Plate for heat exchanger, plate laminate for heat exchanger and microchannel heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a plate for a heat exchanger with high heat transfer coefficient, a plate laminate for a heat exchanger, and a microchannel heat exchanger.SOLUTION: A plate for a first heat exchanger comprises: an inlet header formed by a first opening; an outlet header formed by a second opening; and a plurality of partition walls provided between the inlet header and the outlet header so as to partition a fluid flow path from the inlet header to the outlet header into a plurality of parallel flow paths. The one or more of the partition walls include one or more notches. A pair of parallel flow paths on both sides with the partition wall having the one or more notches interposed therebetween communicate with each other through the respective notches. A first distance between the inlet header and the one or more notches in a fluid flow direction is smaller than a second distance between the outlet header and the one or more notches in the fluid flow direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to heat exchanger plates, heat exchanger plate stacks, and microchannel heat exchangers. [Background technology]

[0002] A known plate stack for a heat exchanger includes a first plate forming a first flow path through which a first fluid flows and a second plate forming a second flow path through which a second fluid flows for heat exchange with the first fluid. Suppressing uneven flow of the first fluid in the first flow path leads to an improvement in the overall heat transfer coefficient of the plate stack for a heat exchanger. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that evaporation of the liquid phase of the first fluid flowing through the first flow path generates bubbles, causing the first fluid to flow backward, resulting in uneven flow of the first fluid in the first flow path. Therefore, in this document, the upstream portion of the first flow path is formed in a corrugated shape, and the downstream portion is formed in a linear shape. This facilitates the flow of bubbles downstream, suppressing uneven flow of the first fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-020068 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the findings of the inventors of the present application, although the above-mentioned patent documents have a certain effect in suppressing uneven flow of the first fluid, there is still room for further improvement.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger plate, a heat exchanger plate stack, and a microchannel heat exchanger that achieve a high heat transfer coefficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A heat exchanger plate according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: A heat exchange plate having a plurality of parallel flow paths through which a first fluid flows that is heated by heat exchange with a second fluid, an inlet header formed by a first opening and configured to guide the first fluid in a gas-liquid two-phase flow state to the plurality of parallel flow paths; an outlet header formed by the second opening; a plurality of partition walls provided between the inlet header and the outlet header so as to divide the flow path of the first fluid from the inlet header toward the outlet header into the plurality of parallel flow paths; Equipped with one or more of the partition walls includes one or more notches; a pair of the parallel flow paths on both sides of the partition wall having the notch communicate with each other via the notch; A first distance between the inlet header and the one or more notches in a flow direction of the first fluid is less than a second distance between the outlet header and the one or more notches in the flow direction.

[0007] A heat exchanger plate stack according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of heat exchanger plates.

[0008] A microchannel heat exchanger according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of heat exchanger plate stacks. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger plate, a heat exchanger plate stack, and a microchannel heat exchanger that achieve a high heat transfer coefficient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual illustration of a microchannel heat exchanger according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is another conceptual illustration of a microchannel heat exchanger according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the plate stack taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a first heat exchanger plate according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a second heat exchanger plate according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a conceptual enlarged view of a partition wall and a notch according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the partition wall and the notch as viewed in the direction of the arrow BB in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual explanatory view of a first heat exchanger plate according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, expressions expressing relative or absolute arrangement such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" not only express such an arrangement exactly, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that indicate that something is in an equal state not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions representing shapes such as a square shape or a cylindrical shape not only represent shapes such as a square shape or a cylindrical shape in the strict geometric sense, but also represent shapes including uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be obtained. On the other hand, the expressions "comprise," "include," or "have" one element are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other elements. Note that the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0012] <1. Overview of Microchannel Heat Exchanger 1> 1 to 5, an overview of a microchannel heat exchanger 1 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "heat exchanger 1") according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be illustrated. FIG. 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is another conceptual explanatory diagram of the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a plate stack 30 as viewed in the direction of the arrow AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a first heat exchanger plate 31 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a second heat exchanger plate 32 according to an embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , a heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is incorporated into a refrigeration cycle including a primary refrigerant circuit 11 through which a first fluid F1 circulates and a secondary refrigerant circuit 12 through which a second fluid F2 circulates. In this embodiment, the first fluid F1 flows into the heat exchanger 1 in a two-phase gas-liquid state, and the second fluid F2 flows into the heat exchanger 1 in a gas phase having a higher saturation temperature than the first fluid F1. The first fluid F1 is heated, boiled, and evaporated through the heat exchange, exits the heat exchanger 1, and returns to a two-phase gas-liquid state while circulating through the primary refrigerant circuit 11 as a primary refrigerant. Although not shown in detail, the primary refrigerant circuit 11 in this example includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and the like. The first fluid F1 in a two-phase gas-liquid state, expanded by the expansion valve, flows into the heat exchanger 1. Meanwhile, the second fluid F2 is cooled by heat exchange and flows out of the heat exchanger 1 in a relatively low-temperature liquid phase. The second fluid F2 cools other heat transfer media while circulating through the secondary refrigerant circuit 12 as a secondary refrigerant. The secondary refrigerant circuit 12 in this example includes a receiver, a pump, a cooler, and the like. The cooler may be configured to exchange heat between the second fluid F2 and a heat transfer media such as air circulating inside the freezer. The second fluid F2, evaporated through heat exchange in the cooler, returns to the heat exchanger 1 in a gaseous phase. As an example, the first fluid F1 is NH3 in a gaseous or liquid phase, and the second fluid F2 is CO2 in a gaseous or liquid phase. However, the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 may be refrigerants other than those mentioned above, and the second fluid F2 may be a liquid that does not undergo a phase change, such as brine.

[0014] A heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plate stack 30 including a plurality of stacked plates 35 and a pair of end plates 37, 38 that sandwich the plurality of plates 35. The plates included in the plate stack 30 are connected to each other by, for example, diffusion bonding.

[0015] 1 and 2, a first supply pipe 51 that supplies a first fluid F1 in a gas-liquid two-phase state that has passed through an expansion valve to the plate stack 30, and a first discharge pipe 59 that discharges the first fluid F1 are connected to the end plate 37. The first supply pipe 51 and the first discharge pipe 59 are connected to a first communication port 41 and a second communication port 42, respectively, that are provided in each of the plurality of stacked plates 35.

[0016] Furthermore, the end plate 37 is provided with a second supply pipe 52 for supplying the second fluid F2 in a gas phase at a relatively high temperature supplied from the cooler to the plate stack 30, and a second discharge pipe 57 for discharging the second fluid F2 in a liquid phase at a relatively low temperature toward the receiver. The second supply pipe 52 and the second discharge pipe 57 are respectively connected to a third communication port 43 and a fourth communication port 44 provided in each of the plurality of stacked plates 35.

[0017] 2 and 3, the description of the configuration of the plurality of plates 35 of this embodiment continues. A plurality of parallel flow paths 318 through which the first fluid F1 supplied from the first communication port 41 flows, and a plurality of parallel flow paths 328 through which the second fluid F2 supplied from the third communication port 43 flows are formed inside the plurality of plates 35. The plurality of parallel flow paths 318 and the plurality of parallel flow paths 328 are separated from each other.

