Heat exchanger plate and plate heat exchanger

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger plate (1a, 1b) for a plate heat exchanger (2), the heat exchanger plate (1a, 1b) being divided by a longitudinal central axis (Y) into a left half (4) and a right half (6), the left half (4) and the right half (6) being delimited by a first long edge (8) and a second long edge (10), respectively, and wherein the heat exchanger plate (1a, 1b) is further divided by a transverse central axis (X) into an upper half (12) and a lower half (14), the upper half (12) and the lower half (14) are respectively delimited by a first short edge (16) and a second short edge (18), and wherein the heat exchanger plate (1a, 1b) comprises port holes (20a) arranged in the left half (4) and the upper half (12). The shape of the port hole (20a) is defined by a plurality of arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) in which respective radii (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) of the arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) have a relationship order of decreasing and increasing in a clockwise direction of the port hole (20a) from a maximum radius (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5). The present disclosure further relates to a plate heat exchanger (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to heat exchanger plates for plate heat exchangers and plate heat exchangers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to heat exchanger plates for plate heat exchangers and plate heat exchangers as defined in the preamble of the independent claims. Background Technology

[0002] Plate heat exchangers permanently connected to each other do not require individual seals between the plates, nor do they require an external frame to hold the plates together. The plates can be permanently connected by brazing, soldering, fusion welding, or gluing instead of an external frame. The joints between the plates are pressure-bearing and therefore resist pressure from the heat exchange medium in the plate heat exchanger. The joints can be formed by connection methods in which the plates are subjected to heat below their melting point. Such connection methods can be one of the following: brazing using an added brazing material in the form of foil, paste, or powder comprising, for example, copper or nickel; or connecting by means of the plate material through the application of a melt inhibitor composition applied to the plates before heating.

[0003] The inlet and outlet channels in the plate's port section have large projected areas, and connecting joints are provided between the heat exchanger plates. To allow a large volume flow of the heat exchange medium through the plate heat exchanger, the diameters of the inlet and outlet channels are increased, thereby increasing the exposed area of ​​the channels in the direction of the flow path within the heat exchanger. Furthermore, when the diameters of the inlet and outlet channels are increased, the flow of the heat exchange medium between the plates in the heat exchanger is more uniformly distributed.

[0004] Document EP2728293 A1 discloses a plate heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger plate having port holes having a reference point coinciding with the center point of a largest imaginary circle adaptable to the port holes. The port holes are defined by several corner points of an imaginary planar geometry, at least one of which is offset from the arc. Several fully curved lines connect the corner points. A first corner point is arranged closest to the transition between a first short side and a first long side of the plate, at a first distance from the reference point. A second corner point is arranged clockwise, at a second distance from the reference point. A third corner point is arranged counterclockwise, closest to the first corner point, at a third distance from the reference point. Such heat exchanger plates are associated with relatively low pressure drop and can be used in conjunction with relatively low-power peripheral equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The distribution of the heat exchange medium from the port holes in the heat exchanger plates to the flow paths within the plate heat exchanger is important because it affects the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger. Uneven distribution of the heat exchange medium within the flow paths can reduce heat transfer performance and also lead to pressure drop in the plate heat exchanger.

[0006] Although there are known solutions in the art, it would be desirable to develop a plate heat exchanger that overcomes or mitigates at least some of the problems associated with existing plate heat exchangers.

[0007] The objective of this disclosure is to alleviate, mitigate, or eliminate one or more of the problems identified above in the prior art, and at least to resolve the difficulties mentioned above.

[0008] Furthermore, the objective of this invention is to provide a plate heat exchanger with increased heat exchange performance.

