Electrofluid heater

Abstract

A fluid heater (100) comprises at least one heating element (10) and at least one housing (20). The housing (20) includes a first portion (20a) and a second portion (20b), a partition groove (22), an inlet (24) and an outlet (26). The first (20a) and the second part (20b) are assembled to define a housing containing the heating element (10). The partition groove (22) divides the housing (20) into a first chamber (20d) that receives fluid from the inlet (24) and defines a first passage "A" and a second chamber (20e) that delivers fluid to the outlet (26) and defines a second return passage "B". The housing (20) is formed with an intermediate connection portion (28) to define a U-turn trajectory "C" that forms fluid communication between the first chamber (20d) and the second chamber (20e) along the plane of the heating element (10) and extends in a longitudinal direction along the lateral sides of the heating element (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly to an electric fluid heater for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles typically include a heater for heating air to be supplied to the passenger compartment. Alternatively, the heater is used to supply heated air to defog or defrost the windshield. In some cases, the heater is used to supply hot air or hot coolant to cold start the engine. With the advent of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, heaters are also suitable for battery thermal management. The heater can be used for effective thermal management of the battery used to power the electric motor, thereby significantly improving the service life of the battery. The air to be heated is typically passed through a heat exchanger, which includes a heating element, such as in the case of a thermal heater, the heating element is a heat exchange flow tube, through which a heated fluid circulates, or, for example, in the case of a resistive heater, the heating element is an energized resistive element. In particular, the air to be heated circulates through the heating element of the heat exchanger and extracts heat from the heating element.

[0003] Figure 1 The conventional electric heater 1 shown in comprises a plurality of heating elements 2 arranged relative to a fluid heating space, the fluid heating space being configured relative to the heating elements 2 for heat exchange between the heating elements 2 and the fluid flowing around the heating elements 2 in the heating space. Each heating element 2 comprises a tube, which in turn receives a battery core therein. Specifically, the tube forms a heating element together with the battery core. The battery core comprises, for example, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) resistor. Each tube may have a plurality of battery cores, which may be arranged one after another in the direction of the tube. Each heating element comprises an electrode on at least one side of at least one battery core for supplying power through the heating element. The electrode and the battery core are included in the heat generating portion of the heating element. In addition, the heating element comprises layers of electrically insulating and heat-conductive materials. These layers are located in an annular space between one electrode and the tube wall. In this way, the tube is electrically insulated from the electrode and the battery core, but is in thermal contact with them.

[0004] In the case of a conventional electric fluid heater 1, the fluid heating space is defined by a housing surrounding the heating element 2, or by a plurality of modular elements, in particular, a plate 4 assembled together to define a fluid heating space relative to the heating element 2. The plates 4 are stacked one above the other between the end plates 5a and 5b, wherein the aligned portions 4a and 4b of the plates 4 define corresponding fluid flow channels, which are connected by an intermediate manifold defined between the end plate 5b and the last plate in the plurality of plates 4. Such a first flow channel and a second flow channel connected by the intermediate manifold define a U-shaped flow trajectory of the fluid in the electric fluid heater 1. In addition, this configuration enables the inlet 6a and the outlet 6b to be arranged at the top of the electric fluid heater 1, so that the electric heating element 1 has a compact configuration. The fluid heating space is in fluid communication with the inlet 6a and the outlet 6b. In particular, the fluid entering the electric heater 1 through the inlet 6a flows through the fluid heating space adjacent to the first portion of the heating element 2 to define the first channel, and in the process extracts heat from the first portion of the heating element 2. The fluid after extracting heat by flowing through the first channel is guided to flow through the second channel to further extract heat from the second portion of the heating element. The fluid after extracting heat from the heating element 2 flows out through the outlet 6b. Since the heating elements are stacked one on top of another, the electric fluid heater of this structure is large and faces packaging problems. In addition, the fluid flowing through the fluid heating space of such a structure is not evenly distributed, and can not fully and directly contact the heating element. In addition, bubbles may potentially form at the edge of the heating element, which adversely affects the efficiency and performance of the electric heater. In fact, air becomes a thermal insulator, and hot spots may occur on the heating element. In the case of limiting the fluid heating space by joining multiple plates, the brazing of the plate is a problem. More specifically, this configuration needs to be brazed at multiple locations, which requires higher brazing tolerances, increasing manufacturing difficulty. In addition, in the case of conventional electric fluid heaters, since the inlet / outlet coolant flow is perpendicular to the heating element, and the coolant flows in a constant zigzag shape through adjacent plate holes and between the heating elements, the pressure drop of the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger is unnecessarily increased, thereby adversely affecting the efficiency and performance of the electric fluid heater.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an electric fluid heater having a flat, compact construction and solving packaging problems. In addition, there is a need for an electric fluid heater that improves the distribution of a heat exchange fluid along the surface of a heater element, even when the heater element has a considerable size. In addition, there is a need for an electric heater configured with a fluid heating space that maximizes the heat exchange between the heater element and the fluid flowing through the fluid heating space, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the electric heater. In addition, there is a need for an electric heater that ensures a convenient brazing connection between plates that construct the fluid heating space relative to the heating element by homogenizing the brazing temperature and avoiding thermal stresses.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric fluid heater which avoids the problems faced by conventional electric fluid heaters due to uneven fluid distribution relative to the heating element, regardless of the size of the heating element.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid electric heater which has a compact structure and solves the packaging problem faced by conventional fluid electric heaters.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric fluid heater that ensures uniform fluid distribution and fluid filling in all fluid flow channels to achieve improved efficiency and performance.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electric fluid heater that prevents the formation of bubbles within the electric fluid heater. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electric fluid heater that is formed with features for purging fluid from critical portions.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid electric heater which requires fewer brazing points during manufacture, thereby reducing problems such as higher brazing tolerances, manufacturing difficulties and thermal stress caused by the greater number of brazing points required to manufacture conventional fluid electric heaters.

