Alternating channel heat exchanger between two fluids

Abstract

Alternating Channel Heat Exchanger for Two Fluids The invention relates to a heat exchanger (100), particularly for vehicles, comprising a first set (1) of channels (11) configured to circulate a first fluid in a flow direction (YY) and a second set (2) of channels (21) configured to circulate a second fluid in the flow direction (YY), the channels (11, 21) of the first and second sets (1, 2) being positioned alternately in a direction (XX) of alternation different from the flow direction (YY) of the first and second fluids, characterized in that the channels (11, 21) are made of material between each other at least in said direction (XX) of alternation, and in that a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the first fluid in the channels (11) of the first set (1) is different from a sum of the cross-sectional areas of the second fluid in the channels (21) of the second set (2). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Heat exchanger with alternating channels between two fluids technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to heat exchangers adapted in particular for vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to the fluid distribution for these heat exchangers.

[0002] The vehicle may be of land, sea or air type. Previous technique

[0003] In general, electric vehicles require an on-board thermal management system incorporating, for example, a heat pump, coolant distributors, a battery cooling loop, etc.

[0004] There is a need to ensure an optimal temperature at the level of the battery cells, in particular during a period of rapid battery charging, or in order to improve the range of the electric vehicle at particular ambient temperatures, for example at cold temperatures.

[0005] There is also a need to reduce the pressure losses that take place in the thermal management system, thereby reducing the electrical consumption of the thermal management system.

[0006] The invention aims to correct at least partially the disadvantages of the state of the art. Description of the invention

[0007] The invention thus relates to a heat exchanger, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a first set of channels configured to circulate a first fluid in a flow direction and a second set of channels configured to circulate a second fluid in the flow direction, the channels of the first and second sets being positioned alternately in a direction of alternation different from the flow direction of the first and second fluids, characterized in that the channels have come of material between them at least in said direction of alternation, and in that a sum of the cross-sections of passage of the first fluid of the channels of the first set is different from a sum of the cross-sections of passage of the second fluid of the channels of the second set.

[0008] Alternation is understood to mean a repeated succession, in a direction, of a pattern comprising one or more channels of the second set placed between one or more channels of the first set. It being understood that the number of alternating channels may vary in said direction.

[0009] The sum of the cross-sectional areas of a fluid through the channels means the sum of all the cross-sectional areas of the channels of the same fluid in the direction of alternation. The cross-sectional areas of the channels are to be understood as, from a cross-sectional view, the surface of the channels in the plane of the section.

[0010] By material flow, it is understood that the channels in the same direction, configured for the first and second fluids, are monolithic. These channels in the same direction are, for example, produced by extrusion or by adding material.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger includes means for distributing and collecting the first and second fluids, said means for distributing and collecting having a main direction of distribution and collection perpendicular to the direction of alternation.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution means of the first set and the second set are on the same side of the exchanger.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution means of the first set and the second set are positioned one behind the other in the direction of flow of the first or second fluid.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection means of the first set and the second set are on the same side of the exchanger, a side of the exchanger different from that on which the distribution means of the first set and the second set are positioned.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection means of the first set and the second set are positioned one behind the other in the direction of flow of the first or second fluid.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention and alternatively, the distribution means of the first set and the collection means of the second set are on the same side of the exchanger.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection means of the first set and the distribution means of the second set are on the same side of the exchanger, a side of the exchanger different from that on which the distribution means of the first set and the collection means of the second set are positioned.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, each cross-section of the fluid passage of the first assembly is greater than a cross-section of the fluid passage of the second assembly.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention and alternatively, each cross-section of fluid passage of the first assembly and the second assembly are identical, the number of channels of the first assembly being different from the number of channels of the second assembly.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels of the first and second assemblies are positioned alternately in the main direction of distribution and collection.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the alternating direction and the main distribution and collection direction are, for example, a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. A horizontal direction is understood to be a direction extending across the width of the heat exchanger. A vertical direction is understood to be a direction extending across the thickness of the heat exchanger.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels of the first and second sets came together in the direction of alternation and in the main direction of distribution and collection.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, and alternatively, the channels of the first and second sets of channels are joined by material in only one direction, namely the alternating direction. It is thus understood that the heat exchanger comprises a stack of tubes, said tubes being the first and second sets of channels joined by material. These tubes extend primarily in a plane formed by the alternating direction and the flow direction of the first and second fluids. The stacking of said tubes therefore follows the principal distribution and collection direction.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, in the main direction of distribution and collection, the tubes are arranged against each other without any space between them. This arrangement of the tubes allows for heat exchange between the tubes by conduction.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution and collection means supplying the first assembly with fluid first have a larger fluid passage cross-section than the distribution and collection means supplying the second assembly with fluid second.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, each manifold includes a fluidic fitting allowing it to be routed either to or from the heat exchanger of the first or second fluid.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger comprises two fluidic blocks, each fluidic block comprising two fluidic fittings.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the two fluidic blocks are placed on the same side of the heat exchanger. This same side of the heat exchanger being one of the sides of the exchanger along the main distribution and collection direction.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger includes at least one separator configured to separate the first and / or second fluid in several passes.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger is an internal heat exchanger, the first fluid and the second fluid being the same fluid in different states, for example, of pressure. In such an application, the channels of the The first set consists of those configured for a lower pressure than the channels in the second set.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention and according to one embodiment of the invention, the channels of the first set are of the same length as the channels of the second set.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the means for distributing and collecting the first and second sets comprise a plurality of orifices passing transversely through a plurality of channels of the first or second set.

