HEAT EXCHANGER WITH AN EXCHANGE BODY CONSISTING OF A GYROID

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a heat exchanger and an associated heat exchanger assembly. ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE

[0002] The function of heat exchangers is to implement a heat exchange between several fluids without mixing them.

[0003] Heat exchangers may comprise an internal part comprising a body forming two separate fluid circulation circuits, and an external part comprising a frame and collectors fixed to the frame. These collectors are connected on the one hand to conduits for bringing the fluids to the internal part of the exchanger and on the other hand to conduits for evacuating the fluids from the internal part of the exchanger once they have circulated in the exchanger.

[0004] In these exchangers, a hot fluid and a cold fluid circulate respectively in the two separate circulation circuits formed by the body. During their circulation, a heat transfer occurs from the hot fluid to the cold fluid, through the body.

[0005] Document US 2018 / 306516 A1 discloses a heat exchanger for an aircraft engine, comprising two inlets and two outlets corresponding to two networks of channels which intertwine at least over a portion of their length.

[0006] Document US 2020 / 033070 A1 relates to a heat exchanger comprising two inlets and two outlets as well as a minimal surface structure which separates two volumes in the body of the exchanger, the two volumes communicating respectively with the first inlet and outlet and with the second inlet and outlet.

[0007] In some applications, one of the two fluids may undergo a change of state while circulating in the exchanger. For example, the cold fluid may be in a liquid state when it enters the body of the exchanger and as it heats up, the cold fluid may partially or completely vaporize. Conversely, the hot fluid may be in a gaseous state when it enters the exchanger and as it cools down, the hot fluid may partially or completely liquefy.

[0008] However, such a change of state causes a significant increase or decrease in the volume and pressure of the fluid circulating in the exchanger. The increase (or decrease) in the volume of the fluid has the effect of generating accelerations (or decelerations) of the fluid in the exchanger, and consequently pressure losses. In addition, the increase (or decrease) in the pressure of the fluid has the effect of creating significant mechanical stresses on the components of the exchanger, so the components must be designed to withstand these stresses. EXPOSE DE L'INVENTION

[0009] One aim of the invention is to propose a heat exchanger having a large exchange surface between the two fluids while being compact.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a heat exchanger which is suitable for the treatment of fluids likely to undergo a total or partial change of state during their circulation in the exchanger.

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes a heat exchanger comprising an exchanger body delimited by a first inlet surface, a first outlet surface, a second inlet surface and a second outlet surface, in which the exchanger body comprises a gyroid-shaped separating wall separating a first network of channels for the circulation of a first fluid from the first inlet surface to the first outlet surface, and a second network of channels for the circulation of a second fluid from the second inlet surface to the second outlet surface.

[0012] Additionally, the first channel network includes first channels having a cross-section that varies by continuously increasing from the first inlet surface to the first outlet surface, and the second channel network includes second channels having a cross-section that varies by continuously decreasing from the second inlet surface to the second outlet surface.

[0013] The gyroid shape of the separating wall allows for maximizing heat exchange between the first fluid circulating in the first network of channels and the second fluid circulating in the second network of channels, while occupying minimal volume.

[0014] In addition, the curved shape of the channels helps to limit pressure losses in the fluid flows circulating inside the exchanger body.

[0015] The section of the channels has a circular shape, which allows the exchanger body to withstand high pressure of the fluids circulating in the exchanger body.

[0016] In addition, the progressive variation of the section of the first channels from the first inlet surface to the first outlet surface, and the progressive variation of the section of the second channels from the first inlet surface to the first outlet surface, allows the first fluid to expand during its circulation through the exchanger body, and the second fluid to contract during its circulation through the exchanger body. This avoids generating excessively large variations in the speed of the fluids and / or the pressure of the fluids inside the exchanger.

[0017] In particular, the body of the heat exchanger may be designed so as to allow a total or partial change of state of the first fluid during its circulation in the heat exchanger.

[0018] The proposed heat exchanger may further have one or more of the following characteristics: The exchanger body comprises a first inlet wall allowing penetration of the first fluid through the first inlet surface into the first network of channels, and preventing penetration of the first fluid through the first inlet surface into the second network of channels. The heat exchanger comprises a first inlet manifold for bringing the first fluid to the first inlet wall. The exchanger body comprises a first outlet wall allowing extraction of the first fluid through the first outlet surface out of the first network of channels, and preventing extraction of the second fluid through the first outlet surface out of the second network of channels. The heat exchanger comprises a first outlet manifold for extracting the first fluid through the first outlet wall.The exchanger body comprises a second inlet wall allowing penetration of the second fluid through the second inlet surface into the second network of channels, and preventing penetration of the second fluid through the second inlet surface into the second network of channels. The exchanger comprises a second inlet manifold for bringing the second fluid through the second inlet wall. The exchanger body comprises a second outlet wall allowing extraction of the second fluid through the second outlet surface out of the second network of channels, and preventing extraction of the first fluid through the second outlet surface out of the first network of channels. The exchanger comprises a second outlet manifold for extracting the second fluid through the second outlet wall.