[0011] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as first element and second element. In this case, unless otherwise specified, the index is only meant to distinguish and name similar but not identical elements. The concept of priority should not be inferred from this index, because these terms can be switched without betraying the invention. In addition, this index does not imply any order in which the elements of the present invention are installed or used. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electric fluid heater is disclosed. The electric fluid heater includes at least one heating element and at least one housing. The housing includes a first part, a second part, a separation groove, an inlet and an outlet. The second part is assembled to the first part along an interface plane to define a housing for receiving the heating element therein. The separation groove formed on the housing extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing to divide the housing into a first chamber for a first channel "A" and a second chamber for a second return channel "B" for fluid flow. The inlet supplies fluid to the first channel "A", and the outlet collects fluid from the second channel after heat exchange with the heating element. The housing is formed with an intermediate connecting portion to define a U-turn track "C", which forms a fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber along the plane of the heating element, and extends in the longitudinal direction along the lateral side of the heating element.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric fluid heater comprises a pair of housings, which are stacked in an overlapping manner relative to each other, and each housing accommodates at least one heating element. The inlet and outlet are arranged at the proximal end of the first housing. The intermediate connecting portion is arranged at the proximal end of the second housing. The first chamber of the adjacent first housing is fluidly connected to each other via the first group of alignment slots at its distal end. The first chamber and the second chamber of the second housing are fluidly connected to each other via the intermediate connecting portion. The second chamber of the adjacent first housing is fluidly connected to each other via the second group of alignment slots at its distal end.

[0014] Preferably, at least one of the first and second parts of the housing is of flat configuration.

[0015] Furthermore, the first and second parts of the housing are identical and symmetrical with respect to each other about the interface plane.

[0016] In particular, at least a portion of the heating element is arranged in the first chamber of the housing, while the remaining portion of the heating element is arranged in the second chamber of the housing.

[0017] In addition, the dividing groove is centrally disposed with respect to the housing and separates the first passage "A" from the second passage "B".

[0018] In particular, the inlet and the outlet are formed by assembling complementary profiles formed respectively on the first and second parts of the housing, said complementary profiles being received and retained in the sleeve.

[0019] Preferably, the inlet and outlet are centrally located relative to the respective first and second chambers.

[0020] Furthermore, the connecting portion has a cross section which varies along the longitudinal direction of the heating element.

[0021] In particular, the intermediate connecting portion is formed by assembling segments at either of the distal ends and the proximal ends of the first and second parts of the housing.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the intermediate connecting part is formed by assembling sections of the first and second parts of the housing at the distal ends opposite to the inlet and outlet of the housing.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the intermediate connection part is formed by assembling segments at the proximal ends of the first and second parts of the second housing and is arranged on the same side of the first housing on which the inlet and the outlet are arranged.

[0024] In particular, the intermediate connecting portion has a maximum cross section at the center, and the cross section gradually decreases from the center to the corresponding lateral sides of the housing.

