Multi-fluid heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger includes: a housing defining a chamber therein; a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coolant passage defined within the chamber extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet; a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet, and a first fluid passage defined within the chamber extending between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and a second fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet, and a second fluid passage defined within the chamber extending between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. The coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between coolant flowing through the coolant channel and each of a first fluid flowing through the first fluid channel and a second fluid flowing through the second fluid channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the general background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors and aspects that may not otherwise be described as prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered as prior art to this disclosure.

[0002] This disclosure relates to heat exchangers including more than two channels and configured to transfer heat between more than two fluids. Background Technology

[0003] A heat exchanger transfers heat between two or more fluids without mixing them. Heat exchangers are used in both cooling and heating processes. Fluids can be separated by solid walls to prevent mixing or they can be in direct contact. Heat exchangers are used in applications such as automotive, space heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, power plants, chemical plants, petrochemical plants, refineries, natural gas processing, and wastewater treatment. An example of a heat exchanger found in an internal combustion engine is that engine coolant flows through radiator coils and air flows through the coils, cooling the coolant and heating the incoming air. Another example is the radiator, a passive heat exchanger that transfers heat generated by electronic or mechanical equipment to a fluid medium (typically air or liquid coolant). Heat exchangers are also used in electric vehicles for thermal management. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Among various features, this disclosure provides a heat exchanger comprising: a housing defining a chamber therein; a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coolant passage defined within the chamber and extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet; a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet, and a first fluid passage defined within the chamber and extending between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and a second fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet, and a second fluid passage defined within the chamber and extending between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. The coolant passage, the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between each of the coolant flowing through the coolant passage and each of the first fluid flowing through the first fluid passage and the second fluid flowing through the second fluid passage.

[0005] In a further feature: the coolant inlet and coolant outlet are aligned in a straight line; the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are aligned in a straight line; and the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are aligned in a straight line.

[0006] In a further feature, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet extend perpendicular to the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet; and the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

[0007] In a further feature: the housing is a cylinder including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, both of which are located at the first end; and the coolant passage includes a main coolant passage extending along the axial center of the cylinder and an outer coolant passage surrounding the main coolant passage, the outer coolant passage intersecting with both the first and second fluid passages.

[0008] In a further feature, coolant passages surround each of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage.

[0009] In a further feature, the reinforcing member is located within the coolant channel and contacts the outer surface of at least one of the first and second fluid channels to support at least one of the first and second fluid channels.

[0010] In a further feature, the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are offset along the length of the housing; and the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are offset along the length of the housing.

[0011] In a further feature, the heat exchanger includes a first baffle extending through a first fluid passage within the chamber and configured to guide first fluid from a first fluid inlet to a first fluid outlet along a first path, the first path extending along a length of the chamber that passes over (or does not include) a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet.

[0012] In a further feature, the heat exchanger includes a second baffle extending through a second fluid passage within the chamber and configured to guide second fluid from a second fluid inlet to a second fluid outlet along a second path, the second path extending along the length of the chamber across the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet.

[0013] In a further feature, a first baffle seals against the inner surface of the housing between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and a second baffle seals against the inner surface of the housing between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

[0014] In a further feature, the first opening of the first fluid channel is at the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and the second fluid channel is closed at the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and the second opening of the second fluid channel is at the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet, and the first fluid channel is closed at the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

[0015] In a further feature, the heat exchanger includes: a first coolant buffer section of a coolant passage between a first fluid inlet and a second fluid passage, and between a first fluid outlet and a second fluid passage; and a second coolant buffer section of a coolant passage between a second fluid inlet and a first fluid passage, and between a second fluid outlet and a first fluid passage.

[0016] In a further feature, the housing defines a first inlet chamber at a first fluid inlet surrounding an inlet opening of a first fluid channel; a first outlet chamber at a first fluid outlet surrounding an outlet opening of a first fluid channel; a second inlet chamber at a second fluid inlet surrounding an inlet opening of a second fluid channel; and a second outlet chamber at a second fluid outlet surrounding an outlet opening of a second fluid channel.

