Heat exchangers and power supply systems
By installing a drain pipe in the heat exchanger, the problem of coolant residue during replacement is solved, achieving efficient coolant discharge and improved reliability during the welding process, thus ensuring the normal operation of the heat exchanger.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, when the coolant in the heat exchanger is replaced, it is difficult to completely drain the coolant, resulting in residue. Furthermore, the inlet hole is easily blocked during the welding process, affecting the heat exchange effect and reliability.
A heat exchanger is designed by setting a drain pipe between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. The height of the inlet hole of the drain pipe is lower than the end of the heat exchange tube that extends into the inlet pipe. When the liquid level is lower than the heat exchange tube, the coolant is discharged through the drain pipe, which avoids the solder blockage and improves the connection reliability through the brazing process.
This achieves efficient discharge of coolant, reduces the risk of blockage during welding, and improves the reliability and heat dissipation effect of the heat exchanger.
Smart Images
Figure CN224316864U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of cooling technology, and in particular to a heat exchanger and a power supply system. Background Technology
[0002] Power supply equipment (such as batteries) in a power supply system releases a large amount of heat during operation, therefore, appropriate cooling devices are required to cool the equipment. Generally, a power supply system also includes a liquid cooling plate and a heat exchanger. The liquid cooling plate is attached to the components of the power supply equipment that need heat dissipation, and the liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate is connected to the liquid inlet pipe of the heat exchanger, while the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate is connected to the liquid outlet pipe of the heat exchanger.
[0003] After the liquid-cooled plate cools the power supply equipment, the internal coolant heats up. The heated coolant then flows into the heat exchanger through the outlet. The heat exchanger exchanges heat with the outside cold air, cooling the coolant. The cooled coolant then flows back into the liquid-cooled plate through the inlet, further cooling the power supply equipment. By continuously repeating this cycle, continuous cooling of the power supply equipment can be achieved.
[0004] Currently, the lifespan of coolant in the industry is 5-10 years, while the lifespan of heat exchangers is over 10 years, thus requiring coolant replacement. When replacing the coolant, it's essential to drain as much of the remaining old coolant as possible. Due to the complex internal flow channels of the heat exchanger, most of the residual liquid tends to accumulate inside and cannot be drained during coolant replacement. Utility Model Content
[0005] This disclosure provides a heat exchanger and a power supply system. A drain pipe is provided between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the heat exchanger, and the distance between the inlet hole and the bottom wall of the drain pipe is small, allowing a larger amount of coolant to enter the drain pipe from the inlet hole and exit through the outlet pipe. The technical solutions for the heat exchanger and the power supply system are described below.
[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, a heat exchange tube assembly, and a drain pipe. Both the inlet and outlet pipes extend along a first direction and are spaced apart along a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The heat exchange tube assembly is located between the inlet and outlet pipes. The heat exchange tube assembly includes multiple heat exchange tubes arranged along the first direction. The heat exchange tubes extend along the second direction, with one end extending into the interior of the inlet pipe and the other end extending into the interior of the outlet pipe. The drain pipe extends along the second direction, with one end extending into the interior of the inlet pipe and the other end extending into the interior of the outlet pipe. One end of the drain pipe includes an inlet hole, and the other end includes an outlet hole; along the second direction, the height of the inlet hole is lower than the height of the end of the heat exchange tube extending into the inlet pipe.
[0007] In the second direction, the height of the liquid inlet is lower than the height of the end of the heat exchange tube that extends into the liquid inlet pipe. This can also be understood as the distance between the liquid inlet and the bottom wall of the liquid inlet pipe being less than the distance between the end of the heat exchange tube that extends into the liquid inlet pipe and the bottom wall of the liquid inlet pipe. The bottom wall is the pipe wall of the liquid inlet pipe that faces or is close to the liquid outlet pipe.
[0008] The technical solution disclosed herein allows for the discharge of coolant from the heat exchanger. When the coolant level is below the height of the end of the heat exchanger tube extending into the inlet pipe, the coolant can no longer flow into the heat exchanger tube. Instead, it enters the drain pipe through the inlet hole, then flows to the outlet pipe and is discharged. This ensures that as much coolant as possible flows to the outlet pipe and is then discharged from the heat exchanger. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to reduce the length of the heat exchanger tube extending into the inlet pipe, thus reducing the likelihood of solder clogging the heat exchanger tube during welding.