[0019] The invention further relates to a heat exchanger assembly comprising a plurality of heat exchangers as defined above, including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, wherein the first outlet surface of the first heat exchanger is connected to the first inlet surface of the second heat exchanger such that the first fluid flows successively through the first heat exchanger and through the second heat exchanger, and wherein the second outlet surface of the second heat exchanger is connected to the second inlet surface of the first heat exchanger such that the second fluid flows successively through the second heat exchanger and through the first heat exchanger. DESCRIPTION DES FIGURES

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting and should be read in conjunction with the attached drawings, among which: there figure 1 schematically represents a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the invention, the figure 2 schematically represents, in sectional view along an XZ plane, an exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to a first example, the figure 3 schematically represents, in sectional view along an XY plane, the exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to the first example, the figure 4 schematically represents, in sectional view along a YZ plane, the exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to the first example, the figure 5 schematically represents, in sectional view along an XZ plane, an exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to a second example, the figure 6 schematically represents, in sectional view along an XY plane, the exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to the second example, the figure 7 schematically represents, in sectional view along a YZ plane, the exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to the second example, the figure 8 schematically represents, in sectional view along an XZ plane, an exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to a third example, the figure 9 schematically represents, in sectional view along an XY plane, the exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to the third example, the figure 10 schematically represents, in sectional view along a YZ plane, the exchanger body of the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , according to the third example, the figure 11 represents a heat exchanger assembly comprising a plurality of heat exchangers conforming to the heat exchanger of the figure 1 , there figure 12 represents a variant of the heat exchanger assembly of the figure 11 , there figure 13 schematically represents a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment of the invention, the figure 14 schematically represents, in sectional view, the heat exchanger of the figure 13 , there figure 15 represents a heat exchanger assembly comprising a plurality of heat exchangers conforming to the heat exchanger of the figure 13 , there figure 16 represents a variant of the heat exchanger assembly of the figure 15 . DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTION

[0021] On the figure 1 , the heat exchanger 1 shown comprises an exchanger body 2 and collectors 3 to 6.

[0022] In the first embodiment illustrated in the figure 1 , the exchanger body 2 is delimited by a rectangular parallelepiped (illustrated in dotted lines), for example a cube, having six faces (or flat surfaces).

[0023] The faces include a first face 7, a second face 8, a third face 9, a fourth face 10, a fifth face 11 and a sixth face 12.

[0024] The first face 7 constitutes a first input surface.

[0025] The second face 8 constitutes a first output surface, opposite the first input surface.

[0026] The third face 9 constitutes a second input surface.

[0027] The fourth face 10 constitutes a second output surface, opposite the second input surface.

[0028] The exchanger body 2 comprises a gyroid-shaped separating wall 21.

[0029] In the case of exchanger body 2, illustrated in the figures 1 à 10 , the gyroid is a three-dimensional curve, defined by the equation: where F is a function such that for x and y fixed, F is strictly monotonic, and a, b and c are non-zero coefficients, and K is a constant.

[0030] For example, each of the coefficients a, b and c is equal to 1.

[0031] F is considered strictly monotonic, if for all z 1 < z 2 , F (z 1 ) < F(z 2 ), or for all z 1 < z 2 , F (z 1 ) > F(z 2 ), in the volume occupied by the exchanger body.

[0032] The separating wall 21 separates a first network of channels 22 for the circulation of a first fluid, and a second network of channels 23 for the circulation of a second fluid. The first network of channels 22 and the second network of channels 23 are nested within each other. All the channels of the first network of channels 22 communicate with each other. All the channels of the second network of channels 23 communicate with each other. But the channels of the first network of channels 22 do not communicate with the channels of the second network of channels 23, so that the fluids circulating in the two networks do not mix.

[0033] The function F can be a linear function of x, y and / or z.

[0034] For example, the function F can be in the form: F x y z = A × x + B × y + C × z where A, B and C are predefined coefficients, among which at least coefficient C is non-zero.

[0035] The exchanger body 2 further comprises a first inlet wall 71, a first outlet wall 81, a second inlet wall 91, a second outlet wall 101, a first closing wall 111 and a second closing wall 121.

[0036] The first inlet wall 71 and the first outlet wall 81 close the channels of the second network of channels opening onto the first inlet surface 7 and onto the first outlet surface 8.

[0037] For this purpose, the first inlet wall 71 has a first series of inlet openings 72 arranged so as to allow circulation of the first fluid through the first inlet surface 7. The first inlet wall 71 allows penetration of the first fluid through the first inlet surface 7 into the first network of channels 22 while preventing penetration of the first fluid through the first inlet surface 7 into the second network of channels 23.

[0038] The first outlet wall 81 has a first series of outlet openings 82 arranged so as to allow circulation of the first fluid through the first outlet surface 8. The first outlet wall 81 allows extraction of the first fluid through the first outlet surface 8 out of the first network of channels 22, while preventing extraction of the second fluid through the first outlet surface 8 out of the second network of channels 23.

[0039] Thus, the first fluid enters the interior of the exchanger body 2 via the first inlet wall 71, circulates in the channels of the first network of channels 22, and leaves the exchanger body 2 via the first outlet wall 81.

[0040] The second inlet wall 91 and the second outlet wall 101 close the channels of the first network of channels 22 opening onto the second inlet surface 9 and onto the second outlet surface 10.

[0041] For this purpose, the second inlet wall 91 has a second series of inlet openings 92 arranged so as to allow circulation of the second fluid through the second inlet surface 9. The second inlet wall 91 allows penetration of the second fluid through the second inlet surface 9 into the second network of channels 23, while preventing penetration of the second fluid through the second inlet surface 9 into the first network of channels 22.

[0042] The second outlet wall 101 has a second series of outlet openings 102 arranged so as to allow circulation of the second fluid through the second outlet surface 10. The second outlet wall 101 allows extraction of the second fluid through the second outlet surface 10 out of the second network of channels 23, while preventing extraction of the first fluid through the second outlet surface 10 out of the first network of channels 22.

