Heat exchanger

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger comprising a central body (10) having a first set of channels (Aij) and a second set of channels (Bij) extending through the central body (10) along a main direction (L) wherein, in any cross-section across the main direction (L) in the central body (10), the channels (Aij, Bij) in the first and second sets form a checkered pattern in said cross-section, wherein the heat exchanger (1) further comprises two inner transition portions (20) in which, among the rows (X1X, X2X, X3X, X4X, X5X, X6X, X7X, X8X) extending along the first direction (T1), a channel (X2X, X4X, X6X, X8X) is provided in each other row (X2X, X4X, X6X, X8X) counted along the second direction (T2), which is incrementally displaced in place along the main direction (L) relative to the other channels (X1X, X3X, X5X, X7X, X7X) in the first direction (T1), and the grid pattern of the channel is converted into a linear pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising an integrally formed central body having a first set of channels forming part of a first set of fluid passages through the heat exchanger, and a second set of channels forming part of a second set of fluid passages through the heat exchanger, wherein the channels of the first and second sets of multiple channels extend through the central body along a main direction from a first end of the central body to a second end of the central body, wherein, in the central body, in any cross-section across the main direction, the channels of the first and second sets form a checkered pattern in the cross-section by being alternately arranged in multiple rows along a first direction (extending along a first periphery of the pattern) and alternately arranged in multiple rows along a second direction (transverse to the first direction, extending along a second periphery of the pattern). Background Art

[0002] When designing a heat exchanger, there are typically several issues that need to be considered. It is typically desirable to make the surface area of ​​the wall between the two fluids as large as possible in order to maximize thermal contact between the relatively hot and relatively cold fluids. It is also typically desirable to minimize flow resistance or pressure loss, or at least avoid undue flow resistance or pressure loss. It is also typically desirable to keep the size of the heat exchanger as small as possible. It is also typically desirable to minimize the weight, cost, and / or quantity of materials used in the heat exchange. Sometimes, a solution to one problem is also beneficial for one or more other problems, and sometimes solutions are contradictory and require balancing the solutions to the respective problems.

[0003] US Pat. No. 7,285,153 B2 discloses a method and apparatus for supplying two gases into and out of a multi-channel monolithic structure. A number of different configurations for the arrangement of the channels for the two gases are disclosed. To enable the gases to be distributed among the multiple channels in different arrangements, various arrangements are also disclosed, in which a heat exchanger is provided with multiple plates having different hole patterns, thereby gradually joining the different channels together until they are converted into a single outlet or inlet.

[0004] US Pat. No. 8,196,647 B2 also discloses a method and apparatus for supplying two gases into and out of a multi-channel monolithic structure. To distribute the gases among the multiple channels of the monolith, a different arrangement is disclosed, wherein a heat exchanger is provided with a plurality of plates having different hole patterns, whereby the different channels are gradually joined together until they are converted into a single outlet or inlet.

[0005] WO2013 / 163398 discloses a heat exchange tube, a heat exchanger using the tube, and a method for manufacturing the tube. Additive manufacturing is used to form at least a portion of the tube. Enhanced heat exchange features, such as external and internal lattice structures, are built along the tube to form an enhanced heat exchange area with intermittently repeating shapes. These lattice shapes are said to maximize the heat dissipation surface of the tube while reducing or eliminating the large external dimensions associated with traditional tube manufacturing.

[0006] DE 195 12 351 C1 discloses a system in which a plurality of heat storage multi-channel blocks are rotated to be alternately presented in a cold air flow and a hot air flow to thereby transfer heat between the two air flows. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved heat exchanger.The object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger which makes it possible to provide an efficient heat transfer and to keep pressure losses or flow resistance to a minimum.

