Fluid guiding module, fluid heater and fluid heating device

Abstract

A fluid guiding module (2), a fluid heater (30) and an apparatus (50) are disclosed. The module (2) comprises a number of tubes (4) and a manifold (6) forming an inlet chamber (16). The tubes (4) are arranged to form a boundary around a central longitudinal space (10). The manifold (6) is annular and arranged around an open central portion (22). The inlet chamber (16) is arranged in fluid communication with an interior of each tube (4). The open central portion (22) is arranged in juxtaposition and open communication with the central longitudinal space (10) formed by the tubes (4). Outlet openings (20) of the tubes (4) collectively form a fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module (2). At the second end portion (14), an interior (37) of the tubes (4) is arranged in fluid communication with an exterior (39) of the tubes (4) via the outlet openings (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid guiding module for a fluid heater, a fluid heater including the fluid guiding module, and a fluid heating device. Background Technology

[0002] When heating gases to high temperatures (such as up to 1200°C or even higher), both convective heat transfer and thermal radiation are required. For good convective heat transfer, a large heat transfer surface in contact with the airflow is advantageous.

[0003] A common solution for providing a large heat transfer surface is to use two concentric tubes, with the inner tube heated and the gas fed into the gap between the two tubes. Since heating the gas to high temperatures requires long tubes with a small gap between them, it is difficult to provide sufficiently straight tubes to arrange them concentrically. Furthermore, even if a concentric arrangement is possible, it may still be difficult or impossible to remove the inner tube from the outer tube once it has been exposed to high temperatures. This is because the high-temperature exposure causes deformation of the tube.

[0004] DE 19610593 discloses a heat exchanger comprising a container and a tubular heat exchanger element configured to allow a fluid to be heated to flow across its outer surface. The tubular heat exchanger element is at least partially surrounded by concentric tubes, with the fluid flowing in an annular gap between the tubes and the element. Heating wires are disposed within the tubular heat exchanger element.

[0005] US 4453496 discloses a multi-tube once-through boiler. The multi-tube once-through boiler includes a combustion device, an annular upper manifold serving as a steam chamber, an annular lower manifold serving as a water chamber, a plurality of vertical water pipes connecting the upper and lower manifolds to form a single row of annular water pipe walls, a combustion chamber serving as a cylindrical inner space surrounded by the water pipe walls, and an annular combustion gas passage formed between the water pipe walls and the outer wall of the boiler.

[0006] WO 2023 / 183190 discloses a fluid heater configured to increase the temperature of a process fluid flowing through it. The fluid heater includes a plurality of tubes guiding the process fluid through it. Each end of the plurality of tubes includes a manifold assembly. The plurality of tubes are formed of a polymer. Therefore, the fluid heater is designed to heat fluids to temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius in hazardous locations or to temperatures up to 180 degrees Celsius in non-hazardous locations. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Providing a reliable and efficient fluid heater would be advantageous. It is further desirable to provide a fluid guiding arrangement for and within a fluid heater, the arrangement being configured to be substantially resistant to deformation even when subjected to high temperatures. To better address one or more of these problems, one or more of a fluid guiding module, a fluid heater, and a fluid heating device having the features defined in one or more independent claims are provided.

[0008] According to one aspect, a fluid guiding module for a fluid heater is provided, the module comprising a plurality of tubes and a manifold forming an inlet chamber. Each of the plurality of tubes extends parallel to a longitudinal axis. The tubes of the plurality of tubes are arranged side-by-side such that each tube has two adjacent tubes. The manifold is annular and arranged around an open central portion. The fluid guiding module has a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being opposite to the first end portion when viewed along the longitudinal axis. The manifold is arranged at the first end portion, wherein the inlet chamber is arranged to be in fluid communication with the interior of each of the plurality of tubes. The outlet opening of the tube is arranged at the second end portion.

[0009] The plurality of tubes are arranged side by side, such that the tubes together form the boundary around a central longitudinal space. The open central portion of the annular manifold is arranged juxtaposed with and openly communicates with the central longitudinal space formed by the tubes. The outlet openings of the tubes together form a fluid outlet from the fluid guiding module. At the second end portion, the interior of the tubes is arranged to be in fluid communication with the exterior of the tubes via the outlet openings.

