Heat exchanger and gas water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a heat exchanger and a gas water heater, the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of heat exchange tubes, the heat exchange tubes are used for circulating media, and gas flows through the heat exchanger and exchanges heat with the circulating media; the plurality of heat exchange pipes are sequentially communicated in series and are arranged to form a plurality of heat exchange layers along the flowing direction of the gas, and the circulating medium flows layer by layer in the plurality of heat exchange layers; the number of the heat exchange pipes is odd, and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet of the heat exchanger are located in the two opposite sides of the heat exchanger respectively. Moreover, the liquid inlet is located in the heat exchange layer close to the gas inlet side, and the liquid outlet is located in the heat exchange layer far away from the gas inlet side. By the adoption of the scheme, the internal arrangement of the water heater can be more compact, the heat exchange path is prolonged, and the temperature drop of secondary outlet water is reduced; and the circulating medium is preheated and then gradually heated, so that the generation probability of condensed water in the heat exchanger is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a heat exchanger and a gas water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat between two or more fluids. In the field of household appliances, gas water heaters are equipped with heat exchangers, also known as heat exchangers, which are used to heat cold water and provide hot water.

[0003] In existing heat exchangers, the number of heat exchange tubes is even, such as 8 or 10, and the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger are located on the same side. However, for gas water heaters, the main inlet and outlet are generally located on opposite sides of the bottom. To connect the heat exchanger's inlet and outlet to the gas water heater's main inlet and outlet, one inlet or outlet can be connected via a pipe extending primarily in the vertical direction, while the other requires an additional pipe extending along the width of the gas water heater. This results in increased space occupancy within the gas water heater's interior. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art and provide a heat exchanger and a gas water heater.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0006] A heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange tubes, in which a medium flows. Gas flows through the heat exchanger and exchanges heat with the medium. The multiple heat exchange tubes are connected in series and arranged in the direction of gas flow to form multiple heat exchange layers. The medium flows layer by layer within the multiple heat exchange layers.

[0007] The number of heat exchange tubes is odd, and the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the heat exchanger are located on opposite sides of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the liquid inlet is located in the heat exchange layer closer to the gas inlet side, and the liquid outlet is located in the heat exchange layer farther away from the gas inlet side.

[0008] In this design, configuring an odd number of heat exchange tubes allows the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger to be located on opposite sides, facilitating the arrangement of the upstream inlet and downstream outlet channels and resulting in a more compact internal layout of the water heater. Furthermore, compared to the original even number of heat exchange tubes, an odd number effectively adds one more tube, thus extending the heat exchange path. When applied to a gas water heater, before the water heater is turned on and the flame ignites, the cooler medium has a longer path within the pipes, reducing the temperature drop of the secondary outlet water. Additionally, configuring the inlet and outlet near and away from the gas inlet side, respectively, allows the medium to flow along the direction of gas flow, passing through each heat exchange layer sequentially. This preheating of the medium before gradual temperature increase reduces the probability of condensation within the heat exchanger.

[0009] Preferably, the heat exchanger further includes multiple fins, which are sleeved on at least one heat exchange tube, and the multiple fins are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the heat exchange tube.

[0010] In this solution, by configuring fins, the heat transfer area can be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0011] Preferably, the heat exchanger further includes two side plates arranged opposite to each other, with the two ends of the heat exchange tube passing through the two side plates respectively, and the multiple fins located between the two side plates.

[0012] In this design, the side plates allow heat exchange tubes to pass through and position them; furthermore, the space between the two side plates can serve as the main space through which gas flows.

[0013] Preferably, the multiple heat exchange tubes are connected in series via a bend, and the bend is located on the outside of the side plate.

[0014] In this scheme, multiple heat exchange tubes can be connected in series by bending the tubes to form a heat exchange path.

[0015] Preferably, the multiple fins are evenly arranged, and the spacing between two adjacent fins in the axial direction of the heat exchange tube is 1.5 mm.

[0016] Preferably, one of the odd-numbered heat exchange tubes is not covered by the fins, while the remaining heat exchange tubes are covered by the fins.

[0017] In this scheme, the heat exchange tubes not covered by fins can be added later, that is, an additional heat exchange tube is added on the basis of the existing even number of heat exchange tubes. This allows the use of the original heat exchange tube and fin assembly, which can meet the heat exchange requirements and make the structure of the heat exchanger more symmetrical, the spatial layout more reasonable, and reduce the temperature drop of the secondary water.

[0018] Preferably, the heat exchange tubes not covered by the fins form a heat exchange layer, and the multiple heat exchange tubes covered by the fins are evenly arranged to form at least one heat exchange layer.