[0018] Specifically, the multiple plates 35 sandwiched between a pair of end plates 37, 38 include multiple first heat exchanger plates 31 and multiple second heat exchanger plates 32 alternately arranged along the stacking direction, and multiple partition plates 33. The first heat exchanger plates 31 and the second heat exchanger plates 32 are each sandwiched between a pair of partition plates 33 on both sides of the stacking direction. In other words, the multiple plates 35 are configured such that, from one side of the stacking direction, the first heat exchanger plates 31, the partition plates 33, the second heat exchanger plates 32, and the partition plates 33 are arranged in this order. Hereinafter, these three types of plates will be collectively referred to simply as "plates 35," and the thickness direction of the plates 35 will sometimes be referred to as the "plate thickness direction." The plate thickness direction coincides with the stacking direction of the plate stack 30.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4 , the first heat exchanger plate 31 includes an inlet header 311 formed by first openings 111 including the first communication ports 41, an outlet header 312 formed by second openings 122 including the second communication ports 42, and a plurality of partition walls 315 provided between the inlet header 311 and the outlet header 312. The plurality of partition walls 315 are provided so as to divide the flow path of the first fluid F1 toward the inlet header 311 and the outlet header 312 into a plurality of parallel flow paths 318. In this example, each partition wall 315 extends linearly between the inlet header 311 and the outlet header 312. In the following description, the extension direction of the partition walls 315 will sometimes be referred to as the “flow direction of the first fluid F1,” and the direction in which the plurality of partition walls 315 are arranged will sometimes be referred to as the “width direction of the parallel flow paths 318.” As described above, in this embodiment, the first heat exchanger plate 31 is sandwiched between a pair of partition plates 33 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the parallel flow paths 318 are defined by the plurality of partition walls 315 and the pair of partition plates 33. Furthermore, the inlet header 311 in this embodiment is configured so that the flow path width becomes narrower toward the downstream side, but the inlet header 311 in other embodiments may be configured so that the flow path width on the upstream side is the same as the flow path width on the downstream side.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 5 , the second heat exchanger plate 32 includes an inlet header 321 formed by the first openings 221 including the third communication port 43, an outlet header 322 formed by the second openings 222 including the fourth communication port 44, and a plurality of partition walls 325 provided between the inlet header 321 and the outlet header 322. The plurality of partition walls 325 are provided so as to divide the flow path of the second fluid F2 toward the inlet header 321 and the outlet header 322 into a plurality of parallel flow paths 328. In this example, each partition wall 325 extends linearly and bends between the inlet header 321 and the outlet header 322. In the following description, the extension direction of the partition wall 325 will sometimes be referred to as the “flow direction of the second fluid F2,” and the direction in which the plurality of partition walls 325 are arranged will sometimes be referred to as the “width direction of the parallel flow paths 328.” As described above, in this embodiment, the second heat exchanger plate 32 is sandwiched between a pair of partition plates 33 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the parallel flow paths 328 are defined by the plurality of partition walls 315 and the pair of partition plates 33.

[0021] Heat exchange between the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in the heat exchanger 1 having the structure described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 is carried out as follows: The first fluid F1 flowing from the inlet header 311 into the multiple parallel flow paths 318 exchanges heat with the second fluid F2 flowing from the inlet header 321 into the multiple parallel flow paths 328 via the partition plate 33. The first fluid F1 that flows in in a gas-liquid two-phase state is heated as it moves downstream in the flow direction of the first fluid F1, and is discharged from the heat exchanger 1 in a vaporized state from the outlet header 312 via the first discharge pipe 59. On the other hand, the second fluid F2 that flows in in a relatively high-temperature gas phase is cooled and condensed as it moves downstream in the flow direction of the second fluid F2, and is discharged from the heat exchanger 1 in a relatively low-temperature liquid phase from the outlet header 322 via the second discharge pipe 57.

[0022] <2. Details of the Configuration of the First Heat Exchanger Plate 31> 4, 6, and 7, details of the first heat exchanger plate 31 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated. Fig. 6 is a conceptual enlarged view of a partition wall 315 and a notch 314 according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the partition wall 315 and the notch 314 as viewed in the direction of the arrow BB in Fig. 6.

[0023] <2-1. Structure of the connecting portion 317 and the notch 314> 6, the first heat exchanger plate 31 of this embodiment includes at least one connecting portion 317 that connects the plurality of partition walls 315. In this embodiment, all of the partition walls 315 are connected to any of the connecting portions 317, but two or more partition walls 315 without any connecting portion 317 may be provided.

[0024] In this embodiment, one or more of the multiple partition walls 315 have a notch 314 at the position of the connecting portion 317 in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. The notch 314 is aligned with the connecting portion 317 in the width direction of the parallel flow paths 318. In this example, the notch 314 is provided in each of all of the partition walls 315. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of parallel flow paths 318 on either side of the partition wall 315 having the notch 314 communicate with each other via the notch 314. In other words, the notch 314 defines a communication path 316 that communicates with the pair of parallel flow paths 318.

[0025] Therefore, as illustrated in the enlarged view of FIG. 4 , the first fluid F1 can move between the multiple parallel flow paths 318 via the communication paths 316 defined by the notches 314. Mixing and branching of the first fluid F1 flowing through each of the multiple parallel flow paths 318 occurs, thereby equalizing the flow patterns of the first fluid F1 in the multiple parallel flow paths 318. This can prevent localized dryout, in which the liquid-phase first fluid F1 disappears, for example, downstream of the parallel flow paths 318. Therefore, the first heat exchanger plate 31 can achieve a high heat transfer coefficient. Furthermore, the provision of the connecting portions 317 can prevent deformation and misalignment of the partition walls 315 before and during assembly of the first heat exchanger plate 31. In particular, when diffusion bonding is performed on plates constituting the plate stack 30, such as the first heat exchanger plate 31, uniform heating is not possible immediately after heating begins, resulting in a temperature gradient in the plates. As a result, there is a risk that the partition wall 315 may be deformed due to the difference in expansion caused by the temperature gradient, but in this embodiment, the provision of the connecting portion 317 makes it possible to suppress such deformation.

[0026] A processing method for fabricating the connecting portions 317 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is, for example, as follows (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ). First, a plate-shaped substrate for fabricating the first heat exchanger plate 31 is subjected to double-sided etching so as to form the parallel flow paths 318. Then, instead of double-sided etching, half-etching is performed only at the locations where the connecting portions 317 are to be installed, thereby forming the connecting portions 317. Therefore, the connecting portions 317 are connected only to one end 315A of each of the partition walls 315, which is located on one of both ends of each of the partition walls 315 in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, the connecting portions 317 can function as throttles that partially block the parallel flow paths 318. In the example of FIG. 7 , the portions of the partition walls 315 from approximately the center in the plate thickness direction to the one end 315A are connected to the connecting portions 317.

