Plate-type heat exchanger

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a plate-type heat exchanger, wherein the same heat exchange media, having different temperatures and pressures and introduced into the plate-type heat exchanger through different paths, are integrated into a single flow path, thereby improving assemblability and manufacturability while enhancing the cooling efficiency of the heat exchange media.

Description

plate heat exchanger

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger.

[0002] Recently, the development of eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles has been active to overcome energy efficiency and environmental pollution issues.

[0003] These electric vehicles require thermal management of their batteries and electrical components. These vehicles utilize chillers for thermal management, including battery chillers and electrical waste heat recovery chillers. The goal is to improve thermal management efficiency in electric vehicles by integrating these chillers into a plate heat exchanger.

[0004] Plate heat exchangers typically utilize two types of heat exchange media to exchange heat. The inlet and outlet ports for the heat exchange media are located at the corners of the upper plate, taking into account flow distribution and heat transfer performance. Furthermore, for ease of assembly and manufacturability, the inlet and outlet ports are typically located on one side.

[0005] However, as heat exchangers have recently developed into integrated heat exchangers with multiple functions, the same heat exchange medium may be introduced into the heat exchanger at different temperatures and pressures, and in some cases, the heat exchange medium may need to be introduced through different inlets.

[0006] In such cases, additional inlets and outlets must be configured on the lower plate, which is the opposite side of the upper plate. This causes packaging difficulties and reduces assembly and manufacturability.

[0007] Prior art includes Korean Patent No. 10-1545648 (August 12, 2015).

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a plate heat exchanger capable of integrating identical heat exchange media with different temperatures and pressures through different inflow paths into a single flow path can be provided.

[0009] A plate heat exchanger according to the present disclosure is a plate heat exchanger formed by stacking a plurality of heat exchange plates between an upper plate and a lower plate, wherein the upper plate or the lower plate includes a first heat exchange medium inlet for introducing a first heat exchange medium, a first heat exchange medium outlet for discharging the first heat exchange medium, a second heat exchange medium inlet for introducing a second heat exchange medium, and a second heat exchange medium outlet for discharging the second heat exchange medium, and the first heat exchange medium inlet may be formed by dividing into a first inlet and a second inlet, and may be provided in an integrated flow path formed at one corner of the upper plate or the lower plate.

[0010] In addition, the integrated flow path may be formed by protruding a predetermined distance to form a connecting flow path inside the integrated flow path connecting the first inlet and the second inlet.

[0011] Additionally, the connecting passage may be connected to an internal passage formed in the plurality of stacked heat exchange plates extending from the first inlet.

[0012] In addition, the integrated flow path can form a first inlet hole to which the first inlet is connected and a second inlet hole to which the second inlet is connected.

[0013] In addition, the first inflow hole and the second inflow hole can be formed adjacent to each other so that the integrated flow section is positioned at an angle to one corner.

[0014] In addition, the first heat exchange medium is introduced into the first inlet and the second inlet, but the first heat exchange medium introduced into the first inlet and the first heat exchange medium introduced into the second inlet may have different temperatures or pressures.

[0015] Additionally, the first heat exchange medium flowing into the first inlet and the first heat exchange medium flowing into the second inlet can be combined in the connecting passage and flow into the internal passage connected to the first inlet.

[0016] Additionally, the integrated euro portion can be formed integrally with the upper plate or the lower plate.

[0017] Additionally, the integrated euro portion can be formed by brazing to the upper plate or the lower plate.

[0018] Additionally, the plurality of heat exchange plates may be stacked to form a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section between the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0019] Additionally, the first heat exchange medium inlet may be dedicated as the first heat exchange medium outlet.

[0020] In addition, the first inlet and the second inlet may be formed to have a predetermined gap so that the connecting passage secures a predetermined length.

[0021] Additionally, the first inlet or the second inlet may have a curved shape.

[0022] Additionally, the integrated flow path may be configured diagonally depending on the arrangement of the first inlet and the second inlet.

