Heat exchanger for a compression refrigeration machine

Abstract

Heat exchanger (120) for a compression refrigeration machine (110) for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer (100), wherein the heat exchanger (120) has the following features: a pre-cooling section (230) with first compressed air passages (232) shaped to guide incoming compressed air through the pre-cooling section (230), and with second compressed air passages (234) fluidly separated from the first compressed air passages (232) in the pre-cooling section (230), which are shaped to guide outgoing compressed air through the pre-cooling section (230), wherein the pre-cooling section (230) is shaped to effect heat transfer between the incoming compressed air guided in the first compressed air passages (232) and the outgoing compressed air guided in the second compressed air passages (234); and an evaporator section (240) with third compressed air passages (242) which are fluid-mechanically connected to the first compressed air passages (232) and are shaped to guide the incoming compressed air from the pre-cooling section (230) through the evaporator section (240), with separating passages (244) fluid-mechanically separated from the third compressed air passages (242), one of which is arranged between adjacent third compressed air passages (242), and with refrigerant passages (246) fluid-mechanically separated from the third compressed air passages (242) and the separating passages (244), which are shaped to guide a refrigerant through the evaporator section (240), wherein each of the refrigerant passages (246) is integrated into one of the separating passages (244) and is surrounded on at least five of its six sides by a continuous internal volume of the separating passage (244), wherein the evaporator section (240) is formed,to effect heat transfer between the compressed air guided in the third compressed air passages (242) and the refrigerant guided in the refrigerant passages (246).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger for a compression refrigeration machine for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer, to a compression refrigeration machine for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer with such a heat exchanger, and to a compressed air refrigeration dryer with such a compression refrigeration machine.

[0002] For example, so-called safety refrigerants can typically be used as refrigerants in compression refrigeration machines. Due to their chemical composition, these are non-flammable and non-toxic. However, particularly within the framework of EU Regulation 2024 / 573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases and a potential revision of the REACH Regulation, fluorinated refrigerants, such as the components of refrigerant R-513A, may be increasingly restricted or even banned by legislation. This could necessitate the use of natural refrigerants like R290 (propane). R290 is a flammable refrigerant. In known heat exchangers, etc.For example, in the case of heat exchangers for compressed air refrigeration dryers, the rare occurrence of refrigerant leakage into the compressed air is not considered, as the non-flammable and non-toxic refrigerants used to date pose no risk. However, this heat exchanger failure scenario should be taken into account when using flammable refrigerants. In this context, WO 2025 / 169247 A1 concerns a heat exchanger with air passage channels and refrigerant passage channels, furthermore providing separate safety chambers and safety compartments arranged on each side of each refrigerant passage channel facing a respective air passage channel. Such a heat exchanger, however, can exhibit, in particular, long heat transfer paths, increased space requirements, higher energy consumption, and reduced efficiency.

[0003] Against this background, the present invention provides an improved heat exchanger, an improved compression refrigeration machine, and an improved compressed air refrigeration dryer according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0004] According to certain embodiments, a safe heat exchanger, particularly for flammable refrigerants, can be provided. To prevent, for example, the transfer of refrigerant into the compressed air or vice versa in the event of a leak, refrigerant passages can be arranged within separation or safety passages. This prevents, for instance, the formation of a flammable mixture in the compressed air network and also reliably prevents compressed air from entering the refrigeration circuit. Despite these safety measures, energy-efficient operation of the heat exchanger can be achieved. Furthermore, the space required for the heat exchanger can be maintained or reduced despite the safety measures.

[0005] A heat exchanger for a compression refrigeration machine for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer is presented, wherein the heat exchanger has the following features: a pre-cooling section with first compressed air passages shaped to guide incoming compressed air through the pre-cooling section, and with second compressed air passages fluidly separated from the first compressed air passages in the pre-cooling section, which are shaped to guide outgoing compressed air through the pre-cooling section, wherein the pre-cooling section is shaped to effect heat transfer between the incoming compressed air guided in the first compressed air passages and the outgoing compressed air guided in the second compressed air passages; and an evaporator section with third compressed air passages, which are fluid-mechanically connected to the first compressed air passages and are shaped to guide the incoming compressed air from the pre-cooling section through the evaporator section, with separating passages fluid-mechanically separated from the third compressed air passages, one of which is arranged between adjacent third compressed air passages, and with refrigerant passages fluid-mechanically separated from the third compressed air passages and the separating passages, which are shaped to guide a refrigerant through the evaporator section, wherein each of the refrigerant passages is integrated into one of the separating passages and is surrounded on at least five of six sides by a continuous internal volume of the separating passage, wherein the evaporator section is shaped to effect heat transfer between the compressed air guided in the third compressed air passages and the refrigerant guided in the refrigerant passages.

