Plate heat exchanger and distributor

Abstract

This application discloses a plate heat exchanger having a distribution channel, a second inter-plate channel, a through hole, and an opening. Both the through hole and the opening communicate with the distribution channel, and the through hole connects the second inter-plate channel and the distribution channel. The plate heat exchanger includes an elastic portion, which is part of the wall of the distribution channel. There is a gap between the through hole and the elastic portion, and the through hole is at least partially aligned with the elastic portion. The distribution channel can adjust its flow area according to the fluid pressure; the flow area is relatively large for areas with high fluid pressure and relatively small for areas with low fluid pressure, thereby improving the uniformity of fluid distribution in the distribution channel. A distributor includes a housing and an elastic portion, with at least a portion of the elastic portion located inside the housing. The distributor has a through hole and an opening, with the through hole communicating with the outside of the distributor. There is a gap between the through hole and the elastic portion; the through hole is at least partially aligned with the elastic portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and in particular to a plate heat exchanger and a distributor. Background Technology

[0002] A plate heat exchanger consists of multiple plates stacked together to form multiple inter-plate channels. Fluids at different temperatures flow from the outside of the plate heat exchanger into different inter-plate channels, and the fluids exchange heat with adjacent fluids at different temperatures through the plates.

[0003] The related technology suffers from uneven refrigerant distribution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, this application provides a plate heat exchanger, which includes a plurality of plates stacked along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger has a distribution channel, a first inter-plate channel, and at least two second inter-plate channels, all of which are connected to the distribution channel. The plate heat exchanger has a through hole and an opening, both of which are connected to the distribution channel. The opening allows fluid to flow into the distribution channel. Along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger, the opening is located on one side of the distribution channel. The through hole connects the second inter-plate channels and the distribution channel. The plate heat exchanger includes an elastic portion, which is a portion of the wall of the distribution channel. Along a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the plate heat exchanger, there is a gap between the through hole and the elastic portion. The distribution channel is at least partially located between the through hole and the elastic portion. The through hole is at least partially aligned with the elastic portion.

[0005] When fluid is distributed through the through holes in the distribution channel, since the through holes are at least partially aligned with the elastic part, the elastic part will deform due to the fluid pressure. The distribution channel can adjust the flow area according to the fluid pressure. The flow area is relatively large in the part with high fluid pressure and relatively small in the part with low fluid pressure, thereby improving the uniformity of fluid distribution in the distribution channel.

[0006] This application provides a dispenser, which includes a housing and an elastic part. The elastic part is at least partially located inside the housing, and the housing is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the elastic part. The dispenser has a through hole, a distribution channel, and an opening. The through hole penetrates the side wall of the housing, and both the through hole and the opening communicate with the distribution channel. The opening allows fluid to flow into the distribution channel. Along the height direction of the dispenser, the opening is located on one side of the distribution channel, and the through hole communicates with the outside of the dispenser. The elastic part is a portion of the wall of the distribution channel. Along a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the dispenser, there is a gap between the through hole and the elastic part. The distribution channel is at least partially located between the through hole and the elastic part. The through hole is at least partially aligned with the elastic part.

[0007] The design of having at least part of the through hole aligned with the elastic part allows the elastic part to deform due to fluid pressure. The distribution channel can adjust the flow area according to the fluid pressure, with a relatively larger flow area in the part with higher fluid pressure and a relatively smaller flow area in the part with lower fluid pressure. This makes the pressure and fluid velocity in the distribution channel more uniform, thereby improving the uniformity of fluid distribution in the distributor. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a plate heat exchanger is provided for one embodiment of this application;

[0009] Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a dispenser is provided for one embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Provide an exploded view of the dispenser;

[0011] Figure 4 An exploded view of a dispenser is provided for one embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0014] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "one," and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one; "multiple" indicates two or more. Unless otherwise specified, this is not limited to a single location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising," "including," and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0016] The heat exchanger of an exemplary embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations may complement or combine with each other.