[0009] In one possible implementation, the heat exchange tube includes multiple flow channels arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. Each flow channel is connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe at both ends. The opening area of the inlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of each flow channel. The cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the flow channel is perpendicular to the second direction.
[0010] The technical solution disclosed herein allows for the brazing of both the heat exchange tube and the drain tube to the inlet and outlet tubes. Since the opening area of the drain tube's inlet hole is larger than the cross-sectional area of each flow channel, even with a low inlet hole height, the brazing filler metal is less likely to clog the inlet hole, thus improving the reliability of the heat exchange tube's draining process.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the opening area of the inlet hole is less than or equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple flow channels included in the heat exchanger tube. This way, during normal operation of the heat exchanger, the amount of coolant flowing from the inlet pipe into the outlet pipe through the drain pipe is relatively small, reducing the impact of the drain pipe's placement on the heat exchanger's heat dissipation effect.
[0012] In one possible implementation, the inlet hole is located on the sidewall of the drain pipe, wherein the sidewall intersects with the first direction. This allows for a larger length of the drain pipe extending into the inlet pipe while maintaining a low inlet hole height, resulting in a stronger connection between the drain pipe and the inlet pipe.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the drain pipe includes two inlet holes. The two inlet holes are located on two opposite sidewalls of the drain pipe along a first direction. This improves the drain pipe's drainage efficiency.
[0014] In one possible implementation, the distance between the liquid inlet hole and the bottom wall of the liquid inlet pipe is greater than 0 mm and less than 1.2 mm. By setting the distance between the liquid inlet hole and the bottom wall of the liquid inlet pipe to be greater than 0 mm, the possibility of solder clogging the liquid inlet hole is reduced. Furthermore, by setting the distance between the liquid inlet hole and the bottom wall of the liquid inlet pipe to be less than 1.2 mm, the height of the liquid inlet hole is prevented from being excessive, thus reducing the impact on the drainage effect of the drain pipe.
[0015] In one possible implementation, one end of the drain pipe abuts against the top wall of the inlet pipe, wherein the top wall is perpendicular to a second direction and located away from the outlet pipe. In this way, the drain pipe also serves to support the inlet pipe, improving the structural reliability of the heat exchanger.
[0016] In one possible implementation, the outlet hole is a port at one end of the drain pipe that extends into the interior of the outlet pipe, with a gap between the port and the inner wall of the outlet pipe. This prevents the outlet hole from being blocked by the inner wall of the outlet pipe, allowing the coolant in the drain pipe to smoothly enter the outlet pipe.
[0017] In one implementation, the drain pipe is located on one side of the heat exchange tube assembly along a first direction.
[0018] In one implementation, there are at least two drain pipes, and the heat exchange tube assembly is arranged between the two drain pipes along a first direction. The two drain pipes serve to support the inlet and outlet pipes, improving the reliability of the heat exchanger.
[0019] In one implementation, the heat exchanger includes N inlet pipes, N outlet pipes, N heat exchanger tube groups, and 2N drain pipes, where N is greater than or equal to 2. The N inlet pipes are arranged along a third direction, and the N outlet pipes are also arranged along a third direction, with a one-to-one correspondence between the N inlet pipes and N outlet pipes. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The N heat exchanger tube groups are arranged along the third direction, with each heat exchanger tube group positioned between one inlet pipe and one outlet pipe. Along the first direction, each heat exchanger tube group is positioned between two drain pipes.
[0020] Secondly, this disclosure provides a power supply system. The power supply system includes a power supply device, a liquid cooling plate, and a heat exchanger as described in any of the first aspects. The liquid cooling plate is attached to the heat-dissipating components of the power supply device. The liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate is connected to the liquid inlet pipe of the heat exchanger, and the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate is connected to the liquid outlet pipe of the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a power supply system;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger in a related technology;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger in a related technology;
[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the part enclosed by the dashed box in the image;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;
[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed box A in the image;
[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Another magnified view of the part enclosed by the dashed box A in the image;
[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange tube provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;
[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drain pipe provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;
[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed box B in the image;
[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0033] Legend
[0034] 100. Power supply equipment; 200. Liquid cooling plate; 300. Heat exchanger; 400. Fan.
