Plate heat exchanger with a large number of heat exchange compartments

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger (1) having a first heat exchange compartment (10) having a first flow passage (100a) in which a first heat transfer fluid (A) is intended to flow, and a second flow passage (100b) in which a second heat transfer fluid (B) is intended to flow, a second heat exchange compartment (20) having a third flow passage (100c) in which the first heat transfer fluid (A) from the first heat exchange compartment (10) is intended to flow, and a fourth flow passage (100d) in which a third heat transfer fluid (C) is intended to flow, and a third heat exchange compartment (30) having a fifth flow passage (100e) in which a fourth heat transfer fluid (D) is intended to flow, and a sixth flow passage (100f) in which the third heat transfer fluid (C) is intended to flow, the first compartment (10) and the second compartment (20) being stacked such that an outlet (10A') for the first heat transfer fluid (A) from the first compartment (10) faces and is connected to an inlet (20A) for the first heat transfer fluid (A) into the second compartment (20), the third compartment (30) being arranged beside the first compartment (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a plate heat exchanger having various fluid exchange compartments. The invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a refrigerant fluid circuit and at least one auxiliary flow circuit for heat transfer fluid having such a plate heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry, it is often necessary to change the temperature of components such as electric motors, batteries, and heat and / or cold storage devices. For this purpose, motor vehicles are equipped with a system comprising a refrigerant fluid circuit and at least one auxiliary flow circuit, in which the refrigerant fluid flows and the heat transfer fluid flows in the auxiliary flow circuit. The refrigerant fluid circuit typically includes a compressor for compressing the refrigerant fluid, a first heat exchanger, commonly called a condenser, for cooling the refrigerant fluid to a constant pressure, an expansion device for allowing the refrigerant fluid to expand, and a second heat exchanger, such as a two-fluid heat exchanger, which typically has plates, arranged together in the refrigerant fluid circuit and the auxiliary flow circuit. This two-fluid heat exchanger specifically enables the exchange of heat energy between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid flowing in the auxiliary flow circuit. The auxiliary flow circuit itself typically includes a pump and a heat exchanger capable of changing the temperature of components.

[0003] A two-fluid heat exchanger is an exchanger that typically comprises stacked plates connected together to form tubes defining chambers for the flow of a refrigerant fluid or a heat transfer liquid. The plates include at least four orifices to allow a first inlet and a first outlet for the refrigerant fluid and a second inlet and a second outlet for the heat transfer liquid within the flow chamber located on either side of the same plate.

[0004] It is also known that, in order to improve the coefficient of performance of the refrigerant fluid circuit, an internal heat exchanger is provided for the refrigerant fluid circuit, which is configured to allow heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the condenser and the low-pressure refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the cooler.

[0005] The multiplication of these heat exchangers is generally accepted to allow for better efficiency; however, it also leads to problems with the size and connections of various heat exchangers within motor vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least part of the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a heat exchanger that is compact and capable of combining several functions in order to occupy the least possible space and facilitate the connection of the heat exchanger.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger comprising:

[0008] - A first heat exchange compartment, the first heat exchange compartment including a first flow path and a second flow path, a first heat transfer fluid intended to flow in the first flow path, a second heat transfer fluid intended to flow in the second flow path, the first compartment including an outlet for the first heat transfer fluid.

[0009] - A second heat exchange compartment, the second heat exchange compartment including a third flow path and a fourth flow path, the first heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchange compartment intended to flow in the third flow path, the third heat transfer fluid intended to flow in the fourth flow path, the second compartment including an inlet for the first heat transfer fluid, and

[0010] - A third heat exchange compartment, the third heat exchange compartment including a fifth flow path and a sixth flow path, a fourth heat transfer fluid intended to flow in the fifth flow path, a third heat transfer fluid intended to flow in the sixth flow path, the third compartment including an outlet for the third heat transfer fluid.

[0011] The outlet for the first heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchange compartment is connected to the inlet for the first heat transfer fluid to enter the second heat exchange compartment.

[0012] The outlet for the third heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchange compartment is connected to the inlet for the third heat transfer fluid to enter the second heat exchange compartment.