[0006] The heat exchanger can also be referred to as a heat exchanger device. The compressed air treatment can include drying by cooling, thus combining drying and cooling. The pre-cooling section can be designed as an air-to-air heat exchanger. The evaporator section can be designed as an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. The refrigerant can be or be a flammable refrigerant. At least one of the refrigerant passages can have a meandering profile. The cooled compressed air can be passed through the subsequent heat exchanger after the evaporator and used to pre-cool the incoming warm compressed air. This allows the dried compressed air to be reheated and gives it a lower relative humidity than the incoming compressed air. The heat exchanger can be made of aluminum, for example. The heat exchanger can be constructed by brazing and, additionally or alternatively, by welding.The separation passages can be designed as empty passages, allowing heat flow from the compressed air to the refrigerant and optionally vented to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the separation passages can be filled with a medium and optionally also have a flow through that medium. The heat exchanger can also have connections for the inlet and outlet of the compressed air and the refrigerant.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the distance between adjacent third compressed air passages can be equal to the distance between adjacent separation passages. In other words, the height of each of the third compressed air passages can be equal to the height of each separation passage with an integrated refrigerant passage. This allows for a space-saving design of the heat exchanger.

[0008] Furthermore, the flow cross-sections of the first and third compressed air passages can be the same and remain constant throughout the passages. This prevents oversizing of the pre-cooling section or air-to-air heat exchanger, especially compared to conventional solutions, thus minimizing the required installation space while still implementing the safety measure.

[0009] Furthermore, the first and third compressed air passages can be designed as continuous linear compressed air passages from the pre-cooling section to the evaporator section. The heat exchanger can thus have a space-saving and simple design, while still avoiding oversized components despite the implementation of a reliable safety measure.

[0010] Furthermore, the heat exchanger can have fins that can be arranged in at least a portion of the internal volume of the separation passages located outside the refrigerant passages. The fins can be made of aluminum. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of improved heat transfer and mechanical stability. Fins can also be arranged in at least some of the other passages.

[0011] The heat exchanger can also incorporate a latent heat storage material, which can be located in a portion of the internal volume of the separation passages outside the refrigerant passages. This allows for the implementation of an advantageous heat storage function. The latent heat storage material can be, for example, a phase change material (PCM), another latent heat storage medium, or a heat transfer fluid. In addition to the latent heat storage material, fins can also be incorporated into the separation passages.

[0012] Furthermore, the separation passages can be designed to allow a medium to flow through them during operation of the heat exchanger. In particular, the medium can be water. This allows for the implementation of an additional heat storage concept.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger can have first means for distributing, collecting, and / or redirecting compressed air from and into compressed air passages, and second means for distributing, collecting, and / or redirecting refrigerant from and into refrigerant passages. Optionally, the heat exchanger can also be double-walled in boundary regions where the second means and at least one of the compressed air passages are adjacent. The first means can have at least one distribution box, at least one collection box, and additionally or alternatively at least one redirection box for the compressed air. The second means can have at least one distribution box, at least one collection box, and additionally or alternatively at least one redirection box for the refrigerant. Additionally or alternatively, the heat exchanger can have baffles between the passages and strips as end walls of the passages.This allows for the reliable and comprehensive implementation of safety measures in a so-called plate-and-bar heat exchanger design. The baffles and strips can be made of aluminum. The baffles, strips, and optionally the fins can be brazed and additionally or alternatively welded together.

[0014] A compression refrigeration machine for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer is also presented, wherein the compression refrigeration machine comprises an embodiment of a heat exchanger mentioned herein as an evaporator with precooler, a refrigerant compressor, a condenser and a fan.

