Plate Heat Exchanger

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a plate heat exchanger (1) comprising a package of heat exchanger plates (2) each having a peripheral portion (4) and several port portions (6a, 6b) with through-flow ports (8a, 8b) communicating with flow channels (12) between adjacent heat exchanger plates (2). First guide ribs (50) are arranged in the port portions (6 a, 6 b), and the first guide ribs (50) in every other flow path (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2) are configured to guide and distribute the first heat exchange medium (18) from the first inlet passage (16 a) to the heat exchange portion (14) and from the heat exchange portion (14) to the first outlet passage (16 b); second guide ribs (52) are arranged in the port portions (6 a, 6 b), and the second guide ribs (52) in the remaining flow paths (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2) are configured to guide and distribute the second heat exchange medium (22) from the second inlet passage (20 a) to the heat exchange portion (14) and from the heat exchange portion (14) to the second outlet passage (20 b).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a plate heat exchanger, more particularly to a plate heat exchanger as defined in the preambles of the independent claims. [Background technology]

[0002] Plate heat exchangers that are permanently bonded to each other do not require separate seals between the plates and an external frame to hold the plates together. Instead of an external frame, the plates can be permanently bonded by brazing, soldering, welding, or adhesive bonding. The bond between the plates has a pressure-resistant function and can therefore withstand the pressure from the heat exchange medium in the plate heat exchanger. The bond can be formed by a bonding method in which the plates are exposed to heat below their melting point. Such a bonding method can be one of brazing with an added brazing material in the form of foil, paste, or powder, such as copper or nickel, or bonding with the material of the plates by applying a melt-suppressing composition that is applied to the plates before heating, as detailed in document WO2013144211A1.

[0003] The inlet and outlet passages in the port portions of the plates have large protruding areas, and connection joints are provided between the heat exchanger plates. To allow a large volumetric flow of heat exchange medium through the plate heat exchanger, the diameters of the inlet and outlet passages are made large, thereby increasing the exposed area of ​​the passages in the direction of the heat exchanger flow path. Furthermore, the flow of heat exchange medium between the plates in the heat exchanger is more uniformly distributed when the diameters of the inlet and outlet passages are increased. Also, the distance between the inlet and outlet passages can affect the distribution of heat exchange medium between the plates.

[0004] Document KR1020180028704A discloses a plate heat exchanger having heat exchanger plates with distribution channels directly pressed into them. The distribution channels are formed by grooves pressed into the heat exchanger plates. The heat exchange medium introduced through the fluid inlet is divided into several branches formed by the distribution channels. The heat exchange medium is distributed to the fin inserts. After passing through the fin inserts, the heat exchange medium is guided through another set of distribution channels to collect the heat exchange medium at the fluid outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] WO2013144211A1 [Patent Document 2] KR1020180028704A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The distribution of the heat exchange medium from the inlet passages to the fins can be critical in different situations, as the distribution of the heat exchange medium in the heat transfer section where the fin inserts are installed affects the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger. Non-uniform distribution of the heat exchange medium in the heat transfer section can reduce heat transfer performance. Non-uniform distribution of the heat exchange medium can depend on how the distribution passages in the heat exchanger plates match the heat transfer section. Furthermore, any differences or irregularities, such as bypass passages in the shape or set of heat exchange sections, can affect heat transfer performance due to non-uniform distribution of the heat exchange medium in the heat transfer section. Furthermore, when increasing the overall dimensions of a plate heat exchanger, the flow of the heat exchange medium between the plates in the heat exchanger can be subject to turbulence, which affects the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger.

