Refrigeration unit and heat exchanger for a refrigeration unit

Abstract

A heat exchanger for a refrigeration appliance comprises a heat exchanger tube for conducting refrigerant, a plurality of fins extending in a first direction and spaced apart from one another in a second direction extending transversely to the first direction, and a defrost heater spaced apart from the fins in the first direction. At least some of the fins have at least one drip nose at an end facing the defrost heater, which is designed to promote dripping of water in the first direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a freezer chest or a fridge-freezer combination, and a heat exchanger for a refrigeration appliance. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In household refrigeration appliances, a refrigerant circuit is provided to extract heat from a storage compartment by evaporating refrigerant in an evaporator and releasing it into the environment by condensing the refrigerant in a condenser. The evaporator is thermally coupled to the storage chamber. In so-called NoFrost appliances, the evaporator is located in an evaporator chamber that is fluidly connected to the storage chamber, with a fan circulating an air flow between the evaporator chamber and the storage chamber.

[0003] The evaporator is typically a heat exchanger consisting of a heat exchanger tube and a plurality of fins thermally connected to the heat exchanger tube. The fins are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another, defining flow channels through which the air conveyed by the fan is transported. Due to the low temperatures at the evaporator and the fact that the air flowing between the fins may contain a certain amount of moisture, frost or ice forms on the evaporator over time.

[0004] The ice that forms on the evaporator is usually removed using a defrost heater positioned beneath the fins. The fins of the heat exchanger are typically flat, rectangular, which can lead to water accumulating at the edges of the fins during defrosting. The water that forms can also run down the outer edges of the fins. The water drips off at one of the fin's lower edges.

[0005] DE 10 2017 219 162 A1 describes a NoFrost refrigeration appliance with an evaporator arranged in an evaporator chamber, through which air flows vertically. Condensate drains off on the upstream side of the evaporator. A defrost heater is located on the upstream side of the evaporator. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide improved solutions for a heat exchanger of a refrigeration device. In particular, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide improved solutions for draining water from a heat exchanger.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a heat exchanger having the features of claim 1 and by a refrigeration device having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims referring back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger for a refrigeration appliance comprises a heat exchanger tube for conducting refrigerant, a plurality of fins thermally conductively connected to the heat exchanger tube, which fins extend in a first direction and are arranged spaced apart from one another in a second direction extending transversely to the first direction, and a defrost heater arranged spaced apart from the fins in the first direction. At least some of the fins have at least one drip nose on an end facing the defrost heater, which is designed to promote dripping of water in the first direction.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a freezer chest or a fridge-freezer combination, comprises a storage compartment for receiving refrigerated goods and a refrigerant circuit with an evaporator thermally coupled to the storage compartment for absorbing heat from the storage compartment and a condenser thermally coupled to the environment for releasing heat to the environment, wherein the evaporator is formed by a heat exchanger according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0010] One idea underlying the invention is to specifically drain away the water produced during defrosting of the heat exchanger at a lower edge or at the end of the fins facing the defrost heater by forming one or more drip tabs on the lower edge. The drip tab forms an at least locally lowest point of the fin, i.e. a point or location with the smallest distance to the defrost heater with respect to the first direction in which the fins extend. During operation, the heat exchanger is oriented such that the defrost heater is positioned below the fins with respect to the direction of gravity. The drip tab is thus arranged at a lower end of the fins with respect to the direction of gravity and, as described, forms at least locally a lowest point.

[0011] The fins and the heat exchanger tube are in thermally conductive contact. Optionally, at least one drip nose can be provided on each fin. However, it is also conceivable that a drip nose is provided on only some of the fins.

[0012] The drip spout allows water to collect locally and drip off. By positioning the drip spout, the location where the water drips can be easily determined. This facilitates targeted drainage of water from the slats.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the slats may extend flatly in the first direction and in a third direction, which runs transversely to the first and second directions. The slats may thus generally be substantially plate-shaped. A width of the slats in the third direction may be smaller than a length of the slats in the first direction.