[0033] Thanks to the plurality of through orifices, the heat exchanger has a greater compactness compared to an exchanger whose distribution or collection means are placed on the sides because here, by the plurality of orifices acting as a collector, the plurality of orifices is located within the volume formed by the channels and therefore does not add any additional total volume to the exchanger.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution and collection means for the first and second assemblies comprise at least one through-hole per channel. For example, it is possible to have one, two, or three through-holes for each channel of the first and second assemblies and for each collector. The number of holes per channel may differ between the first and second assemblies.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices have the same width as the channels traversed by the first or second assembly. Width should be understood as a dimension extending in the direction of alternation.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices have a length greater than the width of the channels, preferably three times greater than the width of the channels. Length should be understood as a dimension extending in the direction of flow of the first and second fluids.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices of the same set are aligned along the alternating direction. The orifices of the two sets can be arranged on the same alignment or on two separate alignments, for example, with the orifices of the second set placed at a greater distance from one end of the channels than the orifices of the first set.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices may have a cross-section of rectilinear, circular or oblong shape.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger comprises at least one orifice closure plate, preferably two closure plates, configured to close one side of the orifices, said side being opposite the fluidic blocks.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the plurality of orifices is achieved by drilling the tubes. It is possible, during drilling, not to penetrate the entire length of stacking the tubes in such a way that the orifices of the last tube in the stack are not passable.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, and alternatively, the heat exchanger does not include a closing plate configured to block one side of the orifices. This is possible when the heat exchanger is manufactured, in particular, by additive manufacturing, the plurality of orifices then not being through-holes with respect to the channels located at one end of the exchanger along the main distribution and collection direction. The channels of the first and second assemblies can be blind at both ends. When the heat exchanger is manufactured, in particular, by additive manufacturing, the channels can be directly manufactured as blind, that is to say, comprising plugs formed from the same material as the channels.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels of the first and second assemblies are closed at both ends by lateral closing plates.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one distribution or collection closure plate and one of the side closure plates are a single plate. It is thus understood that the plate is an angled plate allowing partial coverage of two adjacent sides of the heat exchanger.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, and alternatively, the ends of the tubes are deformed so as to obstruct the channels in the direction of flow of the first and second fluids. The deformation could be, for example, a crushing of the ends of the tubes.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, and alternatively, the ends of the tubes can be sealed by adding material. For example, the ends of the tubes can be immersed in brazing material.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluidic blocks can be directly brazed or welded onto the heat exchanger.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution ports of the first and / or second assemblies can extend only over a portion of the channels along the main distribution and collection direction. In other words, the plurality of ports traverse transversely, that is, in the main distribution and collection direction, only a portion of the channels of the first or second assembly. The heat exchanger then comprises intermediate conduits configured to fluidly connect the distribution ports with the collection ports. The number of intermediate conduits defines the number of passes. Thus, with one intermediate conduit for one of the first or second fluids, this allows for two passes, while two intermediate conduits for one of the first or second fluids allow for three passes. Therefore, one intermediate conduit is required for each additional pass.The at least one separator described previously therefore corresponds in this mode of . construction with a canal wall devoid of a through orifice. The intermediate conduit(s) have characteristics similar to through orifices.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluidic blocks each include means for attaching them to the tube stack. These attachment means are configured, in particular, to hold the tubes of the stack together. This has the advantage of holding the tubes in position before a tube brazing step. These attachment means may be fixing tabs extending on either side of the tube stack along the main distribution and collection direction from the communication blocks. These fixing tabs may, for example, crimp the tube stack so as to fix the tubes together without the need for a tube brazing step.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention and according to another embodiment of the invention, the distribution and collection means include distribution and collection collectors.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution and collection manifolds of the first assembly are arranged between the distribution and collection manifolds of the second assembly. It is understood that all the manifolds of the heat exchanger are aligned along the principal direction of channel elongation.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the channels of the first set are shorter than the channels of the second set, the channels of the second set extend into the distribution manifold and into the collection manifold of the first set without fluidic connection.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, each of the distribution and collection manifolds of the second assembly is a single-piece box.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, each of the distribution and collection manifolds of the first set is partially formed by a wall of a distribution or collection manifold of the second set.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the collectors may include reinforcing ribs.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution and / or collection manifolds of the first and / or second assemblies may include at least one separator configured to divide the fluid flow into a plurality of passes. These separators divide the distribution and / or collection manifolds and form one or more intermediate manifolds configured to fluidly connect the distribution manifolds with the collection manifolds. The number of intermediate manifolds defines the number of passes. Thus, one intermediate manifold for one of the first or second fluids allows for two passes, whereas two manifolds Intermediate manifolds for one or both of the first and second fluids allow for three passes. Therefore, an intermediate manifold is required for each additional pass.

