Plate heat exchanger, vehicle heat management system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a plate heat exchanger, a vehicle heat management system and a vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of heat exchange equipment. The plate heat exchanger comprises a plurality of heat exchange units which are arranged in a stacked mode, and each heat exchange unit comprises a heat exchange plate and heat exchange fins. Each heat exchange plate is provided with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a flow dividing protrusion arranged in a protruding mode along one side plate face, and the flow dividing protrusions are suitable for guiding heat exchange fluid to the area away from the shortest path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The heat exchange fins are arranged on the plate face of the side, provided with the flow dividing protrusions, of the heat exchange plate and provided with first receding holes for receding the flow dividing protrusions. Through the special shunting structure design, the flow distribution of heat exchange fluid is effectively improved, the heat exchange efficiency is improved, and the heat exchanger is particularly suitable for a vehicle heat management system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat exchange technology for automotive thermal management components, and in particular to a plate heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] Plate heat exchangers are highly efficient heat exchange devices widely used in the automotive, chemical, and refrigeration industries. Traditional plate heat exchangers typically consist of multiple layers of stacked heat exchange plates, with fluid channels formed between them. Heat exchange is achieved through the flow of two fluids within adjacent channels. With the development of industrial technology, the requirements for heat exchanger performance, such as heat exchange efficiency and flow resistance, are constantly increasing, prompting continuous innovation in plate heat exchanger technology.

[0003] Existing plate heat exchangers still have some shortcomings. First, existing plate heat exchangers typically employ a single heat exchange structure, such as using only corrugated plates or only fins, lacking a heat exchange channel design that combines the fins and corrugated plate protrusions, thus limiting heat exchange capacity. Second, existing heat exchange plate designs are not optimized enough, resulting in uneven heat exchange on the plate surface and reducing overall heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the matching method between the fin structure and heat exchange plate in existing technologies is relatively simple, making it difficult to adapt to complex fluid flow paths and heat exchange requirements, especially under high temperature, high pressure, or high flow rate conditions, where achieving an optimal balance between heat exchange efficiency and flow resistance is challenging. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize and improve the plate structure of plate heat exchangers to enhance the product's heat exchange capacity and meet the ever-increasing demand for high-efficiency heat exchange. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, this invention proposes a plate heat exchanger with high heat exchange efficiency, a vehicle thermal management system, and a vehicle.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of stacked heat exchange units. Each heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange plate, which has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a diversion protrusion protruding along one side of the plate. The diversion protrusion is adapted to guide the heat exchange fluid to a region away from the shortest path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

[0007] The heat exchange fins are disposed on the side of the heat exchange plate with the flow diversion protrusion, and the heat exchange fins are provided with a first avoidance hole to avoid the flow diversion protrusion.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange plate is further provided with a minor turbulence protrusion protruding along one side of its plate surface, and the heat exchange fins are provided with a second avoidance hole to avoid the turbulence protrusion.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange plate is rectangular in shape, and the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are respectively disposed on the two diagonal edges of the heat exchange plate. A plurality of the flow-dividing protrusions on the heat exchange plate are arranged along the diagonal connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the turbulence protrusions are arranged in a regular matrix on one side surface of the heat exchange plate.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the diversion protrusion is configured as an elongated protrusion, and the turbulence protrusion is configured as a circular, rectangular, or regular polygonal protrusion.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the height of the heat exchange fins is greater than the height of the flow diversion protrusion and the turbulence protrusion.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange fins are composed of a plurality of parallel staggered fin units. Each fin unit includes a top fin, a bottom fin, and a connecting piece located between the top fin and the bottom fin. The top fin, the connecting pieces located on both sides of the top fin, and the bottom fin located outside the connecting piece form a trapezoidal doorway.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom plate of the heat exchange fin abuts against the upper surface of the lower heat exchange plate, and the top plate of the heat exchange fin abuts against the lower surface of the upper heat exchange plate.

[0015] The present invention also provides a vehicle thermal management system, including the aforementioned plate heat exchanger.

[0016] The present invention also provides a vehicle, including the vehicle thermal management system.