[0013] The first compartment and the second compartment are stacked such that the outlet for the first heat transfer fluid from the first compartment is opposite to and connected to the inlet for the first heat transfer fluid to enter the second compartment, and the third compartment is arranged side by side with the first compartment.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and third heat exchange compartments are arranged side by side and stacked on the same surface of the second heat exchange compartment, and the outlet for the third heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchange compartment is opposite to and connected to the inlet for the third heat transfer fluid to enter the second heat exchange compartment.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the third compartment is arranged side by side with the first and second compartments.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the second and third compartments are made of two separate stacks of plates.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the side-by-side portions of the second and third compartments are made of a single stack of plates including a third flow path, a fourth flow path, a fifth flow path, and a sixth flow path.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the first compartment and the third compartment are made of two separate stacked bodies of plates.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the side-by-side portions of the first and third compartments are made of a single stack of plates including a first flow path, a second flow path, a fifth flow path, and a sixth flow path.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the second heat exchange compartment includes a second inlet for the first refrigerant fluid.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the second heat exchange compartment includes a second inlet for a third refrigerant fluid.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger includes a fourth heat exchange compartment, the fourth heat exchange compartment comprising:

[0023] - A seventh flow path, in which the fourth heat transfer fluid is intended to flow, and

[0024] - The eighth flow path, in which the third heat transfer fluid is intended to flow.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the outlet for the third heat transfer fluid from the fourth heat exchange compartment and the outlet for the third heat transfer fluid from the third heat exchange compartment are connected to the inlet for the third heat transfer fluid to enter the second heat exchange compartment.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the first heat exchange compartment is a water condenser:

[0027] - The first flow path is intended to be traversed by the first heat transfer fluid, which is a high-pressure refrigerant fluid flowing in the thermal management loop.

[0028] - The second flow path is designed to be traversed by a second heat transfer fluid, which is the heat transfer fluid flowing in the auxiliary thermal management loop.

[0029] The third heat exchange compartment is a cooler;

[0030] - The fifth flow path is intended to be traversed by the fourth heat transfer fluid, which is the heat transfer fluid flowing in the auxiliary thermal management loop.

[0031] - The sixth flow path is intended to be traversed by a third heat transfer fluid, which is a low-pressure refrigerant fluid flowing in the thermal management loop.

[0032] The second heat exchange compartment is an internal heat exchanger;

[0033] - The third flow path is intended to be traversed by the high-pressure refrigerant fluid corresponding to the first heat transfer fluid that has already passed through the first heat exchange compartment.

[0034] - The fourth flow path is designed to be traversed by the low-pressure refrigerant fluid corresponding to the third heat transfer fluid that has already passed through the third heat exchange compartment. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic exploded perspective view of a heat exchanger.

[0038] Figure 3 It shows the first variant Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first section of the heat exchanger.

[0039] Figure 4 It shows the first variant Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second section of the heat exchanger.

[0040] Figure 5 It shows the second variant Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first section of the heat exchanger.

[0041] Figure 6 It shows the second variant Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second section of the heat exchanger.

[0042] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the thermal management equipment is shown.

[0043] Figure 8 It shows the third variant Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first section of the heat exchanger.

[0044] Figure 9 It shows the third variant Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second section of the heat exchanger.

[0045] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0046] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the first section of the heat exchanger.

[0047] Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the second section of the heat exchanger.

[0048] Figure 13 A schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment is shown.

[0049] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the first section of the heat exchanger.

[0050] Figure 15 It shows Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the second section of the heat exchanger.

[0051] Figure 16 A schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0052] In the various figures, the same elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description relates to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that every reference relates to the same embodiment, or that a feature applies only to one embodiment. Various features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0054] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as, for example, first element or second element, first parameter and second parameter, or even first standard and second standard, etc. In this case, this is merely an index used to distinguish and name similar but not identical elements, parameters, or standards. Such an index does not imply the priority of one element, parameter, or standard relative to another, and these names can be readily interchanged without departing from the scope of this specification. The index also does not imply, for example, the chronological order used to evaluate such or such standards.

