Plate heat exchanger with distribution holes

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of heat exchange apparatuses, in particular to a plate heat exchanger with distribution holes. The plate heat exchanger comprises a plurality of first plates and second plates, which are alternately stacked, wherein a first annular protrusion and a second annular protrusion that protrude in opposite directions are respectively constructed on each first plate and each second plate along a refrigerant inlet; at least one distribution hole is constructed in the area of each first plate on an outer side of the first annular protrusion; a radial outer side of the second annular protrusion extends to form at least one boss in communication with the second annular protrusion; and when the first plates and the second plates are stacked, the distribution holes are located within coverage areas of the bosses and distribution cavities are formed above the distribution holes, and the refrigerant inlet is in communication with refrigerant heat exchange cavities by means of the distribution holes. In the solution, the distribution holes are constructed in flat areas of the first plates on outer sides of the first annular protrusions, and during stamping forming of the first plates, the flat areas of the first plates on the outer sides of the first annular protrusions basically do not deform, thereby ensuring that the distribution holes are not deformed by stamping, and ensuring a stable distribution effect.

Description

Plate heat exchanger with distribution holes Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of heat exchange equipment, in particular to a plate heat exchanger with distribution holes. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, plate heat exchangers have been widely used in industries such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump systems, heat treatment, petrochemicals, energy, and waste heat recovery. The structure and operating principle of a plate heat exchanger utilizes stacked metal sheets with a corrugated pattern. Multiple fluid channels are formed between the metal sheets, allowing heat to be exchanged between two fluids (such as liquid to liquid or liquid to steam) based on the heat transfer characteristics of the metal sheets, achieving heating or cooling. This plate heat exchanger offers advantages such as compact structure, high heat transfer efficiency, small size, and ease of maintenance and inspection.

[0003] Existing plate heat exchangers, such as those described in Chinese Utility Model Patent Publication No. CN2821502Y, include a front outer baffle, a rear outer baffle, and multiple corrugated plates positioned between the front and rear outer baffles. The front and rear outer baffles, along with the multiple corrugated plates within them, alternately form refrigerant and brine heat exchange cavities. The refrigerant and brine exchange heat across the corrugated plates. In practical applications, the fluid in a plate heat exchanger is typically a two-phase mixture, and the distribution of the two-phase flow is crucial to the evaporation performance of the plate exchanger.

[0004] The closest prior art in this case is described in the Chinese invention patent publication number "CN101476831B," which describes an overflow-type throttling structure for the medium inlet of a plate heat exchanger. A recessed area is provided on the outer edge of the medium passage hole on the forward heat exchange plate. This recessed area and the reverse heat exchange plate above it form a slow-flow chamber. A raised ring band is provided on the outer edge of the medium passage hole on the reverse heat exchange plate, corresponding to the recessed area. The lower bottom surfaces of adjacent recessed areas are sealed and welded to the upper bottom surfaces of the raised ring bands. The outer edge of the medium passage hole on the forward heat exchange plate has at least one protrusion extending into the recessed area, on which an overflow hole is provided, which intersects the slow-flow chamber. The forward heat exchange plate body also has at least one protrusion extending into the recessed area, on which a leakage hole is provided, which intersects the medium flow channel. After slow-flow decompression, the medium enters the medium flow channel and is evenly distributed to the various evaporation channels between the heat transfer plates.

[0005] This solution is mainly aimed at improving the overflow hole (referred to as the distribution hole in this case) recorded in the above-mentioned prior patent. For details, please refer to Example 1 of the above-mentioned prior patent and its corresponding drawings. The above-mentioned problem is: the overflow hole (referred to as the distribution hole in this case) is set on the boss.

