Device for transferring thermal energy, cycle device, axle assembly, vehicle and process

Abstract

Device (10) for transferring thermal energy, comprising: at least a first fluid line (F1) configured to be flowed through by a first fluid, at least a second fluid line (F2) configured to be flowed through by a second fluid, at least a third fluid line (F3) configured to be flowed through by a third fluid, wherein the second fluid line (F2) and the third fluid line (F3) are thermally coupled to the first fluid line (F1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for transferring thermal energy, a circular process device, an axle assembly, a vehicle and a method for transferring thermal energy.

[0002] Heat exchangers are a known technology. They are used particularly in heat pumps. Heat pumps are needed to provide the required heating or cooling output at the necessary temperature levels. To transfer thermal energy, for example, from a coolant circuit to a refrigerant circuit or vice versa, multiple heat exchangers can be used. Using multiple heat exchangers requires more installation space, which is very limited, especially when the heat exchanger is used in a vehicle.

[0003] It has therefore become apparent that there is a need to provide a device for transferring thermal energy that allows for a more compact design.

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for transferring thermal energy. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a thermodynamic device, an axle assembly, a vehicle, and a method for transferring thermal energy.

[0005] The problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1, by a circular process device having the features of claim 7, by an axle assembly having the features of claim 8, by a vehicle having the features of claim 9 and by a method having the features of claim 10.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a device for transferring thermal energy, comprising: at least a first fluid line configured to be flowed through by a first fluid, at least a second fluid line configured to be flowed through by a second fluid, at least a third fluid line configured to be flowed through by a third fluid, wherein the second fluid line and the third fluid line are thermally coupled to the first fluid line.

[0007] Compared to the prior art, the present invention offers the advantage of combining two devices into a single unit. The device for transferring thermal energy can, for example, be designed to function as two evaporators. Such a device can be arranged in a space-saving manner within the layout of a coolant circuit, such as a water circuit, since the two evaporators can be combined in a single unit. The use of this device offers the following advantages compared to the use of several separate heat exchangers. Firstly, a fluid connection, in particular piping, between separate heat exchangers is eliminated. This results in reduced connection effort, for example, to a mechanical support structure. Furthermore, a compact arrangement of the heat exchangers within the overall layout is possible.This reduces the heat transfer surfaces required for heat exchange with the environment and thus reduces thermal losses.

[0008] The device can be designed to transfer thermal energy. In other words, the device can be described as a heat exchanger. For the transfer of thermal energy, the first fluid line is thermally coupled to the second and third fluid lines. Thermal coupling means that the first fluid line is adjacent to the second and third fluid lines in such a way that thermal energy can be transferred between the fluids in the fluid lines without the fluids mixing.

[0009] For example, the device can preferably be designed to transfer thermal energy from the first fluid in the first fluid line to the second fluid in the second fluid line and from the first fluid in the first fluid line to the third fluid in the third fluid line.

[0010] The first fluid line carries the first fluid during operation. The second fluid line carries the second fluid during operation. The third fluid line carries the third fluid during operation. In other words, the first fluid line is designed to carry the first fluid, the second fluid line is designed to carry the second fluid, and the third fluid line is designed to carry the third fluid.

[0011] The first, second, and third fluids can have different characteristics. For example, it is conceivable that the first, second, and / or third fluids differ from each other in their composition or type. It is also possible that the first, second, and / or third fluids differ from each other during operation due to different temperature levels or pressures.

[0012] Preferably, the first fluid differs from the second and third fluids in that the first fluid has a different composition or is a different type of fluid. For example, the first fluid can be water or a water-glycol-based refrigerant. The second and / or third fluid can comprise a refrigerant, for example, propane (R-290), carbon dioxide (R-744), or R-1234yf. The second and third fluids are preferably similar or have the same composition. However, the second and third fluids differ from each other in that they exhibit different temperature and / or pressure levels, at least when flowing through the respective fluid line. For example, the second fluid can have a higher temperature and / or pressure than the third fluid, or vice versa.