[0014] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the drip nose has first and second drainage sections which converge at an angle to the third direction and a drip point which is arranged at an end of the drainage sections facing the defrost heater. The drainage sections can be formed, for example, by edge sections or regions of the slat and run in such a way that they approach one another in the direction of the defrost heater. The drip point can also be referred to as the drip region and forms the lowest point of the drip nose, i.e. the point closest to the drip heater in the first direction. The drainage sections which run at an angle to the third direction facilitate the rapid, targeted drainage of water droplets towards the drip point.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the end of the first drainage section and the end of the second drainage section may coincide, forming a point that forms the drip point. The drip nose may thus have a substantially triangular shape overall. The triangular shape is not limited to a linear extension of the drainage sections. The drip point may thus be formed as a point and have a vanishingly small surface area. This allows water to drip very easily from the drip point.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the end of the first drainage section and the end of the second drainage section can be spaced apart in the third direction, and the drip point can extend between the ends of the first and second drainage sections. The drip point itself can thus have a certain extension in the third direction and thus a certain surface area.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the drip point in the third direction can have a length in a range between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, in particular in a range between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. This allows even small water drops to reliably detach from the slat.

[0018] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the first and / or the second drainage section extends linearly or in a curved manner. It can thus be provided that both drainage sections are linear or curved. Alternatively, one of the drainage sections can extend linearly and the other can extend curvedly. A curved drainage section preferably extends in a concave curve. Optionally, it can be provided that, in the case of a curved drainage section, a tangent exists at each point of the drainage section, which tangent runs at an angle to the third direction.

[0019] According to some embodiments, a respective slat may be provided with several spaced-apart drip tabs. This offers the advantage that condensate can be drained away in a targeted manner at several points along the slat.

[0020] According to some embodiments, a distance between the drip noses can be provided of at least 5 mm. For example, a distance in the third direction between the drip noses can be defined by the smallest possible distance between the drip points. The distance can, for example, be in a range between 5 mm and 60 mm. By maintaining a distance of at least 5 mm, water can be reliably prevented from collecting between two adjacent drip noses.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the defrost heater may comprise a heating element with at least one heating section extending in the second direction, wherein the drip nose is arranged in alignment with the heating section with respect to a third direction extending transversely to the first and second directions, such that water dripping from the drip nose drips onto the heating section. The heating element may, for example, comprise two heating sections extending parallel in the second direction, which are connected to one another by an arcuate section. Optionally, a number of drip noses corresponding to the number of heating sections may be provided. Each drip nose is arranged opposite a respective heating section in the first direction and thus in alignment in the third direction. In other words, a distance of the respective heating section from the drip nose opposite it in the third direction may be zero.This directs the water dripping from the drip tip to the respective heating element, promoting evaporation. The resulting water vapor rises and reaches the surface of the fins, further accelerating the defrosting of the evaporator. Condensation of the water vapor further up in the heat exchanger transports heat there, creating a kind of heat-pipe effect. This advantageously accelerates the defrosting phase and reduces energy consumption for the defrosting process.

[0022] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that several drip noses are provided, which are arranged at a distance from the heating section with respect to the third direction, so that water dripping from the drip nose drips past the heating section. Accordingly, the drip noses can be positioned laterally offset from the heating sections in the third direction. This specifically prevents the dripping water from reaching the heating sections. This offers the advantage that the heating sections are not cooled by the dripping water. As a result, the temperature of the radiant heater is both higher and more uniform, thereby increasing the radiant output of the heater and stimulating convection.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the refrigeration device may include an evaporator chamber fluidically connected to the storage compartment, in which the heat exchanger is arranged, and a fan arranged and configured to circulate air between the evaporator chamber and the storage compartment. The fan may, in particular, be arranged such that it conveys air along the first direction through the heat exchanger and generates an airflow that initially flows over the defrost heater and subsequently strikes the fins.

[0024] The features and advantages disclosed herein in connection with one aspect of the invention are also disclosed for the other aspect and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 a simplified, schematic sectional view of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a partial perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of a heat exchanger according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of a heat exchanger according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a heat exchanger according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a heat exchanger according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of a heat exchanger according to a further embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 8 a fragmentary sectional view of a heat exchanger according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0026] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Fig. 1 shows an example of a refrigeration device 200 in the form of a refrigerator. The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the Fig. 1, but is not limited thereto. For example, the invention can also be used in other household refrigeration appliances, such as a freezer or chest freezer or a refrigerator-freezer combination, or in refrigeration appliances in general.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 1, the refrigeration appliance 200 has a body 202, which defines a storage compartment 210 for accommodating refrigerated goods, such as food, beverages, medications, or the like. A machine compartment 212, separate from the storage compartment 210, can optionally also be defined at least partially by the body 202.

[0029] As in Fig. 1, the refrigeration device 200 has a refrigerant circuit 220 and a fan 230. The refrigerant circuit 220 comprises an evaporator 221, a compressor 222, a condenser 223, and a throttle element (not shown), e.g., in the form of a capillary line.