[0008] These objects are achieved by a heat exchanger comprising a central body (preferably an integrally formed central body) having a first set of channels forming part of a first set of fluid passages through the heat exchanger, and a second set of channels forming part of a second set of fluid passages through the heat exchanger, wherein the channels extend through the central body along a principal direction from a first end of the central body to a second end of the central body, wherein, in the central body, in a cross-section, preferably in any and every cross-section, across the principal direction, the channels of the first and second sets form a checkered pattern by being arranged alternately in rows along a first direction (extending along a first periphery of the pattern) and alternately in rows along a second direction (transverse to or at least substantially transverse to the first direction and extending along a second periphery of the pattern), the heat exchanger further comprising two inner transition portions, one extending from the first end of the central body and one extending from the second end of the central body, the channels of the central body being arranged in a checkered pattern from the ends of the central body. The pattern extends and extends at the inner end of the corresponding inner transition part into each of the inner transition parts, through the corresponding inner transition part (preferably having a corresponding channel, which has an extension that is substantially parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the main component along the main direction) to the outer end of the corresponding inner transition part, wherein, in the corresponding inner transition part, among the rows extending along the first direction, every other row along the second direction is provided with channels, which follow each other in sequence along the main direction in multiple cross-sections across the main direction, and are incrementally shifted at appropriate positions along the first direction (displacement direction) relative to other channels of the corresponding inner transition part, whereby the checkered pattern of the first and second groups of channels at the inner end of the corresponding inner transition part is converted into a linear pattern at the outer end of the corresponding inner transition part, whereby the channels in the corresponding groups of channels at the outer end are arranged side by side with each other in rows extending along the second direction, whereby the rows of the first group of channels and the rows of the second group of channels are arranged alternately along the first direction.

[0009] By designing a central body with channels associated with different pathways (forming a checkered pattern), the walls between the channels will, as much as possible, have channels associated with different pathways on opposite sides of the wall. Thus, there will be efficient heat transfer and the cross-section of the central body can be small compared to the available heat transfer area provided by the walls between the channels (associated with the different pathways).

[0010] It is noted that the principal direction (which may also be referred to as the longitudinal direction) preferably, but need not, form a straight line. The central body may be curved, for example, in a U-shape. It is also noted that the checkered pattern preferably, but need not, have the same orientation throughout the central body. The central body may be twisted along the principal direction such that the checkered pattern changes orientation along the principal direction. The principal direction may be defined as the direction that the passageway takes from the first end of the central body through the central body to the second end of the central body.

[0011] By providing an inner transition portion in which each channel in every other row is incrementally shifted such that every other row is shifted into a linear pattern along the shifting direction, it is possible to change a checkered pattern into a linear pattern while minimizing pressure loss or flow resistance. This increasing shift can be an increasing shift. For example, the shift can be provided with angled straight channels. The shift can be provided with curved channels. The shift can be provided with curved channel sections that transition into straight sections.

[0012] It may be noted that the displacement direction of the first inner transition portion may be parallel to the displacement direction of the second inner transition portion or may be transverse to the displacement direction of the second inner transition portion.

[0013] It should be noted that a checkered pattern does not necessarily refer to a design in which the channels are necessarily square or rectangular, and does not necessarily refer to a design in which the first direction and the second direction are straight lines arranged in a straight line relative to each other. Other channel shapes are contemplated. It is also contemplated that there is an skewed relationship between the first and second directions and / or non-straight lines, such as curved perimeter lines. A checkered pattern is intended to refer to an alternating arrangement in two directions. Similarly, a linear pattern is not limited to straight lines of square channels. A linear pattern refers to an alternating arrangement in one direction.

[0014] Preferred embodiments appear from the dependent claims and the description.

[0015] As mentioned above, the central body is preferably an integrally formed central body. In the uniform body, wall segments of a uniform integral material form walls for the plurality of channels along both the first and second directions. The integrally formed central body has a plurality of channels extending through the body. For example, the integrally formed central body may be formed by extrusion or by additive deposition of materials (such as polymeric or metallic materials). It is noted that the central body may alternatively be a component of more than one such integrally formed body (along the principal direction and / or along one or more of the first and second directions).