[0056] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger as described above, said method comprising the following step: • To achieve, at least in the direction of alternation, a continuity of material between the first and second sets of channels by means of an extrusion process or by an additive manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing refers to three-dimensional printing processes, also known as additive manufacturing. Brief description of the drawings

[0057] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, which is provided by way of example in conjunction with drawings in which: • [Fig.1] is a schematic overview view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the invention; • [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to a variant of the embodiment of [Fig.1]; • [Fig.3] is a schematic overview view of a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the invention; • [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the heat exchanger of [Fig.3] with a masked fluidic block to show the channels of the first and second assemblies as well as the distribution and collection means on one side of the heat exchanger; • [Fig.5] is a schematic view of a variant of the heat exchanger of [Fig.3] and 4 with the same masked elements as [Fig.4]; • [Fig.6] is a schematic longitudinal section of a variant of the heat exchanger in figures 3 to 5; • [Fig.7] is a schematic view of a variant of the heat exchanger in Figures 3 to 6.

[0058] It should first be noted that while the figures illustrate the invention in detail for its implementation, these figures can of course also be used to further define the invention where appropriate. It should also be noted that these figures only show a few examples of embodiments of the invention. Detailed description

[0059] Figure 1 illustrates a heat exchanger 100, particularly for vehicles, comprising a first set 1 of channels 11 configured to circulate a first fluid in a flow direction YY and a second set 2 of channels 21 configured to circulate a second fluid in the YY flow direction, the channels 11,21 of the first and second sets 1, 2 being positioned alternately in a XX alternating direction different from the YY flow direction of the first and second fluids, characterized in that the channels 11,21 have come of matter between them at least in said XX alternating direction, and in that a sum of the cross-sections of passage of the first fluid of the channels 11 of the first set 1 is different from a sum of the cross-sections of passage of the second fluid of the channels 21 of the second set 2.

[0060] Figures 2, 4 to 7 clearly show the two sets 1, 2 of channels 11, 21.

[0061] The heat exchanger 100 includes means for distributing 3 and collecting 4 the first and second fluids, said means 3, 4 having a main distribution and collection direction ZZ perpendicular to the alternating direction XX.

[0062] The distribution means 3 of the first set 1 and the second set 2 can be on the same side of the exchanger 100. The distribution means 3 of the first set 1 and the second set 2 are positioned one behind the other in the YY direction of flow of the first or second fluid.

