Plate Heat Exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger 10 comprising first and second heat exchanger plates defining first and second inter-plate spaces I1, I2, the first and second heat exchanger plates being fluid-tightly connected via a first connecting area A1 surrounding the porthole flow passages 152 at a first radial distance R1 from the center C of the porthole flow passages 152 to form first and second peripheral plate portions. At a second radial distance R2 from the center C of the porthole flow passage 152, the first section 104 of the first peripheral plate portion extends toward the second peripheral plate portion / the first section 204 of the second peripheral plate portion extends toward the first peripheral plate portion 102 to form a restricted volume V1 between the first radial distance R1 and the second peripheral plate portion 202, the restricted volume V1 being in fluid communication with the porthole flow passage 152.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat exchangers, and more particularly to plate heat exchangers.

[0002] The plate heat exchanger has a first heat exchanger plate and a second heat exchanger plate that form a first interplate space configured to receive a first fluid and a second interplate space configured to receive a second fluid, and the first heat exchanger plate and the second heat exchanger plate are stacked on top of each other. [Background technology]

[0003] Plate heat exchangers are used in many applications where heat is to be transferred from one fluid to another, or vice versa.

[0004] A typical plate heat exchanger includes a plate package formed from stacked heat exchanger plates. Generally, a number of first heat exchanger plates and a number of second heat exchanger plates are alternately stacked and connected to each other. In this manner, a first inter-plate space is formed between each pair of adjacent first and second heat exchanger plates, and a second inter-plate space is formed between each pair of adjacent second and first heat exchanger plates. The first inter-plate space and the second inter-plate space are typically spaced apart from each other and are designed to receive respective fluids and exchange heat between the fluids. For this purpose, respective inlet and outlet ports are typically provided in the first inter-plate space and the second inter-plate space.

[0005] One common type of plate heat exchanger of the above kind is a so-called evaporator. An evaporator is generally a plate heat exchanger designed to evaporate a fluid in a refrigeration system. Such a refrigeration system may be, for example, an air conditioning system, a cooling system, a heat pump system, or the like. Typically, such a refrigeration system includes, in addition to the evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve, all of which are connected in series.

[0006] Because the fluid, such as a refrigerant, supplied to the inlet passage of such an evaporator typically exists in both a gaseous and a liquid state, the evaporator is also commonly referred to as a two-phase evaporator. In other words, the fluid supplied to the inlet passage of the evaporator is typically supplied simultaneously in two states of condensation, namely, liquid and vapor. When the fluid is supplied in both a gaseous and liquid state, it is difficult to uniformly or optimally distribute the fluid among the different interplate spaces. One reason for this may be that the fluid is already partially evaporated when it enters the inlet passage of the evaporator after passing through the expansion valve. As a result, the fluid does not remain a homogeneous liquid / vapor mixture as it passes along the entire length of the inlet passage, but tends to partially separate into liquid and vapor streams, respectively. Therefore, some interplate spaces may receive more liquid than others, and some interplate spaces may receive more vapor than others.

[0007] Uneven fluid distribution to the different interplate spaces, and thus to the evaporative flow paths provided therein, generally results in a reduction in the overall performance of the plate heat exchanger. Furthermore, the fluid may be unnecessarily superheated. Furthermore, some flow paths may be filled with fluid in the liquid phase, which means there is a risk that some fluid in the liquid phase may leave the evaporator through the outlet channel. This should be avoided, as there is a risk of liquid entering, for example, a compressor.

[0008] For this reason, it has been proposed to provide a restrictive element or restrictive opening in association with each passage between the inlet channel of a plate heat exchanger and its associated interplate space, which forms an evaporative flow path for the fluid. The provision of restrictive elements has proven to be troublesome in terms of manufacturing, primarily because such elements must be correctly positioned and secured within each associated interplate space. While providing restrictive openings is generally more advantageous from a manufacturing standpoint, it tends to have other drawbacks. When providing restrictive openings, there is often a risk of cracks forming in the plates, especially when the restrictive opening holes have small diameters. Such cracks can appear in particular in collars that typically surround portholes. If such collars crack, there is a risk of fluid entering the interplate space through the cracks, which inevitably reduces the function and performance of the heat exchanger.

[0009] Therefore, there is room for improvement when it comes to uniformly distributing fluid within plate heat exchangers such as evaporators. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] With the above in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved plate heat exchanger.

[0011] Another object is to provide such a plate heat exchanger in which fluid is more evenly distributed throughout the interplate spaces of the plate heat exchanger.

[0012] Another object is to provide such a plate heat exchanger with improved overall performance.

[0013] Another object is to provide such a plate heat exchanger which is capable of satisfactorily handling higher fluid velocities.

[0014] Another object is to provide such a plate heat exchanger which makes it possible to improve the mixing of fluids in the liquid and gas phases.

[0015] Another object is to provide such a plate heat exchanger that is less susceptible to cracking.

[0016] Another object is to provide such a plate heat exchanger which is easier to manufacture.

[0017] Another object is to provide such a plate heat exchanger that is more cost-effective. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] In order to achieve at least one of the above objects and also other objects that will become apparent from the following description, a plate heat exchanger having the features set out in claim 1 is provided according to the concept of the present invention.

[0019] More specifically, according to a first aspect, there is provided a plate-type heat exchanger comprising a first heat exchanger plate and a second heat exchanger plate forming a first inter-plate space configured to receive a first fluid and a second inter-plate space configured to receive a second fluid, the first heat exchanger plate and the second heat exchanger plate being stacked vertically on top of each other in a vertical direction and extending parallel to a horizontal extension plane, each of the first and second heat exchanger plates having portholes therethrough, porthole flow passages being formed vertically through the first and second heat exchanger plates via the portholes, the first heat exchanger plate and the second heat exchanger plate being connected in a fluid-tight manner via a first connection area surrounding the porthole flow passage at a first radial distance from a center of the porthole flow passage, whereby a first connection area and a porthole flow passage are connected in a fluid-tight manner and a second peripheral plate portion of the second heat exchanger plate extending between the first connecting region and the porthole flow passages, the first peripheral plate portion and the second peripheral plate portion surrounding the porthole flow passages and extending at least partially a distance from each other in the horizontal direction, and a first section of the first peripheral plate portion extending toward the second peripheral plate portion and / or a first section of the second peripheral plate portion extending toward the first peripheral plate portion at a second radial distance from the center of the porthole flow passages, thereby forming a restricted volume between the first peripheral plate portion and the second peripheral plate portion between the first radial distance and the second radial distance, the restricted volume being in fluid communication with the porthole flow passages.

