Heat exchanger for gas turbine engine

Abstract

A heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger includes one or more exchanger units, each having a core and a manifold. The core of the exchanger unit is formed from a plurality of unit cells coupled together in flow communication to create a flow distribution grid. Each unit cell has a first primary channel, a second primary channel, a first secondary channel in flow communication with the first primary channel, and a second secondary channel in flow communication with the second primary channel. The first secondary channel traverses the second primary channel, and the second secondary channel traverses the first primary channel. Each manifold includes two chambers for separating fluid flowing through the heat exchanger, with one chamber in flow communication with one of the primary channels and having one or more tubes traversing therethrough to provide flow communication between the other primary channel and the other chamber.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of the application for patent, serial number 202310181801.1, filed February 28, 2023, and entitled “Heat Exchanger for a Gas Turbine Engine.” TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to heat exchangers, and more particularly to heat exchangers for gas turbine engines. BACKGROUND

[0003] Gas turbine engines can include one or more heat exchangers. For example, a gas turbine engine can include a buffer air heat exchanger configured to use relatively cool low pressure air to cool relatively hot high pressure air. The cooled high pressure air can be used to cool certain components, such as bearings of the gas turbine engine. To compensate for the relatively low heat transfer capacity of the air, such heat exchangers are typically bulky and heavy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] A complete and enabling disclosure of the application, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification, which is to be taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein:

[0005] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a gas turbine engine is provided in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0006] Figure 2 A perspective view of a heat exchanger is provided in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 3 A perspective view of an exchanger unit of the heat exchanger of Figure 2 is provided;

[0008] Figure 4 A perspective view of a first manifold of the exchanger unit of Figure 3 is provided;

[0009] Figure 5 A perspective view of a second manifold of the exchanger unit of Figure 3 is provided;

[0010] Figure 6 A perspective view of an exchanger unit of a heat exchanger is provided in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 7 A perspective view of an exchanger unit of a heat exchanger is provided in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 8 A perspective view of an exchanger unit of a heat exchanger is provided in accordance with yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2a perspective view of the interaction between two manifolds of the exchanger units of the exchanger pair of FIG. 1;

[0013] Figure 9 Providing Figure 8 a perspective view of the interaction between two manifolds of the exchanger units of the exchanger pair of FIG. 1;

[0014] Figure 10 Providing Figure 8 a perspective view of the interaction between two manifolds of the exchanger units of the exchanger pair of FIG. 1;

[0015] Figure 11 Providing Figure 8 a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the core of one exchanger unit;

[0016] Figure 12 Providing Figure 11 a perspective view of one unit cell of the core of FIG. 1;

[0017] Figure 13 Providing Figure 12 a perspective view of the flow distribution of the unit cell of FIG. 1; and

[0018] Figure 14 Providing Figure 11 a perspective view of the first and second channels of the core of FIG. 1;

[0019] Figure 15 Providing a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the core of an exchanger unit for a heat exchanger according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 16 Providing Figure 15 a perspective view of one unit cell of the core of FIG. 1;

[0021] Figure 17 Providing Figure 16 a perspective view of the flow distribution of the unit cell of FIG. 1; and

[0022] Figure 18 Providing Figure 15 a perspective view of the first and second channels of the core of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the application.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

[0025] The terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to," and the like, mean either a direct coupling, fixation, or attachment, as well as an indirect coupling, fixation or attachment via one or more intermediary devices or features, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0026] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] The term "at least one of' in the context of, for example, "at least one of A, B, and C" means A only, B only, C only, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0028] Approximating language is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary from the true value. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms such as "about," "approximately,” and "substantially” indicates an allowed tolerance that does not make a basic or minimum functioning of the value with which it is used any different. The use of the terms "first,” "second,” and the like does not imply any order or precedence in terms of importance, but merely distinguishes one from another. The use of the terms "top,” "bottom,” and the like is made for ease of reference only and does not connote or otherwise imply any six- dimensional orientation of the device or element. Spatially relative terms, such as "inner,” "outer,” "beneath,” "below,” "lower,” "above,” "upper,” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. The devices or elements can be replaced by other devices or elements having the same or similar function without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The terms of degree such as "comprising,” "including,” and "having” are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that "comprises,” "includes,” or "has” an item or items does not require the presence of the item or items, and can be utilized regardless of the presence or absence of the item or items.

[0029] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data can be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to avoid limiting to an explicitly recited set of values. It is also to be understood that such a range format is used merely to provide language acceptable to patent offices and does not foreclose equivalents. Thus, even if numerical

[0030] Some gas turbine engines can include one or more heat exchangers. For example, a gas turbine engine can include a buffer air heat exchanger configured to use relatively cool low pressure air to cool relatively hot high pressure air. For example, a gas turbine engine can include a buffer air heat exchanger configured to use relatively cool low pressure air discharged from a low pressure compressor to cool relatively hot high pressure air extracted from a high pressure compressor. The cooled high pressure air can be used to cool certain components, such as bearings of the gas turbine engine. To compensate for the relatively low heat transfer capacity of the air, such heat exchangers are typically bulky and heavy. Heat exchangers in gas turbine engines are important in terms of weight and space occupied, as space is limited and the weight of the heat exchanger directly impacts the efficiency of the gas turbine engine and the aircraft in which it is installed.

[0031] According to inventive aspects of the present disclosure, a heat exchanger for a turbine engine is provided. The arrangement and configuration of the heat exchanger can make the heat exchanger compact and efficient. In one example aspect, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of exchanger units. Each exchanger unit has a core and two manifolds. The exchanger units can be stacked in flow communication and coupled together to form an exchanger pair.

[0032] The core of the exchanger unit is formed of a plurality of unit cells coupled together in flow communication with one another to create a flow distribution grid. The arrangement of the unit cells can enable a large heat transfer area and can be assembled to conform to any flow path. The unit cells can define first channels configured to receive a first fluid and second channels configured to receive a second fluid. These channels enable multiple flow branches with local turbulence to enhance heat transfer.

[0033] In particular, each unit cell can have two primary channels parallel to two secondary channels. The two secondary channels can be parallel to one another. The two primary channels can also optionally be perpendicular to tertiary channels. The tertiary channels are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the secondary channels. The primary channels allow two fluid sides to flow in counterflow directions. The secondary / tertiary channels allow the two fluid sides to flow in counterflow and / or crossflow directions with one another and in crossflow directions to the primary channels.

[0034] On two diagonally opposite sides of the unit cell, the secondary / tertiary channels allow a single or double (T-shaped) crossflow arrangement perpendicular to the primary channels. On the other two diagonally opposite sides of the unit cell, the primary channels and the secondary / tertiary channels extending from the junctions with the primary channels allow a tri-split arrangement (when tertiary channels are not present) or a penta-split arrangement (when tertiary channels are present). The counterflow, crossflow, and tri-split and / or penta-split arrangements enable local turbulence and large heat transfer surface area, thereby enabling efficient heat transfer.

[0035] The manifolds enable compact arrangement of the plurality of exchanger units. In particular, the manifolds enable flow inlets and outlets of the two fluid sides to flow in counterflow or co-flow flow directions. Each manifold includes two compartments or chambers— one for each fluid side. In the chamber closest to the core, the primary channels of one fluid side extend out of the core as a plurality of tubes, while the primary channels of the other fluid side terminate at the core edge. The ends of the tubes (extending primary channels) are connected to a partition wall, which acts as a barrier between the two chambers. This arrangement allows the two fluid sides to be divided into different chambers. The manifolds of one exchanger unit can be arranged in flow communication with the manifolds of another exchanger unit to form an exchanger pair, thereby facilitating compact arrangement of the exchanger units of the heat exchanger.

[0036] Reference will now be made to the drawings, Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of a gas turbine engine 100 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. For Figure 1 For the illustrated embodiment, the gas turbine engine 100 is an aero high-bypass turbofan engine configured to be mounted to an aircraft, for example, in a wing- under configuration. As shown, the gas turbine engine 100 defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. The axial direction A extends parallel to or coaxially with a longitudinal centerline 102 defined by the gas turbine engine 100.