[0055] Figures 1 to 4A heat exchanger 1 comprising three heat exchange compartments 10, 20, and 30 is shown. The heat exchanger 1 is specifically formed from a stack of plates 100, typically stamped metal plates, which define flow paths 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f for the heat transfer fluid, for example, by ribs 53. The plates 100 may specifically include open orifices 51 and closed orifices 52. Open orifices 51 allow inlets and outlets for the heat transfer fluid flowing in the flow paths 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f, while closed orifices 52 allow the heat transfer fluid to simply pass through the plate without flowing in the flow paths 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f. The plates 100 may specifically be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and brazed together.

[0056] The first heat exchange compartment 10 includes a first flow path 100a in which a first heat transfer fluid A is intended to flow between an inlet 10A and an outlet 10A' of the first heat transfer fluid A. A second flow path 100b is intended to ensure the flow of a second heat transfer fluid B between an inlet 10B and an outlet 10B' of the second heat transfer fluid B. The first flow path 100a and the second flow path 100b are stacked alternately. Preferably, the flow directions in the first flow path 100a and the second flow path 100b are countercurrent to improve heat exchange between the two fluids.

[0057] The second heat exchange compartment 20 includes a third flow path 100c, in which a first heat transfer fluid A is intended to flow between an inlet 20A and an outlet 20A' for the first heat transfer fluid A. The first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20 are stacked such that an outlet 10A' for the first heat transfer fluid A from the first compartment 10 is opposite to and connected to an inlet 20A for the first heat transfer fluid A to enter the second compartment 20. The second compartment 20 also includes a fourth flow path 100d, in which a third heat transfer fluid C is intended to flow between an inlet 20C and an outlet 20C' for the third heat transfer fluid C. The third flow path 100c and the fourth flow path 100d are stacked alternately. Preferably, the flow directions in the third flow path 100c and the fourth flow path 100d are countercurrent to improve heat exchange between the two fluids.

[0058] The third heat exchange compartment 30 includes a fifth flow path 100e in which a fourth heat transfer fluid D is intended to flow between an inlet 30D and an outlet 30D' for the fourth heat transfer fluid D. The third compartment 30 also includes a sixth flow path 100f in which a third heat transfer fluid C is intended to flow between an inlet 30C and an outlet 30C' for the third heat transfer fluid C. The outlet 30C' for the third heat transfer fluid C from the third compartment 30 is more specifically connected to an inlet 20C for the third heat transfer fluid C to enter the second compartment 20. The fifth flow path 100e and the sixth flow path 100f are stacked alternately. Preferably, the flow directions in the fifth flow path 100e and the sixth flow path 100f are countercurrent to improve heat exchange between the two fluids.

[0059] The third compartment 30 is arranged side by side with the first compartment 10. The fact that the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20 are stacked makes it possible to realize a compact heat exchanger 1 that combines three heat exchange functions: between the first heat transfer fluid A and the second heat transfer fluid B in the first compartment 10, between the first heat transfer fluid A and the third heat transfer fluid C in the second compartment 20, and between the third heat transfer fluid C and the fourth heat transfer fluid D in the third compartment 30.

[0060] according to Figures 1 to 4 In the first embodiment shown, the first heat exchange compartment 10 and the third heat exchange compartment 30 are arranged side by side and stacked on the same surface of the second heat exchange compartment 20. Then, the outlet 30C' for the third heat transfer fluid C from the third heat exchange compartment 30 and the inlet 20C for the third heat transfer fluid C entering the second heat exchange compartment 20 are opposite to and connected to the inlet 20C for the third heat transfer fluid C entering the second heat exchange compartment 20.

[0061] Therefore, the first compartment 10 includes a first end plate or cheek plate 101, which is disposed at a first end of the stack of plates 100 and includes an inlet 10A for a first heat transfer fluid A and an inlet 10B and an outlet 10B' for a second heat transfer fluid B. At a second end of the stack of plates 100, the first compartment 10 includes a second end plate 102 that interfaces with the second compartment 20. The second end plate 102 specifically allows the first heat transfer fluid A to enter the second compartment 20, but blocks the second heat transfer fluid B, so that the second heat transfer fluid B circulates only within the first compartment 10.