[0043] Thus, the second fluid enters the interior of the exchanger body 2 via the second inlet wall 9, circulates in the channels of the second network of channels 23, and leaves the exchanger body 2 via the second outlet wall 10.

[0044] The first closing wall 11 and the second closing wall 12 close both the channels of the first network of channels 22 and the channels of the second network of channels 23 opening onto the fifth face 11 and the sixth face 12 of the parallelepiped.

[0045] The exchanger body 2 (including the separating wall 21 and the walls 71, 81, 91, 101, 111 and 121) may be formed from a single piece of material, by an additive manufacturing technique or by a casting technique. The additive manufacturing technique may be a powder bed additive manufacturing technique (for example a selective laser melting technique - called SLM or "Selective Laser Melting" in English), or a powder or wire deposition additive manufacturing technique (for example a concentrated energy deposition technique - called DED or "Directed Energy Deposition" in English), or a wire and laser additive manufacturing technique (called WLAM or "Wire and Laser Additive Manufacturing").

[0046] The material of the exchanger body 2 is a material having good thermal conductivity, that is to say a thermal conductivity typically between 20 and 400 W / mK (watts per meter-kelvin). The material is preferably a metal, for example titanium, or a metal alloy, for example a carbon steel (i.e. a steel whose main alloying component is carbon with a content of between 0.12 and 2.0%, the other alloying elements being in very small quantities) or a stainless steel (i.e. a steel comprising less than 1.2% carbon with more than 10.5% chromium) or an austenitic steel (i.e. a steel characterized by a face-centered cubic molecular structure, such as for example a stainless steel obtained with 18% chromium and 8% nickel), or a duplex steel (i.e. a stainless steel having a two-phase structure composed of ferrite supplemented by 40 to 60% austenite,and typically containing at least 20% chromium, nickel, molybdenum, nitrogen and optionally copper and / or tungsten) or a super duplex steel (typically containing between 25% and 30% chromium, between 6 and 8% nickel, molybdenum, nitrogen and optionally copper and / or tungsten) or a nickel, aluminum or titanium based alloy. Alternatively, the material of the exchanger body 2 may be a polymer, a mixture of polymers or a composite material (for example a charged polymer).,

[0047] The manifolds 3 to 6 include a first inlet manifold 3, a first outlet manifold 4, a second inlet manifold 5 and a second outlet manifold 6.

[0048] The first inlet manifold 3 and the first outlet manifold 4 are suitable for guiding the first fluid (for example a cold fluid) so that the first fluid circulates inside the exchanger body 2 in the first network of channels 22.

[0049] The first inlet manifold 3 is fixed to the first inlet surface 7 of the exchanger body 2. The first inlet manifold 3 comprises a wall 31 and a first inlet pipe 32 suitable for being connected to a first conduit for supplying the first fluid.

[0050] The first outlet collector 4 is fixed to the first outlet surface 8 of the exchanger body 2. The first outlet collector 4 comprises a wall 41 and a first outlet pipe 42 suitable for being connected to a first conduit for extracting the first fluid.

[0051] Likewise, the second inlet manifold 5 and the second outlet manifold 6 are suitable for guiding the second fluid (for example a hot fluid) so that the second fluid circulates inside the exchanger body 2 in the second network of channels 23.

[0052] The second inlet manifold 5 is fixed to the second inlet surface 9 of the exchanger body 2. The second inlet manifold 5 comprises a wall 51 and a second inlet pipe 52 suitable for being connected to a second conduit for supplying the second fluid.

[0053] The second outlet collector 6 is fixed to the second outlet surface 10 of the exchanger body 2. The second outlet collector 6 comprises a wall 61 and a second outlet pipe 62 suitable for being connected to a second conduit for extracting the second fluid.

[0054] In operation, the first fluid (arrow A) is injected into the heat exchanger 1 via the first inlet pipe 32 of the first inlet manifold 3. The first fluid enters the exchanger body 2 by passing through the first fluid inlet wall 71 in the first network of channels 22. The first fluid circulates in the first network of channels 22 and leaves the exchanger body 2 by passing through the first fluid outlet wall 81. The first fluid is extracted from the exchanger via the first outlet pipe 42 of the first outlet manifold 4.

[0055] The second fluid (arrow B) is injected into the heat exchanger 1 via the second inlet pipe 52 of the second inlet manifold 5. The second fluid enters the exchanger body 2 by passing through the second fluid inlet wall 91 in the second network of channels 23. The second fluid circulates in the second network of channels 23 and leaves the exchanger body 2 by passing through the second fluid outlet wall 101. The second fluid is extracted from the exchanger via the second outlet pipe 62 of the second outlet manifold 6.

[0056] While the first fluid and the second fluid circulate in the exchanger body 2, a heat transfer occurs between the fluids through the separating wall 21.

[0057] The gyroid shape of the separating wall 21 makes it possible to maximize the exchange surface between the two fluids, while limiting pressure losses.

[0058] According to a first example of realization illustrated on the figures 2 à 4 , the function F is in the form: F x y z = C × z

[0059] In other words, coefficients A and B are zero and coefficient C is non-zero.

[0060] In this case, as can be seen on the figure 2 , the first network of channels 22 comprises first channels having a cross-section (section parallel to the XY plane) which varies continuously from the first inlet surface 7 to the first outlet surface 8. In other words, the cross-section of the first channels varies along the Z axis (axis parallel to the direction of circulation of the first fluid in the heat exchanger 1).