[0010] Since the outlet openings collectively form the fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module, and the outlet openings of the tubes collectively form the fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module, and since at the second end portion, the interior of one or more of the tubes is arranged to be in fluid communication with the outside of the tube via the outlet opening, the end portion of the tube at the second end portion of the fluid guiding module is unrestricted in its arrangement within the fluid guiding module. Therefore, when heated, the natural thermal expansion of the tube will not cause radial deformation of the tube, at least not to any degree that would impede the function and / or operation of the fluid guiding module in the fluid heater or fluid heating device, and / or such deformation will not impede the maintenance of the fluid guiding module in the fluid heater or fluid heating device.

[0011] More specifically, because the tubes in the plurality of tubes are not physically connected to an outlet arrangement, such as an outlet manifold or manifold, the axial expansion of the individual tubes is unimpeded at the second end portion of the fluid guiding module when the tubes are heated during operation.

[0012] According to another aspect, a fluid heater is provided, comprising a fluid guiding module as described in any of the examples and / or aspects discussed herein; and an electric heating element or fuel burner positioned through an open central portion of the annular manifold and into a central longitudinal space formed by the tubes of the plurality of tubes. According to embodiments, the fluid heater may include more than one fluid guiding module as described in any of the examples and / or aspects discussed herein; and one or more electric heating elements.

[0013] Similarly, since the outlet openings of the tubes in the plurality of tubes collectively form the fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module, and since the interior of the tubes in the plurality of tubes is arranged to be in fluid communication with the outside of the tubes via the outlet openings at the second end portion, the end portions of the tubes at the second end portion of the fluid guiding module are unrestricted in their arrangement within the fluid guiding module and the fluid heater. Therefore, when the tubes are heated by an electric heating element or a fuel burner, the thermal expansion of the tubes will not cause any significant deformation of the tubes in the radial direction, at least not to any degree that would impede the function, operation, and / or maintainability of the fluid heater.

[0014] According to another aspect, a fluid heating device is provided, the fluid heating device comprising a housing extending along a housing axis, the fluid heating device including at least one fluid heater according to any of the examples and / or aspects discussed herein, the at least one fluid heater being arranged at least partially within the housing, wherein the longitudinal axis of a fluid guiding module of each of the at least one fluid heater extends parallel to the housing axis.

[0015] Similarly, since the outlet openings of the tubes in the plurality of tubes collectively form a fluid outlet, and the outlet openings of the tubes collectively form the fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module, and since at the second end portion, the interior of the tubes in the plurality of tubes is arranged to be in fluid communication with the outside of the tubes via the outlet openings of the tubes, the end portions of the tubes at the second end portion of the fluid guiding module are unrestrictedly arranged in the fluid guiding module, the fluid heater, and the fluid heating device. Therefore, when the tubes are heated by the electric heating element or the fuel burner, the thermal expansion of the tubes will not cause any significant deformation of the tubes in the radial direction, at least not to any degree that would impede the function, operation, and / or maintainability of the fluid heating device.

[0016] Furthermore, since the fluid guiding module of the at least one fluid heater is arranged within the housing of the fluid heating device, the outlet opening of the pipe guides the heated fluid into the housing during operation of the fluid heating device. Therefore, the housing can be provided with an outlet for the heated fluid and can thus be used as a collector for the heated fluid.

[0017] The inventors have recognized that by having the outlet openings collectively form the fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module, i.e., by providing an open tube end in the fluid guiding module, the inevitable natural thermal expansion of the tube is not limited by any outlet arrangement of the fluid guiding module. Therefore, the fluid guiding module is designed for free axial expansion. Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that by arranging the fluid guiding module within the housing of the fluid heating device, the heated fluid can be allowed to enter the housing from the tube of the fluid guiding module, and consequently, the housing can be provided with an outlet arrangement for the heated fluid. Thus, the tube can expand freely within the housing without the risk of radial deformation, while the heated fluid is removed from the housing rather than directly from the fluid guiding module.

[0018] The fluid guiding module (also referred to herein as a module) is configured to function as part of a fluid heater. Therefore, during use of the fluid heater, the fluid to be heated flows through the fluid guiding module while being subjected to heat from, for example, an electric heating element or fuel burner arranged in the central longitudinal space of the fluid guiding module.

[0019] More specifically, since the number of tubes forms the central longitudinal space and thus extends along the central longitudinal space, the number of tubes are subjected to heat, and the fluid is heated as it flows from the first end portion of the fluid guiding module through the number of tubes to the second end portion of the fluid guiding module.