[0017] The plate heat exchanger 100 includes multiple plates 101 stacked along its height. The plate heat exchanger 100 has a distribution channel 102, a first inter-plate channel 103, and at least two second inter-plate channels 105. The at least two second inter-plate channels 105 are connected to the distribution channel 102. When the plate heat exchanger 100 is connected to a thermal management system, the distribution channel 102 and the second inter-plate channels 105 are fluidly isolated from the first inter-plate channel 103. The fluid in the thermal management system is generally a refrigerant. Due to the significant difference in the physical properties of the refrigerant's gas and liquid phases, uneven mixing occurs within the plate heat exchanger 100, easily leading to gas-liquid separation. Therefore, the volume of the distribution channel is reduced to increase the internal pressure, thereby reducing refrigerant gas-liquid separation and improving refrigerant distribution uniformity. However, this reduces the refrigerant flow rate and decreases the refrigerant distribution speed.

[0018] This application provides a plate heat exchanger 100, having a through hole 31 and an opening 32, both of which are connected to a distribution channel 102. The opening 32 allows fluid to flow into the distribution channel 102. Along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger 100, the opening 32 is located on one side of the distribution channel 102. The through hole 31 connects the second inter-plate channel 105 and the distribution channel 102. The plate heat exchanger 100 includes an elastic part 2, which is a portion of the wall of the distribution channel 102. Along a direction perpendicular to the height direction H1 of the plate heat exchanger 100, there is a gap between the through hole 31 and the elastic part 2. The distribution channel is at least partially located between the through hole 31 and the elastic part 2. The through hole 31 is at least partially aligned with the elastic part 2. When fluid is distributed through the through-holes 31 in the distribution channel 102, since the through-holes 31 are at least partially aligned with the elastic part 2, the elastic part 2 deforms due to the fluid pressure. This allows adjustment of the flow area of ​​the distribution channel according to the fluid pressure; the flow area is relatively larger in areas with higher fluid pressure and relatively smaller in areas with lower fluid pressure, thus making the pressure and fluid velocity within the distribution channel more uniform and improving the uniformity of fluid distribution. In one embodiment, the fluid can be a refrigerant. Specifically, when the fluid has both gas and liquid phases, the gas and liquid are unevenly distributed within the distribution channel. Generally, when there is more liquid, the pressure in the distribution channel is higher. At this time, the elastic part 2 deforms, increasing the corresponding flow area, balancing the pressure in the distribution channel, and preventing uneven mixing of the gas and liquid phases due to pressure imbalance, which would affect the uniformity of fluid distribution. To increase the fluid flow from the through-holes 31, in one embodiment, the plate heat exchanger 100 has at least two through-holes 31. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 1 As shown, a plane parallel to the height direction H1 of the plate heat exchanger 100 is defined as the projection plane. The orthographic projection of the walls of at least two through holes 31 on the projection plane at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the elastic part 2 on the projection plane. The at least two through holes 31 are arranged along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger 100. Furthermore, the elastic part 2 can be elongated, and the orthographic projection of the elastic part 2 on the projection plane can completely cover the orthographic projection of the wall of each through hole 31 on the projection plane.

[0019] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the elastic part 2 is a solid component, and its elastic modulus is 0.5 MPa to 6 MPa. The elastic part 2, with its elastic modulus of 0.5 MPa to 6 MPa, exhibits good toughness while also possessing appropriate elastic deformation. Specifically, the elastic part 2 is made of one of polyester resin, rubber, or silicone. Alternatively, in another embodiment, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the elastic part 2 has a cavity 21, which is a sealed cavity. The cavity 21 is filled with gas, which includes one of carbon dioxide, nitrogen or argon. Generally, nitrogen, which has a high cost-performance ratio, is used.

[0020] Specifically, the elastic part 2 is fixedly connected to the plate 101. In other words, the elastic part 2 is fixedly connected to the wall of the distribution channel 102, usually by adhesive bonding.

