Liquid heater flow channel structure and liquid heater

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of heaters, and discloses a liquid heater flow channel structure and a liquid heater. The liquid heater flow channel structure comprises a shell and a vortex component. The shell is provided with a water inlet flow channel, a water outlet flow channel, two throttling channels and a main flow channel. The vortex component comprises a plurality of vortex generators which are arranged in a matrix and staggered in the main flow channel. Liquid flows into the throttling channels from the water inlet flow channel, and then flows to the main flow channel through the throttling channels. The liquid in the main flow channel forms strong turbulent flow under the action of the vortex component. The continuous vortex structure strengthens the mixing of the liquid in the main flow channel, and the generated flow resistance is small, which can improve the convective heat transfer coefficient of the liquid side, improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heater, and make the liquid heated in the main flow channel flow to the water outlet flow channel through the throttling channels, and finally flow out from the water outlet of the water outlet flow channel. The liquid velocity gradient in the throttling channels is extremely small, and the flow velocity is uniform, so that the liquid is uniformly distributed into the main flow channel, thereby making the liquid heating more uniform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heater technology, and more particularly to the flow channel structure of a liquid heater and a liquid heater. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy electric vehicle technology, higher requirements have been placed on the thermal management system of electric vehicles. As an auxiliary heating device in the thermal management system, the liquid heater provides heat to the passenger compartment or battery pack by heating the coolant. The thick-film heating type of the liquid heater involves screen printing an insulating film layer, a heating resistance film, a conductive dielectric film layer, and an insulating film layer on a stainless steel substrate, and heating the coolant on the water channel side through the substrate.

[0003] Existing high-pressure electro-liquid heaters enhance heat exchange capacity by adding various numbers of guide plates and other structures to the S-shaped flow channel. However, this flow channel structure has the disadvantage of large flow resistance, resulting in poor heat exchange effect of the heater. Furthermore, there are liquid stagnation zones and backflow zones in the flow channel, leading to uneven flow velocity and poor temperature uniformity.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a liquid heater flow channel structure and a liquid heater to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid heater flow channel structure and a liquid heater, which solves the problems of high flow resistance, poor heat exchange effect and uneven flow velocity in the flow channel.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The liquid heater flow channel structure includes:

[0008] The housing has an inlet channel, an outlet channel, two throttling channels, and a main channel. The two throttling channels are respectively located at the inlet end and the outlet end of the main channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel are respectively connected to the main channel through the corresponding throttling channels.

[0009] The vortex assembly includes multiple vortex generators, which are distributed in a matrix staggered manner in the main channel.

[0010] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a through hole, which is connected to the throttling channel located on the water inlet side of the main flow channel, and the through hole is close to the water inlet of the water inlet channel.

[0011] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a groove, which is disposed on the throttling channel on the outlet side of the main channel.

[0012] Preferably, the liquid heater flow channel structure further includes a flow guiding component, which includes multiple flow guiding plates. Along the flow direction of the liquid in the water inlet channel, the multiple flow guiding plates are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart at the water inlet end of the main flow channel.

[0013] Preferably, the end face of the main channel near the water inlet is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the end face of the main channel has a first end and a second end. The first end is located at the flow guiding component, and the second end is located at the vortex component. The first end is higher than the second end.

[0014] Preferably, the height of the vortex generator and the height of the guide plate are both less than the depth of the main channel.

[0015] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel gradually decreases along the flow direction of the liquid within the inlet channel.

[0016] Preferably, the intercepting area of ​​the water outlet channel gradually increases along the flow direction of the liquid in the water outlet channel.

