Heat exchanger and aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger

Abstract

The utility model relates to a heat exchanger which comprises a first element made of aluminum and / or aluminum alloy and a second element made of copper and / or copper alloy. The first element and the second element are brazed together through a smelting furnace. In addition, the utility model further relates to an aluminum / copper mixed heat exchanger. In certain examples, the heat exchanger is an aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger including an aluminum and / or aluminum alloy component and a copper and / or copper alloy component. The aluminum and / or aluminum alloy part comprises a main body and / or a cover plate of the hybrid heat exchanger, and the copper and / or copper alloy part comprises a heat transfer enhancing part fixedly connected with the aluminum and / or aluminum alloy part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model generally relates to a system of aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers. BACKGROUND

[0002] Heat exchangers can be constructed from aluminum / aluminum alloys (Al) or copper / copper alloys (Cu). In some applications, the higher thermal conductivity of copper / copper alloys is preferred over that of aluminum / aluminum alloys. However, copper / copper alloys are heavier and more expensive than aluminum / aluminum alloys. For applications where cost and / or weight reduction is desired, such as heat exchangers in vehicles, heat exchangers can be made from aluminum / aluminum alloys, even though the use of a material with lower thermal conductivity can affect system performance.

[0003] The inventors have designed a solution that can at least partially address the above problems. A heat exchanger body can be made from aluminum, and copper elements can be attached to strategic locations on the heat exchanger body to enhance heat transfer. In applications where electronic components are connected to the heat exchanger, the copper elements can also serve a dual purpose as solderable surfaces. The attachment of copper components to an aluminum body can use furnace brazing. Furnace brazing can be a continuous process that can be effectively used for mass production of heat exchangers including aluminum and copper. SUMMARY

[0004] In one example, a heat exchanger is composed of aluminum and / or aluminum alloy components including a body and / or a cover plate, and copper and / or copper alloy components fixedly attached to the aluminum and / or aluminum alloy components, wherein the copper components are heat transfer enhancement components. The copper components can be fixedly attached to the aluminum components by controlled atmosphere furnace brazing. In this way, the body and / or cover plate being made of aluminum can reduce the weight and / or cost of the heat exchanger compared to a heat exchanger made entirely of copper. The copper components can be placed where the added weight and cost of copper can bring higher benefits to the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger compared to components or portions of non-fins and / or turbulators of a heat exchanger made of copper of the same weight. In addition, furnace brazing can be a scalable and cost-effective method for fixedly coupling aluminum and copper components of a heat exchanger. The furnace brazing can include controlled atmosphere brazing and vacuum brazing.

[0005] It is to be understood that the above overview is intended to provide a simplified summary of concepts further described in the detailed description. It is not intended to determine key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined solely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages described above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1A A side view of a single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger example is shown.

[0007] FIG. 1B A top sectional view of a single face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown.

[0008] FIG. 1C A first alternate embodiment of a top sectional view of a single face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown.

[0009] FIG. 2 A side view of an example of a two component aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown.

[0010] FIG. 3 A side view of a double face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown.

[0011] FIG. 4 A side view of an example of a gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown.

[0012] FIG. 5 A side view of an example of a liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown, which includes stacked heat transfer channels.

[0013] FIG. 6A A side view of an example of a single face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown, which includes multiple channels.

[0014] FIG. 6B A top sectional view of a single face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown. FIG. 6A

[0015] A top sectional view of an example of a single face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown, which includes multiple channels. FIG. 7

[0016] A top sectional view of a first alternate embodiment of a single face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown. FIG. 8A FIGS. 1A-1C A top sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of a single face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown.

[0017] FIG. 8B FIGS. 1A-1C A top sectional view of a double metal deck assembly of a single face aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown.

[0018] FIG. 9A A top sectional view of a first alternate embodiment of a double metal deck is shown.

[0019] FIG. 9B A top sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of a double metal deck is shown. FIG. 9A

[0020] FIG. 9C A top sectional view of a second alternate embodiment of a double metal deck is shown. FIG. 9A

[0021] FIG. 10 ​​​​An example of a single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger including bimetallic bodies is shown.

[0022] FIG. 11 An example of a gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger including bimetallic bodies is shown.

[0023] FIG. 12 An example of a liquid-liquid Al / Cu hybrid heat exchanger including stacked heat transfer channels and bimetallic bodies is shown.

[0024] FIG. 13A A side view of a third embodiment of a single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger including copper (Cu) sections is shown.

[0025] FIG. 13B A side view of a fourth embodiment of a single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger including copper sections is shown.

[0026] FIG. 13C A top view of a first alternate example of a single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger of FIGS. 13A-13B is shown.

[0027] FIG. 13D A top view of a second alternate example of a single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger of FIGS. 13A-13B is shown.

[0028] FIG. 14 An example of a tube-fin aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown.

[0029] FIG. 15 An example of a concentric tube aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following disclosure relates to aluminum / copper (Al / Cu) hybrid heat exchangers. An aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can include a combination of a first component formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy (e.g., an aluminum or aluminum alloy component) and a second component formed of copper or a copper alloy (e.g., a copper or copper alloy component). The aluminum components can include the body and / or cover of the heat exchanger, which can reduce the cost and weight of the heat exchanger as compared to a copper body and / or cover. One or more heat transfer enhancement components or other components, including surface areas that are in direct contact with the coolant, such as turbulators (e.g., vanes) or fins, can be formed of copper. As another example, heat transfer enhancement components, such as grooves or ribs, can be formed in the body of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger. Here, if a component is formed of aluminum, it is understood that it can also be formed of an aluminum alloy; and if a component is formed of copper, it is understood that it can also be formed of a copper alloy. Here, a copper alloy can include copper and one or more other metals and / or metalloids, with the highest percentage by weight being copper. Further, an aluminum alloy can include one or more other metals or metalloids and / or metals, with the highest percentage by weight being aluminum. In addition to the desired heat transfer efficiency of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger, the volume and number of copper elements can be selected based on the desired weight and cost of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can have a higher heat transfer efficiency than a heat exchanger of the same design that is formed of aluminum only. The aluminum and copper components of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be brazed together to form the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger. Thus, the aluminum and copper components of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be configured to be joined by a furnace brazing process. Furnace brazing, as used herein, refers to controlled atmosphere brazing and / or vacuum brazing. Furnace brazing can be the preferred method of joining the components of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger because it is a well-controlled, continuous or batch, high volume process.