[0007] Despite known solutions in the field, it would be desirable to develop a plate heat exchanger that overcomes or mitigates at least some of the problems associated with prior art plate heat exchangers.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified problems of the prior art or to at least alleviate the above-mentioned difficulties.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plate heat exchanger with increased heat exchange performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] These objects are achieved with the aforementioned plate heat exchanger according to the appended claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect, there is provided a plate-type heat exchanger comprising a package of heat exchanger plates, each having a peripheral portion and several port portions with through-flow ports, the heat exchanger plates being permanently bonded along their peripheral portions to adjacent heat exchanger plates of the package so as to leave flow paths in the heat exchange portions between adjacent heat exchanger plates, the through-flow ports of the heat exchanger plates being aligned and forming first inlet and outlet passages through the package for a first heat exchange medium, which are in communication with every other flow path between the heat exchanger plates, and second inlet and outlet passages through the package for a second heat exchange medium, which are in communication with the remaining flow paths between the heat exchanger plates, and the port portions of adjacent heat exchanger plates, which form flow paths along each of the inlet and outlet passages separated from the inlet and outlet passages, respectively, are permanently bonded around the inlet and outlet passages between outer piping and inner piping located closer to the inlet and outlet passages, a first guide rib disposed in the port portion, the first guide rib in every other flow path between the heat exchanger plates configured to guide and distribute a first heat exchange medium from the first inlet passage to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to the first outlet passage; a second guide rib disposed in the port portion, the second guide rib in the remaining flow paths between the heat exchanger plates configured to guide and distribute a second heat exchange medium from the second inlet passage to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to the second outlet passage; fins disposed in the heat exchange portions of the flow paths between adjacent heat exchanger plates, the fins creating several parallel guide paths for each of the first and second heat exchange media, the fins being created by corrugated metal plates having wave crests and wave troughs; and several first and second guide ribs extending into the mixing region and abutting respective end portions of the fins for positioning and guiding the corrugated metal plates of the fins in the heat exchange portions of the flow paths.

