Compact heat exchanger and production method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a compact heat exchanger and a production method thereof. The compact heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange plate and a second heat exchange plate which are stacked in a staggered mode. A first channel for circulating first fluid is arranged on the surface of the first heat exchange plate; second channels and third channels which are distributed in a staggered mode are arranged on the surfaces of the second heat exchange plates, the second channels are used for circulating first fluid, and the third channels are used for circulating second fluid; wherein the first channel is communicated with the second channel, so that the periphery of the third channel used for circulating the second fluid is surrounded by the first channel and the second channel used for circulating the first fluid. By means of the arrangement, the first fluid channels are distributed on the second fluid channels in the up-down and left-right directions, the second fluid channels are surrounded by the first fluid channels, the heat conduction direction of the first fluid and the heat conduction direction of the second fluid are doubled, and therefore the heat flow density of heat exchange can be increased, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved, and the heat exchange uniformity can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of heat exchangers, and in particular to a compact heat exchanger and a production method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Heat exchange equipment in fields such as solar thermal power generation, nuclear power, and compressed air energy storage typically uses shell-and-tube heat exchangers to exchange heat between liquids like molten salt and high-pressure steam, water, and gas. To meet the heat exchanger's requirements for pressure and temperature resistance, low flow resistance, and high heat transfer efficiency, the shell-and-tube heat exchangers designed and manufactured are often large in size, consume a lot of metal, and have low heat transfer efficiency, making it difficult to reduce costs. Compared to shell-and-tube heat exchangers, compact heat exchangers have smaller flow channels, a thinner flow boundary layer, and greater pressure-bearing capacity. The heat exchange wall thickness can be designed to be thinner, thereby reducing heat transfer resistance and increasing heat transfer efficiency.

[0003] The heat exchanger core 1 in the existing compact heat exchanger is usually composed of a first plate body and a second plate body stacked alternately. A gas circulation channel is set on the surface of the first plate body, and a liquid circulation channel is set on the surface of the second plate body. The gas and liquid circulate on the surfaces of the first plate body and the second plate body respectively and perform heat exchange.

[0004] The heat exchange efficiency of this compact heat exchanger is not high enough, and a solution is urgently needed to further improve the heat exchange efficiency of the compact heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a compact heat exchanger and a production method thereof, which improves the heat exchange efficiency of the compact heat exchanger by improving the structure of the heat exchanger core.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present specification provides a compact heat exchanger, comprising a first heat exchange plate and a second heat exchange plate stacked in an alternating manner; a first channel for circulating a first fluid is provided on the surface of the first heat exchange plate; a second channel and a third channel are provided on the surface of the second heat exchange plate in an alternating manner, wherein the second channel is used to circulate the first fluid, and the third channel is used to circulate the second fluid; wherein the first channel is connected to the second channel, so that the third channel for circulating the second fluid is surrounded by the first channel and the second channel for circulating the first fluid.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first channel is connected to the second channel through a through hole opened on the surface of the second heat exchange plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first through hole is provided at a first end of the second heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction, and a second through hole is provided at a second end of the second heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the through holes on each side of the second heat exchange plate are respectively located on the cross section of the corresponding side, and within the heat exchange area including the cross section, a fin array is provided in the flow channel between the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate; one end of each fin in the fin array is connected to the surface of the first heat exchange plate, and the other end is connected to the surface of the second heat exchange plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are planar plates.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second channel and the third channel are linear along the length direction of the compact heat exchanger; and the first channel is distributed in a linear, curved or broken line shape on the surface of the first heat exchange plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, side plates are provided on both sides of the width direction of the second heat exchange plate, and the height of the side plates is the same as the depth of the second channel and the third channel; cover plates are provided on both sides of the stacking direction of the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are in the shape of curved cylinders with annular cross sections.

[0014] In some embodiments, the center of the compact heat exchanger is a hollow pipe, which is used to circulate the first fluid or the second fluid; when the hollow pipe is used to circulate the first fluid, the outer layer adjacent to the hollow pipe is the second heat exchange plate; when the hollow pipe is used to circulate the second fluid, the outer layer adjacent to the hollow pipe is the first heat exchange plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, a reinforcement column is provided inside the hollow pipe, wherein the cross section of the reinforcement column is a streamlined wing shape, or may be circular, rectangular, or the like.