[0025] Furthermore, the inlet and the outlet are arranged orthogonally with respect to the lateral sides of the heating element accommodated in the housing and at the center of the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively.

[0026] Furthermore, a turbulator is arranged in the annular space between the heating element and the housing.

[0027] Furthermore, the housing comprises a central groove having a cross section with a curved profile. The central groove extends along lateral sides of the heating element and is arranged between the heating elements accommodated in the housing.

[0028] The heating element comprises a tubular element, at least one core with electrodes formed on at least one side thereof, and an electrically insulating and thermally conductive material layer. The lateral sides of the tubular element have a curved profile. The core is housed inside the tubular element, while the corresponding electrodes extend from both sides of the tubular element to enable power to be supplied through the heating element. The electrically insulating and thermally conductive material layer is arranged in an annular space between the electrodes and the wall of the tubular element.

[0029] Typically, the cross-section of the curved profile of the intermediate groove has a radius of curvature "R" greater than the radius of curvature "r" of the curved profile of the lateral sides of the tubular element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Other features, details and advantages of the present invention can be inferred from the following description of the invention. A more complete understanding of the present invention and its many attendant advantages will be readily obtained as the present invention and its many attendant advantages become better understood by reference to the following detailed description and consideration in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 An isometric view of a conventional electric fluid heater is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of an electric fluid heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An assembly view of an electric fluid heater;

[0034] Figure 4 An exploded view of an electric fluid heater according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the electric fluid heater comprises a pair of housings stacked one above the other, each housing accommodating at least one heating element.

[0035] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An isometric view of an electric fluid heater;

[0036] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 Another isometric view of an electric fluid heater;

[0037] Figure 7 Shows Figure 2 and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a heating element of an electric fluid heater; and

[0038] Figure 8 An enlarged view depicting an intermediate groove disposed between heating elements is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention contemplates an electric fluid heater, in particular a high temperature coolant heater, hereinafter referred to as a fluid heater. The fluid heater comprises at least one heating element and at least one housing. The housing comprises a first portion, a second portion, a separation groove, an inlet and an outlet. The second portion is assembled to the first portion along an interface plane to define a housing for receiving the heating element therein. A separation groove formed on the housing extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing to divide the housing into a first chamber for a first channel "A" and a second chamber for a second return channel "B" for fluid flow. The inlet supplies fluid to the first channel "A", and the outlet collects fluid from the second channel after heat exchange with the heating element. The housing is formed with an intermediate connecting portion to define a U-turn track "C", which forms a fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber along the plane of the heating element and extends in a longitudinal direction along the lateral side of the heating element. Although the present invention is explained using a high temperature coolant heater as an example in the following description and accompanying drawings, the present invention is applicable to any other heat exchanger for use in vehicular or non-vehicular applications where the electric heater is required to be compact in construction to address packaging issues while still ensuring improved fluid distribution within the electric heater to allow efficient heat exchange, thereby achieving improved efficiency and performance of the electric heater.

[0040] Figure 2An exploded view of an electric fluid heater 100 , hereinafter referred to as fluid heater 100 , according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 An assembly view of an electric fluid heater 100 is shown. According to one embodiment, the electric fluid heater is a high-pressure coolant heater, and the electric fluid heater of the present invention is explained by an example of a high-pressure coolant heater in the following description and drawings. The electric fluid heater 100 includes at least one heating element 10 and at least one housing 20.

[0041] The housing 20 includes a first portion 20a, a second portion 20b, a separation groove 22, an inlet 24 and an outlet 26. Typically, at least one of the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the housing 20 has a flat configuration. Preferably, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the housing 20 have a flat configuration. This configuration of the housing 20 makes the electric fluid heater compact. In addition, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the housing 20 are identical and symmetrical relative to each other about the interface plane 20c. This configuration facilitates the assembly process by eliminating the problem caused by the need to select mismatched parts before assembly. In addition, this configuration of the housing 20 makes the manufacturing process economical by eliminating the need for separate molds or blanks for making different parts. The second portion 20b of the housing 20 is assembled to the first portion 20a along the interface plane 20c to define a housing for receiving the heating element 10 therein. The partition groove 22 formed on the housing 20 extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing 20 to divide the housing 20 into a first chamber 20d for the first channel "A" and a second chamber 20e for the second return channel "B" for fluid flow. Preferably, the partition groove 22 is centrally disposed relative to the housing 20 and separates the first channel "A" from the second channel "B". In particular, at least a portion 10a of the heating element 10 is disposed in the first chamber 20d, and the remaining portion 10b of the heating element 10 is disposed in the second chamber 20e of the housing 20. The inlet 24 supplies the fluid to the first channel "A" so that the fluid is heat-exchanged with the portion 10a of the heating element received in the first chamber 20d, and the outlet 26 collects the fluid from the second channel after the fluid is heat-exchanged with the heating element 10. However, the present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the partition groove 22 and its position on the housing 20, as long as the partition groove 22 divides the interior of the housing into a first chamber 20d and a second chamber 20e that are fluidically connected to each other via the intermediate connection portion 25. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the position of the heating element 10 in the housing 10, the ratio of the heating element 10 in the first chamber 20d and the second chamber 20e. Preferably, the heating element 10 is positioned in the housing 20 so that at least a portion of each of the opposing electrodes 14a emanating from the core 14 of the heating element 10 extends out of the housing 20.