[0012] A plate heat exchanger may include several heat exchanger plates arranged on top of each other between an upper outer cover plate and a lower outer cover plate. The ports of the heat exchanger plates are aligned to form inlet and outlet passages, which are limited at the bottom by blind ports in the lower outer cover plate and communicate with inlet and outlet pipes at the top, respectively. The heat exchanger may have one inlet and one outlet passage for each of two heat exchange media, which are located at the end portions of the heat exchanger plates. The heat exchanger may have several alternating inlet or outlet passages. The shape and location of the passages may be freely selected. The flow of the first heat exchange medium and the flow of the second heat exchange medium may be parallel in the heat exchange section of the heat exchanger. However, the first inlet and first outlet passages may be arranged diagonally relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchange section. Furthermore, the second inlet passage and the second outlet passage may be disposed diagonally relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchange section. Alternatively, the first inlet passage and the first outlet passage may be aligned relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchange section. Furthermore, the second inlet passage and the second outlet passage may be aligned relative to the parallel flow in the heat exchange section. A certain number of heat exchanger plates together form a heat exchanger plate package. The heat exchanger plates may have a rectangular shape, although other shapes, such as round heat exchanger plates, are possible. The number of heat exchanger plates in a heat exchanger depends on the desired capacity. To bond the heat exchanger, an appropriate number of plates are stacked on top of each other, and adjacent plates are bonded together by brazing, soldering, welding, or adhesive bonding. Adjacent heat exchanger plates are permanently bonded to each other. Therefore, no separate gaskets are required between the plates, and no outer frame is required to hold the plates together. The term permanently bonded primarily refers to brazing, but also to soldering, welding, or gluing, for example. The bond can be formed by any bonding method in which the plates are exposed to heat below the melting point of the plates.Such a joining method can be one of brazing with an added brazing material in the form of foil, paste, or powder, such as copper or nickel, or joining with the plate material by applying a melt-suppressing composition applied to the plate before heating. The peripheral portions of the heat exchanger plates can be provided with sides or edges. The side of one heat exchanger plate can be bonded to the side of an adjacent heat exchanger plate. The bonded sides ensure a fluid-tight connection along the peripheral portions of the heat exchanger plates. The edges increase the rigidity and overall strength of the plate heat exchanger. However, edges may be omitted from the heat exchanger plates. The port portions surround inlet or outlet passages that communicate with the flow passages formed by the plate. The port portions may be located furthest from each other and on the two end faces of the plate. The at least one connection among the internal piping in each port portion also prevents the plate ports from being ovalized during plate manufacturing. The connection may be formed as an integral part of each heat exchanger plate. Alternatively, the connections may be formed from free elements disposed between the heat exchanger plates. Flow paths are defined between adjacent plates. The heat exchange medium flows through the flow paths through the plate heat exchanger. Adjacent heat exchanger plates are connected and joined together at several locations on their surfaces. Flow paths remain between these joining locations. Heat exchange sections are disposed between adjacent plates and between the end portions of the heat exchanger. In the heat exchange sections, heat is transferred from one of the heat exchange media to the other. Stacking the individual heat exchanger plates together aligns the through-flow ports of the plates. The aligned through-flow ports form inlet and outlet passages through the package of plates. The first inlet and first outlet passages communicate with every other flow path between the heat exchanger plates. The second inlet and second outlet passages communicate with the remaining flow paths between the heat exchanger plates. There is only heat exchange between every other flow path and the remaining flow paths, and no fluid communication between these separated passages.The inner pipe is positioned closer to the inlet and outlet passages than the outer pipe. An inter-plate space is positioned in a region around the inlet and outlet passages, between the outer pipe and the inlet or outlet passage, respectively. At least one connection is disposed in the inter-plate space along each of the inlet and outlet passages. The first and second guide ribs may be configured as separate or integral parts of the heat exchanger plate. The first and second guide ribs may be disposed in the port portion of the plate. The first and second guide ribs may extend between the input flow port region and the heat exchange portion region. The first and second guide ribs may be configured to guide the first and second heat exchange media between the ribs in a direction along the ribs. When the heat exchange media flows from the port to the heat exchange portion, it spreads over an area larger than the area at the port. When the heat exchange media flows from the heat exchange portion to the port, it is concentrated in an area smaller than the area at the heat exchange portion. The first and second guide ribs may also be configured to guide and position the heat exchange portion within the heat exchanger plate. In this case, the heat exchange portion may be a separate component from the heat exchanger plate and positioned between the port portions on which the first and second guide ribs are provided. During manufacture of the plate heat exchanger, the heat exchange portion may first be positioned between the port portions and guided into the correct position by the first and second guide ribs. The heat exchange portion is then firmly connected to the heat exchanger plate by, for example, brazing, soldering, welding, or adhesive bonding. A plate heat exchanger provided with the above guide ribs increases the heat exchange performance of the plate heat exchanger.

[0013] The first and second guide ribs can be integral parts of the heat exchanger plate. The first and second guide ribs can be manufactured simultaneously with the heat exchanger plate. The first and second guide ribs can be permanently bonded to the heat exchanger plate. When the first and second guide ribs are integral parts of the heat exchanger plate, the position of the first and second guide ribs is fixed relative to the heat exchanger portion of the heat exchanger plate.

[0014] The heat exchanger plate can be made from a thin material and can have first and second guide ribs molded on one side, each of which is molded into a port portion of the heat exchanger plate. The first and second guide ribs can be molded into the surface of the heat exchanger plate during plate manufacturing. The ribs can be molded in a second step after the plate is manufactured in a first step.

[0015] The first and second guide ribs can be disposed on separate plate elements, which are disposed in the respective port sections. The separate plates can be made of thin material. The first and second guide ribs can be molded into the surface of the separate plate elements. The separate plate elements can be connected to the respective port sections and permanently bonded to the heat exchanger plate by brazing, soldering, welding, or adhesive bonding.

[0016] The height of the first and second guide ribs may correspond to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates at the port portion. The first and second guide ribs may extend between the two adjacent heat exchanger plates. The space between the ribs leaves a flow path defining a guide passage for the heat exchange medium. The first and second guide ribs may be brazed, soldered, welded, or bonded to the surface of the adjacent plate. However, portions of the ribs along their length may have a shorter height.