[0016] In some embodiments, a heat insulating tube is disposed outside the outermost layer of the staggered stacked first heat exchange plates and the second heat exchange plates, and a heat preservation layer is disposed inside the heat insulating tube.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second channel and the third channel are linear along the length direction of the compact heat exchanger; and the first channel is spirally wound around the first heat exchange plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first channel is formed by the first channel on the surface of the first heat exchange plate and the adjacent second heat exchange plate surface; the second channel is formed by the second channel on the surface of the second heat exchange plate and the adjacent first heat exchange plate surface; the third channel is formed by the third channel on the surface of the second heat exchange plate and the adjacent first heat exchange plate surface.

[0019] In some embodiments, the compact heat exchanger is linear, and a first head and a second head are respectively provided at both ends of the compact heat exchanger. The first head and the second head are respectively provided with inlet and outlet pipes for circulating the second fluid; a flow guide structure is provided in the first head and the second head so that the flow direction of the second fluid from flowing into to flowing out of the compact heat exchanger is generally linear.

[0020] In some embodiments, a third head and a fourth head are respectively provided at both ends of the straight line; when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are flat plates, the third head and the fourth head are respectively located on both sides of the compact heat exchanger; when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are curved cylinders with an annular cross-section, the third head and the fourth head are located on the same side or different sides of the compact heat exchanger.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first channel and the second channel are used to circulate gaseous fluid, and the third channel is used to circulate liquid fluid.

[0022] The second aspect of this specification provides a method for producing a compact heat exchanger, comprising: etching first flow channels on multiple first plates respectively; processing second flow channels and third flow channels on multiple second plates, and setting through holes at both ends of the second flow channels; stacking and welding multiple first plates and multiple second plates together in an alternating manner, so that the first flow channel and the surface of the adjacent second plate form a first channel for circulating a first fluid, the second flow channel and the surface of the adjacent first plate form a second channel for circulating a second fluid, the third flow channel and the adjacent first plate form a third channel for circulating a third fluid, and the first channel and the second channel are connected through the through holes.

[0023] In some embodiments, while the first flow channels are respectively etched on multiple first plates, fin array areas are also etched at both ends of the first flow channels. The fin array areas are recessed areas connected to each first flow channel, and multiple fins are distributed in the recessed areas. When the first plate and the second plate are staggered and stacked and welded together, the position of the fin array area corresponds to the position of the through hole on the second plate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the widths and spacings of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are arranged so that the second channel is connected to the first channel after the first plate and the second plate are staggered and welded together.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are planar plates, the first plate body and the second plate body are stacked and welded together using a diffusion welding process; when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are curved cylindrical with an annular cross-section and the pressure of the first fluid and the second fluid is less than a preset pressure threshold, the first plate body and the second plate body are stacked and welded together using a brazing process; when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are curved cylindrical with an annular cross-section and the pressure of the first fluid and the second fluid is greater than the preset pressure threshold, the first plate body and the second plate body are stacked and welded together using a diffusion welding process.

[0026] In some embodiments, when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are curved cylindrical with an annular cross-section, staggering and welding a plurality of first plates and a plurality of second plates together includes: staggering and welding a hollow pipe with the first plate and the second plate together, wherein the hollow pipe is located inside each first plate and each second plate.

[0027] The compact heat exchanger and its production method provided in this specification are characterized by the second channels for circulating the first fluid and the third channels for circulating the second fluid being alternately distributed on the surface of the second heat exchange plate. Therefore, the second fluid channel (i.e., the channel for circulating the second fluid) is provided with first fluid channels (i.e., the channel for circulating the first fluid) on both the "left and right" sides. Since the first and second heat exchange plates are stacked alternately, and the surface of the first heat exchange plate is provided with the first channels for circulating the first fluid, the second fluid channel is also provided with first fluid channels on both the "top and bottom" sides. It can be seen from this that in the compact heat exchanger provided in this specification, the first fluid channels are distributed on both the "top and bottom" sides of the second fluid channel, the second circulation channel is surrounded by the first fluid channels, and the heat conduction direction of the first and second fluids is doubled, thereby increasing the heat flux density of the heat exchange, improving the heat exchange efficiency, and improving the heat exchange uniformity.

