Plate heat exchanger

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a plate heat exchanger (1) comprising a set of heat exchanger plates (2), each heat exchanger plate having a peripheral portion (4) and a number of port portions (6a, 6b) with flow ports (8a, 8b) communicating with flow passages (12) between adjacent heat exchanger plates (2). First guide ribs (50) are arranged in the port portions (6a, 6b), these first guide ribs (50) in every other flow path (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2) being configured to direct and distribute a first heat exchange medium (18) from the first inlet channel (16a) to the heat exchange portion (14) and from the heat exchange portion (14) to the first outlet channel (16b), and in that the first guide ribs (50) are configured to direct and distribute a second heat exchange medium (18) from the first inlet channel (16a) to the first outlet channel (16b) to the second outlet channel (16b). Second guide ribs (52) are arranged in the port portions (6a, 6b), these second guide ribs (52) in the remaining flow passages (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2) being configured to direct and distribute a second heat exchange medium (22) from the second inlet channel (20a) to the heat exchange portion (14) and from the heat exchange portion (14) to the second outlet channel (20b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a plate heat exchanger. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a plate heat exchanger as defined in the preamble of the independent claim. Background Art

[0002] The plate heat exchangers permanently connected to each other do not require separate seals between the plates, and do not require an external frame to hold the plates together. The plates can be permanently connected by brazing, soldering, welding or gluing (instead of an external frame). The joints between the plates have a pressure bearing function and can therefore resist the pressure from the heat exchange medium in the plate heat exchanger. The joints can be formed by a joining method in which the plates are subjected to heat lower than the melting point of the plates. Such joining methods may be one of the following: brazing with an added brazing material in the form of a foil, paste or powder, for example, including copper or nickel, or by applying a melting inhibitor composition applied to the plates before heating to join with the aid of the material of the plates (for example, as discussed in document WO2013144211A1).

[0003] The inlet and outlet channels in the port sections of the plates have a large projected area and connecting joints are provided between the heat exchanger plates. In order to enable a large volume flow of the heat exchange medium through the plate heat exchanger, the diameter of the inlet and outlet channels is increased so that the exposed area of ​​the channels in the direction of the flow path in the heat exchanger is increased. Furthermore, when the diameter of the inlet and outlet channels is increased, the flow of the heat exchange medium between the plates in the heat exchanger is distributed more evenly. Furthermore, the distance between the inlet and outlet channels can have an influence on the distribution of the heat exchange medium between the plates.

[0004] Document KR1020180028704A discloses a plate heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger plate provided with distribution channels pressed directly into the heat exchanger plate. The distribution channels are formed from grooves pressed into the heat exchanger plate. The heat exchange medium introduced via the fluid inlet is divided into several branches formed by the distribution channels. The heat exchange medium is distributed to the fin insert. After the heat exchange medium passes through the fin insert, the heat exchange medium is guided through another set of distribution channels for gathering the heat exchange medium to the fluid outlet. Summary of the invention

[0005] The distribution of the heat exchange medium from the inlet channels to the fins may be important in different situations because the distribution of the heat exchange medium in the heat transfer portion in which the fin insert is located affects the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger. Uneven distribution of the heat exchange medium in the heat transfer portion may reduce the heat transfer performance. Uneven distribution of the heat exchange medium may depend on how the distribution channels in the heat exchanger plates mesh with the heat transfer portion. In addition, any differences or irregularities in the shape or outfit of the heat exchange portion, such as bypass channels, may affect the heat transfer performance due to uneven distribution of the heat exchange medium in the heat transfer portion. In addition, when the overall size of the plate heat exchanger is increased, the flow of the heat exchange medium between the plates in the heat exchanger may be subject to turbulence, which affects the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger.

[0006] Notwithstanding the known solutions in the art, it would be desirable to develop a plate heat exchanger that overcomes or alleviates at least some of the problems associated with prior art plate heat exchangers.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above identified problems of the prior art and to at least address the above mentioned difficulties.

[0008] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a plate heat exchanger with improved heat exchange performance.