[0037] The gas turbine engine 100 includes a fan section 104 and a core turbine engine 106 disposed downstream from the fan section 104. The core turbine engine 106 includes an engine case 108 defining an annular core inlet 110. The engine case 108 surrounds, in serial flow relationship: a compressor section 112 including a first booster or LP compressor 114 and a second HP compressor 116; a combustion section 118; a turbine section 120 including a first HP turbine 122 and a second LP turbine 124; and an exhaust section 126. Thus, the compressor section 112, the combustion section 118, the turbine section 120, and the exhaust section 126 are in serial flow arrangement. An HP shaft 128 drivingly connects the HP turbine 122 to the HP compressor 116. An LP shaft 130 drivingly connects the LP turbine 124 to the LP compressor 114. The compressor section 112, the combustion section 118, the turbine section 120, and the exhaust section 126 together define a core air flowpath 132 through the core turbine engine 106.

[0038] The fan section 104 includes a fan 134 having a plurality of fan blades 136 coupled to a disk 138 in circumferentially spaced relation. As shown, the fan blades 136 extend generally outwardly from the disk 138 in the radial direction R. Each fan blade 136 is rotatable about a pitch axis P relative to the disk 138 due to the fan blades 136 being operably coupled to a suitable actuation member 140 configured to collectively (e.g., uniformly) vary the pitch of the fan blades 136. The fan blades 136, the disk 138, and the actuation member 140 can be rotated together about the longitudinal centerline 102 by the LP shaft 130 across a power gear box 142. The power gear box 142 includes a plurality of gears for stepwise reducing the rotational speed of the LP shaft 130 to achieve a more efficient rotational fan speed. In other embodiments, the fan blades 136, the disk 138, and the actuation member 140 can be directly connected to the LP shaft 130, for example, in a direct drive configuration. Further, in other embodiments, the fan blades 136 of the fan 134 can be fixed pitch fan blades.

[0039] Still referring to Figure 1The disk 138 is covered by a rotatable spinner 144 having an aerodynamic profile to facilitate airflow through the plurality of fan blades 136. Additionally, the fan section 104 includes an annular fan casing or outer nacelle 146 that circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the fan 134 and / or the core turbine engine 106. The nacelle 146 is supported relative to the core turbine engine 106 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart outlet guide vanes 148. A downstream section 150 of the nacelle 146 extends outside of the core turbine engine 106 so as to define a bypass airflow passage 152 therebetween.

[0040] During operation of the gas turbine engine 100, a volume of air 154 enters the gas turbine engine 100 through an associated inlet 156 of the nacelle 146 and / or the fan section 104. As the volume of air 154 passes through the fan blades 136, a first portion of the air, indicated by arrow 158, is directed or channeled into the bypass airflow passage 152 and a second portion of the air, indicated by arrow 160, is directed or channeled into the core inlet 110 and the LP compressor 114. The pressure of the second portion of air 160 increases as it passes through the LP compressor 114 and the HP compressor 116. The compressed second portion of air 160 is then discharged into the combustion section 118.

[0041] The compressed second portion of air 160 from the compressor section 112 is mixed with fuel and combusted within a combustor of the combustion section 118 to provide combustion gases 162. The combustion gases 162 are directed from the combustion section 118 along a hot gas path 174 of the core air flowpath 132 through the HP turbine 122 in which a portion of thermal and / or kinetic energy from the combustion gases 162 is extracted via sequential stages of HP turbine stator vanes 164 and HP turbine blades 166. The HP turbine blades 166 are mechanically coupled to the HP shaft 128. Thus, as the HP turbine blades 166 extract energy from the combustion gases 162, the HP shaft 128 rotates, thereby supporting operation of the HP compressor 116. The combustion gases 162 are directed through the LP turbine 124 in which a second portion of thermal and kinetic energy is extracted from the combustion gases 162 via successive stages of LP turbine stator vanes 168 and LP turbine blades 170. The LP turbine blades 170 are coupled to the LP shaft 130. Thus, as the LP turbine blades 170 extract energy from the combustion gases 162, the LP shaft 130 rotates, thereby supporting operation of the LP compressor 114 and the fan 134.

[0042] The combustion gases 162 are then directed through an exhaust section 126 of the core turbine engine 106 to provide propulsive thrust. At the same time, as the first portion of air 158 is directed through the bypass airflow passage 152 before being exhausted from the fan nozzle exhaust section 172 of the gas turbine engine 100, the pressure of the first portion of air 158 is significantly increased, also providing propulsive thrust. The HP turbine 122, the LP turbine 124, and the exhaust section 126 at least partially define a hot gas path 174 for directing the combustion gases 162 through the core turbine engine 106.

[0043] As Figure 1 As further shown, the gas turbine engine 100 includes a cooling system 190 for cooling various components, such as the bearing 180. The cooling system 190 includes one or more heat exchangers, such as a heat exchanger 192. The heat exchanger 192 can be, for example, a bleed air heat exchanger (BAHE). For this embodiment, the heat exchanger 192 is configured to receive low pressure compressor bleed air to cool the air discharged from the high pressure compressor 116 before the cooled high pressure compressor air is delivered to cool the bearing 180 and optionally other components. The low pressure compressor bleed air can be bled from the core air flow path 132 and directed to the heat exchanger 192 via a first delivery conduit 194. The bleed air from the HP compressor 116 can be directed to the heat exchanger 192 via a second delivery conduit 196. After being cooled at the heat exchanger 192 by the low pressure compressor bleed air, the cooled bleed air from the HP compressor 116 can be directed to the bearing 180 via a third delivery conduit 198. Although not shown, the low pressure compressor bleed air can be directed from the heat exchanger 192 to any suitable location, such as to the core compartment, back to the core air flow path 132, to another heat exchanger, or to another suitable location. A compact, efficient heat exchanger that can be implemented as a BAHE is provided herein.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be understood that Figure 1The gas turbine engine 100 depicted herein is provided by way of example only, and in other exemplary embodiments, the gas turbine engine 100 may have any other suitable configuration. Furthermore, or alternatively, aspects of this disclosure can be used with any other suitable aero gas turbine engine, such as a turboshaft engine, turboprop engine, turbojet engine, etc. Furthermore, aspects of this disclosure can also be used with any other land-based gas turbine engine (e.g., a power generation gas turbine engine) or any aero-derivative gas turbine engine (e.g., a marine gas turbine engine). Moreover, the inventive aspects disclosed herein are not limited to turbine engines; rather, they are applicable to any suitable application implementing a heat exchanger. In this respect, the inventive aspects of this disclosure are applicable to many industries, including the aerospace industry, the oil and gas industry, the automotive industry, the power generation industry, the food and beverage industry, and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as other industries and applications.

[0045] Figure 2 A perspective view of a heat exchanger 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The heat exchanger 200 may be implemented as, for example... Figure 1 The BAHE provided in the figure. As shown, heat exchanger 200 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T that are orthogonal to each other. Heat exchanger 200 includes a plurality of exchanger units 210. The exchanger units 210 can be arranged compactly in any suitable configuration. For this embodiment, heat exchanger 200 includes twenty (20) exchanger units 210, including ten right-side exchanger units stacked on top of each other along the vertical direction V and ten left-side exchanger units stacked on top of each other along the vertical direction V. Although Figure 2 The heat exchanger 200 has twenty exchanger units 210, but in other exemplary embodiments, the heat exchanger 200 may include any suitable number of exchanger units, such as one exchanger unit, eight exchanger units, fifty exchanger units, etc. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the exchanger units 210 may be placed side-by-side rather than stacked on top of each other.

[0046] Now for reference Figure 2 , 3 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 3 supply Figure 2 A perspective view of the first exchanger unit 211 of the heat exchanger 200. Figure 4 A perspective view of the first manifold 228 of the first switch unit 211 is provided, and Figure 5 A perspective view of the second manifold 230 of the first exchanger unit 211 is provided. Typically, each exchanger unit 210 of the heat exchanger 200 has a core and two manifolds.

[0047] In particular, as shown, the first exchanger unit 211 includes a core 222 that defines a first passageway 224 and a second passageway 226. The first passageway 224 can receive a first fluid Fl and the second passageway 226 can receive a second fluid F2. Both the first fluid Fl and the second fluid F2 may, for example, be air. In this regard, the heat exchanger 200 can be an air-to-air heat exchanger. The first fluid Fl flowing through the first passageway 224 can be hotter and at a higher pressure than the second fluid F2 flowing through the second passageway 226, or vice versa. In this manner, thermal energy can be exchanged between the first fluid Fl and the second fluid F2 as they flow through the first exchanger unit 211.