[0030] The evaporator 221 is thermally coupled to the storage compartment 210 to extract heat therefrom by evaporating refrigerant. For example, the evaporator 221, as shown in Fig. 1 purely by way of example and shown only schematically, can be arranged in an evaporator chamber 215 fluidly connected to the storage compartment 210, and the fan 230 can be arranged and configured to circulate air between the evaporator chamber 215 and the storage compartment 210. The fan 230 thus draws in warm air from the storage compartment 210, directs it through or over the evaporator 221, where the air transfers heat to the refrigerant located in the evaporator 221, and then expels the air back into the storage compartment 210.

[0031] The evaporator 221 is connected to a suction port of the compressor 222. The compressor 222 compresses the gaseous refrigerant coming from the evaporator 221 and feeds it to the condenser 223, which is connected to a pressure port of the compressor 222. In the condenser 223, the refrigerant condenses, releasing heat to the environment. The condenser 223 is connected to the evaporator 221, with the throttle element (not shown) arranged between the condenser 223 and the evaporator 221 and expanding the refrigerant. As shown in Fig. 1 purely schematically, the compressor 222 can be arranged, for example, in the machine room 212. The condenser 223 is in Fig. 1 is also shown purely schematically and can be arranged, for example, on an outer wall of the body 202 or in the machine room 212.

[0032] The refrigerant circuit 220 is generally designed to extract heat from the storage compartment 210 by evaporating refrigerant and to release this heat to the environment by condensing refrigerant.

[0033] The evaporator 221 and the condenser 223 each form heat exchangers for transferring heat between the refrigerant and an air stream or ambient air.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows, purely by way of example, a partial view of a heat exchanger 100 as used in the Fig. 1 shown refrigeration device 200 can be used as evaporator 221. As in Fig. 2, the heat exchanger 100 comprises a heat exchanger tube 1 for passing refrigerant, a plurality of fins 2 and a defrost heater 3.

[0035] The heat exchanger tube 1 can, for example, have a meandering course with a plurality of linearly extending first tube sections, wherein two first tube sections are connected by an arcuate second tube section.

[0036] The slats 2 each extend in a first direction X1 and in a third direction X3 running transversely thereto. As shown in Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the slats 2 can thus generally be implemented as plate-shaped components. The slats 2 can, for example, be made of a metal material.

[0037] As in Fig. 2, the slats 2 are arranged spaced apart from one another in a second direction X2. The second direction X2 runs transversely to the first and third directions X1, X3. Thus, a flow channel extending in the first direction X1 is formed between two slats 2 adjacent in the second direction X2. As shown in Fig. 2 purely by way of example, the plurality of slats 2 can comprise first slats 2A and second slats 2B, which are arranged alternately in the second direction X2, wherein the first slats 2A have a greater longitudinal extent in the first direction X1 than the second slats 2B. A lower or first end 21 of the first slats 2A with respect to the first direction X1 is thus arranged at a distance from a lower or first end of the second slats 2B, as in Fig. 2 is shown purely by way of example. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and it is also conceivable that all slats 2 have the same longitudinal extent with respect to the first direction X1.

[0038] The heat exchanger tube 1 is in heat-conducting contact with the fins 2. For example, the fins 2 can have recesses 20 through which the heat exchanger tube 1 extends ( Fig. 3 to 8), and the heat exchanger tube 1 can be in contact with the inner circumference of the respective recess 20.

[0039] The defrost heater 3 can be, for example, an electric heater and have at least one heating element 30 which is designed to radiate heat. As shown in Fig. 2 purely by way of example, the defrost heater 3 can, for example, comprise a heating element 30 with two heating sections 31 extending parallel to one another, which extend in the second direction X2 and are arranged spaced apart from one another in the third direction X3. The heating element 30 is arranged spaced apart from the slats 2 with respect to the first direction X1, wherein the first end 21 of the slats 2 is located facing the heating element 30. In the Fig. In the heat exchanger 100 shown in Figure 2, the lower or first ends 21 of the first fins 2A have a smaller distance from the heating element 30 than the lower or first ends 22 of the second fins 2B.

[0040] When the heat exchanger 100 is used in the refrigeration appliance 200 as an evaporator 221, the heat exchanger 100 is arranged in the evaporator chamber 215 such that the first direction X1 runs parallel to the side walls of the body 202 or, if the machine compartment 202 is arranged at the bottom with respect to the direction of gravity, the first direction X1 runs parallel to the direction of gravity, and the defrost heater 3 is positioned below the fins 2 with respect to the direction of gravity. The fan 230 is preferably arranged such that it generates an air flow that flows through the heat exchanger 100 along the third direction X3 and initially flows over the defrost heater 3 or its heating element 30, then strikes the fins 2 and flows through the flow channels between the fins 2.