[0009] These objects are achieved with the above mentioned plate heat exchanger according to the appended claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a plate heat exchanger is provided, the plate heat exchanger comprising: a group of heat exchanger plates, each heat exchanger plate having a peripheral portion and a plurality of port portions with through-flow ports; wherein the heat exchanger plates are permanently joined along their peripheral portions to adjacent heat exchanger plates in the group so that they leave flow passages in the heat exchange portions between adjacent heat exchanger plates; wherein the through-flow ports of the heat exchanger plates are aligned and form a first inlet channel and a first outlet channel through the group for a first heat exchange medium and a second inlet channel and a second outlet channel through the group for a second heat exchange medium, the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel being in communication with every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates, and the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel being in communication with the remaining flow passages between the heat exchanger plates; and wherein along each of the inlet channel and the outlet channel, the port portions of the adjacent heat exchanger plates forming flow passages separated from the inlet channel and the outlet channel, respectively, are permanently joined between an outer line and an inner line around the inlet channel and the outlet channel, respectively, the inner line being positioned to be more close to the inlet channel and the outlet channel, characterized in that first guide ribs are arranged in the port portion, these first guide ribs in every other flow channel between the heat exchanger plates are configured to guide and distribute the first heat exchange medium from the first inlet channel to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to the first outlet channel, and in that second guide ribs are arranged in the port portion, these second guide ribs in the remaining flow channels between the heat exchanger plates are configured to guide and distribute the second heat exchange medium from the second inlet channel to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to the second outlet channel, wherein fins are arranged in the heat exchange portion of the flow channel between adjacent heat exchanger plates, these fins respectively generating a number of parallel guide channels for each of the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium, wherein the fins are generated by a corrugated metal sheet having peaks and troughs, and wherein a number of first and second guide ribs extend into the mixing zone and abut against corresponding end portions of the fins for positioning and guiding the corrugated metal sheet of the fin in the heat exchange portion of the flow channel.