[0048] While the core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211 is shown as a double U-bend passageway configuration, it should be appreciated that the core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211 (and the cores of the other exchanger units 210) can have other suitable configurations, such as a straight passageway configuration as shown in FIG. 2B or a single U-bend passageway configuration as shown in FIG. 2C. The core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211, or more generally, the cores of the exchanger units, will be described in greater detail later in the present disclosure. Figure 6 Figure 7 While the core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211 is shown as a double U-bend passageway configuration, it should be appreciated that the core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211 (and the cores of the other exchanger units 210) can have other suitable configurations, such as a straight passageway configuration as shown in FIG. 2B or a single U-bend passageway configuration as shown in FIG. 2C. The core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211, or more generally, the cores of the exchanger units, will be described in greater detail later in the present disclosure.

[0049] As noted above, the first exchanger unit 211 includes a first manifold 228 and a second manifold 230. For this embodiment, the first manifold 228 is arranged to distribute the second fluid F2 into the core 222 and to receive the first fluid Fl flowing out of the core 222. Conversely, the second manifold 230 is arranged to distribute the first fluid Fl into the core 222 and to receive the second fluid F2 flowing out of the core 222.

[0050] The first manifold 228 has an outer shell 232 and a partition wall 234 that together define two chambers, including a first chamber 236 and a second chamber 238. The outer shell 232 is shown as transparent in FIG. 2A for illustrative purposes. The first chamber 236 and the second chamber 238 are separated, for example, along the transverse direction T by the partition wall 234. In this regard, the first chamber 236 and the second chamber 238 of the first manifold 228 are fluidically isolated from one another. The first chamber 236 is in flow communication with the first passageway 224 of the core 222. In this manner, the first fluid Fl can flow out of the core 222 into the first chamber 236, or vice versa in other embodiments. Figure 4

[0051] ​​The first manifold 228 further includes a plurality of tubes 240 extending through the first chamber 236 and the partition wall 234 to provide flow communication between the second chamber 238 and the second channel 226. Thus, the second fluid F2 can flow from the second chamber 238, through the tubes 240 extending through the first chamber 236, and into the second channel 226, or vice versa in other embodiments. The partition wall 234 may define one or more orifices to receive the tubes 240, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0052] The second manifold 230 has a housing 242 and a partition wall 244, which together define two chambers, including a first chamber 246 and a second chamber 248. The housing 242... Figure 5 The areas shown are transparent for illustrative purposes. The first chamber 246 and the second chamber 248 are separated by a partition wall 244, for example, along a transverse direction T. In this way, the first chamber 246 and the second chamber 248 of the second manifold 230 are fluidly isolated from each other. The first chamber 246 is in flow communication with the first channel 224 of the core 222. In this way, a first fluid F1 can flow from the first chamber 246 into the core 222, or vice versa in other embodiments.

[0053] The second manifold 230 also includes a plurality of tubes 250 extending through the first chamber 246 and the partition wall 244 to provide flow communication between the second chamber 248 and the second channel 226. In this way, the second fluid F2 can flow out from the second channel 226 of the core 222, through the tubes 250 extending through the first chamber 246, and into the second chamber 248, or vice versa in other embodiments.

[0054] Now for reference Figure 2 , 8 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 8 An exploded perspective view is provided showing a pairing of a first switch unit 211 and a second switch unit 212. The second switch unit 212 is arranged to form a switch pair with the first switch unit 211. Figure 9 supply Figure 8 A three-dimensional diagram showing the interaction between the two manifolds of the switch units 211 and 212 of the switch pair. Figure 10 supply Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the interaction between the other two manifolds of the switch units 211 and 212 of the switch pair.

[0055] Typically, the second exchanger unit 212 is configured in a similar manner to the first exchanger unit 211. The second exchanger unit 212 includes a core 252 defining a first channel 254 and a second channel 256. The first channel 254 is configured to receive a first fluid F1, while the second channel 256 is configured to receive a second fluid F2. The second exchanger unit 212 further includes a first manifold 258 and a second manifold 260.

[0056] The first manifold 258 of the second exchanger unit 212 has a housing 262 and a partition wall 264, which together define a third chamber 266 and a fourth chamber 268. The third chamber 266 and the fourth chamber 268 are separated by the partition wall 264. The third chamber 266 is in flow communication with a first channel 254 of the core 252 of the second exchanger unit 212. The first manifold 258 of the second exchanger unit 212 includes a plurality of tubes 270 extending through the third chamber 266 and the partition wall 264 of the second exchanger unit 212 to provide flow communication between the fourth chamber 268 and the second channel 256 of the core 252 of the second exchanger unit 212. Notably, the third chamber 266 is not in flow communication with the first chamber 236, and the fourth chamber 268 is not in flow communication with the second chamber 238. For example, in this embodiment, the chamber wall 282 separates the first chamber 236 and the third chamber 266 along the vertical direction V, and separates the second chamber 238 and the fourth chamber 268.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown, the first exchanger unit 211, or more specifically, its first manifold 228, has a first flow-communication port 290 allowing flow into or out of the first chamber 236 and a second flow-communication port 292 allowing flow into or out of the second chamber 238. In this embodiment, for example, a first fluid F1 can flow out of the first chamber 236 through the first port 290, while a second fluid F2 can flow into the second chamber 238 through the second port 292. Similarly, the second exchanger unit 212, or more specifically, its first manifold 258, has a third flow-communication port 294 allowing flow into or out of the third chamber 266 and a fourth flow-communication port 296 allowing flow into or out of the fourth chamber 268. In this embodiment, a first fluid F1 can flow out of the third chamber 266 through the third port 294, while a second fluid F2 can flow into the fourth chamber 268 through the fourth port 296.

[0058] like Figure 10As shown, the second manifold 260 of the second exchanger unit 212 has a housing 272 and a partition wall 274, which together define a third chamber 276 and a fourth chamber 278. The third chamber 276 and the fourth chamber 278 are separated by the partition wall 274. The third chamber 276 is in flow communication with a first channel 254 of the core 252 of the second exchanger unit 212. The second manifold 260 of the second exchanger unit 212 includes a plurality of tubes 280 extending through the third chamber 276 and the partition wall 274 of the second exchanger unit 212 to provide flow communication between the fourth chamber 278 and the second channel 256 of the core 252 of the second exchanger unit 212.

[0059] Typically, the direction in which the first fluid F1 flows through the core 252 of the second exchanger unit 212 is opposite to the direction in which the first fluid F1 flows through the core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211. Similarly, the direction in which the second fluid F2 flows through the core 252 of the second exchanger unit 212 is opposite to the direction in which the second fluid F2 flows through the core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211. This flow is achieved at least in part by the arrangement of the second manifold 230 of the first exchanger unit 211 and the second manifold 260 of the second exchanger unit 212.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, the third chamber 276 is in flow communication with the first chamber 246. In this respect, the third chamber 276 and the first chamber 246 together form a pair of exchanger chambers that allow the first fluid F1 to flow between the second exchanger unit 212 and the first exchanger unit 211. Specifically, the first fluid F1 can flow out of the first channel 254 of the core 252 of the second exchanger unit 212 into the third chamber 276, and then flow from the third chamber 276 into the first chamber 246, and finally into the first channel 224 of the first exchanger unit 211.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the fourth chamber 278 is in flow communication with the second chamber 248. In this respect, the fourth chamber 278 and the second chamber 248 together form a pair of exchanger chambers that allow the second fluid F2 to flow between the first exchanger unit 211 and the second exchanger unit 212. Therefore, the second fluid F2 can flow out of the second channel 226 of the core 222 of the first exchanger unit 211, enter the pipe 250 across the first chamber 246 and enter the second chamber 248, and then flow from the second chamber 248 into the fourth chamber 278. Thereafter, the second fluid F2 can flow from the fourth chamber 278 into the pipe 280 across the third chamber 276, and finally enter the second channel 256 of the core 252 of the second exchanger unit 212.