[0031] When the heat transfer efficiency of an all-aluminum heat exchanger is not high enough, and an all-copper heat exchanger is too heavy and / or expensive, an aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be installed in the system. For example, an aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be used as a heat exchanger for an automobile. Further details of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger are described below. FIGS. 1A-15 Non-limiting embodiments of aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers are shown. The heat exchangers 1A-15 can further include an inlet and an outlet to facilitate the passage of liquids and gases, as appropriate, into and out of the heat exchanger. For clarity, FIGS. 1A-15 the inlet and outlet are omitted from the views.

[0032] In one example, an aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be a single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C . Further, or in the alternative, an aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be a two-component aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger as shown in FIG. 2 , configured to cool both sides of a heat-generating object, or as shown in FIG. 3The illustrated double-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is configured to provide cooling on two different sides. In addition, the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be a gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger, as illustrated in FIG. 4 As another example, the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be a liquid multi-pass aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger, as illustrated in FIG. 5 Other examples of single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers are illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, including variations in multi-pass or serpentine pass. In further embodiments, the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can include a plurality of heat transfer enhancement components (e.g., fins and / or turbulators), with first fins and / or turbulators formed of aluminum and second fins and / or turbulators formed of copper. FIGS. 8A-8B Non-limiting examples of aluminum and copper protrusions are illustrated.

[0033] In addition, the body of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can also be formed of a bimetal (e.g., copper and aluminum) and / or a plurality of layers of aluminum and copper in an alternating pattern. Non-limiting examples of single-sided, gas-liquid, and liquid multi-pass aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers including a bimetal or multi-layer body are illustrated in FIGS. 9A-12 As further examples, as illustrated in FIG. 9A and 13A -13D. The copper elements of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be strategically placed on the outer surface of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger and configured to be electrically conductively coupled with electronic components. Other examples of aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers include a tube fin heat exchanger and a concentric heat exchanger, as illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 respectively.

[0034] Now turning to FIG. 1A FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example of a single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100. FIGS. 1A-15 A coordinate axis 102 is provided, including an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, for FIGS. 1A-15 reference. In one example, the Y-axis can be a vertical axis, the X-axis can be a horizontal axis (e.g., a level axis), and the Z-axis can be a vertical axis along which height is measured. In other examples, however, the axes can have other orientations.

[0035] The single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 can include a body 106 and a cover plate 104. The body 106 can include a trench that runs along the Y-axis. The body 106 is coupled to the cover plate 104 to form a water-tight channel through which liquid coolant can flow in the Y-axis direction. In other words, three sides of the water-tight channel can be formed by the trench running through the body 106 along the Y-axis, and the fourth side of the water-tight channel can be formed by the cold side 114 of the cover plate 104. The side of the cover plate 104 that is coupled to the body 106 can be referred to as the inner side or cold side 114. The outer side of the cover plate 104 can be referred to as the hot side 112. In one example, the temperature of the hot side can be higher than the temperature of the cold side. The single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 can be positioned such that heat from a heat-generating component is radiated toward the hot side 112 of the cover plate 104, as indicated by the arrow 110. The heat from the heat-generating component can first reach the hot side 112 and then be thermally conducted to the cold side 114. In some examples, the heat-generating component can be physically coupled directly to the hot side 112. Liquid coolant can flow through the water-tight channel to cool the cold side 114 of the cover plate 104. The cold side 114 can be parallel to and opposite the hot side 112 in the Z-axis. Both the body 106 and the cover plate 104 can be made of aluminum. In other embodiments, the body 106 can be made of copper and the cover plate 104 can be made of aluminum. In other embodiments, the body 106 can be made of aluminum and the cover plate 104 can be made of copper.

[0036] The turbulators (e.g., turbulators) 108 can be coplanarly in contact with the cold side 114 of the cover plate 104. In addition, the turbulators 108 can also be coplanarly in contact with the inner surface of the body 106. The turbulators 108 can extend along the height of the water-tight channel 116 in the Z-axis through which the liquid coolant flows. The turbulators 108 can be made of copper and can be fixedly coupled to the cold side 114 of the cover plate 104 by furnace brazing. The turbulators 108 can be in direct contact with the liquid coolant to cause the liquid coolant to turbulate around the turbulators, thereby providing a greater surface area for heat transfer from the cold side 114. In addition, the turbulators 108 can be strategically positioned directly opposite the hot side 112 to withstand the highest heat load from the heat-generating component. In this way, an important component of the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 (e.g., the turbulators) can be formed of copper, while the rest of the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 is formed of aluminum, which can reduce the overall material cost and weight of the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 relative to a matching heat exchanger formed entirely of copper, while the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can improve heat transfer efficiency relative to a matching heat exchanger formed entirely of aluminum.