[0035] 1. Liquid inlet pipe; 11. Liquid inlet connector; 12. Bottom wall; 13. Top wall;
[0036] 2. Discharge pipe; 21. Discharge connector;
[0037] 3. Heat exchanger tube assembly; 31. Heat exchanger tube; 30. Flow channel; 311. Baffle plate;
[0038] 4. Drainage pipe, 41. Liquid inlet hole, 42. Liquid outlet hole;
[0039] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. Detailed Implementation
[0040] Power supply equipment in a power supply system generates a significant amount of heat during operation, and liquid cooling devices are typically used to cool and reduce its temperature. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a power supply system generally includes a power supply device 100 (using a battery pack as an example), a liquid cooling plate 200, and a heat exchanger 300. The liquid cooling plate 200 is attached to the components of the power supply device 100 that need to be cooled. The outlet and inlet of the liquid cooling plate 200 are connected to the heat exchanger 300. The liquid cooling plate 200 is used to cool the power supply device 100. After the liquid cooling plate 200 cools the power supply device 100, the coolant inside the liquid cooling plate 200 heats up. The heated coolant flows into the heat exchanger 300 through the outlet. The heat exchanger 300 exchanges heat with the outside cold air, causing the coolant to cool down. The cooled coolant then flows back into the liquid cooling plate 200 through the inlet, further cooling the power supply device 100. By continuously repeating this cycle, continuous cooling of the power supply device 100 can be achieved.
[0041] This disclosure does not limit the specific application scenario of the power supply system. In some examples, the power supply system is an energy storage system, in which case the power supply device 100 is a battery or battery pack. In other examples, the power supply system is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) used to power a server, in which case the power supply device is a power module. In still other examples, the power supply system is a charging station, in which case the power supply device 100 is a power module.
[0042] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a heat exchanger 300 in the related art is shown. (For example...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchanger 300 includes an inlet pipe 1, an outlet pipe 2, and a heat exchange tube assembly 3, which is arranged between the inlet pipe 1 and the outlet pipe 2. The heat exchange tube assembly 3 includes multiple heat exchange tubes 31, one end of which is connected to the inlet pipe 1, and the other end to the outlet pipe 2. The inlet pipe 1 is equipped with an inlet connector 11, and the outlet pipe 2 is equipped with an outlet connector 21. The high-temperature coolant output from the liquid-cooled plate 200 is input into the inlet pipe 1 via the inlet connector 11, and then flows into the multiple heat exchange tubes 31 of the heat exchange tube assembly 3. The coolant in the heat exchange tubes 31 exchanges heat with the external cold air through the tube walls and is cooled. The cooled coolant flows into the outlet pipe 2, and finally, the low-temperature coolant in the outlet pipe 2 is transported to the liquid-cooled plate 200 via the outlet connector 21.
[0043] Currently, the lifespan of coolant in the industry is 5-10 years, while the lifespan of heat exchanger 300 is over 10 years. Therefore, the coolant in heat exchanger 300 needs to be replaced. When draining the old coolant, heat exchanger 300 should be placed vertically. Figure 4As shown, the coolant in the inlet pipe 1 enters the outlet pipe 2 through the heat exchange pipe 31, and then is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger 300 through the outlet pipe 2. Wherein, Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of the area enclosed by the dashed box. Figure 4 The bold arrows in the text indicate the direction of coolant flow. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when the liquid level in the inlet pipe 1 is lower than the height of the end of the heat exchange tube 31 extending into the inlet pipe 1, the coolant in the inlet pipe 1 can no longer be discharged through the heat exchange tube 31. The length or height h1 of the heat exchange tube 31 extending into the inlet pipe 1 is typically 50% of the height H of the inlet pipe 1 (the distance between the top wall 13 and the bottom wall 12 of the inlet pipe 1). Therefore, 50% of the old coolant in the inlet pipe 1 cannot be discharged. During the draining process, the outlet connector 21 of the heat exchanger 300 is no longer connected to the liquid cooling plate 200.
[0044] In related technologies, one approach to remove as much old coolant as possible from heat exchanger 300 is to use a vacuum pump to extract the coolant. However, ethylene glycol (coolant) has a vaporization pressure of 12.24 Pa at an ambient temperature of 25°C, and a conventional vacuum pump cannot achieve such a low vacuum. Therefore, most of the coolant inside heat exchanger 300 cannot be extracted.