[0062] Other exchanger units of heat exchanger 200 can form exchanger pairs with each other in the same manner as first and second exchanger units 211, 212 form an exchanger pair. For example, with reference to Figure 2 , third and fourth exchanger units 213, 214 can form an exchanger pair, fifth and sixth exchanger units 215, 216 can form an exchanger pair, seventh and eighth exchanger units 217, 218 can form an exchanger pair, and ninth and tenth exchanger units 219 and 220 can form an exchanger pair. Exchanger unit 210 on the left side of heat exchanger 200 can likewise form an exchanger pair.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 2 , 11 , 12, 13, and Figure 14 , the core of an exchanger unit of heat exchanger 200 will now be described in greater detail. Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of core 222 of first exchanger unit 211 is provided. Figure 12 A perspective view of one unit cell of core 222 of Figure 11 is provided. Figure 13 A perspective view of the flow distribution of a unit cell of Figure 12 is provided. Figure 14 A perspective view of first and second passages 224, 226 of core 222 is provided. While core 222 of first exchanger unit 211 is described, it should be understood that the core of each exchanger unit 210 of heat exchanger 200 can be constructed in the manner provided below.

[0064] As shown, core 222 has a plurality of unit cells 300 that are fluidly coupled together to define a flow distribution grid of first exchanger unit 211. Unit cells 300 can be arranged to conform to a shape having any suitable number of curved flow paths, such as a double U-shaped curved channel configuration as shown in Figure 3 , a straight channel configuration as shown in Figure 6 , a single U-shaped curved channel configuration as shown in Figure 7 , and the like. Unit cells 300 of this portion of core 222 are individually labeled 300A through 300J in Figure 11 .

[0065] Generally, each unit cell 300 includes a cell block that defines a first primary passage, a second primary passage, a first secondary passage in fluid communication with the first primary passage, and a second secondary passage in fluid communication with the second primary passage. The first secondary passage traverses the second primary passage, and the second secondary passage traverses the first primary passage. In some embodiments, the first and second primary passages are arranged parallel to each other, and the first and second secondary passages are arranged perpendicular to the first and second primary passages.

[0066] In some embodiments, the secondary channels can extend longitudinally in a plane in which the primary channels also extend longitudinally. For example, both the secondary channels and the primary channels can extend longitudinally in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. For example, the primary channels can extend longitudinally along the transverse direction T and the secondary channels can extend longitudinally along the lateral direction L. In other embodiments, the secondary channels can extend longitudinally in a different plane than the primary channels. For example, the primary channels can extend longitudinally in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V and the secondary channels can extend longitudinally in a vertical plane. For example, the primary channels can extend longitudinally along the transverse direction T (or the lateral direction L) and the secondary channels can extend longitudinally along the vertical direction V.

[0067] The first primary channel of a given unit cell is in flow communication with the first primary channel of an adjacent unit cell, the second primary channel of the given unit cell is in flow communication with the second primary channel of the adjacent unit cell, the first secondary channel of the given unit cell is in flow communication with the first primary channel of the given unit cell and also in flow communication with the first secondary channel of the adjacent unit cell, and the second secondary channel of the given unit cell is in flow communication with the second primary channel of the given unit cell and also in flow communication with the second secondary channel of the adjacent unit cell. The first primary channels and the first secondary channels of the plurality of unit cells 300 collectively form the first channels 224 of the core 222, and the second primary channels and the second secondary channels of the plurality of unit cells 300 collectively form the second channels of the core 222.

[0068] By way of example, Figure 12 A unit cell 300B of the core 222 is depicted in FIG. 3. The unit cell 300B includes a cell block 310. The cell block 310 can be formed of any suitable material. The cell block 310 extends between a first side 312 and a second side 314, e.g., along the lateral direction L, and between a front face 316 and a back face 318, e.g., along the transverse direction T. The cell block 310 defines a first primary channel 320 configured to receive a first fluid Fl. The first primary channel 320 has a diameter D1P (see FIG. 3) and spans the front face 316 and the back face 318 of the unit cell 300B along the transverse direction T. Figure 11 The unit cell 300H in FIG. 3) and spans the front face 316 and the back face 318 of the unit cell 300B along the transverse direction T. The cell block 310 also defines a second primary channel 322 configured to receive a second fluid F2. The second primary channel 322 has a diameter D2P (see FIG. 3) and spans the front face 316 and the back face 318 of the unit cell 300B along the transverse direction T. Figure 11 The unit cell 300E in FIG. 3) and spans the front face 316 and the back face 318 of the unit cell 300B along the transverse direction T. The first primary channel 320 and the second primary channel 322 are arranged parallel to one another in this embodiment.

[0069] The unit block 310 further defines a first secondary channel 324 configured to receive the first fluid Fl. The first secondary channel 324 has a diameter Dls (see Figure 11 in the unit 3001) and spans the first side 312 and the second side 314 of the unit cell 300B along the lateral direction L. The first secondary channel 324 is in flow communication with the first primary channel 320. In particular, the unit block 310 defines a first bridge aperture 326 (see Figure 11 ) through a bridge 328 of the unit block 310. The first bridge aperture 326 provides flow communication of the first primary channel 320 and a first conduit 330 of the unit block 310 that spans the second primary channel 322. In this regard, the first secondary channel 324 traverses the second primary channel 322. The first conduit 330 is in flow communication with a first side aperture 332 defined by a first side portion of the unit block 310. A second side portion of the unit block 310 defines a second side aperture 334 in flow communication with the first primary channel 320. The first secondary channel 324 is collectively formed by the first side aperture 332, the first conduit 330, the first bridge aperture 326 (see Figure 11 ) and the second side aperture 334. The first secondary channel 324 is arranged perpendicular to both the first primary channel 320 and the second primary channel 322.

[0070] For this embodiment, the first secondary channel 324 is not only arranged perpendicular to the first primary channel 320 and the second primary channel 322, but the first secondary channel 324 also extends longitudinally in the same plane as the first and second primary channels 320, 322. In particular, for this embodiment, the first secondary channel 324 extends longitudinally in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction V, as do the first and second primary channels 320, 322. However, in other embodiments, the first secondary channel 324 can be arranged perpendicular to both the first and second primary channels 320, 322 and can extend longitudinally in a different plane than the first and second primary channels 320, 322 extend longitudinally. As one example, the first secondary channel 324 can extend longitudinally in a vertical plane along the vertical direction V, and the first primary channel 320 and the second primary channel 322 can both extend longitudinally in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction V.

[0071] The unit block 310 further defines a second secondary channel 336 configured to receive the second fluid F2. The second secondary channel 336 has a diameter D2S (see Figure 11The second primary channel 322 extends across the first side 312 and the second side 314 of the unit cell 300B along the lateral direction L. The second primary channel 322 is in flow communication with the second secondary channel 336. Specifically, the unit block 310 defines a second bridge aperture 338 through the bridge 328 of the unit block 310. The second bridge aperture 338 provides flow communication between the second primary channel 322 and a second conduit 340 of the unit block 310 that spans the first primary channel 320. In this regard, the second secondary channel 336 traverses the first primary channel 320. A first side portion of the unit block 310 defines a first side aperture 342 that is in flow communication with the second primary channel 322. The second conduit 340 is in flow communication with the second bridge aperture 338 and a second side aperture 344 defined by a second side portion of the unit block 310. Figure 11 ) The second secondary channel 336 is collectively formed by the first side aperture 342, the second bridge aperture 338, the second conduit 340, and the second side aperture 344. The second secondary channel 336 is arranged perpendicular to both the first primary channel 320 and the second primary channel 322.

[0072] For this embodiment, the second secondary channel 336 is not only arranged perpendicular to the first primary channel 320 and the second primary channel 322, but the second secondary channel 336 also extends longitudinally in the same plane as the first and second primary channels 320, 322. In particular, for this embodiment, the second secondary channel 336 extends longitudinally in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V, as do the first and second primary channels 320, 322. However, in other embodiments, the second secondary channel 336 can be arranged perpendicular to both the first and second primary channels 320, 322 and can extend longitudinally in a different plane than the first and second primary channels 320, 322 extend longitudinally. As one example, the second secondary channel 336 can extend longitudinally in a vertical plane along the vertical direction V, and the first primary channel 320 and the second primary channel 322 can both extend longitudinally in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V.

[0073] The diameters D1P and D2P of the first primary channel 320 and the second primary channel 322 are both larger than the diameters D1S and D2S of the first primary channel 324 and the second primary channel 336. For example, in some embodiments, the diameters D1P of the first primary channel 320 and D2P of the second primary channel are both at least twice the diameter D1S of the first primary channel 324 and both twice the diameter D2S of the second primary channel 336. In some embodiments, the diameters D1P of the first primary channel 320 and D2P of the second primary channel 322 are both at least twice the diameter D1S of the first primary channel 324 and less than or equal to four times, and both are at least twice the diameter D2S of the second primary channel 336 and less than or equal to four times. In some other embodiments, the diameter D1P of the first primary channel 320 and the diameter D2P of the second primary channel 322 are both at least twice the diameter D1S of the first primary channel 324 and less than or equal to ten times it, and both are at least twice the diameter D2S of the second primary channel 336 and less than or equal to ten times it.