[0015] The compression refrigeration machine can be used to cool compressed air, which is generally saturated with water vapor. In the evaporator, the refrigerant extracts heat from the moist compressed air, evaporating in the process. This vapor is then drawn in and compressed by the refrigerant compressor. At this higher pressure level, the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the cooling air via the condenser. A fan creates or forces the flow of this cooling air, or convection.

[0016] Furthermore, a compressed air refrigeration dryer is presented, which comprises an embodiment of a compression refrigeration machine mentioned herein.

[0017] In a compressed air refrigeration dryer, the physical relationship between temperature and water vapor content of the compressed air can be used to dehumidify the compressed air by cooling it and causing the water vapor to condense. A compression refrigeration unit is used to cool the compressed air, which is generally saturated with water vapor.

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a compressed air refrigeration dryer with a compression refrigeration machine according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic partial representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 a schematic partial representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 9 a schematic partial representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 11 a schematic partial representation of a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, without repeating these elements.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a compressed air refrigeration dryer 100 with a compression refrigeration unit 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Only the compression refrigeration unit 110 of the compressed air refrigeration dryer 100 is shown by way of example. The compression refrigeration unit 110 is designed to treat compressed air for the compressed air refrigeration dryer 100, more precisely to cool and dry it, or to dry it by cooling.

[0021] The compression refrigeration machine 110 comprises a refrigerant compressor 112, a condenser 114, a fan 116, and a heat exchanger 120, which acts as an evaporator with a precooler. The compression refrigeration machine 110 is used to cool compressed air, which is generally saturated with water vapor. In the heat exchanger 120, which functions as an evaporator with a precooler, a refrigerant extracts heat from the moist compressed air, evaporates, and is then drawn in and compressed by the refrigerant compressor 112. At this higher pressure level, the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the cooling air via the condenser 114. The cooled compressed air is then used in the heat exchanger 120 to pre-cool incoming warm compressed air. This allows the dried compressed air to be reheated and results in a lower relative humidity than the incoming compressed air. A flow of cooling air or convection is caused or forced by the fan 116.The compression refrigeration machine 110 further comprises a throttling device 118, such as a capillary, at least one throttle valve, etc.

[0022] The heat exchanger 120, which functions as an evaporator with precooler, will be discussed in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 is designed as an evaporator with a precooler for a compression refrigeration machine for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to or is similar to the heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator with a precooler for a compression refrigeration machine from [reference to relevant document]. Fig. 1. Thus, the heat exchanger 120 is designed as an evaporator with precooler for the compression refrigeration machine. Fig. 1 or a similar compression refrigeration machine. The heat exchanger 120 comprises a pre-cooling section 230 and an evaporator section 240. In Fig. Figure 2 shows the heat exchanger 120 in a partially cutaway view.

[0024] The pre-cooling section 230 of the heat exchanger 120 comprises first compressed air passages 232 and second compressed air passages 234. The first compressed air passages 232 are designed to guide incoming compressed air through the pre-cooling section 230. The second compressed air passages 234 are fluidly separated from the first compressed air passages 232. The second compressed air passages 234 are designed to guide outgoing compressed air through the pre-cooling section 230. The pre-cooling section 230 is designed to facilitate heat transfer during operation between the incoming compressed air guided in the first compressed air passages 232 and the outgoing compressed air guided in the second compressed air passages 234.

[0025] The evaporator section 240 of the heat exchanger 120 comprises third compressed air passages 242, separation passages 244, and refrigerant passages 246. The third compressed air passages 242 are fluid-mechanically connected to the first compressed air passages 232 of the pre-cooling section 230. The third compressed air passages are designed to guide the incoming compressed air from the pre-cooling section 230 through the evaporator section 240. The separation passages 244 are fluid-mechanically separated from the third compressed air passages 242. The separation passages 244 can also be referred to as safety passages. One separation passage 244 is arranged between each adjacent third compressed air passage 242. The refrigerant passages 246 are fluid-mechanically separated from the third compressed air passages 242 and the separation passages 244. The refrigerant passages 246 are shaped to guide a refrigerant through the evaporator section 240.Each of the refrigerant passages 246 is integrated into one of the separation passages 244. Each of the refrigerant passages 246 is surrounded on at least five of its six sides by a continuous inner volume of the separation passage 244, as shown in the representation of . Fig. 2 two is only implicitly recognizable, but is shown in more detail with reference to the following figures. The evaporator section 140 is shaped to effect heat transfer during operation between the compressed air guided in the third compressed air passages 242 and the refrigerant guided in the refrigerant passages 246.