[0011] The plate heat exchanger may include several heat exchanger plates, which are arranged above each other between the upper outer cover plate and the lower outer cover plate. The ports of the heat exchanger plates are aligned so that they form an inlet channel and an outlet channel, which are limited by the non-penetrating port portion of the lower outer cover plate at the bottom and are communicated with the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe at the top, respectively. The heat exchanger may have an inlet channel and an outlet channel for each of the two heat exchange media, which are located in the end portion of the heat exchanger plate. The heat exchanger may alternatively be provided with several inlet or outlet channels. The shape and position of the channel can be freely selected. The flow of the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium may be parallel in the heat exchange portion of the heat exchanger. However, the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel may be arranged diagonally relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchange portion. In addition, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel may be arranged diagonally relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchange portion. Alternatively, the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel may be aligned relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchange portion. In addition, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel may be aligned relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchange portion. Several heat exchanger plates of a heat exchanger together form a group of heat exchanger plates. The heat exchanger plate may have a rectangular form, but other forms may be possible, such as a circular heat exchanger plate. The number of heat exchanger plates of a heat exchanger depends on the desired capacity. For the connection of the heat exchanger, a suitable amount of plates are stacked on each other, followed by brazing, soldering, welding or gluing to connect adjacent plates together. Adjacent heat exchanger plates are permanently connected to each other. Therefore, no separate gasket is required between the plates, and no outer frame is required to keep the plates together. The expression permanently connected mainly refers to brazing, but also refers to, for example, soldering, welding or gluing. The joint can be formed by a connection method in which the plate is subjected to heat lower than the melting point of the plate. Such a connection method may be one of the following: brazing with an added brazing material in the form of a foil, paste or powder, for example, including copper or nickel, or by applying a melting inhibitor composition applied to the plate before heating to connect with the material of the plate. The peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plate may be provided with sides and edges. The side of one heat exchanger plate can be connected to the side of an adjacent heat exchanger plate. The connected side will ensure a fluid-tight connection along the peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plate. The edge increases the rigidity and overall strength of the plate heat exchanger. However, the edge can be excluded from the heat exchanger plate. The port portion surrounds an inlet or outlet channel that is connected to the flow path formed by the plate. The port portion can be placed in the two end planes of the plate that are positioned farthest away from each other. At least one connecting portion within the inner line described above in each port portion also avoids the port of the plate from becoming oval during the manufacture of the plate. The connecting portion can be formed as an integral part of the corresponding heat exchanger plate. Alternatively, the connecting portion can be formed by a loose element arranged between the heat exchanger plates. The flow path is constructed between adjacent plates. In the flow path, the heat exchange medium flows through the plate heat exchanger.Adjacent heat exchanger plates are connected and combined at several positions on their surfaces. Flow paths are left between these combined positions. The heat exchange portion is arranged between adjacent plates and between the end portions of the heat exchanger. In the heat exchange portion, heat is transferred from one of the heat exchange mediums to another heat exchange medium. Stacking the individual heat exchanger plates on each other will align the flow ports of the plates. The aligned flow ports form inlet channels and outlet channels through the plate group. The first inlet channel and the first outlet channel are connected to every other flow channel between the heat exchanger plates. The second inlet channel and the second outlet channel are connected to the remaining flow channels between the heat exchanger plates. There is only heat exchange between every other flow channel and the remaining flow channels, and there is no fluid communication between these separated channels. Compared with the outer line, the inner line is positioned closer to the inlet channel and the outlet channel, respectively. The plate gap is located in the area surrounding the inlet channel and the outlet channel, respectively, between the outer line and the inlet channel or the outlet channel itself. Along each of the inlet channel and the outlet channel, at least one connecting portion is arranged in the plate gap. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may be configured as a separate part or as an integral part of the heat exchanger plate. The first guide rib and the second guide rib are arranged at the port portion of the plate. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may extend between the area of ​​the throughflow port and the area of ​​the heat exchange portion. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may be configured to guide the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium in two directions along the ribs and between the ribs. When the heat exchange medium flows in the direction from the port to the heat exchange portion, the heat exchange medium will be dispersed in an area larger than the area at the port. When the heat exchange medium flows in the direction from the heat exchange portion to the port, the heat exchange medium will be concentrated in an area smaller than the area at the heat exchange portion. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may also be configured to guide and position the heat exchange portion in the heat exchanger plate. In this case, the heat exchange portion may be a portion separated from the heat exchanger plate, which may be positioned between the port portions provided with the first guide rib and the second guide rib. During the manufacture of the plate heat exchanger, the heat exchange portion may be first positioned between the port portions and guided to the correct position by the first and second guide ribs, and then the heat exchange portion may be securely connected to the heat exchanger plate by, for example, brazing, soldering, welding or gluing. The plate heat exchanger provided with the above-mentioned guide ribs will improve the heat exchange performance of the plate heat exchanger.

[0012] The first guide rib and the second guide rib may constitute an integral part of the heat exchanger plate. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may be manufactured simultaneously with the heat exchanger plate. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may be permanently attached to the heat exchanger plate. When the first guide rib and the second guide rib constitute an integral part of the heat exchanger plate, the position of the first guide rib and the second guide rib relative to the heat exchanger part on the heat exchanger plate is fixed.

[0013] The heat exchanger plate may be made of a thin material and provided with first and second guide ribs formed on one side, each first and second guide rib being formed in a port portion of the heat exchanger plate. The first and second guide ribs may be formed in the surface of the heat exchanger plate during the manufacture of the plate. After the plate is manufactured in a first step, the manufacture of the ribs may be shaped in a second step.

[0014] The first guide rib and the second guide rib may be arranged in a separate sheet element, and wherein such sheet element is arranged in the respective port portion. The separate sheet may be made of a thin material. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may be formed in the surface of the separate sheet element. The separate sheet element may be connected to the respective port portion and permanently attached to the heat exchanger plate by a brazed, soldered, welded or glued joint.