[0027] According to the inventors' speculation, the pressure of the first fluid F1 flowing through the parallel flow path 318 may fluctuate significantly. For example, pressure fluctuations due to boiling of the liquid phase first fluid F1 (bubbles are indicated by the symbol Bu in the enlarged view at the bottom of FIG. 4) or differences in the pressure difference due to differences in the dryness fraction of the first fluid F1 may occur. In this case, drift of the first fluid F1 is likely to occur. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the connecting portion 317 is connected to only one end 315A of each partition wall 315 in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, the connecting portion 317 also functions as a throttle that partially blocks the parallel flow paths 318. This causes an appropriate pressure loss in the connecting portion 317, making it possible to reduce the pressure difference between the multiple parallel flow paths 318 caused by the pressure fluctuations described above. Therefore, the first fluid F1 can easily flow through the communication passages 316 defined by the notches 314, thereby suppressing uneven flow of the first fluid F1 in the multiple parallel flow passages 318. Therefore, the first heat exchanger plate 31 can achieve a high heat transfer coefficient.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the notch 314 in this embodiment is formed at the other end 315B of each of the partition walls 315, which is the other end in the plate thickness direction. The notch bottom 309 of the notch 314 and the other surface 317F of the connecting portion 317 are located at the same position in the plate thickness direction. That is, the surface 317F of the connecting portion 317 and the notch bottom 309 are directly connected. With this configuration, the first fluid F1 that passes through the communicating passage 316 defined by the notch 314 can flow into the parallel flow passage 318 along the other surface 317F of the connecting portion 317. The first fluid F1 passing through the connecting portion 317 mixes and branches as it flows from the communicating passage 316 to the parallel flow passage 318. This suppresses uneven flow of the first fluid F1 in the multiple parallel flow passages 318, and the first heat exchanger plate 31 can achieve a high overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0029] 6, an upstream end 399 of the connecting portion 317 in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is recessed in an arc shape toward the downstream side. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure loss that occurs when the first fluid F1 passes through the connecting portion 317 along the flow direction of the first fluid F1. This makes it possible to prevent separation of the flow of the first fluid F1 along the extension direction of the partition wall 315. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in pressure loss.

[0030] <2-2. Example of arrangement of notch 314 (communicating passage 316)> 4, an example of the arrangement of the notch 314 will be described. Note that, in the following description, an embodiment will be illustrated in which the notch 314 and the connecting portion 317 are arranged at the same position relative to each other in the flow direction of the first fluid F1, but the positions of the notch 314 and the connecting portion 317 in the flow direction may be different.

[0031] In this embodiment, the multiple notches 314 arranged in the width direction of the parallel flow path 318 are arranged in four rows along the flow direction of the first fluid F1. Of the four rows of notches 314, the notch 314 in the row located most upstream is a first notch 314A, and the notch 314 in the row located most downstream is a second notch 314B. The notch 314 adjacent to the second notch 314B in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is a third notch 314C, and the notches 314 adjacent to each of the first notch 314A and the third notch 314C are fourth notches 314D. That is, the plurality of notches 314 include, in order from the upstream side, a plurality of first notches 314A (first row), a plurality of fourth notches 314D (second row), a plurality of third notches 314C (third row), and a plurality of second notches 314B (fourth row). The communication passage 316 defined by the first notches 314A is the first communication passage 316A. Similarly, the communication passages 316 defined by the second notches 314B, the third notches 314C, and the fourth notches 314D are the second communication passage 316B, the third communication passage 316C, and the fourth communication passage 316D, respectively. Note that in the present embodiment, as an example, the respective numbers of the first notches 314A, the second notches 314B, the third notches 314C, and the fourth notches 314D are the same.

[0032] In this embodiment, a first distance between the inlet header 311 and the one or more notches 314 in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is shorter than a second distance between the outlet header 312 and the one or more notches 314 in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. As a more specific example, the first distance is the shortest distance (dimension L1) from the inlet header 311 to the center of the first notch 314A, and the second distance is the shortest distance (dimension L2) from the outlet header 312 to the center of the second notch 314B. According to the above configuration, because the first distance is shorter than the second distance, the first communication passage 316A (communication passage 316) defined by the first notch 314A approaches the inlet header 311. As a result, even if bubbles are generated or grow due to boiling of the liquid phase of the first fluid F1 between the inlet header 311 and the first notch 314A, the bubbles can be guided to the first communication passage 316A formed by the first notch 314A. Therefore, uneven flow of the first fluid F1 in the multiple parallel flow passages 318 caused by bubbles flowing back into the inlet header 311 is suppressed, and a first heat exchanger plate 31 with a high overall heat transfer coefficient can be provided.

[0033] In other embodiments, the notches 314 may not include at least one of the first notch 314A, the second notch 314B, the third notch 314C, and the fourth notch 314D. For example, in an embodiment in which the second notch 314B, the third notch 314C, and the fourth notch 314D are not provided, the second distance is the distance (dimension M) between the first notch 314A and the outlet header 312. Even in this case, the above-described advantages are obtained. Similarly, in an embodiment in which only the third notch 314C and the fourth notch 314D are provided among the second notch 314B, the third notch 314C, and the fourth notch 314D, the second distance is the distance between the third notch 314C and the outlet header 312.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the one or more notches 314 are included in each of the plurality of partition walls 315, and the plurality of first notches 314A are arranged at the same positions as one another in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. Therefore, the first communication passages 316A, which are communication passages 316 defined by the first notches 314A, are aligned in the width direction of the parallel flow passages 318. With the above configuration, even if bubbles are generated in any of the plurality of parallel flow passages 318, they can flow into any of the first communication passages 316A, thereby suppressing drift of the first fluid F1 and preventing backflow of bubbles into the inlet header 311.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first distance (dimension L1 in the example of FIG. 4) is greater than 0% and less than 10% of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow paths 318, and more preferably greater than 0% and 5% or less. The effect brought about by this configuration is as follows. According to the above configuration, the first distance is greater than 0% and less than 10% of the total length of the parallel flow paths 318, so that the first fluid F1 that has just flowed from the inlet header 311 into each of the multiple parallel flow paths 318 mixes through the first communication passage 316A formed by the first notch 314A. In other words, the first communication passage 316A performs a function similar to that of the inlet header 311, and the first fluid F1 that has flowed from the inlet header 311 into the parallel flow paths 318 passes through the throttles of each parallel flow path 318 and is supplied downstream. Furthermore, unlike the inlet header 311, the first communication passage 316A does not have a rightward (unidirectional) flow, but allows flow in both directions. Therefore, even if there is an imbalance in the gas-liquid ratio (dryness fraction) among the multiple parallel flow passages 318, the first fluid F1 can be mixed and redistributed within the first communication passage 316A to eliminate this imbalance. Even if bubbles are generated in the first fluid F1 in the parallel flow passages 318, causing a backflow, the first fluid F1 is mixed with the flow from the inlet header 311 in the first communication passage 316A, redistributed, and supplied to the parallel flow passages 318. Therefore, the dryness fraction of the first fluid F1 on the upstream side of the multiple parallel flow passages 318 can be equalized, and uneven flow of the first fluid F1 can be suppressed. Therefore, a first heat exchanger plate 31 with a high overall heat transfer coefficient can be provided.