[0013] The device can be described as a stage evaporator or be designed as a stage evaporator. The stage evaporator is characterized in that the second and third fluids are of the same type, spatially separated from each other, and thermally coupled to the first fluid, which is different from the second and third fluids. The flow direction of the first fluid is opposite to the flow direction of the second and third fluids.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second and third fluid lines are at least partially thermally insulated from each other. This means that at least approximately no thermal energy is transferred between the second and third fluid lines. The second and third fluid lines can be thermally insulated from each other along one or more sections or completely thermally insulated from each other. This can improve heat transfer from the first fluid line to the second and third fluid lines.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first fluid line, the second fluid line, and / or the third fluid line run parallel, at least in sections. This allows for a compact arrangement of the fluid lines within the device. The parallel arrangement of the fluid lines enables the largest possible contact areas. These larger contact areas improve heat transfer from the first fluid line to the second and third fluid lines.

[0016] In one embodiment, during operation, the first fluid in the first fluid line has a flow direction that is essentially opposite to the flow direction of the second fluid in the second fluid line and the third fluid in the third fluid line. This allows for better transfer of thermal energy from the first fluid to the second fluid and the third fluid, respectively. Furthermore, this can mean that the flow direction of the second fluid and the flow direction of the third fluid are essentially the same or similar. Preferably, the flow direction of the first fluid, the flow direction of the second fluid, and the flow direction of the third fluid are parallel, with the flow direction of the first fluid being at least essentially opposite to the flow direction of the second and third fluids.

[0017] Within the scope of the invention, the term "essentially" can be understood to mean a deviation of between + / -5%, in particular between + / -10%, and in particular between + / -15%.

[0018] In one embodiment, the device comprises at least three, and in particular several, stacked plate elements. The first fluid line is formed between two plate elements, and the second and third fluid lines are formed between two plate elements. More precisely, the second and third fluid lines are formed between the same plate elements. In other words, each pair of stacked plate elements forms at least one fluid line. Put another way, the device can be configured as a plate heat exchanger.

[0019] Preferably, the device comprises several plate elements, wherein the first fluid line, the second fluid line, and the third fluid line each comprise several branches. In the case of multiple or a plurality of plate elements, a branch is understood to be a portion of a fluid line formed between two plate elements. The branches preferably extend parallel to one another. The plate elements can be stacked in a repeating sequence, such that the

[0020] In one embodiment, three stacked plate elements form the first fluid line, the second fluid line, and the third fluid line. Each plate element forms part of the first, second, and third fluid lines. Preferably, a central plate element forms part of the first, second, and third fluid lines. Alternatively, a branch of the first fluid line, a branch of the second fluid line, and a branch of the third fluid line can be formed by three stacked plate elements.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second fluid line and the third fluid line are of the same size. The second fluid line and the third fluid line can, for example, be configured between two plate elements such that the second fluid line and the third fluid line each extend substantially over half of the plate elements.

[0022] In one embodiment, the plate elements each comprise an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the first fluid line, the second fluid line, and the third fluid line. The inlet and outlet openings are preferably arranged on the plate element such that the fluid lines or fluid paths are each as long or as large as possible. The length of the fluid lines can advantageously influence the transfer of thermal energy between them.

[0023] Preferably, the inlet opening of the second fluid line and the outlet opening of the third fluid line, or vice versa, are arranged in a region of the plate elements that exhibit similar thermal energy during operation. This reduces or minimizes the exchange of thermal energy between the second and third fluid lines.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plate elements comprise at least one seal on one side, extending towards an adjacent plate element. The seal can, for example, comprise an elastic material. Alternatively or additionally, the seal can comprise a material-bonded connection, in particular a soldered joint, between the plate elements. The seals are preferably always arranged on one side of the plate element.

[0025] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate elements comprise a structure, in particular a herringbone structure. Such a structure makes it possible to generate turbulent flow in the fluid line.