[0017] Preferably, the vortex assembly is integrally formed with the housing.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a liquid heater, including a heating component and the liquid heater flow channel structure described above. The heating component is installed in the housing of the liquid heater flow channel structure, and the heating component is used to heat the main flow channel of the housing.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0020] The liquid heater flow channel structure provided by this invention has an inlet flow channel, an outlet flow channel, two throttling channels, and a main flow channel in the shell. The two throttling channels are respectively located at the inlet and outlet ends of the main flow channel, and are connected to the main flow channel through corresponding throttling channels. The vortex assembly includes multiple vortex generators, which are distributed in a matrix staggered manner in the main flow channel. Liquid enters the inlet flow channel from the inlet, then flows into the throttling channels. After being throttled by the throttling channels, it flows into the main flow channel, where it is heated. Simultaneously, the liquid in the main flow channel forms strong turbulence under the action of multiple vortex generators. The continuous vortex structure enhances the mixing of the liquid in the main flow channel. The liquid has a large velocity gradient near the wall of the heating assembly in the main flow channel, which strengthens the turbulence and generates less flow resistance, thereby improving the convective heat transfer coefficient on the liquid side, enhancing the heat transfer effect, and improving the heat transfer efficiency of the heater. The heated liquid in the main channel flows from the outlet to the throttling channel. After being throttled by the throttling channel, it flows to the outlet channel and finally exits from the outlet. The throttling effect of the throttling channel accelerates the liquid, resulting in a very small velocity gradient and uniform flow rate. This ensures that the liquid is evenly distributed into the main channel, leading to more uniform heating and better temperature uniformity of the heating resistance film.

[0021] The liquid heater provided by this invention includes a heating element and a liquid heater flow channel structure. The heating element is installed in the shell of the liquid heater flow channel structure. The throttling effect generated by the throttling channel gives the liquid a certain acceleration effect. The liquid velocity gradient at all points in the throttling channel is extremely small, and the flow velocity is uniform, allowing the liquid to be evenly distributed into the main channel, thereby making the liquid heating more uniform and the heating element has good temperature uniformity. Furthermore, the liquid in the main channel forms strong turbulence under the action of the vortex component, enhancing the turbulence and generating less flow resistance, which can improve the convective heat transfer coefficient on the liquid side, enhance the heat transfer effect, and improve the heat transfer efficiency of the liquid heater. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid heater provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of the liquid heater flow channel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Sectional view at point BB;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Sectional view at CC;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an eddy current generator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 A front view of an eddy current generator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 A side view of an eddy current generator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a rear view of an eddy current generator provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Shell; 2. Inlet channel; 3. Outlet channel; 4. Throttling channel; 5. Main channel; 6. Vortex generator; 7. Through hole; 8. Inlet; 9. Groove; 10. Outlet; 11. Guide plate; 12. First end; 13. Second end; 14. Heating component. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0034] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0037] like Figures 1-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid heater flow channel structure includes a housing 1 and a vortex assembly. The housing 1 has an inlet channel 2, an outlet channel 3, two throttling channels 4, and a main channel 5. The two throttling channels 4 are respectively located at the inlet and outlet ends of the main channel 5. The inlet channel 2 and the outlet channel 3 are connected to the main channel 5 through their respective throttling channels 4. The vortex assembly includes multiple vortex generators 6, which are arranged in a matrix-like staggered pattern within the main channel 5. Specifically, the flow direction of the liquid in the inlet channel 2 and the flow direction of the liquid in the outlet channel 3 are parallel. The inlet end of the main channel 5 connects to the inlet channel 2, and the outlet end of the main channel 5 connects to the outlet channel 3. Furthermore, the flow direction of the liquid in the main channel 5 is perpendicular to the flow directions of the liquid in the inlet channel 2 and the outlet channel 3. Both the inlet channel 2 and the outlet channel 3 have throttling channels 4 at their upper openings. The inlet channel 2 is connected to the inlet end of the main channel 5 through the throttling channels 4, and the outlet channel 3 is connected to the outlet end of the main channel 5 through the throttling channels 4. The main channel 5 is equipped with multiple staggered vortex generators 6, which enhance turbulence in the main channel 5 and generate relatively low flow resistance.

[0038] The working principle of the liquid heater flow channel structure is as follows: Liquid enters the inlet channel 2 from the inlet 8, then flows into the throttling channel 4. After being throttled by the throttling channel 4, it flows into the main channel 5, where it is heated. Simultaneously, the liquid in the main channel 5 forms strong turbulence under the action of multiple vortex generators 6. The continuous vortex structure enhances the mixing of the liquid in the main channel 5. The liquid has a large velocity gradient near the wall of the heating element 14 in the main channel 5, which promotes the separation of the wall boundary layer, strengthens the turbulence, and generates less flow resistance, thereby improving the convective heat transfer coefficient on the liquid side, enhancing the heat transfer effect, and improving the heat transfer efficiency of the heater. The heated liquid in the main channel 5 then flows from the outlet to the throttling channel 4. After being throttled by the throttling channel 4, it flows into the outlet channel 3 and finally flows out from the outlet 10 of the outlet channel 3. The throttling effect generated by the throttling channel 4 gives the liquid a certain acceleration effect. The liquid velocity gradient at various points in the throttling channel 4 is very small and the flow rate is uniform, so that the liquid is evenly distributed into the main channel 5, thereby making the liquid heating more uniform and the heating resistance film has better temperature uniformity.