[0036] The first heat exchanger plate 31 of this embodiment also includes one or more adjacent notches 313 located downstream of the first notch 314A and adjacent to the first notch 314A in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. In this example, the fourth notch 314D corresponds to the adjacent notch 313. An adjacent distance (dimension A), which is the shortest distance between the inlet header 311 and the adjacent notch 313, is not less than 25% and less than 90% of the entire length of the parallel flow path 318. It is more preferable that this adjacent distance be not less than 25% and less than 35% of the entire length of the parallel flow path 318. If the first notch 314A and the adjacent notch 313 are too close to each other in the flow direction, the flow of the first fluid F1 in the communicating passage 316 (fourth communicating passage 316D in this example) formed by the adjacent notch 313 becomes excessively weak, making it difficult for the first fluid F1 to mix among the multiple parallel flow passages 318. In this regard, with the above configuration, the first notch 314A and the adjacent notch 313 are appropriately spaced apart, which optimizes the flow of the first fluid F1 in the communicating passage 316 and promotes mixing of the first fluid F1 in the multiple parallel flow passages 318. Therefore, a heat exchanger plate with a high heat transfer coefficient can be achieved.

[0037] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to an embodiment in which the fourth notch 314D corresponds to the adjacent notch 313. In an embodiment in which the fourth notch 314D is not provided among the second notch 314B, the third notch 314C, and the fourth notch 314D, the third notch 314C corresponds to the adjacent notch 313 adjacent to the first notch 314A in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. In this case, the adjacent distance is preferably 50% or more and less than 60% of the entire length of the parallel flow path 318.

[0038] In this embodiment, as described above, the one or more notches 314 include first notches 314A and second notches 314B. According to the above configuration, the first fluid F1 can flow between the plurality of parallel flow paths 318 via the second communication path 316B, which is the communication path 316 formed by the second notch 314B located downstream of the first notch 314A. Therefore, the first fluid F1 can be appropriately mixed between the plurality of parallel flow paths 318. Therefore, it is possible to suppress uneven flow of the first fluid F1 between the plurality of parallel flow paths 318, and the heat exchanger plate can achieve a high heat transfer coefficient.

[0039] The second distance (dimension L2 in the example of FIG. 4) in this embodiment is 10% or more and 35% or less of the total length of the parallel flow paths 318. According to the findings of the inventors, when the first heat exchanger plate 31 is used so that the first fluid F1 in a gas-liquid two-phase state is supplied to the inlet header 311, the dryness fraction tends to vary depending on the parallel flow paths 318 on the upstream side of the plurality of parallel flow paths 318. In particular, the dryness fraction of the first fluid F1 tends to be high in the parallel flow paths 318 connected to the upstream portion (the portion close to the first communication port 41) of the first openings 111 forming the inlet header 311, and dryout tends to occur more easily on the downstream side of the parallel flow paths 318 in the flow direction. On the other hand, a thinner liquid film of the liquid-phase first fluid F1 flowing through the parallel flow paths 318 exhibits a higher heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, it is preferable that the position where the first fluid F1 flows from another parallel flow path 318 into a parallel flow path 318 where dryout may occur be close to the position where dryout may occur. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the second communication passages 316B defined by the second notches 314B are appropriately spaced from the outlet header 312, which promotes mixed flow of the first fluid F1 slightly upstream of the region where dryout is expected to occur. Therefore, the first heat exchanger plate 31 can effectively suppress dryout of the first fluid F1 while suppressing a decrease in the overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0040] As described above, the notch 314 of this embodiment further includes one or more third notches 314C. The third notch 314C is located between the first notch 314A and the second notch 314B and adjacent to the second notch 314B in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. The distance (dimension B) between the inlet header 311 and the third notch 314C is 50% or more and less than 60% of the total length of the parallel flow passage 318. According to the above configuration, the first fluid F1 mixes among the multiple parallel flow passages 318 via the third communication passage 316C, which is the communication passage 316 formed by the third notch 314C. In addition to increasing the opportunity for the first fluid F1 to mix, the first notch 314A and the third notch 314C are appropriately spaced apart from each other, which ensures the flow of the first fluid F1 in the third communication passage 316C and further effectively promotes the mixing of the first fluid F1 between the multiple parallel flow paths 318.

[0041] As described above, the notches 314 of this embodiment include one or more fourth notches 314D. The fourth notches 314D are located between the first notches 314A and the second notches 314B and adjacent to the first notches 314A in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. The shortest distance (dimension A) between the inlet header 311 and the fourth notches 314D is 25% or more and less than 35% of the total length of the parallel flow paths 318. According to the above configuration, the first fluid F1 mixes among the multiple parallel flow paths 318 via the fourth communication paths 316D, which are communication paths 316 formed by the fourth notches 314D located between the first notches 314A and the second notches 314B. In addition to increasing the opportunity for the first fluid F1 to mix, the first notch 314A and the fourth notch 314D are appropriately spaced apart from each other, which ensures the flow of the first fluid F1 in the fourth communication passage 316D and further effectively promotes the mixing of the first fluid F1 between the multiple parallel flow paths 318.

[0042] 3. Details of the Configuration of the Second Heat Exchanger Plate 32 5, the configuration of the second heat exchanger plate 32 is illustrated in detail. The second heat exchanger plate 32 has a configuration similar to that of the first heat exchanger plate 31. Specifically, the second heat exchanger plate 32 includes an inlet header 321 formed in the first opening 221, an outlet header 322 formed by the second opening 222, and a plurality of partition walls 325 provided between the inlet header 321 and the outlet header 322. The plurality of partition walls 325 are provided to separate the flow path of the second fluid F2 from the inlet header 321 to the outlet header 322.

[0043] <4. Other Arrangement Examples of the Notch 314 (Communicating Passage 316)> Another example of the arrangement of the notches 314 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a first heat exchanger plate 31 according to another embodiment. Note that, in the following description, an embodiment will be illustrated in which the notches 314 and the connecting portions 317 are arranged at the same positions as each other in the flow direction of the first fluid F1, but the positions of the notches 314 and the connecting portions 317 in the flow direction may be different. The inlet header 311 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is configured so that the flow path width on the upstream side is the same as the flow path width on the downstream side. In the first heat exchanger plate 31 shown in FIG. 8, the same components as those in the first heat exchanger plate 31 shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference symbols as in FIG. 4, and detailed explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0044] In this embodiment, the plurality of notches 314 arranged in the width direction of the parallel flow path 318 are arranged in five rows along the flow direction of the first fluid F1. Of the five rows of notches 314, the row of notches 314 located most upstream is the first notch 314A described above. Of the five rows of notches 314, the other four rows of notches 314 excluding the first notch 314A are four fifth notches 314E located at different positions in the flow direction. Of the four rows of fifth notches 314E excluding the first notch 314A, the fifth notch 314E in the row located most upstream is the 5A notch 314EA. The fifth notch 314E located downstream of the 5A notch 314EA and adjacent to the 5A notch 314EA in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is the 5B notch 314EB. The fifth notch 314E located downstream of the 5B notch 314EB and adjacent to the 5B notch 314EB in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is the 5C notch 314EC. The fifth notch 314E located downstream of the 5C notch 314EC and adjacent to the 5C notch 314EC in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is the 5D notch 314ED.