[0019] In this scheme, the heat exchange layer formed by the existing even number of heat exchange tubes covered by fins can be utilized, and an additional heat exchange tube can be added to form another heat exchange layer, making the structure more compact.

[0020] Preferably, the heat exchange tube not covered by the fins is located on the side of the heat exchanger away from the gas inlet side.

[0021] Preferably, the number of heat exchange tubes is 9 or 11.

[0022] A gas water heater, the gas water heater comprising a heat exchanger as described above.

[0023] In this design, configuring an odd number of heat exchange tubes allows the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger to be located on opposite sides, facilitating the arrangement of the upstream inlet and downstream outlet channels and resulting in a more compact internal layout of the water heater. Furthermore, compared to the original even number of heat exchange tubes, an odd number effectively adds one more tube, extending the heat exchange path. Before the water heater is turned on and the flame ignites, the cooler medium has a longer path within the pipes, reducing the temperature drop of the secondary outlet water. Additionally, configuring the inlet and outlet near and away from the gas inlet side, respectively, allows the medium to flow along the direction of gas flow, passing through each heat exchange layer sequentially. This preheating of the medium before gradual temperature increase reduces the probability of condensation within the heat exchanger.

[0024] The significant advantages of this invention are as follows: By configuring an odd number of heat exchange tubes, the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger are located on opposite sides, facilitating the arrangement of the upstream inlet and downstream outlet channels and resulting in a more compact internal layout of the water heater. Furthermore, compared to the original even number of heat exchange tubes, an odd number effectively adds one more tube, thus extending the heat exchange path. When applied to a gas water heater, the cooler medium flows a longer path within the pipes before the water heater is turned on and the flame ignites, reducing the temperature drop of the secondary outlet water. Additionally, configuring the inlet and outlet near and away from the gas inlet side, respectively, allows the medium to flow along the direction of gas flow, passing through each heat exchange layer sequentially. This preheating of the medium before gradual temperature increase reduces the probability of condensation within the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1A three-dimensional structural diagram of a heat exchanger provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the side structure of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a heat exchanger provided for an embodiment of the present utility model, wherein the fins are hidden.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] Heat exchanger 10, heat exchange tube 100, heat exchange layer 200, liquid inlet 300, liquid outlet 400, fins 500, side plate 600, bend 700, gas 20. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0032] This utility model embodiment provides a heat exchanger 10, such as Figure 1-4 As shown, the heat exchanger 10 includes multiple heat exchange tubes 100, with a medium flowing through the tubes 100. Gas 20 flows through the heat exchanger 10 and exchanges heat with the medium. In a gas water heater, the medium flowing through the heat exchange tubes 100 of the heat exchanger 10 is water. The high-temperature gas 20 after combustion flows through the heat exchanger 10, specifically, the high-temperature gas 20 typically flows from bottom to top.

[0033] Multiple heat exchange tubes 100 are connected in series and arranged along the direction of gas flow 20 to form multiple heat exchange layers 200, and the flowing medium flows layer by layer within the multiple heat exchange layers 200. Specifically, each heat exchange layer 200 has at least one heat exchange tube 100; when there are multiple heat exchange tubes 100 in the same heat exchange layer 200, the multiple heat exchange tubes 100 are connected in series; in two adjacent heat exchange layers 200, one heat exchange tube 100 of one heat exchange layer 200 is connected in series with one heat exchange tube 100 of the other heat exchange layer 200.

[0034] The heat exchange tubes 100 are an odd number, and the liquid inlet 300 and liquid outlet 400 of the heat exchanger 10 are located on opposite sides of the heat exchanger 10. Furthermore, the liquid inlet 300 is located in the heat exchange layer 200 near the gas 20 inlet side, and the liquid outlet 400 is located in the heat exchange layer 200 away from the gas 20 inlet side. Specifically, for the gas 20 flowing from bottom to top, the gas 20 inlet side is the bottom of the heat exchanger 10. Cold water enters the heat exchanger 10 from the liquid inlet 300 on the left side of the bottom, is heated by the high-temperature flue gas 20, and changes from cold water to hot water, then flows out of the heat exchanger 10 from the liquid outlet 400 on the right side of the top.

[0035] By configuring an odd number of heat exchange tubes 100, the inlet 300 and outlet 400 of the heat exchanger 10 are located on opposite sides, facilitating the arrangement of the upstream inlet channel and the downstream outlet channel, resulting in a more compact internal layout of the water heater. Furthermore, compared to the original even number of heat exchange tubes 100, an odd number of heat exchange tubes 100 effectively adds one more heat exchange tube 100, thus extending the heat exchange path. When applied to a gas water heater, before the water heater is turned on and the flame ignites, the lower-temperature flowing medium has a longer path within the pipes, reducing the temperature drop of the secondary outlet water. Additionally, configuring the inlet 300 and outlet 400 closer to and further away from the gas 20 inlet side, respectively, allows the flowing medium to flow along the direction of gas 20 flow, passing through each heat exchange layer 200 layer by layer. This preheating of the flowing medium before its gradual temperature increase reduces the probability of condensation within the heat exchanger.

