Heat exchange core and laminated heat exchanger

Abstract

The application discloses a heat exchange core and a laminated heat exchanger, relates to the technical field of heat exchange, and aims to solve the problem of uneven distribution of refrigerant in each layer of refrigerant flow channels. The heat exchange core comprises a refrigerant inlet channel, a liquid phase channel and at least two groups of laminated assembly components stacked in the horizontal direction; the refrigerant inlet channel penetrates through each laminated assembly component in the horizontal direction, and the refrigerant inlet channel is provided with a gas phase distribution port and a liquid phase distribution port at the position corresponding to each group of laminated assembly components, wherein the gas phase distribution port is located above the liquid phase distribution port; the liquid phase channel penetrates through each laminated assembly component in the horizontal direction and is located below the refrigerant inlet channel and in communication with the liquid phase distribution port; each group of laminated assembly components is provided with a refrigerant flow channel, a negative pressure channel and a jet flow channel; the jet flow channel is in communication with the gas phase distribution port and the refrigerant flow channel and is used for jetting the gas phase refrigerant in the refrigerant inlet channel to the refrigerant flow channel; and the negative pressure channel is in communication with the liquid phase channel and the jet flow channel and is used for pumping the liquid phase refrigerant in the liquid phase channel to the jet flow channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and more particularly to a heat exchange core and a plated heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] Plated heat exchangers are widely used due to their high heat exchange efficiency and small footprint. For example, they can be used in battery thermal management systems as coolers to cool the coolant and ensure the battery operates within a reasonable temperature range. A plated heat exchanger includes a heat exchange core, which is composed of multiple stacked plate assemblies. Each plate assembly consists of two stacked plates, forming internal refrigerant channels. The gaps between adjacent plate assemblies form coolant channels, resulting in multiple alternating layers of refrigerant and coolant channels for heat exchange. The heat exchange core has a refrigerant inlet channel extending along the stacking direction, communicating with each layer of refrigerant channels. After entering the inlet channel, the refrigerant is then distributed to each layer of channels. The uniformity of refrigerant distribution within each layer affects the overall heat exchange efficiency of the plated heat exchanger. However, the uniformity of refrigerant distribution within existing heat exchange cores needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat exchange core and a plated heat exchanger to improve the uniformity of refrigerant distribution in each layer of refrigerant channels within the heat exchange core.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a heat exchange core, comprising a refrigerant inlet channel, a liquid phase channel, and at least two sets of stacked fin assemblies stacked in a horizontal direction;

[0005] The refrigerant inlet channel runs horizontally through each laminated assembly. A gas phase distribution port and a liquid phase distribution port are provided at the position corresponding to each laminated assembly of the refrigerant inlet channel. The gas phase distribution port is located above the liquid phase distribution port.

[0006] A liquid phase channel extends through each of the stacked assemblies along the horizontal direction. The liquid phase channel is located below the refrigerant inlet channel and is connected to the liquid phase distribution port.