[0042] The inlet 24 and the outlet 26 are formed by assembling complementary profiles 24a, 26a and 24b, 26b formed on the first part 20a and the second part 20b of the housing 20, respectively, and the complementary profiles 24a, 26a and 24b, 26b are received and held in sleeves 30a and 30b. More specifically, the complementary profiles 24a and 24b formed on the first part 20a and the second part 20b of the housing 20, respectively, are assembled to each other, and the assembly is received and held in sleeve 30a. Similarly, the complementary profiles 26a and 26b formed on the first part 20a and the second part 20b of the housing 20, respectively, are assembled to each other, and the assembly is received and held in sleeve 30b. Typically, the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 are centrally arranged relative to the corresponding first chamber 20d and the second chamber 20e. This configuration enables the fluid to be evenly distributed in the first chamber 20d, and improves the fluid collection from the second chamber 20e. In addition, the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 are arranged along the plane of the heating element 10. Therefore, compared with conventional electric fluid heaters, this configuration of the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 makes the electric fluid heater 100 more compact, thereby solving the packaging problem faced by conventional electric fluid heaters. However, the present invention is not limited to any specific position of the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 relative to the first chamber 20d and the second chamber 20e, respectively, as long as the position of the inlet helps to evenly distribute the fluid to the first chamber 20d, and the position of the outlet helps to improve the collection of fluid from the second chamber 20e.

[0043] The housing 20 is formed with an intermediate connecting portion 28 to define a U-turn trajectory "C" that forms a fluid connection between the first chamber 20d and the second chamber 20e along the plane of the heating element 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction along the lateral sides of the heating element 10. The intermediate connecting portion 28 has a cross-section that varies along the longitudinal direction of the heating element 10. In particular, the intermediate connecting portion 28 has a maximum cross-section at the center and gradually decreases from the center to the corresponding lateral sides of the sleeve 20. The cross-section of the intermediate connecting portion varies along its length to increase the local coolant velocity, thereby improving the distribution of the coolant on the heating element and clearing potential bubbles. This configuration of the intermediate connecting portion 28 forming a U-turn provides several advantages, for example, this configuration of the intermediate connecting portion 28 improves the coolant distribution, thereby clearing potential bubbles and evenly distributing the coolant along the width of the heating element without the need for any deflectors. In addition, the IGBT / power pack can be preferably located in the area close to the intermediate connecting portion 28 due to the high coolant flow rate and the absence of heat transfer turbulators in this section of the intermediate connecting portion 28. The center of the intermediate connecting portion is aligned with the dividing groove 22. The inlet 24 and the outlet 26 are arranged orthogonally with respect to the lateral side 12a of the tubular element 12 of the heating element 10 received in the housing 20. In addition, the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 are arranged in the center of the first chamber 20d and the second chamber 20e, respectively. This configuration of the intermediate connecting portion 25 and the location of the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 improve the fluid communication between the first chamber 20d and the second chamber 20e.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the intermediate connecting portion 28 is disposed opposite to the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 formed on the same housing, or as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the intermediate connecting portion 28 is provided on one housing and is provided along the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 of the other housing.