[0036] In practical implementation, the heat exchange tubes 100 can be configured with an odd number of tubes, or an odd number of heat exchange tubes 100 can be formed by adding heat exchange tubes 100 to an existing heat exchanger 10 with an even number of tubes 100. Both methods can create a heat exchanger 10 with more heat exchange tubes 100 than the original heat exchanger 100 with an even number of tubes 100. It can be understood that extending the length of the heat exchange tubes 100 allows the cold water to stay in the pipes for a longer time before the flame ignites when the water heater is first turned on. For example, within 10 minutes after the water heater is turned off, the pipe temperature is still higher than the cold water, which preheats the cold water, increasing the probability of the cold water being heated and reducing the probability of cold water flowing directly out of the pipes to the user's skin, thus reducing the temperature drop of the secondary outlet water. It is also understandable that cold water first flows through the heat exchange tubes 100 of the bottom heat exchange layer 200, then through the middle layer, and finally reaches the heat exchange tubes 100 of the top layer. This arrangement can reduce the probability of condensation in the heat exchanger and extend the service life of the gas water heater.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the heat exchanger 10 also includes multiple fins 500, which are sleeved on at least one heat exchange tube 100, and the multiple fins 500 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the heat exchange tube 100. By configuring the fins 500, the heat transfer area can be increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0038] Furthermore, multiple fins 500 are evenly arranged, and the distance between two adjacent fins 500 in the axial direction of the heat exchange tube 100 is 1.5 mm.

[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchanger 10 also includes two side plates 600, which are arranged opposite to each other. The two ends of the heat exchange tube 100 pass through the two side plates 600 respectively, and multiple fins 500 are located between the two side plates 600. The side plates 600 allow the heat exchange tube 100 to pass through and position the heat exchange tube 100; furthermore, the space between the two side plates 600 can also serve as the main space through which the gas 20 flows.

[0040] like Figure 1-4 As shown, multiple heat exchange tubes 100 are connected in series via a bend 700, which is located on the outside of the side plate 600. The bend 700 connects the multiple heat exchange tubes 100 in series, forming a heat exchange path. Specifically, the bend 700 has a U-shaped structure and two connecting ports, each connected to a corresponding heat exchange tube 100. Furthermore, the ends of the heat exchange tubes 100 pass through the side plate 600, and the connecting ports of the bend 700 are connected to the ends of the heat exchange tubes 100 and located on the outside of the side plate 600.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, one of the odd-numbered heat exchange tubes 100 is not covered by fins 500, while the remaining heat exchange tubes 100 are covered by fins 500. The heat exchange tube 100 not covered by fins 500 can be an additional heat exchange tube 100, that is, an additional heat exchange tube 100 is added to the existing even-numbered heat exchange tubes 100. This allows the use of the original heat exchange tubes 100 and fins 500 assembly, which can meet the heat exchange requirements and make the structure of the heat exchanger 10 more symmetrical, the spatial layout more reasonable, and the temperature drop of the secondary outlet water reduced.

[0042] In other embodiments, the heat exchange tubes 100 may all be covered by fins 500, or more heat exchange tubes 100 may not be covered.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the heat exchange tubes 100 not fitted by the fins 500 form a heat exchange layer 200, and the multiple heat exchange tubes 100 fitted by the fins 500 are evenly arranged to form at least one heat exchange layer 200. The heat exchange layer 200 formed by the existing even number of heat exchange tubes 100 fitted by the fins 500 can be utilized by adding another heat exchange tube 100 to form another heat exchange layer 200, making the structure more compact. The even arrangement of the multiple heat exchange tubes 100 fitted by the fins 500 means that their distribution is balanced; different heat exchange layers 200 can have the same number of heat exchange tubes 100 or different numbers of heat exchange tubes 100.

[0044] Furthermore, the heat exchange tube 100 not fitted by the fins 500 is located on the side of the heat exchanger 10 away from the gas 20 inlet side.

[0045] Furthermore, the number of heat exchange tubes 100 is 9 or 11.