[0061] More specifically, in the example illustrated on the figure 2 , each of the first channels has a cross-section which increases continuously from the first inlet surface 7 to the first outlet surface 8.

[0062] Additionally, the first set of outlet openings 82 occupies an area in the first outlet wall 81 that is greater than the area occupied by the first set of inlet openings 72 in the first inlet wall 71.

[0063] In this way, the geometry of the first channels allows an expansion of the first fluid during its circulation in the body 2 of the heat exchanger 1, without increasing too significantly the speed of the first fluid in the exchanger and without increasing too significantly the pressure of the first fluid.

[0064] Moreover, as can be seen on the figure 3 , the second network of channels 23 comprises second channels having a constant cross-section (section parallel to the YZ plane) from the second inlet surface 9 to the second outlet surface 10. In other words, the cross-section of the second channels is constant along the X axis (circulation axis of the second fluid).

[0065] Additionally, the second set of outlet openings 102 in the second outlet wall 101 has an area identical to the area of ​​the second set of inlet openings 92 in the second inlet wall 91.

[0066] Moreover, as can be seen on the figure 4 , each of the first channels and the second channels has a constant cross-section from the fifth surface 11 to the sixth surface 12.

[0067] According to a second example of realization illustrated on the figures 5 à 7 , the function F is in the form: F x y z = A × x + C × z

[0068] In other words, coefficient B is zero and coefficients A and C are non-zero.

[0069] For example, A = C.

[0070] Thus, F is a function such that for x and y fixed, F is strictly monotone, and for z and y fixed, F is strictly monotone.

[0071] In this case, as can be seen on the figure 5 , the first network of channels 22 comprises first channels having a cross-section (section parallel to the XY plane) which varies continuously from the first inlet surface 7 to the first outlet surface 8. In other words, the cross-section of the first channels varies along the Z axis (axis parallel to the direction of circulation of the first fluid in the heat exchanger 1).

[0072] More specifically, in the example illustrated on the figure 5 , each of the first channels has a cross-section which increases continuously from the first inlet surface 7 to the first outlet surface 8.

[0073] Additionally, the first set of outlet openings 82 occupies an area in the first outlet wall 81 that is greater than the area occupied by the first set of inlet openings 72 in the first inlet wall 71.

[0074] In this way, the geometry of the first channels allows an expansion of the first fluid during its circulation in the body 2 of the heat exchanger 1, without increasing too significantly the speed of the first fluid in the exchanger and without increasing too significantly the pressure in the first fluid.

[0075] Moreover, as can be seen on the figure 6 , the second network of channels 23 comprises second channels having a cross-section (section parallel to the YZ plane) which varies continuously from the second inlet surface 9 to the second outlet surface 10. In other words, the cross-section of the second channels varies along the X axis (axis parallel to the direction of circulation of the second fluid in the heat exchanger 1).

[0076] More specifically, in the example illustrated on the figure 6 , each of the second channels has a cross-section which decreases from the second inlet surface 9 to the second outlet surface 10.

[0077] Additionally, the second set of outlet openings 102 occupies an area in the second outlet wall 101 that is less than the area occupied by the second set of inlet openings 92 in the second inlet wall 91.

[0078] In this way, the geometry of the second channels allows a contraction of the second fluid during its circulation in the body 2 of the heat exchanger 1, without reducing too significantly the speed of the second fluid in the exchanger and without reducing too significantly the pressure in the second fluid.

[0079] Moreover, as can be seen on the figure 7 , each of the first channels and the second channels has a constant cross-section (section parallel to the XZ plane) from the fifth surface 11 to the sixth surface 12.

[0080] According to a third example of realization illustrated on the figures 8 à 10 , the function F is in the form: F x y z = A × x + B × y + C × z

[0081] In other words, the coefficients A, B and C are non-zero.

[0082] For example, A = B = C.

[0083] Thus, F is a function such that for x and y fixed, F is strictly monotone, for z and y fixed, F is strictly monotone and for x and z fixed, F is strictly monotone.

[0084] In this case, as can be seen on the figure 8 , the first network of channels 22 comprises first channels having a cross-section (section parallel to the XY plane) which varies continuously from the first inlet surface 7 to the first outlet surface 8. In other words, the cross-section of the first channels varies along the Z axis (axis parallel to the direction of circulation of the first fluid in the heat exchanger 1).

[0085] More specifically, in the example illustrated on the figure 8 , each of the first channels has a cross-section which increases continuously from the first inlet surface 7 to the first outlet surface 8.

[0086] Additionally, the first set of outlet openings 82 occupies an area in the first outlet wall 81 that is greater than the area occupied by the first set of inlet openings 72 in the first inlet wall 71.

[0087] Moreover, as can be seen on the figure 9 , the second network of channels 23 also comprises second channels having a cross-section (section parallel to the YZ plane) which varies continuously from the second inlet surface 9 to the second outlet surface 10. In other words, the cross-section of the second channels varies along the X axis (axis parallel to the direction of circulation of the second fluid in the heat exchanger 1).

[0088] More specifically, in the example illustrated on the figure 9 , each of the second channels has a cross-section which decreases continuously from the second inlet surface 9 to the second outlet surface 10.

[0089] Additionally, the second set of outlet openings 102 occupies an area in the second outlet wall 101 that is less than the area occupied by the second set of inlet openings 92 in the second inlet wall 91.