[0045] More specifically, according to Figures 4 to 6 The electric fluid heater 100 of another embodiment shown includes a pair of shells 20 stacked in an overlapping manner relative to each other, wherein each shell 20 receives at least one heating element 10. An inlet 24 and an outlet 26 are provided at the proximal end of the first shell 20, and an intermediate connecting portion 28 is provided at the proximal end of the second shell 20. More specifically, the intermediate connecting portion 28 formed on the second shell 20 and the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 formed on the first shell are provided on the same side of the electric fluid heater 100. The first shell is provided above the second shell, and gravity assists the fluid to flow from the first shell to the second shell. More specifically, the first chamber 20d of the adjacent first shell and the second shell 20 is connected via Figure 4The first set of aligned slots 29a at their distal ends are shown in fluid communication with each other. In addition, the first chamber 20d and the second chamber 20e of the second housing are in fluid communication with each other via the intermediate connecting portion 28. In addition, the second chambers 20e of the adjacent first and second housings 20 are in fluid communication with each other via the second set of aligned slots 29b at their distal ends, again at Figure 4 This configuration configures fluid communication between the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 via the first chamber 20d of the first housing, the intermediate connecting portion 28, and the second chambers 20e of the first and second housings.

[0046] The intermediate connection portion 28 is formed by assembling the segments 28a and 28b at either the distal end or the proximal end of the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the housing 20. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention shown, the intermediate connecting portion 28 is formed by assembling the segments 28a and 28b at the distal ends of the first and second portions 20a and 20b of the housing 20 opposite to the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 of the housing 20. Figure 4 and Figure 6 In another embodiment of the present invention shown, the intermediate connecting portion 28 is formed by assembling the segments 28a and 28b at the proximal ends of the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b of the second housing 20, and is disposed on the same side where the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 are disposed on the first housing 20. However, the present invention is not limited to any specific shape and configuration of the intermediate connecting portion 28, nor is it limited to whether the intermediate connecting portion 28 is formed at the distal end of the housing 20 opposite to the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 or at the proximal end of the second housing and on the same side of the inlet 24 and the outlet 26, as long as the intermediate connecting portion 28 is able to evenly distribute the fluid along the entire lateral side of the housing 20, the intermediate connecting portion 28 is formed along the entire lateral side of the housing 20 to achieve even distribution of the fluid to the heating element 10.

[0047] refer to Figure 7, the heating element 10 of the electric fluid heater 100 includes a tubular element 12, at least one core 14, and an electrically insulating and thermally conductive material layer 16. The lateral side 12a of the tubular element 12 has a curved profile. The core 14, for example, includes a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) resistor, and an electrode 14a is formed on at least one of its opposite sides. The electrode can be formed on the same side of the core 14 to solve the packaging problem. The core 14 is received in the tubular element 12, and the electrodes 14a emitted from the core 14 extend from both sides of the tubular element 12 to connect to a power source, so that power can be supplied by the heating element 10. The electrically insulating and thermally conductive material layer 16 is arranged in the annular space between the core 14 and the wall of the tubular element 12. With this configuration of the heating element 10, the tubular element 12 is electrically insulated relative to the core 14, but is in thermal contact with the core 14. With this configuration, the fluid around the heating element 10 is heated by the heating element 10, but the current is avoided from being transmitted to the fluid.

[0048] The electric fluid heater 100 also includes a turbulator 40 disposed in the annular space between the heating element 10 and the housing 20 to further enhance the contact and contact time between the fluid entering the housing 20 and the heating element 10, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the electric fluid heater 100. The electric fluid heater 100 of the present invention includes further features to improve the contact and contact time between the fluid received in the housing 20 and the heating element 10. For example, the housing 20 includes a middle groove 25 having a cross-section with a curved profile. The middle groove 25 extends orthogonally to the inlet 24 and the outlet 26. As shown in FIG. Figure 8 The portion between the heating elements 10 shown is prone to hot spots due to the absence of turbulators. The radius of curvature "R" of the cross section of the curved profile of the intermediate groove 25 is greater than the radius of curvature "r" of the curved profile of the lateral side of the tubular element 12. This configuration of the intermediate groove 25 increases heat transfer to the coolant, especially on the side wall of the heating element opposite to the coolant flow. In addition, this configuration helps to clear the fluid / coolant between the heating elements 10 and avoid "hot spots" in the side wall of the heating element tube. In addition, this configuration solves the pressure drop problem and the fluid is evenly distributed over the entire length of the heating element 10. More specifically, the intermediate groove 25 enables the fluid to reach the entire surface of the heating element 10 even if the size of the heating element is large. The intermediate groove 25 extends along the lateral side of the heating element 10 and is disposed between the heating elements 10 received in the housing 20. However, the present invention is not limited to any specific configuration, number and placement of the intermediate grooves 25, as long as the intermediate grooves solve the pressure drop problem and help to evenly distribute the fluid over the entire surface of the heating element 10.