[0020] This provides an improved plate heat exchanger.

[0021] The present invention is therefore based on the understanding that by forming a restricted volume in fluid communication with the porthole flow passages, improved mixing of the fluid entering the porthole flow passages can be achieved before the fluid is delivered to the interplate spaces. More specifically, a restricted volume in fluid communication with the porthole flow passages can be formed between a first peripheral plate portion and a second peripheral plate portion between a first radial distance and a second radial distance. In this manner, the fluid entering the porthole flow passages can be more evenly distributed throughout the plate heat exchanger. In other words, the fluid can be more evenly distributed vertically and also along a horizontal extension plane. Thus, the fluid can be more evenly distributed between and within each associated interplate space. At the same time, the plates of the plate heat exchanger may be less prone to cracking or being otherwise damaged. Furthermore, the plate heat exchanger may be capable of handling high fluid velocities, which enable a high degree of mixing.

[0022] The first and second heat exchanger plates are fluid-tightly connected via a first connection region surrounding the porthole flow passages at a first radial distance from the center of the porthole flow passages to form a first peripheral plate portion of the first heat exchanger plate and a second peripheral plate portion of the second heat exchanger plate. Note that in the context of the present application, the terms "peripheral plate portion," such as the first peripheral plate portion and the second peripheral plate portion, can refer to any portion of any heat exchanger plate disposed between the first sealing region and the porthole flow passages, including any portion of any heat exchanger plate that at least partially defines the porthole flow passages. Accordingly, such peripheral plate portions can have any shape and include multiple sections or subsections extending in different directions or orientations. Accordingly, such peripheral plate portions can be configured to provide a desired function, such as forming a restricted volume between the first and second peripheral plate portions at a first radial distance and a second radial distance. Additionally, such peripheral plate portions may be formed to provide a desired functionality or geometry of the porthole flow path.

[0023] The first peripheral plate portion extends between the first connection area and the porthole flow passages. The second peripheral plate portion of the second heat exchanger plate extends between the first connection area and the porthole flow passages. The first and second peripheral plate portions surround the porthole flow passages. Furthermore, the first and second peripheral plate portions extend at least partially horizontally at a distance from each other, thereby forming a space, such as a restricted volume, or spaces, between the first and second peripheral plate portions.

[0024] At a second radial distance from the center of the porthole flow path, the first section of the first peripheral plate portion extends toward the second peripheral plate portion, and / or the first section of the second peripheral plate portion extends toward the first peripheral plate portion, thereby forming a restricted volume. It should be noted that within the context of the present application, the term "section," such as the first section of the first peripheral plate portion and the second section of the second peripheral plate portion, may refer to any section, portion, or subset of its associated peripheral plate portion. In other words, a section forms a part of the peripheral plate portion. Correspondingly, the peripheral plate portion may be said to be formed from multiple sections.

[0025] It should be noted that within the context of this application, the term "restricted volume" may refer to any volume or space having a major cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​an opening, slit, or the like through which the restricted volume can be accessed. Thus, a restricted volume is accessible through one or more constrictions, such as openings, passages, slits, or the like.

[0026] A first opening may be provided between the restricted volume and the first interplate space, which is advantageous in that a fluid may be supplied to the first interplate space through the restricted volume. By supplying the fluid to the first interplate space through the restricted volume, improved distribution and further improved mixing of the fluid may be achieved. In other words, the fluid may be more evenly distributed among the first interplate spaces. Furthermore, mixing of the liquid and vapor may be further improved by supplying the fluid to the first interplate space through the restricted volume.

[0027] The first section of the first peripheral plate portion and the first section of the second peripheral plate portion may be contiguous and fluid-tightly connected at a second radial distance via a second connecting region, the second connecting region including a discontinuity that forms a second opening between the porthole flow passage and the restricted volume, thereby creating said fluid communication, which is advantageous in that the distribution and / or mixing of liquid and vapor may be further improved. In practice, the fluid communication between the porthole flow passage and the restricted volume may be controlled by modifying the second opening. Thus, fluids, including both liquid and vapor, may be supplied to the restricted volume via the second opening while being more efficiently distributed and / or mixed.

[0028] The second openings may be formed by cutting in the first peripheral plate portion in the second connecting region and / or by cutting in the second peripheral plate portion in the second connecting region, which is advantageous in that the second openings can be formed in an efficient manner while forming the first and / or second heat exchanger plates. Thus, the second openings can be formed, for example, by pressing incisions into the configuration where the second connecting region is to be formed while forming the first and / or second heat exchanger plates.

[0029] The circumferential extension of the restricted volume may be delimited by a pair of protrusions provided on the first peripheral plate portion and / or the second peripheral plate portion, the protrusions extending radially between the first and second connecting regions, which is advantageous in that mixing of the liquid and vapor may be further improved. By delimiting the circumferential extension of the restricted volume, pressure may build up more quickly within the restricted volume, thereby promoting more efficient distribution and / or mixing of the liquid and vapor. Furthermore, by delimiting the circumferential extension of the restricted volume by a pair of protrusions, such delimitation may be provided in an efficient manner while forming the first and / or second heat exchanger plates.

[0030] The first peripheral plate portion may further include a first end section at least partially defining the porthole flow passage and extending substantially vertically, which advantageously allows the interior of the porthole flow passage to be at least partially shaped by the first end section, and in fact the interior of the porthole flow passage may be smooth or flat or have a minimal profile to promote uniform distribution of liquid and vapor within the porthole flow passage.

[0031] The second peripheral plate portion may further include a second end section at least partially defining the porthole flow passage and extending substantially in a direction opposite to the vertical direction, which advantageously allows the interior of the porthole flow passage to be at least partially shaped by the second end section, and in fact the interior of the porthole flow passage may be smooth or flat or have a minimal profile which promotes uniform distribution of liquid and vapor within the porthole flow passage.

