Micro-channel plate exchanger

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of heat exchangers, and relates to a micro-channel plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger shell, a cover cap and a pipeline connecting piece are arranged at the two ends of the heat exchanger shell, an alternating type double-flow-channel heat exchange structure is arranged in the heat exchanger shell, and an end alignment fixing piece used for fixing the alternating type double-flow-channel heat exchange structure is arranged between the cover cap and the heat exchanger shell. A traditional single-layer plate sheet stacking mode is broken through, a double-layer micro-channel structure (flat tube staggering or tube fin combination) with alternate inner and outer flow channels is adopted, heat exchange area maximization and structure compactness are achieved through geometric layout optimization, traditional stainless steel flow channels are replaced with aluminum alloy materials, the weight is reduced, meanwhile, the heat conduction efficiency is improved, and energy consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of heat exchangers and relates to a microchannel plate heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] Traditional plate heat exchangers (referred to as "plate heat exchangers") typically use stacked stainless steel plates to form flow channels, achieving heat exchange through plate contact. However, this type of structure has the following drawbacks: Loose structure: The stainless steel plates are thick and the flow channel layout is simple, resulting in a large overall volume and weight, making it difficult to meet the installation requirements of compact equipment; Limited heat exchange efficiency: The single-layer flow channel design results in insufficient heat exchange area, and the low thermal conductivity of stainless steel limits heat transfer efficiency; Cost and process issues: The high cost of stainless steel materials and the complex plate welding or assembly process can easily lead to flow channel leakage or insufficient structural stability. With the trend towards miniaturization and efficiency of industrial equipment, there is an urgent need to design a microchannel plate heat exchanger that can overcome the above drawbacks.

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, people have continuously explored and proposed various solutions. For example, a Chinese patent discloses a microchannel plate-fin heat exchanger and its forming and assembly method [Application Number: 201910849193.0]. The plate-fin heat exchanger is mainly composed of an upper fin plate, a lower fin plate, a seal, and a fin. The microchannel is formed by the assembled gaps between the upper and lower fin plates, the seal, and the fins. The present invention enables the hydraulic equivalent diameter of the plate-fin heat exchanger flow channel to reach the range of 0.01mm to 1mm, which meets the definition of a microchannel and becomes a new microchannel plate-fin heat exchanger. However, during use, this solution still suffers from the defects of average heat exchange efficiency and insufficient heat exchange area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a microchannel plate exchanger in view of the above problems.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A microchannel plate exchanger includes a heat exchanger shell, with covers and pipe connectors provided at both ends of the heat exchanger shell. An alternating double-channel heat exchange structure is installed in the heat exchanger shell, and end alignment fixings for fixing the alternating double-channel heat exchange structure are provided between the cover and the heat exchanger shell.

[0007] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate exchanger, the alternating dual-channel heat exchange structure includes a plurality of inner channel flat tubes and outer channel flat tubes arranged in the heat exchanger shell, the inner channel flat tubes and outer channel flat tubes are arranged alternately, and the inner channel flat tubes and outer channel flat tubes are respectively clamped with end alignment fixings.

[0008] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate exchanger, the inner flow channel flat tubes and the outer flow channel flat tubes have a plurality of fluid channels therein and are both made of aluminum alloy material. Adjacent inner flow channel flat tubes and outer flow channel flat tubes are alternately welded and fixed to each other.

[0009] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate exchanger, the length of the inner flow channel flat tube is smaller than the length of the outer flow channel flat tube.

[0010] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate exchanger, the end alignment fixing member includes an inner fixing frame and an outer fixing frame arranged between the cover and the heat exchanger shell, the upper and lower inner walls of the inner fixing frame are provided with a plurality of flat tube alignment notches, the left and right inner walls of the inner fixing frame are provided with a plurality of flat tube anti-slip installation wide grooves, and the outer fixing frame is provided with a plurality of outer flow channel flat tube slots.

[0011] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate exchanger, a connecting bracket is provided between the inner fixed frame and the outer fixed frame, and the pipe connector includes an inner connector and an outer connector provided on the cover, the inner connector corresponds to the position of the inner flow channel flat tube, and the outer connector corresponds to the position of the outer flow channel flat tube.