[0017] Fins may be arranged in the heat exchange section of the flow path between adjacent heat exchanger plates, and the fins may create several parallel guide passages for each of the first and second heat exchange media, respectively. The fins can guide the parallel flow of the first and second heat exchange media through the heat exchange section. The fins can be made of a thermally conductive material, such as steel or an aluminum alloy. Several individual fins can be arranged parallel in the heat exchange section, extending in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger and creating guide passages between the individual fins. Alternatively, the individual fins may be connected to each other.

[0018] Each parallel guide passage may be defined by the wall of the fin and the heat exchanger plate. Each fin may extend between two adjacent heat exchanger plates. The surfaces of two adjacent plates and the surfaces of two adjacent fins may define one guide passage. The fins may be brazed, soldered, welded, or glued to the surfaces of two adjacent plates. The distance between the fins and the distance between the plates affects the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​each guide passage. The distance between the fins may also determine the number of fins and the number of passages in the heat exchange section. The shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​each guide passage may have an effect on the volumetric flow of the heat exchange medium in the guide passage.

[0019] The fins can be created by corrugated metal plates having crests and troughs. The fins can be created by pleated plates of thermally conductive material. The fins may have corrugations. Parallel guide passages can be created between the crests and troughs of the corrugated fins. In the heat exchange section between adjacent heat exchanger plates, the crests can be configured to be firmly connected to the heat exchanger plates, and the troughs can be configured to be firmly connected to the adjacent heat exchanger plates. The crests and troughs can be brazed, soldered, welded, or glued to the surfaces of the two adjacent plates. The distances between the crests, the troughs, and the plates affect the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​each guide passage. The distances between the crests and the troughs can also determine the number of fins and passages in the heat exchange section. The shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the individual guide passages can have an effect on the volumetric flow of the heat exchange medium in the guide passages.

[0020] The wave height of the fins of the corrugated metal plate can correspond to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates in the heat exchange section. The wave height of the fins of the corrugated metal plate can correspond to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates in the heat exchange section. The crests and troughs of the fins can extend between the two adjacent heat exchanger plates. One surface of the two adjacent plates and the surfaces of two adjacent fins having a common crest define a single guide passage. The crests and troughs of the fins of the corrugated metal plate can be brazed, soldered, welded, or glued to the surfaces of the two adjacent plates. The distance between the walls of two adjacent fins at the midpoint of the fin height is in the range of 0.25 to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 0.35 to 3 mm, and most preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1 mm. This configuration of the distance between two adjacent fin walls at the midpoint of the fin height can result in the shape and size of the cross-sectional area of ​​each guide passage having a small effect on the volumetric flow of the heat exchange medium in the guide passage. Furthermore, when the distance between two adjacent fin walls at the midpoint of the fin height is within this range, the pressure drop across the heat exchange section can be small.

[0021] Several first and second guide ribs can extend away from the end portions of the fins, and the distance between the end portions of the fins and the first and second guide ribs can be configured as a mixing zone for mixing, allowing the volumetric flow of the first heat exchange medium to be uniform before entering the parallel guide passages created by the fins. The number of guide ribs can be different from the number of fins. The number of fins can be greater than the number of guide ribs. Spaces between the ribs leave flow paths defining guide passages for the heat exchange medium, and the guide passages can be wider and larger than the guide passages between the fins. By positioning the end portions of the guide ribs away from the end portions of the fins, the end portions of the guide ribs can be prevented from obstructing the guide passages created by the fins. Furthermore, this design creates a mixing zone between the ribs and the fins, allowing fluid to be uniformly redistributed across the fin passages.