[0032] The vertical extension of the first end section can be equal to the vertical extension of the second end section, or the vertical extension of the first end section can be less than the vertical extension of the second end section. By making the vertical extension of the first end section equal to the vertical extension of the second end section, a smooth, flat, or less irregular porthole flow path can be achieved. By making the vertical extension of the first end section less than the vertical extension of the second end section, a porthole flow path that promotes fluid flow in one direction, i.e., opposite to the vertical direction, with reduced flow resistance and / or undesirable turbulence can be achieved.

[0033] The first end section and the second end section can be located at the same radial distance from the center of the porthole flow path, or the first end section can be located at a greater radial distance from the center of the porthole flow path than the second end section. By locating the first end section and the second end section at the same radial distance from the center of the porthole flow path, the interior of the porthole flow path can be made smooth, flat, or less irregular, promoting uniform distribution of liquid and vapor within the porthole flow path. By locating the first end section at a greater radial distance from the center of the porthole flow path than the second end section, a porthole flow path that promotes fluid flow in one direction, i.e., opposite to the vertical direction, with reduced flow resistance and / or undesirable turbulence can be achieved.

[0034] The second end section can overlap the first end section when viewed from the porthole flow path. Thus, the second end section can be positioned closer to the center of the porthole flow path than the first end section. In this manner, a porthole flow path can be achieved that promotes fluid flow in one direction, i.e., opposite the vertical direction, with reduced flow resistance and / or undesirable turbulence.

[0035] The porthole channels may have a diameter of 3 to 50 mm, preferably 4 to 30 mm, more preferably 5 to 24 mm.

[0036] The first opening is 0.1 to 1.0 mm 2 , preferably 0.25 to 0.55 mm 2 , more preferably 0.35 to 0.45 mm 2 The first opening may have a cross-sectional area of ​​0.05 mm, which is advantageous in that a desired mixing and flow resistance may be achieved. By having a relatively small first opening, the flow rate of the fluid through the first opening may be increased. Such an increase in flow rate may improve the mixing of the liquid and vapor of the fluid.

[0037] The second opening is 1 to 15 mm. 2, preferably 1.5 to 10 mm 2 , more preferably 2 to 5 mm 2 Advantageously, the second opening may have a cross-sectional area of ​​0.05 mm, which may provide efficient distribution and / or mixing of the liquid and vapor of the fluid while still promoting efficient flow of the fluid through the restricted volume. Thus, the pressure drop across the second opening may be reduced, or at least tolerated, by the cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening.

[0038] The first connecting region may be formed by connecting the first horizontal section of the first peripheral plate portion with the first horizontal section of the second peripheral plate portion, which is advantageous in that brazing or welding of the plate heat exchanger can be facilitated. By forming the first connecting region by connecting the first horizontal section of the first peripheral plate portion with the first horizontal section of the second peripheral plate portion, solder or brazing material can be screen-printed onto the first horizontal section before brazing the plate heat exchanger. Therefore, manufacturing of the plate heat exchanger can be facilitated.

[0039] The second connection region may be formed by connecting the second horizontal section of the first peripheral plate portion with the second horizontal section of the second peripheral plate portion, which is advantageous in that brazing or welding of the plate heat exchanger can be facilitated. By forming the second connection region by connecting the second horizontal section of the first peripheral plate portion with the second horizontal section of the second peripheral plate portion, solder or brazing material can be screen-printed onto the second horizontal section before brazing the plate heat exchanger. Therefore, manufacturing of the plate heat exchanger can be facilitated.

[0040] Additional first openings may be provided between the restricted volume and the first interplate space, and / or additional second openings may be provided between the porthole flow passages and the restricted volume. By providing additional first openings between the restricted volume and the first interplate space, fluid may be supplied into the first interplate space in multiple configurations, thereby improving fluid distribution within the first interplate space. By providing additional second openings between the porthole flow passages and the restricted volume, fluid may be supplied to the restricted volume in multiple configurations, thereby improving liquid and vapor mixing of the fluid.

[0041] The further first opening and the further second opening may extend along the same radial direction of the porthole flow path.

[0042] The first opening and the further first opening may extend along different radial directions of the porthole flow path. The different radial directions of the first opening and the further first opening may be separated by an angle of 10 to 180 degrees. The different radial directions of the first opening and the further first opening may be separated by an angle of 30 to 120 degrees.

[0043] The first opening and the further first opening may extend along the same radial direction of the porthole flow path.

[0044] The second opening and the further second opening may extend along different radial directions of the porthole flow path. The different radial directions of the second opening and the further second opening may be separated by an angle of 10 to 180 degrees. The different radial directions of the second opening and the further second opening may be separated by an angle of 30 to 120 degrees.

[0045] The second opening and the further second opening may extend along the same radial direction of the porthole flow path.

[0046] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be noted, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0047] Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular component parts of the devices described, as such devices may vary. It will also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of those elements, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "unit" or "the unit" can include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and similar terms do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0048] These and other aspects of the inventive concept will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate variations and should not be considered limiting, but instead are used for purposes of explanation and understanding.

[0049] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structure of the variations. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1A] 1 is an exemplary schematic side view of a plate heat exchanger; FIG. [Figure 1B] 1B is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional top view of the plate heat exchanger of FIG. 1A. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exemplary partial perspective view of a corner region of a plate heat exchanger illustrating the stacking of heat exchanger plates and porthole channels. [Figure 3A] 1 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a cross section of a porthole flow area of ​​a heat plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] 3B is an exemplary elevational partial perspective view illustrating the porthole flow area of ​​the heat plate heat exchanger of FIG. 3A. FIG. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exemplary elevational partial perspective view illustrating a porthole flow area of ​​a heat plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a cross section of a porthole flow area of ​​a heat plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a cross section of a porthole flow area of ​​a heat plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a cross section of a porthole flow area of ​​a heat plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is an exemplary partial cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a cross section of a porthole flow area of ​​a heat plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The inventive concepts will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred variations or embodiments of the inventive concepts are shown. However, the inventive concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the variations set forth herein; rather, these variations are provided for thoroughness and completeness and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art.