[0041] Since the water coming from the storage compartment 210 has a certain moisture content, ice and frost can form on the heat exchanger 100. With the help of the defrost heater, this ice can be defrosted from the fins 2 and the heat exchanger tube 1. In order to direct the water running off the fins 2 away from the fins 2, at least some of the fins 2 are provided with at least one drip nose 4, as shown in the Fig. 3 to 8 as an example. It is conceivable, for example, that only the first slats 2A are provided with a drip nose 4. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0042] The drip nose 4 is arranged at the end 21 of the respective slat 2 facing the defrost heater 3 or the heating element 30 and is designed to promote dripping of water in the first direction X1. Generally, the drip nose 4 forms at least a locally lowest point of the slat 2, i.e., a point or location with the smallest distance from the defrost heater 3 or its heating element 30 with respect to the first direction X1.

[0043] The Fig. 3 to 8 show examples of possible designs and positions of the drip nose 4. As in the Fig. 3 to 8, the drip nose 4 may have first and second drainage sections 41, 42 and a drip point 43.

[0044] The drainage sections 41, 42 are formed by sections of the edge of the slat 2 forming the lower end 21 and each extend at an angle to the third direction X3. The drainage sections 41 converge towards each other. This means that the distance between the drainage sections 41, 42 in the third direction X3 decreases with decreasing distance of the respective drainage section 41, 42 from the heating element 30. As shown in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the drain sections 41, 42 can each run linearly. Alternatively, both drain sections 41, 42 can have a curved, e.g., concavely curved, course, as in Fig. 5 as an example. It is also conceivable to combine a linear first discharge section 41 with a curved second discharge section 42, as in Fig. 8 shown as an example.

[0045] The drip section or drip point 43 is arranged at one end of the drainage sections 41, 42 facing the defrost heater 3 and thus forms a point or a region of the drip nose 4 or the slat 2 as a whole that is closest to the defrost heater 3 or its heating element 30 with respect to the first direction X1. As shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the end of the first drainage section 41 and the end of the second drainage section 42 may coincide. In this case, the ends of the drainage sections 41, 42 define a tip, which forms the drip point 43. In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 6 shows, by way of example, a triangular drip nose 4 whose first and second drainage sections 41, 42 extend linearly and form a point as a drip point 43. However, the drainage sections 41, 42 could also form a pointed drip point 43 with a curved profile.

[0046] As in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, it is also possible that the end of the first drainage section 41 and the end of the second drainage section 42 are spaced apart in the third direction X3 and the drip point 43 extends between the ends of the first and second drainage sections 41, 42. The Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 show essentially trapezoidal drip noses 4 with linearly extending first and second drainage sections 41, 42 and a drip point 43 extending parallel to the third direction X3. In Fig. 5 shows, purely by way of example, a drip nose 4 with concavely curved first and second drainage sections 41, 42 and a drip point 43 extending parallel to the third direction X3. Fig. The drip noses 4 shown in Figure 7 each have a first drainage section 41 extending linearly in the first direction X1 and a second drainage section 42 extending in a concave curve, with the drip point 43 extending linearly in the third direction X3. The length of the drip point 43 in the third direction X3 can, for example, be in a range between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0047] In general, each slat 2 has at least one drip nose 4. Purely by way of example, Fig. 7 shows a lamella 2 which has only a drip nose 4. The Fig. The slats 2 shown in Figures 3 to 6 and 8 each have two drip noses 4. However, it is also conceivable for more than two drip noses 4 to be provided per slat 2. In cases where multiple drip noses 4 are provided per slat 2, they are arranged at a predetermined distance d4 from one another in the third direction X3. The distance d4 between two drip noses 4 can be defined, for example, by the length of the shortest possible line between the drip points 43 of the drip noses 4. The distance d4 between adjacent drip noses can be, for example, at least 5 mm.

[0048] The drip noses 4 of a respective slat 2 can be positioned with respect to the third direction X, for example, such that water dripping from the drip nose 4 drips onto a respective heating section 31 of the heating element 30. This offers the advantage that the dripping water at least partially evaporates and is thus transported by natural convection or by the fan 230 into the area of ​​the heat exchanger 100 facing away from the defrost heater 3, where it condenses again, releasing heat and thus accelerating the defrosting process. As shown in the Fig. 3 to 5, the drip noses 4 can be arranged in alignment with the heating section 31 with respect to the third direction X3. The distance d4 between the drip noses 4 can, for example, be selected such that it corresponds to the distance between the heating sections 31, or the drip point 43 can be arranged overlapping the respective heating section 31 with respect to the third direction X3.