[0026] A turbulent flow contributes to a better transfer of thermal energy between the respective fluids in the corresponding fluid lines, as the thermal energy is distributed more evenly in the fluid.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first fluid line and / or the second fluid line and / or the third fluid line are at least partially concentric. This means that the plate elements extend along a circumferential direction. It is possible that the plate elements are at least partially curved or arc-shaped. Furthermore, the plate elements can have a cylindrical geometry at least partially. For example, the device can be configured as a tube heat exchanger or a tube heat transfer system.

[0028] In one embodiment, the device is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, in particular aluminum, copper or a similar material.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cycle device comprising a device according to one of the preceding embodiments. The cycle device is preferably configured as a heat pump. The cycle device can, in particular, be configured to allow a refrigerant to circulate within it. The cycle device can include a first evaporator and a second evaporator, the latter arranged in a second evaporator section parallel to the first, wherein a lower pressure is set in the first evaporator section than in the second. The first evaporator and the second evaporator can be provided by a device for transferring thermal energy according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. This means that the first evaporator and the second evaporator are configured as a single unit.

[0030] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an axle assembly with a device according to one of the preceding embodiments and / or a circular process device according to the preceding embodiment.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle with a device according to one of the preceding embodiments and / or a circular process device according to the preceding embodiment and / or an axle assembly according to the preceding embodiment.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for transferring thermal energy, comprising: flowing a first fluid line through a first fluid line, flowing a second fluid line through a second fluid line, flowing a third fluid line through a third fluid line, transferring thermal energy from the first fluid in the first fluid line to the second fluid in the second fluid line and the third fluid in the third fluid line.

[0033] Individual features and embodiments of the present invention can be combined with other features in other embodiments to form new embodiments. Advantages and further developments mentioned for the features or embodiments also apply analogously to the new embodiments. Further developments and advantages mentioned in connection with the apparatus also apply analogously to the method and vice versa.

[0034] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures: Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic view of a plate element; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of another plate element; and Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device 10 as a plate heat exchanger. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of such a plate heat exchanger. The device 10 comprises several stacked plate elements 11. The stacked plate elements 11 form a plate stack. The plate stack can include an end plate and a base plate (not shown). The end plate is stationary. The pressure plate is movable and serves to press the plate elements 11 against the end plate. For example, the plate elements 11 can be pressed together by means of clamping screws. Alternatively or additionally, the plate elements 11 can be joined together by a material bond, in particular by soldering.

[0036] The device 10 comprises two different types of plate elements 11. More precisely, the device 10 comprises first plate elements 11a and second plate elements 11b. The first plate elements 11a and the second plate elements 11b are arranged alternately or stacked. The first plate elements 11a are in Fig. 2 shown in detail. The second plate elements 11b are in Fig. 3 shown in detail.

[0037] The device 10 comprises three fluid lines. The device 10 includes a first fluid line F1, a second fluid line F2, and a third fluid line F3. During operation, the first fluid line F1 carries a first fluid, the second fluid line F2 carries a second fluid, and the third fluid line F3 carries a third fluid. The first fluid preferably differs from the second and third fluids. The second and third fluids preferably have the same type of fluid but differ in pressure and / or temperature. The flow directions of the fluids are indicated by arrows in the figures.

[0038] The individual fluid lines are each arranged between two plate elements 11. In other words, the plate elements 11 form the individual fluid lines when assembled. The plate elements 11 have seals designed to define the individual fluid lines. The seals are described in the explanatory notes. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described in more detail.

[0039] The first fluid line F1 is arranged between a pair of plates. The second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3 are arranged between another pair of plates. A plate pair is formed from two plate elements 11. The plate pair of the first fluid line F1 and the plate pair of the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3 share a common plate element 11.

[0040] The first fluid line F1, the second fluid line F2, and the third fluid line F3 each have several branches 14. In other words, the individual fluid lines are composed of these branches 14. The branches 14 are arranged parallel to each other. Each branch 14 is located between two plate elements 11. In this example, each individual fluid line has five branches 14. Alternatively, the individual fluid lines can have more or fewer branches 14.