[0016] In the corresponding inner transition section, among the rows extending along the first direction, every other row along the second direction may be provided with channels that sequentially follow one another along the main direction in a plurality of cross sections across the main direction, and are incrementally displaced at appropriate positions in a direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, the relative displacement of every other row can be performed along a short distance along the main direction while still minimizing pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0017] The inner transition portion can be formed integrally with the central body. This eliminates the risk of incorrect assembly of these parts and the problems associated therewith. Furthermore, since there is no need for any clamping system and no need for any adjustments to the design to allow brazing or welding, the heat exchanger can be designed in a compact manner with a strong focus on minimizing heat transfer and pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0018] The heat exchanger may further include two outer transition sections, one extending from either outer end of the corresponding inner transition section, wherein each outer transition section includes a first plurality of channels forming part of a first set of fluid passages and a second plurality of channels forming part of a second set of fluid passages, wherein the channels of the first and second groups extend from an inner end of the outer transition section facing the inner transition section, through the outer transition section, and out of the outer transition section, wherein in the outer transition section, the first and / or second groups of channels turn to extend along a third and fourth direction (extending parallel to a turning plane defined by the main and second directions and transverse to the displacement direction of the corresponding inner transition section), wherein the third and fourth directions are different from each other, such that the first group of channels extends from the outer transition section at a first end section, and the second group of channels extends from the outer transition section at a second end section, the second end section being separated from the first end section. With a design based on this principle, it is possible to separate the first passage from the second passage in a compact manner while still minimizing pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0019] The corresponding inner transition section can be integrally formed with the associated outer transition section. According to one embodiment, the inner and outer transition sections are integrally formed and attached to the central body. This eliminates the risk of incorrect assembly of these sections and the problems associated therewith. Furthermore, since there is no need for any clamping system and since there is no need for any design adjustments to allow brazing or welding, the heat exchanger can be designed in a compact manner with a strong focus on minimizing heat transfer and pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0020] Preferably, the central body, the inner transition section, and the outer transition section are integrated into a single body. This eliminates the risk of incorrect assembly of these parts and the problems associated therewith. Furthermore, since there is no need for any clamping system and no need for any design adjustments to allow brazing or welding, the heat exchanger can be designed in a compact manner with a strong focus on minimizing heat transfer and pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0021] The heat exchanger may further comprise four tubular connecting portions, each having a tubular wall portion integrally formed with and extending from the outer envelope surface of a respective one of the first and second end portions of the respective outer transition portion. Preferably, the tubular connecting portions are circular, and more preferably, they are provided with a threaded outer surface, thereby allowing the connecting pipe to be screwed onto the tubular connecting portion using threads or to be held tightly relative to the tubular connecting portion. The tubular connecting portions may alternatively be provided with internal threads. The tubular connecting portions may be provided with other means for connecting the tubular bodies together, such as a bayonet connection. By forming the connecting portions integrally with the envelope surface of the end portions, there is no need for any clamping system, and since there is no need for any adjustments to the design to allow brazing or welding, the heat exchanger can be designed in a compact manner with a strong focus on heat transfer and minimizing pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0022] The inner transition portion may have a length in the main direction that is at least three times the maximum width of any channel of the checkered pattern in the central body, wherein the ratio between the width of the channel and the length (every other channel is shifted along the shift direction) of the channel may be shifted with a gentle curvature, thereby minimizing pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0023] The individual channels in the central body may have a maximum width of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. In this way, it is possible to design a central body with thin walls, thereby achieving efficient heat transfer and a light and compact heat exchanger that is still able to withstand relatively high pressures.

[0024] Each channel in the body that continues through the inner transition portion and continues into the outer transition portion can continue through the outer transition portion as a separate channel to the respective first end portion or second end portion. In this way, the channel walls will continue to reinforce each other throughout the entire extension of the channel.

[0025] In the outer transition section, the channels of the first and second groups of channels that are diverted to extend in the third and fourth directions can bend from the direction in which they exit the corresponding inner transition section to the third and fourth directions. This allows for diversion to be provided with minimal pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0026] The central body and inner transition portion may be formed by additive buildup, preferably integrally formed, of materials forming the central body and inner transition portion. This method allows efficient manufacture of complex shapes, and thereby, for example, the design may be selected to minimize pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0027] The central body, inner transition portion, and outer transition portion can be formed by additive buildup of the materials forming the central body, inner transition portion, and outer transition portion, preferably by integrally forming the same. This method allows for efficient manufacture of complex shapes, and thus, for example, the design can be selected to minimize pressure loss or flow resistance.

[0028] The material can be a metallic material, preferably selected from the group consisting of titanium or titanium-based alloys, tantalum or tantalum-based alloys, steel or steel-based alloys, and stainless steel or stainless steel-based alloys. By selecting these materials, it is possible to provide a corrosion-resistant heat exchanger. Furthermore, the material is suitable for use in additive manufacturing methods.

[0029] The material can be laser sintered or electro-sintered during the additive buildup of the metal material, or sintered in an oven after the additive buildup. This way, the material fuses into a solid product.

[0030] Each of the channels in the first set of channels has a first cross-sectional area, and each of the channels in the second set of channels has a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first cross-sectional area may be between 1.1 and 1.5 times the second cross-sectional area, preferably between 1.1 and 1.25 times. In this way, it is possible to accommodate different flows of different fluids through the heat exchanger.