[0045] That is, the multiple notches 314 include, from the upstream side, multiple first notches 314A (first row), multiple 5A notches 314EA (second row), multiple 5B notches 3145EB (third row), multiple 5C notches 314EC (fourth row), and multiple 5D notches 314ED (fifth row). The communication passage 316 defined by the first notch 314A is a first communication passage 316A. Similarly, the communication passage 316 defined by the fifth notch 314E is a fifth communication passage 316E. The communication passages 316 defined by the 5A notches 314EA, the 5B notches 314EB, the 5C notches 314EC, and the 5D notches 314ED are the 5A communication passages 316EA, the 5B communication passages 316EB, the 5C communication passages 316EC, and the 5D communication passages 316ED, respectively. Note that in the present embodiment, as an example, the numbers of the first notches 314A, the 5A communication passages 316EA, the 5B communication passages 316EB, the 5C communication passages 316EC, and the 5D communication passages 316ED are the same.

[0046] In this embodiment, the fifth notches 314E, which are positioned at different positions in the flow direction, are located in a range where the distance from the inlet header 311 in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is 32.5% (dimension 0.325K) or more and 67.5% (dimension 0.675K) or less of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318.

[0047] The effect brought about by the fifth notch 314E described above is as follows. According to the findings of the inventors, when the supply amount of the first fluid F1 is relatively large, drift may increase due to a pressure difference in the flow path direction (extension direction of the inlet header 311) within the inlet header 311. In such a case, it is desirable to increase the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet header 311 to reduce the pressure loss of the inlet header 311. However, increasing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet header 311 causes the first fluid F1 within the inlet header 311 to flow in a state where it separates into two phases, gas and liquid, and it is therefore necessary to further improve the drift suppression effect of the notches 314. According to the findings of the inventors, it has been found that by arranging a plurality of fifth notches 314E at different positions in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 in a range in which the distance from the inlet header 311 in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is 32.5% or more and 67.5% or less of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow paths 318, the mixing and branching of the first fluid F1 between the plurality of parallel flow paths 318 can be efficiently carried out in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths 318. According to the above-described configuration, the first fluid F1 can move between the plurality of parallel flow paths 318 in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths 318 via the plurality of fifth communication paths 316E defined by the plurality of fifth notches 314E. Because the plurality of fifth notches 314E are located at different positions in the flow direction, mixing and branching of the first fluid F1 between the plurality of parallel flow paths 318 is efficiently performed in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths 318. As a result, even when the first fluid F1 exhibits a flow pattern in which gas and liquid separate into two phases in the inlet header 311, drying out of the first fluid F1 can be effectively suppressed in the relatively downstream region of the parallel flow paths 318, which is a region where heat exchange is relatively efficient, and a first heat exchanger plate 31 can be provided that achieves a high overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0048] If the first notch 314A and the fifth notch 314E are too close to each other in the flow direction, the flow of the first fluid F1 in the fifth communication passage 316E formed by the fifth notch 314E becomes excessively weak, making it difficult for the first fluid F1 to mix among the multiple parallel flow passages 318. In this regard, according to the configuration described above, the first notch 314A and the fifth notch 314E are appropriately spaced apart from each other, so that the flow of the first fluid F1 in the fifth communication passage 316E formed by the fifth notch 314E can be optimized and mixing of the first fluid F1 in the multiple parallel flow passages 318 can be promoted.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the findings of the inventors, it has been found that the amount of heat exchange can be increased by ensuring the size of the area where heat exchange is relatively efficient by completing the mixing and branching of the first fluid F1 among the plurality of parallel flow paths 318 using the fifth notches 314E before the first fluid F1 flows into the area relatively downstream of the parallel flow paths 318. In this regard, according to the configuration described above, the outlet header 312 and the fifth notches 314E are appropriately spaced apart from each other, so that the size of the area can be ensured and the amount of heat exchange can be increased.

[0050] 4, in this embodiment, a first distance between the inlet header 311 and the one or more notches 314 in the flow direction of the first fluid F1 is shorter than a second distance between the outlet header 312 and the one or more notches 314 in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. As a more specific example, the first distance is the shortest distance (dimension L1) from the inlet header 311 to the center of the first notch 314A, and the second distance is the shortest distance (dimension L2d) from the outlet header 312 to the center of the fifth notch 314ED. According to the above configuration, because the first distance is shorter than the second distance, the first communication passage 316A (communication passage 316) defined by the first notch 314A approaches the inlet header 311. As a result, even if bubbles are generated or grow due to boiling of the liquid phase of the first fluid F1 between the inlet header 311 and the first notch 314A, the bubbles can be guided to the first communication passage 316A formed by the first notch 314A. Therefore, uneven flow of the first fluid F1 in the multiple parallel flow passages 318 caused by bubbles flowing back into the inlet header 311 is suppressed, and a first heat exchanger plate 31 with a high overall heat transfer coefficient can be provided.

[0051] 8, there are four rows of fifth notches 314E, but at least two rows are sufficient, and three rows or more are preferable. There may be five or more rows of fifth notches 314E. As a result, the multiple fifth communication passages 316E, each located at a different position in the flow direction, allow the first fluid F1 to be mixed and branched efficiently between the multiple parallel flow passages 318 in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow passages 318.

[0052] For example, in an embodiment in which the 5D notch 314ED is not provided, the second distance is the distance (dimension L2c) between the 5C notch 314EC and the outlet header 312. Even in this case, the above-described advantages are obtained. Similarly, in an embodiment in which the 5D notch 314ED and the 5C notch 314EC are not provided, the second distance is the distance (dimension L2b) between the 5B notch 314EB and the outlet header 312.

[0053] 4, the present embodiment includes one or more notches 314 included in each of the partition walls 315, and includes a plurality of first notches 314A that are arranged at the same positions as each other in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. Therefore, the same effects as those of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0054] 4, in this embodiment, the first distance (dimension L1 in the example of FIG. 8) is greater than 0% and less than 10% of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318, and more preferably greater than 0% and 5% or less. The effect brought about by this configuration is similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0055] In this embodiment, the one or more notches 314 include a plurality of fifth notches 314E that are included in each of the plurality of partition walls 315 and that are arranged at the same positions as one another in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. That is, in this embodiment, the one or more notches 314 include a plurality of fifth-order notches 314EA that are included in each of the plurality of partition walls 315 and that are arranged at the same positions as one another in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. In this embodiment, the one or more notches 314 include a plurality of fifth-order notches 314EB that are included in each of the plurality of partition walls 315 and that are arranged at the same positions as one another in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. In this embodiment, the one or more notches 314 include a plurality of fifth-order notches 314EC that are included in each of the plurality of partition walls 315 and that are arranged at the same positions as one another in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. In this embodiment, the one or more notches 314 are included in each of the plurality of partition walls 315, and include a plurality of fifth notches 314ED that are arranged at the same positions as each other in the flow direction of the first fluid F1. As a result, in any of the multiple parallel flow paths 318, the first fluid F1 is efficiently mixed and branched between the multiple parallel flow paths 318 in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths 318, thereby providing a first heat exchanger plate 31 that achieves a high heat transfer coefficient.