[0028] With reference to the following description and drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, indicating how the principles of the present invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope thereby. Features described and / or illustrated for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components in the drawings are merely illustrative and are used to help understand the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can select various possible shapes and proportional dimensions to implement the present invention according to specific circumstances under the guidance of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the AA cross section of a compact heat exchanger provided in this specification;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic top view of a first heat exchange plate in a compact heat exchanger provided in this specification;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic top view of a second heat exchange plate in a compact heat exchanger provided in this specification;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the BB cross section of a compact heat exchanger provided in this specification;

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fin array;

[0035] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a reinforcement column in a hollow pipe;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the end face of a heat exchanger core in the longitudinal direction of a compact heat exchanger provided in this specification;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the end face of a heat exchanger core in the width direction of a compact heat exchanger provided in this specification;

[0038] Figure 9 This specification provides a schematic flow chart of a method for producing a compact heat exchanger.

[0039] The figure marks in the above drawings are: 10—first heat exchange plate, 11—first channel, 12—opening, 20—second heat exchange plate, 21—second channel, 22—third channel, 23—rib, 24—through hole, 241—first through hole, 242—second through hole, 25—side plate, 30—fin, 41—first cover plate, 42—second cover plate, 51—first head, 52—second head, 61—third head, 62—fourth head, X—heat exchange area including the cross section, Y—hollow pipe, M—reinforcement column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention in any way. Based on the teachings of the present invention, skilled artisans can conceive of any possible variations based on the present invention, all of which should be considered within the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there can be an intermediate element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, internal communication between two elements, direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms based on the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are intended only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] This specification provides a compact heat exchanger, such as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the compact heat exchanger includes a staggered stack of first heat exchange plates 10 and second heat exchange plates 20. The surface of the first heat exchange plates 10 is provided with first channels 11 for circulating a first fluid, and the surface of the second heat exchange plates 20 is provided with staggered second channels 21 and third channels 22. The second channels 21 are used to circulate the first fluid, and the third channels 22 are used to circulate the second fluid.

[0043] The first channel 11 is connected to the second channel 21 , so that the third channel 22 for circulating the second fluid is “surrounded” by the first channel 11 and the second channel 21 for circulating the first fluid.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, since the second channels 21 for circulating the first fluid and the third channels 22 for circulating the second fluid are alternately distributed on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20, the first fluid channels (i.e., the channels for circulating the first fluid) are both provided on the "left and right" of the second fluid channel (i.e., the channels for circulating the second fluid); since the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20 are alternately stacked, and the first channels 11 for circulating the first fluid are provided on the surface of the first heat exchange plate 10, the first fluid channels are also provided on the "top and bottom" of the second fluid channel. It can be seen from this that in the compact heat exchanger provided in this specification, the first fluid channels are distributed on the "top and bottom, left and right" of the second fluid channel, the second circulation channel is surrounded by the first fluid channels, and the heat conduction direction of the first and second fluids is doubled, thereby increasing the heat flux density of the heat exchange, improving the heat exchange efficiency, and improving the heat exchange uniformity.

[0045] The staggered stacked first heat exchange plates 10 and second heat exchange plates 20 form a heat exchanger core of the compact heat exchanger.

[0046] The above-mentioned first channel 11 is composed of the first channel on the surface of the first heat exchange plate 10 and the surface of the adjacent second heat exchange plate 20; the second channel 21 is composed of the second channel on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 and the surface of the adjacent first heat exchange plate 10; the third channel 22 is composed of the third channel on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 and the surface of the adjacent first heat exchange plate 10.

[0047] The first channel can be a microfluidic channel prepared by chemical etching on the surface of the first heat exchange plate 10 , and the second channel and the third channel can be prepared by mechanical processing or chemical etching on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 .

[0048] The first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20 can be made of stainless steel, which has high mechanical strength, good thermal conductivity, and is not easy to rust.

[0049] The thickness of the first heat exchange plate 10 is smaller than that of the second heat exchange plate 20, so that the gas in the first channel 11 of the first heat exchange plate 10 can exchange heat more efficiently. Specifically, the thickness of the second heat exchange plate 20 can be 3-5 times that of the first heat exchange plate 10.

[0050] The first channels 11 on the surface of the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second channels 21 on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 are small channels, while the third channels 22 on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 10 are large channels. The heat exchanger core structure, combining large liquid flow channels with small gas flow channels, maintains the compactness of the heat exchanger while reducing fluid resistance on the liquid side and the increase in flow resistance caused by corrosive scaling in the flow channels, thereby reducing the risk of flow channel blockage.