[0009] These objectives are achieved using the heat exchanger plates and plate heat exchangers mentioned above in the appended claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a plate heat exchanger is provided, comprising a heat exchanger plate divided into a left half and a right half by a longitudinal central axis, the left half and the right half being defined by a first long side and a second long boundary, respectively. The heat exchanger plate is further divided into an upper half and a lower half by a transverse central axis, the upper half and the lower half being defined by a first short side and a second short boundary, respectively. The heat exchanger plate includes port holes arranged within the left half and the upper half. The shape of the port holes is defined by a plurality of arcs, wherein the radii of the arcs have a relationship of decreasing and increasing in a clockwise direction from the largest radius towards the port holes. The heat exchanger plate may be symmetrical or asymmetrical in shape with respect to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the heat exchanger plate may be part of the heat exchanger plate. The longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the heat exchanger plate may not be part of the heat exchanger plate. The longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the heat exchanger plate may not be physical entities, but only axes associated with physical portions of the heat exchanger plate. Port holes are arranged in the left and upper halves. Additional port holes can be arranged in the heat exchanger plate. Additional port holes can be arranged in the right and upper halves, in the left and lower halves, and in the right and lower halves. Therefore, four port holes can be arranged in the heat exchanger plate. The arc is defined by the circumference of a circle. Several arcs together define the circumference of the port hole. Arranging several arcs with different radii in a clockwise direction from the largest radius of the port hole can define the shape of the port holes, which is beneficial to the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger in which such a heat exchanger plate is arranged. This shape of the port holes is beneficial to the uniform distribution of the heat exchange medium in the flow path of the plate heat exchanger, which can reduce or eliminate any pressure drop in the plate heat exchanger. Furthermore, due to the shape of the port holes, turbulence in the flow of the heat exchange medium in the flow path can be reduced or eliminated, which will increase the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger. In various scenarios, the distribution of the heat exchange medium from the port holes in the heat exchanger plates to the flow paths within the plate heat exchanger can be critical, as this distribution affects the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger. Uneven distribution of the heat exchange medium within the flow paths can reduce heat transfer performance and also lead to pressure drops within the plate heat exchanger. Furthermore, as the overall size of the plate heat exchanger increases, the flow of the heat exchange medium within the flow paths can experience turbulence, which also affects the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger. A plate heat exchanger may include several heat exchanger plates arranged above each other between an upper outer cover plate and a lower outer cover plate. The port holes of the heat exchanger plates are aligned such that they form inlet and outlet channels, which are confined at the bottom by the lower outer cover plate and communicate with inlet and outlet pipes, respectively, at the top. The heat exchanger may have an inlet channel and an outlet channel for a first heat exchange medium and a second heat exchange medium, which may be located in the end portions of the heat exchanger plates.The heat exchanger may optionally be provided with several inlet or outlet channels. The positioning of the channels can be freely selected. In the heat exchanger, the flow of the first and second heat exchange media can be parallel. However, the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel can be arranged diagonally relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel can be arranged diagonally relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchanger. Alternatively, the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel can be aligned relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel can be aligned relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchanger. Several heat exchanger plates of the heat exchanger together form a group of heat exchanger plates. The heat exchanger plates can be rectangular, but other forms are possible, such as circular heat exchanger plates. The number of heat exchanger plates in the heat exchanger depends on the desired capacity. For connection of the heat exchanger, a suitable number of plates are stacked on top of each other, and then adjacent plates are joined together by brazing, soldering, fusion welding, or gluing. Adjacent heat exchanger plates are permanently connected to each other. Therefore, no separate gaskets are needed between the plates, nor is any external frame required to hold them together. The term "permanent connection" primarily refers to brazing, but also includes, for example, soldering, fusion welding, or gluing. Joints can be formed by connection methods in which the plates are subjected to heat below their melting point. Such connection methods can be one of the following: brazing using added brazing materials in the form of foil, paste, or powder comprising, for example, copper or nickel, or joining by means of the plate material through the application of a melt inhibitor composition applied to the plates before heating. The peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plates may be provided with sides and edges. A side of one heat exchanger plate can be connected to a side of an adjacent heat exchanger plate. The connected sides will ensure a fluid-tight connection along the peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plates. Edges increase the stiffness and overall strength of the plate heat exchanger. However, edges can be excluded from the heat exchanger plates. Flow passages are constructed between adjacent plates. In these flow passages, the heat exchange medium flows through the plate heat exchanger. Adjacent heat exchanger plates are joined and bonded together at several locations on their surfaces. Flow paths are left between these bonded locations. Heat exchange sections are arranged between adjacent plates and between the end portions of the heat exchanger. In the heat exchange sections, heat is transferred from one heat exchange medium to another. Stacking the individual heat exchanger plates on top of each other aligns the flow port orifices of the plates. The aligned flow port orifices form inlet and outlet channels through the plate assembly. The first inlet channel and the first outlet channel communicate with every other flow path between the heat exchanger plates. The second inlet channel and the second outlet channel communicate with the remaining flow paths between the heat exchanger plates. There is only heat exchange between every other flow path and the remaining flow paths; there is no fluid communication between these separate channels.

[0011] Several arcs, comprising five arcs: a first arc with a first radius, a second arc with a second radius, a third arc with a third radius, a fourth arc with a fourth radius, and a fifth arc with a fifth radius, arranged sequentially in a clockwise direction from the port aperture. The five arcs may have different radii. Arranging five arcs with distinct radii in this order will produce a port aperture shape that is beneficial to the heat transfer performance of a plate heat exchanger in which such heat exchanger plates are arranged.

[0012] The order of decreasing and increasing radii of the arcs can be: first radius > second radius; second radius < third radius; third radius > fourth radius; fourth radius < fifth radius. Therefore, the first radius can be greater than the second radius, the second radius can be less than the third radius, the third radius can be greater than the fourth radius, and the fourth radius can be less than the fifth radius. Arranging five arcs in this order will produce port orifice shapes that are beneficial to the heat transfer performance of plate heat exchangers in which such heat exchanger plates are arranged.