[0056] In this embodiment, of the multiple fifth notches 314E, the separation distance ΔL in the flow direction between two adjacent fifth notches 314E in the flow direction is 2% or more and 5% or less of the overall length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318. Note that the separation distance ΔLab between the 5A notch 314EA and the 5B notch 314EB, the separation distance ΔLbc between the 5B notch 314EB and the 5C notch 314EC, and the separation distance ΔLcd between the 5C notch 314EC and the 5D notch 314ED may be the same, or at least one of them may be different.

[0057] According to the inventors' findings, it was confirmed that a good effect of suppressing drift can be obtained by conducting experiments in which the separation distance ΔL between two adjacent fifth notches 314E in the flow direction is set to 5% of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318. This value of 5% is one-third of the value of 15% of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318, which is given below. The value of 15% of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318 is, for example, the value corresponding to when the distance (dimension A - dimension L1) between the first notch 314A and the fourth notch 314D in Figure 4 described above is the smallest, or the value corresponding to when the distance (dimension B - dimension A) between the fourth notch 314D and the third notch 314C in Figure 4 described above is the smallest.

[0058] It is believed that increasing the separation distance ΔL reduces the effect of suppressing uneven flow caused by mixing and branching of the first fluid F1 among the multiple parallel flow paths 318 in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths 318. For this reason, it is desirable that the separation distance ΔL be 5% or less of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow paths 318. Furthermore, it is believed that reducing the separation distance ΔL has a relatively small effect on the above-mentioned drift suppression effect. However, for the sake of convenience in forming the partition wall 315, it is necessary to ensure a certain dimension in the extension direction of the partition wall 315. Therefore, it is desirable that the separation distance ΔL be 2% or more of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318. Therefore, it is desirable that the separation distance ΔL be 2% or more and 5% or less of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318.

[0059] Therefore, by setting the separation distance ΔL between two adjacent fifth notches 314E in the flow direction to be 2% or more and 5% or less of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318, the separation distance ΔL becomes an appropriate distance, and the mixing and branching of the first fluid F1 between the multiple parallel flow paths 318 is efficiently carried out in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths 318.

[0060] For example, in the example shown in Figure 8, four fifth notches 314E are arranged, two on each of the upstream and downstream sides, centered at a position (dimension 0.5K) where the distance from the inlet header 311 in the flow direction is 50% of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow path 318.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the four fifth notches 314E may be arranged, two on each of the upstream and downstream sides, centered on a position where the distance from the inlet header 311 in the flow direction is 40% of the entire length (dimension K) of the parallel flow passage 318. In this case, if the separation distance ΔLab and the separation distance ΔLbc are 5% of the entire length (dimension K) of the parallel flow passage 318, the distance from the inlet header 311 to the fifth A notch 314EA is 32.5% of the entire length (dimension K) of the parallel flow passage 318.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the four fifth notches 314E may be arranged two on each of the upstream and downstream sides, centered on a position where the distance from the inlet header 311 in the flow direction is 60% of the entire length (dimension K) of the parallel flow passage 318. In this case, if the separation distance ΔLbc and the separation distance ΔLcd are 5% of the entire length (dimension K) of the parallel flow passage 318, the distance from the inlet header 311 to the fifth notch 314ED is 67.5% of the entire length (dimension K) of the parallel flow passage 318.

[0063] <5.Other> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The parallel flow paths 318 may partially include flow paths formed in a zigzag pattern instead of extending linearly over the entire length of the parallel flow paths 318. The zigzag pattern is a concept that includes a pattern with curved corners and a pattern with linearly bent corners. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8 , flow paths formed in a zigzag pattern may be formed in a region upstream of the 5A notch 314EA or in a region upstream of a position (dimension 0.5K) where the distance from the inlet header 311 in the flow direction is 50% of the entire length (dimension K) of the parallel flow paths 318. In addition, in some of the above-described embodiments, the flow path width (dimension W) of the multiple parallel flow paths 318 is the same, but the flow path width of some parallel flow paths 318 may be different from the flow path width of the other parallel flow paths 318.

[0064] <6. Summary> The present disclosure can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0065] 1) The heat exchanger plate (first heat exchanger plate 31) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has: an inlet header (311) formed by a first opening (111); an outlet header (312) formed by the second opening (122); a plurality of partition walls (315) provided between the inlet header and the outlet header so as to divide a flow path of a fluid (first fluid F1) flowing from the inlet header to the outlet header into a plurality of parallel flow paths (318); Equipped with one or more of the partition walls includes one or more notches (314); a pair of the parallel flow paths on both sides of the partition wall having the notch communicate with each other via the notch; A first distance (dimension L1) between the inlet header and the one or more notches in the fluid flow direction is smaller than a second distance (dimension L2) between the outlet header and the one or more notches in the fluid flow direction.

[0066] According to the above configuration 1), the fluid can move between the multiple parallel flow paths via the communication paths (316) defined by the notches. Furthermore, because the first distance is shorter than the second distance, the communication paths are closer to the inlet header. This allows the bubbles to flow into the communication paths even if bubbles are generated or grow in the fluid upstream of the parallel flow paths and flow backward. This prevents the gas phase of the fluid from increasing in the inlet header. This prevents the fluid from drifting in the multiple parallel flow paths, providing a heat exchanger plate with a high overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0067] 2) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to 1) above, The one or more notches include a plurality of first notches (314A) that are included in each of the plurality of partition walls and are arranged at the same positions as each other in the flow direction.

[0068] According to the above configuration 2), even if bubbles are generated in any of the plurality of parallel flow paths, the bubbles can be prevented from flowing back into the inlet header.

[0069] 3) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to 1) or 2) above, The first distance is greater than 0% and less than 10% of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow paths.

[0070] According to the findings of the inventors, when a heat exchanger plate is used so that a two-phase gas-liquid fluid is supplied to the inlet header, the dryness fraction of the fluid tends to vary depending on the parallel flow path on the upstream side of the multiple parallel flow paths. In particular, the dryness fraction of the fluid tends to be higher in the parallel flow paths connected to the upstream portion of the first opening forming the inlet header. In this regard, according to the configuration of 3) above, the first distance is greater than 0% and less than 10% of the total length of the parallel flow paths. Therefore, the fluid that has just flowed from the inlet header into each of the multiple parallel flow paths mixes and branches through the communicating passages formed by the first notches. This makes it possible to equalize the dryness fraction of the fluid on the upstream side of the multiple parallel flow paths and suppress fluid drift. Therefore, a heat exchanger plate with a high overall heat transfer coefficient can be provided.