[0023] Additionally, the plurality of heat exchange plates can be stacked to form a first heat exchange section, a second heat exchange section, and a third heat exchange section between the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0024] Additionally, the plurality of heat exchange plates may be stacked to form a first heat exchange section, a second heat exchange section, a third heat exchange section, and a fourth heat exchange section between the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, there is an effect of integrating heat exchange media that are the same heat exchange medium but have different temperatures and pressures and that flow into a plate heat exchanger through different paths into a single flow path, thereby improving assemblability and manufacturability.

[0026] In addition, there is an effect of increasing the cooling efficiency of the heat exchange medium by combining the same heat exchange medium with different temperatures and pressures before introducing them into the plate heat exchanger.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view viewed from a different direction from Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view viewed from a different direction from Figure 1.

[0030] Figures 4 to 6 are enlarged cross-sections of section AA in Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a plate heat exchanger according to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a plate heat exchanger according to another embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing that the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in Fig. 1 has changed.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing that the shape of the inlet in the embodiments has a curved shape.

[0035] [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 10: First heat exchange medium

[0037] 11: First heat exchange medium flowing into the first inlet

[0038] 12: First heat exchange medium flowing into the second inlet

[0039] 20: Second heat exchange medium

[0040] 100: Plate heat exchanger

[0041] 101: Internal flow

[0042] 102: Heat exchange plate

[0043] 110: Top plate

[0044] 113: Corner

[0045] 120: First heat exchange medium inlet

[0046] 121: First inlet

[0047] 122: Second inlet

[0048] 130: Integrated Eurozone

[0049] 131: First inflow hole

[0050] 132: Second inflow hole

[0051] 133: Connecting Euro

[0052] 140: First heat exchange medium outlet

[0053] 150: Second heat exchange medium inlet

[0054] 160: Lower plate

[0055] 170: Second heat exchange medium outlet

[0056] The present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, these are merely examples and are not limited to the specific embodiments exemplified in the present disclosure.

[0057]

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a plate heat exchanger (100) according to one embodiment can be formed by stacking a plurality of heat exchange plates (102) between an upper plate (110) and a lower plate (160). Here, the upper plate (110), the lower plate (160), and the heat exchange plates (102) can have a square shape. In one embodiment, the plate heat exchanger (100) can be stacked in a front-back direction while standing vertically up and down or lying horizontally left and right based on the drawing. Here, FIGS. 1 to 3, which are one embodiment, show lying horizontally left and right. And FIG. 7, which is another embodiment, shows standing vertically up and down.

[0059] The upper plate (110) or the lower plate (160) may include a first heat exchange medium inlet (120) for introducing a first heat exchange medium (10), a first heat exchange medium outlet (140) for discharging the first heat exchange medium (10), a second heat exchange medium inlet (150) for introducing a second heat exchange medium (20), and a second heat exchange medium outlet (170) for discharging the second heat exchange medium (20).

[0060] In the following example, the first heat exchange medium inlet (120), the first heat exchange medium outlet (140), the second heat exchange medium inlet (150), and the second heat exchange medium outlet (170) are formed on the upper plate (110).

[0061] One side (111) of the upper plate (110) is the lower side located downward in a square shape, and the other side (112) is the upper side located upward. One side (111) and the other side (112) are upper and lower end sides facing each other.

[0062] A first heat exchange medium inlet (120) for introducing a first heat exchange medium (10) and a second heat exchange medium inlet (150) for introducing a second heat exchange medium (20) may be arranged on one side (111) of the upper plate (110).

[0063] A first heat exchange medium outlet (140) for discharging a first heat exchange medium (10) and a second heat exchange medium outlet (170) for discharging a second heat exchange medium (20) may be arranged on the other side (112) of the upper plate (110). The first heat exchange medium outlet (140) may be arranged at a position facing the first heat exchange medium inlet (120). And the second heat exchange medium inlet (150) may be arranged at a position facing the second heat exchange medium outlet (170).