[0052] Exemplary embodiments of a plate heat exchanger 10 are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are merely schematic, and the relative dimensions of some structures and layers may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale. Rather, the dimensions may be adapted for clarity of illustration and ease of understanding. When present in the figures, the axes H and V shown consistently refer to the horizontal or lateral direction H of the plate heat exchanger 10 and the vertical direction V of the plate heat exchanger 10. The term "horizontal" direction H refers to any direction parallel to the extension plane P of the heat exchanger plates of the plate heat exchanger 10. The term "vertical" direction V refers to a direction parallel to the normal direction of the extension plane P of the heat exchanger plates of the plate heat exchanger 10. Furthermore, the (positive) vertical direction is the direction pointing outward from what is typically considered the lower end plate of the plate heat exchanger 10. This means that in the depicted embodiment, the fluid entering or exiting the plate heat exchanger 10 through the ports enters or leaves the plate heat exchanger 10 in a negative vertical direction, i.e., in a direction opposite to the vertical direction. However, depending on the embodiment, the fluid may enter or leave the plate heat exchanger 10 in a positive vertical direction and / or a negative vertical direction.

[0053] Reference is now made to Figures 1A, 1B and 2. Figures 1A and 1B illustrate, by way of example, a schematic diagram of an exemplary plate heat exchanger 10. The plate heat exchanger 10 includes a plate package formed by a number of heat exchanger plates 100, 200. The heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are typically formed from sheet metal that is cut to size and pressed to the shape of the heat exchanger plates 100, 200. The heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are stacked on top of each other in a stacking direction. In the depicted plate heat exchanger 10, the heat exchanger plates are stacked in a vertical direction V. The plate heat exchanger 10 includes two different types of heat exchanger plates, hereinafter referred to as first heat exchanger plates 100 and second heat exchanger plates 200. The plate package includes substantially the same number of first heat exchanger plates 100 and second heat exchanger plates 200. As is apparent from FIG. 1A, the heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are disposed on top of one another such that a first inter-plate space I1 is formed between each pair of adjacent first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200, and a second inter-plate space I2 is formed between each pair of adjacent second and first heat exchanger plates 200, 100.

[0054] Thus, all of the second interplate spaces form respective first interplate spaces I1, and the remaining interplate spaces form respective second interplate spaces I2, i.e., the first and second interplate spaces I1, I2 are arranged in alternating order in the plate package of the plate heat exchanger 10. Furthermore, the first and second interplate spaces I1, I2 are separated from each other. The first interplate spaces I1 are configured to receive a first fluid, and the second interplate spaces I2 are configured to receive a second fluid.

[0055] By way of a non-limiting example, the plate heat exchanger 10 may be advantageously configured to operate as an evaporator in a refrigerant circuit, which is not disclosed. In such an evaporator application, the first interplate spaces I1 may form a first passage for a first fluid, which may be a refrigerant, while the second interplate spaces I2 may form a second passage for a second fluid, which is to be cooled by the first fluid.

[0056] According to one non-limiting example, the plate heat exchanger 10 can also be inverted and then configured to operate as a condenser, where a first fluid, i.e., a refrigerant, is condensed in the first interplate space I1 and a second fluid is conveyed through the second interplate space I2 to cool the first fluid conveyed through the first interplate space I1.

[0057] The plate heat exchanger 10 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B is provided with an upper end plate 11 and a lower end plate 12 on either side of the plate package of the plate heat exchanger 10.

[0058] In the depicted heat exchanger 10, the heat exchanger plates 100, 200 and the end plates 6, 7 are permanently connected to one another. Such permanent connection can be advantageously achieved through brazing, welding, the use of adhesives, or bonding. During brazing, a suitable number of heat exchanger plates are typically stacked on top of one another using a solder or brazing material, such as copper or a copper alloy, positioned between adjacent heat exchanger plates 100, 200 in the desired arrangement. The first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 can advantageously be made from a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel, that extends to the outer surfaces of the heat exchanger plates 100, 200. The outer surfaces of the metal or metal alloy typically have properties that allow them to adhere to the solder or brazing material during brazing of the plate heat exchanger 10. During such brazing, the entire plate package of the plate heat exchanger 10 is heated in an oven until the solder or brazing material melts. This results in a permanent connection between the heat exchanger plates 100 , 200 of the plate heat exchanger 10 .

[0059] As depicted schematically in FIG. 1B, each of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 has four portholes 153.

[0060] The first porthole 150 forms a porthole flow path 152 in the form of a first inlet flow path 152 to the first interplate space I1. The porthole flow path 152 is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2, to which reference is also made. The first interplate space I1 is configured to receive a first fluid that enters the first interplate space I1 via a porthole flow path 153, as is known in the art. The porthole flow path 152 passes substantially through the entire plate package of the plate heat exchanger 10. That is, the porthole flow path 152 typically passes through the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 and the upper end plate 11. Corresponding porthole flow paths are formed by other portholes 153, one of which is an outlet flow path for the first fluid. Another porthole flow path is an inlet flow path to the second interplate space I2. The second interplate space 12 is configured to receive a second fluid that enters the second interplate space 12 via associated porthole channels as known in the art, with the final porthole channel being an outlet channel for the second fluid.

[0061] Four port holes 153 are provided adjacent each corner of the substantially rectangular heat exchanger plates 100, 200 in the depicted embodiment of Figures 1A, 1B and 2. However, it should be understood that other locations are possible.

[0062] 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a corner region of a plate heat exchanger 10, such as the plate heat exchanger 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with porthole channels 152 penetrating the heat exchanger plates 100, 200. The porthole channels 152 are thus formed in a vertical direction V so as to penetrate the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200 via the portholes 150. According to one embodiment, the porthole channels 152 may have a diameter of 3 to 50 mm. However, the diameter may preferably be 4 to 30 mm, more preferably 5 to 24 mm.

[0063] In Fig. 2, the plate packages of the plate heat exchanger 10 are separated by a second inter-plate space I2. As best illustrated in Fig. 2, in the central region of each heat exchanger plate 100, 200 there is an active heat transfer area 180, which is provided with a corrugation 190 of ridges and valleys in a manner known per se. The heat transfer area 180 may of course have other kinds of patterns or even no pattern at all.

[0064] 3A, 3B, and 3C, which conceptually illustrate how the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are formed adjacent the porthole channels 152, and how the porthole channels 152 are formed by the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200. In FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, key portions of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are not shown in order to more clearly illustrate how the respective heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are formed adjacent the porthole channels 152. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view through the porthole channels 152 on ten heat exchanger plates 100, 200. Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view of Figure 3A, but with slightly fewer heat exchanger plates 100, 200, while Figure 3C illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 3A. Below, the relationship between the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200 will be explained in more detail. However, it should be understood that the description of the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200 is equally valid for any first heat exchanger plate 100 and any adjacent second heat exchanger plate 200 of the plate heat exchanger 10.