[0063] The collection means 4 of the first set 1 and of the second set 2 are then on the same side of the exchanger 100, a side of the exchanger 100 different from that on which the distribution means 3 of the first set 1 and of the second set 2 are positioned.

[0064] The collection means 4 of the first set 1 and of the second set 2 are positioned one behind the other in the YY direction of flow of the first or second fluid.

[0065] Alternatively, the distribution means 3 of the first set 1 and the collection means 4 of the second set 2 can be on the same side of the exchanger 100. The collection means 4 of the first set 1 and the distribution means 3 of the second set 2 are then on the same side of the exchanger 100, a side of the exchanger 100 different from that on which the distribution means 3 of the first set 1 and the collection means 4 of the second set 2 are positioned.

[0066] As illustrated in the figures, each cross-section of the fluid passage of the first assembly 1 is greater than a cross-section of the fluid passage of the second assembly 2.

[0067] Alternatively and not illustrated, each cross-section of fluid passage of the first set 1 and of the second set 2 are identical, the number of channels 11 of the first set 1 being different from the number of channels 21 of the second set 2.

[0068] As can be seen in figures 2 to 4 and 6, the channels 11, 21 of the first and second sets 1, 2 are positioned alternately in the main ZZ distribution and collection direction.

[0069] Alternatively, and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, the alternating direction XX and the main distribution and collection direction ZZ are, for example, a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. A horizontal direction is understood to be a direction extending across the width of the heat exchanger 100. A vertical direction is understood to be a direction extending across the thickness of the heat exchanger 100.

[0070] As shown in [Fig.2] and according to one variant, the channels 11, 21 of the first and second sets 1, 2 came from material between them in the XX direction of alternation and in the main ZZ direction of distribution and collection.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 7, and according to another embodiment, the channels 11, 21 of the first and second sets 1, 2 have flowed into each other in only one direction, the alternating direction XX. It is thus understood that the heat exchanger 100 comprises a stack of tubes 5, said tubes 5 being the first and second sets 1, 2 of channels flowed into each other. These tubes 5 extend primarily in a plane formed by the alternating direction XX and the flow direction YY of the first and second fluids. The stacking of said tubes 5 is therefore along the main distribution and collection direction ZZ.

[0072] In the main distribution and collection direction ZZ, the tubes 5 are arranged against each other without any space between them. This arrangement of the tubes 5 allows for heat exchange between the tubes 5 by conduction.

[0073] The distribution and collection means 3, 4 supplying the first fluid to the first assembly 1 have a larger fluid passage cross-section than the distribution and collection means 3, 4 supplying the second fluid to the second assembly 2.

[0074] Each manifold 3, 4 includes a fluid connection 6 allowing the first or second fluid to be routed either to or from the heat exchanger 100.

[0075] The heat exchanger 100 comprises two fluidic blocks 7, each fluidic block 7 comprising two fluidic fittings 6.

[0076] The two fluidic blocks 7 are placed on the same side of the heat exchanger 100. This same side of the heat exchanger 100 being one of the sides of the exchanger 100 along the main distribution and collection direction ZZ.

[0077] The heat exchanger 100 includes at least one separator, not shown and configured to separate the first and / or second fluid in several passes.

[0078] The heat exchanger 100 is an internal heat exchanger, the first fluid and the second fluid being the same fluid in different states, for example, of pressure. In such an application, the channels 11 of the first assembly 1 are those configured for a lower pressure than the channels 21 of the second set 2.

[0079] A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in figures 1 and 2. The channels (11) of the first assembly (1) are of the same length as the channels (21) of the second assembly (2).

[0080] The means 3, 4 for distributing and collecting the first and second sets 1, 2 comprise a plurality of orifices 8 traversing transversely a plurality of channels 11,21 of the first 1 or of the second set 2.

[0081] Thanks to the plurality of through orifices 8, the heat exchanger 100 has a greater compactness compared to an exchanger whose distribution and collection orifices 8 are placed on the sides because here, by the plurality of orifices acting as collector, the distribution and collection means are located within the volume formed by the channels and therefore do not add any additional total volume to the exchanger.