[0007] Each of the stacked assemblies has a refrigerant flow channel, a negative pressure channel, and a jet channel. A coolant flow channel is formed between two adjacent stacked assemblies. The inlet of the jet channel is connected to the gas phase distribution port, and the outlet of the jet channel is connected to the refrigerant flow channel. The jet channel is used to jet the gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant inlet channel into the refrigerant flow channel. The inlet of the negative pressure channel is connected to the liquid phase channel, and the outlet of the negative pressure channel is connected to the jet channel. The negative pressure channel is used to draw the liquid refrigerant in the liquid phase channel into the jet channel.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the lower edge of the inlet of the negative pressure channel smoothly transitions to the bottom surface of the liquid phase channel.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the negative pressure channel includes a vertical section and a horizontal section connected to each other, the horizontal section being connected to the liquid phase channel and the vertical section being connected to the jet channel.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the cross-section of the liquid phase channel is rectangular, circular, or trapezoidal.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the flow cross-section of the outlet of the jet channel is smaller than the flow cross-section of the rest of the jet channel.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the flow cross-section of the jet channel gradually decreases along the direction from the inlet to the outlet of the jet channel.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the liquid phase distribution port corresponding to each group of the stacked assemblies may be one or more.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the refrigerant inlet channel has a circular cross-section, and the liquid phase distribution port is a slit opening located in the lower half of the refrigerant inlet channel, with the central angle of the slit opening being greater than or equal to 180°.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the jet direction of the jet channel is parallel to the horizontal plane or inclined upward relative to the horizontal plane.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the heat exchange core provided by the present invention includes a refrigerant inlet channel, a liquid phase channel, and at least two sets of horizontally stacked finned assemblies. Both the refrigerant inlet channel and the liquid phase channel penetrate each finned assembly horizontally. The liquid phase channel is located below the refrigerant inlet channel. A gas phase distribution port and a liquid phase distribution port are provided at the corresponding positions of each finned assembly in the refrigerant inlet channel, with the gas phase distribution port located above the liquid phase distribution port. The liquid phase channel communicates with the liquid phase distribution port. Each finned assembly has a refrigerant flow channel, a negative pressure channel, and a jet channel. A coolant flow channel is formed between adjacent finned assemblies. The inlet of the jet channel communicates with the gas phase distribution port, and the outlet of the jet channel communicates with the refrigerant flow channel. The jet channel is used to jet the gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant inlet channel into the refrigerant flow channel. The inlet of the negative pressure channel communicates with the liquid phase channel, and the outlet of the negative pressure channel communicates with the jet channel. The negative pressure channel is used to draw the liquid refrigerant from the liquid phase channel into the jet channel. During operation, the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant enters the refrigerant inlet channel. Under its own gravity, the liquid refrigerant enters the liquid phase channel below from the liquid phase distribution port corresponding to each stacked assembly located at the bottom of the refrigerant inlet channel. At the same time, the gas phase refrigerant enters the jet channel through the gas phase distribution port and is jetted into the refrigerant flow channel at a high speed. Since the liquid phase channel is connected to the jet channel through a negative pressure channel, the gas phase jetting effect in the jet channel creates a negative pressure at the outlet of the negative pressure channel connected to the jet channel. Under the adsorption force of the negative pressure, the liquid phase in the liquid phase channel is adsorbed into the negative pressure channel and enters the jet channel. After being fully mixed with the high-speed flowing gas phase, they enter the refrigerant flow channel together, improving the mixing uniformity of the gas-liquid refrigerant entering the refrigerant flow channel. Since the liquid phase channel runs through each stacked assembly, the liquid refrigerant entering the liquid phase channel through each liquid phase distribution port is evenly distributed within the liquid phase channel. This can balance the accumulation of liquid refrigerant in each stacked assembly. Furthermore, under the same gas phase jet action, the flow rate of liquid refrigerant adsorbed into each negative pressure channel is basically the same. Ultimately, this results in a uniform distribution of refrigerant entering each layer of refrigerant channels, improving the problem of uneven distribution of liquid refrigerant at low flow rates and enhancing the heat exchange effect.

[0017] Secondly, the present invention also provides a plated heat exchanger, including a heat exchange core, wherein the heat exchange core is as described in any of the preceding claims. Since the plated heat exchanger includes the heat exchange core described in the first aspect, it has the same beneficial effects as the first aspect, which will not be elaborated upon here. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heat exchange core provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1 is the stacked assembly, 11 is the refrigerant flow channel, 12 is the jet channel, 13 is the negative pressure channel, 2 is the refrigerant inlet channel, 21 is the gas phase distribution port, 22 is the liquid phase distribution port, 3 is the liquid phase channel, 31 is the connecting port, and 32 is the second liquid phase distribution port. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] See Figure 1 This invention provides a heat exchange core, including a laminated assembly 1, a refrigerant inlet channel 2, and a liquid phase channel 3. The laminated assembly 1 comprises at least two sets, stacked horizontally. Each set includes two laminates arranged horizontally. Various protrusions and / or recesses can be provided on the laminates to enhance heat exchange and provide regional isolation. The two laminates in each set are fixedly connected by brazing, with gaps between them, forming a refrigerant flow channel 11, a jet channel 12, and a negative pressure channel 13 within each set. A coolant flow channel is formed between adjacent sets of laminated assemblies 1, meaning there is a gap between one laminate in one set and one laminate in an adjacent set, forming a coolant flow channel. Adjacent laminates in adjacent sets are also fixedly connected by brazing, resulting in the refrigerant flow channel 11 and the coolant flow channel 11 being alternately arranged along the stacking direction and not flowing between each other.