[0031] According to one aspect, the heat exchanger can be simply summarized as including a central body having a first plurality of channels and a second plurality of channels extending through the central body along a main direction, wherein, in the central body, in any cross-section across the main direction, the channels in the first and second groups form a checkered pattern in the cross-section, wherein the heat exchanger also includes two inner transition portions, wherein, in the respective inner transition portions, among the rows extending along the first direction, every other row along the second direction is provided with channels which are curved so that they are incrementally shifted in appropriate positions along the main direction relative to other channels along the first direction so that the checkered pattern of the channels is converted into a linear pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic diagram, which shows a currently preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Figure 1 This is the first plane projection of the heat exchanger.

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Second plane projection of the heat exchanger.

[0035] Figure 3a For the corresponding Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view along line III-III in FIG.

[0036] Figure 3b For the corresponding Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view along line III-III in FIG, wherein the channel associated with one of the fluids is marked with a dark solid mark.

[0037] Figure 4 For the corresponding Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in FIG. 1 , wherein a channel associated with one of the fluids is shown as Figure 3b Mark them with the dark solid mark in the .

[0038] Figure 5 For the corresponding Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of line VV in FIG, wherein a channel associated with one of the fluids is shown as Figure 3b and Figure 4 Mark them with the dark solid mark in the .

[0039] Figure 6 To correspond to Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the heat exchanger, with dotted lines schematically showing the internal structure of the heat exchanger.

[0040] Figure 7 To follow Figure 6 Cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in FIG.

[0041] Figure 8 To follow Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 1, which portion is between the lines marked with VIII' and with the following Figure 5 The sections are positioned as further indicated in FIG.

[0042] Figure 9a For another embodiment, Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view along line III-III in FIG.

[0043] Figure 9b Corresponding to Figure 9a , where the channel associated with one of the fluids is marked with a dark solid mark.

[0044] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a heat exchanger in which channels associated with different fluids extend in different directions at an end portion of the outer transition portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] like Figure 1As shown in , the heat exchanger 1 comprises an integrally formed part comprising a central body 10 , two inner transition parts 20 , two outer transition parts 30 , and four tubular connecting parts 40 .

[0046] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown in FIG, the central body 10 includes a first plurality of channels A ij These channels A ij A first set of fluid passages P1a, P1b (e.g., Figure 6 The parts indicated in and collectively referred to as P1).

[0047] The central body 10 also includes a second plurality of channels B ij These channels B ij A second set of fluid passages P2a, P2b (e.g., Figure 6 and collectively referred to as P2).

[0048] Channel A in the first and second plurality of channels ij ,B ij It extends along the main direction L through the central body 10 from a first end 10 a of the central body 10 to a second end 10 b of the central body 10 .

[0049] like Figure 3b As shown in FIG, in any cross section across the main direction L, the channels A in the first and second groups ij ,B ij A checkered pattern is formed in the cross section. The checkered pattern is formed by alternating rows of X along the first direction T1. 1X ,X 2X ,X 3X ,X 4X ,X 5X ,X 6X ,X 7X ,X 8X And along the second direction T2, channels A of different groups are alternately arranged into multiple rows Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y7, and Y8. ij ,B ij The first direction T1 extends along the first periphery 10c of the pattern, and the second direction T2 extends along the second periphery 10d of the pattern. The second direction T2 is transverse to the first direction T1.

[0050] The first row along the first direction T1 includes channel A 11 , B 12 , A 13 , B 14 , A 15 , B 16 , A17 , B 18 The second row along the first direction T1 includes channel B 21 , A 22 , B 23 , A 24 , B 25 , A 26 , B 27 , A 28 The first row along the second direction includes channel A 11 , B 21 , A 31 , B 41 , A 51 , B 61 , A 71 , B 81 .

[0051] In this regard, it should be noted that the number of channels is in practice typically significantly greater than the number of channels indicated in Figures 3-9. Figure 2 In FIG, a larger number of channels is indicated. The size and number of channels will be discussed in detail later in the specification.

[0052] The heat exchanger 1 further comprises two inner transition portions 20 , one extending from the first end 10 a of the central body 10 and the other extending from the second end 10 b of the central body 10 .

[0053] Each inner transition portion comprises a first set A forming part of a first set of fluid passages P1 ij a plurality of channels, and a second plurality of channels B forming part of a second set of fluid pathways P2 ij Channel A in the first and second groups ij ,B ij The inner transition portion 20 extends from an inner end 20 a of the inner transition portion 20 to an outer end 20 b of the inner transition portion 20 .