[0064] The first heat exchange medium inlet (120), the first heat exchange medium outlet (140), the second heat exchange medium inlet (150), and the second heat exchange medium outlet (170) can be respectively arranged at each corner of the upper plate (110).

[0065] The first heat exchange medium inlet (120) is formed by dividing into a first inlet (121) and a second inlet (122), and may be provided in an integrated flow path (130) formed on a corner (113) of one side (111) of the upper plate (110).

[0066] The first heat exchange medium (10) can be divided into heat exchange mediums with different temperatures or pressures and introduced into the first heat exchange medium inlet (120). For this purpose, the first heat exchange medium inlet (120) can be formed by dividing into a first inlet (121) and a second inlet (122).

[0067] At this time, the first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122) are positioned on the same surface of the upper plate (110), so that the inlet positions of the first heat exchange medium (11) flowing into the first inlet and the first heat exchange medium (12) flowing into the second inlet can be unified as the first heat exchange medium inlet (120). This is an improvement over the conventional case where the same heat exchange medium is divided into heat exchange media with different temperatures or pressures and flows into the plate heat exchanger, so that multiple inlets are positioned in the same manner.

[0068] The first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122) can be provided in an integrated flow path (130) formed at a corner (113) of one side (111) of the upper plate (110).

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the integrated flow path (130) can be formed by protruding from the upper plate (110) by a predetermined distance (d) to form a connecting flow path (133) connecting the first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122) inside.

[0070] The integrated flow path (130) can be formed by protruding forward from the outer surface of the upper plate (110) by a predetermined distance (d). This is to secure a space equivalent to the predetermined protruding distance (d) and form a connecting flow path (133) for the heat exchange medium to flow inside.

[0071] The integrated flow path (130) can form a first inlet hole (131) where the first inlet (121) is connected and a second inlet hole (132) where the second inlet (122) is connected.

[0072] The first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122) may have a pipe shape for allowing a heat exchange medium to flow therein, and one end of the first inlet (121) may be connected to the first inlet hole (131), and the second inlet (122) may be connected to the second inlet hole (131), so that they are each connected to each other. The diameters of the first inlet hole (131) and the second inlet hole (131) may be formed to be larger than the diameters of the first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122), so that the first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122) may be inserted into the first inlet hole (131) and the second inlet hole (131), respectively, and connected.

[0073] The connecting passage (133) can be connected to an internal passage (101) formed on a plurality of stacked heat exchange plates (102) extending from the first inlet (121).

[0074] A first heat exchange medium (10) flows into the first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122). The introduced heat exchange medium is the same type as the first heat exchange medium (10). The first heat exchange medium (11) flowing into the first inlet (121) and the first heat exchange medium (12) flowing into the second inlet (122) may have different temperatures or pressures.

[0075] Assuming that the first heat exchange medium (10) is coolant, the first heat exchange medium (10) passes through the battery or electrical components of the electric vehicle and is then returned to the plate heat exchanger (10). At this time, the first heat exchange medium (10) that has passed through each component may have different temperatures or pressures. In this way, the first heat exchange medium (10) with different temperatures or pressures can be returned to the plate heat exchanger (100) at the same location.

[0076] The first heat exchange medium (11) flowing into the first inlet having different temperatures or pressures and the first heat exchange medium (12) flowing into the second inlet can be combined in the connecting passage (133). The first heat exchange medium (12) flowing into the second inlet having flowed into the second inlet (122) flows toward the first inlet (121) along the connecting passage (133). In addition, the first heat exchange medium (11) flowing into the first inlet having flowed into the first inlet (121) is mixed in the connecting passage (133).

[0077] In this way, the first heat exchange medium (11) flowing into the first inlet (121) and the first heat exchange medium (12) flowing into the second inlet (122) combined with the first heat exchange medium (10) in the connecting passage (133) can flow into the internal passage (101) connected from the first inlet (121).