[0017] In a further feature, the coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are defined by a lattice structure.

[0018] In a further feature, the housing is sealed to a lattice structure between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; the housing is sealed to a lattice structure between the first fluid outlet and the second fluid inlet; and the housing is sealed to a lattice structure between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

[0019] Among the various features, this disclosure also includes a heat exchanger comprising: a housing defining a chamber therein; a coolant inlet and a coolant channel linearly aligned with a coolant outlet, the coolant channel being defined within the chamber and extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet; a first fluid inlet and a first fluid channel linearly aligned with a first fluid outlet, the first fluid channel being defined within the chamber and extending between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and a second fluid inlet and a second fluid channel linearly aligned with a second fluid outlet, the second fluid channel being defined within the chamber and extending between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. The coolant channel surrounds each of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel. The coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between each of the coolant flowing through the coolant channel and each of the first fluid flowing through the first fluid channel and the second fluid flowing through the second fluid channel.

[0020] In a further feature, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet extend perpendicular to the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet; and the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

[0021] In a further feature, the coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are defined by a three-dimensional lattice structure.

[0022] Among various features, this disclosure also provides a heat exchanger comprising: a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coolant channel defining a non-linear path extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet; a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet, and a first fluid channel defining a non-linear path extending between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and a second fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet, and a second fluid channel defining a non-linear path extending between the second fluid inlet and the second outlet. The coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between each of the coolant flowing through the coolant channel and the first fluid flowing through the first fluid channel and the second fluid flowing through the second fluid channel. The coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are defined by a three-dimensional lattice structure.