[0037] The size, number, and spacing of the turbulators 108 can be selected based on the maximum threshold cost and weight of the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger, the heat load characteristics, the desired heat transfer efficiency, and the desired turbulation and pressure drop. FIG. 1BA first embodiment of the turbulator 108 is shown as a top cross-sectional view through the cover plate 104 along the Z axis. The single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger may include multiple independent iterations of turbulators 108. The turbulators 108 may have a length 140 measured along the y-axis and a width 142 measured along the x-axis. Each turbulator 108 may be spaced a distance 144 from adjacent turbulators 108. A second embodiment of the turbulator 108 is shown as FIG. 1C . According to a second embodiment, the turbulator 108 may have a width 142 and a length 162. The length 162 may be longer than the length 140. The cover plate 104 of the first embodiment including the turbulator 108 may include less copper and may be less expensive and lighter than the cover plate 104 of the second embodiment including the turbulator 108. In other examples, the size, number, and spacing of the turbulators may be selected to serve as structural support for the cover plate 104, or to minimize manufacturing complexity. In certain embodiments, the size of the turbulator 108 may depend on the size of the heat-generating component connected to the hot side 112 of the cover plate 104. In examples where the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger includes more than one turbulator, the size of each turbulator and the spacing between the turbulators may vary throughout the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger.

[0038] FIG. 2 A side view of an example of a dual-component aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 200 is shown. The dual-component aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 200 may include a first cooling member 202 and a second cooling member 204. The first cooling member 202 may include a first cover plate 206, a first body 208, and a first turbulator 210. The second cooling member 204 may include a second cover plate 212, a second body 214, and a second turbulator 216. The first cooling member 202 and the second cooling member 204 may each be configured as a single-sided liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C As described above, the liquid coolant flows along the Y-axis through the first cooling member 202 and the second cooling member 204. The first body 208, the second body 214, the first cover plate 206, and the second cover plate 212 may be made of aluminum.

[0039] The first cover plate 206 and the second cover plate 212 may include a first cold side 218 and a second cold side 220, respectively, and may also include a first hot side 222 and a second hot side 224, respectively. The first hot side 222 may be parallel to the second hot side 224 and opposite to the second hot side 224 along the Z-axis. As indicated by double-sided arrows 226, heat may be generated between the first cooling component 202 and the second cooling component 204 and radiated toward the first hot side 222 and the second hot side 224. For example, a heat-generating component may be located between the first cover plate 206 and the second cover plate 212 and may generate heat that is radiated toward the first hot side 222 and the second hot side 224.

[0040] The first turbulator 210 can be in contact with the first cold side 218, and the second turbulator 216 can be in contact with the second cold side 220. In addition, the first turbulator 210 and / or the second turbulator 216 can be coplanarly in contact with the inner surfaces of the first body 208 and the second body 214, respectively. The configuration of the first and second turbulators can be similar to that of the turbulators 108 of the hybrid aluminum / copper heat exchanger 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C one embodiment, and can be made of copper and fixedly attached to the respective aluminum cover plates by furnace brazing. In some embodiments, the dimensions (e.g., height, width, and depth, similar to the width 142, the length 140, and the height 116, respectively) of the first turbulator 210 can be the same as those of the second turbulator 216. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the first turbulator 210 can be different from those of the second turbulator 216. For example, if the heat generating components between the first cooling component 202 and the second cooling component 204 have a higher temperature on the side closer to the first cooling component 202, the dimensions of the first turbulator 210 can be larger, and the dimensions of the second turbulator 216 can be smaller. In this way, the size and form of the hybrid aluminum / copper heat exchanger 200 can also be adjusted to a maximum threshold of the percentage of copper weight, depending on the required weight, cost, pressure drop, and heat transfer of the hybrid aluminum / copper heat exchanger 200.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3 , a side view of a double-sided hybrid aluminum / copper heat exchanger 300 is shown. The double-sided hybrid aluminum / copper heat exchanger 300 can include a first body 302 and a second body 304. The first body 302 and the second body 304 can be made of aluminum and can have shapes similar to the bodies 106 of FIG. 1A . The first body 302 can be fixedly attached to the second body 304 at a first joint 308 and a second joint 310 to form a channel along the Y-axis through which a liquid coolant can flow.

[0042] The double-sided hybrid aluminum / copper heat exchanger 300 includes a hot side 312 and a cold side 314. The hot side 312 can be composed of the outer sides of the first body 302 and the second body 304 and can be exposed to heat, as shown by the plurality of arrows 316. The cold side 314 can be composed of the inner sides of the first body 302 and the second body 304. A turbulator 306 can be attached to the cold side 314. The turbulator 306 can be made of copper and can be attached to the cold side 314 by furnace brazing. The size, number, and spacing of the turbulator 306 can be selected depending on the required cost, weight, and heat transfer efficiency of the double-sided hybrid aluminum / copper heat exchanger 300, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C .

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100. In some examples, the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 can be a radiator, such as a radiator for a vehicle. The body 102 of the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 can be made of aluminum. The body 102 can include a plurality of channels 101 configured to allow hot liquid to flow between a plurality of fins 104 along the z-axis. The plurality of fins 104 can be formed of copper and can be brazed to the aluminum body by a furnace. The plurality of fins 104 can have a height 106 and a width 108 and can extend a distance along the z-axis. The plurality of fins 104 can be spaced apart by a distance 110.

[0044] Heat from the hot liquid can be transferred from the plurality of channels 101 to the plurality of fins 104. The plurality of fins 104 can be in direct contact with cold gas (such as air) and can thus be cooled by the cold gas forced in the x-direction through the plurality of fins 104 and in fluid contact with the plurality of fins 104. In some examples, one or more turbulators can be disposed within the plurality of channels 101. The one or more turbulators can be made of copper and can be fixedly connected to the plurality of channels 101 by furnace brazing. The dimensions (such as the height 106, the width 108, the fin length along the z-axis) and the distance 110 can be selected to determine the amount of copper in the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100. Increasing the height 106, the width 108, the distance along the z-axis, and / or decreasing the distance 110 can increase the heat transfer efficiency of the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100, but can increase the weight and cost of the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100. A balance between weight and cost and the desired heat transfer efficiency can be achieved depending on the application of the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100.