[0017] The technical solution of the present invention has the following technical effects compared with the prior art:

[0018] In the plate heat exchanger provided by this invention, the fluid distribution is optimized by diverting protrusions to prevent the fluid from flowing along the shortest path, thereby reducing the flow-free zone. At the same time, placing the heat exchange fins on the side of the heat exchange plate where the diverting protrusions are set can increase the heat exchange area, making the overall heat transfer coefficient of the plate heat exchanger significantly higher than that of the traditional structure, and enabling rapid heat transfer between fluids. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to understand the purpose and advantages of the present invention, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the plate heat exchanger of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the heat exchange plate in the plate heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the heat exchange fins in the plate heat exchanger of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the heat exchange unit in the plate heat exchanger of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of part A in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0029] like Figure 1The diagram illustrates a specific embodiment of the plate heat exchanger of the present invention. The plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of stacked heat exchange units 100 (the specific number is adjusted according to the vehicle's heat exchange requirements), with nitrile rubber gaskets provided between each heat exchange unit 100 to achieve fluid sealing. Each heat exchange unit 100 includes a heat exchange plate 10 and heat exchange fins 20. The heat exchange plate 10 is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, and the plate body is formed into a rectangular plate surface; as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchange plate 10 is provided with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a diversion protrusion 11 protruding along one side of the plate surface; the diversion protrusion 11 is adapted to guide the heat exchange fluid to a region away from the shortest path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; specifically, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are configured as two sets, that is, including a first fluid inlet 10a and a first fluid outlet 10b suitable for the passage of a first fluid and a second fluid inlet 10a' and a second fluid outlet 10b' suitable for the passage of a second fluid; the two sets of fluid inlets and outlets are respectively opened on the heat exchange plate. More specifically, the lines connecting the first fluid inlet 10a and the first fluid outlet 10b, and the lines connecting the second fluid inlet 10a' and the second fluid outlet 10b', extend along the diagonal of the heat exchange plate 10. The diversion protrusion 11 extends along the shortest path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet (i.e., the direction in which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet connect), which can divert the heat exchange fluid to both sides of the shortest path, avoiding the problem of uneven heat exchange in other areas of the heat exchange plate 10 caused by direct flow through the shortest path.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange fins 20 are formed by stamping and are attached to the surface of the heat exchange plate 10 on the side with the flow-dividing protrusion 11. The heat exchange fins 20 are provided with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a first clearance hole 21 corresponding to the flow-dividing protrusion 11. The edges of the first clearance holes are flanged to prevent gap leakage at the contact point between the fins and the flow-dividing protrusion 11. Specifically, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the heat exchange fins 20 are also set in two sets, that is, including a first fluid inlet 20a and a first fluid outlet 20b suitable for the passage of a first fluid, and a second fluid inlet 20a' and a second fluid outlet 20b' suitable for the passage of a second fluid.

[0031] The heat exchanger described above can guide the concentrated fluid on the shortest path between the inlet and outlet to the edge and corner areas of the plate by setting the diversion protrusion 11 on the heat exchange plate 10, which significantly improves the coverage area of ​​the fluid on the surface of the heat exchange plate 10 and avoids heat exchange dead zones caused by no flow in local areas. The flanged structure of the first clearance hole 21 not only ensures the tight fit between the fins and the heat exchange plate 10, but also prevents the diversion protrusion 11 from interfering with the supporting effect of the fins, thus ensuring the heat exchange area utilization rate of the fins.