[0013] The second radius can be in the range of 17%-23% of the first radius, the third radius can be in the range of 84%-90% of the first radius, the fourth radius can be in the range of 28%-34% of the first radius, and the fifth radius can be in the range of 41%-47% of the first radius. Arranging the five arcs relative to each other within these ranges will produce port orifice shapes that are beneficial to the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger in which such heat exchanger plates are arranged.

[0014] The second radius can be 19.7% of the first radius, the third radius can be 87.5% of the first radius, the fourth radius can be 31.2% of the first radius, and the fifth radius can be 43.8% of the first radius. Such relationships between the radii of the arcs will produce port orifices that are beneficial to the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger in which such heat exchanger plates are arranged. The first radius can be 80 mm. In defining the value of the first radius, the values ​​of the second, third, fourth, and fifth radii are also defined by the ranges and relationships mentioned above. The value of the first radius can depend on the expected performance and capacity of the plate heat exchanger in which the heat exchanger plates are arranged. The value of 80 mm for the first radius can produce port orifices with a shape suitable for heat exchanger plates having dimensions that produce plate heat exchangers with performance and capacity defined by such shape and size of the port orifices.

[0015] The second arc can be arranged closest to the longitudinal central axis relative to the first, third, fourth, and fifth arcs. Arranging the second arc closest to the longitudinal central axis allows the port holes in the heat exchanger plate to be positioned such that the heat exchange medium can pass through the port holes and flow paths in the plate heat exchanger with low pressure drop and high heat exchange performance. When the second arc is arranged closest to the longitudinal central axis, the position of the third arc in the heat exchanger plate relative to the second arc facilitates the passage of the heat exchanger medium through the port holes and further through the flow paths in the plate heat exchanger. Another way to define the position of the port holes in the heat exchanger plate is to introduce an imaginary circle, of which the fifth arc is a part. The fifth arc may share a common center point with the imaginary circle. The peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plate may be provided with rounded corners. Rounded corners located in the left and upper halves of the heat exchanger plate can represent a sixth arc with a radius. The sixth arc may share a common center point with the fifth arc.

[0016] Relative to the first, second, third, and fifth arcs, the fourth arc can be arranged closest to the transverse central axis. Arranging the fourth arc closest to the transverse central axis allows the port holes in the heat exchanger plate to be positioned such that the heat exchange medium can pass through the port holes and flow paths of the plate heat exchanger with low pressure drop and high heat exchange performance. When the third arc is arranged closest to the transverse central axis, its position relative to the fourth arc in the heat exchanger plate facilitates the passage of the heat exchanger medium through the port holes and further through the flow paths of the plate heat exchanger.

[0017] The plate includes a port portion arranged adjacent to a port orifice, wherein guide ribs are arranged in the port portion, the guide ribs being configured to define a fluid guiding channel between the port orifice and the heat exchange portion of the plate, and wherein the fluid guiding channel opens at a position of a third arc. The port portion may surround an inlet or outlet channel formed by the port orifice. The port portion may be placed in two end planes of the plate positioned furthest apart from each other. The guide ribs may be configured as a separate part or as part of the heat exchanger plate. The guide ribs are arranged at the port portion of the plate. The guide ribs may extend between the region of the port orifice and the region of the heat exchange portion. The guide ribs may be configured to guide a first heat exchange medium and a second heat exchange medium in two directions along the ribs and between the ribs. When the heat exchange medium flows in the direction from the port orifice to the heat exchange portion, the heat exchange medium will diffuse over a region larger than the region at the port orifice. When the heat exchange medium flows in the direction from the heat exchange portion to the port orifice, the heat exchange medium will concentrate over a region smaller than the region at the heat exchange portion. A plate heat exchanger with the aforementioned guide ribs will increase the heat exchange performance of the plate heat exchanger.

[0018] Compared to other shapes (i.e., circular ports), the shape of a port opening defined by several arcs is advantageous, especially in very compact designs. In such units, the distribution area is small compared to the heat transfer area, so using the shape mentioned above allows for better utilization of the distribution area and works in conjunction with the ribs to ensure improved flow distribution before the fluid enters the fins (where no mixing occurs due to the microchannels they form). Furthermore, compared to, for example, a circular shape, the shape mentioned above allows for less buoyancy effect below the port, which, if positioned relatively close to the inlet area of ​​the fin region due to the compact design, can create a shadowing effect and impede fluid entry into some fins, thus sacrificing an effective heat transfer area.