[0020] In the fluid guiding module, each individual tube forms an airtight channel, and therefore, the tubes in the given number of tubes do not need to be fixed or sealed relative to each other along their length. Thus, thermal elongation and / or any stress caused by varying temperature gradients in the individual tubes will not cause any angular deformation of the fluid guiding module relative to the longitudinal axis. Natural thermal expansion is unavoidable, but due to the degree of freedom of axial expansion, the fluid guiding module is merely elongated and does not undergo angular deformation.

[0021] The fluid to be heated can be a liquid or a gas. In particular, the fluid guiding module is designed for gases to be heated to high temperatures (e.g., up to 1200°C or even higher). At high temperatures, the deformation resistance of the fluid guiding module discussed herein becomes most advantageous.

[0022] By way of example only, the fluid to be heated can be a gas, such as air, nitrogen, hydrocarbons (e.g., methane), hydrogen, vapor, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and helium.

[0023] The tubes in the specified number of tubes forming a boundary around the central longitudinal space means that the specified number of tubes defines the central longitudinal space. Two adjacent tubes in the specified number of tubes may be adjacent to each other. However, the tubes in the specified number of tubes do not need to be adjacent to each other, and specifically, they do not need to be adjacent along their entire length. Regardless of whether the tubes are adjacent to each other, the tubes in the specified number of tubes are considered to form a boundary around the central longitudinal space.

[0024] Since each of the plurality of tubes extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and the plurality of tubes form an important part of the fluid guiding module, the longitudinal axis also forms the longitudinal axis of the fluid guiding module. Therefore, in this document, unless otherwise stated, axial, radial, and circumferential references refer to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] To ensure that the tubes remain arranged side-by-side and that the tubes within the specified number of tubes remain positioned to form a boundary around the central longitudinal space, the tubes can be held in place by one or more loops arranged around the specified number of tubes. Such loops can take the form of an outer annular member extending around the specified number of tubes. Furthermore, radially supported inner annular members can be arranged circumferentially within the specified number of tubes along the longitudinal space. These inner and outer annular members can be arranged in a concentric pair.

[0026] Since the open central portion of the annular manifold in the fluid guiding module is arranged juxtaposed with and openly connected to the central longitudinal space formed by the tubes in the plurality of tubes, an electric heating element or a fuel burner can be inserted through the open central portion into the central longitudinal space to form a fluid heater of the type discussed herein.

[0027] In the fluid heating device, at least a certain number of tubes of the at least one fluid heater can be arranged inside the housing of the fluid heating device.

[0028] The fluid heaters discussed herein can be used in any type of fluid heating device that provides collection of heated fluid from outlet openings of the tubes in a plurality of tubes. One or more fluid heaters may be used as needed.

[0029] Therefore, as described above, the housing of the fluid heating device discussed herein can be provided with an outlet for the fluid being heated, and thus the housing can be used as a collector for the heated fluid.

[0030] As described above, in the fluid guiding module, at the second end portion, the interior of one of the plurality of tubes is arranged to be in fluid communication with the outside of the tubes via the outlet openings of the tubes. In this way, the outlet openings of the tubes collectively form the fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module. Therefore, during use of the fluid guiding module, heated fluid can flow directly from the fluid guiding module out of the outlet openings of the tubes. Thus, the fluid guiding module does not include any outlet manifold.

[0031] For illustrative purposes only: the outlet manifold of the fluid guiding module (such as that discussed, for example, in US 4453496) will collect the heated fluid within the fluid guiding module to guide the fluid from the fluid guiding module to a receiver for the heated fluid. This outlet manifold will prevent the interior of the tube from being arranged in fluid communication with the outside of the tube.

[0032] According to some examples, each of the plurality of tubes may have a circular or elliptical cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this way, during use of the fluid guiding module, fluid heater, and fluid heating device, heat from the electric heating element or fuel burner within the fluid guiding module can be effectively transferred to the fluid flowing through the tubes.

[0033] For the elliptical cross-section of the tube, the minor axis of the elliptical cross-section may extend in the radial direction of the central longitudinal space.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the appended claims and the following detailed description are examined. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Various aspects and / or examples of the invention, including specific features and advantages thereof, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and examples discussed in the accompanying drawings: Figures 1a-1c A fluid guiding module for a fluid heater is shown. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The diagram schematically illustrates a longitudinal cross-section through a fluid heater, based on some examples. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2a A partial perspective view, Figure 4 A partial cross-section of a fluid heating device according to an example is schematically shown, and Figure 5 A cross-section of a fluid heating device according to an example is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Various aspects and / or examples of the invention will now be described more fully. The same reference numerals always denote the same elements. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions are not necessarily described in detail.