[0049] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings.Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in ways other than those specifically described herein.

[0050] In any case, the present invention cannot and should not be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, as other embodiments are possible. The present invention shall extend to any equivalent means and any technically operable combination of means.

Claims

1. An electric fluid heater (100), comprising: • at least one heating element (10); • at least one housing (20), said housing (20) comprising: Part I (20a); and a second portion (20b) assembled to the first portion (20a) along an interface plane (20c) to define a housing for receiving the heating element (10) therein; a dividing groove (22) formed on the housing (20), the dividing groove (22) extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing (20) to divide the housing (20) into a first chamber (20d) for a first channel "A" and a second chamber (20e) for a second return channel "B" for fluid flow; an inlet (24) and an outlet (26), the inlet (24) supplying fluid to the first channel "A", and the outlet (26) collecting fluid from the second channel "B" after heat exchange with the heating element (10), Characterized in that the housing (20) is formed with an intermediate connecting portion (28), which is suitable for defining a U-turn trajectory "C", wherein the U-turn trajectory "C" forms a fluid connection between the first chamber (20d) and the second chamber (20e) along the plane of the heating element (10) and extends in the longitudinal direction along the lateral side of the heating element (10).

2. An electric fluid heater (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a pair of housings (20) stacked in an overlapping manner relative to each other, each housing (20) receiving at least one heating element (10), The inlet (24) and the outlet (26) are arranged at the proximal end of the first housing (20), and the intermediate connecting portion (28) is arranged at the proximal end of the second housing (20), The first chambers (20d) of adjacent first housings (20) are in fluid communication with each other via a first set of aligned slots (29a) at their distal ends, The first chamber (20d) and the second chamber (20e) of the second housing are in fluid communication with each other via the intermediate connecting portion (28), The second chambers (20e) of adjacent first housings (20) are in fluid communication with each other via a second set of aligned slots (29b) at their distal ends.

3. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first portion (20a) and the second portion (20b) of the housing (20) has a flat configuration.

4. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first portion (20a) and the second portion (20b) of the housing (20) are identical and symmetrical with respect to each other about the interface plane (20c).

5. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least a portion (10a) of the heating element (10) is disposed in the first chamber (20d), while the remaining portion (10b) of the heating element (10) is disposed in the second chamber (20e) of the housing (20).

6. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The separation groove (22) is centrally disposed relative to the housing (20) and separates the first channel "A" from the second channel "B".

7. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inlet (24) and the outlet (26) are formed by assembling complementary profiles (24a, 26a) and (24b, 26b) formed respectively on the first part (20a) and the second part (20b) of the housing (20), the complementary profiles (24a, 26a) and (24b, 26b) being received and retained in sleeves (30a) and (30b).

8. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The inlet (24) and the outlet (26) are centrally located relative to the respective first chamber (20d) and the second chamber (20e).

9. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate connecting portion (28) has a cross section which varies along the longitudinal direction of the heating element (10).

10. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The intermediate connection portion (28) is formed by assembling sections (28a) and (28b) at any one of the distal ends and the proximal ends of the first portion (20a) and the second portion (20b) of the housing (20).

11. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The intermediate connecting portion (28) has a maximum cross section at the center and gradually decreases from the center to the corresponding lateral sides of the housing (20).

12. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a turbulator (40) arranged in an annular space between the heating element (10) and the housing (20).

13. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing (20) further comprises a middle groove (25) having a cross section with a curved profile, the middle groove (25) extending along the lateral sides of the heating elements (10) and arranged between the heating elements (10) received in the housing (20).

14. An electric fluid heater (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The heating element (10) comprises: • a tubular element (12), wherein said lateral side (12a) of said tubular element (12) has a curved profile; • at least one core (14) received in the tubular element (12) and having the electrodes (14a) formed on at least one side of the core (14), the electrodes (14a) extending from both sides of the tubular element (12) to enable power to be supplied through the heating element (10); • A layer (16) of electrically insulating and thermally conductive material is arranged in the annular space between the electrode (14a) and the wall of the tubular element (12).

15. The electric fluid heater (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein The cross-section of the curved profile of the intermediate groove (25) has a radius of curvature "R" greater than the radius of curvature "r" of the curved profile of the lateral side of the tubular element (12).

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