[0019] The first arc has a first arc length, the second arc has a second arc length, the third arc has a third arc length, the fourth arc has a fourth arc length, and the fifth arc has a fifth arc length, wherein the second arc length is 65% of the first arc length, the third arc length is 153% of the first arc length, the fourth arc length is 83% of the first arc length, and the fifth arc length is 134% of the first arc length. These relative lengths between the arc lengths will produce the shape of the port apertures that are beneficial to the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger in which such heat exchanger plates are arranged. According to an example, the first arc may have a first arc length of 39.8 mm, the second arc may have a second arc length of 26 mm, the third arc may have a third arc length of 61 mm, the fourth arc may have a fourth arc length of 33 mm, and the fifth arc may have a fifth arc length of 53.3 mm.

[0020] The first arc can connect to the second arc at a first point, the second arc can connect to the third arc at a second point, the third arc can connect to the fourth arc at a third point, and the fourth arc can connect to the fifth arc at a fourth point. The connections between the arcs at the points mentioned above result in a series of arcs that together define the shape of the port hole.

[0021] The first distance is defined between the first and third points, the second distance between the first and fourth points, the third distance between the second and fourth points, the fourth distance between the second and fifth points, and the fifth distance between the third and fifth points, wherein the second distance is 115% of the first distance, the third distance is 112% of the first distance, the fourth distance is 78% of the first distance, and the fifth distance is 91% of the first distance. These relative distances between the connection points of the arc will produce the shape of the port apertures that are beneficial to the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger in which such heat exchanger plates are arranged. According to the example, the first distance between the first and third points can be 69.7 mm, the second distance between the first and fourth points can be 80.3 mm, the third distance between the second and fourth points can be 78 mm, the fourth distance between the second and fifth points can be 54.4 mm, and the fifth distance between the third and fifth points can be 63.7 mm.

[0022] The transition between adjacent arcs can be arranged such that there is a tangential constraint between them. This tangential constraint between adjacent arcs results in a smooth transition between them. This shape of the port aperture increases its uniqueness. This shape of the port aperture allows it to withstand high pressures from the heat exchange medium.

[0023] The guide ribs of a plate heat exchanger can be straight and extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The guide ribs can also be further formed as corrugations in the heat exchanger plates. The guide ribs allow the heat exchange medium to diffuse over a larger area than the port orifice, and provide well-defined contact points for the guide ribs of the opposite heat exchanger plates.

[0024] Several guide ribs (such as all guide ribs or all guide ribs except the outermost one) may extend to a position at a distance from the respective end portion of the fin. The resulting gap can be configured as a mixing zone. The mixing zone will allow the fluid to mix better and achieve a uniform and thus technically desirable fluid distribution in the heat exchange section. The mixing zone should be kept small because there are no mechanical supports between the plates in this area.

[0025] The outermost guide ribs can extend into the mixing zone and adjacent to the corresponding end portions of the fins. In this way, the fins remain in place, and a clearly defined distance is established between the ribs and the fins for the mixing zone.

[0026] A plate heat exchanger may include at least two opposite heat exchanger plates having opposite guide ribs that contact each other to establish guide channels. The guide ribs of the opposite heat exchanger plates may form a cross-corrugated pattern. The guide ribs may be brazed together at the contact points where the guide ribs of the opposite heat exchanger plates contact each other.

[0027] A plate heat exchanger may include several heat exchanger plates arranged above each other between an upper outer cover plate and a lower outer cover plate. The port holes of the heat exchanger plates are aligned such that they form inlet and outlet channels, which are confined at the bottom by the lower outer cover plate and communicate with inlet and outlet pipes, respectively, at the top. The heat exchanger may have an inlet channel and an outlet channel for a first heat exchange medium and a second heat exchange medium, which may be located in the end portions of the heat exchanger plates. Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be provided with a plurality of inlet channels or outlet channels. The positioning of the channels is freely selectable. In the heat exchanger, the flow of the first and second heat exchange media may be parallel. However, the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel may be arranged diagonally relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel may be arranged diagonally relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchanger. Alternatively, the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel may be aligned relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the second inlet channel and the second outlet channel can be aligned relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchanger. Several heat exchanger plates together form a group of heat exchanger plates. The heat exchanger plates can be rectangular, but other forms are possible, such as circular heat exchanger plates. The number of heat exchanger plates depends on the desired capacity. Flow paths are constructed between adjacent plates. In the flow paths, the heat exchange medium flows through the plate heat exchanger. Heat exchange sections are arranged between adjacent plates and between the end portions of the heat exchanger. In the heat exchange sections, heat is transferred from one heat exchange medium to another. Stacking the individual heat exchanger plates on top of each other aligns the flow port orifices of the plates. The aligned flow port orifices form inlet and outlet channels through the plate group. The first inlet channel and the first outlet channel communicate with every other flow path between the heat exchanger plates. The second inlet channel and the second outlet channel communicate with the remaining flow paths between the heat exchanger plates. There is only heat exchange between every other flow path and the remaining flow paths; there is no fluid communication between these separate paths.