[0045] Now turning to FIG. 2 FIG. 5 FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 200. In some examples, the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 200 can be a radiator, such as a radiator for a vehicle. The body 202 of the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 200 can be made of aluminum. The body 202 can include a plurality of channels 201 configured to allow hot liquid to flow between a plurality of fins 204 along the z-axis. The plurality of fins 204 can be formed of copper and can be brazed to the aluminum body by a furnace. The plurality of fins 204 can have a height 206 and a width 208 and can extend a distance along the z-axis. The plurality of fins 204 can be spaced apart by a distance 210.

[0046] A first fin 510a can be disposed within the first liquid channel 504 and a second fin 510b can be disposed within the second liquid channel 506. A first liquid at a first temperature can flow through the first liquid channel 504 and a second liquid at a second temperature can flow through the second liquid channel 506. The first liquid channel 504 and the second liquid channel 506 can be stacked in an alternating fashion along the x-axis. The first liquid channel 504 can be physically separated from the second liquid channel 506 such that heat can be transferred between the first liquid and the second liquid without physically mixing the first liquid and the second liquid. The size and shape of each of the plurality of fins can be selected based on the desired heat transfer efficiency and cost / weight specifications of the multi-channel liquid-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 500.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B A multi-channel single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 600 is shown. FIG. 6A A side view is shown, while FIG. 6B A top cross-sectional view is shown. The multi-channel single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 600 can be similar to the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C The components can be similarly labeled and will not be described again. The multi-channel single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 600 can include a wall 602 extending perpendicularly from the cold side 114 of the cover plate 104 to the interior surface of the body 106. The wall 602 can be formed of aluminum, similar to the cover plate 104 and the body 106. The wall 602 can demarcate a first coolant channel, represented by the bracket 604, and a second coolant channel, represented by the bracket 606. Liquid coolant can flow through the first coolant channel and the second coolant channel. In addition, both the first channel and the second channel can include a turbulator 108. In some examples, the multi-channel single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 600 can include more than one wall 602 and a plurality of coolant channels (e.g., more than two coolant channels).

[0048] As shown in the top view of FIG. 6B Each of the first channel and the second channel can include a turbulator 108. The turbulator 108 can be sized by a width 142, a length 140, and a height 116, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1B-1C The turbulator 108 of the first channel can be the same size or a different size than the turbulator 108 of the second channel. For example, the first channel can have a higher heat load than the second channel, and the size and / or spacing of the turbulator 108 of the first channel can be greater than the turbulator 108 of the second channel. In this way, the percentage of copper by weight in the multi-channel single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 600 can be adjusted according to the heat transfer efficiency requirements of the heat exchanger and the heat load of the heat exchanger to optimally position the copper contained therein.

[0049] FIG. 7A top sectional view of a serpentine single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 700 is shown. The top sectional view can show the cold side 701 of the cover plate 702 of a single-sided liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger. Similar to the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100, the cover plate 702 can be formed of aluminum and can be connected to the body of the serpentine single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 700 formed of aluminum, thereby enclosing a channel through which liquid coolant can flow. The turbulators 704 can be similar to the turbulators 108, made of copper, and fixedly connected to the cover plate 702 and / or the body of the serpentine single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 700 by furnace brazing. The arrows 706 correspond to the serpentine path of the liquid coolant flowing through the serpentine coolant channel and past the turbulators 704. The serpentine coolant channel can be defined by the walls of the serpentine single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 700, which can be formed of aluminum and can extend vertically from the cover plate 704 to a base, as described above with respect to the walls 602 of the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100. FIGS. 6A-6B

[0050] The dimensions of the turbulators 704 can include a length 708, a width 710, and a height extending along the Z-axis perpendicular to the cover plate 704. The turbulators 704 can also be iterated multiple times, with each iteration separated by a distance 712. As described above with respect to the turbulators 108 of the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 and the turbulators 604 of the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 600 of FIGS. 6A-6B, the dimensions can be selected to balance the need for more copper for heat transfer and pressure drop with the need for more aluminum for weight and / or cost. In certain examples, the dimensions and spacing of the turbulators 704 throughout the serpentine single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 700 can not be the same. For example, the turbulators 704 can have larger dimensions and be spaced closer together in locations corresponding to more heat generated by the components being cooled. As another example, the turbulators 704 can have larger dimensions and be spaced closer together near the outlet of the liquid coolant channel, where the temperature difference between the coolant and the components to be cooled is less than near the inlet of the liquid coolant channel. FIGS. 1A-1C

[0051] In aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers that include multiple turbulators and / or fins, the multiple turbulators and / or fins can include copper turbulators / fins and aluminum turbulators / fins. Both the aluminum and copper turbulators and / or fins can be coupled to the body and / or cover plate of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger in a single step by furnace brazing. Selecting the number and dimensions of the aluminum fins / turbulators and copper fins / turbulators can be used for heat transfer balancing of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger during the design and manufacture of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger. In addition, selecting the number and dimensions of the aluminum fins / turbulators and copper fins / turbulators can be part of a value engineering process when starting the design of a heat exchanger product or part of a value added process to retrofit an existing heat exchanger. Non-limiting examples of aluminum turbulators and copper turbulators will be described further below with respect to FIGS. 7A-7B and 8A-8B. FIG. 8A

[0052] Now turning to FIG. 8A ​​​-B, FIG. 8A A top cutaway view of a first backup single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown, FIG. 8B A top cross-sectional view of a second alternative single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is shown. The first alternative 800 and the second alternative 850 can both be similar to the above-mentioned FIG. 1A -C and the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger discussed in Figures 6-7. In addition, any of the fins and / or turbulators described above with respect to Figures 1-7 may be formed from at least one copper turbulator / fin, with the remaining turbulators / fins being formed from aluminum.