[0071] 4) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to any one of 1) to 3) above, The one or more notches are One or more first notches (314A) that are spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; One or more adjacent notches (313) located downstream of the first notch and adjacent to the first notch in the flow direction; Equipped with The adjacent distances (dimensions A, B, and C) between the inlet header and the adjacent notches are 25% or more and less than 90% of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow paths.

[0072] According to the inventors' findings, if the first notch and the adjacent notch are too close to each other in the flow direction, the flow of fluid in the communicating passage formed by the adjacent notch becomes excessively weak, making it difficult for the fluid to mix or branch between the multiple parallel flow passages. In this regard, according to the configuration of 4) above, the first notch and the adjacent notch are appropriately spaced apart, which promotes mixing of the fluid in the multiple parallel flow passages and makes it possible to realize a heat exchanger plate with a high heat transfer coefficient.

[0073] 5) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to any one of 1) to 4) above, The one or more notches are One or more first notches (314A) that are spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; The nozzle further includes one or more second notches (314B) that are provided downstream of the first notches in the flow direction and whose distance (dimension L2) from the outlet header is the second distance.

[0074] According to the configuration of 5) above, the fluid can flow between the multiple parallel flow paths through the second communication path, which is a communication path formed by the second notch located downstream of the first notch. Therefore, the fluid can be mixed appropriately between the multiple parallel flow paths. This makes it possible to suppress uneven flow of the fluid between the multiple parallel flow paths, and the heat exchanger plate can achieve a high heat transfer coefficient.

[0075] 6) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to 5) above, The second distance (dimension L2) is 10% or more and 35% or less of the total length (dimension K) of the parallel flow paths in the flow direction.

[0076] According to the findings of the inventors, when a heat exchanger plate is used to supply a two-phase gas-liquid fluid to the inlet header, the dryness fraction tends to vary depending on the parallel flow path upstream. In particular, the dryness fraction of the fluid tends to be higher in the parallel flow path connected to the upstream portion of the first opening forming the inlet header, and dryout tends to occur more easily downstream in the flow direction of the parallel flow path. On the other hand, a thinner liquid film of the fluid flowing through the parallel flow path exhibits a higher heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, it is preferable that the position where a fluid flows into a parallel flow path where dryout may occur from another parallel flow path be close to the position where dryout may occur. In this regard, according to the configuration of 7) above, the second communication path defined by the second notch is appropriately spaced from the outlet header, thereby promoting mixed flow of the fluid slightly upstream of the region where dryout is expected to occur. Therefore, the first heat exchanger plate can effectively suppress dryout of the first fluid while suppressing a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient.

[0077] 7) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to any one of 1) to 6) above, The one or more notches are One or more first notches (314A) that are spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; one or more second notches (314B) provided downstream of the first notch in the flow direction, the distance (dimension L2) from the outlet header being the second distance; one or more third notches (314C) located between the first notch and the second notch and adjacent to the second notch in the flow direction; The distance between the first notch and the third notch (dimension B) is 50% or more and less than 60% of the total length of the parallel flow passages (dimension K).

[0078] According to the configuration of 7) above, fluids mix and branch among the multiple parallel flow paths via the third communication path, which is a communication path formed by the third notch located between the first notch and the second notch. In addition to increasing the opportunities for fluids to mix and branch, the first notch and the third notch are appropriately spaced apart, which ensures the flow of fluids in the third communication path and more effectively promotes the mixing and branching of fluids among the multiple parallel flow paths.

[0079] 8) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to any one of 1) to 7) above, The one or more notches are One or more first notches (314A) that are spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; one or more second notches (314B) provided downstream of the first notch in the flow direction, the distance (dimension L2) from the outlet header being the second distance; one or more fourth notches (314D) located between the first notch and the second notch and adjacent to the first notch in the flow direction; The distance between the first notch and the fourth notch (dimension A) is 25% or more and less than 35% of the total length of the parallel flow passages (dimension K).

[0080] According to the configuration of 8) above, fluids mix and branch between the multiple parallel flow paths via the fourth communication path, which is a communication path formed by the fourth notch located between the first notch and the second notch. In addition to increasing the opportunities for fluids to mix and branch, the first notch and the fourth notch are appropriately spaced apart, which ensures the flow of fluid in the fourth communication path and more effectively promotes the mixing and branching of fluids between the multiple parallel flow paths.

[0081] 9) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to 1) above, One or more of the plurality of partition walls are a first notch whose distance from the inlet header is the first distance; The fluid includes a plurality of fifth notches (314E) located downstream of the first notch and in a range where the distance from the inlet header in the flow direction of the fluid is 32.5% (dimension 0.325K) or more and 67.5% (dimension 0.675K) or less of the total length of the parallel flow path, and the fifth notches are located at different positions in the flow direction.

[0082] According to the findings of the inventors, when the fluid supply rate is relatively high, the pressure difference in the flow path direction (extension direction of the inlet header) within the inlet header can increase drift. In such cases, it is desirable to increase the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet header to reduce the pressure loss in the inlet header. However, increasing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet header causes the fluid in the inlet header to flow in a two-phase gas-liquid state, making it necessary to further improve the drift suppression effect of the notches. According to the inventors' findings, by arranging multiple fifth notches at different positions in the fluid flow direction within a range in which the distance from the inlet header in the fluid flow direction is 32.5% or more and 67.5% or less of the total length of the parallel flow paths, it has been found that mixing and branching of fluid between multiple parallel flow paths can be efficiently carried out in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths. According to the configuration of 9) above, the fluid can move between the multiple parallel flow paths in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths via the multiple fifth communication passages (316E) defined by the multiple fifth notches. Because the multiple fifth notches are located at different positions in the flow direction, mixing and branching of the fluid between the multiple parallel flow paths is efficiently carried out in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths. This effectively prevents fluid from drying out in the relatively downstream region of the parallel flow paths, which is a region where heat exchange is relatively efficient, even when the fluid experiences two-phase gas-liquid separation in the inlet header. This makes it possible to provide a heat exchanger plate with a high overall heat transfer coefficient.

[0083] If the first notch and the fifth notch are too close to each other in the flow direction, the flow of fluid in the communicating passage formed by the fifth notch becomes excessively weak, making it difficult for the fluid to mix among the multiple parallel flow passages. In this regard, according to the configuration of 9) above, the first notch and the fifth notch are appropriately spaced apart, so that the flow of fluid in the communicating passage formed by the fifth notch can be optimized and the mixing of fluid in the multiple parallel flow passages can be promoted.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the findings of the inventors, it was found that the fifth notch allows the fluid to mix and branch between the multiple parallel flow paths before it flows into a relatively downstream region of the parallel flow paths, which is an area where heat exchange is relatively efficient, and by ensuring the size of this area, the amount of heat exchange can be increased. In this regard, according to the configuration of 9) above, the outlet header and the fifth notch are appropriately separated from each other, so the size of this area can be ensured and the amount of heat exchange can be increased.