[0046] like Figure 1-4 As shown, taking an heat exchanger 10 with 11 heat exchange tubes 100 as an example, the heat exchanger 10 has 10 bends 700, of which 10 heat exchange tubes 100 are fitted with fins 500, and 1 is not fitted with fins 500. The 10 heat exchange tubes 100 are evenly arranged vertically to form two heat exchange layers 200, and each heat exchange layer 200 has 5 heat exchange tubes 100 evenly arranged horizontally. At the top is a heat exchange tube 100 that is not fitted with fins 500. This unfit heat exchange tube 100 is located above the space between two adjacent heat exchange tubes 100 in the lower layer, and is connected to the heat exchange tube 100 at the end of the lower layer through a bend 700 arranged vertically at an angle. The liquid inlet 300 is located in the lowest heat exchange layer 200. A heat exchange tube 100 at the uppermost end of the heat exchanger 10 in the width direction passes through the side plate 600, serving as the liquid inlet 300. The liquid outlet 400 is located in the uppermost heat exchange layer 200. This heat exchange layer 200 has only one heat exchange tube 100 not covered by fins 500. This heat exchange tube 100 passes through the side plate 600 and serves as the liquid outlet 400. In this specific embodiment, 10 heat exchange tubes 100 covered by fins 500 are generally sufficient to meet the heat exchange requirements. Placing one heat exchange tube 100 above these existing tubes extends the heat exchange path of the heat exchanger 10, thereby reducing the temperature drop of the secondary effluent. It also allows the liquid inlet 300 and liquid outlet 400, originally located on the same side, to be located on opposite sides, resulting in a more compact structure. Furthermore, the upward flow of water from the bottom reduces the probability of condensation.

[0047] In other specific embodiments, while meeting heat exchange requirements, the 11 heat exchange tubes 100 may have more un-covered heat exchange tubes 100. This can be achieved by changing the structure of the fins 500 or altering the distribution of the heat exchange tubes 100, so that the top layer has more heat exchange tubes 100, with the remaining tubes 100 evenly distributed in the lower two layers. For example, the top layer may have 2 heat exchange tubes 100, the bottom layer 5 heat exchange tubes 100, and the middle layer 4 heat exchange tubes 100. Furthermore, in other embodiments, all 11 heat exchange tubes 100 may be covered by the fins 500.

[0048] This embodiment also provides a gas water heater, which includes a heat exchanger 10 as described above. By configuring an odd number of heat exchange tubes 100, the inlet 300 and outlet 400 of the heat exchanger 10 are located on opposite sides, facilitating the arrangement of the upstream inlet channel and the downstream outlet channel, resulting in a more compact internal layout of the water heater. Furthermore, compared to the original even number of heat exchange tubes 100, the odd number of heat exchange tubes 100 is equivalent to adding one more heat exchange tube 100, thereby extending the heat exchange path. Before the water heater is turned on and the flame ignites, the lower-temperature flowing medium has a longer path within the pipes, thus reducing the temperature drop of the secondary outlet water. Additionally, by configuring the inlet 300 and outlet 400 closer to the gas 20 inlet side and further away from the gas 20 inlet side, respectively, the flowing medium can flow layer by layer through each heat exchange layer 200 along the direction of gas 20 flow, allowing the flowing medium to be preheated before gradually increasing in temperature, thereby reducing the probability of condensation formation within the heat exchanger.

[0049] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange tubes, and a medium is circulated inside the heat exchange tubes. Gas flows through the heat exchanger and exchanges heat with the medium. The multiple heat exchange tubes are connected in series and arranged in the direction of gas flow to form multiple heat exchange layers. The medium flows layer by layer within the multiple heat exchange layers. The number of heat exchange tubes is odd, and the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the heat exchanger are located on opposite sides of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the liquid inlet is located in the heat exchange layer closer to the gas inlet side, and the liquid outlet is located in the heat exchange layer farther away from the gas inlet side.

2. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger also includes multiple fins, which are sleeved on at least one heat exchange tube, and the multiple fins are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the heat exchange tube.

3. The heat exchanger as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchanger also includes two side plates arranged opposite to each other, with the two ends of the heat exchange tube passing through the two side plates respectively, and the multiple fins located between the two side plates.

4. The heat exchanger as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The multiple heat exchange tubes are connected in series via a bend, which is located on the outside of the side plate.

5. The heat exchanger as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The multiple fins are evenly arranged, and the distance between two adjacent fins in the axial direction of the heat exchange tube is 1.5 mm.

6. The heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, One of the odd-numbered heat exchange tubes is not covered by the fins, while the remaining heat exchange tubes are covered by the fins.

7. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The heat exchange tubes not covered by the fins form a heat exchange layer, and the multiple heat exchange tubes covered by the fins are evenly arranged to form at least one heat exchange layer.

8. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The heat exchange tube not covered by the fins is located on the side of the heat exchanger away from the gas inlet side.

9. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of heat exchange tubes is 9 or 11.

10. A gas water heater, characterized in that, The gas water heater includes a heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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