[0032] Specifically, in one alternative implementation, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchange plate 10 is also integrally stamped with several turbulence protrusions 12. The turbulence protrusions 12 are made of the same material as the heat exchange plate 10 and are disposed in the blank area between the flow-dividing protrusions 11. The turbulence protrusions 12 are cylindrical structures and are distributed in a dispersed manner. Figure 3 As shown, a second clearance hole 22 is correspondingly provided on the heat exchange fin 20, and the edge of the second clearance hole 22 is also flanged. By setting the above-mentioned turbulence protrusion 12, the flowing fluid can generate local eddies, destroy the fluid boundary layer, and reduce thermal resistance; at the same time, the precise matching of the second clearance hole 22 avoids interference between the heat exchange fin 20 and the second turbulence protrusion 12, ensuring the flatness of the heat exchange fin 20, further improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange fin 20 and the fluid, and significantly improving the overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0033] In one optional embodiment, the diversion protrusions 11 are constructed as elongated protrusions, with several arranged in a straight line along the diagonal direction of the heat exchange plate 10. The rounded transition structure on both sides of the elongated protrusions can avoid eddy noise generated by fluid impact. In another embodiment, the diversion protrusions 11 are constructed as elongated protrusions, with several arranged in a straight line. Adjacent diversion protrusions 11 maintain a certain distance, and the extension direction of each diversion protrusion 11 is offset to both sides of the diagonal, forming a fan-shaped guiding area. The diagonally arranged inlet and outlet maximizes the fluid flow path on the plate, extending the heat exchange time. The diagonally arranged diversion protrusions 11 can precisely block the phenomenon of fluid flowing along the shortest path, ensuring that the fluid flows along the preset path, further improving the uniformity of fluid distribution and reducing the temperature difference between different areas of the plate.

[0034] In one optional embodiment, the turbulence protrusions 12 are arranged in a regular matrix on one side surface of the heat exchange plate 10. The row spacing and column spacing of the matrix are consistent, and the matrix covers the entire effective heat exchange surface of the heat exchange plate 10 except for the inlet and outlet connection area. The turbulence protrusions 12 in the edge area are kept at a certain distance from the edge of the plate to avoid protrusion deformation caused by edge effects. The regular matrix arrangement makes the distribution density of the turbulence protrusions 12 uniform, avoiding excessively strong or weak turbulence in local areas. At the same time, the matrix arrangement facilitates processing with automated stamping equipment, reducing production costs. In addition, the uniformly distributed turbulence protrusions 12 can keep the turbulence intensity of the fluid on the plate surface consistent, ensuring a balanced heat exchange effect in each area and avoiding material aging caused by local overheating.

[0035] Specifically, the turbulence protrusions 12 can be selected in different shapes according to the characteristics of the heat exchange fluid: when the fluid is a low-viscosity coolant, circular protrusions are used to facilitate fluid flow; when the fluid is a high-viscosity coolant, regular hexagonal protrusions are used to increase the turbulence intensity; when the fluid is a gas-liquid two-phase flow, rectangular protrusions are used to reduce gas-liquid separation. Different shapes of turbulence protrusions 12 can adapt to the flow characteristics of different fluids, broadening the application range of the heat exchanger, while optimizing the turbulence effect for specific fluids and improving the heat exchange efficiency of high-viscosity fluids.

[0036] Specifically, in one alternative implementation, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the height of the heat exchange fin 20 (i.e., the distance between the upper and lower end faces of the heat exchange fin 20 located between the two heat exchange plates 10) is greater than the height of the flow diversion protrusion 11 and the turbulence protrusion 12. The greater height of the heat exchange fin 20 than the protrusion height allows for the formation of a stable flow channel between the heat exchange fin 20 and the heat exchange plate 10, preventing flow loss caused by the flow diversion protrusion 11 and the turbulence protrusion occupying the flow channel space. Simultaneously, the heat exchange fin 20 can serve as an interlayer support structure, bearing the compressive force during stacking and preventing deformation of the heat exchange plate 10 due to uneven stress on the protrusions.

[0037] Specifically, in one optional embodiment, the heat exchange fins 20 are composed of multiple parallel and staggered fin units, with adjacent fin units maintaining a certain spacing; such as Figure 5 As shown, each fin unit includes a top fin 20c, a bottom fin 20d, and a connecting piece 20e connecting the top fin 20c and the bottom fin 20d. The connecting piece 20e is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top fin 20c and forms a certain inclination angle with the top fin 20c and the bottom fin 20d. The top fin 20c, the connecting pieces 20e on both sides, and the bottom fin 20d together form a trapezoidal gate channel. The heat exchange fin 20, through the flared structure of the trapezoidal gate channel, can reduce the impact resistance at the fluid inlet end and increase the contact area between the fluid and the fin. The parallel and staggered fin units form a mesh structure, further dividing the flow channel, making the fluid distribution between the fins more uniform and avoiding fin wear caused by excessive local flow velocity.