[0054] Channel A ij ,B ij In the respective inner transition portion 20 they extend substantially parallel to and at least to the main components along the main direction L. The inner transition portion 20 is oriented so that the inner end 20 a faces the central body 10 .

[0055] In the corresponding inner transition section 20, among the rows extending along the first direction T1, every other row along the second direction T2 is shifted in position along the first direction T1. This shifting of every other row is provided by shifting each channel in the row, which is bent along its extension along the main direction L. It is sufficient to shift every other channel. This would be, for example: the channels in rows 2, 4, 6 and 8 would be shifted along the first direction T1. Row 1 would be the row with A11, B12, etc., and row 2 would be the row with B21, A22, etc. Thus, in one example, channel X 2X ,X 4X ,X 6X ,X 8X Shifted along the first direction T1.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, each channel X in every other row along the second direction T2 2X ,X 4X ,X 6X ,X 8X bends along the first direction, and every other row of each channel X 1X ,X 3X ,X 5X ,X 7X The first direction T1 is bent along a direction T1' opposite to the first direction T1.

[0057] Reference symbol X represents both A and B. Subscript x represents all subscripts 1-8. 2X Refers to B 21 ,A 22 ,B 23 ,A 24 ,B 25 ,A 26 ,B 27 ,A 28 .

[0058] Every other row of channels X along the second direction T2 2X ,X 4X ,X 6X ,X 8X are curved so that they are in multiple sections (see, for example, Figure 3b 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 sequence) across the main direction L, following one another in sequence along the main direction L, relative to the other channels X of the corresponding inner transition portion 20 1X ,X 3X ,X 5X ,X 7X Incrementally shift at appropriate positions along the first direction T1 (shift direction). Figure 8 In the figure, a cross section is shown, which shows the channel X 1X ,X3X ,X 5X ,X 7X How to extend directly through the central body 10 and bend to provide displacement in a direction T1 ' opposite to the first direction T1. Figure 8 In the cross section, the channels of the fifth row along the second direction T2 are shifted in the direction T1' opposite to the first direction T1. At the top and bottom, the side walls (channels A 68 extending behind it) in channel X 5X Appears near the outer end 20 b of the corresponding inner transition portion 20 .

[0059] Channel A ij ,B ij The shape of the corresponding inner end portion 20a of the inner transition portion 20 ( Figure 3b ) is converted into a linear pattern at the outer end 20b ( Figure 5 ), where the channel of the corresponding group (A ij and B ij ) are arranged side by side with each other in rows A1-5 and B1-4 (extending along the second direction T2), wherein the rows of the first group of channels and the rows of the second group of channels are arranged alternately along the first direction T1 of the corresponding inner transition portion 20. It is noted that the number of rows counted along the first direction T1 is increased by one. The number of rows counted along the second direction T2 is the same as the number of rows in the central body 10.

[0060] As mentioned above, the heat exchanger 1 further comprises two outer transition portions 30 , one extending from either outer end 20 b of the corresponding inner transition portion 20 .

[0061] Each outer transition portion includes a first plurality of channels A forming part of a first set of fluid passages P1 ij , and a second plurality of channels B forming part of the second set of fluid pathways P2 ij .

[0062] Channel A in the first and second groups ij ,B ij An inner end portion 30 a of the outer transition portion 30 , which faces the inner transition portion 20 , extends through the outer transition portion 30 and out from the outer transition portion 30 .

[0063] In the outer transition section 30, the first set of channels A1-5 and / or the second set of channels B1-4 are turned to extend along the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 (extending parallel to a turning plane DP defined by the main direction L and the second direction T2 and transverse to said displacement direction of the corresponding inner transition section 20). The turning plane DP is at Figure 2 shown in , and with Figure 1 、 Figure 6 and Figure 10-11 The displacement direction of the corresponding inner transition portion 20 extends along the normal line of the turning plane DP of the corresponding outer transition portion 30. Figure 1 and Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, in the outer transition portion 30, the first group of channels A ij Turning to extend along the third direction T3, and the second set of channels B ij Turning to extend along the fourth direction T4. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment shown in FIG, in the outer transition portion 30, the first group of channels A ij Turning to extend along the third direction T3, the second set of channels B ij Not turned. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment, the second group of channels B ij The outer transition portion 30 extends from the second end portion 30 c along a fourth direction T4 , which is parallel to the main direction L.