[0026] According to the embodiment shown here, the flow cross-sections of the first compressed air passages 232 and the third compressed air passages 242 are the same and constant over the entire length of the passages 232 and 242. Optionally, the first compressed air passages 232 and the third compressed air passages 242 are also configured as linear continuous compressed air passages 232, 242 from the pre-cooling section 230 to the evaporator section 240.

[0027] As can also be seen from the depiction of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, in the pre-cooling section 230 the first compressed air passages 232 and the second compressed air passages 234 are arranged alternately stacked on top of each other, and in the evaporator section 240 the third compressed air passages 242 and the separation passages 244 are arranged alternately stacked on top of each other, with each of the separation passages 244 containing a refrigerant passage 246.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic partial representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 is designed as an evaporator with precooler for a compression refrigeration machine for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to or is similar to the heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator with precooler for a compression refrigeration machine from [reference to relevant figure]. Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2. Thus, the heat exchanger 120 is designed as an evaporator with precooler for the compression refrigeration machine. Fig. 1 or a similar compression refrigeration machine. In Fig. Figure 2 shows the heat exchanger 120 in a partially cutaway view. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds in particular to the heat exchanger from Fig. 2, although the evaporator section 240 is shown in more detail here.

[0029] Thus, it is also more clearly evident that each of the refrigerant passages 246 is surrounded on at least five of its six sides by a continuous inner volume of the separation passage 244. According to an embodiment, as also shown in Fig. 2 and / or Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the distance between each adjacent third compressed air passage 242 is the same as the distance between each adjacent separating passages 244. In other words, according to this embodiment, the third compressed air passages 242 and the separating passages 244 have the same height.

[0030] According to the embodiment shown here, the heat exchanger 120 further comprises fins 350 which are arranged in at least a partial volume of a portion of the internal volume of the separation passages 244 located outside the refrigerant passages 246. In other words, the remaining free internal volume of the separation passages 244 is at least partially filled with the fins 350. Fig. Figure 3 shows that the fins 350 in the interstitial areas of the internal volume located between the refrigerant passages 246 and the adjacent third compressed air passages 342 have a lower height than in the boundary areas of the internal volume, or, in other words, that the height of the fins 350 varies depending on their position relative to the refrigerant passages 246. The fins 350 serve for heat transfer and stability. Although not explicitly shown in the illustration, all or at least a subset of the other passages of the heat exchanger 120 are at least partially equipped with fins 350. Optionally, the heat exchanger 120 also has a latent heat storage material located in the part of the internal volume of the separation passages 244 that lies outside the refrigerant passages 246.In other words, the remaining internal volume of the separation passages 244, which depends on the refrigerant passages 246 and optionally also the fins 350, is optionally filled with the latent heat storage material. Alternatively, the separation passages 244 are designed according to an exemplary embodiment to be filled with a medium, such as water, during operation of the heat exchanger 120.

[0031] According to the embodiment shown here, the heat exchanger 120 further comprises baffles 322 between and as outer terminations of the passages, strips 324 as end walls of the passages, first means 326 for distributing, collecting and / or diverting the compressed air from and into compressed air passages, in particular the third compressed air passages 242, and second means for distributing, collecting and / or diverting the refrigerant from and into refrigerant passages 246. The means include, for example, at least one collecting box and / or diverting box for the respective medium.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic partial representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to or resembles the heat exchanger from at least one of the figures described above. Fig. Figure 4 shows the heat exchanger 120, in particular the evaporator section 240 thereof, in a partially cutaway and partially perspective view. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds, for example, to the heat exchanger from Fig. 3, in particular the evaporator section 240 is shown in a partial sectional view and in other cuts.