[0027] The refrigerant inlet channel 2 extends horizontally through each laminated assembly 1. For example, the refrigerant inlet channel 2 is structured as follows: each laminate has a through hole at the same location; the edge of the through hole is bent to form an annular fold; after multiple laminates are stacked, the annular folds of adjacent laminates are sealed together; these annular folds are arranged sequentially to form the refrigerant inlet channel 2 extending horizontally through each laminated assembly. Alternatively, the refrigerant inlet channel 2 can also extend through the through holes of each laminated assembly 1 via a sleeve, with the sleeve sealingly connected to the edge of each through hole, thus forming the refrigerant inlet channel 2.

[0028] Each refrigerant inlet channel 2 has a gas phase distribution port 21 and a liquid phase distribution port 22 at the position corresponding to the refrigerant flow channel 11 of each stacked assembly 1, with the gas phase distribution port 21 located above the liquid phase distribution port 22. For example, if the refrigerant inlet channel 2 is formed by an annular fold on the stacked fins, then the gas phase distribution port 21 and the liquid phase distribution port 22 are formed at the annular fold of each layer of refrigerant flow channel 11; if the refrigerant inlet channel 2 is formed by a sleeve, then the gas phase distribution port 21 and the liquid phase distribution port 22 are formed on the sleeve.

[0029] The liquid phase channel 3 extends horizontally through each laminated assembly 1. The liquid phase channel 3 is located below the refrigerant inlet channel 2. For example, the liquid phase channel 3 is formed as follows: a second through-hole is opened at the same position on each laminate. The edges of the second through-hole are bent to form folded edges. After multiple laminates are stacked, the folded edges of adjacent laminates are sealed together. These folded edges are arranged sequentially to form the liquid phase channel 3 extending horizontally through each laminated assembly 1. Alternatively, the liquid phase channel 3 can also extend horizontally through the second through-holes of each laminated assembly 1 via a second sleeve. The second sleeve is sealed to the edge of each second through-hole, thus forming the liquid phase channel 3.

[0030] The liquid phase channel 3 is connected to the liquid phase distribution port 22, thereby connecting the refrigerant inlet channel 2 and the liquid phase channel 3. For example, if the liquid phase channel 3 is formed by a fold on a laminate, a connecting port 31 is formed at the fold of each layer of refrigerant flow channel 11, and the connecting port 31 corresponds one-to-one with and is connected to the liquid phase distribution port 22. If the liquid phase channel 3 is formed by a second sleeve, the connecting port 31 is opened on the second sleeve.

[0031] The inlet of the jet channel 12 is connected to the gas phase distribution port 21 so that the jet channel 12 is connected to the refrigerant inlet channel 2, and the outlet of the jet channel 12 is connected to the refrigerant flow channel 11 so that the refrigerant inlet channel 2 and the refrigerant flow channel 11 are connected by gas through the jet channel 12. The jet channel 12 is used to jet the gas phase refrigerant in the refrigerant inlet channel 2 into the refrigerant flow channel 11.

[0032] The inlet of the negative pressure channel 13 is connected to the liquid phase channel 3. For example, a second liquid phase distribution port 32 is provided at the position corresponding to each layer of refrigerant flow channel 11 in the liquid phase channel 3, and the inlet of the negative pressure channel 13 is connected to the second liquid phase distribution port 32. For example, if the liquid phase channel 3 is formed by a fold on a laminate, then a second liquid phase distribution port 32 is formed at the fold corresponding to each layer of refrigerant flow channel 11. If the liquid phase channel 3 is formed by a second sleeve, then the second liquid phase distribution port 32 is provided on the second sleeve. The outlet of the negative pressure channel 13 is connected to the jet channel 12. The liquid phase channel 3 and the jet channel 12 are connected through the negative pressure channel 13, which is used to draw the liquid refrigerant in the liquid phase channel 3 into the jet channel 12.