[0053] like FIG. 8A As shown, the first spare part 800 may include copper turbulators 802 and aluminum turbulators 804, each of which is fixedly attached to the cold side 806 of the cover plate of the first spare part 800. Furthermore, the aluminum turbulators 804 and / or the copper turbulators 802 may be fixedly attached to the inner surface of the main body of the first spare part 800. The dimensions of the copper turbulators 802 (including width 808, length 810, and height along the Z axis) and the dimensions of the aluminum turbulators 804 (including width 812, length 814, and height along the Z axis) may be the same or different. In one example, the copper turbulators 802 may be closest to a location with a higher heat load, requiring improved heat transfer efficiency, while the aluminum turbulators 804 may be located at a location with a lower heat load, requiring lower heat transfer efficiency compared to the location of the copper turbulators 802.

[0054] FIG. 8B The second spare part 850 shown may include a copper turbulator 802 and a plurality of aluminum turbulators 804, each of which is fixedly coupled to the cold side of the second spare part 852. In addition, the aluminum turbulators 804 and / or the copper turbulators 802 may be fixedly coupled to the inner surface of the body of the second spare part 850. FIG. 8A As mentioned, the copper turbulators 802 and the aluminum turbulators 804 may be the same size or different sizes.

[0055] In addition to the above FIGS. 1A-8B In addition to the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger examples discussed above, aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers can also be constructed from a combination of aluminum and copper. In the examples discussed below, the aluminum and copper can be layered and then furnace brazed to form a body and / or cover plate, wherein the copper content ranges from 0% to 100% by weight, with the remainder being aluminum. Furthermore, the copper layer can be a copper alloy, and the aluminum layer can be an aluminum alloy. By selecting the copper weight percentage in the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger body and / or cover plate assembly, the weight / cost and heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger can be balanced depending on the system incorporating the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger.

[0056] Now let's see FIG. 9A , the figure shows a side view of a first example of a multi-layer single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 900. The first example 900 can be similar to the aboveFIGS. 1A-1C The single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100. Additionally, the first example 900 can be a two-component, double-sided, and / or include multiple or serpentine channels, similar to the single-sided liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger examples shown in FIGS. 2-3 and FIGS. 6A-7 The first example 900 can include a body 904 connected to a cover plate 902, defining a channel 910 through which a liquid coolant can flow. The cover plate 902 can include a cold side 914 and a hot side 912. The hot side 912 can be connected to a heat-generating component to be cooled by the first example 900. A portion of the cold side 914 can be coplanarly in contact with the liquid coolant. In some embodiments, the first example 900 can also include a turbulator, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-3 and FIGS. 6-8.

[0057] The cover plate 902 can include an aluminum layer 908 and a copper layer 906. The aluminum layer 908 can include the cold side 914 and can be coplanarly in contact with the body 904. Additionally, the aluminum layer 908 can partially define the channel 910. The side of the aluminum layer 908 closest to the hot side 912 can be coplanarly in contact with the copper layer 906. The copper layer 906 can include the hot side 912 of the cover plate 902. The copper layer 906 can be fixedly connected to the aluminum layer 908 by furnace brazing. The thickness of the copper layer 906 and the aluminum layer 908 along the Z-axis can be selected according to the desired weight percentage of copper and aluminum for the cover plate 902.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 9B FIG. 6, a side view of a first alternate example 930 of a cover plate of a multi-layered liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 900 is shown. The first alternate example 930 can include a first aluminum layer 932, a copper layer 934, and a second aluminum layer 936. The first aluminum layer 932 can include the hot side 912 and the second aluminum layer 936 can include the cold side 914. The copper layer 934 can be sandwiched between the first aluminum layer 932 and the second aluminum layer 936. The side of the copper layer 934 closest to the hot side 912 can be coplanarly in contact with and fixedly connected to the first aluminum layer 932 by furnace brazing. Likewise, the side of the copper layer 934 closest to the cold side 914 can be coplanarly in contact with and fixedly connected to the second aluminum layer 936 by furnace brazing.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 9C FIG. 7, a side view of a second example 960 of a cover plate of a multi-layered liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 900 is shown. The second example 960 can be similar to the cover plate 902, except that the positions of the copper and aluminum layers are reversed. The second example 960 can include an aluminum layer 962 composed of the hot side 912 and a copper layer 964 composed of the cold side 914. In another example, the cover plate 930 can include an aluminum layer sandwiched between first and second copper layers. The examples 902, etc. can be used in applications such as cooling power electronics, where the hot side 912 including a copper layer can enable direct electrical coupling of the power electronics to the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger.

[0060] Now turning to FIG. 10 , a side view of a second example of a multi-layer single-sided liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1000 is shown. The second example 1000 can be similar to the single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C . In addition, the second example 1000 can include multiple or serpentine channels, similar to the single-sided liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger examples shown in FIGS. 6A-7 , and can be a dual component or double-sided, as shown in FIGS. 2-3 . The second example 1000 can include a body 1004 coupled to a cover plate 1002, defining a channel 1010 through which a liquid coolant can flow. The cover plate 1002 can be similar to the cover plate 104 in FIG. 1A , and can include a cold side 1014 and a hot side 1012. The second example 1000 can also include turbulence inducers fixedly coupled to the cover plate 1002, positioned along the Y-axis as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-3 and 6-8B. In addition, the second example 1000 can include multi-layer cover plates, as described above with respect to FIGS. 9A-9C .