[0012] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate heat exchanger, the alternating dual-channel heat exchange structure includes a plurality of inner fins and outer flat tubes arranged in the heat exchanger shell, and the inner fins and outer flat tubes are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0013] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate exchanger, a plurality of fluid channels are provided in the inner fins and the outer flat tubes, and the length of the inner fins is shorter than that of the outer flat tubes.

[0014] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate heat exchanger, the end alignment fixture includes a flat tube fixing frame and a fin positioning plate arranged between the cover and the heat exchanger shell. The flat tube fixing frame is provided with a plurality of fixing grooves for fixing the outer flat tubes.

[0015] In the above-mentioned microchannel plate heat exchanger, the pipeline connector includes a top plate arranged between the cover and the heat exchanger shell, and the top plate is provided with an inner port and an outer port.

[0016] Compared with the existing technology, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0017] 1. The present invention breaks through the traditional single-layer plate stacking mode and adopts a double-layer microchannel structure with alternating inner and outer flow channels (flat tube staggered or tube-fin combination), which maximizes the heat exchange area and achieves a compact structure through geometric layout optimization.

[0018] 2. The present invention replaces the traditional stainless steel flow channel with aluminum alloy material, thereby reducing weight while improving thermal conductivity and reducing energy consumption.

[0019] 3. The present invention accurately fixes the flow channel structure through end alignment fixtures, avoids loose stacking, reduces the redundancy of the internal space of the shell, and reduces the overall volume.

[0020] 4. The flow channel components of the present invention are fixed by welding or clamping, and are combined with an anti-slip mounting structure to reduce displacement caused by vibration or pressure, thereby improving sealing and service life.

[0021] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be reflected in part from the following description and will be understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of Example 1.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of Example 1.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the end alignment fixing member of Example 1.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of Example 2.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the internal partial structure of Example 2.

[0027] In the figure: heat exchanger shell 1, cover 2, pipe connector 3, alternating double-flow channel heat exchange structure 4, end alignment fixture 5, inner flow channel flat tube 6, outer flow channel flat tube 7, inner fixing frame 8, outer fixing frame 9, flat tube alignment notch 10, flat tube anti-slip installation wide groove 11, outer flow channel flat tube slot 12, connecting bracket 13, inner connector 14, outer connector 15, inner fin 16, outer flat tube 17, flat tube fixing frame 18, fin positioning plate 19, fixing groove 20, top plate 21, inner port 22, outer port 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a microchannel plate exchanger includes a heat exchanger shell 1, characterized in that a cover 2 and a pipe connector 3 are provided at both ends of the heat exchanger shell 1, an alternating double-channel heat exchange structure 4 is installed in the heat exchanger shell 1, and an end alignment fixing member 5 for fixing the alternating double-channel heat exchange structure 4 is provided between the cover 2 and the heat exchanger shell 1.

[0031] In this embodiment, the cover 2 is connected to the heat exchanger shell 1 by bolts or snaps to form a closed cavity; the end alignment fixing member 5 is clamped in the connection gap between the cover and the shell, its edge fits against the inner wall of the shell, and the middle structure clamps the end of the heat exchange structure 4 to prevent its axial movement. The end fixing member 5 replaces the traditional loose stacking fixing method to achieve precise positioning of the heat exchange structure, avoid flow channel deviation caused by vibration or pressure, and improve structural stability. Through the three-layer sealing and fixing structure of "shell-cover-fixing member", the core components of the heat exchange are reliably encapsulated, providing an installation basis for the subsequent compact layout of the double-layer microchannel flow channel. Among them, the alternating double-channel heat exchange structure 4 adopts a double-layer microchannel structure with alternating inner and outer flow channels, breaking through the traditional single flow channel design, and realizing the maximization of heat exchange area and compact structure through geometric layout optimization.