[0090] Moreover, as can be seen on the figure 10 , each of the first channels and the second channels also has a cross-section (section parallel to the XZ plane) which varies continuously from the fifth surface 11 to the sixth surface 12.

[0091] As illustrated in the figure 11 , it is possible to combine several heat exchangers to form an exchanger assembly.

[0092] The exchanger assembly 13 illustrated on the figure 11 comprises a plurality of heat exchangers 1A, 1B and 1C stacked on top of each other. Each heat exchanger 1A, 1B and 1C is in accordance with the heat exchanger 1 of the figure 1 .

[0093] In the example illustrated on the figure 11 , the exchanger assembly 13 comprises a first heat exchanger 1A, a second heat exchanger 1B and a third heat exchanger 1C.

[0094] The first outlet surface of the first heat exchanger 1A is connected to the first inlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B and the first outlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B is connected to the first inlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C so that the first fluid (arrow A) flows successively through the first heat exchanger 1A, the second heat exchanger 1B and the third heat exchanger 1C.

[0095] The second outlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C is connected to the second inlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B and the second outlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B is connected to the second inlet surface of the first heat exchanger 1A so that the second fluid successively flows through the third heat exchanger 1C, the second heat exchanger 1B and the first heat exchanger 1A.

[0096] In the example illustrated in Fig. 11, the connection of a second outlet surface of an exchanger to a second inlet surface of the following heat exchanger is carried out using conduits 18. Each conduit 18 has one end connected to the second outlet pipe 52 of the exchanger and another end connected to the second inlet pipe 62 of the following exchanger in the stack.

[0097] The exchanger assembly may be designed such that in each heat exchanger 1A to 1C, the first channel network 22 comprises first channels having a cross-section that continuously increases along the circulation path of the first fluid.

[0098] Furthermore, each heat exchanger may comprise an exchanger body 2 having first channels having a cross-section greater than a cross-section of the preceding exchanger in the stack, such that the first fluid circulates successively in each exchanger 1A, 1B and 1C, via first channels having a cross-section which increases from one exchanger to the following exchanger.

[0099] Likewise, it is possible to design the exchanger assembly so that in each heat exchanger 1A to 1C, the second network of channels 23 comprises second channels having a cross-section which decreases along the circulation path of the second fluid.

[0100] Furthermore, each heat exchanger may comprise an exchanger body 2 having second channels having a cross-section smaller than a cross-section of the preceding exchanger in the stack, such that the second fluid circulates successively in each exchanger 1C, 1B and 1A, via second channels having a cross-section which decreases continuously from one exchanger to the following exchanger.

[0101] There figure 12 schematically represents a variant of the exchanger assembly 13 of the figure 11 .

[0102] As in the example of the figure 11 , the exchanger assembly 13 comprises a first heat exchanger 1A, a second heat exchanger 1B and a third heat exchanger 1C.

[0103] The first outlet surface of the first heat exchanger 1A is connected to the first inlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B and the first outlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B is connected to the first inlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C so that the first fluid (arrow A) flows successively through the first heat exchanger 1A, the second heat exchanger 1B and the third heat exchanger 1C.

[0104] The second outlet surface of the first heat exchanger 1A is connected to the second inlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B and the second outlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B is connected to the second inlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C so that the second fluid successively circulates through the first heat exchanger 1A, the second heat exchanger 1B and the third heat exchanger 1C.

[0105] Each heat exchanger 1A, 1B and 1C may comprise an exchanger body 2 identical to that of the heat exchanger 1A, 1B and 1C of the figure 11 .

[0106] However, in the variant illustrated on the figure 12 , each heat exchanger 1A, 1B and 1C further comprises an external casing 16 surrounding the exchanger body 2 and partitions 165, 166, 167 and 168 connecting the external casing 16 to the exchanger body 2.

[0107] The external casing 16 comprises a first wall 162 extending at a distance from and facing the second inlet surface 9 of the exchanger body 2 and a second wall 163 extending at a distance from and facing the second outlet surface 10 of the exchanger body 2.

[0108] Partitions 165, 166, 167 and 168 include a first partition 165 and a second partition 166.

[0109] In particular, the partitions 165 and 166 delimit with the first wall 162 and the second inlet surface 9, an inlet space 53 intended to receive the second fluid entering the exchanger body 2. In other words, the first wall 162 and the partitions 165, 166 form the second inlet manifold 5.

[0110] The partitions 167 and 168 delimit with the second wall 163 and the second outlet surface 10, an outlet space 63 intended to receive the second fluid leaving the exchanger body 2. In other words, the second wall 163 and the partitions 167 and 168 form the second outlet collector 6.

[0111] In the example illustrated on the figure 12 , the second fluid (arrow B) circulates successively through the first exchanger 1A, the second exchanger 1B then the third exchanger 1C.

[0112] For this purpose, the heat exchangers 1A, 1B and 1C are arranged one after the other in the stack, so that the outlet space 63 of a heat exchanger (for example the heat exchanger 1A) communicates with the inlet space 53 of the following heat exchanger (for example the heat exchanger 1B) in the direction of circulation of the second fluid.

[0113] In addition, the exchanger assembly 13 comprises a plurality of separating plates 169. Each separating plate 169 is arranged between two successive heat exchangers in the stack (for example between the heat exchangers 1A and 1B). Each separating plate 169 prevents fluid communication between the inlet space 53 of a heat exchanger and the outlet space 63 of the heat exchanger in the direction of circulation of the second fluid.