[0082] The distribution and collection means 3, 4 for the first and second assemblies 1, 2 comprise at least one through-hole per channel 11, 21. For example, it is possible to have one, two, or three through-holes 8 for each channel 11, 21 of the first and second assemblies 1, 2 and for each collector 3, 4. The number of through-holes 8 per channel 11, 21 may differ between the first assembly 1 and the second assembly 2.

[0083] The orifices 8 have the same width as the channels 11,21 traversed by the first or second sets 1, 2. By width we must understand a dimension extending in the direction XX of alternation.

[0084] The orifices 8 may have a length greater than the width of the channels 11,21, preferably three times greater than the width of the channels 11,21. By length we must understand a dimension extending in the YY direction of flow of the first and second fluids.

[0085] The orifices 8 of the same set 1, 2 are aligned along the alternating direction XX. The orifices 8 of the two sets 1, 2 can be arranged on the same alignment or on two separate alignments, for example the orifices 8 of the second set 2 placed at a greater distance from one end of the channels 11, 21 than the orifices 8 of the first set 1.

[0086] The orifices may have a cross-section of straight, circular or oblong shape.

[0087] The heat exchanger 100 includes at least one closure plate 9 for the orifices 8, preferably two closure plates 9, configured to close one side of the orifices 8, said side being opposite the fluidic blocks 7.

[0088] The plurality of orifices 8 can be achieved by drilling the tubes 5. It is possible during drilling not to go through the entire stack of tubes 5 so as to leave the orifices 8 of the last tube 5 of the stack non-through.

[0089] Alternatively, and as can be seen in [Fig.2], the heat exchanger 100 does not include a closing plate 9 configured to close one side of the orifices 8. Indeed, this is possible when the heat exchanger 100 is made in particular by additive manufacturing, the plurality of orifices 8 then being non-through with respect to the channels 11,21 placed at one end of the exchanger 100 along the main distribution and collection direction ZZ.

[0090] The channels 11, 21 of the first and second assemblies 1, 2 are blind at both ends. When the heat exchanger 100 is produced, in particular by additive manufacturing, the channels 11, 21 can be directly manufactured blind, that is to say, comprising plugs formed from the same material as the channels.

[0091] When, as an alternative to additive manufacturing, the channels 11,21 are obtained by example by extrusion, then the channels 11,21 of the first and second sets 1, 2 are closed at their two ends by lateral closing plates 10.

[0092] At least one manifold end plate 9 and one of the side end plates 10 are the same plate. It is thus understood that the plate is an angled plate allowing it to partially cover two adjacent sides of the heat exchanger 100.

[0093] Alternatively, the ends of the tubes 5 are deformed so as to obstruct the channels 11, 21 in the YY direction of flow of the first and second fluids. The deformation could be, for example, a crushing of the ends of the tubes 5.

[0094] According to one aspect of the invention, and alternatively, the ends of the tubes 5 can be sealed by adding material. For example, the ends of the tubes 5 can be immersed in brazing material.

[0095] The fluidic blocks 7 can be directly brazed or welded onto the heat exchanger 100.

[0096] The distribution ports 8 of the first and / or second assemblies 1, 2 may extend only over a portion of the channels 11, 21 along the main distribution and collection direction ZZ. In other words, the plurality of ports 8 cross transversely, i.e., in the main distribution and collection direction ZZ, only a portion of the channels 11, 21 of the first 1 or the second assembly 2. The heat exchanger 100 then includes intermediate conduits configured to fluidly connect the distribution means 3 with the collection means 4. The number of intermediate conduits defines the number of passes. Thus, one intermediate conduit for one of the first or second fluids allows for two passes, while two intermediate conduits for one of the first or second fluids allow for two passes. The fluids allow for three passes. Therefore, an intermediate conduit is required for each additional pass. The at least one separator described previously corresponds, in this embodiment, to a channel wall without a through orifice 8. The intermediate conduit(s) have characteristics similar to the through orifices 8.

[0097] Not shown in the figures, the fluidic blocks 7 each include means for attaching to the stack of tubes 5. These means are specifically configured to hold the tubes 5 of the stack together. This has the advantage of holding the tubes 5 in position before a brazing step. These means can be fixing tabs extending on either side of the stack of tubes 5 along the main distribution and collection direction ZZ, from the communication blocks 7. These fixing tabs can, for example, crimp the stack of tubes 5 so as to fix the tubes 5 together without the need for a brazing step.