[0038] Specifically, in one optional embodiment, the bottom plate 20d of the heat exchange fin 20 is brazed and fixed to the upper surface of the lower heat exchange plate 10, and the top plate 20c is similarly brazed and fixed to the lower surface of the upper heat exchange plate 10. After brazing, the bonding strength between the heat exchange fin 20 and the heat exchange plate 10 meets the usage requirements, and the sealing performance of the bonding surface meets the requirement of no leakage under high pressure. The brazed connection ensures a tight fit between the heat exchange fin 20 and the heat exchange plate 10, reduces contact thermal resistance, and improves heat transfer efficiency. At the same time, the fixed connection avoids displacement of the heat exchange fin 20 caused by stacking vibration (such as bumps during vehicle operation), ensuring the structural stability of the heat exchanger.

[0039] The present invention also provides a specific embodiment of a vehicle thermal management system, which includes the aforementioned plate heat exchanger, circulating water pump, electronic expansion valve, and temperature sensor; the coolant side inlet of the plate heat exchanger is connected to the engine water jacket outlet, and the coolant side outlet is connected to the radiator inlet; the refrigerant side inlet is connected to the electronic expansion valve outlet, and the refrigerant side outlet is connected to the compressor inlet, forming a dual-circulation heat exchange loop.

[0040] The high heat exchange efficiency of this plate heat exchanger can keep the engine coolant temperature within a reasonable range, while reducing the refrigerant condensation temperature and reducing compressor power consumption; in addition, the compact structure of the heat exchanger can be adapted to the vehicle's limited installation space.

[0041] This invention also provides a specific embodiment of a vehicle, which is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. In addition to the aforementioned vehicle thermal management system, it also includes a power battery pack. The plate heat exchanger is switched via a three-way valve to selectively dissipate heat for either the engine or the power battery pack: when the power battery temperature is too high, the three-way valve directs the coolant to the plate heat exchanger to exchange heat with the refrigerant, thereby reducing the battery temperature to a reasonable range; when the engine starts, the three-way valve switches to the engine cooling circuit to ensure the engine operates normally.

[0042] This thermal management system can simultaneously meet the heat exchange requirements of the engine and the power battery, avoiding the need to set up two separate heat exchange devices and achieving weight reduction; the stable heat exchange performance of the plate heat exchanger can extend the life of the power battery, while reducing the vehicle's curb weight and increasing the driving range.

[0043] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger, characterized in that, It includes several heat exchange units stacked in layers, wherein the heat exchange unit includes: A heat exchange plate is provided with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a diversion protrusion protruding along one side of the plate surface; the diversion protrusion is adapted to guide the heat exchange fluid to a region away from the shortest path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; The heat exchange fins are disposed on the side of the heat exchange plate with the flow diversion protrusion, and the heat exchange fins are provided with a first avoidance hole to avoid the flow diversion protrusion.

2. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange plate is also provided with a turbulent protrusion protruding along one side of the plate surface, and the heat exchange fins are provided with a second avoidance hole to avoid the turbulent protrusion.

3. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange plate is rectangular in shape, with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet located on opposite sides of the diagonal edge of the heat exchange plate. Several of the diversion protrusions on the heat exchange plate are arranged along the diagonal connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

4. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The turbulence protrusions are arranged in a regular matrix on one side surface of the heat exchange plate.

5. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diversion protrusion is constructed as a long strip protrusion, and the turbulence protrusion is constructed as a circular, rectangular, or regular polygonal protrusion.

6. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the heat exchange fins is greater than the height of the flow diversion protrusion and the turbulence protrusion.

7. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange fins are composed of multiple parallel and staggered fin units. Each fin unit includes a top fin, a bottom fin, and a connecting piece located between the top fin and the bottom fin. The top fin, the connecting pieces located on both sides of the top fin, and the bottom fin located outside the connecting piece form a trapezoidal doorway.

8. A plate heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom plate of the heat exchange fin abuts against the upper surface of the lower heat exchange plate, and the top plate of the heat exchange fin abuts against the lower surface of the upper heat exchange plate.

9. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that, Includes the plate heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the vehicle thermal management system as described in claim 9.

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