[0064] like Figure 1 ,6 and Figure 10-11 As shown in FIG, the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 are different from each other, so that the first group of channels A ij The second set of channels B extends from the outer transition portion 30 at the first end portion 30b and ij The second end portion 30c extends from the outer transition portion 30. The second end portion 30c is separated from the first end portion 30b. Figure 1 and Figure 6 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , both the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 are different from the direction from which the channel leaves the corresponding inner transition portion 20, i.e. both the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 are different from the main direction L. Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown in , the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 both form an angle of about 45° with respect to the main direction L, so that the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 are perpendicular to each other, that is, form an angle of about 90° therebetween. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the third direction T3 is different from the direction from which the channel leaves the inner transition portion 20, and the fourth direction T4 is the same direction as the direction from which the channel leaves the inner transition portion 20, that is, the third direction T3 is different from the main direction L, and the fourth direction T4 is the same direction as the main direction L. Figure 10 In the embodiment, the third direction T3 forms an angle of about 90° with respect to the main direction L, so that the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 are perpendicular to each other, that is, form an angle of about 90° therebetween. Figure 11In the embodiment of the present invention, the third direction T3 forms an angle of approximately 70° relative to the main direction L, so that the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 form an angle of approximately 70° therebetween. The angle between the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 is preferably at least 30° to achieve separation of the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 during a reasonably long transition path, that is, to control the size of the outer transition portion. Preferably, the angle between the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4 is at least 45°, such as at least 60°, such as at least 70°, such as approximately 90°, to further reduce the size of the outer transition portion.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG, respective end portions 30b, 30c are presented to the first and second groups of channels A arranged in a linear configuration. ij ,B ij The plurality of openings in the channel of one of the plurality of openings in the linear configuration is realized at the inner transition portion 20 and the outer end 20b of the closed wall portion, wherein another group turns towards the other end portion 30c, 30b.

[0066] As mentioned above, the heat exchanger 1 further comprises four tubular connecting portions 40. Each connecting portion 40 has a tubular wall portion integrally formed with and extending from the outer envelope surface of a respective one of the first end portion 30b and the second end portion 30c of the respective outer transition portion 30.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the tubular connecting portion 40 is circular. The integrally formed portion of the connecting portion 40 is adapted to receive a separately manufactured cylindrical secondary connecting portion, or to be received therein. The secondary connecting portion is threaded on its outer surface, allowing the connecting pipe to be screwed onto the tubular connecting portion or to be secured against the tubular connecting portion. Alternatively, the connecting portion 40, which is integrally formed with the other portions 10, 20, 30, is threaded.

[0068] The inner transition portion 20 has a length in the main direction L which is the length of any channel A of the checkered pattern in the central body 10. ij ,B ij It is considered suitable if the inner transition portion 20 has a length less than 10 times the maximum width W. It is considered suitable if the individual channels in the central body have a maximum width less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. It is considered suitable if the channels have a minimum width of at least 0.1 mm.

[0069] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG, the channels have a square cross-section with sides of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. There are y channels along the first direction T1 and along the second direction T2. ​​The wall thickness between the channels can be approximately 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm. The wall thickness between the outermost channels and the outer surface of the central body can be the same as this wall thickness, but is preferably thicker, such as approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The inner transition portion has a length of b mm.

[0070] like Figure 6 As indicated in FIG. 1 , the respective channels A in the center body 10 continue through the inner transition portion 20 and continue to the outer transition portion 30. ij ,B ij Continue through the outer transition portion 30 as separate passages to the respective first end portion 30b or second end portion 30c (in a checkered configuration in the center body 10, in a shifted configuration in the inner transition portion 20, and in a linear configuration in the outer transition portion 30).

[0071] exist Figure 6 It is also indicated that, in the outer transition portion 30, a first group of channels A is turned to extend along the third direction T3 and the fourth direction T4. ij and the second channel B ij The channels in the are curved from the direction from which they leave the respective inner transition portion 20 (typically at least substantially parallel to the main direction, and preferably parallel to the main direction) to the third direction T3 and the third direction T4. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , in the outer transition portion 30 , the first group of channels A is turned to extend along the third direction T3. ij The channels in the curve from the direction from which they leave the respective inner transition portion 20 (typically at least substantially parallel to the main direction, and preferably parallel to the main direction) to a third direction T3. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , in the outer transition portion 30 , the second group of channels B ij The channels in the second set B are arranged in the same direction (typically at least substantially parallel to the main direction, and preferably parallel to the main direction) as they leave the corresponding inner transition portion 20 to extend from the outer transition portion along the fourth direction T4. In other words, the second set of channels B ij The direction of the passage in is not affected by passing through the outer transition portion 30. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment, the second group of channels B ij The passage in the duct passes directly through the outer transition portion 30.