[0065] As illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, and best seen in combination, the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200 are connected via a first connection area A1. The first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200 are connected in a fluid-tight manner via the first connection area A1. The first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200 may be connected in a fluid-tight manner via the first connection area A1 by being brazed to each other.

[0066] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first joining region A1 may be formed by joining the first horizontal section 108 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 with the first horizontal section 208 of the second peripheral plate portion 202. Because the first joining region A1 is formed by joining the first horizontal section 108 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 with the first horizontal section 208 of the second peripheral plate portion 202, the solder or brazing material may be advantageously applied onto the first horizontal section 108 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 and / or onto the first horizontal section 208 of the second peripheral plate portion 202 by screen printing the solder or brazing material. In this manner, the accuracy and overall quality of the brazing may be increased.

[0067] The first connecting area A1 surrounds the porthole channels 152 at a first radial distance R1 from the center C of the porthole channels 152. This arrangement defines a first peripheral plate portion 102 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. The first peripheral plate portion 102 extends between the first connecting area A1 and the porthole channels 152. Correspondingly, a second peripheral plate portion 202 of the second heat exchanger plate 200 is defined. The second peripheral plate portion 202 extends between the first connecting area A1 and the porthole channels 152.

[0068] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the second peripheral plate portion 202 surround the porthole flow passages 152. In other words, the first peripheral plate portion 102 is a portion of the first heat exchanger plate 100 that is disposed between the first connection area A1 and the porthole flow passages 152. Correspondingly, the second peripheral plate portion 202 is a portion of the second heat exchanger plate 200 that is disposed between the first connection area A1 and the porthole flow passages 152. In this regard, it should be noted that the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the second peripheral plate portion 202 generally define, at least in part, the porthole flow passages 152. However, the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the second peripheral plate portion 202 should not be involved in defining the porthole flow passages 152. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first perimeter plate portion 102 and the second perimeter plate portion 202 extend at least partially at a distance from each other in the horizontal direction H. In other words, the first perimeter plate portion 102 and the second perimeter plate portion 202 have different shapes such that the first perimeter plate portion 102 and the second perimeter plate portion 202 do not contact each other at all between the first connecting region A1 and the porthole flow passages 152.

[0069] 3A, 3B, and 3C, and best seen in combination, the first section 104 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 extends toward the second peripheral plate portion 202 in the depicted plate heat exchanger 10. Correspondingly, the first portion 204 of the second peripheral plate portion 202 extends toward the first peripheral plate portion 102 in the depicted plate heat exchanger 10. Thus, the first section 104 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 forms part of the first peripheral plate portion 102. Correspondingly, the first section 204 of the second peripheral plate portion 202 forms part of the second peripheral plate portion 202. More specifically, at a second radial distance R2 from the center C of the porthole flow passage 152, the first section 104 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 extends toward the second peripheral plate portion 202, and the first section 204 of the second peripheral plate portion 202 extends toward the first peripheral plate portion 102. In this manner, a restricted volume V1 is formed between the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the second peripheral plate portion 202. Thus, the restricted volume V1 is disposed between the first radial distance R1 and the second radial distance R2, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. The restricted volume V1 is in fluid communication with the porthole flow passage 152. The restricted volume V1, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, extends around the porthole flow passage 152 and has a generally donut shape.

[0070] A first opening O1 may be provided between the restricted volume V1 and the first inter-plate space I1. A plurality of first openings O1 may be provided between the restricted volume V1 and the first inter-plate space I1. In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, two first openings O1 are provided between the restricted volume V1 and the first inter-plate space I1. Such first openings O1 are generally referred to as restriction holes O1 and are thus configured to supply the first fluid to the first inter-plate space I1. Any suitable number of first openings O1 may be advantageously used, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 first openings O1.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first opening O1 has a width of 0.1 to 1.0 mm. 2 The cross-sectional area may be, according to one embodiment, preferably between 0.25 and 0.55 mm 2 and more preferably 0.35 to 0.45 mm 2 The first opening O1 may be a circular hole provided in the second peripheral plate portion 202, as illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C in this regard. However, the first opening O1 may have any suitable shape other than a circular shape. The first opening O1 may also be oval, oval, or elliptical.

[0072] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first section 104 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the first section 204 of the second peripheral plate portion 202 are contiguous and fluid-tightly connected at a second radial distance R2. Thus, the first section 104 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the first section 204 of the second peripheral plate portion 202 are connected via a second connecting region A2 that is located at the second radial distance R2. Thus, the second connecting region A2 is located closer to the center of the porthole flow passage 152 than the first connecting region A1.

[0073] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the second connecting region A2 may be formed by connecting the second horizontal section 110 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 with the second horizontal section 210 of the second peripheral plate portion 202. Because the second connecting region A2 is formed by connecting the second horizontal section 110 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 with the second horizontal section 210 of the second peripheral plate portion 202, the solder or brazing material may be advantageously applied onto the second horizontal section 110 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 and / or onto the second horizontal section 210 of the second peripheral plate portion 202 by screen printing the solder or brazing material. In this manner, the accuracy and overall quality of the brazing may be improved.

[0074] The second connection region A2 may include a discontinuity O2 that provides the fluid communication between the porthole flow path 152 and the restricted volume V1. The discontinuity O2 may form a second opening O2 between the porthole flow path 152 and the restricted volume V1, thereby providing fluid communication. In the depicted embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, the second connection region A2 includes two discontinuities O2. The two discontinuities O2 form respective second openings O2 between the porthole flow path 152 and the restricted volume V1.

[0075] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first openings O1 and the second openings O2 extend along a common radial direction, while other first openings O1 and other second openings O2 extend along different common radial directions. However, it should be understood that the first openings O1 and the second openings O2 may extend in different radial directions. Furthermore, any suitable number of second openings O2 may be advantageously used, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 second openings O2.