[0006] The drawback is that during the plate heat exchanger manufacturing process, the plate is typically punched first to create the medium inlet and outlet holes, as well as the distribution holes. The plate is then press-formed to create the heat exchanger's specific structure, including its hub and heat exchange structure. This approach requires stamping bosses around the distribution holes and their surrounding areas. This localized stamping process can easily cause deformation of the distribution holes, which can have a significant impact on very small distribution holes, typically 0.5-2.5mm in diameter. This can significantly affect the distribution effect, and this impact is difficult to predict, leading to significant fluctuations in product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a plate heat exchanger with a distribution hole. This solution constructs the distribution hole in the flat area of ​​the first plate outside the first annular protrusion. During the stamping process of the first plate, the flat area of ​​the first plate outside the first annular protrusion basically does not deform, thereby ensuring that the distribution hole is not deformed by stamping, ensuring that the distribution effect of each plate is stable.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] A plate heat exchanger with distribution holes, comprising a plurality of first plates and second plates alternately stacked, with refrigerant heat exchange cavities and secondary coolant heat exchange cavities alternately formed between the first plates and the second plates, and a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet communicating with the refrigerant heat exchange cavities, as well as a secondary coolant inlet and a secondary coolant outlet communicating with the secondary coolant heat exchange cavities, being provided on the first plates and the second plates; The first plate and the second plate are respectively constructed with a first annular protrusion and a second annular protrusion with opposite protrusion directions along the refrigerant inlet; when the first plate and the second plate are stacked, the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion are sealed against each other to form a refrigerant heat exchange chamber between the first plate and the second plate; it is characterized in that: at least one distribution hole is constructed on the first plate outside the first annular protrusion, and the second annular protrusion extends radially outward to form at least one boss connected to it; when the first plate and the second plate are stacked, the second annular protrusion and the root edge of the boss are sealed against the first plate below it, the distribution hole is within the covering area of ​​the boss and a distribution chamber is formed above the distribution hole, and the refrigerant inlet is connected to the refrigerant heat exchange chamber through the distribution hole.

[0010] The present invention employs the aforementioned technical solution, which relates to a plate heat exchanger with distribution holes. First and second plates in the plate heat exchanger are alternately stacked, and interconnected channels on the first and second plates form a refrigerant input channel, a refrigerant output channel, a brine input channel, and a brine output channel, respectively. When the plate heat exchanger is in use, refrigerant flows from the refrigerant input channel, is distributed to the various refrigerant heat exchange cavities, and then converges to the refrigerant output channel. Brine flows from the brine input channel, is distributed to the various brine heat exchange cavities, and then converges to the brine output channel. Heat exchange between the brine and refrigerant occurs on both sides of the plate heat exchanger.

[0011] Based on this, this solution employs a distribution hole positioned at the edge of the refrigerant inlet. This type of distribution hole provides a more stable distribution effect than other distribution solutions. Furthermore, this solution constructs the distribution hole on the first plate outside the first annular protrusion, while a boss extends radially outward from the second annular protrusion. Because the first and second annular protrusions project in opposite directions, the boss forms a distribution cavity above the distribution hole. During use, refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inlet into the distribution cavity, and then through the distribution hole into the refrigerant heat exchange cavity.

[0012] By adopting the above scheme, the distribution hole is constructed in the flat area of ​​the first plate outside the first annular protrusion. During the stamping process of the first plate, the flat area of ​​the first plate outside the first annular protrusion basically does not deform, thereby ensuring that the distribution hole is not deformed by stamping and ensuring that the distribution effect of each plate is stable.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, it is not limited to setting a distribution hole inside a boss as shown in the figure, but it can be improved as needed, such as adopting the following solution:

[0014] For example, in the first solution, a plurality of distribution holes are provided on the first plate within the coverage area of ​​the same boss. Here, the plurality of distribution holes are preferably arranged on the same circumferential line centered on the refrigerant inlet, thereby ensuring uniform distribution of the plurality of distribution holes.

[0015] The second solution is to have multiple distribution holes arranged circumferentially along the first annular protrusion on the first plate, and multiple bosses extending radially outward from the second annular protrusion. Each boss has a distribution hole within its coverage area. This solution also preferably arranges the multiple distribution holes on a single circumferential line centered on the refrigerant inlet, thereby ensuring uniform distribution across the multiple distribution holes.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the lower end surface of the boss's top plate is higher than the upper end surface of the second plate in the area it covers, and the upper end surface of the boss's top plate is lower than the lower end surface of the first plate above it. In this embodiment, the boss is located between the lower end surface of the first plate and the upper end surface of the second plate. Specifically, the lower end surface of the boss's top plate is higher than the upper end surface of the second plate in the area it covers, so that the distribution cavity above the distribution hole has a certain amount of space, allowing refrigerant to enter and flow into the distribution hole. The upper end surface of the boss's top plate is lower than the lower end surface of the first plate above it, so that there is at least a gap in the area inside the distribution hole that flows into the refrigerant heat exchange cavity, allowing refrigerant to flow from the distribution hole into the refrigerant heat exchange cavity.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower end surfaces of the boss top plate are flush with the upper and lower end surfaces of the second annular protrusion.