[0062] The third compartment 30 itself includes a first end plate or cheek plate 101', which is disposed at the first end of the stack of plates 100 and includes an inlet 30C for the third heat transfer fluid C and an inlet 30D and an outlet 30D' for the fourth heat transfer fluid D. At the second end of the stack of plates 100, the third compartment 30 also includes a second end plate 102' that interfaces with the second compartment 20. This second end plate 102' specifically allows the third heat transfer fluid A to enter the second compartment 20, but blocks the fourth heat transfer fluid D, so that the fourth heat transfer fluid D circulates only within the third compartment 30.

[0063] The second compartment 20 itself includes an end plate 103, which is disposed at the end of the stack of plates 100 opposite to the ends of the first compartment 10 and the third compartment 30. The end plate 103 specifically includes an outlet 20A' for a first heat transfer fluid A and an outlet 20C' for a third heat transfer fluid C.

[0064] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the example shown, the area covered by the second compartment 20 is at least equal to the sum of the areas of the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20, such that the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20 can be completely placed on the second compartment 20. The flow paths 100a, 100b, 100e, and 100f of the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20 each include two passages for each plate 100. The flow paths 100c and 100d of the second compartment 20 themselves include four passages for each plate 100.

[0065] Still based on Figures 1 to 4 In the example shown, the first compartment 10 and the third compartment 30 include the same number of plates 100, such that the first compartment 10 and the third compartment 30 have the same height. However, an alternative is entirely conceivable in which the first compartment 10 and the third compartment 30 include a separate number of plates 100 in order to meet the constraints and requirements on the heat exchange power of the compartments.

[0066] According to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of the first embodiment, the first compartment 10 and the third compartment 30 are made of two separate stacks of plates.

[0067] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second variant of the first embodiment, as seen in the cross-sectional view, is made of a single stack of plates 100 including a first flow path 100a, a second flow path 100b, a fifth flow path 100e, and a sixth flow path 100f.

[0068] Heat exchanger 1 can be specifically connected to Figure 7 The thermal management device G shown includes a thermal management loop X through which refrigerant fluid is intended to flow. The thermal management loop X includes a compressor 3, a condenser 10, an expansion device 4, and a cooler 30 in the direction of refrigerant fluid flow. The thermal management loop X also includes an internal heat exchanger 20, which is connected on one side to high-pressure refrigerant fluid (shown in thick lines) from the condenser 10 and on the other side to low-pressure refrigerant fluid (shown in thin lines) from the cooler 30. The thermal management loop X may also include a phase separation device 5, such as an accumulator arranged upstream of the compressor 3. The phase separation device 5 may be arranged between the internal heat exchanger 20 and the compressor 3, such as... Figure 7 As shown. In an alternative (not shown), the phase separation device 5 can be arranged between the cooler 30 and the internal heat exchanger 20. The refrigerant fluid can be, for example, R744 or R1234yf.

[0069] The condenser 10 is also connected to a first auxiliary thermal management circuit Y, in which a heat transfer fluid (e.g., ethylene glycol water) is intended to circulate. In addition to the condenser 10, the first auxiliary thermal management circuit Y may include a pump 6 and a radiator 7, for example, designed to be circulated by an external airflow for heat dissipation.

[0070] The cooler 30 is itself connected to a second auxiliary thermal management circuit Z, in which a heat transfer fluid (e.g., water in glycol) is intended to circulate. In addition to the cooler 30, the second auxiliary thermal management circuit Z may include a pump 8 and a heat exchanger 9, for example, for cooling components of a motor vehicle, such as a battery.

[0071] The first heat exchange compartment 10 may specifically correspond to the condenser 10. The first flow path 100a is intended to be traversed by a first heat transfer fluid A, which is a high-pressure refrigerant fluid. The second flow path 100b is intended to be traversed by a second heat transfer fluid B, which is the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first auxiliary thermal management loop Y.

[0072] The third heat exchange compartment 30 may correspond to the cooler 30. The fifth flow path 100e is intended to be traversed by the fourth heat transfer fluid D, which is the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second auxiliary thermal management loop Z. The sixth flow path 100f is itself intended to be traversed by the third heat transfer fluid C, which is a low-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0073] The second heat exchange compartment 20 can ultimately correspond to the internal heat exchanger 20. The third flow path 100c is intended to be traversed by the high-pressure refrigerant fluid A that has already passed through the first compartment 10. The fourth flow path 100d is itself intended to be traversed by the low-pressure refrigerant fluid C that has already passed through the third heat exchange compartment 30.