[0037] Figures 1a-1c A fluid guiding module 2 for a fluid heater is shown. The fluid heater may be as shown in the following reference. Figures 2a-4 The fluid heater under discussion. Figure 1a A side view of the fluid guiding module 2 is shown. Figure 1b It shows along Figure 1a The cross-section of line BB in the middle, and Figure 1c An isometric view of module 2 is shown.

[0038] Module 2 includes a number of pipes 4 and manifolds 6. Each of the number of pipes 4 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 8. The longitudinal axis 8 can be considered as the longitudinal axis of module 2, which extends along the overall extension of module 2.

[0039] The tubes 4 of the given number are arranged side by side. Therefore, each tube 4 has two adjacent tubes 4. Furthermore, the given number of tubes 4 forms the boundary surrounding the central longitudinal space 10. In other words, all the tubes 4 together form the radial boundary of the central longitudinal space 10. The longitudinal space 10 extends along the longitudinal axis 8.

[0040] According to some examples, the central longitudinal space 10 formed by the tubes 4 of the given number of tubes 4, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8, can have a square, circular, or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Each of the square, circular, or elliptical cross-sectional shapes is approximately approximate, which eliminates the influence of the tubes 4 on the cross-sectional shape.

[0041] For example, the cross-sectional shape may be one that allows the relevant heating element or burner to be positioned and operated within the central longitudinal space 10.

[0042] In the example shown, the cross-sectional shape of the central longitudinal space 10 is circular.

[0043] According to some examples, such as the one shown, each of the plurality of tubes 4 is arranged to be adjacent to two adjacent tubes 4. In this way, during the use of module 2, efficient heat transfer can be provided from the heating element or burner within the central longitudinal space 10 to the tubes 4 and the fluid flowing through the tubes 4.

[0044] According to some examples, alternatively, the tubes 4 of the given number of tubes 4 can be arranged such that a gap is formed between adjacent tubes 4. According to some examples, this gap can be narrow, and the advantage of having a narrow gap is that heat radiated from the heating element or burner is likely to reach a larger surface portion of the tube 4 compared to the case where the tubes 4 are adjacent to each other.

[0045] As an example only, this gain in thermal radiation reaching tube 4 can be expected with a maximum circumferential gap in the range of 0.1-15 mm between the outer surfaces of adjacent tubes 4, which is measured at the location where adjacent tubes 4 are closest to each other.

[0046] Therefore, if a circumferential gap appears between adjacent tubes 4 in an example with adjacent tubes 4, the heating performance of module 2 will certainly not be negatively affected, and may even be positively affected by such a circumferential gap.

[0047] From the above discussion, it can be concluded that when the pipes 4 are adjacent to each other, the boundary formed by the pipes 4 in the certain number of pipes 4 can be a closed boundary, or when there is a distance (narrow gap) between the pipes 4, the boundary formed by the pipes 4 in the certain number of pipes 4 can be a dispersed boundary.

[0048] According to some examples, at least some of the tubes 4 may be provided with one or more external fins to increase the outer surface area exposed to heat radiated from the heating element or burner. For example, such fins may protrude from the tube 4 into the central longitudinal space 10.

[0049] The tubes 4 are not directly and fixedly connected to each other. The connection between the manifold 6 and the tubes 4 ensures their relative positions within module 2. Bundles, such as annular members, can be arranged at intervals along the number of tubes 4 to maintain the relative radial positions of the tubes 4 along the longitudinal axis 8. See further reference below. Figure 3 The description.

[0050] According to some examples, an additional layer of tubing can be provided in the fluid guiding module. More specifically, an additional number of tubings can be arranged radially outside the stated number of tubings 4. These additional tubings extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 8 and are arranged side-by-side. Thus, each of these additional tubings has two adjacent tubes.

[0051] For example, in an example where the tubes 4 of the certain number of tubes 4 are arranged in the gap between adjacent tubes 4, another certain number of tubes arranged radially outside the certain number of tubes 4 can pass through the gap to receive heat radiated from the heating element or burner.

[0052] The fluid guiding module 2 has a first end portion 12 and a second end portion 14, which is opposite to the first end portion 12 when viewed along the longitudinal axis 8.

[0053] A manifold 6 is disposed at the first end portion 12. The manifold 6 forms an inlet chamber 16. During use of the fluid guiding module 2, the fluid to be heated is guided into the inlet chamber 16, and the fluid flows from the inlet chamber 16 into the pipe 4 through the inlet opening 18. Therefore, the inlet chamber 16 is arranged to be in fluid communication with the interior of the pipe 4 through the inlet opening 18.