[0045] Another approach is to reduce the length of the heat exchange tube 31 extending into the liquid inlet pipe 1, for example, to make the length of the heat exchange tube 31 extending into the liquid inlet pipe 1 20% of the height of the liquid inlet pipe 1. However, on the one hand, 20% of the coolant in the liquid inlet pipe 1 still cannot be discharged. On the other hand, because the extension length of the heat exchange tube 31 is small, during the brazing process between the heat exchange tube 31 and the liquid inlet pipe 1, the solder can easily clog the liquid inlet of the heat exchange tube 31, thereby preventing the coolant from flowing.
[0046] Therefore, when changing the coolant, the key issue that needs to be addressed is how to drain the old coolant from the heat exchanger as much as possible.
[0047] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a heat exchanger 300. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the heat exchanger is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 A magnified view of the area enclosed by the dashed box A in the image. (See image for example.) Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the heat exchanger 300 includes an inlet pipe 1, an outlet pipe 2, a heat exchange tube assembly 3, and a drain pipe 4. Both the inlet pipe 1 and the outlet pipe 2 extend along a first direction X and are spaced apart along a second direction Y, wherein the first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y. The heat exchange tube assembly 3 is located between the inlet pipe 1 and the outlet pipe 2. The heat exchange tube assembly 3 includes multiple heat exchange tubes 31, which are arranged along the first direction X. The heat exchange tubes 31 extend along the second direction Y, with one end extending into the interior of the inlet pipe 1 and the other end extending into the interior of the outlet pipe 2. The drain pipe 4 extends along the second direction Y, with one end extending into the interior of the inlet pipe 1 and the other end extending into the interior of the outlet pipe 2. One end of the drain pipe 4 includes an inlet hole 41, and the other end includes an outlet hole 42. Wherein, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, along the second direction Y, the height of the liquid inlet hole 41 is lower than the height of the end of the heat exchange tube 31 that extends into the liquid inlet pipe 1.
[0048] Among them, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, along the second direction Y, the height of the inlet hole 41 is lower than the height of the end of the heat exchange tube 31 extending into the inlet pipe 1. This can also be understood as the distance h2 between the inlet hole 41 and the bottom wall 12 of the inlet pipe 1 along the second direction Y being less than the distance h1 between the end of the heat exchange tube 31 extending into the inlet pipe 1 and the bottom wall 12 of the inlet pipe 1. The heat exchange tube 31 can also be called a flat tube. Along the third direction Z, the width of the heat exchange tube 31 is less than the width of the inlet pipe 1, meaning there is a gap between the outer wall of the heat exchange tube 31 and the inner wall of the inlet pipe 1. This allows the coolant inside the inlet pipe 1 to flow to any location without being separated by the heat exchange tube 31. The heat exchanger 300 can be called a wind-liquid heat exchanger.
[0049] The technical solution provided in this disclosure allows for the discharge of coolant from the heat exchanger 300. Most of the coolant in the inlet pipe 1 flows through the heat exchange tube 31 to the outlet pipe 2 and is discharged through the outlet pipe 2. When the coolant level in the inlet pipe 1 is lower than the end of the heat exchange tube 31, the coolant can no longer flow into the heat exchange tube 31. Instead, it enters the drain pipe 4 through the inlet hole 41 and then flows to the outlet pipe 2 and is discharged through the outlet pipe 2. This allows as much coolant as possible to flow to the outlet pipe 2 and then be discharged from the interior of the heat exchanger 300. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to reduce the length of the heat exchange tube 31 extending into the inlet pipe 1, the possibility of solder clogging the heat exchange tube 31 during the welding process between the heat exchange tube 31 and the inlet pipe 1 is reduced.
[0050] The dimensions, location, and number of liquid inlet holes 41 are described below by way of example.
[0051] In some examples, such as Figure 9As shown, the heat exchange tube 31 includes multiple flow channels 30, which are arranged along a third direction Z. The third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. Each flow channel 30 is connected to an inlet pipe 1 and an outlet pipe 2 at both ends. The opening area of the inlet hole 41 is larger than the cross-sectional area of each flow channel 30. The cross-section corresponding to this cross-sectional area is perpendicular to the second direction Y.