[0028] This heat exchanger is a permanently bonded heat exchanger. For the connection of the heat exchangers, appropriate plates are stacked on top of each other, and then adjacent plates are joined together by brazing, soldering, fusion welding, or gluing. Adjacent heat exchanger plates are permanently bonded to each other. Therefore, no separate gaskets are needed between the plates, nor is any external frame required to hold the plates together. The term "permanently bonded" primarily refers to brazing, but also includes, for example, soldering, fusion welding, or gluing. Joints can be formed by bonding methods in which the plates are subjected to heat below their melting point. Such bonding methods can be one of the following: brazing using added brazing materials in the form of foil, paste, or powder comprising, for example, copper or nickel, or bonding by means of the plate material through the application of a melt inhibitor composition applied to the plates before heating. The peripheral portions of the heat exchanger plates may be provided with sides and edges. The side of one heat exchanger plate can be bonded to the side of an adjacent heat exchanger plate. The bonded sides will ensure a fluid-tight connection along the peripheral portions of the heat exchanger plates. Edges increase the stiffness and overall strength of plate heat exchangers. However, edges can be excluded from the heat exchanger plates. Adjacent heat exchanger plates are joined and bonded together at several locations on their surfaces. Flow paths are left between these bonded locations.

[0029] Fins are arranged in the heat exchange section, and these fins are configured to create several parallel fin channels for the heat exchange medium. The fins can create several parallel fin channels for the heat exchange medium. The fins can guide the heat exchange medium to flow parallel through the heat exchange section. The fins can be made of thermally conductive materials such as steel or aluminum alloy. Several individual fins can be arranged parallel in the heat exchange section, extending in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger, and creating fin channels between the individual fins. Alternatively, the individual fins can be connected to each other. Each parallel fin channel can be defined by fin walls and heat exchanger plates. Each fin can extend between two adjacent heat exchanger plates. The surfaces of the two adjacent plates and the surfaces of the two adjacent fins can define a fin channel. The fins can be brazed, soldered, fused, or glued to the surfaces of the two adjacent plates. The distance between the fins and the distance between the plates affects the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​each guiding channel. The distance between the fins also determines the number of fins and channels in the heat exchange section. The shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​each fin channel can affect the volumetric flow of the heat exchange medium in the guiding channel. Fins can be produced from corrugated metal sheets with crests and troughs. Fins can also be produced from pleated sheets of thermally conductive material. Fins can have a wavy shape. Parallel guiding channels can be created between the crests and troughs of wavy fins.

[0030] The shape of the port is important compared to the fins arranged in the heat exchange section because a uniform flow distribution is necessary before the fluid enters the finned heat exchange section. When the fluid is inside the flow channels, the flow distribution will not change because the fluid cannot flow between the flow channels. In typical herringbone-shaped press plates, there are no separate flow channels, and therefore, the flow distribution is less important because the fluid can distribute itself even after entering the heat exchange section. Therefore, the non-circular shape of the port orifice allows for more space for patterning in the distribution area and facilitates flow around the port. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of dead points and thermal stress.

[0031] Additional objectives, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following details and by applying the invention. While the invention is described below, it should be understood that it is not limited to the specific details described. Those skilled in the art, upon receiving the teachings herein, will recognize additional applications, modifications, and combinations in other areas within the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The objectives above, as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure, will be more fully understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description (when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings) of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 1 A heat exchanger plate according to the first example is schematically shown from above; Figure 2 A heat exchanger plate according to the second example is schematically shown from above; Figure 3 A perspective view schematically showing the upper half of four heat exchanger plates arranged in a group; Figure 4 A plate heat exchanger according to an example is shown schematically in perspective view; Figure 5 Along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of line AA schematically shows a group of four heat exchanger plates according to the example; Figure 6 Along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of line BB schematically illustrates a group of four heat exchanger plates according to the example; and Figure 7-9 The port holes of the heat exchanger plate according to the example are shown schematically in a detailed view. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. However, this disclosure may be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Figure 1 The heat exchanger plate 1a according to the first example is schematically shown from above. Figure 1 The heat exchanger plate 1a in the first example is constructed to be compatible with... Figure 2 The heat exchanger plates 1b in the second example are arranged together in a group. A group of several heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b will form a plate heat exchanger 2, which will be combined with... Figure 4 The heat exchanger plate 1a is divided into a left half 4 and a right half 6 by a vertical or longitudinal central axis Y, which are defined by a first long side 8 and a second long side 10, respectively. A horizontal or transverse central axis X divides the heat exchanger plate 1a into an upper half 12 and a lower half 14, which are defined by a first short side 16 and a second short side 18, respectively. Port holes 20a are arranged in the left half 4 and the upper half 12. Port holes 21a are also arranged in the right half 4 and the upper half 12. Port holes 20a and 21a are also correspondingly arranged in the lower half 14. The plate 1a includes a port portion 22a arranged adjacent to the port holes 20a and 21a, wherein a guide rib 24a is arranged in the port portion 22a, the guide rib 24a being configured to define a fluid guiding channel 26a between the port hole 20a and the heat exchange portion 28a of the plate 1a.