[0051] The width of the second channels 21 on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 (i.e., the opening width of the second channels) can be approximately equal to the thickness of the first heat exchange plate 10. For example, the width of the second channels 21 (i.e., the opening width of the second channels) is 0.8-1.2 times the thickness of the first heat exchange plate 10. The smaller width of the second channels 21 allows for more second fluid channels to be arranged on the second heat exchange plate 20, thereby ensuring the heat exchange flow rate of the second fluid channels.

[0052] The second channel 21 and the third channel 22 on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 may have the same depth, but differ in width.

[0053] The second channel 21 and the third channel 22 on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 are separated by ribs 23. The second channel 21 and the third channel 22 can be obtained by mechanical cutting, so that the ribs 23 are integrated with the rest of the second heat exchange plate 20 to improve the sealing performance of the second channel 21 and the third channel 22.

[0054] The cross-sections of the second channel 21 and the third channel 22 on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 may be rectangular. The depth of the second channel 21 may be more than twice its width.

[0055] The first channel 11 and the second channel 21 are used for circulating gaseous fluids, and the third channel 22 is used for circulating liquid fluids. That is, the first fluid can be a gaseous fluid such as air, carbon dioxide, or water vapor, and the second fluid can be a liquid fluid such as molten salt.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first channel 11 and the second channel 21 are connected through a through hole 24 provided on the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20. The through hole 24 can be provided at any position along the length of the second heat exchange plate 20. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a first through hole 241 is provided at a first end of the second heat exchange plate 20 along the length, and a second through hole 242 is provided at a second end of the second heat exchange plate 20 along the length. Providing through holes at both ends of the length makes the second channel 21 relatively long and improves fluidity, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0057] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the through holes on each side of the second heat exchange plate 20 are located on the cross section of the corresponding side. In the heat exchange area X including the cross section, a fin array is provided in the flow channel of the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20. Figure 5 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fin array. One end of each fin 30 in the fin array is connected to the surface of the first heat exchange plate 10 , and the other end is connected to the surface of the second heat exchange plate 20 .

[0058] The side through holes on the second heat exchange plate 20 can be located on multiple (for example, two or three) cross sections.

[0059] In some embodiments, in order to maximize the length of the second channel 21 to maximize the heat exchange efficiency, the through holes on one side of the second heat exchange plate 20 are located on the first cross section, and the through holes on the other side are located on the second cross section, that is, the through holes on the same side are located on the same cross section.

[0060] In compact heat exchangers used for exchanging heat between corrosive liquids (such as molten salt) and high-pressure gases, multiple through-holes are typically not provided on the plate surface, especially not on a single cross-section. This is primarily because having too many through-holes reduces the connection area between the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20. Under the high pressure of the gas, the connection strength between the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20 is weakened, making it more likely to cause gas leakage.

[0061] To solve this problem, the compact heat exchanger provided in this specification is provided with fins near the cross section. On the one hand, it can enhance the heat exchange intensity at both ends of the length of the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20, reducing the risk of gas leakage. On the other hand, it can also increase the heat exchange area and generate turbulence to enhance heat exchange.

[0062] The “heat exchange area X including the cross section” refers to the second heat exchange plate 20 or a section of the heat exchanger core structure including the cross section in the length direction of the compact heat exchanger.

[0063] The cross-section of the fin (i.e., the surface parallel to the first heat exchange plate 10 or the second heat exchange plate 20, or the surface parallel to the gas flow direction) can be circular, rectangular, or streamlined airfoil-shaped, or one or more of these. The streamlined airfoil-shaped fin design can reduce resistance to the fluid and also reduce the impact of the airflow on the fin, thereby ensuring the connection strength between the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20 may be as follows: Figure 1 、 Figure 4 The flat plate shown.

[0065] The second channel 21 and the third channel 22 are straight along the length of the compact heat exchanger, that is, the fluid does not need to change its flow direction within the heat exchanger core, so the flow resistance of the viscous fluid is small and the fluidity is relatively good. The second channel 21 and the third channel 22 are parallel.

[0066] The first channels 11 can be distributed in a straight line, a curve or a broken line on the surface of the first heat exchange plate 10. Figure 1 and Figure 4The first channel 11 shown in the figure appears to be parallel to the second channel 21 and the third channel 22, but the direction of the first channel 11 has no correlation with the direction of the second channel 21 and the third channel 22. The direction and layout of the first channel 11 only need to cover the entire surface of the plate.