[0033] In the representation of Fig. Figure 4 shows that in the evaporator section 240, the third compressed air passages 242 and the separating passages 244 are arranged alternately, with the refrigerant passages 246 and the fins 350 being arranged within the separating passages 244. According to an exemplary embodiment, and as is shown only by way of example in Fig. Figure 4 shows a meandering course. This becomes even clearer with reference to the following figures.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds here to the heat exchanger from [reference missing]. Fig. 4, where the evaporator section 240 is as in Fig. Figure 4 shows a cutaway view, and the pre-cooling section 230 is shown in perspective. The first means 326, or the collection box and / or deflection box for the compressed air, are also shown. Furthermore, a compressed air inlet 536 for introducing compressed air into the first compressed air passages and a compressed air outlet 538 for releasing compressed air from the second compressed air passages are shown on or in the pre-cooling section 230.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to the heat exchanger from Fig. 4 or Fig. 5. The representation of the heat exchanger 120 is similar to that shown in Fig. 5, wherein in Fig. Figure 6 shows a complete section of the heat exchanger 120. Due to the chosen section plane, the following are shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows the heat exchanger 120, the pre-cooling section 230, the evaporator section 240, one of the second compressed air passages 234, one of the separation passages 244, one of the refrigerant passages 246, the first medium 326 or the manifold and / or deflection box for the compressed air, the fins 350 in the separation passage 244, the compressed air inlet 536 and the compressed air outlet 538. Furthermore, manifolds for refrigerant connected to the refrigerant passage 246 and manifolds for latent heat storage material or another medium connected to the separation passage 244 are shown, but are not explicitly labeled here for the sake of clarity.

[0036] It is evident that the separation passage 244, or safety passage, is arranged around the refrigerant passage 246. The refrigerant passage 246 has a meandering course. The course of the refrigerant passage 246 is defined, for example, by a contour plate or the like. A path for the compressed air runs, for example, from the compressed air inlet 536 through a first compressed air passage (not visible here) and a third compressed air passage into the first medium 326, and from there via the second compressed air passage 234 to the compressed air outlet 538.

[0037] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to the heat exchanger from Fig. 4, Fig. 5 or Fig. 6. The representation of the heat exchanger 120 is similar to that shown in Fig. 5, wherein in Fig. Figure 7 shows a complete section of the heat exchanger 120. This is due to the chosen section plane, which extends from the one shown. Fig. 6 distinguishes, are in Fig. Figure 7 shows the heat exchanger 120, the pre-cooling section 230, the evaporator section 240, one of the second compressed air passages 234, one of the separation passages 244, the first means 326 or the manifold and / or deflection box for the compressed air, the fins 350 in the separation passage 244, the compressed air inlet 536 and the compressed air outlet 538. Also shown in this illustration are manifolds for refrigerant connected to the refrigerant passage 246 and manifolds for latent heat storage material or another medium connected to the separation passage 244, which are not explicitly labeled here for the sake of clarity.

[0038] It can be seen that the refrigerant passage or evaporator pocket is embedded in the separation passage 244 by the fins 350, especially in the middle area of ​​the separation passage 244.

[0039] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to the heat exchanger from Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 or Fig. 7. The representation of the heat exchanger 120 is similar to that shown in Fig. 5, wherein in Fig. Figure 8 shows a complete section of the heat exchanger 120. This is due to the chosen section plane, which extends from the one shown. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 distinguishes, are in Fig. Figure 8 shows the heat exchanger 120, the pre-cooling section 230, the evaporator section 240, one of the first compressed air passages 232 and the third compressed air passage 242, shown here as a continuous compressed air passage, the first means 326 or the collecting box and / or diverting box for the compressed air, the compressed air inlet 536, the compressed air outlet 538, second means 828 or collecting boxes and / or diverting boxes for the refrigerant, and further means 855 or collecting boxes and / or diverting boxes for the latent heat storage material or another medium.

[0040] The first means 326 serve to distribute, collect, and / or redirect the compressed air from and into compressed air passages. The second means 828 serve to distribute, collect, and / or redirect the refrigerant from and into refrigerant passages. According to the embodiment shown here, the heat exchanger 120 is double-walled in boundary regions 860 where the second means 828 and at least one of the compressed air passages (here, for the sake of illustration, only one of the first compressed air passages 232) adjoin each other. For this purpose, the heat exchanger 120 has double or two strips between the second means 828 and the compressed air passage 232. The second means 828 can also be referred to as refrigerant boxes.