[0023] In a further feature, the first opening of the first fluid channel is at the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and the second fluid channel is closed at the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet. The second opening of the second fluid channel is at the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet, and the first fluid channel is closed at the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. Option 1. A heat exchanger, comprising: The shell that defines the chamber therein; A coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coolant passage, the coolant passage being defined within an interior space and extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet; A first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet, and a first fluid passage, the first fluid passage being defined within a room and extending between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and A second fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet, and a second fluid passage, the second fluid passage being defined within the interior space extending between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. The coolant passage, the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between each of the coolant flowing through the coolant passage, the first fluid flowing through the first fluid passage, and the second fluid flowing through the second fluid passage. Option 2. The heat exchanger according to Option 1, wherein: The coolant inlet and coolant outlet are aligned in a straight line. The first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are aligned in a straight line; and The second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are aligned in a straight line. Option 3. The heat exchanger according to Option 2, wherein: The coolant inlet and coolant outlet extend perpendicular to the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and also extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet; and The first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet extend perpendicularly to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. Option 4. The heat exchanger according to Option 1, wherein: The casing is cylindrical, comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, with both a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet located at the first end; and The coolant passage includes a main coolant passage extending along the axial center of the cylinder and an outer coolant passage surrounding the main coolant passage, which interweaves with both the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage. Option 5. The heat exchanger according to Option 1, wherein the coolant passage surrounds each of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage. Option 6. The heat exchanger according to Option 1 further includes: a reinforcing member within a coolant channel, the reinforcing member contacting the outer surface of at least one of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel to support at least one of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel. Option 7. The heat exchanger according to Option 1, wherein: The first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are offset along the length of the casing; and The second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are offset along the length of the casing. Option 8. The heat exchanger according to Option 1 further includes: A first baffle extends through the room through a first fluid channel and is configured to guide first fluid from a first fluid inlet to a first fluid outlet along a first path, the first path extending along the length of the room across a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet. Option 9. The heat exchanger according to Option 8 further includes: A second baffle extends through the room through a second fluid channel and is configured to guide the second fluid from a second fluid inlet to a second fluid outlet along a second path, the second path extending along the length of the room across the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet. Option 10. The heat exchanger according to Option 9, wherein: The first baffle seals against the inner surface of the housing between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and The second baffle seals against the inner surface of the housing between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. Option 11. The heat exchanger according to Option 1, wherein: The first opening of the first fluid passage is at the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and the second fluid passage is closed at the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and The second opening of the second fluid channel is located at the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet, while the first fluid channel is closed at the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. Option 12. The heat exchanger according to Option 11 further includes: A first coolant buffer section of the coolant passage, between the first fluid inlet and the second fluid passage, and between the first fluid outlet and the second fluid passage; and The second coolant buffer section of the coolant passage is located between the second fluid inlet and the first fluid passage, and between the second fluid outlet and the first fluid passage. Option 13. The heat exchanger according to Option 1, wherein: The housing defines a first inlet chamber at the first fluid inlet, surrounding the inlet opening of the first fluid passage; The housing defines a first outlet chamber at the first fluid outlet, surrounding the outlet opening of the first fluid channel; The housing defines a second inlet chamber at the second fluid inlet, surrounding the inlet opening of the second fluid passage; and The housing defines a second outlet chamber at the second fluid outlet, surrounding the outlet opening of the second fluid channel. Option 14. The heat exchanger according to Option 1, wherein the coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are defined by a lattice structure. Option 15. The heat exchanger according to Option 14, wherein: The housing is sealed to a lattice structure between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; The housing is sealed to the lattice structure between the first fluid outlet and the second fluid inlet; and The housing is sealed to the lattice structure between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. Option 16. A heat exchanger, comprising: The shell that defines the chamber therein; A coolant inlet and a coolant passage aligned in a straight line with the coolant outlet, the coolant passage being defined within the interior and extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet; A first fluid inlet and a first fluid passage aligned linearly with a first fluid outlet, the first fluid passage being defined within a room and extending between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and A second fluid inlet and a second fluid passage are aligned in a straight line with the second fluid outlet, the second fluid passage being defined within the interior and extending between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. in: Coolant passages surround each of the first and second fluid passages; and The coolant passage, the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between each of the coolant flowing through the coolant passage and the first fluid flowing through the first fluid passage and the second fluid flowing through the second fluid passage. Option 17. The heat exchanger according to Option 16, wherein: The coolant inlet and coolant outlet extend perpendicular to the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and also extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet; and The first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet extend perpendicularly to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. Option 18. The heat exchanger according to Option 16, wherein the coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are defined by a three-dimensional lattice structure. Option 19. A heat exchanger, comprising: A coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coolant passage, wherein the coolant passage is defined as a non-linear path extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet; A first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet, and a first fluid passage, wherein the first fluid passage is defined as a non-linear path extending between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and A second fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet, and a second fluid channel, wherein the second fluid channel is defined as a non-linear path extending between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. in: The coolant passage, the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between each of the coolant flowing through the coolant passage and the first fluid flowing through the first fluid passage and the second fluid flowing through the second fluid passage; and The coolant channel, the first fluid channel, and the second fluid channel are defined by a three-dimensional lattice structure. Option 20. The heat exchanger according to Option 19, wherein: The first opening of the first fluid passage is at the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and the second fluid passage is closed at the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; and The second opening of the second fluid channel is located at the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet, while the first fluid channel is closed at the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

[0024] Other areas of application of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line 2-2;

[0028] Figure 3 Illustration Figure 1 A heat exchanger without an outer casing;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the additional heat exchanger according to this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Another cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger;

[0031] Figure 6 The illustration shows the lattice structure of various fluid channels defined by a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the additional heat exchanger according to this disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger;

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This disclosure relates to a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between three or more different fluids. The heat exchanger defines three or more fluid channels to accommodate the different fluids. The fluid channels are interwoven and configured to simultaneously transfer heat between the different fluids. Because all channels are interwoven throughout a large portion of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger of this disclosure is configured to enhance heat exchange between the different fluids and improve the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0036] The heat exchanger disclosed herein is configured for use in any suitable automotive and non-automotive applications. Regarding automotive applications, the heat exchanger can be configured to facilitate thermal management. For example, and regarding battery thermal management, the heat exchanger of this disclosure is configured to help maintain the battery pack at an optimal temperature. The heat exchanger can cool the battery when it becomes overheated and heat the battery in cold conditions to ensure efficient operation. Regarding cabin heating and cooling, the heat exchanger of this disclosure can be configured for use with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of any suitable fully electric (or partially electric) vehicle to manage cabin temperature. The heat exchanger of this disclosure can be configured to cool the vehicle motor and cool the vehicle electronics. The heat exchanger can be configured for use with a reversible heat pump that can function as both a heater and a cooler. The system is able to transfer excess heat from the battery to the cabin or vice versa, thereby improving system efficiency. The heat exchanger of this disclosure is also configured for any other suitable automotive and non-automotive applications.