[0085] 10) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to 9) above, Of the plurality of fifth notches, a separation distance (ΔL) in the flow direction between two fifth notches adjacent to each other in the flow direction is 2% or more and 5% or less of the total length of the parallel flow passages.

[0086] According to the findings of the inventors, it has been found that the distance between two fifth notches adjacent to each other in the flow direction is preferably 2% to 5% of the total length of the parallel flow paths. In this regard, according to the configuration of 10) above, the distance between two adjacent fifth notches in the flow direction is an appropriate distance, and mixing and branching of fluids between multiple parallel flow paths is efficiently carried out in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths.

[0087] 11) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to 9) or 10) above, The plurality of fifth notches are included in each of the plurality of partition walls and are arranged at the same positions as one another in the flow direction.

[0088] According to the configuration of 11) above, in any of the multiple parallel flow paths, the mixing and branching of fluids between the multiple parallel flow paths is efficiently carried out in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow paths, making it possible to provide a heat exchanger plate that achieves a high heat transfer coefficient.

[0089] 12) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to any one of 9) to 11) above, The plurality of fifth notches are 5A notch (314EA) and a 5B notch (314EB) located downstream of the 5A notch and adjacent to the 5A notch in the flow direction; A fifth notch (314EC) is located downstream of the fifth notch (5B) and adjacent to the fifth notch (5B) in the flow direction. Includes.

[0090] According to the configuration of 12) above, three communication passages located at different positions in the flow direction, namely, the communication passage formed by the 5A notch (5A communication passage 316EA), the communication passage formed by the 5B notch (5B communication passage 316EB), and the communication passage formed by the 5C notch (5C communication passage 316EC), allow the mixing and branching of fluids between multiple parallel flow passages to be efficiently carried out in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow passages.

[0091] 13) In some embodiments, the heat exchanger plate according to 12) above, The plurality of fifth notches are located downstream of the fifth notch C, and the fifth notch C and the fifth notch D (314ED) are adjacent to each other in the flow direction. Includes.

[0092] According to the configuration of 13) above, the three communicating passages, each located at a different position in the flow direction, and the communicating passage formed by the 5D notch (5D communicating passage 316ED) allow the mixing and branching of fluids between multiple parallel flow passages to be carried out more efficiently in the region between the upstream and downstream sides of the parallel flow passages.

[0093] 14) The plate stack (30) for a heat exchanger according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchanger plates (first heat exchanger plates 31) according to any one of 1) to 13) above.

[0094] According to the configuration 14) above, for the same reason as in 1), it is possible to provide a plate stack for a heat exchanger that achieves a high heat transfer coefficient.

[0095] 15) The microchannel heat exchanger (1) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: The heat exchanger plate stack according to 14) above is provided.

[0096] According to the configuration of 15) above, for the same reason as in 1), it is possible to provide a microchannel heat exchanger that achieves a high heat transfer coefficient. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1: Heat exchanger (microchannel heat exchanger) 30: Plate stack 31: First heat exchanger plate 35: Plate 111: First opening 122: Second opening 311: Inlet header 312: Exit header 313: Adjacent notch 314: Notch 314A: First notch 314B: Second notch 314C: 3rd notch 314D: 4th notch 314E: 5th notch 315: Partition wall 316 :Communication path 318: Parallel flow path

Claims

1. A heat exchange plate having a plurality of parallel flow paths through which a first fluid flows that is heated by heat exchange with a second fluid, an inlet header formed by a first opening and configured to guide the first fluid in a gas-liquid two-phase flow state to the plurality of parallel flow paths; an outlet header formed by the second opening; a plurality of partition walls provided between the inlet header and the outlet header so as to divide a flow path of the first fluid from the inlet header toward the outlet header into the plurality of parallel flow paths; Equipped with one or more of the partition walls includes one or more notches; a pair of the parallel flow paths on both sides of the partition wall having the notch communicate with each other via the notch; a first distance between the inlet header and the one or more notches in a flow direction of the first fluid is smaller than a second distance between the outlet header and the one or more notches in the flow direction; Heat exchanger plate.

2. The one or more notches include a plurality of first notches included in each of the plurality of partition walls and arranged at the same positions as each other in the flow direction. The heat exchanger plate according to claim 1 .

3. The first distance is greater than 0% and less than 10% of the total length of the parallel flow paths. The heat exchanger plate according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The one or more notches are one or more first notches that are spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; one or more adjacent notches located downstream of the first notch and adjacent to the first notch in the flow direction; Equipped with The adjacent distance between the inlet header and the adjacent notch is 25% or more and less than 90% of the total length of the parallel flow passages. The heat exchanger plate according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The one or more notches are one or more first notches that are spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; one or more second notches provided downstream of the first notches in the flow direction, the second notches being spaced from the outlet header by the second distance; Equipped with The heat exchanger plate according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The second distance is 10% or more and 35% or less of the total length of the parallel flow paths in the flow direction. The heat exchanger plate according to claim 5.

7. The one or more notches are one or more first notches that are spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; one or more second notches provided downstream of the first notches in the flow direction, the second notches being spaced from the outlet header by the second distance; one or more third notches located between the first notch and the second notch and adjacent to the second notch in the flow direction; Equipped with The distance between the inlet header and the third notch is 50% or more and less than 60% of the total length of the parallel flow passages. The heat exchanger plate according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The one or more notches are one or more first notches that are spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; one or more second notches provided downstream of the first notches in the flow direction, the second notches being spaced from the outlet header by the second distance; one or more fourth notches located between the first notch and the second notch and adjacent to the first notch in the flow direction; Equipped with The distance between the inlet header and the fourth notch is 25% or more and less than 35% of the total length of the parallel flow passages. The heat exchanger plate according to claim 1 or 2.

9. One or more of the plurality of partition walls include: a first notch that is spaced from the inlet header by the first distance; a plurality of fifth notches located downstream of the first notch and in a range where the distance from the inlet header in the flow direction of the first fluid is 32.5% or more and 67.5% or less of the total length of the parallel flow paths, the fifth notches being located at different positions in the flow direction; The heat exchanger plate according to claim 1 .

10. Among the plurality of fifth notches, a separation distance in the flow direction between two adjacent fifth notches in the flow direction is 2% or more and 5% or less of the total length of the parallel flow paths. The heat exchanger plate according to claim 9.

11. The plurality of fifth notches are included in each of the plurality of partition walls and are arranged at the same positions as each other in the flow direction. The heat exchanger plate according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The plurality of fifth notches are A fifth A notch; a fifth B notch located downstream of the fifth A notch and adjacent to the fifth A notch in the flow direction; a fifth notch C located downstream of the fifth notch B and adjacent to the fifth notch B in the flow direction; Contains The heat exchanger plate according to claim 9 or 10.

13. The plurality of fifth notches are located downstream of the fifth C notch, and the fifth D notch is adjacent to the fifth C notch in the flow direction. Contains The heat exchanger plate according to claim 12.

14. A heat exchanger plate stack comprising a plurality of heat exchanger plates according to claim 1 or 2.

15. A microchannel heat exchanger comprising the heat exchanger plate stack according to claim 14.

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