[0041] Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic partial representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 resembles the heat exchanger from at least one of the figures described above. The manner of representation in Fig. 9 corresponds to the type of representation from Fig. 4. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to the heat exchanger from Fig. 4 except that the refrigerant passages 246 fill a higher proportion of the internal volume of the separation passages 244.

[0042] Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 resembles the heat exchanger from at least one of the figures described above. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to the heat exchanger from Fig. 9, where only a different type of representation has been chosen. The type of representation in Fig. 10 corresponds to the type of representation from Fig. 6. The heat exchanger 120 is shown here in a complete section. Due to the chosen section plane, in Fig. Figure 10 shows the heat exchanger 120, the pre-cooling section 230, the evaporator section 240, one of the second compressed air passages 234, one of the separation passages 244, one of the refrigerant passages 246, the first medium 326 or the manifold and / or deflection box for the compressed air, the fins 350 in the separation passage 244, the compressed air inlet 536 and the compressed air outlet 538. Furthermore, manifolds for refrigerant connected to the refrigerant passage 246 and manifolds for latent heat storage material or another medium connected to the separation passage 244 are shown, but are not explicitly labeled here for the sake of clarity. In the illustration of Fig. 10 It is readily apparent that the refrigerant passage 246 has an internal volume of the separation passage 244 compared to the embodiment from Fig. 6 to a higher proportion.

[0043] Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic partial representation of a heat exchanger 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. The heat exchanger 120 resembles the heat exchanger from at least one of the figures described above. The heat exchanger 120 corresponds to the heat exchanger from Fig. 9 and / or Fig. 10, where only a different type of representation has been chosen. The type of representation in Fig. 11 corresponds to the type of representation from Fig. 3.

[0044] With reference to the Fig. In sections 9 to 11, an alternative design for the safety passage or separation passage 244 is briefly explained. Here, the evaporator pocket or the refrigerant passages 246 largely fill the safety area or the separation passages 244. Therefore, instead of tall fins completely filling the safety area, the entire safety area on both sides of the evaporator pocket is fitted with narrow fins. With a small distance between the evaporator pocket and the edge, it is possible to achieve the required pressure resistance of the block even without fins. This further simplifies the design. With this type of design, the remaining internal volume of the safety passage or separation passage 244 is smaller. The possible fill quantity of PCM, and thus the storage capacity of the heat exchanger 120, is therefore somewhat reduced. This arrangement is therefore particularly suitable for refrigerant dryers without or with only a reduced storage control.According to the [document / section] in the [document / section]. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the potential PCM area or the part of the internal volume of the separation passages 244 located outside the refrigerant passages 246 is not fully or only partially equipped with fins.

[0045] With reference to the figures described above, features of exemplary embodiments are summarized again below and briefly presented in other words.

[0046] Each refrigerant passage 246 is positioned centrally within a PCM passage or separation passage 244. The refrigerant passage 246 is in thermal contact with the third compressed air passage 242 via fins 350. Since there is no complete passage between the refrigerant passage 246 and the third compressed air passage 242, but only a very shallow or narrow fin 355, and the distance between the refrigerant passage 246 and the third compressed air passage 242 is small, the heat transfer paths are particularly short. This reduces the required temperature difference and thus improves efficiency. The heat exchanger block has a compact design because the evaporator area or refrigerant passage 246 is integrated into the safety passage or separation passage 244. Compared to conventional solutions, this prevents the need for two additional safety passages alongside the refrigerant passage 246. This saves installation space and costs.The resulting elimination of a collection box for safety zones in the separator box also reduces costs.

[0047] The cross-sectional area of ​​the incoming compressed air remains constant from the air-to-air heat exchanger pre-cooling section 230, through the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger or evaporator section 240, and into the separator; in other words, from the first compressed air passage 232 through the third compressed air passage 242. By dividing the height of a compressed air passage, for example, the second compressed air passage 234, into the safety zone including the evaporator pocket, i.e., the separation passage 244 with integrated refrigerant passage 246, oversizing of the air-to-air heat exchanger or pre-cooling section 230 can be prevented.