[0074] Figure 7 The thermal management device X shown is merely an example; different architectures are very likely to be envisioned, particularly where, for example, the first auxiliary thermal management loop Y and the second auxiliary thermal management loop Z are grouped together within the same auxiliary thermal management loop. Then, the second heat transfer fluid B and the fourth heat transfer fluid C would be the same heat transfer fluid flowing within that auxiliary thermal management loop.

[0075] according to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In an alternative to the first embodiment shown, the second compartment 20 may include a second inlet 20A2 for the first refrigerant fluid A. This second inlet 20A2 may specifically be used to introduce the first heat transfer fluid A from inlet 20A for flow in the third flow path 100c. This second inlet 20A2 may, for example, be connected to the second compartment 20, which serves as an internal heat exchanger, or a second condenser (not shown), for example, in parallel connection with the first compartment 10 within the thermal management loop X.

[0076] Still based on Figure 8 and Figure 9 In an alternative to the first embodiment shown, the second compartment 20 may include a second inlet 20C2 for a third refrigerant fluid C. This second inlet 20C2 may specifically be used to introduce the third heat transfer fluid C from inlet 20C for flow in a fourth flow path 100b. This second inlet 20C2 may, for example, be connected to the second compartment 20, which serves as an internal heat exchanger, or a second cooler (not shown), for example, in parallel with a third compartment 30 within the thermal management loop X.

[0077] according to Figures 10 to 12 In the second embodiment shown, the third compartment 30 is arranged side-by-side with the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20. According to this second embodiment, only the first compartment 10 is arranged on top of the second compartment 20.

[0078] In this second embodiment, the second end plate 102' of the third compartment 30 is therefore not arranged alongside the second end plate 102 of the first compartment 10 as in the first embodiment, but rather alongside the second end plate 103 of the second compartment 20. The outlet 30C' for the third heat transfer fluid C from the third compartment 30 is therefore connected to the inlet 20C for the third heat transfer fluid C to enter the second compartment 20. Figure 11 and Figure 12In the example shown, the connection is formed by a connecting plate 105 that defines the pipes connecting the outlet 30C' and the inlet 20C, and is arranged opposite to the end plate 103 of the second compartment 20 and the second end plate 102' of the third compartment 30. Still according to the example shown, the heat exchanger 1 may further include a channel 20A'2 that passes through the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20, such that an outlet 20A' for the first heat transfer fluid A extends from the second compartment 20, allowing the first heat transfer fluid A to exit through the first end plate 101 of the first compartment 10. The outlet 20A' of the second compartment 20 is here connected to the inlet of the channel 20A'2 via a pipe formed in the connecting plate 105.

[0079] According to this second embodiment and similar to the first embodiment, the first compartment 10 and the third compartment 30 can be made from two separate stacks of the plate 100. According to a variant, the side-by-side portions of the first compartment 10 and the third compartment 30 can be made from a single stack of the plate 100 including a first flow path 100a, a second flow path 100b, a fifth flow path 100e, and a sixth flow path 100f.

[0080] Similarly, the second compartment 20 and the third compartment 30 can be made from two separate stacks of plates. According to another variation, the side-by-side portions of the second compartment 20 and the third compartment 30 can be made from a single stack of plates 100 including a third flow path 100c, a fourth flow path 100d, a fifth flow path 100e, and a sixth flow path 100f.

[0081] according to Figures 10 to 12 In the example shown, the third compartment 30 includes the same number of plates 100 as the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20 connected together, such that the height of the third compartment is the same as the stacked height of the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20. However, an alternative is entirely conceivable in which the third compartment 30 includes a different number of plates 100 than the stacked number of the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20, in order to meet the constraints and requirements on the heat exchange capacity of the compartment.

[0082] according to Figures 13 to 16 In the third embodiment shown, the heat exchanger 1 may further include a fourth heat exchange compartment 40. This fourth compartment 40 specifically includes:

[0083] - The seventh flow path 100i, in which the fourth heat transfer fluid D is intended to flow between the inlet 40D and the outlet 40D' for the fourth heat transfer fluid, and

[0084] - Eighth flow path 100j, in which the third heat transfer fluid C is intended to flow between the inlet 40C and the outlet 40C' for the third heat transfer fluid C.