[0098] A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in figures 3 to 7. The distribution means 3 and collection means 4 comprise distribution collectors 81 and collection collectors 82.

[0099] The distribution manifolds 81 and collection manifolds 82 of the first set 1 are arranged between the distribution manifolds 81 and collection 82 of the second set 2. It is understood that all the distribution manifolds 81 and collection 82 of the heat exchanger 100 are aligned along the main direction of elongation of the channels.

[0100] The channels 11 of the first set 1 are shorter than the channels 21 of the second set 2, the channels 21 of the second set 2 extend into the distribution manifold 81 and into the collection manifold 82 of the first set 1 without fluid connection.

[0101] As illustrated in figures 3 to 5, each of the distribution manifolds 81 and collection manifolds 82 of the second assembly 2 is a single-piece box.

[0102] As illustrated in [Fig.6] and according to one variant, each of the distribution manifolds 81 and collection manifolds 82 of the first set 1 is partially formed by a wall of a distribution manifold 81 or collection manifold 82 of the second set 2.

[0103] At least one of the distribution manifolds 81 and collection manifolds 82 may include reinforcing ribs 41, visible in [Fig.7].

[0104] The distribution manifolds 81 and / or collection manifolds 82 of the first and / or second assemblies 1, 2 may include at least one separator (not shown) configured to divide the fluid flow into a plurality of passes. These separators divide the distribution manifolds 81 and / or collection manifolds 82 and form one or more intermediate manifolds configured to fluidly connect the distribution manifolds 81. with the 82 collection manifolds. The number of intermediate manifolds defines the number of passes. Thus, one intermediate manifold for one of the first or second fluids allows for two passes, while two intermediate manifolds for one of the first or second fluids allow for three passes. Therefore, one intermediate manifold is required for each additional pass.

[0105] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger 100 as described above, said method comprising the following step: • to achieve, at least along the alternating direction XX, a continuity of material between the first and second sets 1, 2 of channels 11, 21 by an extrusion process or by an additive manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing refers to three-dimensional printing processes, also known as additive manufacturing.

Claims

Demands

1. Heat exchanger (100), particularly for vehicles, comprising a first set (1) of channels (11) configured to circulate a first fluid in a flow direction (YY) and a second set (2) of channels (21) configured to circulate a second fluid in the flow direction (YY), the channels (11, 21) of the first and second sets (1, 2) being positioned alternately in a direction (XX) of alternation different from the flow direction (YY) of the first and second fluids, characterized in that the channels (11, 21) have come into contact with each other at least in said direction (XX) of alternation, and in that a sum of the cross-sectional areas of passage of the first fluid of the channels (11) of the first set (1) is different from a sum of the cross-sectional areas of passage of the second fluid of the channels (21) of the second set (2),in which said heat exchanger (100) comprises means for distributing (3) and collecting (4) the first and second fluids, said means (3, 4) having a principal direction (ZZ) of distribution and collection perpendicular to the direction (XX) of alternation, in which the channels (11) of the first set (1) are of the same length as the channels (21) of the second set (2), in which the means for distributing (3) and collecting (4) the first and second sets (1,2) comprise a plurality of orifices (8) passing transversely through a plurality of channels (11, 21) of the first (1) or the second set (2).

2. Heat exchanger (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fluid passage cross-section of the first assembly (1) is greater than a fluid passage cross-section of the second assembly (2).

3. Heat exchanger (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each fluid passage cross-section of the first assembly (1) and the second assembly (2) are identical, the number of channels (11) of the first assembly (1) being different from the number of channels (21) of the second assembly (2).

4. Heat exchanger (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (11, 21) of the first and second assemblies (1, 2) are made of material between them in the direction (XX) of alternation and in the main direction (ZZ) of distribution and collection.

5. Heat exchanger (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the channels (11, 21) of the first and second assemblies (1, 2) have come into contact with each other in only one direction, the alternating direction (XX).

6. Heat exchanger (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution (3) and collection (4) means supplying the first assembly (1) with fluid first have a larger fluid passage cross-section than the distribution (3) and collection (4) means supplying the second assembly (2) with fluid second.

7. Heat exchanger (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (11) of the first set (1) are those configured for a lower pressure than the channels (21) of the second set (2).

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