[0015] The height of the first guide rib and the second guide rib may respectively correspond to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates in the port portion. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may extend between two adjacent heat exchanger plates. The space between the ribs leaves a flow path, which defines a guide path for the heat exchange medium. The first guide rib and the second guide rib may be brazed, soldered, welded or glued to the surface of the adjacent plates. However, a portion of the rib along the length of the rib may have a reduced height.

[0016] Fins may be arranged in the heat exchange portion of the flow path between adjacent heat exchanger plates, the fins may respectively create several parallel guide channels for each of the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium. The fins may guide the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium to flow in parallel through the heat exchange portion. The fins may be made of a heat conductive material such as steel or an aluminum alloy. Several individual fins may be arranged in parallel in the heat exchange portion, extending in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger, and creating guide channels between the individual fins. Alternatively, the individual fins may be connected to each other.

[0017] Each parallel guide channel may be defined by the walls of the fins and the heat exchanger plates. Each fin may extend between two adjacent heat exchanger plates. The surfaces of two adjacent plates and the surfaces of two adjacent fins may define a guide channel. The fins may be brazed, soldered, welded or glued to the surfaces of two adjacent plates. The distance between the fins and the distance between the plates affect the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the individual guide channels. The distance between the fins may also determine the number of fins and channels in the heat exchange section. The shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the individual guide channels may have an influence on the volume flow of the heat exchange medium in the guide channels.

[0018] The fins may be produced from corrugated metal sheets having crests and troughs. The fins may be produced from corrugated sheets of heat conducting material. The fins may have a wave shape. Parallel guide channels may be produced between the crests and between the troughs of the corrugated fins. In the heat exchange portion between adjacent heat exchanger plates, the crests may be configured to be rigidly connected to the heat exchanger plates, and the troughs may be configured to be rigidly connected to adjacent heat exchanger plates. The crests and troughs may be brazed, soldered, welded or glued to the surfaces of two adjacent plates. The distance between the crests, the distance between the troughs and the distance between the plates affect the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the individual guide channels. The distance between the crests and the distance between the troughs may also determine the number of fins and channels in the heat exchange portion. The shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the individual guide channels may have an influence on the volume flow of the heat exchange medium in the guide channels.

[0019] The wave height of the fin of the corrugated metal sheet may correspond to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates in the heat exchange section. The wave height of the fin of the corrugated metal sheet may correspond to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates in the heat exchange section. The crests and troughs of the fin may extend between two adjacent heat exchanger plates. The surface of one of the two adjacent plates and the surfaces of the two adjacent fins having a common crest define a guide channel. The crests and troughs of the fin of the corrugated sheet may be brazed, soldered, welded or glued to the surfaces of the two adjacent plates. The distance between the walls of the two adjacent fins at the midpoint of the height of the fin is in the range of 0.25-10 mm, preferably in the range of 0.35-3 mm, and most preferably in the range of 0.5-1 mm. Such a configuration of the distance between the walls of the two adjacent fins at the midpoint of the height of the fin may result in the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the individual guide channels having a low impact on the volume flow of the heat exchange medium in the guide channel. Furthermore, when the distance between the walls of two adjacent fins at the midpoint of the height of the fin is within this range, the pressure drop over the heat exchanging portion may be low.

[0020] Several first guide ribs and second guide ribs may extend to a position at a distance from the respective end portions of the fins, and the distance between the respective end portions of the fins and the first guide ribs and the second guide ribs may be configured as a mixing zone, which is used to mix and balance the volume flow of the first heat exchange medium before entering the parallel guide channels generated by the fins, and to mix and balance the volume flow of the second heat exchange medium before entering the parallel guide channels generated by the fins. The number of guide ribs may be different from the number of fins. The number of fins may be greater than the number of guide ribs. The spaces between the ribs leave flow passages that define guide passages for the heat exchange medium, which may be wider and larger than the guide passages between the fins. The end portions of the guide ribs are arranged at a distance from the end portions of the fins to avoid the end portions of the guide ribs blocking the guide channels generated by the fins. In addition, the design creates a mixing zone between the ribs and the fins so that the fluid can be evenly redistributed on the fin channels.