[0072] The central body 10 and the inner transition portion 20 (and preferably also the outer transition portion 30 , and even more preferably the connecting portion 40 ) are formed from (preferably integrally formed of) additive buildup of materials.

[0073] The material is a metallic material, preferably selected from the group comprising titanium or titanium-based alloys, tantalum or tantalum-based alloys, steel or steel-based alloys, stainless steel or stainless steel-based alloys.

[0074] The material is laser sintered or electro-sintered during the additive build-up of the metal material, or sintered in an oven after the additive build-up.

[0075] exist Figure 9a and Figure 9b In the figure, channel A is shown ij ,B ij In this alternative configuration, a set of channels A ij Designed to have a circular cross-section and arranged in a checkered pattern, wherein channels are formed in the gaps between adjacent circular channels. In this configuration, the circular channels have a larger cross-sectional area than the other channels.

[0076] Each of the channels in the first set of channels has a first cross-sectional area, and each of the channels in the second set of channels has a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first cross-sectional area may be between 1.1 and 1.5 times the second cross-sectional area, preferably between 1.1 and 1.25 times. In this way, it is possible to accommodate different flows of different fluids through the heat exchanger.

[0077] It is contemplated that there are numerous variations of the embodiments described herein that remain within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0078] For example, it is noted that, according to one embodiment, the central body is manufactured separately as a single entity, and the inner and outer transition portions are manufactured as an integrally formed body adapted for attachment to the central body. In this embodiment, it is also preferred that the connecting portion is integrally formed with the body comprising the inner and outer transition portions. For example, the central body may be manufactured separately by an extrusion process.

[0079] It may be noted that the central body may be divided into a plurality of individual bodies which are arranged one after the other along the main direction and / or arranged side by side along the first and / or second transverse direction.

[0080] It may also be noted that the central body and / or the inner transition portion and / or the outer transition portion may be manufactured from a polymer-based material.

[0081] It may also be noted that the central body and / or the inner transition portion and / or the outer transition portion may be manufactured from different materials.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (1), comprising: A central body (10), said central body having: The first channel (A ij ), which form part of a first set of fluid passages (P1a, P1b) through the heat exchanger (1), and The second channel (B ij ), which form part of a second set of fluid passages (P2a, P2b) through said heat exchanger (1), The channel (A ij ,B ij ) extends from a first end (10a) of the central body (10) through the central body (10) along a main direction (L) to a second end (10b) of the central body (10), wherein, in the central body (10), in a section across the main direction (L), the channels (A) in the first and second groups ij ,B ij ) are alternately arranged in a plurality of rows (X 1X ,X 2X ,X 3X ,X 4X ,X 5X ,X 6X ,X 7X ,X 8X ) and are alternately arranged in a plurality of rows (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y7, Y8) along a second direction (T2) to form a checkered pattern, wherein the first direction (T1) extends along a first periphery (10c) of the pattern, and the second direction (T2) is transverse to the first direction (T1) and extends along a second periphery (10d) of the pattern, The heat exchanger (1) further comprises two inner transition portions (20), one extending from the first end (10a) of the central body (10) and one extending from the second end (10b) of the central body (10), The channel (A) of the central body (10) ij ,B ij ) extending from the ends (10a, 10b) of the central body (10) in the checkered pattern and extending into each of the inner transition portions (20) at the inner end (20a) of the respective inner transition portion (20), extending through the respective inner transition portion (20) and to the outer end (20b) of the respective inner transition portion (20), wherein, in the corresponding inner transition portion (20), the rows (X 1X ,X 2X ,X 3X ,X 4X ,X 5X ,X 6X ,X 7X ,X 8X ) in every other row (X 2X ,X 4X ,X 6X ,X 8X ) along the first direction (T1) and relative to the row (X 1X ,X 2X ,X 3X ,X 4X ,X 5X ,X 6X ,X 7X ,X 8X ) in every other row (X 1X ,X 3X ,X 5X ,X 7X ) are incrementally displaced until the first and second groups of channels (A) at the inner end (20a) of the corresponding inner transition portion (20) are ij ,B ij ) is converted into a linear pattern at the outer end (20b) of the corresponding inner transition portion (20), whereby the corresponding group of channels (A) at each outer end (20b) of the corresponding inner transition portion (20) ij ,B ij ) are arranged side by side with each other in a row extending along the second direction (T2), wherein the first group of channels (A ij ) and the second set of channels (B ij ) are arranged alternately along the first direction (T1).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that In the corresponding inner transition portion (20), the rows (X 1X ,X 2X ,X 3X ,X 4X ,X 5X ,X 6X ,X 7X ,X 8X ), every other row (X 1X ,X 3X ,X 5X ,X 7X ) is equipped with a channel (X 1X ,X 3X ,X 5X ,X 7X ), which follow one another sequentially along the main direction (L) in a plurality of sections across the main direction (L), being incrementally shifted at appropriate positions along a direction (T1') opposite to the first direction (T1).