[0036] Figure 2 A heat exchanger plate 1b according to a second example is schematically shown from above. The guide ribs 24b in the port portion 22b of the heat exchanger plate 1b according to the second example are arranged in a mirror-shaped pattern relative to the guide ribs 24a in the heat exchanger plate 1a according to the first example. According to the second example, the heat exchanger plate 1b includes a heat exchange portion 28b. When the heat exchanger plate 1a according to the first example is arranged on the heat exchanger plate 1b according to the second example, a space is created between the heat exchanger plates 1a and 1b according to the first and second examples for the first heat exchange medium 34 and the second heat exchange medium 35. Figure 4 The flow path is as follows. According to the second example, four port holes 20b, 21b are arranged in the heat exchanger plate 1b.

[0037] Figure 3A schematic perspective view of the upper half of four heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b arranged in a group is shown. The port holes 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b of the heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b are aligned and sealed together. The peripheral portions 36 of the heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b are provided with side surfaces 23 and are sealed together. Fins 30 are arranged in the heat exchange sections 28a, 28b, and these fins 30 are configured to create a plurality of parallel fin channels 32.

[0038] Figure 4 A plate heat exchanger 2 according to an example is schematically shown in perspective. The plate heat exchanger 2 includes a group of heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b, each having four port holes 20a, 21a, 20b, 21b. The heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b are permanently connected along their peripheral portions 36 to adjacent heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b in the group, such that they have flow passages in the port portions 22a, 22b and heat exchange portions 28a, 28b between adjacent heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b. The port holes 20a of the heat exchanger plates 1a and 1b are aligned, forming a first inlet channel 38 and a first outlet channel 39 for the first heat exchange medium 34 (which communicates with every other flow path 22a, 22b, 28a, 28b between the heat exchanger plates 1a and 1b) and a second inlet channel 40 and a second outlet channel 41 formed by the port holes 21a for the second heat exchange medium 35 (which communicates with the remaining flow paths 22a, 22b, 28a, 28b between the heat exchanger plates 1a and 1b).

[0039] Figure 5 Along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view along line AA schematically illustrates a group of four heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b according to an example. The heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b are permanently connected along their peripheral portions 36 to adjacent heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b in the group, such that they provide flow passages in the heat exchange sections 28a, 28b between adjacent heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b. Fins 30 are arranged in the heat exchange sections 28a, 28b, and these fins 30 are configured to create a plurality of parallel fin channels 32, each for a first heat exchange medium 34 and a second heat exchange medium 35. The peripheral portion 36 of each heat exchanger plate 1a, 1b is provided with a side surface 23.

[0040] Figure 6 Along Figure 4The cross-sectional view of line BB schematically illustrates a group of four heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b according to the example. According to this example, the connection between heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b generates a solid line 42 surrounding a first inlet channel 38 and a solid line 44 surrounding a second outlet channel 41, respectively. The second outlet channel 41 communicates with every other flow path between heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b. The first inlet channel 38 communicates with the remaining flow paths between heat exchanger plates 1a, 1b.

[0041] Figure 7-9 Port holes 20a and 21a of a heat exchanger plate 1a according to an example are schematically shown in detailed view. The shape of port hole 20a is defined by a plurality of arcs A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5, wherein the radii R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 of arcs A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 are arranged in a clockwise direction from the largest radius R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5. The plurality of arcs A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 are five arcs A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5: a first arc A1 with a first radius R1, a second arc A2 with a second radius R2, a third arc A3 with a third radius R3, a fourth arc A4 with a fourth radius R4, and a fifth arc A5 with a fifth radius R5, which are arranged sequentially in a clockwise direction in the port hole 20a. The first arc A1 connects to the second arc A2 at the first point P1, the second arc A2 connects to the third arc A3 at the second point P2, the third arc A3 connects to the fourth arc A4 at the third point P3, and the fourth arc A4 connects to the fifth arc A5 at the fourth point P4. The transitions between adjacent arcs A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 are arranged such that there are tangential constraints between adjacent arcs A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5.

[0042] The order of decreasing and increasing radii R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 of arcs A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 is as follows: first radius R1 > second radius R2; second radius R2 < third radius R3; third radius R3 > fourth radius R4; fourth radius R4 < fifth radius R5.