[0114] THE figures 13 And 14 schematically represent a heat exchanger 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0115] The heat exchanger 1 shown comprises an exchanger body 2, two spacers 14 and 15, a casing 16 and two end plates 3 and 4.

[0116] In the second embodiment illustrated in the figures 12 And 13, the exchanger body 2 is delimited by a cylinder of revolution. The cylinder of revolution has an axis Z of revolution. The cylinder comprises a cylindrical surface 17 and two transverse faces 7 and 8 each extending in a plane orthogonal to the axis Z.

[0117] The first face 7 constitutes a first input surface.

[0118] The second face 8 constitutes a first output surface, opposite the first input surface.

[0119] The cylindrical surface 17 comprises a surface portion forming a second inlet surface 9 and a surface portion forming a second outlet surface 10, opposite the second inlet surface.

[0120] The exchanger body 2 comprises a gyroid-shaped separating wall 21.

[0121] As in the first embodiment, the gyroid is a three-dimensional curve, defined by the equation: where F is a function such that for x and y fixed, F is strictly monotonic, and a, b and c are non-zero coefficients, and K is a constant.

[0122] For example, each of the coefficients a, b and c is equal to 1.

[0123] F is considered strictly monotonic, if for all z 1 < z 2 , F (z 1 ) < F(z 2 ), or for all z 1 < z 2 , F (z 1 ) > F(z 2 ), in the volume occupied by the exchanger body.

[0124] The separating wall 21 separates a first network of channels 22 for the circulation of a first fluid, and a second network of channels 23 for the circulation of a second fluid. The first network of channels 22 and the second network of channels 23 are nested within each other. However, the fluids circulating in the two networks of channels 22 and 23 do not mix.

[0125] As in the case of the first embodiment, the function F may be a linear function of x, y and / or z.

[0126] For example, the function F can be in the form: F x y z = A × x + B × y + C × z where A, B and C are coefficients, among which at least coefficient C is non-zero.

[0127] The exchanger body 2 further comprises a first inlet wall 71, a first outlet wall 81, a second inlet wall 91 and a second outlet wall 101.

[0128] The first inlet wall 71 and the first outlet wall 81 close the channels of the second network of channels 23 opening onto the first inlet surface 7 and onto the first outlet surface 8.

[0129] For this purpose, the first inlet wall 71 has a first series of inlet openings 72 arranged so as to allow circulation of the first fluid through the first inlet surface 7. The first inlet wall 71 allows penetration of the first fluid through the first inlet surface 7 into the first network of channels 22 while preventing penetration of the first fluid through the first inlet surface 7 into the second network of channels 23.

[0130] The first outlet wall 81 has a first series of outlet openings 82 arranged so as to allow circulation of the first fluid through the first outlet surface 8. The first outlet wall 81 allows extraction of the first fluid through the first outlet surface 8 out of the first network of channels 22, while preventing extraction of the second fluid through the first outlet surface 8 out of the second network of channels 23.

[0131] Thus, the first fluid enters the interior of the exchanger body 2 via the first inlet wall 71, circulates in the channels of the first network of channels 22, and leaves the exchanger body 2 via the first outlet wall 81.

[0132] The second inlet wall 91 and the second outlet wall 101 close the channels of the first network of channels 22 opening onto the second inlet surface 9 and onto the second outlet surface 10.

[0133] For this purpose, the second inlet wall 91 has a second series of inlet openings 92 arranged so as to allow circulation of the second fluid through the second inlet surface 9. The second inlet wall 91 allows penetration of the second fluid through the second inlet surface 9 into the second network of channels 23, while preventing penetration of the second fluid through the second inlet surface 9 into the first network of channels 22.

[0134] The second outlet wall 101 has a second series of outlet openings 102 arranged so as to allow circulation of the second fluid through the second outlet surface 10. The second outlet wall 101 allows extraction of the second fluid through the second outlet surface 10 out of the second network of channels 23, while preventing extraction of the first fluid through the second outlet surface 10 out of the first network of channels 22.

[0135] Thus, the second fluid enters the interior of the exchanger body 2 via the second inlet wall 91, circulates in the channels of the second network of channels 23, and leaves the exchanger body 2 via the second outlet wall 101.

[0136] The exchanger body 2 (including the separating wall 21 and the walls 71, 81, 91 and 101) can be formed from a single piece of material, by an additive manufacturing technique (for example a selective laser melting technique).

[0137] The material of the exchanger body 2 is metal, for example titanium.

[0138] Spacers 14 and 15 comprise a first spacer 14 and a second spacer 15.

[0139] The first spacer 14 is disposed against a first portion of the cylindrical surface 17 so as to close both the channels of the first network of channels 22 and the channels of the second network of channels 23.

[0140] The second spacer 15 is arranged against a second portion of the cylindrical surface, in a position diametrically opposite that of the first spacer 14, so as to close both the channels of the first network of channels 22 and the channels of the second network of channels 23.

[0141] The casing 16 and the two end plates 3 and 4 form a housing containing the exchanger body 2 and the spacers 14 and 15.

[0142] The casing 16 comprises a wall 161 of generally cylindrical shape. The wall 161 of the casing 16 surrounds the exchanger body 2 and the spacers 14 and 15. The wall 161 of the casing 16 can be fixed to the spacers 14 and 15, for example by weld lines.

[0143] The spacers 14 and 15 make it possible to keep the wall 161 of the casing 16 at a distance from the cylindrical surface 17 of the exchanger body 2. More precisely, the spacers 14 and 15 make it possible to provide two spaces 53 and 63 between the wall 161 and the cylindrical surface 17.