[0074] In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the primary channels 320, 322 may be twice the diameters D1S, D2S of the secondary channels 324, 336. In another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the primary channels 320, 322 may be two and a half times the diameters D1S, D2S of the secondary channels 324, 336. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the primary channels 320, 322 may be three times the diameters D1S, D2S of the secondary channels 324, 336. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the primary channels 320, 322 may be four times the diameters D1S, D2S of the secondary channels 324, 336. Unless otherwise stated, the diameter of a channel refers to the inner diameter of a given channel.

[0075] like Figure 11 As shown and mentioned above, core 222 can be composed of multiple unit cells 300 that are fluidly connected to each other. For example, each unit cell 300 can be fluidly connected to at least one adjacent unit cell. For example, unit cell 300B is fluidly connected to at least one adjacent unit cell. Specifically, unit cell 300B is fluidly connected to unit cells 300A, 300G, and 300C, all of which are adjacent to unit cell 300B.

[0076] As shown, the first primary channel 320 of unit cell 300B is in flow communication with the first primary channel of unit cell 300G, and the second primary channel 322 of unit cell 300B is in flow communication with the second primary channel of unit cell 300G. The first secondary channel 324 of unit cell 300B is in flow communication with the first secondary channel of unit cell 300A and the first secondary channel of unit cell 300C. For example, the first side hole 332 of unit cell 300B can be in flow communication with the second side hole of unit cell 300A, and the second side hole 334 of unit cell 300B can be in flow communication with the first side hole of unit cell C. In this way, the first secondary channel 324 of unit cell 300B can be in flow communication with the first secondary channels of unit cells 300A, 300C. The second secondary channel 336 of unit cell 300B is in flow communication with the second secondary channel of unit cell 300A and the second secondary channel of unit cell 300C. For example, the first side hole 342 of unit cell 300B can be in flow communication with the second side hole of unit cell 300A, and the second side hole 334 of unit cell 300B can be in flow communication with the first side hole of unit cell C. In this way, the second secondary channel 336 of unit cell 300B can be in flow communication with the second secondary channels of unit cells 300A, 300C. As will be appreciated when considering Figure 11 the flow distribution grid created by the arrangement of unit cells 300, other unit cells 300 can be in flow communication in a similar manner to that provided in the above examples.

[0077] Some unit cells 300 can include a "dead end." For example, unit cell 300A includes a dead end 346 associated with its first secondary channel and a dead end 348 associated with its second secondary channel. The dead ends 346, 348 serve as end points for the first and second secondary channels of unit cell 300A. As Figure 11 shown, unit cells 300E, 300F, and 300J also each include a dead end.

[0078] The arrangement of unit cells 300 of core 222 can provide a compact, efficient heat exchanger. The flow distribution grid created by the arrangement of unit cells 300 can allow for enhanced heat transfer.

[0079] In particular, the primary channels of unit cells 300 allow for two fluids Fl, F2 to flow in counter-current directions. For example, the arrow representing the direction of flow of the first fluid Fl through the first primary channel of unit cell 300G is pointed in the opposite direction as the arrow representing the direction of flow of the second fluid F2 through the second primary channel of unit cell 300G.

[0080] Furthermore, the secondary channels allow the two fluids Fl, F2 to flow in counter-current directions with respect to each other and in counter-current directions within a given secondary channel. For example, the arrow representing the flow direction of the first fluid Fl through the first secondary channel of the unit cell 300G is pointed in the opposite direction as the arrow representing the flow direction of the second fluid F2 through the second secondary channel of the unit cell 300G at the respective lateral positions. In this manner, the secondary channels allow the fluids Fl, F2 to flow in counter-current directions with respect to each other. Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged cross-section A in Figure 11 the first fluid Fl flowing through the first conduit can flow in a counter-current direction, as shown by the arrow pointing in the opposite direction. Similarly, as shown in the enlarged cross-section D in Figure 11 the second fluid F2 flowing through the second conduit can flow in a counter-current direction, as shown by the arrow pointing in the opposite direction. In this regard, the secondary channels allow the fluids Fl, F2 to flow in counter-current directions within a given secondary channel.

[0081] Furthermore, at two diagonally opposite sides of a given unit cell of the unit cell 300, or more specifically at a first set of diagonally opposite sides, the secondary channels allow a cross-flow arrangement perpendicular to the flow of the primary channels. For example, as shown in the enlarged cross-section A in Figure 11 the second fluid F2 flowing through the second primary channel 322 (represented by the "X circle" entering the page) is in a cross-flow direction with respect to the first fluid Fl flowing through the first secondary channel 324, as shown by the arrows. Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged cross-section D in Figure 11 the first fluid Fl flowing through the first primary channel 320 (represented by the "dot circle" exiting the page) is in a cross-flow direction with respect to the second fluid F2 flowing through the second secondary channel 336, as shown by the arrows. In this regard, the secondary channels 324, 336 allow a cross-flow arrangement perpendicular to the flow of the fluids through the primary channels 320, 322. In this regard, at diagonally opposite sides of the unit cell 300G, the first secondary channel 324, defined at least in part by the first conduit 330, traverses the second primary channel 322, and the second secondary channel 336, defined at least in part by the second conduit 340, traverses the first primary channel 320.

[0082] At the other two diagonally opposite sides of a given unit cell of the unit cell 300, or more specifically at a second set of diagonally opposite sides, the connection of the primary channels with their respective secondary channels allows a three-way flow arrangement. That is, at a given connection point of a fluidically coupled primary channel and secondary channel, the fluid flows in three directions from the connection point. For example, as shown in the enlarged cross-section A in Figure 11As shown in the enlarged cross-section B, the first primary channel 320 and the first stage channel 324 are directly fluidly connected at the first connection point 325. The first primary channel 320 and the first stage channel 324 together form a three-way flow arrangement at the first connection point 325. Specifically, the first fluid F1 flowing through the first primary channel 320 flows from the first connection point 325 in a first direction (e.g., the exit page represented by the "dotted circle"). The first fluid F1 also flows from the first connection point 325 through the first stage channel 324 in a second direction, as indicated by the left-pointing arrow, and the first fluid F1 also flows from the first connection point 325 through the first stage channel 324 in a third direction, as indicated by the right-pointing arrow.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown in the enlarged cross-section C, the second primary channel 322 and the second secondary channel 336 are directly fluidly connected at the second connection point 327. The second primary channel 322 and the second secondary channel 336 together form a three-way flow arrangement at the second connection point 327. More specifically, the second fluid F2 flowing through the second primary channel 322 flows from the second connection point 327 in a first direction (e.g., the entry point indicated by the "v-circle"). The second fluid F2 also flows from the second connection point 327 through the second secondary channel 336 in a second direction, as indicated by the left-pointing arrow, and in a third direction, from the second connection point 327 through the second secondary channel 336, as indicated by the right-pointing arrow. Therefore, the three-way flow arrangement at the first connection point 325 and the three-way flow arrangement at the second connection point 327 are located on opposite diagonal sides of the unit cell 300G.

[0084] In summary, the flow distribution grid generated by the arrangement of core unit cells allows for enhanced heat transfer through the aforementioned counter-flow, cross-flow, and three-way flow arrangements. Figure 15 The cross-sectional shape of the first and second channels 224 and 226 of the core 222 can be any suitable cross-sectional shape such as circle, rectangle, trapezoid, etc.

[0085] Now for reference Figures 11 to 14 , 16 Sections 17 and 18 will now describe an alternative core for the exchanger unit of heat exchanger 200. The alternative core is consistent with the references above. Figures 11 to 14 The core 222 described is configured in a similar manner, except as provided below. Therefore, it is used for identification. Figure 15 The core 222 part of the numbers is used for identification Figure 16 , 16 Similar or analogous parts of the replacement core in 17 and 18.