[0032] Combine Figure 1-3 As shown, the alternating double-channel heat exchange structure 4 includes a plurality of inner channel flat tubes 6 and outer channel flat tubes 7 arranged in the heat exchanger shell 1. The inner channel flat tubes 6 and outer channel flat tubes 7 are arranged alternately, and the inner channel flat tubes 6 and outer channel flat tubes 7 are respectively clamped with the end alignment fixing parts 5.

[0033] Specifically, the staggered arrangement makes the flow channels of the two fluids closely adjacent, shortening the heat conduction distance, and the multi-microchannel design of the flat tubes makes the total heat exchange area larger than the heat exchange area of traditional round tubes, breaking through the traditional single flow channel design and adopting a double-layer flow channel layout of "inner-outer flat tube staggered", so that the two fluids form a "parallel and isolated" heat exchange interface in the same shell, and the heat exchange area per unit volume is significantly increased.

[0034] Combine Figure 1-3 As shown, the inner flow channel flat tubes 6 and the outer flow channel flat tubes 7 have a plurality of fluid channels therein and are both made of aluminum alloy. Adjacent inner flow channel flat tubes 6 and outer flow channel flat tubes 7 are alternately welded and fixed to each other.

[0035] In this embodiment, aluminum alloy flat tubes (thermal conductivity 205W / (m·K)) are brazed in a nitrogen-shielded tunnel furnace, and the mating surfaces of adjacent flat tubes are welded together to form a rigid frame. Microchannels within the flat tubes are extruded and formed using a die, allowing fluid to flow at high speed within the channels, enhancing convective heat transfer. Aluminum alloy replaces stainless steel (thermal conductivity 16W / (m·K)) to reduce thermal resistance by 90%. Welding fixation avoids the failure of sealing gaskets associated with traditional plate exchangers. Simultaneously, the rigid frame enhances the shell's ability to withstand high pressures (pressure resistance ≥13.5MPa).

[0036] The length of the inner flow channel flat tubes 6 is smaller than that of the outer flow channel flat tubes 7 .

[0037] In this embodiment, the inner flow channel flat tube 6 is shorter than the outer flow channel flat tube 7; the two ends of the short flat tube are only clamped with the inner fixed frame 8, and the two ends of the long flat tube pass through the inner fixed frame 8 and the outer fixed frame 9 respectively, forming a nested layout of "inner short tube-outer long tube". The length difference makes the ends of the two flat tubes distributed in layers on the cover side, which is convenient for the independent connection of the pipe connector 3 (the inner connector 14 corresponds to the short tube end, and the outer connector 15 corresponds to the long tube end), avoiding cross-interference of the flow channels, and shortening the axial size of the shell.

[0038] Combine Figure 2-3 As shown, the end alignment fixing member 5 includes an inner fixing frame 8 and an outer fixing frame 9 arranged between the cover 2 and the heat exchanger shell 1, and the upper and lower inner walls of the inner fixing frame 8 are provided with a plurality of flat tube alignment notches 10, and the left and right inner walls of the inner fixing frame 8 are provided with a plurality of flat tube anti-slip installation wide grooves 11, and the outer fixing frame 9 is provided with a plurality of outer flow channel flat tube slots 12.

[0039] In this embodiment, the wide anti-slip mounting grooves 11 on the left and right edges clamp the anti-slip ridges on the side of the flat tube to prevent circumferential rotation. The outer fixed frame 9 is welded to the inner fixed frame 8 through the connecting bracket 13. The outer flow channel flat tube slot 12 inside it is adapted to the long end of the outer flow channel flat tube 7 to form a double limit. The combination of the notch and the anti-slip groove realizes "axial positioning + circumferential locking", ensuring uniform channel spacing and avoiding uneven fluid distribution.

[0040] A connecting bracket 13 is provided between the inner fixing frame 8 and the outer fixing frame 9. The pipe connector 3 includes an inner connector 14 and an outer connector 15 provided on the cover 2. The inner connector 14 corresponds to the position of the inner flow channel flat tube 6, and the outer connector 15 corresponds to the position of the outer flow channel flat tube 7.