[0144] The end plates 3 and 4 include a first end plate 3 and a second end plate 4.

[0145] The first end plate 3 comprises a wall 31 having a generally circular shape and a first inlet pipe 32. The first inlet pipe 32 is suitable for being connected to a first conduit for supplying the first fluid.

[0146] The first end plate 3 thus forms a first inlet manifold. The first end plate 3 is fixed to the shell 16, for example by a weld line, so as to extend opposite the first inlet surface 7 of the exchanger body 2.

[0147] The second end plate 4 comprises a wall 41 having a generally circular shape and a first outlet pipe 42. The first outlet pipe 42 is suitable for being connected to a first conduit for extracting the first fluid.

[0148] The second end plate 4 thus forms a first outlet manifold. The second end plate 4 is fixed to the shell 16, for example by a weld line, so as to extend opposite the first outlet surface 8 of the exchanger body 2.

[0149] The first inlet manifold 3 and the first outlet manifold 4 are suitable for guiding the first fluid (for example a cold fluid) so that the first fluid circulates inside the exchanger body 2 in the first network of channels 22.

[0150] The casing 16 comprises a second inlet pipe 52 and a second outlet pipe 62.

[0151] The second inlet pipe 52 is suitable for being connected to a second conduit for supplying the second fluid.

[0152] The second outlet pipe 62 is suitable for being connected to a second conduit for extracting the second fluid.

[0153] The second inlet manifold 5 and the second outlet manifold 6 are formed by the portions of the casing 16 extending between the spacers 14 and 15 and delimiting the spaces 53 and 63.

[0154] The second inlet manifold 5 and the second outlet manifold 6 are suitable for guiding the second fluid (for example a hot fluid) so that the second fluid circulates inside the exchanger body in the second network of channels.

[0155] In operation, the first fluid (arrow A) is injected into the heat exchanger 1 via the first inlet pipe 32 of the first inlet manifold 3. The first fluid enters the exchanger body 2 by passing through the first fluid inlet wall 71 in the first network of channels 22. The first fluid circulates in the first network of channels 22 and leaves the exchanger body 2 by passing through the first fluid outlet wall 81. The first fluid is extracted from the exchanger via the first outlet pipe 42 of the first outlet manifold 4.

[0156] The second fluid (arrow B) is injected into the heat exchanger 1 via the second inlet pipe 52 of the second inlet manifold 5. The second fluid enters the exchanger body 2 by passing through the second fluid inlet wall 91 in the second network of channels 23. The second fluid circulates in the second network of channels 23 and leaves the exchanger body 2 by passing through the second fluid outlet wall 101. The second fluid is extracted from the exchanger via the second outlet pipe 62 of the second outlet manifold 6.

[0157] While the first fluid and the second fluid circulate in the exchanger body 2, a heat transfer occurs between the fluids through the separating wall 21.

[0158] As illustrated in the figure 15 , it is possible to combine several heat exchangers 1 to form an exchanger assembly 13.

[0159] The exchanger assembly 13 illustrated on the figure 15 comprises a plurality of heat exchangers 1A to 1D stacked on top of each other. Each heat exchanger 1A to 1D is in accordance with the heat exchanger of the figures 13 And 14 .

[0160] In the example illustrated on the figure 15 , the exchanger assembly 13 comprises a first heat exchanger 1A, a second heat exchanger 1B, a third heat exchanger 1C and a fourth heat exchanger 1D.

[0161] The first outlet surface of the first heat exchanger 1A is connected to the first inlet surface 7 of the second heat exchanger 1B, the first outlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B is connected to the first inlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C, and the first outlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C is connected to the first inlet surface of the fourth heat exchanger 1D. Thus, the first fluid (arrow A) circulates successively through the first heat exchanger 1A, the second heat exchanger 1B, the third heat exchanger 1C and the fourth heat exchanger 1D.

[0162] The second outlet surface of the fourth heat exchanger 1D is connected to the second inlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C, the second outlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C is connected to the second inlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B and the second outlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B is connected to the second inlet surface of the first heat exchanger 1A. Thus, the second fluid (arrow B) circulates successively through the fourth heat exchanger 1D, the third heat exchanger 1C, the second heat exchanger 1B and the first heat exchanger 1A.

[0163] In the example illustrated in Fig. 15, the connection of a second outlet surface of an exchanger to a second inlet surface of the following heat exchanger is carried out using pipes 18.

[0164] There figure 16 schematically represents a variant of the exchanger assembly of the figure 15 .

[0165] The exchanger assembly 13 comprises a first heat exchanger 1A, a second heat exchanger 1B and a third heat exchanger 1C.

[0166] The first outlet surface of the first heat exchanger 1A is connected to the first inlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B and the first outlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B is connected to the first inlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C so that the first fluid (arrow A) flows successively through the first heat exchanger 1A, the second heat exchanger 1B and the third heat exchanger 1C.

[0167] The second outlet surface of the first heat exchanger 1A is connected to the second inlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B and the second outlet surface of the second heat exchanger 1B is connected to the second inlet surface of the third heat exchanger 1C so that the second fluid successively circulates through the first heat exchanger 1A, the second heat exchanger 1B and the third heat exchanger 1C.

[0168] Each heat exchanger 1A, 1B and 1C comprises an exchanger body 2 conforming to that of the heat exchanger 1 of the figure 1 .