[0085] according to Figures 13 to 16 In a first alternative to the third embodiment shown, the outlet 40C' for the third heat transfer fluid C from the fourth compartment 30 can be connected to the inlet 20C for the third heat transfer fluid C to enter the second compartment 20. The seventh flow path 100i and the eighth flow path 100j are stacked alternately. Preferably, the flow directions in the seventh flow path 100i and the eighth flow path 100j are countercurrent to improve heat exchange between the two fluids. More specifically, both the outlet 40C' of the fourth compartment 40 and the outlet 30C' of the third compartment 30 are connected to the inlet 20C for the third heat transfer fluid C to enter the second compartment 20.

[0086] According to a second alternative (not shown) of the third embodiment, the outlet 40C' for the third heat transfer fluid C from the fourth compartment 30 can be free or directly connected to the outlet 20C' for the third heat transfer fluid C from the second compartment 20.

[0087] Figures 13 to 15 A first variation of the third embodiment is shown, wherein the third compartment 30 is arranged side by side with the first compartment 10 on the first side, and the fourth compartment 40 is arranged side by side with the third compartment 30 on the second side opposite to its first side.

[0088] Figures 13 to 15 The example repeats the features of the second embodiment, wherein the third compartment 30 is arranged side-by-side with the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20 superimposed on each other. Therefore, in this example, only the first compartment 10 is arranged on the second compartment 20. However, embodiments in which the first compartment 10, the third compartment 30, and the fourth compartment 40 are arranged on the second compartment 20 are likely conceivable.

[0089] Return to Figures 13 to 15 For example, the outlet 40C' of the fourth compartment 40 and the outlet 30C' of the third compartment 30 are both connected via a connecting plate 105 to the inlet 20C for the third heat transfer fluid C to enter the second compartment 20.

[0090] Figure 16 A second variation of the third embodiment is shown, wherein both the third compartment 30 and the fourth compartment 40 are arranged side-by-side with the first compartment 10 on the first side. The fourth compartment 40 is also arranged side-by-side with the third compartment 30 on the second side adjacent to its first side. For the first variation, Figure 16The example shown repeats the features of the second embodiment, wherein the third compartment 30 is superimposed and arranged side-by-side with the first compartment 10 and the second compartment 20. Therefore, in this example, only the first compartment 10 is arranged on the second compartment 20. However, embodiments in which the first compartment 10, the third compartment 30, and the fourth compartment 40 are arranged on the second compartment 20 are likely contemplated.

[0091] Therefore, it is clear that the heat exchanger 1, due to its division into different compartments 10, 20, 30 and the different connections of the flow paths of the heat transfer fluid, enables a compact heat exchanger that can combine various functions such as a condenser, cooler, and internal heat exchanger. This allows for better compactness and integration into motor vehicles. Furthermore, the structure of the heat exchanger 1 makes it easier, especially at the connections, to assemble with thermal management devices that include various flow loops, as the heat exchanger 1 already incorporates certain connections within it, thereby reducing the number of required connections.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (1), comprising: - A first heat exchange compartment (10) including a first flow path (100a) and a second flow path (100b), a first heat transfer fluid (A) intended to flow in the first flow path (100a), a second heat transfer fluid (B) intended to flow in the second flow path (100b), and the first heat exchange compartment (10) including an outlet (10A') for the first heat transfer fluid (A). - A second heat exchange compartment (20), the second heat exchange compartment (20) including a third flow path (100c) and a fourth flow path (100d), the first heat transfer fluid (A) from the first heat exchange compartment (10) intended to flow in the third flow path (100c), the third heat transfer fluid (C) intended to flow in the fourth flow path (100d), the second heat exchange compartment (20) including an inlet (20A) for the first heat transfer fluid (A), and - A third heat exchange compartment (30) including a fifth flow path (100e) and a sixth flow path (100f), a fourth heat transfer fluid (D) intended to flow in the fifth flow path (100e), a third heat transfer fluid (C) intended to flow in the sixth flow path (100f), and the third heat exchange compartment (30) including an outlet (30C') for the third heat transfer fluid (C). The outlet (10A') for the first heat transfer fluid (A) from the first heat exchange compartment (10) is connected to the inlet (20A) for the first heat transfer fluid (A) to enter the second heat exchange compartment (20). The outlet (30C') for the third heat transfer fluid (C) from the third heat exchange compartment (30) is connected to the inlet (20C) for the third heat transfer fluid (C) to enter the second heat exchange compartment (20). The first heat exchange compartment (10) and the second heat exchange compartment (20) are stacked such that the outlet (10A') for the first heat transfer fluid (A) from the first heat exchange compartment (10) is opposite to and connected to the inlet (20A) for the first heat transfer fluid (A) to enter the second heat exchange compartment (20), and the third heat exchange compartment (30) is arranged side by side with the first heat exchange compartment (10). The second heat exchange compartment (20) itself includes an end plate (103) disposed at the end opposite to the ends of the stack of its plates (100) opposite to the ends of the first heat exchange compartment (10) and the third heat exchange compartment (30), the end plate (103) including an outlet (20A') for the first heat transfer fluid (A) and an outlet (20C') for the third heat transfer fluid (C).

2. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchange compartment (10) and the third heat exchange compartment (30) are arranged side by side and stacked on the same surface of the second heat exchange compartment (20). The outlet (30C') for the third heat transfer fluid (C) from the third heat exchange compartment (30) is opposite to and connected to the inlet (20C) for the third heat transfer fluid (C) to enter the second heat exchange compartment (20).

3. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third heat exchange compartment (30) is arranged side by side with the first heat exchange compartment (10) and the second heat exchange compartment (20).

4. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second heat exchange compartment (20) and the third heat exchange compartment (30) are made of two separate stacks of plates (100).

5. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The side-by-side portions of the second heat exchange compartment (20) and the third heat exchange compartment (30) are made of a single stack of plates (100) including the third flow path (100c), the fourth flow path (100d), the fifth flow path (100e) and the sixth flow path (100f).

6. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first heat exchange compartment (10) and the third heat exchange compartment (30) are made of two separate stacks of plates (100).

7. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The side-by-side portions of the first heat exchange compartment (10) and the third heat exchange compartment (30) are made of a single stack of plates (100) including the first flow path (100a), the second flow path (100b), the fifth flow path (100e) and the sixth flow path (100f).

8. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a fourth heat exchange compartment (40), which includes: - A seventh flow path (1001), in which the fourth heat transfer fluid (D) is intended to flow, and - Eighth flow path (100j), in which the third heat transfer fluid (C) is intended to flow.

9. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outlet (40C') for the third heat transfer fluid (C) from the fourth heat exchange compartment (40) and the outlet (30C') for the third heat transfer fluid (C) from the third heat exchange compartment (30) are connected to the inlet (20C) for the third heat transfer fluid (C) to enter the second heat exchange compartment (20).

10. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first heat exchange compartment (10) is a water condenser: - The first flow path (100a) is intended to be traversed by the first heat transfer fluid (A), which is a high-pressure refrigerant fluid flowing in the thermal management loop (X). - The second flow path (100b) is intended to be traversed by the second heat transfer fluid (B), which is the heat transfer fluid flowing in the auxiliary thermal management loop (Y). The third heat exchange compartment (30) is a cooler: - The fifth flow path (100e) is intended to be traversed by the fourth heat transfer fluid (D), which is the heat transfer fluid flowing in the auxiliary thermal management loop (Y, Z). - The sixth flow path (100f) is intended to be traversed by the third heat transfer fluid (C), which is a low-pressure refrigerant fluid flowing in the thermal management loop (X). The second heat exchange compartment (20) is an internal heat exchanger: - The third flow path (100c) is intended to be traversed by the high-pressure refrigerant fluid (A) corresponding to the first heat transfer fluid, which has already passed through the first heat exchange compartment (10). - The fourth flow path (100d) is intended to be traversed by the low-pressure refrigerant fluid (C) corresponding to the third heat transfer fluid, which has already passed through the third heat exchange compartment (30).

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