[0039] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The housing 1 also has a through hole 7, which connects to the throttling channel 4 located on the water inlet side of the main flow channel 5, and the through hole 7 is close to the water inlet 8 of the water inlet channel 2. Specifically, the through hole 7 is provided at the front end of the throttling channel 4 near the water inlet 8 of the water inlet channel 2. The through hole 7 can prevent the problem of a small flow distribution ratio in the main flow channel 5 near the water inlet 8 due to the inertia of the liquid flow. That is, the through hole 7 increases the flow area of ​​the liquid, ensuring the flow distribution of the main flow channel 5 near the water inlet 8, so that the heating resistance film of the heating component 14 has a better cooling effect and avoids the heating resistance film from failing due to excessive temperature. Optionally, the shape of the through hole 7 is not limited to a circle, but can also be an ellipse, rectangle, teardrop shape, etc.

[0040] Furthermore, referring to Figures 2-3 The shell 1 also has a groove 9, which is located in the throttling channel 4 on the side of the outlet end of the main channel 5. Specifically, the groove 9 is provided in the throttling channel 4 from the main channel 5 to the outlet channel 3, so that the liquid flow in the main channel 5 changes direction quickly. With the continuous impact of the liquid in the main channel 5, air bubbles are not easy to accumulate in the throttling channel 4 and the outlet channel 3.

[0041] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1-2The liquid heater flow channel structure also includes a flow guiding assembly, which comprises multiple guide plates 11. These guide plates 11 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart at the inlet end of the main flow channel 5, along the flow direction of the liquid in the inlet channel 2. Specifically, the guide plates 11 have a long strip shape or a symmetrical airfoil structure, which provides good guidance and acceleration for the liquid flowing out of the throttling channel 4, increasing the liquid flow velocity and thus improving the convective heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchange surface to enhance the heat transfer intensity. Optionally, the arrangement and size of the multiple guide plates 11 in the flow guiding assembly can be adjusted as needed.

[0042] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3 The main channel 5 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane at its end face near the inlet. The end face of the main channel 5 has a first end 12 and a second end 13. The first end 12 is located in the flow guiding assembly, and the second end 13 is located in the vortex assembly. The first end 12 is higher than the second end 13. Specifically, the height of the vortex generator 6 and the height of the flow guide plate 11 are both less than the depth of the main channel 5, meaning that the flow guide plate 11 and the vortex generator 6 have a certain flow channel gap with the heating assembly 14. The bottom surface of the main channel 5 is an inclined slope structure, with the first end 12 in the flow guiding assembly higher than the second end 13 in the vortex assembly. This ensures that the liquid passing through the flow guiding assembly can flow smoothly to the main channel 5, facilitating liquid flow and uniform pressure drop distribution. Optionally, the slope angle of the first end 12 and the second end 13 can be adjusted as needed.

[0043] Furthermore, referring to Figures 4-5 Along the flow direction of the liquid in the inlet channel 2, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel 2 gradually decreases. Along the flow direction of the liquid in the outlet channel 3, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet channel 3 gradually increases. Specifically, the inlet channel 2 and the outlet channel 3 have a conical structure to ensure uniform pressure distribution in the inlet channel 2 and the outlet channel 3, while also minimizing pressure drop. Optionally, the ratio of the change in the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel 2 and the outlet channel 3 is not limited to one type and can be adjusted according to the boundary arrangement of the inlet and outlet ports 10.