[0169] However, in the variant illustrated on the figure 12 , each heat exchanger 1A, 1B and 1C further comprises an external casing 16 surrounding the exchanger body 2 and partitions connecting the external casing 16 to the exchanger body 2.

[0170] The external casing 16 comprises a wall 161 of generally cylindrical shape of revolution surrounding the exchanger body 2. The wall 161 comprises a first wall portion 162 extending at a distance from and facing the second inlet surface 9 of the exchanger body 2 and a second wall portion 163 extending at a distance from and facing the second outlet surface 10 of the exchanger body 2.

[0171] Each heat exchanger 1A, 1B and 1C comprises partitions 165, 166, 167 and 168. The partitions delimit spaces 53 and 63 between the external casing 16 and the exchanger body 2.

[0172] The partitions include a first partition 165 and a second partition 166. The first partition 165 and the second partition 166 delimit with the first wall portion 162 and the first inlet surface 9 an inlet space 53 intended to receive the second fluid entering the exchanger body 2. In other words, the first wall 9 and the partitions 165, 166 form the second inlet manifold 5.

[0173] The partitions include a third partition 167 and a fourth partition 168. The third partition 167 and the fourth partition 168 delimit with the second wall portion 163 and the second outlet surface 10, an outlet space 63 intended to receive the second fluid leaving the exchanger body 2. In other words, the second wall portion 163 and the partitions 167 and 168 form the second outlet collector 6.

[0174] In the example illustrated on the figure 16 , the second fluid (arrow B) circulates successively through the first exchanger 1A, the second exchanger 1B then the third exchanger 1C.

[0175] For this purpose, the heat exchangers 1A, 1B and 1C are arranged one after the other in the stack, so that the outlet space 63 of a heat exchanger (for example the heat exchanger 1A) communicates with the inlet space 53 of the following heat exchanger (for example the heat exchanger 1B) in the direction of circulation of the second fluid.

[0176] In addition, the exchanger assembly 13 comprises a plurality of separation plates 169. Each separation plate 169 is arranged between two successive heat exchangers in the stack (for example between the exchanger 1A and the exchanger 1B). In the example illustrated in the figure 16, each separating plate 169 has a C-shape. Each separating plate 169 prevents fluid communication between the inlet space 53 of one heat exchanger and the outlet space 63 of the next heat exchanger in the direction of circulation of the second fluid.

[0177] Il It is possible to stack a variable number of heat exchangers depending on requirements. In this case, the first outlet surface of one heat exchanger is connected to the first inlet surface of another adjacent heat exchanger in the stack so that the first fluid flows successively through the heat exchangers of the stack. The second outlet surface of the other adjacent heat exchanger is connected to the second inlet surface of the heat exchanger so that the second fluid flows successively through the heat exchangers of the stack.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (1) comprising an exchanger body (2) delimited by a first inlet surface (7), a first outlet surface (8), a second inlet surface (9) and a second outlet surface (10), the exchanger body (2) comprising a gyroid-shaped separating wall (21) separating a first network of channels (22) for the circulation of a first fluid from the first inlet surface (7) to the first outlet surface (8), and a second network of channels (23) for the circulation of a second fluid from the second inlet surface (9) to the second outlet surface (10), characterized in that the first network of channels (22) comprises first channels having a cross-section which varies by continuously increasing from the first inlet surface (7) to the first outlet surface (8), and in that the second channel network (23) comprises second channels having a cross-section which varies by continuously decreasing from the second inlet surface (9) to the second outlet surface (10).

2. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein the exchanger body (2) comprises a first inlet wall (71) allowing penetration of the first fluid through the first inlet surface (7) into the first channel network (22) and preventing penetration of the first fluid through the first inlet surface (7) into the second channel network (23).

3. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, comprising a first inlet manifold (3) for feeding the first fluid to the first inlet wall (71).

4. Heat exchanger (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the exchanger body (2) comprises a first outlet wall (81) allowing extraction of the first fluid through the first outlet surface (8) out of the first channel network (22) and preventing extraction of the second fluid through the first outlet surface (8) out of the second channel network (23).

5. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 4, comprising a first outlet manifold (4) for extracting the first fluid through the first outlet wall (81).

6. Heat exchanger (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the exchanger body (2) comprises a second inlet wall (91) allowing penetration of the second fluid through the second inlet surface (9) into the second channel network (23) and preventing penetration of the second fluid through the second inlet surface (9) into the second channel network (23).

7. Heat exchanger according to claim 6, comprising a second inlet manifold (5) for feeding the second fluid through the second inlet wall (91).

8. Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the exchanger body (2) comprises a second outlet wall (101) allowing extraction of the second fluid through the second outlet surface (10) out of the second channel network (23) and preventing extraction of the first fluid through the second outlet surface (10) out of the first channel network (23).

9. Heat exchanger according to claim 8, comprising a second outlet manifold (6) for extracting the second fluid through the second outlet wall (10).

10. Heat exchanger assembly (13) comprising a plurality of heat exchangers (1A-1 D) according to one of claims 1 to 9, including a first heat exchanger (1A) and a second heat exchanger (1B), wherein the first outlet surface (8) of the first heat exchanger (1A) is connected to the first inlet surface (7) of the second heat exchanger (1B) so that the first fluid flows successively through the first heat exchanger (1A) and through the second heat exchanger (1B), and wherein the second outlet surface (10) of the second heat exchanger (1B) is connected to the second inlet surface (9) of the first heat exchanger (1A) so that the second fluid flows successively through the second heat exchanger (1B) and through the first heat exchanger (1A).