[0022] Several first and second guide ribs can extend into the mixing region and abut against the end portions of the fins to position and guide the corrugated metal plates of the fins in the heat exchange portion of the flow path. The end portions of several guide ribs can abut against the end portions of the fins to position and guide the corrugated metal plates of the fins. Thus, the guide ribs can be configured to guide and position the corrugated metal plates of the fins in the heat exchanger plate. In this case, the corrugated metal plates of the fins can be separate components from the heat exchanger plate and positioned between the port sections where the guide ribs are provided. During the manufacture of the plate heat exchanger, the corrugated metal plates of the fins can first be positioned between the port sections and guided into the correct position by the end portions of the guide ribs extending into the mixing region. The corrugated metal plates of the fins are then firmly connected to the heat exchanger plate by, for example, brazing, soldering, welding, or adhesive bonding. A plate heat exchanger provided with the aforementioned guide ribs extending into the mixing region and abutting against the end portions of the fins increases the heat exchange performance of the plate heat exchanger by accurately positioning the corrugated metal plates of the fins. The guide ribs abutting the respective end portions of the fins may obstruct some of the guide passages created by the fins. However, it is believed that the majority of the guide passages are not obstructed by the guide ribs. Instead, the volumetric flow of heat exchange medium may be mixed and homogenized in a mixing region before entering the parallel guide passages created by the fins. The portions of the ribs along the length of the ribs that extend into the mixing region and abut the fins may have a reduced height. The reduced height may connect the mixing regions so that the heat exchange medium can flow past the reduced height ribs. This configuration of the end portions of the ribs may avoid obstructing some of the guide passages created by the fins.

[0023] The outermost guide ribs of the first and second guide ribs can extend into the mixing region and abut against the end portions of the fins to prevent the first and second heat exchange media from flowing through bypass passages formed between the peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plate and the outermost fins in the heat exchanger portion. Because the corrugated metal plates of the fins in the heat exchanger portion may have a width smaller than the width of the heat exchanger plate, bypass passages without fins may occur between the outermost fins and the outer peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plate. Uneven distribution of the heat exchange media in the heat transfer portion may reduce the heat transfer performance of the plate heat exchanger. The uneven distribution of the heat exchange media may depend on how the ribs and the fin guide passages align with the heat transfer portion. Furthermore, any differences or irregularities in the heat exchange portion, such as the bypass passages, may affect the heat transfer performance due to the uneven distribution of the heat exchange media in the heat transfer portion. The outermost guide ribs abutting against the end portions of the outermost fins prevent the heat exchange media from flowing through the bypass passages. This results in a uniform volumetric flow of the heat exchange medium entering the parallel guide channels created by the fins.

[0024] Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following details and through the practice of the invention. While the present invention is described below, it should be apparent that the invention need not be limited to the details specifically set forth. Those skilled in the art and having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional applications, modifications, and incorporation in other areas that are within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following illustrative, non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of a plate heat exchanger in perspective, according to an example; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of a plate heat exchanger in cross section along line XX in FIG. 1, according to an example. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram of a plate heat exchanger in cross section along line VV in FIG. 1, according to an example. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram of a plate heat exchanger in cross section along line VV in FIG. 1, according to an example. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger plate viewed from above, according to an example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the mixing region indicated in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a portion of a plate heat exchanger taken in cross section along line ZZ in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a portion of a plate heat exchanger taken in cross section along line ZZ in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a portion of a plate heat exchanger taken in cross section along line ZZ in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided so that the scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a plate heat exchanger 1 according to an example. The plate heat exchanger 1 comprises a package of heat exchanger plates 2, each having a peripheral portion 4 and several port portions 6a, 6b with through-flow ports 8a, 8b. The heat exchanger plates 2 are permanently bonded along their peripheral portions 4 to adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 of the package, leaving flow paths 12 ( FIG. 2 ) in the heat exchange portion 14 between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2. The through-flow ports 8a, 8b of the heat exchanger plates 2 are aligned to form first inlet and outlet passages 16a, 16b through the package for a first heat exchange medium 18, which communicate with every other flow path 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2, and second inlet and outlet passages 20a, 20b through the package for a second heat exchange medium 22, which communicate with the remaining flow paths 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2. The port portions 6a, 6b of two adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 surround inlet or outlet passages 16a, 16b; 20a, 20b that communicate with the flow passages 12 formed by the heat exchanger plates 2 and are positioned furthest from each other and are located on the end faces 42 of the heat exchanger plates 2.