[0076] The one or more second openings O2 may be formed by cuts N in the first peripheral plate portion 102 in the second connecting region A2. The one or more second openings O2 may be formed by cuts N in the first peripheral plate portion 102 in the second connecting region A2. The one or more second openings O2 may be formed by cuts N in the first peripheral plate portion 102 in the second connecting region A2 and / or in the second peripheral plate portion 202 in the second connecting region A2. In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the second openings O2 are formed by cuts N, N pressed into the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200, respectively. Such cuts N, N may advantageously be formed when forming the heat exchanger plates 100, 200.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second opening O2 has a diameter of 1 to 15 mm. 2 The cross-sectional area may be, according to one embodiment, preferably between 1.5 and 10 mm 2 and more preferably 2 to 5 mm 2 Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening O2 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first opening O1. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second opening O2 may be approximately 10 to 15 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first opening O1.

[0078] Due to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second openings O2 being larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first openings O1, efficient distribution and / or mixing of the liquid and vapor of the first fluid can be achieved with limited or no pressure drop compared to prior art solutions in which restriction holes are provided from the porthole flow paths directly into, for example, the first interplate space.

[0079] In the depicted embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first peripheral plate portion 102 further comprises a first end section 106. Thus, the first peripheral plate portion 102 is formed in part from the first end section 106. As best seen in Figure 3C, the first end section 106 partially defines the porthole flow passage 152. Furthermore, the first end section 106 extends substantially along the vertical direction V. In the depicted embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, a major portion of the first end section 106 is aligned with and extends along the extension of the porthole flow passage 152.

[0080] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the second peripheral plate portion 202 further comprises a second end section 206. Thus, the second peripheral plate portion 202 is formed in part from the second end section 206. As best seen in FIG. 3C, the second end section 206 partially defines the porthole flow passage 152. Furthermore, the second end section 206 extends substantially in a direction opposite the vertical direction V. In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, a major portion of the second end section 206 is aligned with and extends along the extension of the porthole flow passage 152.

[0081] The first end section 106 and the second end section 206 are typically formed by pressing when forming the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200. As best seen in Figures 3A and 3C, the first end section 106 and the second end section 206 may define or form porthole flow paths 152. In the depicted embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, the porthole flow paths 152 are configured to receive a first fluid in a direction opposite to the vertical direction V. The flow of the first fluid from the porthole flow paths 152 into the restricted volume V1 and into the first interplate space I1 is indicated generally by the set of hatched arrows in Figure 3A.

[0082] 3A and 3C, first end section 106 and second end section 206 may define or form dead volume V2. Dead volume V2 is dead in the sense that it may only communicate with porthole flow passages 152. Thus, dead volume V2 is not connected to first interplate space I1 or second interplate space I2. In other words, any fluid that enters dead volume V2 may only be fed back to porthole flow passages 152.

[0083] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the vertical extension of first end section 106 is equal to the vertical extension of second end section 206. Thus, first end section 106 extends along porthole flow path 152 a distance equal to the distance that second end section 206 extends along porthole flow path 152. In this regard, it should be noted that first end section 106 extends substantially in vertical direction V, while second end section 206 extends in a direction substantially opposite vertical direction V.

[0084] However, according to an embodiment, the vertical extension of the first end section 106 may be less than the vertical extension of the second end section 206, or vice versa.

[0085] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first end section 106 and the second end section 206 are disposed at the same radial distance from the center C of the porthole flow passage 152. Thus, the outer end of the first end section 106 meets the outer end of the second end section 206, as best seen in the lower portion of FIG.

[0086] Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 4 , which illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Therefore, to avoid excessive repetition, only differences relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C will be described below. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 2 , the circumferential extension of restricted volume V1 may be bounded by a pair of protrusions P1, P2. Thus, the otherwise generally donut-shaped restricted volume V1 may be restricted to extend along only a portion of the circumference of porthole flow path 152, rather than along the entire circumference of porthole flow path 152 as in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 2 , a pair of restricted volumes V1 are formed between respective pairs of protrusions P1, P2. Each of the restricted volumes V1 in FIGS. 4 and 2 extends along a portion of the circumference of porthole flow path 152.

[0087] The protrusions P1, P2 may be provided in the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the second peripheral plate portion 202. Alternatively, the protrusions P1, P2 may be provided in the first peripheral plate portion 102 or the second peripheral plate portion 202. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 2, the protrusions P1, P2 may extend radially between the first and second connecting regions A1, A2.

[0088] Reference is now made to FIG. 5 , which illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Therefore, to avoid excessive repetition, only differences relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C will be described below. In the heat exchanger 10 of FIG. 5 , the first end section 106 is located at a greater radial distance from the center C of the porthole flow passage 152 than the second end section 206. Furthermore, the first end section 106 and the second end section 206 overlap each other. This means that the porthole flow passage 152 is defined to a greater extent by the second end section 206 than by the first end section 106. Furthermore, the overlap between the first end section 106 and the second end section 206 allows the first fluid to easily flow into the porthole flow passage 152 in a direction opposite to the vertical direction V. This is because the first end section 106 and the second end section 206 overlap like fish scales, thus promoting the flow of the first fluid along the porthole flow path in a direction opposite to the vertical direction V.

[0089] Protrusions P1, P2 of the type described above in connection with FIGS. 4 and 2 may be advantageously combined with the embodiment of FIG.

[0090] Reference is now made additionally to Figure 6, which illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment described above in conjunction with Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C. Therefore, to avoid excessive repetition, only the differences relative to the embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C will be described below. In the heat exchanger 10 of Figure 6, the first end section 106 and the second end section 206 are generally located at the same radial distance from the center C of the porthole flow passage 152 as in the embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C. However, the first end section 106 and the second end section 206 extend in a slightly different direction compared to the first end section 106 and the second end section 206 of the embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C. In effect, the first and second end sections 106, 206 are bent slightly over so that the outer end of the first end section 106 meets the outer end of the second end section 206 at a radial distance from the center C of the porthole flow passage 152 that is slightly greater than the average radial distance of the first and second end sections 106, 206 from the center C of the porthole flow passage 152. The above design of the first and second end sections 106, 206 in Figure 6 results in the interior of the porthole flow passage 152 having a more irregular shape with a periodically varying diameter along its extension compared to the porthole flow passage 152 of the embodiment of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C.

[0091] Protrusions P1, P2 of the type described above in connection with FIGS. 4 and 2 may be advantageously combined with the embodiment of FIG.