[0067] When the first and second heat exchange plates 10, 20 are planar, side plates 25 are provided on either side of the width of the second heat exchange plate 20. The height of the side plates is the same as the depth of the second and third channels 21, 22. The side plates are used to enhance the mechanical strength of the second heat exchange plate 20 and the heat exchanger core as a whole, improving the pressure-bearing capacity of the heat exchanger core. They also serve as a bridge connecting the heat exchanger core to the shell and head of the compact heat exchanger, providing welding points.

[0068] The side plate 25 and the second heat exchange plate 20 can be integrally formed, that is, when the second channels 21 and the third channels 22 are staggered on a plate body, a distance is reserved on both sides of the width direction of the plate body without deploying any channels to form an integrally set side plate 25.

[0069] The side plate 25 and the second heat exchange plate 20 can also be split, that is, when the second channels 21 and the third channels 22 are formed in an alternating manner on a plate body, the channels are deployed on both sides of the plate body, and the side plates 25 can be additionally welded on both sides of the plate body width.

[0070] Cover plates are provided on both sides of the stacking direction of the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The first cover plate 41 and the second cover plate 42 are provided to further improve the mechanical strength of the heat exchanger core as a whole and the pressure bearing level of the heat exchanger core.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20 are cylindrical with an annular cross section. In this case, the center of the compact heat exchanger can be a solid cylinder or a hollow pipe, wherein the hollow pipe can be used to circulate the first fluid or the second fluid.

[0072] By providing a hollow pipe at the center of the compact heat exchanger for circulating the first fluid or the second fluid, the internal space of the cylindrical compact heat exchanger can be fully utilized, thereby improving the heat exchange flow rate and heat exchange efficiency of the compact heat exchanger.

[0073] When the hollow pipe is used to circulate the second fluid, the outer layer adjacent to the hollow pipe is the first heat exchange plate. When the hollow pipe is used to circulate the first fluid, the outer layer adjacent to the hollow pipe is the second heat exchange plate.

[0074] In the case where the hollow pipe is used to circulate the first fluid, in order to improve the overall pressure-bearing level of the heat exchanger core, such as Figure 6 As shown, multiple reinforcement columns M can be installed inside the hollow pipe Y. The reinforcement columns M can be perpendicular or non-perpendicular to the axis of the hollow pipe, and the multiple reinforcement columns M can be arranged in parallel or non-parallel. The cross-section of the reinforcement columns M is streamlined wing-shaped, where the "cross-section of the reinforcement columns M" is parallel to the axis of the hollow pipe Y.

[0075] The reinforcement column design improves the overall pressure-bearing capacity of the hollow pipe and heat exchanger core, preventing deformation and fluid leakage. The streamlined wing-like shape of the reinforcement column reduces resistance to fluid flow and enhances heat transfer efficiency between the fluid in the hollow pipe and the outer plate.

[0076] In some embodiments, an insulation tube is disposed outside the outermost layer of the staggered stack of first and second heat exchange plates 10, 20. The insulation tube is internally provided with a thermal insulation layer, which may include thermal insulation cotton, a heat-reflective coating, etc. The provision of the thermal insulation layer can reduce heat loss from the high-temperature fluid, allowing most of the heat to be used for heat exchange, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the first heat exchange plate 10 and the second heat exchange plate 20 are cylindrical with an annular cross section, the second channel 21 and the third channel 22 are linear along the length of the compact heat exchanger; the first channel is spirally wound around the first heat exchange plate. The first channel can be wound around the inside or outside of the cylindrical first heat exchange plate.

[0078] By setting the first channel to be spiral, the first channel can be densely distributed, the distribution density of the first channel can be increased, and the heat exchange area between the first channel and the third channel fluid can be increased so that heat can be exchanged more fully, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency; the uniformity of heat exchange can also be improved.

[0079] In some embodiments, the compact heat exchanger is linear, with a first end cap 51 and a second end cap 52 at either end. The first and second end caps 51, 52 are each provided with inlet and outlet pipes for the second fluid. A flow-guiding structure is provided within the first and second end caps 51, 52 to ensure that the second fluid maintains a generally linear flow from inflow to outflow of the compact heat exchanger. In other words, the flow-guiding structure does not alter the overall flow direction of the fluid; it merely serves to converge the fluid.