[0052] In some examples, such as Figure 9 As shown, the heat exchange tube 31 has multiple baffles 311, which are arranged at intervals along the third direction Z. A flow channel 30 is defined between two adjacent baffles 311. The width (along the third direction Z) of the flow channel 30 can be 1.35 mm, and the thickness (along the first direction X) can be 1.3 mm.
[0053] The technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting the opening area of the liquid inlet hole 41 to be larger than the cross-sectional area of each flow channel 30, makes it easier for the liquid inlet pipe 1 and the liquid outlet pipe 4 to be welded by brazing process. Because the opening area of the liquid inlet hole 41 is large, even though the distance between the liquid inlet hole 41 and the bottom wall 12 of the liquid inlet pipe 1 is relatively small, it is not easy to be blocked by the solder, thereby improving the reliability of liquid discharge from the liquid outlet pipe 4.
[0054] In some examples, such as Figure 7 As shown, to further prevent solder from clogging the inlet hole 41 during brazing, the distance h2 between the inlet hole 41 and the bottom wall of the inlet pipe 1 is greater than 0 mm. Of course, in other examples, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the distance h2 between the inlet hole 41 and the bottom wall of the inlet pipe 1 can also be 0 mm, or it can be understood that the bottom side wall of the inlet hole 41 is flush with the bottom wall 12 of the inlet pipe 1. In this way, all the coolant in the inlet pipe 1 can be discharged.
[0055] In addition, to avoid the liquid inlet 41 being too high, which could lead to severe liquid accumulation in the liquid inlet pipe 1, in some examples, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the distance h2 between the liquid inlet hole 41 and the bottom wall 12 of the liquid inlet pipe 1 is less than 1.2 mm.
[0056] In some examples, the opening area of the inlet hole 41 is less than or equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple flow channels 30. In this way, when the heat exchanger 300 is operating normally, most of the coolant enters the heat exchange tube 31, and only a small portion of the coolant enters the drain pipe 4, thereby reducing the impact of the drain pipe 4 on the heat dissipation of the heat exchanger 300.
[0057] In some examples, the opening area of the liquid inlet 41 is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the heat exchange tube 31.
[0058] The present disclosure does not limit the specific location of the inlet hole 41 in the drain pipe 4. In some examples, the inlet hole 41 is located at the end of the drain pipe 4 that extends into the interior of the inlet pipe 1.
[0059] In other examples, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the inlet hole 41 is located on the side wall of the drain pipe 4. In this way, while ensuring that the height of the inlet hole 41 is low, the drain pipe 4 can have a large insertion depth in the inlet pipe 1, thereby giving the drain pipe 4 and the inlet pipe 1 a high connection strength.
[0060] In some examples, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the drain pipe 4 includes two inlet holes 41. The two inlet holes 41 are located on two side walls of the drain pipe 4 along the first direction X. This improves the draining efficiency of the drain pipe 4.
[0061] In other examples, the drain pipe 4 may also include only one inlet port 41.
[0062] The shape of the liquid inlet 41 is not limited in this embodiment. The liquid inlet 41 can be rectangular or circular. The shapes and sizes of multiple liquid inlets 41 can be the same or different.
[0063] In some examples, such as Figure 10 As shown, the liquid inlet hole 41 is a rectangular hole.
[0064] In some examples, such as Figure 10 As shown, the length a of the liquid inlet 41 along the third direction Z is 8mm-12mm, and the width b along the second direction Y is 1mm-2mm. For example, the length a of the liquid inlet 41 can be 10mm, and the width b can be 1.5mm.
[0065] In some examples, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, one end of the drain pipe 4 abuts against the inner wall of the inlet pipe 1. In this way, the drain pipe 4 can provide good support for the inlet pipe 1.
[0066] The liquid outlet 42 will now be described by way of example.
[0067] In some examples, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the outlet hole 42 is the port of the drain pipe 4, and there is a gap between this port and the inner wall of the outlet pipe 2. This allows the coolant in the drain pipe 4 to smoothly enter the outlet pipe 2. Figure 11 The bold arrows in the text indicate the direction of coolant flow.
[0068] In other examples, the other end of the drain pipe 4 may also abut against the bottom wall of the outlet pipe 2, and the outlet hole 42 is provided on the side wall of the drain pipe 4.
