is complementary to and aligned with the tubular element (30), the tubular element (30) and the outlet pipe (12b) having different cross-sections, wherein the shape of the outlet box (10b) smoothly transitions between those cross-sections along the fluid path. Furthermore, the outlet pipe (12b) has a circular cross-section, the tubular element (30) has a rectangular cross-section, and the cross-section of the outlet box (10b) changes from a circle on the first side of the outlet box to a rectangle on the second side of the outlet box. The tubular element (30) serves as a side plate, requiring only a single side plate (22) on the other side of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (20).
2. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet box (10a) is in fluid communication with the heat exchange tube (20) and is adapted to supply the first heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange tube (20), and the outlet box (10b) is in fluid communication with the tubular element (30) and is adapted to collect the first heat exchange fluid only from the tubular element (30).
3. The heat exchanger (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The inlet box (10a) has a variable cross-section, and the cross-section of the inlet box decreases in the direction away from the inlet pipe (12a).
4. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tubular element (30) and the outlet pipe (12b) have the same cross-sectional area but different shapes.
5. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tubular element (30) and the outlet pipe (12b) are coaxial.
6. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tubular element (30) and the outlet pipe (12b) are at an angle relative to each other.
7. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inlet pipe (12a) and the outlet pipe (12b) are parallel to each other.
8. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inlet pipe (12a) and the outlet pipe (12b) are at an angle relative to each other.
9. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inlet pipe (12a) is located near the interface between the inlet box (10a) and the outlet box (10b), and the fluid flows away from the inlet pipe (12a).
10. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inlet box (10a) and the outlet box (10b) are pressed into a first manifold (16a), which includes a first set of grooves (18a) adapted to receive one end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (20) and a first hole (18b) adapted to receive one end of the tubular element (30).
11. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Compared to the first side, the outlet box (10b) has a larger size on the second side, thereby converging toward the first side of the outlet box.
12. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of heat exchange tubes (20) and the tubular element (30) are adapted to be configured with either a U-shaped flow or a Z-shaped flow.
13. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes an intermediate box (14) in fluid communication with the heat exchange tube (20) and the tubular element (30), the intermediate box (14) being adapted to collect a first heat exchange fluid from the heat exchange tube (20) and to deliver the collected first heat exchange fluid to the tubular element (30), the intermediate box (14) having a variable cross-section, and the cross-section of the intermediate box increasing toward the inlet (30a) of the tubular element (30), having a maximum cross-section at the inlet (30a) of the tubular element (30).