[0033] The working process of the heat exchange core is as follows: During normal operation, the stacked heat exchanger is positioned such that the refrigerant inlet channel 2 and the liquid phase channel 3 are located at the bottom with their axes arranged horizontally. After the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant enters the refrigerant inlet channel 2, the liquid phase refrigerant, under its own gravity, enters the lower liquid phase channel 3 from the liquid phase distribution port 22 corresponding to each layer of refrigerant flow channel 11 located at the bottom of the refrigerant inlet channel 2. Simultaneously, the gas phase refrigerant enters the jet channel 12 through the gas phase distribution port 21 and flows through the jet channel 12 at a relatively high speed. A high-speed jet is injected into the refrigerant channel 11. Since the liquid phase channel 3 is connected to the jet channel 12 through the negative pressure channel 13, the gas phase jet in the jet channel 12 creates a negative pressure at the outlet of the negative pressure channel 13 connected to the jet channel 12. Under the adsorption force of the negative pressure, the liquid refrigerant in the liquid phase channel 3 is adsorbed into the negative pressure channel 13 and enters the jet channel 12. After being fully mixed with the high-speed flowing gas phase refrigerant, it enters the refrigerant channel 11 together, completing the distribution of the refrigerant in each layer of the refrigerant channel 11.

[0034] Since the liquid phase channel 3 runs through each stacked assembly 1, the liquid refrigerant entering the liquid phase channel 3 through each liquid phase distribution port 22 is evenly distributed within the liquid phase channel 3. This balances the accumulation of liquid refrigerant in each refrigerant flow channel 11. Furthermore, under the same gas jet action, the flow rate of liquid refrigerant adsorbed into each negative pressure channel 13 is essentially the same, ultimately resulting in uniform refrigerant distribution within each refrigerant flow channel 11. This improves the problem of uneven liquid refrigerant distribution at low flow rates and enhances the heat exchange effect. In addition, the liquid refrigerant adsorbed in the negative pressure channel 13 can be thoroughly mixed with the high-speed flowing gas refrigerant, improving the mixing uniformity of the gas-liquid refrigerant entering the refrigerant flow channel 11 and further enhancing the heat exchange effect.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower edge of the inlet of the negative pressure channel 13 is smoothly connected to the bottom surface of the liquid phase channel 3, meaning there is no height difference between the lower edge of the second liquid phase distribution port 32 and the bottom surface of the liquid phase channel 3. This ensures that when the liquid refrigerant accumulates at the bottom of the liquid phase channel 3, regardless of the liquid level, it will not be blocked from entering the negative pressure channel 13 and can be smoothly drawn into it. This also reduces the amount of liquid refrigerant remaining in the liquid phase channel 3, improving the utilization rate of the liquid refrigerant and making it suitable for distributing low-flow-rate liquid refrigerant. Of course, if the liquid refrigerant flow rate is large, a step can be provided between the lower edge of the inlet of the negative pressure channel 13 and the bottom surface of the liquid phase channel 3, as long as it does not affect the uniform distribution of the liquid refrigerant in each refrigerant flow channel 11.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the negative pressure channel 13 includes a vertical section and a horizontal section that are connected. The vertical and horizontal sections can be connected by an arc transition. The horizontal section is connected to the liquid phase channel 3, and the vertical section is connected to the jet channel 12. Specifically, the inlet of the horizontal section is aligned and flush with the second liquid phase distribution port 32. The cross-section of the liquid phase channel 3 can be rectangular, and the bottom surface of the liquid phase channel 3 is a plane, coplanar with the bottom surface of the horizontal section. The lower edge of the second liquid phase distribution port 32 is the bottom surface of the liquid phase channel 3. In this way, there is no height difference between the negative pressure channel 13 and the liquid phase channel 3, which is more conducive to the flow of low-flow liquid refrigerant. Of course, the cross-section of the liquid phase channel 3 can also be circular, elliptical, trapezoidal, etc., as long as the liquid refrigerant accumulation height at each refrigerant flow channel 11 is consistent, and it is not limited to the cross-sectional shape listed in this embodiment.

[0037] In this embodiment, the flow cross-section of the outlet of the jet channel 12 is smaller than the flow cross-section of the rest of the jet channel 12. This allows the gaseous refrigerant entering the jet channel 12 to enter the refrigerant flow channel 11 in jet form.

[0038] Furthermore, the flow cross-section of the jet channel 12 gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet of the jet channel 12. This allows the flow velocity of the gaseous refrigerant entering the jet channel 12 to gradually increase, reducing the large pressure drop loss caused by the abrupt change in cross-section within the jet channel 12, which is beneficial for the gaseous refrigerant to be ejected in jet form.