[0086] In this embodiment, in addition to the primary and secondary channels, the core 222 includes or defines tertiary channels. Specifically, each unit 300 of the core 222 may define two tertiary channels in flow communication with the first primary channel and two tertiary channels in flow communication with the second primary channel. For the two tertiary channels in flow communication with the first primary channel, one tertiary channel is directly fluidly connected to the first primary channel, while the other tertiary channel traverses the second primary channel and is in flow communication with the first primary channel via a first tertiary channel. For the two tertiary channels in flow communication with the second primary channel, one tertiary channel is directly fluidly connected to the second primary channel, while the other tertiary channel traverses the first primary channel and is in flow communication with the second primary channel via a second tertiary channel. Each tertiary channel is arranged perpendicular to both the primary and secondary channels.

[0087] In some embodiments, the tertiary channel may extend longitudinally in a plane different from the plane in which the primary and secondary channels extend longitudinally. For example, the tertiary channel may extend longitudinally in a vertical direction V, while the primary and secondary channels may extend in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction V (e.g., the primary channel may extend longitudinally in a lateral direction T and the secondary channel may extend longitudinally in a lateral direction L). In other embodiments, the tertiary channel may extend longitudinally in the same plane as the primary channel but in a plane different from the secondary channel. For example, the tertiary channel may extend longitudinally in a lateral direction L, the primary channel may extend longitudinally in a lateral direction T, and the secondary channel may extend longitudinally in a vertical direction V.

[0088] refer to Figure 15 The unit block 310 of unit cell 300B defines two tertiary channels in flow communication with the first primary channel 320. Specifically, the unit block 310 of unit cell 300B defines a first tertiary channel 351 associated with the first primary channel 320. The first tertiary channel 351 is configured to receive a first fluid F1 and is in flow communication with the first primary channel 320 and the first primary channel 324. The first tertiary channel 351 is directly fluidly connected to the first primary channel 320. The first tertiary channel 351 has a diameter D1T (see...). Figure 15 The unit cell 300A in the middle and spans between the top and bottom of the unit block 310 along the vertical direction V.

[0089] The unit block 310 of unit cell 300B further defines a third tertiary channel 353 associated with the first primary channel 320. The third tertiary channel 353 is configured to receive the first fluid F1 and is in flow communication with both the first primary channel 320 and the first primary channel 324. The third tertiary channel 353 is not directly fluidly connected to the first primary channel 320, but is in flow communication with the first primary channel 320 through the first primary channel 324. The third tertiary channel 353 has a diameter D3T (see...). Figure 16The unit cell 300E in FIG. 3E depicts a unit block 310 of the unit cell 300E) and spans between the top and bottom of the unit block 310 along the vertical direction V. Notably, the third tertiary channel 353 traverses the second primary channel 322 and is directly fluidly connected to the first secondary channel 324 at a connection point within the second primary channel 322. The third tertiary channel 353 and the first secondary channel 324 form a T-shape or cross-shape within the second primary channel 322. The third tertiary channel 353 is arranged perpendicular to both the first secondary channel 324 and the second primary channel 322.

[0090] Figure 15 The unit block 310 of the unit cell 300B in FIG. 3B further defines two tertiary channels in flow communication with the second primary channel 322. Specifically, the unit block 310 of the unit cell 300B defines a second tertiary channel 352 associated with the second primary channel 322. The second tertiary channel 352 is configured to receive the second fluid F2 and is in flow communication with the second primary channel 322 and the second secondary channel 336. The second tertiary channel 352 is directly fluidly connected with the second primary channel 322. The second tertiary channel 352 has a diameter D2T (see FIG. 3B) that is less than the diameter D2P of the second primary channel 322. The second tertiary channel 352 is arranged perpendicular to the second primary channel 322. Figure 15 The unit cell 300J in FIG. 3J depicts a unit block 310 of the unit cell 300J) and spans between the top and bottom of the unit block 310 along the vertical direction V.

[0091] The unit block 310 of the unit cell 300B further defines a fourth tertiary channel 354 associated with the second primary channel 322. The fourth tertiary channel 354 is configured to receive the second fluid F2 and is in flow communication with the second primary channel 322 and the second secondary channel 336. The fourth tertiary channel 354 is not directly fluidly connected with the second primary channel 322, but rather the fourth tertiary channel 354 is in fluid communication with the second primary channel 322 through the second secondary channel 336. The fourth tertiary channel 354 has a diameter D4T (see FIG. 3B) that is less than the diameter D2P of the second primary channel 322. The fourth tertiary channel 354 is arranged perpendicular to both the second secondary channel 336 and the first primary channel 320. Figure 16 The unit cell 300A in FIG. 3A depicts a unit block 310 of the unit cell 300A) and spans between the top and bottom of the unit block 310 along the vertical direction V. Notably, the fourth tertiary channel 354 traverses the first primary channel 320 and is directly fluidly connected to the second secondary channel 336 at a connection point within the first primary channel 320. The fourth tertiary channel 354 and the second secondary channel 336 form a T-shape or cross-shape within the first primary channel 320. The fourth tertiary channel 354 is arranged perpendicular to both the second secondary channel 336 and the first primary channel 320.

[0092] As will be appreciated based on the teachings herein, a tertiary channel of a given unit cell 300 can be in flow communication with a corresponding tertiary channel of an adjacent unit cell of the unit cell 300. Further, it will be appreciated that tertiary channels can be collectively formed by various holes and conduits. For example, as will be appreciated based on the teachings herein, a tertiary channel can be formed by a hole and a conduit. For example, as will be appreciated based on the teachings herein, a tertiary channel can be formed by a hole and a conduit. Figure 15As shown, the third tertiary channel 353 is partially formed by a third conduit 360 that spans and traverses the second primary channel 322, and the fourth tertiary channel 354 is partially formed by a fourth conduit 362 that spans and traverses the first primary channel 320.

[0093] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the diameters D1P, D2P of the first and second primary channels 320, 322 are both greater than the diameters D1T, D2T, D3T, D4T of the tertiary channels 351, 352, 353, 354. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter D1P of the first primary channel 320 and the diameter D2P of the second primary channel 320 are both at least twice the diameters D1T, D2T, D3T, D4T of the tertiary channels 351, 352, 353, 354. In some embodiments, the diameter D1P of the first primary channel 320 and the diameter D2P of the second primary channel 322 are both at least twice the diameters D1T, D2T, D3T, D4T of the tertiary channels 351, 352, 353, 354 and less than or equal to four times the diameters D1T, D2T, D3T, D4T of the tertiary channels 351, 352, 353, 354. In other embodiments, the diameter D1P of the first primary channel 320 and the diameter D2P of the second primary channel 322 are both at least twice the diameters D1T, D2T, D3T, D4T of the tertiary channels 351, 352, 353, 354 and less than or equal to ten times the diameters D1T, D2T, D3T, D4T of the tertiary channels 351, 352, 353, 354. In some embodiments, the diameters D1T, D2T, D3T, D4T of the tertiary channels 351, 352, 353, 354 can all be the same diameter. In some embodiments, the diameters D1T, D2T, D3T, D4T of the tertiary channels 351, 352, 353, 354 can all be the same as the diameters D1S, D2S of the secondary channels 324, 336.

[0094] Figure 15 The arrangement of unit cells 300 of the core 222 can provide a compact, efficient heat exchanger 200. The flow distribution mesh created by the arrangement of unit cells 300 can allow for enhanced heat transfer.

[0095] In particular, the primary channels of the unit cell 300 allow the two fluids Fl, F2 to flow in counterflow directions, as described above. Furthermore, the secondary channels allow the two fluids Fl, F2 to flow in counterflow directions with each other and within a given secondary channel. Likewise, the tertiary channels allow the two fluids Fl, F2 to flow in counterflow directions with each other and within a given tertiary channel.

[0096] Additionally, at two diagonally opposite sides of a given unit cell of the unit cells 300 of the core 222, or more precisely at a first set of diagonally opposite sides, the secondary and tertiary channels allow for a double crossflow arrangement perpendicular to the primary channel flow. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the secondary channel 324 and the tertiary channel 353 allow for a double crossflow arrangement perpendicular to the primary channel flow. Figure 15 Figure 15 ​As shown in the enlarged cross-section A, the second fluid F2 flowing through the second primary channel (the entry page represented by the "X circle") is in the cross-flow direction relative to the first fluid F1 flowing through the first primary channel, as indicated by the arrow, and is also in the cross-flow direction relative to the first fluid F1 flowing through the third primary channel, as indicated by the arrow. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 As shown in the enlarged cross-section D, the first fluid F1 flowing through the first primary channel (represented by the "dotted circle") is in the cross-flow direction relative to the second fluid F2 flowing through the second primary channel, as indicated by the arrow, and also relative to the second fluid F2 flowing through the fourth tertiary channel, as indicated by the arrow. In this respect, the secondary and tertiary channels allow for a double cross-flow arrangement perpendicular to the primary channel flow. On opposite diagonal sides of the unit cell 300G, the first primary channel 324, at least partially defined by the first conduit 330, and the third tertiary channel 353, at least partially defined by the third conduit 360, traverse the second primary channel 322, and the second primary channel 322 and the fourth tertiary channel 354, at least partially defined by the second conduit 340, traverse the first primary channel 320.