[0054] The outlet opening 20 of pipe 4 is arranged at the second end portion 14 of module 2. During the use of module 2, as fluid flows inside pipe 4, the fluid is heated and exits fluid guide module 2 through the outlet opening 20 of pipe 4.

[0055] The manifold 6 is annular and arranged around the open central portion 22. Therefore, the manifold 6 can be considered as a hollow flange.

[0056] The annular manifold 6 is considered annular because it extends around the open central portion 22. Similar to the central longitudinal space 10 formed by the tubes 4 of the aforementioned number of tubes 4, the annular manifold 6 and / or the open central portion 22 may have a square, circular, or elliptical cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8. Similarly, the inlet chamber 16 may have a square, circular, or elliptical cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the manifold 6.

[0057] The open central portion 22 of the annular manifold 6 is arranged juxtaposed with and openly connected to the central longitudinal space 10 formed by the pipe 4. This is in Figure 1b It is clearly visible in the view.

[0058] The open central portion 22 of the annular manifold 6 can be aligned along the longitudinal axis 8 with the central longitudinal space 10 formed by the pipes 4 of the certain number of pipes 4.

[0059] As described above, the outlet openings 20 of the tubes 4 of the given number of tubes 4 are arranged at the second end portion 14 of the module 2. The outlet openings 20 together form the fluid outlet of the module 2.

[0060] Since module 2 is not included in the outlet manifold connected to pipe 4 at the second end portion 14 of module 2, the axial expansion of each pipe 4 is unimpeded at the second end portion 14 during the use of module 2. Therefore, the natural thermal expansion of pipe 4 will not cause any degree of deformation of the pipe in the radial direction that would make one or more of the functions, operation, or maintenance of fluid guiding module 2 difficult or impossible.

[0061] As described above, the tubes 4 are not fixedly connected to each other along their length. Therefore, the tubes 4 are arranged in module 2 such that they can expand unrestricted relative to each other along the longitudinal axis 8.

[0062] The tube 4 is attached to the manifold 6 at the first end portion 12 of the module 2, such as by welding. Therefore, the tube 4 can expand in a direction toward and beyond the second end portion 14.

[0063] At the second end portion 14 of the fluid guiding module 2, the interior of one of the plurality of tubes 4 is arranged to be in fluid communication with the outside of the tube 4 via an outlet opening 20. This arrangement provides the outlet opening 20 of the tubes 4 to collectively form the fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module 2. See also the following references. Figure 3 The description.

[0064] According to some examples, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8, the inner cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of tubes 4 can be 50-200 mm. 2 Within the range.

[0065] For tube 4 with a circular cross-section, this means that the inner diameter of tube 4 is in the range of approximately 8-16 mm.

[0066] According to some examples, each of the number of tubes 4 can have a wall thickness in the range of 1.5-4 mm.

[0067] Within this range, the thinner the wall thickness, the better the heat transfer through the pipe wall. On the other hand, the thicker the wall, the longer the time before corrosion causes pipe failure. Therefore, the choice of wall thickness can depend in particular on the corrosiveness of the fluid to be heated.

[0068] According to some examples, the tubes 4 in the plurality of tubes 4 can be made of one or more alloys from the group consisting of FeCrAl alloys, NiCr alloys, and NiCrFe alloys. In this way, a high-temperature resistant fluid guiding module 2 can be provided. The fluid guiding module 2 can be used to heat fluids such as gases to up to 1200°C or even higher.

[0069] According to some examples, each of the plurality of tubes 4 can have a length in the range of 2-10 m. In this way, the fluid to be heated can be guided a sufficient distance within the tube 4 so that the fluid is heated to 1200°C or higher.

[0070] Within this range, the common foreseeable range for the length of pipe 4 can be 1 to 10 m, such as 2 to 10 m, such as 3 to 9 m, such as 3 to 4 m.

[0071] In the use of module 2, the longitudinal axis 8 can be arranged horizontally, vertically, or at an angle between them.

[0072] The fluid guiding module 2 includes a tube 4 at the upper limit of the range, which can be arranged such that the longitudinal axis 8 extends vertically in order to eliminate any bending effect that gravity may have on the heated and therefore relatively easily deformable tube 4.

[0073] Each of the plurality of tubes 4 may have, for example, Figure 1b The cross-section shown is circular. Other cross-sectional shapes of tube 4 are possible, such as elliptical, square, or rectangular.