[0069] The location of the drain pipe 4 will be illustrated below. It should be noted that, in order to improve the structural strength of the heat exchanger 300, two side plates are provided in the heat exchanger 300, and the heat exchange tube group 3 is arranged between the two side plates along the first direction X.
[0070] In some examples, the drain pipe 4 is located among the multiple heat exchange tubes 31 included in the heat exchange tube group 3.
[0071] In other examples, such as Figure 12 As shown, the drain pipe 4 is located on one side of the heat exchange tube assembly 3 along the first direction X. In this way, the drain pipe 4 can also replace the side plate to support the inlet pipe 1 and the outlet pipe 2, thereby saving the number of side plates.
[0072] In some other examples, such as Figure 12 As shown, along the first direction X, the heat exchange tube assembly 3 is arranged between two drain pipes 4. In this way, the two drain pipes 4, in addition to their function of draining liquid, can completely replace the two side plates, supporting the inlet pipe 1 and the outlet pipe 2. Furthermore, the drain pipes 4 are tubular structures, while the side plates are plate-like structures, so generally the supporting strength of the drain pipes 4 is higher than that of the side plates. Therefore, using drain pipes 4 instead of side plates can also improve the heat exchanger's resistance to deformation, preventing excessive deviation of the two diagonals of the heat exchanger during brazing thermal expansion. In addition, the arrangement of two drain pipes 4 results in higher draining efficiency.
[0073] In other examples, along the first direction X, the heat exchange tube assembly 3 is arranged between a drain pipe 4 and a side plate.
[0074] In some examples, such as Figure 12 As shown ( Figure 12 Taking N=2 as an example, the heat exchanger includes N inlet pipes 1, N outlet pipes 2, N heat exchange tube groups 3, and 2N drain pipes 4, where N is greater than or equal to 2. The N inlet pipes 1 are arranged along the third direction Z, and the N outlet pipes 2 are arranged along the third direction Z, with a one-to-one correspondence between the N inlet pipes 1 and N outlet pipes 2. The third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The N heat exchange tube groups 3 are arranged along the third direction Z, with each heat exchange tube group 3 positioned between one inlet pipe 1 and one outlet pipe 2. Along the first direction X, each heat exchange tube group 3 is positioned between two drain pipes 4.
[0075] In some examples, such as Figure 12 As shown, N inlet pipes 1 are connected, and each inlet pipe 1 is equipped with an inlet connector 11. N outlet pipes 2 are connected, and each outlet pipe 2 is equipped with an outlet connector 21.
[0076] The shape of the drain pipe 4 will be described below as an example.
[0077] In some examples, such as Figure 10 As shown, the cross-section of the drain pipe 4 is rectangular. Of course, in other examples, the cross-section of the drain pipe 4 can also be circular or other shapes. In some examples, such as... Figure 10 As shown, along the first direction X, the thickness T of the drain pipe 4 is 5mm-6mm. Along the third direction Z, the width of the drain pipe 4 is 12mm-14mm.
[0078] This disclosure also provides a power supply system. Please refer to... Figure 1 The power supply system includes a power supply device 100, a liquid cooling plate 200, and the aforementioned heat exchanger 300. The liquid cooling plate 200 is attached to the components of the power supply device 100 that need to be cooled. The liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate 200 is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 1 of the heat exchanger 300, and the liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate 200 is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 2 of the heat exchanger 300. For details regarding the flow pattern of the coolant inside the liquid cooling plate 200 and the heat exchanger 300, please refer to the foregoing description, which will not be repeated here.
[0079] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchanger 300 has two inlet pipes 1 with inlet connectors 11, which are used to receive coolant from the two liquid cooling plates 200. The two liquid cooling plates 200 are used to attach to two power supply devices 100. The heat exchanger 300 has one outlet pipe 2 with an outlet connector 21. The coolant output from the outlet connector 21 is divided into two paths and output to the two liquid cooling plates 200 respectively. Alternatively, the outlet connector 21 can be connected to a T-junction pipe, allowing the coolant output from one outlet connector 21 to be divided into two paths. Of course, in other examples, the outlet pipe 2 can also have two outlet connectors 21, which are connected to the two liquid cooling plates 200 respectively.