[0097] exist Figure 15 On the other two diagonally opposite sides of the given unit cell 300 of core 222, or more precisely on the second set of diagonally opposite sides, the connection points of the primary channel with its respective secondary and tertiary channels allow for a five-way flow arrangement. That is, at a given connection point of the fluid-connected primary, secondary, and tertiary channels, fluid flows from the connection point in five directions; hence, a five-way flow arrangement. For example, as... Figure 15 As shown in the enlarged cross-section B, the first primary channel 320, the first secondary channel 324, and the first tertiary channel 351 are directly fluidly connected at the first connection point 325. The first primary channel 320, the first secondary channel 324, and the first tertiary channel 351 together form a five-way flow arrangement at the first connection point 325. Specifically, the first fluid F1 flowing through the first primary channel flows from the first connection point 325 in a first direction (e.g., the exit page represented by the "dotted circle"). As indicated by the left-pointing arrow, the first fluid F1 also flows from the first connection point 325 through the first secondary channel 324 in a second direction. As indicated by the right-pointing arrow, the first fluid F1 also flows from the first connection point 325 through the first secondary channel 324 in a third direction. Furthermore, the first fluid F1 also flows from the first connection point 325 through the first tertiary channel 351 in a fourth direction, as indicated by the upward-pointing arrow. Finally, the first fluid F1 also flows from the first connection point 325 through the first tertiary channel 351 in a fifth direction, as indicated by the downward-pointing arrow.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 15As shown in the enlarged cross-section C, the second primary channel 322, the second secondary channel 336, and the second tertiary channel 352 are directly fluidly connected at the second connection point 327. The second primary channel 322, the second secondary channel 336, and the second tertiary channel 352 together form a five-way flow arrangement at the second connection point 327. Specifically, the second fluid F2 flowing through the second primary channel 322 flows from the second connection point 327 in a first direction (e.g., the entry point indicated by the "X-circle"). The second fluid F2 also flows from the second connection point 327 through the second secondary channel 336 in a second direction, as indicated by the left-pointing arrow. The second fluid F2 also flows from the second connection point 327 through the second secondary channel 336 in a third direction, as indicated by the right-pointing arrow. Furthermore, the second fluid F2 also flows from the second connection point 327 through the second tertiary channel 352 in a fourth direction, as indicated by the upward-pointing arrow. Finally, the second fluid F2 also flows from the second connection point 327 through the second tertiary channel 352 in a fifth direction, as indicated by the downward-pointing arrow.

[0099] In conclusion, by Figure 15 The flow distribution grid generated by the arrangement of the core 222 unit cells 300 allows for enhanced heat transfer through the aforementioned counter-current, cross-current, and five-way flow arrangements. Figure 15 The first primary channel, the first secondary channel, and the first and third tertiary channels of the multiple unit units 300 of the core 222 together form the first channel 224, and Figure 15 The second primary channel, the second secondary channel, and the second and fourth tertiary channels of the core 222 and multiple unit units 300 together form the second channel 226. ​ The first and second channels 224 and 226 of the core 222 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc.

[0100] While specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some figures but not others, this is merely for convenience. Any feature of the figures may be referenced and / or claimed in conjunction with any feature of any other figure, in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0101] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, but may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

[0102] Further aspects provide the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0103] 1. A turbine engine comprising: a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in a serial flow arrangement; and a heat exchanger comprising: a core having a unit cell defining a first primary passage, a second primary passage, a first secondary passage in flow communication with the first primary passage, and a second secondary passage in flow communication with the second primary passage, the first secondary passage traversing the second primary passage and the second secondary passage traversing the first primary passage.

[0104] 1a. The turbine engine of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the compressor section, the combustion section, and the turbine section are arranged along a core air flow path of the turbine engine, and wherein the heat exchanger is in flow communication with the core air flow path.

[0105] 1b. The turbine engine of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the compressor section, the combustion section, and the turbine section are arranged along a core air flow path of the turbine engine, and wherein the heat exchanger is in flow communication with the core air flow path at the compressor section.

[0106] 2. The turbine engine of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first primary passage and the second primary passage are arranged parallel to one another, and the first secondary passage and the second secondary passage are arranged perpendicular to the first primary passage and the second primary passage.

[0107] 3. The turbine engine of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first primary passage and the first secondary passage are directly fluidly connected at a first connection point, and the second primary passage and the second secondary passage are directly fluidly connected at a second connection point, and wherein the first primary passage and the first secondary passage collectively form a trifurcation arrangement at the first connection point, and the second primary passage and the second secondary passage collectively form a trifurcation arrangement at the second connection point.

[0108] 4. The turbine engine of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the trifurcation arrangement at the first connection point and the trifurcation arrangement at the second connection point are located on diagonally opposite sides of the unit cell.

[0109] 5. The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the first secondary passage is defined at least in part by a first conduit traversing the second primary passage, and the second secondary passage is defined at least in part by a second conduit traversing the first primary passage, and wherein on diagonally opposite sides of the unit cell, the first conduit traverses the second primary passage and the second conduit traverses the first primary passage.

[0110] 6. The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the first primary passage has a diameter and the second primary passage has a diameter, and wherein the diameter of the first primary passage and the diameter of the second primary passage are both greater than the diameters of the first and second secondary passages.

[0111] 7. The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the diameter of the first primary passage and the diameter of the second primary passage are both at least twice the diameter of the first and second secondary passages and less than or equal to ten times the diameter of the first and second secondary passages.

[0112] 8. The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the unit cell is one of a plurality of unit cells forming the core, the plurality of unit cells being coupled in flow communication with one another, each unit cell of the plurality of unit cells defining a first primary passage in flow communication with a first primary passage of an adjacent unit cell of the plurality of unit cells, a second primary passage in flow communication with a second primary passage of an adjacent unit cell of the plurality of unit cells, a first secondary passage in flow communication with the first primary passage and in flow communication with a first secondary passage of the adjacent unit cell, and a second secondary passage in flow communication with the second primary passage and in flow communication with a second secondary passage of the adjacent unit cell, the first secondary passage traversing the second primary passage, and the second secondary passage traversing the first primary passage.

[0113] 9. The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises a manifold having an outer shell and a partition wall, the outer shell and the partition wall together defining a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being separated by the partition wall, the first chamber being in flow communication with the first primary passages of the plurality of unit cells, the manifold comprising a plurality of tubes extending through the first chamber and the partition wall to provide flow communication between the second chamber and the second primary passages of the plurality of unit cells.

[0114] 10. The turbine engine of any preceding paragraph, wherein the unit cell of the core defines a first tertiary passage in flow communication with the first primary passage and the first secondary passage, and defines a third tertiary passage in flow communication with the first primary passage and the first secondary passage, wherein the third tertiary passage traverses the second primary passage and the first tertiary passage is directly fluidly connected with the first primary passage.

[0115] 11. The turbine engine of any preceding paragraph, wherein the first primary passage, the first secondary passage, and the first tertiary passage are directly fluidly connected at a first connection point, and wherein the first primary passage, the first secondary passage, and the first tertiary passage collectively form a five-split flow arrangement at the first connection point.

[0116] 12. The turbine engine of any preceding paragraph, wherein the unit cell of the core defines a second tertiary passage in flow communication with the second primary passage and the second secondary passage, and defines a fourth tertiary passage in flow communication with the second primary passage and the second secondary passage, wherein the fourth tertiary passage traverses the first primary passage and the second tertiary passage is directly fluidly connected in communication with the second primary passage.

[0117] 13. The turbine engine of any preceding paragraph, wherein the second primary passage, the second secondary passage, and the second tertiary passage are directly fluidly connected at a second connection point, and wherein the second primary passage, the second secondary passage, and the second tertiary passage collectively form a five-split flow arrangement at the second connection point, and wherein the five-split flow arrangement at the first connection point and the five-split flow arrangement at the second connection are located on diagonally opposite sides of the unit cell.