[0092] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Therefore, to avoid excessive repetition, only the differences relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C will be described below. In the heat exchanger 10 of FIG. 7, the first end section 106 is omitted. This means that the first peripheral plate portion terminates in the second connecting region A2, as illustrated in FIG. 7. On the other hand, the second end section 206 has a greater extension along the porthole flow path 152 compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. The second end section 206 of the embodiment of FIG. 7 extends in a direction substantially opposite to the vertical direction, i.e., like the second end section 206 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. As a result of the omission of first end section 106, porthole flow path 152 in the embodiment of FIG.

[0093] Additionally, the extension of second end section 206 allows the first fluid to easily flow into porthole flow passage 152 in a direction opposite to vertical direction V. This is because second end section 206 somewhat resembles fish scales, thus facilitating the flow of the first fluid along the porthole flow passage in a direction opposite to vertical direction V.

[0094] Protrusions P1, P2 of the type described above in connection with FIGS. 4 and 2 may be advantageously combined with the embodiment of FIG.

[0095] Reference is now made further to FIG. 8 , which illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Therefore, to avoid excessive repetition, only differences relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C will be described below. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C , the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200 are connected in a fluid-tight manner via a first connection area A1. The first connection area A1 surrounds the porthole flow passages 152 at a first radial distance R1 from the center C of the porthole flow passages 152, thereby forming a first peripheral plate portion 102 of the first heat exchanger plate 100 extending between the first connection area A1 and the porthole flow passages 152. Correspondingly, a second peripheral plate portion 202 of the second heat exchanger plate 200 is formed extending between the first connection area A1 and the porthole flow passages 152. The first perimeter plate portion 102 and the second perimeter plate portion 202 surround the porthole flow passage 152 and extend at least partially in the horizontal direction H at a distance from each other.

[0096] 3A, 3B, and 3C, the first section 104 of the first peripheral plate portion 102 extends toward the second peripheral plate portion 202 at a second radial distance R2 from the center C of the porthole flow passage 152, thereby forming a restricted volume V1 between the first radial distance R1 and the second radial distance R2 between the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the second peripheral plate portion 202. The restricted volume V1 of FIG. 8 is in fluid communication with the porthole flow passage 152.

[0097] This means in practice that each porthole 150 is surrounded by a peripheral inner rim 15 formed by part of the first section 104 of the first peripheral plate portion 102. The peripheral rim 15 is therefore annular and extends substantially transversely to the extension plane P.

[0098] The peripheral inner rim 15 is surrounded by a peripheral outer rim 13 formed by a portion of the second peripheral plate portion 202. The peripheral outer rim 13 has a top end 16 and a root end 17. The peripheral outer rim 13 has a rim height H perpendicular to an extension plane P from the root end 17 to the top end 16. The inner rim 15 is arranged substantially parallel to the outer rim 13. The inner rim 15 has a rim height h perpendicular to the extension plane P. The inner rim height h is shorter than the outer rim height H, such that an opening 14 is defined between the lower end point of the inner rim 15 and the root end 17. In other words, a restricted volume V1 is formed between the first peripheral plate portion 102 and the second peripheral plate portion 202 between a first radial distance R1 and a second radial distance R2. The restricted volume V1 of FIG. 8 is in fluid communication with the porthole flow passage 152 via the opening 14. Thus, the opening 14 in FIG. 8 is a slit surrounding the porthole flow passage 152.

[0099] The relationship between the inner rim height h and the outer rim height H, ie, h / H, may be 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%.

[0100] The relationship between the inner rim height h and the outer rim height H, ie, h / H, may be at least 80%.

[0101] The relationship between the inner rim height h and the outer rim height H, ie, h / H, may be at least 90%.

[0102] 8, each of the second heat exchanger plates 200 also comprises at least one first opening O1 in the form of a restrictive hole O1 through the peripheral outer rim 13. It should be noted that each peripheral outer rim 13 may be provided with one or more first openings O1.

[0103] The first opening O1 or restriction O1 provides a fluid passageway for the first fluid from the porthole channel 152 to the first interplate space I1.

[0104] The first opening O1 or restricting hole O1 may be circular, oval, or have any other shape when viewed from the restricted volume V1. In particular, in the embodiment of Figure 8, the first opening O1 may have an oval or other elongated shape that extends parallel to the extension plane P to maximize the distance to the root end 17 and the top end 16.

[0105] The first openings O1 or restricted holes O1 may be pre-made before the heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are assembled and connected to each other to form the plate heat exchanger 10.

[0106] More specifically, the first opening O1 or restricting hole O1 may be centrally located between the root end 17 and the top end 16 of the peripheral rim. Thus, the restricting hole 10 is located the same distance from the root end 17 and the top end 16.

[0107] The diameter of the first opening O1 or restricting hole O1 can be up to 15 mm.

[0108] The heat exchanger 10 of FIG. 8 may generally be manufactured by the following manufacturing steps.

[0109] The first heat exchanger plate 100 may be provided with a peripheral inner rim 15 around the porthole flow passages 152 , the peripheral inner rim 15 initially extending parallel to the extension surface P.

[0110] The peripheral inner rim 15 may then be bent to extend transversely to the extension surface P from the top end 16 to the root end 17 at an inner rim height h perpendicular to the extension surface P.

[0111] The first opening O1 or restricting hole O1 may be made through the peripheral outer rim 13 by any suitable hole-forming method, such as drilling, laser beam cutting, electron beam cutting, etc. It should be noted that the restricting hole O1 may be made before or after bending the peripheral rim 13.

[0112] The first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 may then be stacked alternately with the braze material between adjacent first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200.

[0113] The first heat exchanger plate 100, the second heat exchanger plate 200, and the brazing material may be heated to melt the brazing material. The melted brazing material may be attracted to the area where the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are in close proximity or adjacent to one another. After active or passive cooling, the heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are coupled to one another via a brazing material seam between the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200.

[0114] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that while various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other ways.

[0115] For example, when the plate heat exchanger 10 is to be brazed to connect the heat exchanger plates 100, 200 together, the brazing material can be provided in the form of a foil instead of being screen printed. The foil is then introduced between the adjacent first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200. During brazing, the brazing material melts and flows into the joints connecting the heat exchanger plates 100, 200 together.