[0041] The first fluid line F1 extends essentially along the entire surface of the plate element 11. The second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3 each extend essentially along a section of the surface of the plate element 11. Fig. 1 it can be seen that the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3 each extend substantially over half the area of ​​the plate elements 11.

[0042] The second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3 are separated from each other by a seal 15. The seal 15 is arranged on the second plate element 11b such that the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3 are essentially the same size. The seal can, for example, comprise a rubber lining.

[0043] The first fluid line F1, the second fluid line F2, and the third fluid line F3 have a narrow geometry. In cross-section, the fluid lines are slot-shaped. In other words, the fluid lines can be described as flat lines.

[0044] This allows the fluid lines to have the largest possible contact area with the lowest possible volume flow.

[0045] The device 10 has an inlet opening 12 and an outlet opening 13 for each fluid line. The inlet opening 12 and the outlet opening 13 of the first fluid line F1 are located on the opposite side of the device, in the stacking direction of the plate elements 11, from the inlet openings 12 and outlet openings of the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3. Alternatively, in a plate heat exchanger, the inlet openings 12 and the outlet openings 13 can preferably be arranged in the stationary end plate. The outlet openings 13 of the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3 can be located in an area with at least similar thermal energy or temperature.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a first plate element 11a. Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a second plate element 11b. Fig. Figure 2 shows a first plate element 11a through section A in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 a second plate element 11b through the section B of the Fig. 1. The first plate element 11a and the second plate element 11b each have a rectangular geometry. The first plate element 11a and the second plate element 11b each have corresponding dimensions, so that the first plate element 11a and the second plate element 11b can be stacked alternately on top of each other.

[0047] The first plate element 11a and the second plate element 11b each have three inlet openings 12 and three outlet openings 13. The inlet openings 12 and the outlet openings 13 extend through the plate elements 11. The inlet openings 12 and the outlet openings 13 are arranged correspondingly on the first plate element 11a and the second plate element 11b, so that continuous channels are formed when the plate elements 11 are assembled. The inlet openings 12 are arranged along one longitudinal side or edge of the plate elements 11. The outlet openings 13 are arranged along an opposite longitudinal side or edge of the plate elements 11.

[0048] The inlet opening 12 is arranged along the longitudinal direction L of the plate element 11 at one axial end of the plate element 11. The inlet opening 12 is located in a corner region of the plate element 11. The outlet opening 13 is located at the opposite axial end. The outlet opening 13 is located in a corner region diagonally opposite the inlet opening 12. In other words, the inlet opening 12 and the outlet opening 13 of the first fluid line F1 are arranged diagonally offset at opposite ends along the longitudinal direction L of the plate element 11.

[0049] The inlet opening 12 of the second fluid line F2 is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction L of the plate element 11. The inlet opening 12 of the second fluid line F2 is arranged longitudinally in line with the inlet opening 12 of the first fluid line F1. The outlet opening 13 of the second fluid line F2 is arranged at the axial end of the plate element 11 where the inlet opening 12 of the first fluid line F1 is located. The outlet opening 13 of the second fluid line F2 is arranged in a corner region opposite the inlet opening 12 of the first fluid line F1 in a transverse direction.

[0050] The inlet opening 12 of the third fluid line F3 is arranged longitudinally L of the plate element 11 at one axial end opposite the inlet opening 12 of the first fluid line F1. The inlet opening 12 of the third fluid line F3 is arranged opposite the outlet opening 13 of the first fluid line F1. The outlet opening 13 of the third fluid line F3 is arranged transversely opposite the inlet opening 12 of the second fluid line F2. The outlet opening 13 of the third fluid line F3 is arranged substantially centrally longitudinally L of the plate element.