[0021] In one embodiment, the volume of the elastic part 2 is less than or equal to two-thirds of the volume of the distribution channel 102, and the volume of the elastic part 2 is greater than or equal to one-third of the volume of the distribution channel 102. If the volume of the elastic part 2 is too small, gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant will occur in the distribution channel. If the volume of the elastic part 2 is too large, the increase in flow area is small under a certain deformation of the elastic part 2, resulting in a small fluid flow rate and affecting the fluid distribution speed. Therefore, the amount of elastic part 2 is controlled.

[0022] In order to limit the elastic part 2, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the plate heat exchanger 100 includes a cover plate 51 and a bottom plate 52. Along the height direction H1 of the plate heat exchanger 100, the cover plate 51 and the opening 32 are located at the same end of the distribution channel 102. The cover plate 51 and the bottom plate 52 are respectively located on both sides of the elastic part 2. Along a direction perpendicular to the height direction H1 of the plate heat exchanger 100, the opening 32 is located on one side of the cover plate 51 and on one side of the elastic part 2. The cover plate 51 and the bottom plate 52, respectively located on both sides of the elastic part 2, restrict the position of the elastic part 2 in the height direction H1 of the plate heat exchanger 100.

[0023] Specifically, in one implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the elastic part 2 includes a first surface 22, which abuts against the cover plate 51. In another embodiment, the first surface 22 is connected to the cover plate 51. The plane perpendicular to the height direction of the plate heat exchanger 100 is defined as the projection plane. The orthographic projection of the first surface 22 on the projection plane at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the cover plate 51 on the projection plane. Preferably, the orthographic projection of the first surface 22 on the projection plane completely coincides with the orthographic projection of the cover plate 51 on the projection plane. In this case, the first surface 22 can be semi-circular.

[0024] In one embodiment, both the base plate 52 and the cover plate 51 are detachable. The base plate 52 includes a boss 521, and the boss 521 includes a second surface 522. The first surface 22 and the second surface 522 are disposed facing each other, and the second surface 522 is a portion of the wall of the distribution channel 102. The base plate 52 abuts against the elastic part 2. Specifically, the second surface 522 partially abuts against the elastic part 2. In another embodiment, the second surface 522 partially connects to the elastic part 2.

[0025] For example Figure 2 As shown, the volume of the elastic part 2 is the same as the volume of the distribution channel 102. The first surface 22 can be semi-circular, and the opening shape is also semi-circular. The distribution channel 102 and the elastic part 2 are combined into a cylindrical shape.

[0026] As the fluid flows through the plate heat exchanger 100, the flow rate increases. In one embodiment, for example... Figure 3 As shown, the plane along the height direction H1 of the vertical plate heat exchanger 100 is defined as a cross-section, including a first cross-section A1 and a second cross-section A2. Along the height direction H1 of the plate heat exchanger 100, the first cross-section A1 intersects with the distribution channel 102 to form a first opening 45, and the second cross-section A2 intersects with the distribution channel 102 to form a second opening 46. The first opening 45 is closer to the opening 32 than the second opening 46, and the flow area of ​​the first opening 45 is smaller than the flow area of ​​the second opening 46. That is to say, the distribution channel 102 can be a channel with a larger upper section and a smaller lower section.

[0027] In one implementation, for example Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the plate heat exchanger 100 includes a distributor 4, which includes a housing 41 and an elastic part 2. The elastic part 2 is at least partially located within the housing 41. The housing 41 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the elastic part 2. The distributor 4 has a distribution channel 102, an opening 32, and a through hole 31. The housing 41 is part of the wall of the distribution channel 102 and part of the wall of the opening 32. The through hole 31 penetrates the side wall of the housing 41. Specifically, to improve the uniformity of fluid distribution by the distributor 4, in one embodiment, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the distributor 4 includes fins 42 located on the periphery of the outer shell 41 and connected to the outer shell 41. The fins 42 extend protruding from the outer shell 41 in a direction away from the distribution channel 102. The fins 42 and the outer shell 41 can be integrally formed. To avoid affecting the fluid flow out of the distribution channel 102, there is a distance between the wall of the through-hole 43 and the fins 42. Specifically, along the height direction H1 of the plate heat exchanger 100, the through-holes 43 and fins 42 are spaced apart; for example, one fin 42 is disposed between two through-holes 43, arranged sequentially.