[0080] In some embodiments, a third end cap 61 and a fourth end cap 62 are provided at each end of the compact heat exchanger. The third and fourth end caps 61 and 62 are located on either side of the compact heat exchanger and may be centrally symmetrical about the center of the heat exchanger core. If the first and second heat exchange plates 10 and 20 are cylindrical in shape with an annular cross section, the third and fourth end caps 61 and 62 may be located on the same or different sides of the compact heat exchanger. This depends primarily on the coiling density of the first channels 11 (i.e., the spacing between adjacent first channels 11) and the coiling inclination angle (i.e., the angle between the first channels 11 and the circumference).

[0081] Figure 7 The figure is a schematic diagram of the end face of a heat exchanger core in the longitudinal direction of a compact heat exchanger; Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the end face of a heat exchanger core in the width direction of a compact heat exchanger, wherein 12 represents the opening of the fin array area toward the third head 61 or the fourth head 62.

[0082] In accordance with Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown in the figure, a compact heat exchanger is used for heat exchange between gas and liquid fluid. The first channel 11 and the second channel 21 are used to circulate high-pressure gas, and the third channel 22 is used to circulate viscous liquid. The high-pressure gas has two transmission channels:

[0083] Channel 1, third end cap 61 -> opening 12 -> fin array area -> first through hole 241 -> second channel 21 -> second through hole 242 -> fin array area -> opening 12 -> fourth end cap 62;

[0084] Channel 2, third head 61 -> opening 12 -> fin array area -> first channel 11 -> fin array area -> opening 12 -> fourth head 62 .

[0085] This specification also provides a method for producing a compact heat exchanger, which can be used to produce the above-mentioned compact heat exchanger. Figure 9 As shown, the method includes the following S10 to S30.

[0086] S10: etching first flow channels on the plurality of first plates respectively.

[0087] The first plate body may be a stainless steel plate body with a relatively small thickness.

[0088] S20: processing a second flow channel and a third flow channel on the plurality of second plates, and providing through holes at both ends of the second flow channel.

[0089] The second plate can be a stainless steel plate with a relatively large thickness. The second flow channel and the third flow channel can be processed by mechanical processing or chemical etching.

[0090] S30: Multiple first plates and multiple second plates are stacked and welded together in an interlaced manner so that the first flow channel and the surface of the adjacent second plate form a first channel for circulating the first fluid, the second flow channel and the surface of the adjacent first plate form a second channel for circulating the second fluid, the third flow channel and the adjacent first plate form a third channel for circulating the third fluid, and the first channel and the second channel through hole are connected.

[0091] The first plate body is used as the first heat exchange plate after processing, and the second plate body is used as the second heat exchange plate after processing.

[0092] In some embodiments, the widths and spacings of the first, second, and third flow channels are positioned so that the second channel communicates with the first channel after the first and second plates are stacked and welded together. In other words, the widths and spacings of the first, second, and third flow channels must be specifically configured, and the first and second plates must be specifically aligned to allow the through-holes in the second plate to communicate with the first channels. If a through-hole in the second plate is located exactly between two first channels, the through-hole will not be able to connect the first channel with the second channel.

[0093] In some embodiments, while first flow channels are etched on each of the multiple first plates, fin array regions are also etched at both ends of the first flow channels. The fin array regions are recessed areas connected to each first flow channel and contain multiple fins. The fin array regions are also referred to as the "heat exchange region X including the cross section" described above.

[0094] When the first plate and the second plate are staggered and welded together, the position of the fin array area corresponds to the position of the through hole on the second plate, so that the width and spacing of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel do not need to be specially set, and the first plate and the second plate do not need to be specially aligned to easily achieve the connection between the first channel and the second channel.

[0095] In some embodiments, when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are planar plates, the first plate body and the second plate body are stacked and welded together using a diffusion welding process; when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are curved cylindrical with an annular cross-section and the pressure of the first fluid and the second fluid is less than a preset pressure threshold, the first plate body and the second plate body are stacked and welded together using a brazing process; when the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are curved cylindrical with an annular cross-section and the pressure of the first fluid and the second fluid is greater than the preset pressure threshold, the first plate body and the second plate body are stacked and welded together using a diffusion welding process.

[0096] The above-mentioned preset pressure threshold may be 10 MPa.

[0097] In some embodiments, when the first and second heat exchange plates are cylindrical and annular in cross section, staggering and welding the plurality of first and second plates together includes staggering and welding a hollow pipe to the first and second plates, wherein the hollow pipe is located inside each of the first and second plates. In other words, the hollow pipe is located in the innermost layer of the heat exchanger core.