[0021] Several first and second guide ribs may extend into the mixing zone and abut against the respective end portions of the fins for positioning and guiding the corrugated metal sheet of the fins in the heat exchange portion of the flow passage. The end portions of several guide ribs may abut against the respective end portions of the fins for positioning and guiding the corrugated metal sheet of the fins. Thus, the guide ribs may be configured to guide and position the corrugated metal sheet of the fins within the heat exchanger plate. In this case, the corrugated metal sheet of the fin may be a portion separated from the heat exchanger plate, which may be positioned between the port portions provided with the guide ribs. During the manufacture of the plate heat exchanger, the corrugated metal sheet of the fin may first be positioned between the port portions and guided to the correct position by the end portions of the guide ribs extending into the mixing zone. Subsequently, the corrugated metal sheet of the fin is securely connected to the heat exchanger plate by, for example, brazing, soldering, welding or gluing. A plate heat exchanger provided with the above-mentioned guide ribs extending into the mixing zone and against the respective end portions of the fins will position the corrugated metal sheets of the fins correctly and thus improve the heat exchange performance of the plate heat exchanger. The guide ribs against the respective end portions of the fins may block some of the guide channels generated by the fins. However, most of the guide channels may not be blocked by the guide ribs. Alternatively, the volume flow of the heat exchange medium may be mixed and balanced in the mixing zone before entering the parallel guide channels generated by the fins. Along the length of the ribs, a portion of the ribs extending into the mixing zone and adjacent to the fins may have a reduced height. The reduced height can connect the mixing zone so that the heat exchange medium can flow through and pass through the ribs with a reduced height. This configuration of the end portions of the ribs may not block some of the guide channels generated by the fins.

[0022] The outermost guide ribs of the first guide rib and the second guide rib may extend into the mixing zone and abut the corresponding end portions of the fins to prevent the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium from flowing in the bypass channel formed between the peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plate and the outermost fin in the heat exchange portion, respectively. Because the corrugated metal sheet of the fins in the heat exchange portion may have a width smaller than the width of the heat exchanger plate, a bypass channel without fins may appear between the outermost fin and the peripheral side portion of the heat exchanger plate. Uneven distribution of the heat exchange medium in the heat transfer portion may reduce the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger. The uneven distribution of the heat exchange medium may depend on how the guide channels of the ribs and fins are engaged with the heat transfer portion. In addition, any differences or irregularities in the heat exchange portion (such as bypass channels) may affect the heat transfer performance due to the uneven distribution of the heat exchange medium in the heat transfer portion. The outermost guide ribs abutting the corresponding end portions of the outermost fins prevent the heat exchange medium from flowing in the bypass channel. This will balance the volume flow of the heat exchange medium entering the parallel guide channels generated by the fins.

[0023] From the following details and through practicing the present invention, additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be clear to those skilled in the art. Although the present invention is described below, it should be clear that the present invention may not be limited to the details specifically described. Those skilled in the art who can obtain the teachings herein will recognize additional applications, modifications and combinations in other fields within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above objects as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 schematically shows a plate heat exchanger according to an example in a perspective view;

[0026] Figure 2 Along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along line XX in FIG schematically shows a plate heat exchanger according to an example;

[0027] Figure 3 Along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along line VV in FIG. 1 schematically shows a plate heat exchanger according to an example;

[0028] Figure 4 Along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along line VV in FIG. 1 schematically shows a plate heat exchanger according to an example;

[0029] Figure 5A heat exchanger plate according to an example is schematically shown in a view from above;

[0030] Figure 6 by Figure 5 A view from above of the mixing zone indicated in is schematically shown;

[0031] Figure 7-9 Along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view along line ZZ in illustratively shows an example of a portion of a plate heat exchanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the skilled person.