[0029] 2 shows a schematic cross-section of a portion of a plate heat exchanger 1 taken along line XX in FIG. 1 , according to an example. The heat exchanger plates 2 are permanently bonded to adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 of the package along their peripheral portions 4, so as to leave flow paths 12 in the heat exchange portions 14 between the adjacent heat exchanger plates 2. Fins 32 are arranged in the heat exchange portions 14 of the flow paths 12 between the adjacent heat exchanger plates 2, and create several parallel guide passages 34 for each of the first and second heat exchange media 18, 22, respectively. The peripheral portions of the heat exchanger plates are provided with side surfaces 23 or edges 25.

[0030] 3 shows a schematic cross-section of the plate heat exchanger 1 taken along line VV in FIG. 1 according to an example. Each connection 28 creates a solid line around the outlet passage 16b or the inlet passage 20a, respectively, according to this example. The second inlet passage 20a communicates with every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates 2. The first outlet passage 16b communicates with the remaining flow passages between the heat exchanger plates 2. Fins 32 are arranged between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 and create several parallel guide passages 34.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a plate heat exchanger 1 taken along line VV in FIG. 1 , according to an example. Along each of the outlet passages 16 b and inlet passages 20 a, the heat exchanger plates 2 are permanently joined by connectors 28. The connectors 28 are arranged to hold the port portions 6 a, 6 b of adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 together along the outlet passages 16 b and inlet passages 20 a. Along each of the outlet passages 16 b and inlet passages 20 a, at least one connector 28 is arranged in an inter-plate space 30, which communicates with the outlet passages 16 b and inlet passages 20 a, respectively, and is permanently connected to both adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 in each such inter-plate space 30. Fins 32 are arranged between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2, creating several parallel guide passages 34.

[0032] 5 shows a schematic view of a heat exchanger plate 2 from above, according to an example. A peripheral portion 4 surrounds the entire plate 2. Through-flow ports 8a, 8b are arranged in the heat exchanger plate 2, which, together with the through-flow ports 8a, 8b of other plates 2, are configured to form inlet and outlet passages 16a, 16b; 20a, 20b through the package of plates 2 (FIG. 1). First guide ribs 50 are arranged in the port portions 6 a, 6 b, and the first guide ribs 50 in every other flow passage 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2 are configured to guide and distribute the first heat exchange medium 18 ( FIG. 1 ) from the first inlet passage 16 a to the heat exchange portion 14 and from the heat exchange portion 14 to the first outlet passage 16 b, and second guide ribs 52 are arranged in the port portions 6 a, 6 b, and the second guide ribs 52 in the remaining flow passages 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2 are configured to guide and distribute the second heat exchange medium 22 ( FIG. 1 ) from the second inlet passage 20 a to the heat exchange portion 14 and from the heat exchange portion 14 to the second outlet passage 20 b. The first guide ribs 50 and the second guide ribs 52 form an integral part of the heat exchanger plate 2. However, the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 may be arranged on a separate plate element 54, and the separate plate element 54 may be arranged on each port portion 6 a, 6 b. The heat exchanger plate 2 is made from a thin material and is provided with the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 molded on one side, and each of the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 is molded into the port portion 6 a, 6 b of the heat exchanger plate 2.

[0033] 6 shows a schematic top view of the mixing region 58 indicated in FIG. 5. Several first and second guide ribs 50, 52 extend away from the end portions 56 of the fins 32, and the distance between the end portions 56 of the fins 32 and the first and second guide ribs 50, 52 is configured as a mixing region 58 for mixing, uniforming the volumetric flow of the first heat exchange medium 18 (FIG. 1) before entering the parallel guide passages 34 created by the fins 32, and for uniforming the volumetric flow of the second heat exchange medium 22 before entering the parallel guide passages 34 created by the fins 32. Several first and second guide ribs 50, 52 extend into the mixing region and abut the end portions 56 of the fins 32 for positioning and guiding the corrugated metal plates 38 of the fins 32 in the heat exchange portion 14 of the flow path 12. The outermost guide rib 50a of the first guide ribs 50 and the outermost guide rib 52a of the second guide ribs 52 extend into the mixing region 58 and abut against respective end portions 56 of the fins 32 to prevent the first heat exchange medium 18 and the second heat exchange medium 22 (FIG. 1), respectively, from flowing in a bypass passage 60 formed between the peripheral portion 4 of the heat exchanger plate 2 and the outermost fin 32a in the heat exchange portion 14, also shown in FIG. 7.