[0061] The body 1004 can include a first layer 1006 and a second layer 1008. The first layer 1006 can be coupled to the cover plate 1002 and can define the channel 1010 with the cover plate 1002. The first layer 1006 can form a side of the body 1004 closest to the cover plate 1002. The side of the first layer 1006 farthest from the cover plate 1002 can be coplanarly in contact with the second layer 1008. The first layer 1006 can completely cover a face of the second layer 1008. The first layer 1006 can be fixedly coupled to the second layer 1008 by furnace brazing.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first layer 1006 can be formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the second layer 1008 can be formed of copper or a copper alloy. In other embodiments, the first layer 1006 can be formed of copper or a copper alloy, and the second layer 1008 can be formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0063] Now turning to FIG. 11 , an example of a multi-layer gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1100 is shown. The multi-layer gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1100 can be similar to the gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 400 described above with respect to FIG. 4 . The multi-layer gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1100 can include fins 1104 configured similarly to the fins 404 of FIG. 4 . The multi-layer gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1100 can further include a body 1102 configured similarly to the body 402 in FIG. 4 with respect to liquid flow and coupling to the fins 1104.

[0064] The body 1102 can further include a plurality of layers 1108. The plurality of layers 1108 can each include alternating aluminum and copper layers. In alternative embodiments, the aluminum layers in the plurality of layers can be aluminum alloys and / or the copper layers in the plurality of layers can be copper alloys. The plurality of layers 1108 can extend in the x-z plane and can comprise a body of a gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger (e.g., comparable to the body 402 in FIG. 4 ).

[0065] Now turning to FIG. 12 , a cross-sectional view of a multi-layered multi-pass liquid-liquid Al / Cu hybrid heat exchanger 1200 is shown. The multi-layered multi-pass liquid-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1200 can be similar to the multi-pass liquid-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 500 described above with respect to FIG. 5 . The multi-layered multi-pass liquid-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1200 can include a plurality of fins 1202 formed of copper, including a first fin 1202a and a second fin 1202b, coupled to a plurality of bodies 1204 (e.g., a plurality of plates). The first fin 1202a can be disposed within a first liquid pass 1208 and the second fin 1202b can be disposed within a second liquid pass 1214. A first liquid can flow through the first liquid pass 1208 and a second liquid can flow through the second liquid pass 1214. The plurality of bodies 1204 and fins 1202 can be further stacked in the X-direction, thereby forming additional passes that can flow alternately between the first liquid and the second liquid, as described above with respect to FIG. 5 .

[0066] The plurality of bodies 1204 can each be comprised of a first layer 1210 and a second layer 1212. A first side of the first layer 1210 can be fixedly connected with the fins of the plurality of fins 1202. The second layer 1212 can be coupled to a second side of the first layer 1210 opposite the first side and completely cover the first side of the first layer 1210 of the plate. The first layer 1210 can be fixedly connected with the second layer 1212 by furnace brazing. In one example, the first layer 1210 can be formed of copper and the second layer 1212 can be formed of aluminum. In another example, the first layer 1210 can be formed of aluminum and the second layer 1212 can be formed of copper. In further examples, the aluminum layers can be aluminum alloys and / or the copper layers can be copper alloys. In some examples, the plurality of bodies 1204 can include more layers stacked in addition to the first layer 1210 and the second layer 1212. For example, each of the plurality of bodies 1204 can be formed of 3 layers, 4 layers, or any other number of layers.

[0067] In certain examples, the multi-layered single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger (as described above with respect to FIG. 9AThe first example 900 can be configured for cooling equipment, such as a power module in a vehicle traction inverter, that can also require electrical coupling to a copper surface. In such examples, the copper layer (e.g., copper layer 906 in FIG. 9A

[0068] FIG. 13A A side view of a system 1300 example including an electronic component 1314 and a third example of a multilayer single-sided liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1302 is shown. The third example 1302 can be similar to the first example 900 described above with respect to FIG. 9A The third example 1302 can include a cover 1304 and a base 1306 that define a channel 1308 through which a liquid coolant can flow.

[0069] The copper portion 1312 can be attached to the hot side 1310 of the cover 1304 (similar to the hot side 912). The copper portion 1312 is not equivalent to a turbulator (e.g., turbulator 108 in FIG. 1A The copper portion 1312 is attached to the hot side 1310 and does not come into contact with the liquid coolant in the channel 1308. In the third example 1302, a side 1316 parallel to the Z-axis and a first face 1318 of the copper portion 1312 parallel to the X-axis can be coplanarly in contact with the cover 1304. In this way, the copper portion 1312 can be nested within the cover 1304 such that the first face 1318 does not protrude beyond the hot side 1310 of the cover 1304. The depth of the copper portion 1312 along the Z-axis can be equal to or less than the depth of the cover 1304 along the Z-axis. In the third example 1302, the copper portion 1312 does not protrude (e.g., is flush with) the cover 1304. In another example, the system 1300 can include a fourth example of a multilayer single-sided aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1320 shown in a side view. FIG. 13B In this example, the depth of the copper portion 1312 along the Z-axis can be greater than the depth of the cover 1304 along the Z-axis. In some examples, the copper portion 1312 can not be nested within the cover 1304 such that a face of the copper portion 1312 can be coplanarly in contact with the cover 1304, but a side of the copper portion 1312 parallel to the Z-axis can not be in contact with the cover 1304.