[0033] Figure 1 A plate heat exchanger 1 according to an example is schematically shown in a perspective view. The plate heat exchanger 1 comprises a group of heat exchanger plates 2, each heat exchanger plate having a peripheral portion 4 and several port portions 6a, 6b with throughflow ports 8a, 8b. The heat exchanger plates 2 are permanently joined along their peripheral portions 4 to adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 in the group, so that they leave flow passages 12 ( Figure 2 ). The through-flow ports 8a, 8b of the heat exchanger plates 2 are aligned and form a through group of first inlet channels 16a and first outlet channels 16b for the first heat exchange medium 18 and a through group of second inlet channels 20a and second outlet channels 20b for the second heat exchange medium 22, the first inlet channels 16a and first outlet channels 16b being connected to every other flow passage 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2, and the second inlet channels 20a and second outlet channels 20b being connected to the remaining flow passages 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2. The port portions 6a, 6b of two adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 are placed at the end plane 42 of the heat exchanger plates 2 located farthest from each other, and these port portions 6a, 6b surround the inlet or outlet channels 16a, 16b; 20a, 20b connected to the flow passages 12 formed by the heat exchanger plates 2.

[0034] Figure 2 Along Figure 1The cross-sectional view along the line XX in FIG. 1 schematically shows a part of a plate heat exchanger 1 according to an example. The heat exchanger plates 2 are permanently joined along their peripheral portions 4 to adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 in the group so that they leave a flow passage 12 in the heat exchange portion 14 between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2. Fins 32 are arranged in the heat exchange portion 14 of the flow passage 12 between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2, which fins 32 respectively create several parallel guide channels 34 for each of the first heat exchange medium 18 and the second heat exchange medium 22. The peripheral portion of the heat exchange plate is provided with side faces 23 and edges 25.

[0035] Figure 3 Along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along the line VV in FIG. 2 schematically shows a plate heat exchanger 1 according to an example. According to the example, each connecting portion 28 generates a solid line around the outlet channel 16 b or the inlet channel 20 a, respectively. The second inlet channel 20 a communicates with every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates 2. The first outlet channel 16 b communicates with the remaining flow passages between the heat exchanger plates 2. Fins 32 are arranged between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2, which fins 32 generate several parallel guide channels 34.

[0036] Figure 4 Along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along the line VV in FIG. 1 schematically shows a plate heat exchanger 1 according to an example. Along each of the inlet and outlet channels 6 b, 20 a, the heat exchanger plates 2 are permanently joined by connecting portions 28. The connecting portions 28 are arranged to hold the port portions 6 a, 6 b of adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 together along the inlet and outlet channels 16 b, 20 a. Along each of the inlet and outlet channels 16 b, 20 a, at least one connecting portion 28 is arranged in a plate interspace 30 communicating with the inlet and outlet channels 16 b, 20 a, respectively, and is permanently connected to two adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 in each such plate interspace 30. Fins 32 are arranged between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2, which fins 32 create several parallel guide channels 34.

[0037] Figure 5 A heat exchanger plate 2 according to an example is schematically shown in a view from above. The peripheral portion 4 surrounds the entire plate 2. Throughflow ports 8a, 8b are arranged in the heat exchanger plate 2, which together with the throughflow ports 8a, 8b of the other plates 2 are configured to form a heat exchanger plate 2 through a group of plates 2 ( Figure 1 ) inlet and outlet channels 16a, 16b; 20a, 20b. First guide ribs 50 are arranged in the port portions 6a, 6b, and these first guide ribs 50 in every other flow passage 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2 are configured to guide the first heat exchange medium 18 ( Figure 1) is guided and distributed from the first inlet channel 16a to the heat exchange portion 14 and from the heat exchange portion 14 to the first outlet channel 16b, and in that the second guide ribs 52 are arranged in the port portions 6a, 6b, and these second guide ribs 52 in the remaining flow passages 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2 are configured to guide the second heat exchange medium 22 ( Figure 1 ) is guided and distributed from the second inlet channel 20a to the heat exchange portion 14 and from the heat exchange portion 14 to the second outlet channel 20b. The first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 constitute an integral part of the heat exchanger plate 2. However, the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 may be arranged in a separate sheet element 54, and the separate sheet element 54 may be arranged in the corresponding port portion 6a, 6b. The heat exchanger plate 2 is made of a thin material and is provided with the first and second guide ribs 50, 52 formed on one side, each of which is formed in the port portion 6a, 6b of the heat exchanger plate 2.