[0051] The inlet opening 12 of the second fluid line F2 and the outlet opening 13 of the third fluid line F3 are arranged centrally at opposite edges along the longitudinal direction L of the plate element 11. The inlet opening 12 of the second fluid line and the outlet opening of the third fluid line F3 are offset from each other along the longitudinal direction L.

[0052] The first plate element 11a and the second plate element 11b have different seals. The seals separate the individual fluid lines from each other. The first plate element 11a (see below) Fig. 2) has a first seal 16 extending along the edge, sealing the first fluid line F1 or the first plate element 11a to the outside. The first plate element 11a has second seals 17 at the inlet openings 12 and at the outlet openings 13 of the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3. Thus, the first fluid in the first fluid line F1 is separated from the second fluid in the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid in the third fluid line F3.

[0053] The second plate element 11b (see Fig. 3) The first plate element 11b has a seal 16 extending along its edge, sealing the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid line F3 to the outside. The second plate element 11b has second seals 17 at the inlet opening 12 and at the outlet opening 13 of the first fluid line F1. Thus, the second fluid of the second fluid line F2 and the third fluid of the third fluid line F3 are separated from the first fluid of the first fluid line. The second plate element 11b includes a third seal 18. The third seal 18 extends in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L. The third seal 18 extends longitudinally between the inlet opening 12 of the second fluid line F2 and the outlet opening 13 of the third fluid line F3. The third seal 18 is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction. The third seal 18 serves to seal the second fluid line F2 from the third fluid line F3.

[0054] Fig.Figure 4 shows a method for transferring thermal energy. In a first step S1, a first fluid flows through the first fluid line F1. In a second step S2, a second fluid flows through the second fluid line F2. In a third step S3, a third fluid flows through the third fluid line F3. Subsequently, in a fourth step S4, thermal energy is transferred from the first fluid in the first fluid line F1 to the second fluid in the second fluid line F2 and to the third fluid in the third fluid line F3.

[0055] Other embodiments of the present invention are possible and can be understood and carried out by persons skilled in the art when applying the claimed subject matter by studying the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In particular, the respective parts / functions of each embodiment described above can also be combined with one another. Furthermore, various steps of the method can be carried out in a different order than disclosed herein. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are mentioned in interdependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be advantageous. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. Reference symbol list: F1 first fluid line F2 second fluid line F3 third fluid line L Longitudinal direction 10 Device 11 plate element 11a first plate element 11b second plate element 12 Entrance opening 13 Exit opening 14 Junction 15 Seal 16 first seal 17 second seal 18 third seal

Claims

[1] Device (10) for transferring thermal energy, comprising: - at least one first fluid line (F1) designed to carry a first fluid, - at least a second fluid line (F2) designed to carry a second fluid, - at least a third fluid line (F3) designed to carry a third fluid, - wherein the second fluid line (F2) and the third fluid line (F3) are thermally coupled to the first fluid line (F1). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid line (F2) and the third fluid line (F3) are thermally insulated from each other at least section by section. [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device (10) comprises at least three, in particular several, stacked plate elements (11). [4] Device (10) according to claim 3, wherein three stacked plate elements (11) form the first fluid line (F1), the second fluid line (F2) and the third fluid line (F3). [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate elements (11) each comprise an inlet opening (12) and an outlet opening (13) for the first fluid line (F1), the second fluid line (F2) and the third fluid line (F3). [6] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fluid line (F1) and / or the second fluid line (F2) and / or the third fluid line (F3) are at least partially concentric. [7] Cyclic process device with a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Axle assembly with a device according to one of claims 1 to 6 and / or a circular process device according to claim 7. [9] Vehicle with a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and / or a circular process device according to claim 7 and / or an axle assembly according to claim 8. [10] Method for transferring thermal energy, in particular with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: - Flow of a first fluid through a first fluid line (F1), - Flowing a second fluid through a second fluid line (F2), - Flowing a third fluid through a third fluid line (F3), - Transfer of thermal energy from the first fluid in the first fluid line (F1) to the second fluid in the second fluid line (F2) and the third fluid in the third fluid line (F3).

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