[0028] In one implementation, for example Figure 3 As shown, the base plate 52 is connected to the outer shell 41, and the base plate 52 and the outer shell 41 are sealed together.

[0029] In one embodiment, the plate heat exchanger 100 is placed horizontally during operation, and during refrigerant gas-liquid separation, the liquid is at the bottom and the gas is at the top.

[0030] This application provides a distributor 4, which includes a housing 41 and an elastic part 2. The elastic part 2 is at least partially located inside the housing 41, and the housing 41 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the elastic part 2. The distributor 4 has a through hole 31, a distribution channel 102, and an opening 32. The through hole 31 penetrates the side wall of the housing 41, and both the through hole 31 and the opening 32 communicate with the distribution channel 102. The opening 32 allows fluid to flow into the distribution channel 102. The distributor 4 has a height direction H2, which is parallel to the direction of plate stacking. Along the height direction H2 of the distributor 4, the opening 32 is located on one side of the distribution channel 102, and the through hole 31 communicates with the outside of the distributor 4. The elastic part 2 is part of the wall of the distribution channel 102. Along a direction perpendicular to the height direction H2 of the distributor 4, there is a gap between the through hole 31 and the elastic part 2. The distribution channel is at least partially located between the through hole 31 and the elastic part 2. The through hole 31 is at least partially aligned with the elastic part 2. The through hole 31 is at least partially aligned with the elastic part 2. The elastic part 2 will deform due to the fluid pressure. The flow area of ​​the distribution channel can be adjusted according to the fluid pressure. The flow area is relatively large in the part with high fluid pressure and relatively small in the part with low fluid pressure, so that the pressure and fluid velocity in the distribution channel tend to be consistent, thereby improving the uniformity of fluid distribution in the distribution channel.

[0031] The distributor 4 can be used with the plate heat exchanger 100 to improve the heat exchange rate of the plate heat exchanger 100. In one embodiment, the distributor 4 is detachably installed in the plate heat exchanger 100. The installation can be achieved through an intermediate component connection.

[0032] In one implementation, for example Figure 4 As shown, the distributor 4 includes fins 42, which are located around the outer shell 41 and connected to the outer shell 41. The fins 42 extend protruding from the outer shell 41 in a direction away from the distribution channel 102. The outer shell 41 is cylindrical, and the fins 42 are annular, with the fins 42 fitted over the outer shell 41. The fins 42 and the outer shell 41 can be connected by welding, gluing, or other methods, or the fins 42 and the outer shell 41 can be manufactured as a single piece.

[0033] In one embodiment, when the distributor 4 is horizontally positioned during refrigerant gas-liquid separation, the liquid is at the bottom and the gas is at the top.

[0034] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (100) comprising a plurality of plates (101) stacked along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger (100), the plate heat exchanger (100) having a distribution channel (102), a first inter-plate channel (103), and at least two second inter-plate channels (105), wherein the at least two second inter-plate channels (105) are all connected to the distribution channel (102), characterized in that, The plate heat exchanger (100) has a through hole (31) and an opening (32), both of which are connected to the distribution channel (102). The opening (32) allows fluid to flow into the distribution channel (102). Along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger (100), the opening (32) is located on one side of the distribution channel (102). The through hole (31) connects the second inter-plate channel (105) with the distribution channel (102). The plate heat exchanger (100) includes an elastic part (2), which is a portion of the wall of the distribution channel (102) along a direction perpendicular to the height of the plate heat exchanger (100). There is a gap between the through hole (31) and the elastic part (2), and the distribution channel is at least partially located between the through hole (31) and the elastic part (2). The through hole (31) is at least partially aligned with the elastic part (2).

2. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate heat exchanger (100) has at least two through holes (31). A plane parallel to the height direction of the plate heat exchanger (100) is defined as the projection plane. The orthographic projection of the wall of the at least two through holes (31) on the projection plane at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the elastic part (2) on the projection plane. The at least two through holes (31) are arranged along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger (100).

3. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic part (2) is a solid component; Alternatively, the elastic part (2) has a cavity (21), the cavity (21) is a sealed cavity, the cavity (21) is filled with gas, the gas including one of carbon dioxide, nitrogen or argon; The elastic modulus of the elastic part (2) is 0.5 MPa to 6 MPa, and the elastic part (2) is one of polyester resin material, rubber or silicone.

4. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic part (2) is fixedly connected to the plate (101).

5. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic part (2) is fixedly connected to the wall of the distribution channel (102); The volume of the elastic part (2) is less than or equal to two-thirds of the volume of the distribution channel (102), and the volume of the elastic part (2) is greater than or equal to one-third of the volume of the distribution channel (102).

6. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plane perpendicular to the height direction of the plate heat exchanger (100) is defined as a cross section. The cross section includes a first cross section (A1) and a second cross section (A2). Along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger (100), the first cross section (A1) intersects with the distribution channel (102) to form a first opening (45), and the second cross section (A2) intersects with the distribution channel (102) to form a second opening (46). The first opening (45) is closer to the opening (32) than the second opening (46), and the flow area of ​​the first opening (45) is smaller than the flow area of ​​the second opening (46).

7. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate heat exchanger (100) includes a cover plate (51) and a bottom plate (52). Along the height direction of the plate heat exchanger (100), the cover plate (51) and the opening (32) are located at the same end of the distribution channel (102). The cover plate (51) and the bottom plate (52) are located on both sides of the elastic part (2). Along a direction perpendicular to the height of the plate heat exchanger (100), the opening (32) is located on one side of the cover plate (51), and the opening (32) is located on one side of the elastic part (2).

8. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic part (2) includes a first surface (22) that abuts against the cover plate (51). A plane perpendicular to the height direction of the plate heat exchanger (100) is defined as a projection surface. The orthographic projection of the first surface (22) onto the projection surface at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the cover plate (51) onto the projection surface.

9. The plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The plate heat exchanger includes a distributor (4), which includes a housing (41) and an elastic part (2). The elastic part (2) is at least partially located inside the housing (41). The housing (41) is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the elastic part (2). The distributor (4) has a distribution channel (102), an opening (32), and a through hole (31). The housing (41) is part of the wall of the distribution channel (102) and part of the wall of the opening (32). The through hole (31) penetrates the side wall of the housing (41).

10. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that, The dispenser (4) includes fins (42) located around the outer shell (41), the fins (42) being connected to the outer shell (41), and the fins (42) extending protruding from the outer shell (41) in a direction away from the dispensing channel (102).

11. A dispenser, characterized in that, The dispenser (4) includes a housing (41) and an elastic part (2), the elastic part (2) being at least partially located inside the housing (41), and the housing (41) being fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the elastic part (2); The distributor (4) has a through hole (31), a distribution channel (102) and an opening (32). The through hole (31) penetrates the side wall of the housing (41). Both the through hole (31) and the opening (32) are connected to the distribution channel (102). The opening (32) is used for fluid to flow into the distribution channel (102). Along the height direction of the distributor (4), the opening (32) is located on one side of the distribution channel (102). The through hole (31) is connected to the outside of the distributor (4). The elastic part (2) is part of the wall of the distribution channel (102) along a direction perpendicular to the height of the distributor (4). There is a gap between the through hole (31) and the elastic part (2). The distribution channel is at least partially located between the through hole (31) and the elastic part (2). The through hole (31) is at least partially aligned with the elastic part (2).

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