[0041] In this embodiment, the connecting bracket 13 not only fixes the flow channel, but also serves as a supporting structure inside the shell to improve the pressure resistance; independent internal and external connectors prevent the two fluids from mixing, and the interface position corresponds one-to-one with the end of the flat tube, which reduces the fluid flow resistance. The fixed structure and the flow channel diversion function are integrated into the design, and the fluid path is shortened and the resistance is reduced through the precise alignment of "fixed bracket-connector-flat tube".

[0042] Example 2: The working process of this example is basically the same as that of Example 1, except that:

[0043] Combine Figure 4-5 As shown, the alternating double-channel heat exchange structure 4 includes a plurality of inner fins 16 and outer flat tubes 17 disposed in the heat exchanger shell 1 , and the inner fins 16 and outer flat tubes 17 are alternately disposed.

[0044] In this embodiment, the outer flat tube 17 is an elongated aluminum alloy flat tube with a microchannel inside. The inner fin 16 is a thin aluminum alloy sheet with a width consistent with the height of the outer flat tube. It is inserted into the gap between adjacent outer flat tubes, and the serrated edges of the fin fit the outer wall of the outer flat tube. The fin 16 increases the heat exchange area on the outside of the outer flat tube 17 (the outer fin area of a single flat tube is twice the surface area of the flat tube). It is particularly suitable for heat exchange scenarios with gas on one side and liquid on the other side (such as automobile air conditioning condensers). When the gas flows through the gap between the fins, the turbulence increases and the heat transfer coefficient is improved.

[0045] Combine Figure 3-5 As shown, a plurality of fluid channels are defined in the inner fins 16 and the outer flat tubes 17 , and the length of the inner fins 16 is smaller than that of the outer flat tubes 17 .

[0046] In this embodiment, the short fin design avoids interference between the fin ends and the cover, and at the same time forms a dense fin area in the middle of the shell, thereby increasing the heat exchange area per unit length, and the aluminum alloy material reduces the thermal resistance of the fin.

[0047] Combine Figure 4-5 As shown, the end alignment fixture 5 includes a flat tube fixing frame 18 and a fin positioning plate 19 provided between the cover 2 and the heat exchanger shell 1 . The flat tube fixing frame 18 is provided with a plurality of fixing grooves 20 for fixing the outer flat tubes 17 .

[0048] In this embodiment, the high-precision processing of the fixing groove 20 ensures the vertical positioning of the outer flat tube, and the fin positioning plate 19 prevents the fin from falling or shifting, so that the uniformity error of the flow channel spacing is small, fluid short circuit is avoided, and heat exchange uniformity is improved.

[0049] Combine Figure 4 As shown, the pipe connector 3 includes a top plate 21 disposed between the cover 2 and the heat exchanger housing 1 , and an inner port 22 and an outer port 23 are defined in the top plate 21 .

[0050] In this embodiment, the top plate 21 is installed between the cover 2 and the shell 1, covering the end fixing piece 5; the inner port 22 is connected to the gap between the inner fin 16 to form the outer flow channel entrance, and the outer port 23 is connected to the internal channel of the outer flat tube 17 to form the inner flow channel entrance. The inner port and the outer port are respectively located on both sides of the top plate to avoid fluid crossover. The top plate 21 serves as a guide plate to evenly distribute the fluid to the fin gap or flat tube channel to reduce flow dead zone; the double-port separation design ensures strict isolation of the two fluids, and the interface layout is compact, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the shell end.

[0051] The working principle of the present invention is:

[0052] Two fluids to be heat exchanged (e.g., a high-temperature liquid and a low-temperature liquid) enter their respective flow channels through the pipe connector 3 (inner connector 14 / outer connector 15 or inner port 22 / outer port 23). In Example 1, the fluids in the inner and outer flat tubes 6 and 7 flow in countercurrent or cocurrent flow, exchanging heat through the tube walls. In Example 2, the fluid in the outer flat tube 17 exchanges heat with the fluid outside the inner fin 16 through "tube-fin" contact, and the fins accelerate the diffusion of heat to the surrounding fluid.

[0053] The double-layer microchannel structure increases the heat exchange area per unit volume compared to traditional plate exchangers and shortens the heat conduction path. The high thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy material reduces thermal resistance, and the thin-wall design of the flat tubes / fins further improves thermal conductivity. The end fixtures ensure uniform flow channel spacing, avoiding fluid short-circuits or dead zones, and achieving efficient heat exchange throughout the entire flow channel.