[0043] The second radius R2 is within the range of 17%-23% of the first radius R1; the third radius R3 is within the range of 84%-90% of the first radius R1; the fourth radius R4 is within the range of 28%-34% of the first radius R1; and the fifth radius R5 is within the range of 41%-47% of the first radius R1. According to another example, the second radius R2 is 19.7% of the first radius R1, the third radius R3 is 87.5% of the first radius R1, the fourth radius R4 is 31.2% of the first radius R1, and the fifth radius R5 is 43.8% of the first radius R1. According to the example, the first radius R1 can be 80 mm.

[0044] Relative to the first arc A1, the third arc A3, the fourth arc A4, and the fifth arc A5, the second arc A2 is arranged to be closest to the longitudinal central axis Y. Relative to the first arc A1, the second arc A2, the third arc A3, and the fifth arc A5, the fourth arc A4 is arranged to be closest to the transverse central axis X.

[0045] The port portion 22 is arranged adjacent to the port hole 20a and includes a guide rib 24 that defines a fluid guiding channel 26 between the port hole 20a and the heat exchange portion 28 of the plate 1. The fluid guiding channel 26 opens at the position of the third arc A3.

[0046] The fifth arc A5 is a part of circle C5, and it lies in Figure 7 The fifth arc A5 and circle C5 share a common center point CP1. The peripheral portion 46 of the heat exchanger plate 1a is provided with rounded corners 48. The rounded corners 48 located at the left half 4 and upper half 12 of the heat exchanger plate 1a represent the sixth arc A6 with a radius R6. The sixth arc A6 and the fifth arc A5 share a common center point CP1.

[0047] according to Figure 8In the example, the first distance D1 is limited between the first point P1 and the third point P3, the second distance D2 is limited between the first point P1 and the fourth point P4, the third distance D3 is limited between the second point P2 and the fourth point P4, the fourth distance D4 is limited between the second point P2 and the fifth point P5, and the fifth distance D5 is limited between the third point P3 and the fifth point P5. The second distance D2 is 115% of the first distance D1, the third distance D3 is 112% of the first distance D1, the fourth distance D4 is 78% of the first distance D1, and the fifth distance D2 is 91% of the first distance D1. According to the example, the first distance D1 between the first point P1 and the third point P3 is 69.7mm, the second distance D2 between the first point P1 and the fourth point P4 is 80.3mm, the third distance D3 between the second point P2 and the fourth point P4 is 78mm, the fourth distance D4 between the second point P2 and the fifth point P5 is 54.4mm, and the fifth distance D5 between the third point P3 and the fifth point P5 is 63.7mm.

[0048] according to Figure 9 In the example, the first arc A1 has a first arc length L1, the second arc A2 has a second arc length L2, the third arc A3 has a third arc length L3, the fourth arc A4 has a fourth arc length L4, and the fifth arc A5 has a fifth arc length L5. The second arc length L2 is 65% of the first arc length L1, the third arc length L3 is 153% of the first arc length L1, the fourth arc length L4 is 83% of the first arc length L1, and the fifth arc length L5 is 134% of the first arc length L1. The first arc A1 has a first arc length L1 of 39.8 mm, the second arc A2 has a second arc length L2 of 26 mm, the third arc A3 has a third arc length L3 of 61 mm, the fourth arc A4 has a fourth arc length L4 of 33 mm, and the fifth arc A5 has a fifth arc length L5 of 53.3 mm.

[0049] Figure 10 schematically shown with Figure 1 A similar heat exchanger plate 1a includes fins 30. The fins 30 are located within the heat exchange section 28. In this embodiment, several guide ribs 24a extend only to a position at a distance 50 from the respective end portions of the fins 30, this distance constituting a mixing zone 50. The mixing zone 50 will allow for better mixing of the fluids and achieve a uniform and thus technically desirable fluid distribution within the heat exchange section 28. The mixing zone 50 should be kept small because there are no mechanical supports between the plates in this area. To hold the fins 30 in place to define the mixing zone 50, the outermost ribs 24a' extend into the mixing zone 50 and abut the respective end portions of the fins 30.