[0116] Furthermore, the present disclosure is also applicable to plate heat exchangers 10 having a number of portholes other than four, for example, six portholes. The plate heat exchanger 10 may then have a primary first inter-plate space for a primary first fluid to be evaporated, a secondary first inter-plate space for a secondary first fluid to be evaporated, and a second inter-plate space for a second fluid that heats or, in some cases, cools the primary and secondary first fluids. There are then two inlet flow paths leading to the primary first inter-plate space and the secondary first inter-plate space, respectively. Each second inter-plate space may typically be adjacent to the primary first inter-plate space and the secondary first inter-plate space.

[0117] It will be understood that the inventive concept is not limited to the variations and examples shown, and therefore, several modifications and variations may be contemplated within the scope of the present invention as so defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] A1 First connected area A2 Second connected area C center I1 First interplate space I2 Second interplate space H and V axes h Inner rim height H Outer rim height O1 Restriction hole O2 discontinuity P extension plane P1, P2 protrusion R1 First radial distance R2 Second radial distance V1 Limited volume 10 Plate heat exchanger 11 Upper end plate 12 Lower end plate 13 Peripheral outer rim 14 Openings 15 Peripheral inner rim 16 Top end 17 Root end 100 first heat exchanger plate 102 first peripheral plate portion 104 First Section 106 first end section 108 First Horizontal Section 150 First porthole 152 first inlet channel 152 porthole flow passage 153 Porthole 190 waveform 200 Second heat exchanger plate 202 second peripheral plate portion 204 First Section 206 Second End Section 208 First Horizontal Section 210 Second Horizontal Section

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (10), a first heat exchanger plate (100) and a second heat exchanger plate (200) forming a first inter-plate space (I1) configured to receive a first fluid and a second inter-plate space (I2) configured to receive a second fluid; the first heat exchanger plate (100) and the second heat exchanger plate (200) are stacked vertically on top of each other in a vertical direction (V) and extend parallel to a horizontal (H) extension plane (P); Each of the first and second heat exchanger plates (100, 200) has a porthole (150) penetrating the first heat exchanger plate (100) and the second heat exchanger plate (200), and a porthole flow path (152) is formed in a vertical direction (V) through the porthole (150) and the first heat exchanger plate (100) and the second heat exchanger plate (200); the first heat exchanger plate (100) and the second heat exchanger plate (200) are connected in a fluid-tight manner via a first connecting area (A1) surrounding the porthole flow passages (152) at a first radial distance (R1) from the center (C) of the porthole flow passages (152), thereby forming a first peripheral plate portion (102) of the first heat exchanger plate (100) extending between the first connecting area (A1) and the porthole flow passages (152) and a second peripheral plate portion (202) of the second heat exchanger plate (200) extending between the first connecting area (A1) and the porthole flow passages (152), the first peripheral plate portion (102) and the second peripheral plate portion (202) surrounding the porthole flow passages (152) and at least partially extending at a certain distance from each other in a horizontal direction (H); a first section (104) of the first peripheral plate portion (102) extends toward the second peripheral plate portion (202) at a second radial distance (R2) from the center (C) of the porthole flow passage (152), and / or a first section (204) of the second peripheral plate portion (202) extends toward the first peripheral plate portion (102); Thereby, a restricted volume (V1) is formed between the first peripheral plate portion (102) and the second peripheral plate portion (202) between the first radial distance (R1) and the second radial distance (R2), and the restricted volume (V1) is in fluid communication with the porthole flow passages (152).

2. 2. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to claim 1, wherein a first opening (O1) is provided between the restricted volume (V1) and the first inter-plate space (I1).

3. the first section (104) of the first peripheral plate portion (102) and the first section (204) of the second peripheral plate portion (202) are contiguous and fluid-tightly connected at the second radial distance (R2) via a second connecting region (A2); 3. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connection area (A2) includes a discontinuity (O2) forming a second opening (O2) to provide fluid communication between the porthole flow passage (152) and the restricted volume (V1).

4. 4. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to claim 3, wherein the second openings (O2) are formed by incisions (N) in the first peripheral plate portion (102) in the second connecting region (A2) and / or the second peripheral plate portion (202) in the second connecting region (A2).

5. 5. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the circumferential extension of the restricted volume (V1) is delimited by a pair of protrusions (P1, P2) provided on the first peripheral plate portion (102) and / or the second peripheral plate portion (202), the protrusions (P1, P2) extending radially between the first connecting area (A1) and the second connecting area (A2).

6. 6. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first peripheral plate portion (102) further comprises a first end section (106) at least partially defining the porthole flow passages (152) and extending substantially along the vertical direction (V).

7. 7. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to claim 3, wherein the second peripheral plate portion (202) further comprises a second end section (206) at least partially defining the porthole flow passages (152) and extending substantially along a direction opposite to the vertical direction (V).

8. 8. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the vertical extension of the first end section (106) is equal to the vertical extension of the second end section (206), or the vertical extension of the first end section (106) is smaller than the vertical extension of the second end section (206).

9. 9. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to claim 6 or 7 or claim 8, wherein the first end section (106) and the second end section (206) are located at the same radial distance from the center (C) of the porthole flow path (152), or the first end section (106) is located at a greater radial distance from the center (C) of the porthole flow path (152) than the second end section (206).

10. 10. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the porthole channels (152) have a diameter of 3 to 50 mm, preferably 4 to 30 mm, more preferably 5 to 24 mm.

11. The first opening (O1) is 0.1 to 1.0 mm ２ , preferably 0.25 to 0.55 mm ２ , more preferably 0.35 to 0.45 mm ２ 11. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, having a cross-sectional area of

12. The second opening (O2) is 1 to 15 mm ３ , preferably 1.5 to 10 mm ２ , more preferably 2 to 5 mm ２ 12. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, having a cross-sectional area of

13. 13. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first connecting area (A1) is formed by connecting a first horizontal section (108) of the first peripheral plate portion (102) with a first horizontal section (208) of the second peripheral plate portion (202).

14. 13. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein a second connection area (A2) is formed by connecting a second horizontal section (110) of the first peripheral plate portion (102) with a second horizontal section (210) of the second peripheral plate portion (202).

15. 15. The plate heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein a further first opening (O1) is provided between the restricted volume (V1) and the first inter-plate space (I1) and / or a further second opening (O2) is provided between the porthole flow passage (152) and the restricted volume (V1).

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