[0080] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the power supply system also includes a fan 400, which drives airflow through the heat exchange tube assembly 3, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the coolant in the heat exchange tube assembly 3 and the outside cold air.
[0081] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 The power supply system shown may also include components such as a liquid-cooled pump and a liquid-cooled tank. The liquid-cooled pump drives the circulation of coolant, and the liquid-cooled tank is used for replenishing the coolant.
[0082] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "an," and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising," "including," and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. "Upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. "A plurality" refers to two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.
[0083] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, It includes an inlet pipe (1), an outlet pipe (2), a heat exchange tube assembly (3), and a drain pipe (4); Both the inlet pipe (1) and the outlet pipe (2) extend along the first direction (X) and are arranged at intervals in the second direction (Y), wherein the first direction (X) is perpendicular to the second direction (Y). The heat exchange tube assembly (3) is located between the liquid inlet pipe (1) and the liquid outlet pipe (2). The heat exchange tube assembly (3) includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes (31). The plurality of heat exchange tubes (31) are arranged along the first direction (X). Each heat exchange tube (31) extends along the second direction (Y). One end of each heat exchange tube (31) extends into the interior of the liquid inlet pipe (1), and the other end extends into the interior of the liquid outlet pipe (2). The drain pipe (4) extends along the second direction (Y). One end of the drain pipe (4) extends into the interior of the inlet pipe (1), and the other end extends into the interior of the outlet pipe (2). One end of the drain pipe (4) includes an inlet hole (41), and the other end includes an outlet hole (42). Along the second direction (Y), the height of the inlet hole (41) is lower than the height of the end of the heat exchange tube (31) that extends into the inlet pipe (1).
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each heat exchange tube (31) includes multiple flow channels (30), which are arranged along a third direction (Z), which is perpendicular to the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The two ends of each flow channel (30) are respectively connected to the liquid inlet pipe (1) and the liquid outlet pipe (2). The opening area of each of the inlet holes (41) is greater than the cross-sectional area of each of the flow channels (30).
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening area of the liquid inlet (41) is less than or equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of flow channels (30).
4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The inlet hole (41) is located on the side wall of the drain pipe (4), wherein the side wall intersects the first direction (X).
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drain pipe (4) includes two inlet holes (41), which are located on two side walls of the drain pipe (4) that are opposite to each other along the first direction (X).
6. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The distance between the liquid inlet hole (41) and the bottom wall (12) of the liquid inlet pipe (1) is 0mm-1.2mm, wherein the bottom wall (12) is perpendicular to the second direction (Y) and close to the liquid outlet pipe (2).
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the drain pipe (4) abuts against the top wall (13) of the inlet pipe (1), wherein the top wall (13) is perpendicular to the second direction (Y) and is far away from the outlet pipe (2).
8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The outlet hole (42) is the port of the drain pipe (4) extending into the interior of the outlet pipe (2), and there is a gap between the port and the inner wall of the outlet pipe (2).
9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The drain pipe (4) is located on one side of the heat exchange tube assembly (3) along the first direction (X).
10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that, There are at least two drain pipes (4), and the heat exchange tube group (3) is arranged between the two drain pipes (4) along the first direction (X).
11. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes N inlet pipes (1), N outlet pipes (2), N heat exchange tube groups (3) and 2N drain pipes (4), wherein N is greater than or equal to 2; The N inlet pipes (1) are arranged along the third direction (Z), and the N outlet pipes (2) are arranged along the third direction (Z). The N inlet pipes (1) and the N outlet pipes (2) correspond one-to-one. The third direction (Z) is perpendicular to the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The N heat exchange tube groups (3) are arranged along the third direction (Z), and each heat exchange tube group (3) is arranged between an inlet pipe (1) and an outlet pipe (2); Along the first direction (X), each of the heat exchange tube groups (3) is arranged between the two drain pipes (4).
12. A power supply system, characterized in that, The power supply system includes a power supply device (100), a liquid cooling plate (200), and a heat exchanger (300) as described in any one of claims 1-11. The liquid cooling plate (200) is attached to the heat dissipation device of the power supply equipment (100); The liquid outlet of the liquid cooling plate (200) is connected to the liquid inlet pipe (1) of the heat exchanger (300), and the liquid inlet of the liquid cooling plate (200) is connected to the liquid outlet pipe (2) of the heat exchanger (300).