[0038] Figure 6 by Figure 5 The first guide ribs 50 and the second guide ribs 52 extend to a position at a distance from the respective end portions 56 of the fins 32, and the distance between the respective end portions 56 of the fins 32 and the first guide ribs 50 and the second guide ribs 52 is configured as a mixing zone 58, which is used to make the first heat exchange medium 18 ( Figure 1 ) before entering the parallel guide channels 34 created by the fins 32, and for mixing and balancing the volume flow of the second heat exchange medium 22 before entering the parallel guide channels 34 created by the fins 32. A plurality of first guide ribs 50 and second guide ribs 52 extend into the mixing zone and abut against respective end portions 56 of the fins 32 for positioning and guiding the corrugated metal sheet 38 of the fins 32 in the heat exchange portion 14 of the flow passage 12. The outermost guide ribs 50a, 52a of the first and second guide ribs 50, 52 extend into the mixing zone 58 and abut against respective end portions 56 of the fins 32 for preventing the first and second heat exchange media 18, 22 ( Figure 1 ) flows in the bypass channel 60 formed between the peripheral portion 4 of the heat exchanger plate 2 and the outermost fin 32a in the heat exchange portion 14, which is also Figure 7 Shown in.

[0039] Figure 7-9 Along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view along the line ZZ in FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a portion of the plate heat exchanger 1. The heights rh1 of the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 correspond to the port portions 6a, 6b ( Figure 5) in the heat exchange portion 14. However, the ribs 50, 52 extending into the mixing zone 58 and adjacent to the fins 32 may have a reduced height rh2. The reduced height rh2 may connect the mixing zone 58 so that the heat exchange medium 18, 22 may flow over and through the ribs 50, 52 with the reduced height rh2. The fins 32 are arranged in the heat exchange portion 14 of the flow passage 12 between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2, and these fins 32 respectively produce several parallel guide channels 34 for each of the first heat exchange medium 18 and the second heat exchange medium 22. Each parallel guide channel 32 is defined by the wall 36 of the fin 32 and the heat exchanger plate 2. The fins 32 are produced by a corrugated metal sheet 38 having wave crests p1, p2 and wave troughs t1, t2. The wave height wh of the fins 32 of the corrugated metal sheet 38 corresponds to the distance d between two adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 in the heat exchange portion 14. In Figure 7 In the embodiment, the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 are arranged in a separate sheet element 54, which is arranged between the plates 2. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 are formed from the heat exchange plate 2 by a suitable manufacturing method. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the fin 32 has Figure 7 The shape of the fin 32 in FIG. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , at the midpoint of the height MH of the wave height wh of the fin 32, the width wr of the rib is greater than the width wd between the walls 36 of the two fins 32. Fig. 9 , the outermost guide ribs 50a, 52a of the first guide ribs 50 and the second guide ribs 52 extend into the mixing zone 58 and abut against the respective end portions 56 of the fins 32 for preventing the first heat exchange medium 18 and the second heat exchange medium 22, respectively, from flowing in the bypass channels 60 formed between the peripheral portion 4 of the heat exchanger plate 2 and the outermost fins 32a in the heat exchange portion 14. The outermost guide ribs 50a, 52a are formed in the plate 2 and in a portion of the side surface 23 of the plate 2.