[0018] Preferably, the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet on the first plate and the second plate are correspondingly connected to form a refrigerant input channel and a refrigerant output channel communicating with the refrigerant heat exchange cavity, and the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are correspondingly connected to form a coolant input channel and a coolant output channel communicating with the coolant heat exchange cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of stacking the plate heat exchangers involved in the present invention.

[0020] FIG2 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG1 .

[0021] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the first plate.

[0022] FIG4 is an enlarged view of portion B of FIG3 .

[0023] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the first plate.

[0024] FIG6 is an enlarged view of portion C of FIG5 .

[0025] FIG7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a plate heat exchanger. Implementation Method

[0026] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0030] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, this embodiment relates to a plate heat exchanger with distribution holes, comprising a plurality of first plates 1 and second plates 2 alternately stacked, with refrigerant heat exchange cavities 3 and secondary coolant heat exchange cavities alternately formed between the first plates 1 and the second plates 2. A refrigerant inlet 101 and a refrigerant outlet 102 communicating with the refrigerant heat exchange cavity 3, as well as a secondary coolant inlet 103 and a secondary coolant outlet 104 communicating with the secondary coolant heat exchange cavity, are provided on the first plates 1 and the second plates 2. The refrigerant inlet 101 and the refrigerant outlet 102 on the first plates 1 and the second plates 2 are correspondingly connected to form a refrigerant input channel 100 and a refrigerant output channel communicating with the refrigerant heat exchange cavity 3, and the secondary coolant inlet 103 and the secondary coolant outlet 104 are correspondingly connected to form a secondary coolant input channel and a secondary coolant output channel communicating with the secondary coolant heat exchange cavity. The first and second plates 1, 2 in this plate heat exchanger are alternately stacked. The first and second plates 1, 2 are connected to form refrigerant input channels 100, refrigerant output channels, brine input channels, and brine output channels, respectively. When the plate heat exchanger is in use, refrigerant flows from the refrigerant input channels 100 and is distributed to the various refrigerant heat exchange chambers 3 before converging to the refrigerant output channels. Brine flows from the brine input channels and is distributed to the various brine heat exchange chambers before converging to the brine output channels. Heat exchange occurs between the brine and refrigerant on either side of the plate heat exchanger.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the first plate 1 and the second plate 2 are respectively constructed with a first annular protrusion 11 and a second annular protrusion 21 protruding in opposite directions along the refrigerant inlet 101. When the first plate 1 and the second plate 2 are stacked, the first annular protrusion 11 and the second annular protrusion 21 are sealed against each other, thereby forming a refrigerant heat exchange chamber 3 between the first plate 1 and the second plate 2. At least one distribution hole 12 is constructed on the first plate 1 outside the first annular protrusion 11, and at least one boss 22 is formed radially outwardly and communicates with the second annular protrusion 21. When the first plate 1 and the second plate 2 are stacked, the root edges of the second annular protrusion 21 and the boss 22 of the second plate 2 are sealed against the first plate 1 below it. The distribution hole 12 is within the coverage area of ​​the boss 22, and a distribution chamber 23 is formed above the distribution hole 12. The refrigerant inlet 101 is connected to the refrigerant heat exchange chamber 3 through the distribution hole 12.

[0033] This solution employs a distribution hole 12 positioned at the edge of the refrigerant inlet 101. This type of distribution hole 12 provides a more stable distribution effect than other distribution solutions. Furthermore, this solution constructs the distribution hole 12 on the first plate 1 outside the first annular protrusion 11, while a boss 22 extends radially outward from the second annular protrusion 21. Because the first and second annular protrusions 11 and 21 protrude in opposite directions, the boss 22 forms a distribution cavity 23 above the distribution hole 12. During use, refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inlet 101 into the distribution cavity 23, then enters the refrigerant heat exchange cavity 3 through the distribution hole 12.

[0034] By adopting the above scheme, the distribution hole 12 is constructed in the flat area of ​​the first plate 1 outside the first annular protrusion 11. During the stamping process of the first plate 1, the flat area of ​​the first plate 1 outside the first annular protrusion 11 basically does not deform, thereby ensuring that the distribution hole 12 is not deformed by stamping, ensuring that the distribution effect of each plate is stable.

[0035] In a specific embodiment, the arrangement of the dispensing hole 12 inside the boss 22 is not limited to that shown in the figure, but can be improved as needed, such as by adopting the following solution:

[0036] For example, in the first solution, a plurality of distribution holes 12 are provided on the first plate 1 within the coverage area of ​​the same boss 22. Here, the plurality of distribution holes 12 are preferably arranged on the same circumferential line centered on the refrigerant inlet 101, thereby ensuring that the plurality of distribution holes 12 are evenly distributed.