[0118] 14. The turbine engine of any preceding paragraph, wherein the first tertiary passage and the third tertiary passage are both arranged perpendicular to the first primary passage and the first secondary passage, and the second tertiary passage and the fourth tertiary passage are both arranged perpendicular to the second primary passage and the second secondary passage.

[0119] 15. The turbine engine of any preceding paragraph, wherein the first primary passage has a diameter, the second primary passage has a diameter, and the first tertiary passage, the second tertiary passage, the third tertiary passage, and the fourth tertiary passage each have a diameter, and wherein the diameter of the first primary passage and the diameter of the second primary passage are both at least twice the diameter of the first tertiary passage, the second tertiary passage, the third tertiary passage, and the fourth tertiary passage and less than or equal to ten times the diameter thereof.

[0120] 16. A heat exchanger comprising: a core having a plurality of unit cells in flow communication with one another, each of the plurality of unit cells defining at least two primary passages and at least two secondary passages, the at least two secondary passages being arranged perpendicular to the at least two primary passages, a first one of the at least two secondary passages traversing a second one of the at least two primary passages and being directly fluidly connected to a first one of the at least two primary passages at a first connection point, a second one of the at least two secondary passages traversing the first one of the primary passages and being directly fluidly connected to the second one of the primary passages at a second connection point.

[0121] 17. A heat exchanger comprising: a core defining a first passage and a second passage; and a manifold having a housing and a partition wall, the housing and the partition wall together defining a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being separated by the partition wall, the first chamber being in flow communication with the first passage, the manifold including a plurality of tubes extending through the first chamber and the partition wall to provide flow communication between the second chamber and the second passage.

[0122] 18. The heat exchanger of any preceding paragraph, wherein the manifold is a first manifold, and wherein the heat exchanger further comprises: a second manifold having a housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a partition wall, the first chamber of the second manifold being in flow communication with the first passage, the second manifold including a plurality of tubes extending through the first chamber of the second manifold and the partition wall to provide flow communication between the second chamber of the second manifold and the second passage.

[0123] 19. The heat exchanger of any preceding clause, wherein the core and the manifold are components of a first exchanger unit of the heat exchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger further comprises: a second exchanger unit arranged to form an exchanger pair with the first exchanger unit, the second exchanger unit comprising: a core defining first and second passages; and a manifold having a housing defining third and fourth chambers separated by a partition wall, the third chamber being in flow communication with the first passage and the first chamber, the manifold of the second exchanger unit comprising a plurality of tubes extending through the third chamber and the partition wall of the second exchanger unit to provide flow communication between the fourth chamber and the second passage, the fourth chamber being in flow communication with the second chamber of the first exchanger unit.

[0124] 20. The heat exchanger of any preceding clause, wherein the core and the manifold are components of a first exchanger unit of the heat exchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger further comprises: a second exchanger unit arranged to form an exchanger pair with the first exchanger unit, the second exchanger unit comprising: a core defining first and second passages; and a manifold having a housing defining third and fourth chambers separated by a partition wall, the third chamber being in flow communication with the first passage of the core of the second exchanger unit, the manifold of the second exchanger unit comprising a plurality of tubes extending through the third chamber and the partition wall of the second exchanger unit to provide flow communication between the fourth chamber and the second passage of the core of the second exchanger unit, and wherein the third chamber is not in flow communication with the first chamber and the fourth chamber is not in flow communication with the second chamber.

[0125] 21. The heat exchanger of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the core and the manifold are components of a first exchanger unit of the heat exchanger, and wherein the manifold is a first manifold, and wherein the first heat exchanger further comprises a second manifold having an outer shell defining a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a dividing wall, the first chamber of the second manifold being in flow communication with the first passageway, the second manifold comprising a plurality of tubes extending through the first chamber and the dividing wall of the second manifold to provide flow communication between the second chamber of the second manifold and the second passageway, and wherein the heat exchanger further comprises: a second exchanger unit arranged to form an exchanger pair with the first exchanger unit, the second exchanger unit comprising: a core defining a first passageway and a second passageway; and a first manifold having an outer shell defining a third chamber and a fourth chamber separated by a dividing wall, the third chamber being in flow communication with the first passageway of the core of the second exchanger unit, the first manifold of the second exchanger unit comprising a plurality of tubes extending through the third chamber and the dividing wall of the first manifold of the second exchanger unit to provide flow communication between the fourth chamber and the second passageway of the core of the second heat exchanger unit; and a second manifold having an outer shell defining a third chamber and a fourth chamber separated by a dividing wall, the third chamber of the second manifold of the second exchanger unit being in flow communication with the first passageway of the core of the second exchanger unit, the second manifold of the second exchanger unit comprising a plurality of tubes extending through the third chamber and the dividing wall of the second manifold of the second exchanger unit to provide flow communication between the fourth chamber of the second manifold and the second passageway of the core of the second exchanger unit, and wherein the first chamber of the first manifold of the first exchanger unit is not in flow communication with the third chamber of the first manifold of the second exchanger unit, and the second chamber of the first manifold of the first exchanger unit is not in flow communication with the fourth chamber of the first manifold of the second exchanger unit, and wherein the first chamber of the second manifold of the first exchanger unit is in flow communication with the third chamber of the second manifold of the second exchanger unit, and the second chamber of the second manifold of the first exchanger unit is in flow communication with the fourth chamber of the second manifold of the second exchanger unit.

[0126] 22. The heat exchanger of any preceding clause, wherein the first exchanger unit has a first port allowing flow communication into or out of the first chamber and a second port allowing flow communication into or out of the second chamber, and wherein the second exchanger unit has a third port allowing flow communication into or out of the third chamber and a fourth port allowing flow communication into or out of the fourth chamber.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: The core comprises a plurality of interconnected unit cells, each of which defines at least two primary channels and at least two secondary channels, the at least two secondary channels being arranged perpendicular to the at least two primary channels. Wherein, the first primary channel of the at least two secondary channels traverses the second primary channel of the at least two primary channels and is directly fluidly connected to the first primary channel of the at least two primary channels at the first connection point. The second secondary channel of the at least two secondary channels traverses the first primary channel and is directly fluidly connected to the second primary channel at the second connection point.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first primary channel and the first secondary channel are directly fluidly connected at the first connection point, and the second primary channel and the second secondary channel are directly fluidly connected at the second connection point, wherein the first primary channel and the first secondary channel together form a three-way flow arrangement at the first connection point, and the second primary channel and the second secondary channel together form a three-way flow arrangement at the second connection point.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The three-way flow arrangement at the first connection point and the three-way flow arrangement at the second connection point are located on opposite diagonal sides of the unit cell.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first primary channel and the second primary channel are arranged parallel to each other, and the first primary channel and the second primary channel are arranged perpendicular to the first primary channel and the second primary channel.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first primary channel has a diameter and the second primary channel has a diameter, wherein the diameter of the first primary channel and the diameter of the second primary channel are both greater than the diameters of the first primary channel and the second primary channel.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The diameter of the first primary channel and the diameter of the second primary channel are both at least twice the diameter of the first primary channel and the second primary channel and less than or equal to ten times them.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, Each of the plurality of unit units further defines at least four tertiary channels, the at least four tertiary channels being arranged perpendicular to the at least two primary channels and perpendicular to the at least two secondary channels, the at least four tertiary channels defining a first tertiary channel, a second tertiary channel, a third tertiary channel, and a fourth tertiary channel.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, in, The first tertiary channel of the at least four tertiary channels crosses the second primary channel, and the third tertiary channel of the at least four tertiary channels crosses the first primary channel.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, in, The second and third-level channels of the at least four tertiary channels are directly fluidly connected to the first primary channel and the first primary channel at the first connection point, and the fourth tertiary channel of the at least four tertiary channels is directly fluidly connected to the second primary channel and the second primary channel at the second connection point. The first primary channel, the first primary channel, and the second and third-level channels together form a five-way flow arrangement at the first connection point, and the second primary channel, the second primary channel, and the fourth tertiary channel together form a five-way flow arrangement at the second connection point.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The diameter of the first primary channel and the diameter of the second primary channel are both at least twice the diameter of the first tertiary channel, the second tertiary channel, the third tertiary channel and the fourth tertiary channel and less than or equal to ten times their respective diameters.

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