[0070] ​Electronic component 1314 can be thermally and electrically coupled to copper portion 1312. In some examples, electronic component 1314 can be soldered to copper portion 1312. In further examples, the footprint of the electronic component includes a width 1315 along the x-axis and a length along the y-axis that can be equal to the footprint of copper portion 1312. FIGS. 13C-13D , the figure shows the footprint of the copper portion 1312 as viewed from the hot side 1310 of the cover plate 1304. For clarity, FIGS. 13C-13D The electronic components 1314 are omitted from the view of FIG. The base surface of the copper portion 1312 may include a width 1360, a length 1362, and a spacing 1364. In some examples, such as FIG. 13C As shown, cover plate 1304 may be connected to more than one copper portion 1312, each copper portion 1312 being separated by a spacing 1364. In other examples, such as FIG. 13D As shown, a single copper portion 1312 can be coupled to the cover 1304. The base surface of the copper portion 1312 can be at least as large as the base surface of the electronic component 1314, and the base surface of the electronic component 1314 can be directly above and share contact with the base surface of the copper portion 1312. In some examples, the base area of ​​the electronic component 1314 can be larger than the base area of ​​the copper portion 1312. In further examples, the copper portion 1312 can include the entire outer surface of the cover 1304, as described above with respect to FIG. 9A The copper layer 906 is described.

[0071] Now let's see FIG. 14 , an example of a tube-and-fin heat exchanger, namely an aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 1400, is shown. The tube-and-fin aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger may include a tubular body 1402 through which a fluid may flow in the Y-direction. In some examples, a plurality of plates 1404 may completely surround the tubular body 1402 in a radial direction (e.g., parallel to a plane defined by the x-axis and the z-axis) and may be spaced apart in an axial direction (e.g., along the y-axis). The plurality of plates 1404 may be configured to interact with a separate fluid to exchange heat. In some examples, the plurality of plates may be fins that partially surround the tubular body 1402.

[0072] Tubular body 1402 can be made of aluminum. In some examples, at least one of plurality of plates 1404 can be made of copper. In other examples, plurality of plates 1404 can be formed by alternating aluminum and copper plates. In further examples, each of plurality of plates can be formed entirely of copper. In yet further examples, plurality of plates 1404 can be bimetallic, formed from an alloy of copper and aluminum. In any of the foregoing embodiments, plurality of plates 1404 can be fixedly connected to tubular body 1402 by furnace brazing.

[0073] Now let's see FIG. 15An example of a concentric tube heat exchanger is shown in FIG. 1, which shows an aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100. The concentric tube aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 can include an outer tube (e.g., an outer tube body) 102 and an inner tube (e.g., an inner tube body) 104. The outer surface of the inner tube 104 can be circumferentially surrounded by the inner surface of the outer tube 102, thereby forming a first channel 106 between the outer surface of the inner tube 104 and the inner surface of the outer tube 102. A first fluid can flow through the first channel 106. The inner surface of the inner tube 104 can define a second channel 108, through which a second fluid can flow. The inner tube 104 and the outer tube 102 can each be made of aluminum.

[0074] The concentric tube aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger 100 can further include a plurality of fins 110 extending radially between the outer surface of the inner tube 104 and the inner surface of the outer tube 102. In one example, at least one of the plurality of fins 110 can be formed of copper. In another example, each of the plurality of fins 110 can be formed of copper. In further examples, each of the plurality of fins 110 can be bimetallic, formed of an alloy of copper and aluminum. In each of the above examples, the plurality of fins 110 can be fixedly connected between the inner tube 104 and the outer tube 102 by furnace brazing.

[0075] FIGS. 1A-15 Non-limiting embodiments of aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers are shown. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers can include any combination of aluminum and copper components or alloys thereof that are fixedly connected to one another by furnace brazing. As non-limiting examples, the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchangers can include any combination of a copper or aluminum body, a copper or aluminum cover plate, and copper and / or aluminum turbulators, wherein at least one component (e.g., the cover plate, the body, or the turbulators) is formed of copper and at least one component is formed of aluminum. The copper or aluminum components can be selected to be copper alloys or aluminum alloys. In addition, heat transfer enhancement components, such as grooves or ribs, can be formed on the body. Any of the embodiments of FIG. 1A-15 can further include one or more additional coating layers. The additional coating layers can be composed of elements such as Ni, Sn, Zn, Ag, or other elements or alloys of elements that are believed to be beneficial for Al / Cu hybrid heat exchangers. For example, the one or more additional coating layers can improve the corrosion resistance of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger, increase the strength of the components, and / or increase the weldability.

[0076] An aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger has at least some of the body and the cover plate made of aluminum, thus saving cost, but by strategically placing copper components, such as fins and turbulators, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved. In this way, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved in a heat exchanger where 100% copper material is not desired due to weight and / or material cost. The copper and aluminum components can be joined to form the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger by controlled atmosphere brazing, which is a continuous and scalable manufacturing process. Additionally, the addition of a copper layer to the hot side of the cover plate can also provide the additional functionality of an electrically conductive surface that can be soldered to electronic components. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger can be beneficial in both applications where heat is to be transferred out of a component (e.g., cooling) and where heat is to be transferred into a component (e.g., heating). In this case, the hot side of the cover plate can be cooler than the cold side of the cover plate.

[0077] The present disclosure also provides a bracket for a heat exchanger, the bracket comprising: an aluminum or aluminum alloy component comprising a body and / or a cover plate, and a copper or copper alloy component fixedly coupled to the aluminum or aluminum alloy component, wherein the copper or copper alloy component is a heat transfer enhancement component. In a first example of the system, the copper or copper alloy component is furnace brazed to the aluminum or aluminum alloy component. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the copper or copper alloy component is positioned in direct contact with a coolant of the heat exchanger. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the copper or copper alloy component is a fin and / or a turbulator. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through third examples, the body and the cover plate collectively define a channel through which a liquid flows, the heat transfer enhancement component extending into the channel. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, the heat transfer enhancement component is positioned in accordance with a location of a heat generating component coupled to a hot side of the cover plate. In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, the heat transfer enhancement component is sized in accordance with a size of the heat generating component coupled to the hot side of the cover plate. In a seventh example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through sixth examples, the heat exchanger is configured as a tube and fin heat exchanger or a concentric tube heat exchanger.