[0040] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the variations described. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best illustrate the principles and practical applications, and thereby enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention in its various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for its intended use. Within the framework of the present disclosure, the components and features specified above may be combined between the different embodiments specified.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (1), comprising: A set of heat exchanger plates (2), each heat exchanger plate having a peripheral portion (4) and a plurality of port portions (6a, 6b) with through-flow ports (8a, 8b); wherein the heat exchanger plates (2) are permanently joined along their peripheral portions (4) to adjacent heat exchanger plates (2) in the group such that they leave flow passages (12) in the heat exchange portions (14) between adjacent heat exchanger plates (2); wherein the through-flow ports (8a, 8b) of the heat exchanger plates (2) are aligned and form a first inlet channel (16a) and a first outlet channel (16b) for a first heat exchange medium (18) through the group and a second inlet channel (20a) and a second outlet channel (20b) for a second heat exchange medium (22) through the group, the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel being in communication with every other flow passage (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2), and the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel being in communication with the remaining flow passages (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2); and wherein along each of the inlet and outlet channels (16a, 16b; 20a, 20b), the port portions (6a, 6b) of adjacent heat exchanger plates (2) forming a flow passage (12) separated from the inlet and outlet channels (16a, 16b; 20a, 20b), respectively, are permanently connected around the inlet and outlet channels (16a, 16b; 20a, 20b), respectively, between an outer line (24) and an inner line (26), the inner line (26) being located closer to the inlet and outlet channels, respectively, characterized in that A first guide rib (50) is arranged in the port portions (6a, 6b), the first guide rib (50) in every other flow passage (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2) being configured to guide and distribute the first heat exchange medium (18) from the first inlet channel (16a) to the heat exchange portion (14) and from the heat exchange portion (14) to the first outlet channel (16b), and a second guide rib (52) is arranged in the port portions (6a, 6b), the second guide rib (52) in the remaining flow passages (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2) being configured to guide and distribute the second heat exchange medium (22) from the second inlet channel (20a) to the heat exchange portion (14) and from the heat exchange portion (14) to the first outlet channel (16b). to the second outlet channel (20b), wherein fins (32) are arranged in the heat exchange portion (14) of the flow passage (12) between the adjacent heat exchanger plates (2), the fins (32) generating a plurality of parallel guide channels (34) for each of the first heat exchange medium (18) and the second heat exchange medium (22), respectively, wherein the fins (32) are generated by a corrugated metal sheet (38) having wave crests (p1, p2) and wave troughs (t1, t2), and wherein a plurality of the first guide ribs (50) and the second guide ribs (52) extend into the mixing zone and abut against respective end portions (56) of the fins (32) for positioning and guiding the corrugated metal sheet (38) of the fins (32) in the heat exchange portion (14) of the flow passage (12).

2. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) form components of the heat exchanger plate (2).

3. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The heat exchanger plate (2) is made of a thin material and is provided with first and second guide ribs (50, 52) formed on one side, each of the first and second guide ribs (50, 52) being formed in the port portion (6a, 6b) of the heat exchanger plate (2).

4. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) are arranged in separate sheet elements (54), and wherein such sheet elements (54) are arranged in respective port sections (6a, 6b).

5. A heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heights (rh) of the first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) respectively correspond to the distance (d) between two adjacent heat exchanger plates (2) in the port portions (6a, 6b).

6. A heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each parallel guide channel (32) is delimited by a wall (36) of the fin (32) and a heat exchanger plate (2).

7. A heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The wave height (wh) of the fins (32) of the corrugated metal sheet (38) corresponds to the distance (d) between two adjacent heat exchanger plates (2) in the heat exchange portion (14).

8. A heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A plurality of the first guide ribs (50) and the second guide ribs (52) extend to a position at a distance from the corresponding end portion (56) of the fin (32), and the distance between the corresponding end portion (56) of the fin (32) and the first guide ribs (50) and the second guide ribs (52) is configured as a mixing zone (58), and the mixing zone (58) is used to mix and balance the volume flow of the first heat exchange medium (18) before entering the parallel guide channels (34) generated by the fin (32), and to mix and balance the volume flow of the second heat exchange medium (22) before entering the parallel guide channels (34) generated by the fin (32).

9. A heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outermost guide ribs (50a, 52a) of the first guide ribs (50) and the second guide ribs (52) extend into the mixing zone (58) and abut against respective end portions (56) of the fins (32) for preventing the first heat exchange medium (18) and the second heat exchange medium (22) from flowing in bypass channels (60) formed between the peripheral portion (4) of the heat exchanger plate (2) and the outermost fins (32a) in the heat exchange portion (14).

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