[0074] Based on some examples, Figure 2a and Figure 2b The longitudinal section through the fluid heater 30 is schematically shown.

[0075] Each fluid heater 30 includes a fluid guiding module 2. The fluid guiding module 2 may be as shown in the reference above. Figures 1a-1c Module 2 is discussed. Therefore, the above description is also referred to below.

[0076] Figure 2a The fluid heater 30 includes an electric heating element 32. Figure 2b The fluid heater 30 includes a fuel burner 34.

[0077] Each of the electric heating element 32 and the fuel burner 34 is positioned in module 2, passing through the open central portion 22 of the annular manifold 6 and entering the central longitudinal space 10 formed by the tubes 4 of the number of tubes 4.

[0078] Therefore, each of the electric heating element 32 and the fuel burner 34 is centrally positioned within the corresponding fluid guiding module 2, such that the pipe 4 and thus the fluid flowing through the pipe 4 can be heated by the electric heating element 32 and the fuel burner 34, respectively.

[0079] As in Figure 2a and Figure 2b As can be clearly seen, the outlet opening 20 of pipe 4 together forms the fluid outlet of fluid guiding module 2. When pipe 4 is heated by electric heating element 32 or fuel burner 34, unrestricted longitudinal thermal expansion of pipe 4 can be achieved in module 2 and fluid heater 30.

[0080] Based on some examples, such as Figure 2a In the example shown, the electric heating element 32 includes one or more resistive members 36 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 8.

[0081] During the use of the fluid heater 30, the resistance member 36 of the heating element 32 is heated by an electric current. The heat from the resistance member 36 radiates and heats the tube 4 and the fluid flowing through the tube 4 from the manifold 6 to the tube outlet opening 20.

[0082] The resistive member 36 can be of various known types or forms, such as a wire member, a strip member, or a tubular member. The resistive members 36 extend along the longitudinal axis 8 and are electrically insulated from each other by the insulating member 38. The insulating member 38 also positions the resistive members 36 relative to each other within the heating element 32.

[0083] AC or DC power can be connected to at least two connectors 40 for supplying power to the resistor 36.

[0084] The resistive element 16 can be made of any suitable known material, such as one or more of iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloy, nickel-chromium (NiCr) alloy, and nickel-chromium-iron (NiCrFe) alloy.

[0085] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 2a A perspective view of a portion of the fluid heater 30 of line III-III. Reference is also made below. Figure 2a .

[0086] Therefore, in Figure 3 The central longitudinal space 10 formed by tube 4 is clearly shown in the image. Figure 3 In the middle, two of the insulating members 38 are also arranged to insulate the resistive members 36 of the electric heating element 32 from each other.

[0087] In addition, Figure 3 The interior 37 and exterior 39 of the two tubes 4 are clearly visible. As described above, the interior 37 of the tube 4 is arranged to be in fluid communication with the exterior 39 of the tube 4 via the tube outlet opening 20.

[0088] exist Figure 3 In the example, one of the tubes 4 has an elliptical cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8.

[0089] Based on some examples, such as Figures 2a-3 For example, the tubes 4 of the plurality of tubes 4 are held together around a central longitudinal space 10 by at least one ring member 42 extending around the plurality of tubes 4. In this way, the tubes 4 can be held in place in the radial direction around the central longitudinal space 10.

[0090] More specifically, the ring member 42 can form a loop around the number of tubes 4 and hold them in place such that the central longitudinal space 10 is precisely defined by the tubes 4 among the number of tubes 4. The tubes 4 can abut against the ring member 42 and against each other. Therefore, the position of the tubes 4 can be defined. Figure 3 As shown, the additional ring member 44 can be arranged concentrically with the ring member 42 within the central longitudinal space 10, and abut against the tube 4 from within the central longitudinal space 10. Therefore, the tube 4 can be reliably positioned to form the central longitudinal space 10.

[0091] As described above, the tubes 4 are not fixedly connected to each other. Nor is it necessary for the tubes 4 to be fixedly connected to the ring member 42 and the additional ring member 44. Therefore, any significant movement of the tubes 4 in the radial direction is prevented only by the ring member 42 and the additional ring member 44. In the axial direction, the tubes 4 can move relative to the ring member 42, the additional ring member 44, and each other. Therefore, individual thermal expansion of the tubes 4 can be ensured during the use of the fluid heater 6.