[0044] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-9The vortex generator 6 and the main flow channel 5 of the housing 1 are integrally formed. Specifically, the vortex generator 6 and the main flow channel 5 of the housing 1 are integrally formed by die casting or other methods, which simplifies the manufacturing process, improves manufacturability, and helps control costs. The vortex generator 6 consists of a windward side, a leeward side, a bottom side, and a side side, with a symmetrical structural design. The edges of the vortex generator 6 are chamfered to facilitate the flow of liquid within the main flow channel 5. The length of the vortex generator 6 is L, the width of the windward side is a1, the height is h, the width of the leeward side is a2, and the width at the junction of the windward and leeward sides is a3, where a1 > 2a2, a1 > 2a3, α > 90°, L > h, and h is less than the flow channel depth. Optionally, the windward and leeward sides of the vortex generator 6 can be continuous curved surfaces, without a side side design.

[0045] This embodiment also provides a liquid heater, including a heating component 14 and the aforementioned liquid heater flow channel structure. The heating component 14 is installed in the housing 1 of the liquid heater flow channel structure and is used to heat the main flow channel 5 of the housing 1. Specifically, the heating component 14 is fixed to the housing 1 by screws. The housing 1 has a sealing groove, and a sealing ring is disposed in the sealing groove and sandwiched between the housing 1 and the heating component 14, resulting in a good sealing effect. The heating component 14 includes a substrate, an insulating film printed on one side of the substrate, and a heating resistance film. The heating resistance film heats the liquid in the main flow channel 5 of the housing 1. The throttling effect generated by the throttling channel 4 gives the liquid a certain acceleration effect. The liquid velocity gradient at various points in the throttling channel 4 is extremely small, and the flow velocity is uniform, so that the liquid is evenly distributed into the main flow channel 5, thereby making the liquid heating more uniform and the heating component 14 has good temperature uniformity. Furthermore, the liquid in the main flow channel 5 forms strong turbulence under the action of the vortex component, which enhances the turbulence and generates less flow resistance, which can improve the convective heat transfer coefficient on the liquid side, enhance the heat transfer effect, and improve the heat transfer efficiency of the liquid heater.

[0046] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid heater flow channel structure, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has an inlet channel (2), an outlet channel (3), two throttling channels (4), and a main channel (5). The two throttling channels (4) are respectively located at the inlet and outlet ends of the main channel (5). The inlet channel (2) and the outlet channel (3) are respectively connected to the main channel (5) through the corresponding throttling channels (4). The flow direction of the liquid in the inlet channel (2) and the flow direction of the liquid in the outlet channel (3) are parallel. The liquid flow direction in the main channel (5) is perpendicular to the liquid flow direction of the inlet channel (2) and the outlet channel (3). The housing (1) is also provided with a through hole (7). The through hole (7) is connected to the throttling channel (4) located on the side of the inlet end of the main channel (5). The through hole (7) is close to the inlet (8) of the inlet channel (2). The through hole (7) increases the liquid flow area and ensures the flow distribution of the main channel (5) on the side close to the inlet (8). The vortex assembly includes multiple vortex generators (6) arranged in a matrix staggered distribution in the main channel (5).

2. The liquid heater flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is also provided with a groove (9), which is located on the throttling channel (4) on the side of the outlet end of the main channel (5).

3. The liquid heater flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid heater flow channel structure also includes a flow guiding component, which includes multiple flow guiding plates (11). Along the flow direction of the liquid in the water inlet channel (2), the multiple flow guiding plates (11) are arranged parallel and spaced apart at the water inlet end of the main flow channel (5).

4. The liquid heater flow channel structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main channel (5) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane at the end face near the water inlet. The end face of the main channel (5) has a first end (12) and a second end (13). The first end (12) is located in the flow guide assembly, and the second end (13) is located in the vortex assembly. The first end (12) is higher than the second end (13).

5. The liquid heater flow channel structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The height of the vortex generator (6) and the height of the guide plate (11) are both less than the depth of the main channel (5).

6. The liquid heater flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the flow direction of the liquid in the inlet channel (2), the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel (2) gradually decreases.

7. The liquid heater flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the flow direction of the liquid in the outlet channel (3), the interception area of ​​the outlet channel (3) gradually increases.

8. The liquid heater flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vortex component is integrally formed with the housing (1).

9. A liquid heater, characterized in that, The device includes a heating assembly (14) and a liquid heater flow channel structure according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the heating assembly (14) is mounted on the housing (1) of the liquid heater flow channel structure and the heating assembly (14) is used to heat the main flow channel (5) of the housing (1).

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