[0048] Should the resulting storage mass be insufficient, the PCM area or the separation passages 244 can be enlarged downwards, or into the area of ​​the first means 326 or the compressed air collection and deflection box, while maintaining the same refrigerant area, according to one embodiment. This is possible with the design featuring different fin heights within the safety passages or separation passages 244.

[0049] The shape and position of the fins 350 in the safety area and in the separation passages 244 are to be understood as an example and may differ from those shown. In the figures described herein, the fins 350 are only shown in the area of ​​the separation passages 244. However, according to exemplary embodiments, the fins 350 are also inserted in all compressed air and refrigerant areas within the heat exchanger block, but are not shown there for the sake of clarity.

[0050] The embodiments described and shown in the figures are only examples. Different embodiments can be combined completely or with respect to individual features. An embodiment can also be supplemented by features from another embodiment.

[0051] If an embodiment includes an “and / or” connection between a first feature and a second feature, this can be interpreted as meaning that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature, and according to another embodiment either only the first feature or only the second feature. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2025 / 169247 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Heat exchanger (120) for a compression refrigeration machine (110) for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer (100), wherein the heat exchanger (120) has the following features: a pre-cooling section (230) with first compressed air passages (232) shaped to guide incoming compressed air through the pre-cooling section (230), and with second compressed air passages (234) fluidly separated from the first compressed air passages (232) in the pre-cooling section (230), which are shaped to guide outgoing compressed air through the pre-cooling section (230), wherein the pre-cooling section (230) is shaped to effect heat transfer between the incoming compressed air guided in the first compressed air passages (232) and the outgoing compressed air guided in the second compressed air passages (234); and an evaporator section (240) with third compressed air passages (242) which are fluid-mechanically connected to the first compressed air passages (232) and are shaped to guide the incoming compressed air from the pre-cooling section (230) through the evaporator section (240), with separating passages (244) fluid-mechanically separated from the third compressed air passages (242), one of which is arranged between adjacent third compressed air passages (242), and with refrigerant passages (246) fluid-mechanically separated from the third compressed air passages (242) and the separating passages (244), which are shaped to guide a refrigerant through the evaporator section (240), wherein each of the refrigerant passages (246) is integrated into one of the separating passages (244) and is surrounded on at least five of its six sides by a continuous internal volume of the separating passage (244), wherein the evaporator section (240) is formed,to effect heat transfer between the compressed air guided in the third compressed air passages (242) and the refrigerant guided in the refrigerant passages (246). [2] Heat exchanger (120) according to claim 1, wherein the distance between each adjacent third compressed air passages (242) is equal to the distance between each adjacent separation passages (244). [3] Heat exchanger (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow cross-sections of the first compressed air passages (232) and the third compressed air passages (242) are equal and constant over a course of the passages (232, 242). [4] Heat exchanger (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first compressed air passages (232) and the third compressed air passages (242) are designed as linear continuous compressed air passages (232, 242) from the pre-cooling section (230) to the evaporator section (240). [5] Heat exchanger (120) according to one of the preceding claims, with fins (350) which are arranged in at least a partial volume of a part of the internal volume of the separation passages (244) located outside the refrigerant passages (246). [6] Heat exchanger (120) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a latent heat storage material arranged in a part of the internal volume of the separation passages (244) located outside the refrigerant passages (246). [7] Heat exchanger (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation passages (244) are designed to be flowed through with a medium during operation of the heat exchanger (120), in particular wherein the medium comprises water. [8] Heat exchanger (120) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising first means (326) for distributing, collecting and / or redirecting the compressed air from and into compressed air passages (232, 234, 242) and with second means (828) for distributing, collecting and / or redirecting the refrigerant from and into refrigerant passages (246), wherein the heat exchanger (120) is formed as a double wall in boundary regions (860) where second means (828) and at least one of the compressed air passages (232, 234, 242) are adjacent to each other. [9] Compression refrigeration machine (110) for treating compressed air for a compressed air refrigeration dryer (100), wherein the compression refrigeration machine (110) comprises a heat exchanger (120) according to one of the preceding claims as an evaporator with precooler, a refrigerant compressor (112), a condenser (114) and a fan (116). [10] Compressed air refrigeration dryer (100) with a compression refrigeration machine (110) according to claim 9.

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