[0092] However, if it is ensured that the heat from the heating element or fuel burner is uniformly distributed within the central longitudinal space 10, the fixed connection between the ring member 42 and / or the additional ring member 44 and the pipe 4 can be feasible, because in this case, the thermal elongation of the pipe 4 at each axial position within the central longitudinal space 10 can be the same, and therefore, the fixed attachment to the ring member 42 and / or the additional ring member 44 will not cause angular deformation of the fluid guiding module 2.

[0093] Figure 4 A partial cross-section of the fluid heating device 50 according to the example is shown schematically.

[0094] The fluid heating device 50 includes a housing 52 extending along the housing axis 54.

[0095] The fluid heating device 50 includes at least one fluid heater 30 disposed within a housing 52. The at least one fluid heater 30 may be as referenced above. Figures 1a-3 At least one fluid heater 30 is discussed. Therefore, reference is also made below. Figures 1a-3 .

[0096] The longitudinal axis 8 of the fluid heating module 2 of the at least one fluid heater 30 extends parallel to the housing axis 54.

[0097] Similarly, it is clearly visible that the outlet openings 20 of the tubes 4 in the certain number of tubes 4 collectively form the fluid outlet of the fluid guide module 2 of each fluid heater in the at least one fluid heater 30.

[0098] Therefore, tube 4 can thermally expand along the longitudinal axis 8 within the fluid heating device 52.

[0099] exist Figure 4 In the example, each fluid heater 30 includes, for example, Figure 2a The electric heating element 32 is shown. The electric heating element 32 is connected to the power supply / regulation unit 55 for controlling the heat generated by the heating element 32.

[0100] Alternatively, each fluid heater 30 may include, according to Figure 2b Example of a fluid heater 30 with a burner 34.

[0101] According to some examples, the fluid heating device 50 includes a fluid inlet arrangement 56 arranged in fluid communication with the inlet chamber 16 of the fluid guiding module 2 of each of the at least one fluid heater 30. In this way, the fluid to be heated can be allowed to enter the fluid heating device 50 and each of its fluid heaters 30.

[0102] For example, the fluid inlet arrangement 56 may include one or more conduits that extend to the manifold 6 and inlet chamber 16 of the fluid heating module 2 of each fluid heater 30.

[0103] The manifold 6 and inlet chamber 16 of the fluid heating module 2 of each fluid heater 30 can be arranged outside the housing 52 of the fluid heating device 50. The number of tubes 4 of the fluid heating module 2 of each fluid heater in the fluid heater 30 can be arranged inside the housing 52 of the fluid heating device 50.

[0104] According to some examples, the fluid heating device 50 includes a fluid outlet arrangement 58. The fluid outlet arrangement 58 is arranged in fluid communication with the internal space 60 of the housing 52. The outlet openings 20 of the plurality of tubes 4 of each of the at least one fluid heater 30 are arranged in fluid communication with the fluid outlet arrangement 58 via the internal space 60 of the housing 52. In this way, heated fluid can be drawn from the fluid heating device 50.

[0105] In other words, during the use of the fluid heating device 50, the outlet opening 20 of the pipe 4 guides the heated fluid from the fluid heater 30 into the internal space 60 of the housing 52 of the device 50. The housing 52 serves as a collector for the heated fluid. The outlet arrangement 58 includes an outlet conduit 62 through which the heated fluid is drawn out from the internal space 60 and the device 50.

[0106] The housing 52 may be an insulating housing, that is, it may include an outer load-bearing structure, such as a housing, which may have an insulating layer disposed on its inner side. The insulating layer may be made of a fiber ceramic material, such as alumina.

[0107] According to another example, within the fluid heating device 50, each fluid heater 30 can be arranged within a cylindrical insulating member. Therefore, the heat radiated from the respective fluid heater 30 can be largely insulated from the housing 52. Thus, the housing 52 does not need to withstand such high temperatures as if each fluid heater 30 were not arranged with a cylindrical insulating member. The load-bearing material of the housing 52 (such as an outer steel housing) can be made of a less heat-resistant steel material.

[0108] Another alternative could be to arrange two or more fluid heaters 30 within a common insulating member, which would achieve the same purpose of insulating the heat radiated from these modules from the housing 52.

[0109] The outer steel shell of shell 52 can form a pressure vessel. For example, the steel shell can form a pressure vessel designed for pressures up to 16 bar.

[0110] Figure 5 A cross-section of a fluid heating device 50 according to an example is schematically shown. In many respects, this example is similar to... Figure 4 Examples.