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: The inner transition portion (20) is integrally formed with the central body (10).

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The heat exchanger further comprises two outer transition sections (30), one extending from either outer end (20b) of the corresponding inner transition section (20), wherein each outer transition section (30) comprises a first set of channels (A) forming part of the first set of fluid passages (P1) ij ) and a second set of channels (B) forming part of said second set of fluid pathways (P2) ij ), wherein the channels (A ij ,B ij ) extends from an inner end portion (30a) of the outer transition portion (30) facing the inner transition portion (20), through the outer transition portion (30) and out from the outer transition portion, Wherein, in the outer transition portion (30), the first group of channels (A ij ) and / or the second group of channels (B ij ) is turned to extend along a third direction (T3) and a fourth direction (T4), said third direction (T3) and said fourth direction (T4) extending parallel to a turning plane (DP) defined by said main direction (L) and said second direction (T2) and transverse to said displacement direction (T1) of the respective inner transition portion (20), wherein the third direction (T3) and the fourth direction (T4) are different from each other so that the first group of channels (A ij ) extends from the outer transition portion (30) at a first end portion (30b), and the second set of channels (B ij ) extends from the outer transition portion (30) at a second end portion (30c), and the second end portion (30c) is separated from the first end portion (30b).

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that The respective inner transition portion (20) is integrally formed with the associated outer transition portion (30).

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that The central body (10), the inner transition portion (20) and the outer transition portion (30) are integrated to form a single body.

7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The heat exchanger further includes four tubular connecting portions (40), each having a tubular wall portion integrally formed with and extending from an outer envelope surface of a respective one of the first end portion (30b) and the second end portion (30c) of the respective outer transition portion (30).

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The inner transition portion (20) has a length along the main direction (L) that is the length of any channel (A) of the checkered pattern in the central body (10). ij ,B ij ) is at least 3 times the maximum width (W).

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that Each channel (A) in the central body (10) ij ,B ij ) has a maximum width (W) of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

10. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that Each channel (A) in the central body (10) continues through the inner transition section (20) and continues into the outer transition section (30) ij ,B ij ) continues through the outer transition portion (30) as a separate passage to the respective first end portion (30b) or second end portion (30c).

11. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that In the outer transition portion (30), the channels (A) of the first group of channels and / or the second group of channels are turned to extend along the third direction (T3) and the fourth direction (T4). ij ,B ij ) are bent from the direction in which they leave the corresponding inner part to the third direction (T3) and the fourth direction (T4).

12. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The central body (10) and the inner transition portion (20) are formed by additive buildup of materials forming the central body (10) and the inner transition portion (20), preferably integrally formed thereof.

13. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that The central body (10), the inner transition portion (20) and the outer transition portion (30) are formed by additive buildup of materials forming the central body (10), the inner transition portion (20) and the outer transition portion (30), preferably by integral formation thereof.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that The material is a metallic material, preferably selected from the group consisting of titanium or titanium-based alloys, tantalum or tantalum-based alloys, steel or steel-based alloys, stainless steel or stainless steel-based alloys.

15. The heat exchanger according to claim 14, characterized in that The material is laser sintered or electro-sintered during the additive build-up of the metal material, or is sintered in an oven after the additive build-up.

16. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The channel (A) in the first group of channels ij ) each having a first cross-sectional area, and the channels (B ij ) each having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first cross-sectional area is between 1.1-1.5 times, preferably between 1.1-1.25 times, the second cross-sectional area.

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