[0098] The above-mentioned various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0099] Any numerical value cited herein includes all values ​​of the lower and upper values ​​in increments of one unit from the lower limit to the upper limit, provided that there is an interval of at least two units between any lower value and any higher value. For example, if the value of the quantity of a component or a process variable (e.g., temperature, pressure, time, etc.) is set forth to be from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended to illustrate that values ​​such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 are also explicitly listed in this specification. For values ​​less than 1, one unit is appropriately considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1. These are merely examples intended to be clearly expressed, and it can be considered that all possible combinations of the numerical values ​​listed between the minimum and maximum values ​​are explicitly set forth in this specification in a similar manner.

[0100] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include the endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. When used with a range, "about" or "approximately" applies to both endpoints of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30," including at least the specified endpoints.

[0101] The term "consisting essentially of" when describing a combination should include the identified elements, ingredients, components, or steps, as well as other elements, ingredients, components, or steps that do not materially affect the basic novel characteristic of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe a combination of elements, ingredients, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments consisting essentially of these elements, ingredients, components, or steps. The use of the term "may" herein is intended to indicate that any of the attributes described as "may" be optional.

[0102] Multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step can be divided into separate multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "an" to describe an element, ingredient, part or step is not intended to exclude other elements, ingredients, parts or steps.

[0103] The above descriptions are merely a few embodiments of the present invention. Although the embodiments disclosed herein are as described above, the contents described herein are merely embodiments adopted to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art of the present invention may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. However, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall still be subject to the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A compact heat exchanger, characterized in that: comprising a first heat exchange plate and a second heat exchange plate which are staggered and stacked; The surface of the first heat exchange plate is provided with a first channel for circulating a first fluid; The surface of the second heat exchange plate is provided with a second channel and a third channel distributed in a staggered manner, the second channel is used for circulating the first fluid, and the third channel is used for circulating the second fluid; The first channel is connected to the second channel, so that the third channel for circulating the second fluid is surrounded by the first channel and the second channel for circulating the first fluid.

2. The compact heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The first channel is communicated with the second channel through a through hole opened on the surface of the second heat exchange plate.

3. The compact heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that The through holes on each side of the second heat exchange plate are respectively located on the cross section of the corresponding side, and a fin array is provided in the flow channel between the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate within the heat exchange area including the cross section; One end of each fin in the fin array is connected to the surface of the first heat exchange plate, and the other end is connected to the surface of the second heat exchange plate.

4. The compact heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are planar plate-shaped.

5. The compact heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are in the shape of curved cylinders with annular cross sections.

6. The compact heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that The center of the compact heat exchanger is a hollow pipe, and the hollow pipe is used to circulate the first fluid or the second fluid; In the case where the hollow pipe is used to circulate the first fluid, the outer layer adjacent to the hollow pipe is the second heat exchange plate; In the case where the hollow pipe is used to circulate the second fluid, the outer layer adjacent to the hollow pipe is the first heat exchange plate.

7. A method for producing a compact heat exchanger, characterized in that: include: Etching first flow channels on each of the plurality of first plates; Processing a second flow channel and a third flow channel on the plurality of second plates, and providing through holes at both ends of the second flow channel; A plurality of first plates and a plurality of second plates are staggered and stacked and welded together so that the first flow channel and the surface of the adjacent second plate form a first channel for circulating the first fluid, the second flow channel and the surface of the adjacent first plate form a second channel for circulating the second fluid, the third flow channel and the adjacent first plate form a third channel for circulating the third fluid, and the first channel and the second channel are connected through the through hole.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that While etching the first flow channels on the plurality of first plates, fin array regions are also etched at both ends of the first flow channels. The fin array regions are recessed regions connected to the first flow channels, and a plurality of fins are distributed in the recessed regions. When the first plate body and the second plate body are stacked and welded together in an interlaced manner, the position of the fin array area corresponds to the position of the through hole on the second plate body.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The widths and spacings of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are arranged so that the second channel is connected to the first channel after the first plate and the second plate are stacked and welded together.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that When the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are in the shape of a curved cylinder with an annular cross section, the step of alternately stacking and welding the plurality of first plates and the plurality of second plates together includes: The hollow pipe is stacked and welded together with the first plate body and the second plate body, wherein the hollow pipe is located inside each of the first plate bodies and each of the second plate bodies.

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