[0037] Figure 1-3 The figure shows a heat exchanger 10 according to the present disclosure. The heat exchanger 10 includes a chamber 22 defined therein. Figure 2 The housing 20. The housing 20 can have any suitable shape and size depending on the application. In the illustrated example, the housing 20 is generally cylindrical in shape. The axis X extends through the radial center of the housing 20.

[0038] The housing 20 defines various inlets and outlets for the fluid. In the illustrated example, coolant inlet 30 and coolant inlet 32 ​​are located at the first end of the cylinder. Depending on the application, coolant inlet 30 and coolant inlet 32 ​​may be located at any other suitable location around the cylinder. (See reference...) Figure 2 The main coolant passage 34 extends from the coolant inlet 30 within the chamber 22, and the main coolant passage 34 extends along the longitudinal axis X. The main coolant passage 34 extends from the coolant inlet 30 to the opposite end of the chamber 22. An external coolant passage 36 surrounds the main coolant passage 34, and the external coolant passage 36 interweaves with passages for other fluids passing through the heat exchanger 10.

[0039] The housing 20 further defines a first fluid inlet 40 and a first fluid outlet 42 spaced apart along the length of the housing 20. The first fluid inlet 40 and the first fluid outlet 42 can be as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it is radially offset, or aligned. The first fluid passage 44 is defined within the chamber 22 and extends between the first fluid inlet 40 and the first fluid outlet 42. The first fluid passage 44 does not extend in a straight line, but defines multiple different paths from the first fluid inlet 40 to the first fluid outlet 42.

[0040] The housing 20 also defines a second fluid inlet 50 and a second fluid outlet 52 spaced apart along the length of the housing 20. The second fluid inlet 50 and the second fluid outlet 52 can be as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it is radially offset, or aligned. The second fluid passage 54 is defined within the chamber 22 and extends between the second fluid inlet 50 and the second fluid outlet 52. The second fluid passage 54 does not extend in a straight line, but defines multiple different paths from the second fluid inlet 50 to the second fluid outlet 52.

[0041] The first fluid channel 44 and the second fluid channel 54 are both generally configured as lattice structures, which can be formed in any suitable manner, such as by any suitable additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing). Figure 1-3 The heat exchanger illustrated in the diagram shows only two sets of fluid channels (first fluid channel 44 and second fluid channel 54). However, the heat exchanger 10 can be configured to include any suitable number of additional fluid channels to accommodate heat exchange between any suitable number of additional fluids. These additional fluid channels will interweave with the first fluid channel 44, the second fluid channel 54, and the external coolant channel 36 within the chamber 22. Any suitable number (such as 5, 10, 50, 100, etc.) of additional fluid channels can be included.

[0042] Figure 3 The illustration shows a heat exchanger 10 with the housing 20 removed. The heat exchanger 10 includes various external flanges that seal to the housing 20 to divide the heat exchanger 10 into different zones to facilitate fluid flow (e.g., see...). Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the first flange 60 and the second flange 62 seal to the inner surface of the housing 20 on opposite sides of the first fluid inlet 40 to define the first inlet chamber 82. Only the first fluid passage 44 has an opening at the first inlet chamber 82. Therefore, the first fluid flowing through the first fluid inlet 40 into the heat exchanger 10 flows into the first inlet chamber 82 and into the first fluid passage 44.

[0043] The second flange 62 and the third flange 64 seal to the inner surface of the housing 20 on opposite sides of the first fluid outlet 42 to define the first outlet chamber 84. Only the first fluid passage 44 has an outlet at the first outlet chamber 84. Therefore, the first fluid exits the first fluid passage 44, enters the first outlet chamber 84, and exits the heat exchanger 10 through the first fluid outlet 42.