[0034] 7-9 show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of a plate heat exchanger 1 taken along line ZZ in FIG. 5. The height rh1 of the first and second guide ribs 50, 52 corresponds to the distance d between two adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 in the port portions 6a, 6b (FIG. 5). However, the ribs 50, 52 extending into the mixing zone 58 and abutting the fins 32 may have a shorter height rh2. The shorter height rh2 can connect the mixing zones 58 so that the heat exchange media 18, 22 can flow past the ribs 50, 52 at the shorter height rh2. The fins 32 are arranged in the heat exchange section 14 of the flow passage 12 between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2. The fins 32 create several parallel guide passages 34 for the first and second heat exchange media 18, 22, respectively. Each parallel guide passage 34 is defined by the wall 36 of the fin 32 and the heat exchanger plate 2. The fins 32 can be produced by a corrugated metal plate 38 having wave crests p1, p2 and wave troughs t1, t2. The wave height wh of the fins 32 of the corrugated metal plate 38 corresponds to the distance d between two adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 in the heat exchange section 14. In FIG. 7, the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 are arranged on a separate plate element 54 disposed between the plates 2. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the first guide rib 50 and the second guide rib 52 are formed from the heat exchanger plates 2 by a suitable manufacturing method. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the fins 32 have a different shape compared to the shape of the fins 32 in FIG. 7. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rib width wr is greater than the width wd between the walls 36 of the two fins 32 at the midpoint MH of the wave height wh of the fins 32. In FIG. 9 , the outermost guide rib 50 a of the first guide ribs 50 and the outermost guide rib 52 a of the second guide ribs 52 extend into the mixing region 58 and abut against the respective end portions 56 of the fins 32 to prevent the first heat exchange medium 18 and the second heat exchange medium 22 from flowing in the bypass passage 60 formed between the peripheral portion 4 of the heat exchanger plate 2 and the outermost fin 32 a in the heat exchange portion 14.Outermost guide ribs 50 a , 52 a are molded in the plate 2 and in part of the side surface 23 of the plate 2 .

[0035] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the variations described. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles and practical applications, and thereby enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention, in terms of its various embodiments, along with various modifications applicable to the intended use. The components and features specified above can be combined between the different embodiments specified within the framework of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1 Plate heat exchanger 2 Heat Exchanger Plates 4 Periphery 6a, 6b port parts 8a, 8b through-flow ports 12 Flow path 14 Heat exchange part 16a First entrance passage 16b First Exit Passage 18 First heat exchange medium 20a Second entrance passage 20b Second Exit Passage 22 Second heat exchange medium 23 Side 25 En 28 Connection 30 Interplate space 32 Finn 32a outermost fin 34 Guideway 36 Wall 38 Corrugated metal plate 42 End face 50 First guide rib 50a Outermost guide rib 52 Second guide rib 52a Outermost guide rib 54 Plate Elements 56 End part 58 Mixed area 60 Bypass Passage d Distance between heat exchanger plates MH: Midpoint of wave height wh p1, p2 Wave crest rh1 rib height rh2 Low rib height t1, t2 wave trough wd Width between walls wh Wave height wr Rib width