[0050] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the described variations. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Embodiments have been chosen and described to best illustrate the principles and practical application, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention according to its various embodiments and various modifications suitable for its intended use. The components and features specified above may be combined among the different specified embodiments within the framework of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (2), the plate heat exchanger (2) comprising heat exchanger plates (1a, 1b), the heat exchanger plates (1a, 1b) being divided into a left half (4) and a right half (6) by a longitudinal central axis (Y), the left half (4) and the right half (6) being defined by a first long side (8) and a second long side (10), respectively, and in, The heat exchanger plates (1a, 1b) are further divided into an upper half (12) and a lower half (14) by a transverse central axis (X), the upper half (12) and the lower half (14) being defined by a first short side (16) and a second short side (18), respectively. The heat exchanger plates (1a, 1b) include port holes (20a) arranged in the left half (4) and the upper half (12), characterized in that... The shape of the port hole (20a) is defined by several arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5), wherein the radii (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) of the arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) decrease and increase in a clockwise direction from the largest radius (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) in the port hole (20a). The plate (1) includes a port portion (22) arranged adjacent to the port hole (20a), wherein a guide rib (24) is arranged in the port portion (22), the guide rib (24) being configured to define a fluid guiding channel (26) between the port hole (20a) and the heat exchange portion (28) of the plates (1a, 1b), and wherein the fluid guiding channel (26) opens at the position of the third arc (A3). The heat exchanger (2) is a permanently bonded heat exchanger (2), wherein fins (30) are arranged in the heat exchange section (28), and the fins (30) are configured to generate a plurality of parallel fin channels (32) for heat exchange medium (34, 35).

2. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) are five arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5): a first arc (A1) with a first radius (R1), a second arc (A2) with a second radius (R2), a third arc (A3) with a third radius (R3), a fourth arc (A4) with a fourth radius (R4), and a fifth arc (A5) with a fifth radius (R5), which are arranged in a clockwise direction in the port hole (20a).

3. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to claim 2, wherein, The order of decreasing and increasing radii (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) of the arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) is as follows: first radius (R1) > second radius (R2); second radius (R2) < third radius (R3); third radius (R3) > fourth radius (R4); fourth radius (R4) < fifth radius (R5).

4. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein, The second radius (R2) is within 17%-23% of the first radius (R1), the third radius (R3) is within 84%-90% of the first radius (R1), the fourth radius (R4) is within 28%-34% of the first radius (R1), and the fifth radius (R5) is within 41%-47% of the first radius (R1).

5. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein, The second radius (R2) is 19.7% of the first radius (R1), the third radius (R3) is 87.5% of the first radius (R1), the fourth radius (R4) is 31.2% of the first radius (R1), and the fifth radius (R5) is 43.8% of the first radius (R1).

6. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The second arc (A2) is arranged closest to the longitudinal central axis (Y) relative to the first arc (A1), the third arc (A3), the fourth arc (A4), and the fifth arc (A5).

7. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The fourth arc (A4) is arranged closest to the transverse central axis (X) relative to the first arc (A1), the second arc (A2), the third arc (A3), and the fifth arc (A5).

8. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of claims 2-7, wherein, The first arc (A1) has a first arc length (L1), the second arc (A2) has a second arc length (L2), the third arc (A3) has a third arc length (L3), the fourth arc (A4) has a fourth arc length (L4), and the fifth arc (A5) has a fifth arc length (L5). The second arc length (L2) is 65% of the first arc length (L1), the third arc length (L3) is 153% of the first arc length (L1), the fourth arc length (L4) is 83% of the first arc length (L1), and the fifth arc length (L5) is 134% of the first arc length (L1).

9. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein, The first arc (A1) connects to the second arc (A2) at the first point (P1), the second arc (A2) connects to the third arc (A3) at the second point (P2), the third arc (A3) connects to the fourth arc (A4) at the third point (P3), and the fourth arc (A4) connects to the fifth arc (A5) at the fourth point (P4).

10. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The first distance (D1) is defined between the first point (P1) and the third point (P3), the second distance (D2) is defined between the first point (P1) and the fourth point (P4), the third distance (D3) is defined between the second point (P2) and the fourth point (P4), the fourth distance (D4) is defined between the second point (P2) and the fifth point (P5), and the fifth distance (D5) is defined between the third point (P3) and the fifth point (P5). The second distance (D2) is 115% of the first distance (D1), the third distance (D3) is 112% of the first distance (D1), the fourth distance (D4) is 78% of the first distance (D1), and the fifth distance (D5) is 91% of the first distance (D1).

11. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The transition between the adjacent arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) is arranged such that there is a tangential constraint between the adjacent arcs (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5).

12. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide rib (24) is straight and extends at an inclined angle relative to the longitudinal axis (Y), and the guide rib (24) is formed as a corrugation in the heat exchanger plates (1a, 1b).

13. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Several guide ribs (24a) extend to a position at a distance from the corresponding end portion of the fin (30), the distance being configured as a mixing zone (50).

14. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to claim 13, wherein, The outermost guide rib (24a') extends into the mixing zone (50) and is adjacent to the corresponding end portion of the fin (30).

15. The plate heat exchanger (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heat exchanger (2) includes at least two opposite heat exchanger plates (1a, 1b) having opposite guide ribs (24) that contact each other to establish the guide channel, and the guide ribs (24) of the opposite heat exchanger plates forming a cross-corrugated pattern.

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