[0044] The third flange 64 and the fourth flange 66 seal to the inner surface of the housing 20 on opposite sides of the second fluid inlet 50 to define the second inlet chamber 86. Only the second fluid passage 54 has an opening at the second inlet chamber 86. Therefore, the second fluid that flows through the second fluid inlet 50 into the heat exchanger 10 flows into the second inlet chamber 86 and into the second fluid passage 54.

[0045] The fourth flange 66 and the fifth flange 68 seal to the inner surface of the housing 20 on opposite sides of the second fluid outlet 52 to define the second outlet chamber 88. Only the second fluid passage 54 has an outlet at the second outlet chamber 88. Therefore, the second fluid exits the second fluid passage 54 into the second outlet chamber 88 and exits the heat exchanger 10 through the second fluid outlet 52.

[0046] The heat exchanger 10 also includes a baffle 70 within the chamber 22, the baffle 70 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X along the length of the housing 20. The baffle 70 is divided into a first baffle portion extending only through a first fluid passage 44 and a second baffle portion extending only through a second fluid passage 54. A first baffle flange 72 seals to a second flange 62. A second baffle flange 74 seals to a fourth flange 66. The first baffle flange 72 is only within the first fluid passage 44 and not within the second fluid passage 54. The second baffle flange 74 is only within the second fluid passage 54 and not within the first fluid passage 44.

[0047] A first baffle portion and a first baffle flange 72 extending through the first fluid passage 44 are configured to guide first fluid from the first fluid inlet 40 to the first fluid outlet 42 along a first path, the first path extending along the length of the chamber 22 across the second fluid inlet 50 and the second fluid outlet 52. A second baffle portion and a second baffle flange 74 extending through the second fluid passage 54 are configured to guide second fluid from the second fluid inlet 50 to the second fluid outlet 52 along a second path, the second path extending along the length of the chamber 22 across the first fluid inlet 40 and the first fluid outlet 42.

[0048] The heat exchanger 10 also includes a coolant buffer section 80, surrounding the outer portion of the openings defining the first fluid channel 44 and the second fluid channel 46 in a lattice structure. The coolant buffer section 80 is in fluid communication with and is an extension of the outer coolant channel 36. The coolant buffer section 80 surrounds the opening of the first fluid channel 44 at the first inlet chamber 82 and the first outlet chamber 84. The coolant buffer section 80 also surrounds the opening of the second fluid channel 54 at the second inlet chamber 86 and the second outlet chamber 88. The coolant buffer section 80 facilitates cooling of the first and second fluid channels 44, 54 at their inlets and outlets.

[0049] Figure 4 and 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the additional heat exchanger 110 according to the present disclosure. The heat exchanger 110 includes a coolant inlet 30, a coolant outlet 32, and a coolant passage 36. The heat exchanger 110 also includes a first fluid inlet 40, a first fluid outlet 42, a first fluid passage 44, a second fluid inlet 50, a second fluid inlet 52, and a second fluid passage 54. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 110 includes a third fluid inlet 90, a third fluid outlet 92, and a third fluid passage 94. The third fluid passage 94 interweaves with the coolant passage 36, the first fluid passage 44, and the second fluid passage 54 to simultaneously transfer heat between the liquids flowing through the coolant passage 36, the first fluid passage 44, the second fluid passage 54, and the third fluid passage 94. Any suitable number of additional fluid passages may be included and interweave with the coolant passage 36 and other fluid passages to simultaneously transfer heat between the liquids in the different passages. Figure 5 As illustrated, the heat exchanger 110 may include coolant buffer sections 80 at one or more of its inlet and outlet. The coolant buffer section 80 is in fluid communication with and is an extension of the coolant passage 36. The coolant buffer section 80 surrounds the inlet and outlet of the first fluid passage 44, the inlet and outlet of the second fluid passage 54, and the inlet and outlet of the third fluid passage 94. The coolant buffer section 80 facilitates cooling of the different fluid passages at their inlet and outlet.