[0049] Alternatively, the drip noses 4 or the drip nose 4 can be arranged so that water dripping from the drip nose 4 drips past the heating section 31, as shown in the Fig. 6 to 8 as an example. In this case, the water dripping from the slats 2 is prevented from cooling the heating element 30, thereby improving the radiation performance of the heating element 30. As shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 8, the drip noses 4 can be arranged laterally offset relative to the heating sections 31, for example, with respect to the third direction X3, so that the latter are positioned between the drip noses 4 with respect to the third direction X3. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. As shown by way of example in Figure 7, the drip nose 4 can be positioned between the heating sections 31 with respect to the third direction X3. Generally, the drip nose 4 can be arranged at a distance from the heating section 31 with respect to the third direction X3.

[0050] Although the present invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable. REFERENCE SYMBOL 1 heat exchanger tube 2 slats 2A first slats 2B second slats 3 Defrost heater 4 dripping nose 20 recess 21 lower / first end of the first slat 22 lower / first end of the second slat 30 heating element 31 heating sections of the heating element 41 first section 42 second section 43 Draining point 100 heat exchangers 200 refrigeration unit 202 Corpus 210 storage compartment 212 Engine room 215 Evaporator chamber 220 refrigerant circuit 221 evaporator 222 compressors 223 Condenser 230 fans X1 first direction X2 second direction X3 third direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 219 162 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Heat exchanger (100) for a refrigeration appliance (200), in particular for a household refrigeration appliance, comprising: a heat exchanger tube (1) for passing refrigerant; a plurality of fins (2) thermally conductively connected to the heat exchanger tube (1), which extend in a first direction (X1) and are arranged spaced apart from one another in a second direction (X2) extending transversely to the first direction (X1); and a defrost heater (3) which is arranged at a distance from the fins (2) in the first direction (X1); characterized by , that at least some of the slats (2) have at least one drip nose (4) at an end (21) facing the defrost heater (3), which is designed to to promote dripping of water in the first direction (X1). [2] Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fins (2) extend flat in the first direction (X1) and in a third direction (X3) which runs transversely to the first and second directions (X1, X2), and wherein the drip nose (4) has first and second drainage sections (41, 42) converging at an angle to the third direction (X3) and a drip point (43) which is arranged at an end of the drainage sections (41) facing the defrost heater (3). [3] Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 2, wherein the end of the first drain section (41) and the end of the second drain section (42) coincide and form a tip forming the drip point (43). [4] Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 2, wherein the end of the first drain section (41) and the end of the second drain section (42) are spaced apart in the third direction (X3) and the drip point (43) extends between the ends of the first and second drain sections (41, 42). [5] Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 4, wherein the drip point (43) in the third direction (X3) has a length in a range between 0.5 mm and 4 mm. [6] Heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first and / or the second discharge section (41, 42) extend linearly or curved, in particular concavely curved. [7] Heat exchanger (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective fin (2) has a plurality of drip noses (4) arranged at a distance from one another. [8] Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 7, wherein a distance (d4) between the drip noses (4) is at least 5 mm. [9] Heat exchanger (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the defrost heater (3) comprises a heating element (30) with at least one heating section (31) extending in the second direction (X2), wherein the drip nose (4) is arranged in alignment with the heating section (31) with respect to a third direction (X3) extending transversely to the first and second directions (X1, X2), so that water dripping from the drip nose (4) drips onto the heating section (31). [10] Heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the defrost heater (3) comprises a heating element (30) with at least one heating section (31) extending in the second direction (X2), wherein the drip nose (4) is arranged in alignment with the heating section (31) with respect to a third direction (X3) extending transversely to the first and second directions (X1, X2), so that the drip nose (4) is arranged at a distance from the heating section (31) with respect to the third direction (X3), so that water dripping from the drip nose (4) drips past the heating section (31). [11] Refrigeration appliance (200), in particular household refrigeration appliance, comprising: a storage compartment (210) for refrigerated goods; and a refrigerant circuit (220) with an evaporator (221) thermally coupled to the storage compartment (210) for absorbing heat from the storage compartment (210) and a condenser (223) thermally coupled to the environment for releasing heat to the environment, wherein the evaporator (221) is formed by a heat exchanger (100) according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Refrigeration device (200) according to claim 11, additionally comprising: an evaporator chamber (215) fluidically connected to the storage compartment (210), in which the heat exchanger (100) is arranged; and a fan (230) arranged and configured to circulate air between the evaporator chamber (215) and the storage compartment (210).

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