[0039] In this embodiment, each set of stacked components 1 has one or more liquid phase distribution ports 22. When there are multiple liquid phase distribution ports 22, they are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the refrigerant inlet channel 2. The shape of each liquid phase distribution port 22 can be a circular opening or a polygonal opening. The polygonal opening can be a rectangular opening, a triangular opening, a trapezoidal opening, etc. As long as the liquid refrigerant can enter the liquid phase channel 3 through the liquid phase distribution port 22, it is not limited to the structural form listed in this embodiment.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the refrigerant inlet channel 2 has a circular cross-section, and the liquid phase distribution port 22 is a slit opening located in the lower half of the refrigerant inlet channel 2, with the central angle of the slit opening greater than or equal to 180°, meaning the opening span of the liquid phase distribution port 22 is equal to the diameter of the refrigerant inlet channel 2. This results in a larger flow size for the liquid phase distribution port 22, increasing the flow velocity of the liquid refrigerant into the lower liquid phase channel 3. This allows the liquid refrigerant to quickly flow through each liquid phase distribution port 22 into the lower liquid phase channel 3 and distribute rapidly and evenly, facilitating the timely extraction of liquid refrigerant into the refrigerant flow channel 11 by the gaseous refrigerant, thereby improving the heat exchange rate.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the jet direction of the jet channel 12 is parallel to the horizontal plane or inclined upward relative to the horizontal plane. This arrangement facilitates the thorough mixing of the gaseous and liquid refrigerants, allowing them to diffuse towards the center of the refrigerant channel 11, thereby improving the efficiency of uniform distribution of the refrigerant within the refrigerant channel 11.

[0042] Based on the heat exchange core described in any of the above embodiments, this invention also provides a plated heat exchanger, including the heat exchange core described in any of the above embodiments. Since the plated heat exchanger uses the heat exchange core described in this application, it has the same beneficial effects as the heat exchange core, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0043] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0044] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchange core, characterized in that, Includes a refrigerant inlet channel, a liquid phase channel, and at least two sets of stacked assemblies arranged horizontally; The refrigerant inlet channel runs through each of the laminated assemblies along the horizontal direction. A gas phase distribution port and a liquid phase distribution port are provided at the position corresponding to each group of laminated assemblies in the refrigerant inlet channel. The gas phase distribution port is located above the liquid phase distribution port. A liquid phase channel extends through each of the stacked assemblies along the horizontal direction. The liquid phase channel is located below the refrigerant inlet channel and is connected to the liquid phase distribution port. Each of the stacked assemblies has a refrigerant flow channel, a negative pressure channel, and a jet channel. A coolant flow channel is formed between two adjacent stacked assemblies. The inlet of the jet channel is connected to the gas phase distribution port, and the outlet of the jet channel is connected to the refrigerant flow channel. The jet channel is used to jet the gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant inlet channel into the refrigerant flow channel. The inlet of the negative pressure channel is connected to the liquid phase channel, and the outlet of the negative pressure channel is connected to the jet channel. The negative pressure channel is used to draw the liquid phase refrigerant in the liquid phase channel into the jet channel. The negative pressure channel includes a vertical section and a horizontal section that are connected to each other. The horizontal section is connected to the liquid phase channel, and the vertical section is connected to the jet channel.

2. The heat exchange core according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower edge of the inlet of the negative pressure channel is smoothly connected to the bottom surface of the liquid phase channel.

3. The heat exchange core according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the liquid phase channel is rectangular, circular, or trapezoidal.

4. The heat exchange core according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow cross section at the outlet of the jet channel is smaller than the flow cross section of the rest of the jet channel.

5. The heat exchange core according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow cross-section of the jet channel gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet of the jet channel.

6. The heat exchange core according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each set of the stacked wafer assemblies has one or more liquid phase distribution ports.

7. The heat exchange core according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant inlet channel has a circular cross-section, and the liquid phase distribution port is a slit opening located in the lower half of the refrigerant inlet channel, with the central angle of the slit opening being greater than or equal to 180°.

8. The heat exchange core according to claim 1, characterized in that, The jet direction of the jet channel is parallel to the horizontal plane or inclined upward relative to the horizontal plane.

9. A plated heat exchanger, comprising a heat exchange core, characterized in that, The heat exchange core is the heat exchange core as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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