[0111] exist Figure 5 In this example, the fluid heating device 50 is configured to heat a pressurized fluid. Therefore, the outer steel casing of the housing 52 forms a pressure vessel. Additionally, the manifold 6 enclosing the inlet chamber 16 is designed as a pressure vessel. Thus, the entire fluid path through the fluid heating device 50 is designed for pressurized fluid. Furthermore, a pressure sealing device 64 can be provided at the at least two connectors 40, which are used for power to the heating module 2. Therefore, the fluid heating device 50 can be configured for use with pressurized fluids, such as for pressures up to 10 bar or up to 16 bar.

[0112] The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0113] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0114] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that the terms used herein shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of this specification and the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0115] It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various examples, and the invention is defined solely by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples can be modified, and different features of the examples can be combined, to create examples other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid guiding module (2) for a fluid heater (30), the module (2) comprising a number of tubes (4) and a manifold (6), the manifold (6) forming an inlet chamber (16), wherein... Each of the given number of tubes (4) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (8), wherein The tubes (4) of the given number of tubes (4) are arranged side by side, such that each tube (4) has two adjacent tubes (4), wherein The manifold (6) is annular and arranged around the open central portion (22), wherein The fluid guiding module (2) has a first end portion (12) and a second end portion (14), wherein the second end portion (14) is opposite to the first end portion (12) when viewed along the longitudinal axis (8), wherein The manifold (6) is disposed at the first end portion (12), wherein the inlet chamber (16) is arranged to be in fluid communication with the interior of each of the plurality of tubes (4), and wherein The outlet opening (20) of the pipe (4) is arranged at the second end portion (14). Its features are, The certain number of pipes (4) are arranged side by side, such that the pipes (4) together form the boundary around the central longitudinal space (10), wherein The open central portion (22) of the annular manifold (6) is arranged juxtaposed with and openly connected to the central longitudinal space (10) formed by the pipes (4) of the plurality of pipes (4), wherein The outlet opening (20) of the pipe together forms the fluid outlet of the fluid guiding module (2), and wherein At the second end portion (14), the interior (37) of one of the plurality of tubes (4) is arranged to be in fluid communication with the exterior (39) of the tube (4) via the outlet opening (20) of the tube (4).

2. The fluid guiding module (2) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the given number of tubes (4) is arranged to be adjacent to two adjacent tubes (4).

3. The fluid guiding module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (8), the inner cross-sectional area of ​​each of the certain number of tubes (4) is between 50 and 200 mm². 2 Within the range.

4. The fluid guiding module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the number of tubes (4) has a wall thickness in the range of 1.5-4 mm.

5. The fluid guiding module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tubes (4) of the specified number of tubes (4) are made of one or more alloys from the group consisting of FeCrAl alloy, NiCr alloy and NiCrFe alloy.

6. The fluid guiding module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the certain number of tubes (4) has a length in the range of 2-10m.

7. The fluid guiding module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (8), each of the number of tubes (4) has a circular or elliptical cross-section.

8. The fluid guiding module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The central longitudinal space (10) formed by the tubes (4) of the certain number of tubes (4) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (8) has a square, circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape.

9. The fluid guiding module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tubes (4) of the given number of tubes (4) are held together by at least one ring member (42) extending around the central longitudinal space (10).

10. A fluid heater (30) comprising a fluid guiding module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims; and an electric heating element (32) or a fuel burner (34) positioned to pass through the open central portion (22) of the annular manifold (6) and enter the central longitudinal space (10) formed by the tubes (4) of the plurality of tubes (4).

11. The fluid heater (30) according to claim 10, wherein, The electric heating element (32) includes one or more resistive members (36) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (8).

12. A fluid heating device (50) comprising a housing (52) extending along a housing axis (54), the fluid heating device (50) including at least one fluid heater (30) according to claim 10 or 11, the at least one fluid heater (30) being at least partially disposed within the housing (52), wherein, The longitudinal axis (8) of the fluid guiding module (2) of each of the at least one fluid heater (30) extends parallel to the housing axis (54).

13. The fluid heating device (50) according to claim 12, comprising a fluid inlet arrangement (56) arranged in fluid communication with the inlet chamber (16) of the fluid guiding module (2) of each of the at least one fluid heater (30).

14. The fluid heating device (50) according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a fluid outlet arrangement (58), wherein, The fluid outlet arrangement (58) is arranged to be in fluid communication with the interior space (60) of the housing (52), and wherein the outlet openings (20) of the number of tubes (4) of each of the at least one fluid heater (30) are arranged to be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet arrangement (58) via the interior space (60) of the housing (52).

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