[0050] Figure 6 The illustration shows an exemplary lattice structure 24 defining an external coolant channel 36, a first fluid channel 44, and a second fluid channel 54. A structural reinforcement member 56 is included to provide support to the first fluid channel 44 and / or the second fluid channel 54. In the illustrated example, the structural reinforcement member 56 extends through the external coolant channel 36.

[0051] Figure 7 and 8The illustration shows an additional heat exchanger 210 according to this disclosure. Unlike the cylindrical shape of heat exchanger 10, heat exchanger 210 is configured to have a near-cubic or spherical shape. Heat exchanger 210 includes a coolant inlet 30, a coolant outlet 32, and a coolant passage 36 extending therebetween. The coolant inlet 30 is linearly aligned with the coolant outlet 32. A first fluid inlet 40 is linearly aligned with the first fluid outlet 42. A first fluid passage 44 extends between the first fluid inlet 40 and the first fluid outlet 42. A second fluid inlet 50 is linearly aligned with the second fluid outlet 52. The second fluid passage 54 extends between the second fluid inlet 50 and the second fluid outlet 52. The coolant inlet 30 and the coolant outlet 32 ​​extend perpendicular to the first fluid inlet 40 and the first fluid outlet 42. The coolant inlet 30 and the coolant outlet 32 ​​also extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet 50 and the second fluid outlet 52. The first fluid inlet 40 and the first fluid outlet 42 extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet 50 and the second fluid outlet 52. The coolant passage 36, the first fluid passage 44, and the second fluid passage 54 are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between each of the coolant flowing through the coolant passage 36, the first fluid flowing through the first fluid passage 44, and the second fluid flowing through the second fluid passage 54. The shape of the heat exchanger 210 (including the positions of the inlet and outlet) facilitates the circulation of coolant around the various fluid passages, thus eliminating the need for baffles.

[0052] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with reference to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combinations are not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more embodiments for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between first and second elements in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as meaning logic using the non-exclusive logic “OR” (A or B or C) and should not be interpreted as meaning “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0054] In a diagram, the direction of the arrows typically indicates the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) of interest. For example, when components A and B exchange various types of information, but the information transmitted from component A to component B is relevant to the diagram, the arrow may point from component A to component B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from component B to component A. Furthermore, for information sent from component A to component B, component B may send a request for the information or an acknowledgment of receipt of the information to component A.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising: The shell that defines the chamber therein; A coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a coolant passage, the coolant passage being defined within an interior space and extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet; A first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet, and a first fluid passage, the first fluid passage being defined within an interior space and extending between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; as well as A second fluid inlet, a second fluid outlet, and a second fluid passage, the second fluid passage being defined within the interior space extending between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. The coolant passage, the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage are all interwoven and thus configured to simultaneously transfer heat between each of the coolant flowing through the coolant passage, the first fluid flowing through the first fluid passage, and the second fluid flowing through the second fluid passage.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The coolant inlet and coolant outlet are aligned in a straight line. The first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are aligned in a straight line; as well as The second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are aligned in a straight line.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein: The coolant inlet and coolant outlet extend perpendicular to the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet, and also extend perpendicular to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet; as well as The first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet extend perpendicularly to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The casing is cylindrical, comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, with both a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet located at the first end; and The coolant passage includes a main coolant passage extending along the axial center of the cylinder and an outer coolant passage surrounding the main coolant passage, which interweaves with both the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, Coolant passages surround each of the first and second fluid passages.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising: A reinforcing member within the coolant channel contacts the outer surface of at least one of the first and second fluid channels to support at least one of the first and second fluid channels.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet are offset along the length of the casing; as well as The second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are offset along the length of the casing.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising: A first baffle extends through the room through a first fluid channel and is configured to guide first fluid from a first fluid inlet to a first fluid outlet along a first path, the first path extending along the length of the room across a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, further comprising: A second baffle extends through the room through a second fluid channel and is configured to guide the second fluid from a second fluid inlet to a second fluid outlet along a second path, the second path extending along the length of the room across the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The first baffle seals against the inner surface of the housing between the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet; as well as The second baffle seals against the inner surface of the housing between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

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