[0078] The present disclosure also provides support for an aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger including a main body and / or a cover plate formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a first heat transfer enhancement component formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and fixedly coupled to the main body and / or the cover plate, and a second heat transfer enhancement component formed of copper or a copper alloy and fixedly coupled to the main body and / or the cover plate. In a first example of the system, the second heat transfer enhancement component is fixedly attached to the main body and / or the cover plate at a location where the thermal load is higher than the location of the first heat transfer enhancement component. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger includes a main body and a cover plate configured to collectively define a first coolant passage and a second coolant passage or a serpentine coolant passage. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is a gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through third examples, the first heat transfer enhancement component is a different size than the second heat transfer enhancement component. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fourth examples, the first heat transfer enhancement component is a different amount than the second heat transfer enhancement component. In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first through fifth examples, the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger includes an aluminum or aluminum alloy layer and a copper or copper alloy layer fixedly coupled to the aluminum or aluminum alloy layer.

[0079] The present disclosure also provides support for a system including an aluminum / copper (al / Cu) hybrid heat exchanger including a cover plate formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, wherein the cover plate includes a hot face at an outer surface of the cover plate and a cold face coupled to a main body of the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger, a copper or copper alloy portion fixedly coupled directly to the hot face of the cover plate, and an electronic component electrically coupled to the copper or copper alloy portion and configured to transfer heat to the aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger. In a first example of the system, a first face of the copper or copper alloy portion does not protrude beyond the hot face of the cover plate. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the copper or copper alloy portion protrudes a distance beyond the hot face of the cover plate. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the copper or copper alloy portion includes more than one copper or copper alloy portion, each of the more than one copper or copper alloy portion electrically coupled to the electronic component.

[0080] The present disclosure also provides a bracket for a heat exchanger including a first component formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and a second component formed of copper or a copper alloy, wherein the first component is brazed to the second component by a furnace brazing process.

[0081] FIGS. 1A-15Example configurations are shown in which various elements are positioned relative to one another. If elements shown in the figures are in direct contact or direct coupling with one another, then at least in one example, those elements can be referred to as being in direct contact or direct coupling, respectively. Likewise, at least in one example, elements shown as touching one another or in close proximity to one another can be referred to as being in contact or adjacent to one another, respectively. For example, elements that are in face-to-face contact with one another can be referred to as face-to-face contact elements. As another example, at least in one example, elements that are positioned apart from one another with nothing in between, except for possibly space, can be referred to as being positioned apart from one another. As yet another example, elements shown above / below one another, to the sides of one another, or to the left / right of one another with respect to one another can be referred to as such. Further, as shown in the figures, at least in one example, the topmost element or element point can be referred to as the "top" of the element, and the bottommost element or element point can be referred to as the "bottom" of the element. Top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below as used herein can be with respect to a vertical axis in the figures, used to describe the positioning of elements with respect to one another in the figures. Thus, in one example, an element shown above other elements is positioned vertically above the other elements.

[0082] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that the disclosed subject matter can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. Thus, the embodiments described above are not to be taken in a limiting sense, but are merely for the purposes of illustration. The configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and various changes can be made to the details without departing from the underlying technical concept. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations disclosed herein, as well as other features, functions, and / or properties inherent in the disclosed subject matter.

[0083] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations of elements that are regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims can refer to "an" element or to "a first" element or to "one" element, meaning that a single element can be present. Such claims should be understood to include what consists of one or more such elements, either individually or in combination with other claims. The claims can be amended to claim other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties by presenting new claims in this or a related application. Such amended claims, whether broader, narrower, identical, or different in scope from the original claims, are also intended to be within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger, characterized in that Comprising: an aluminum or aluminum alloy component comprising a body and / or a cover plate; and a copper or copper alloy component fixedly coupled to the aluminum or aluminum alloy component, wherein the copper or copper alloy component is a heat transfer enhancement component. The copper or copper alloy component is brazed to the aluminum or aluminum alloy component by a furnace.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The copper or copper alloy component is positioned in direct contact with a coolant of the heat exchanger.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The copper or copper alloy component is a fin and / or a turbulator.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The body and the cover plate collectively define a passageway through which a liquid flows, and the heat transfer enhancement component extends into the passageway.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The heat transfer enhancement component is positioned according to a position of a heat generating component thermally coupled to a hot side of the cover plate.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The heat transfer enhancement component is sized according to a size of the heat generating component thermally coupled to the hot side of the cover plate.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The heat exchanger is a tube and fin heat exchanger or a concentric tube heat exchanger.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein Comprising:

9. An aluminium / copper hybrid heat exchanger, characterised in that, a body and / or a cover plate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy; a first heat transfer enhancement component made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and fixedly coupled to the body and / or the cover plate; and a second heat transfer enhancement component made of copper or copper alloy and fixedly coupled to the body and / or the cover plate. The second heat transfer enhancement component is fixedly coupled to the body and / or the cover plate at a location where a thermal load is higher than the first heat transfer enhancement component. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger comprises a body and a cover plate configured to collectively define a first coolant passageway and a second coolant passageway or a serpentine coolant passageway.

10. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein, The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger is a gas-liquid aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger.

11. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein, The first heat transfer enhancement component is sized differently than the second heat transfer enhancement component.

12. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein, An amount of the first heat transfer enhancement component is different than an amount of the second heat transfer enhancement component.

13. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein, The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger comprises an aluminum or aluminum alloy layer and a copper or copper alloy layer fixedly coupled to the aluminum or aluminum alloy layer.

14. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein, ​ 15. The aluminum / copper hybrid heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein, ​

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