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (1), a package of heat exchanger plates (2) each having a peripheral portion (4) and several port portions (6a, 6b) with through-flow ports (8a, 8b); the heat exchanger plates (2) are permanently bonded to adjacent heat exchanger plates (2) of the package along their peripheral portions (4) so ​​as to leave flow paths (12) in the heat exchange portions (14) between adjacent heat exchanger plates (2); the through-flow ports (8a, 8b) of the heat exchanger plates (2) are aligned to form first inlet and outlet passages (16a, 16b) through the package for a first heat exchange medium (18) that communicate with every other flow path (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2), and second inlet and outlet passages (20a, 20b) through the package for a second heat exchange medium (22) that communicate with the remaining flow paths (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2); Along each of the inlet and outlet passages (16a, 16b; 20a, 20b), the port portions (6a, 6b) of adjacent heat exchanger plates (2) forming flow paths (12) separated from the inlet and outlet passages (16a, 16b; 20a, 20b) are permanently coupled around the inlet and outlet passages (16a, 16b; 20a, 20b), respectively, between outer piping (24) and inner piping (26) positioned closer to the inlet and outlet passages; First guide ribs (50) are arranged in the port portions (6a, 6b), and the first guide ribs (50) in every other flow passage (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2) are configured to guide and distribute the first heat exchange medium (18) from the first inlet passage (16a) to the heat exchange portion (14) and from the heat exchange portion (14) to the first outlet passage (16b). Second guide ribs (52) are arranged in the port portions (6a, 6b), and the second guide ribs (52) in the remaining flow passages (12) between the heat exchanger plates (2) are configured to guide and distribute the second heat exchange medium (22) from the second inlet passage (20a) to the heat exchange portion (14) and from the heat exchange portion (14) to the second outlet passage (20b). a plate-type heat exchanger (1) including a plurality of fins (32) arranged in the heat exchange portion (14) of the flow path (12) between the adjacent heat exchanger plates (2), the fins (32) creating several parallel guide passages (34) for each of the first heat exchange medium (18) and the second heat exchange medium (22), the fins (32) being created by corrugated metal plates (38) having wave crests (p1, p2) and wave troughs (t1, t2), and several first guide ribs (50) and second guide ribs (52) extending into a mixing region and abutting against respective end portions (56) of the fins (32) for positioning and guiding the corrugated metal plates (38) of the fins (32) in the heat exchange portion (14) of the flow path (12).

2. 2. The plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) constitute an integral part of the heat exchanger plate (2).

3. 3. The plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat exchanger plate (2) is made from a thin material and is provided with the first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) molded on one side, each of the first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) being molded into the port portion (6a, 6b) of the heat exchanger plate (2).

4. 2. The plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) are arranged on separate plate elements (54), and the plate elements (54) are arranged in the respective port portions (6 a, 6 b).

5. 5. The plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein the heights (rh) of the first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) each correspond to the distance (d) between two adjacent heat exchanger plates (2) in the port portions (6a, 6b).

6. 6. The plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein each parallel guide passage (32) is defined by a wall (36) of the fin (32) and the heat exchanger plate (2).

7. 7. The plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wave height (wh) of the fins (32) of the corrugated metal plates (38) corresponds to the distance (d) between two adjacent heat exchanger plates (2) in the heat exchange section (14).

8. 8. The plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein several of the first guide ribs (50) and the second guide ribs (52) extend to positions away from the end portions (56) of the fins (32), and the distance between the end portions (56) of the fins (32) and the first guide ribs (50) and the second guide ribs (52) is configured as a mixing zone (58) for mixing, which uniforms the volumetric flow of the first heat exchange medium (18) before it enters the parallel guide passages (34) created by the fins (32), and is configured as a mixing zone (58) for mixing, which uniforms the volumetric flow of the second heat exchange medium (22) before it enters the parallel guide passages (34) created by the fins (32).

9. 9. The plate heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outermost guide ribs (50 a, 52 a) of the first guide rib (50) and the second guide rib (52) extend into the mixing region (58) and abut against the end portions (56) of the fins (32) to prevent the first heat exchange medium (18) and the second heat exchange medium (22), respectively, from flowing through a bypass passage (60) formed between the peripheral portion (4) of the heat exchanger plate (2) and an outermost fin (32 a) of the heat exchange portion (14).

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