[0037] In the second solution, the first plate 1 has multiple distribution holes 12 arranged circumferentially along the first annular protrusion 11. Multiple bosses 22 extend radially outward from the second annular protrusion 21, with each boss 22 providing a distribution hole 12 within its coverage area. In this solution, the multiple distribution holes 12 are preferably arranged on the same circumference centered on the refrigerant inlet 101, thereby ensuring uniform distribution of the multiple distribution holes 12.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the lower end surface 221 of the top plate of the boss 22 is higher than the upper end surface of the second plate 2 in the area it covers, and the upper end surface 222 of the top plate of the boss 22 is lower than the lower end surface of the first plate 1 above it. In this embodiment, the boss 22 is located between the lower end surface of the first plate 1 and the upper end surface of the second plate 2. Specifically, the lower end surface 221 of the top plate of the boss 22 is higher than the upper end surface of the second plate 2 in the area it covers, so that the distribution cavity 23 above the distribution hole 12 has a certain space, allowing refrigerant to enter and flow into the distribution hole 12. The upper end surface 222 of the top plate of the boss 22 is lower than the lower end surface of the first plate 1 above it, so that there is at least a gap in the area inside the distribution hole 12 that flows into the refrigerant heat exchange cavity 3, allowing refrigerant to flow from the distribution hole 12 into the refrigerant heat exchange cavity 3. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the upper and lower end surfaces of the top plate of the boss 22 are flush with the upper and lower end surfaces of the second annular protrusion 21 , so that the boss 22 is flush with the annular protrusion at the same height, which is more convenient for molding.

[0039] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0040] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention.

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger with a distribution hole (12), comprising a plurality of first plates (1) and second plates (2) alternately stacked, wherein a refrigerant heat exchange cavity (3) and a secondary coolant heat exchange cavity are alternately formed between the first plates (1) and the second plates (2), and the first plates (1) and the second plates (2) are provided with a refrigerant inlet (101) and a refrigerant outlet (102) communicating with the refrigerant heat exchange cavity (3), and a secondary coolant inlet (103) and a secondary coolant outlet (104) communicating with the secondary coolant heat exchange cavity; The first plate (1) and the second plate (2) are respectively formed with a first annular protrusion (11) and a second annular protrusion (21) protruding in opposite directions along the refrigerant inlet (101); when the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) are stacked, the first annular protrusion (11) and the second annular protrusion (21) are sealed against each other, thereby forming a refrigerant heat exchange cavity (3) between the first plate (1) and the second plate (2); the characteristics are: At least one distribution hole (12) is formed on the first plate (1) outside the first annular protrusion (11), and at least one boss (22) is formed on the radially outer side of the second annular protrusion (21) and is connected to the second annular protrusion; when the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) are stacked, the second plate (2) at the root edge of the second annular protrusion (21) and the boss (22) is sealed against the first plate (1) below it, the distribution hole (12) is located in the coverage area of ​​the boss (22) and a distribution cavity (23) is formed above the distribution hole (12), and the refrigerant inlet (101) is connected to the refrigerant heat exchange cavity (3) through the distribution hole (12).

2. The plate heat exchanger with distribution holes (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of distribution holes (12) are provided on the first plate (1) within the coverage area of ​​the same boss (22); or the first plate (1) has a plurality of distribution holes (12) arranged circumferentially along the first annular protrusion (11), and a plurality of bosses (22) are extended radially outwardly of the second annular protrusion (21), and a distribution hole (12) is provided within the coverage area of ​​each boss (22).

3. The plate heat exchanger with distribution holes (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end surface (221) of the top plate of the boss (22) is higher than the upper end surface of the second plate (2) in the area covered by it, and the upper end surface (222) of the top plate of the boss (22) is lower than the lower end surface of the first plate (1) above it.

4. The plate heat exchanger with distribution holes (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper and lower end surfaces of the top plate of the boss (22) are flush with the upper and lower end surfaces of the second annular protrusion (21).

5. The plate heat exchanger with distribution holes (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant inlet (101) and the refrigerant outlet (102) on the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) are connected correspondingly to form a refrigerant input channel (100) and a refrigerant output channel communicating with the refrigerant heat exchange chamber (3), and the coolant inlet (103) and the coolant outlet (104) are connected correspondingly to form a coolant input channel and a coolant output channel communicating with the coolant heat exchange chamber.

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