[0054] The specific embodiments described herein are merely examples of the spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or additions to the specific embodiments described, or replace them with similar methods without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0055] Although the following terms are frequently used herein, such as heat exchanger shell 1, cover 2, pipe connector 3, alternating dual-channel heat exchange structure 4, end alignment fixture 5, inner channel flat tube 6, outer channel flat tube 7, inner fixing frame 8, outer fixing frame 9, flat tube alignment notch 10, flat tube anti-slip mounting wide groove 11, outer channel flat tube slot 12, connecting bracket 13, inner connector 14, outer connector 15, inner fin 16, outer flat tube 17, flat tube fixing frame 18, fin positioning plate 19, fixing groove 20, top plate 21, inner port 22, and outer port 23, the use of other terms is not excluded. These terms are used only to more conveniently describe and explain the essence of the present invention. Interpreting them as any additional limitation is contrary to the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microchannel plate heat exchanger, comprising a heat exchanger housing (1), characterized in that: The heat exchanger shell (1) is provided with a cover (2) and a pipe connector (3) at both ends, an alternating double-flow channel heat exchange structure (4) is installed in the heat exchanger shell (1), and an end alignment fixing member (5) for fixing the alternating double-flow channel heat exchange structure (4) is provided between the cover (2) and the heat exchanger shell (1).

2. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alternating double-channel heat exchange structure (4) comprises a plurality of inner channel flat tubes (6) and outer channel flat tubes (7) arranged in a heat exchanger shell (1), wherein the inner channel flat tubes (6) and outer channel flat tubes (7) are arranged in an alternating manner, and the inner channel flat tubes (6) and outer channel flat tubes (7) are respectively connected to end alignment fixing members (5).

3. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner flow channel flat tube (6) and the outer flow channel flat tube (7) have a plurality of fluid channels therein and are both made of aluminum alloy material. Adjacent inner flow channel flat tubes (6) and outer flow channel flat tubes (7) are alternately welded and fixed to each other.

4. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The length of the inner flow channel flat tube (6) is smaller than the length of the outer flow channel flat tube (7).

5. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end alignment fixing member (5) comprises an inner fixing frame (8) and an outer fixing frame (9) arranged between the cover (2) and the heat exchanger shell (1); a plurality of flat tube alignment notches (10) are provided on the upper and lower inner walls of the inner fixing frame (8); a plurality of flat tube anti-slip installation wide grooves (11) are provided on the left and right inner walls of the inner fixing frame (8); and a plurality of outer flow channel flat tube slots (12) are provided in the outer fixing frame (9).

6. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 5, characterized in that: A connecting bracket (13) is provided between the inner fixing frame (8) and the outer fixing frame (9); the pipeline connector (3) comprises an inner connector (14) and an outer connector (15) provided on the cover (2); the inner connector (14) corresponds to the position of the inner flow channel flat tube (6), and the outer connector (15) corresponds to the position of the outer flow channel flat tube (7).

7. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alternating double-flow channel heat exchange structure (4) comprises a plurality of inner fins (16) and outer flat tubes (17) arranged in a heat exchanger shell (1), wherein the inner fins (16) and outer flat tubes (17) are arranged in an alternating manner.

8. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 7, characterized in that: A plurality of fluid channels are provided in the inner fins (16) and the outer flat tubes (17), and the length of the inner fins (16) is smaller than the length of the outer flat tubes (17).

9. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 8, characterized in that: The end alignment fixing member (5) comprises a flat tube fixing frame (18) and a fin positioning plate (19) arranged between the cover (2) and the heat exchanger shell (1); a plurality of fixing grooves (20) for fixing the outer flat tubes (17) are provided in the flat tube fixing frame (18).

10. The microchannel plate converter according to claim 9, characterized in that: The pipeline connector (3) comprises a top plate (21) arranged between the cover (2) and the heat exchanger shell (1), and an inner opening (22) and an outer opening (23) are provided in the top plate (21).

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