[0078] At this time, the first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122) can be formed to have a predetermined gap so that the connecting passage (133) can secure a predetermined length. By ensuring that the connecting passage (133) has a predetermined length, the heat exchange medium can secure a sufficient flow distance.

[0079] Additionally, the integrated flow path (130) may be configured diagonally depending on the arrangement of the first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122). The first inlet (121) and the second inlet (122) may be arranged diagonally, adjacent to each other, rather than in the vertical or left-right direction. In this case, the integrated flow path (130) may also be configured diagonally.

[0080] Additionally, the first inlet (121) or the second inlet (122) may be configured to have a curved shape. Referring to Fig. 10, it can be seen that the first inlet (121) is configured to have a curved shape.

[0081] By reducing the flow distribution path of heat exchange media with different temperatures or pressures, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange media can be increased within the heat exchanger.

[0082] The first inflow hole (131) and the second inflow hole (132) can be formed adjacent to each other so that the integrated flow path (130) is positioned offset from the corner (113) of one side (111) of the upper plate (110). This allows the flow path of the connecting flow path (130) formed inside the integrated flow path (130) to be shortened. This reduces the distance over which the first heat exchange medium (10) flows.

[0083] At this time, the inner fin, which plays a role in increasing the heat exchange performance by expanding the heat exchange area of ​​the heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium, may not be installed in the connecting passage (130).

[0084] The integrated flow path (130) can be formed integrally with the upper plate (110). The integrated flow path (130) can be formed integrally with the upper plate (110) in a protruding shape through a forming shape using press processing.

[0085] Alternatively, the integrated flow path (130) may be formed by brazing to the upper plate (110). In this case, the integrated flow path (130) may be made separately and then brazed to the upper plate (110). In this case, a separate welding process (TIG welding) or a mechanical fixing method may be used to secure the integrated flow path (130) and the upper plate (110) prior to brazing.

[0086] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the lower plate (160) may include a second heat exchange medium outlet (170) for introducing a second heat exchange medium (20) into one side (161).

[0087] In the past, when the first heat exchange medium inlet (120) was divided into two, it was formed in separate locations. In addition, the second heat exchange medium inlet (150) and the second heat exchange medium outlet (170) had to be positioned. It was difficult to configure the location of the second heat exchange medium outlet (170) so that it was biased toward the corner. This could have the problem of lowering the heat exchange efficiency because the flow path of the upper plate (110) having a square shape could not be fully utilized.

[0088] However, in a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment, the first heat exchange medium inlet (120) through which the first heat exchange medium (10) flows is formed on the same surface of the upper plate (110), thereby not only increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchange medium (10), but also increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange medium (20) at the same time.

[0089] The first heat exchange medium (10) and the second heat exchange medium (20) described above can be selected from among fluids that serve as heat exchange medium, such as cooling water, refrigerant, or oil.

[0090] The above-described contents can be equally applied to a case where a first heat exchange medium inlet (120) for introducing a first heat exchange medium (10), a first heat exchange medium outlet (140) for discharging the first heat exchange medium (10), a second heat exchange medium inlet (150) for introducing a second heat exchange medium (20), and a second heat exchange medium outlet (170) for discharging the second heat exchange medium (20) are configured in the lower plate (160).

[0091] The flow direction of the heat exchange medium can be configured to be different. Referring to FIG. 9, the first heat exchange medium inlet (120) can be dedicated as the first heat exchange medium outlet (180). That is, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium can be configured to be reversed. In this case, the first heat exchange medium outlet (170) can be configured as the first heat exchange medium inlet (190).

[0092] Fig. 7 is a plate heat exchanger according to another embodiment, in which the plate heat exchanger (100) is vertically erected. In another embodiment, the positions of the first heat exchange medium inlet (120) and the integrated flow path (130) are the same as in the above-described embodiment. In addition, the first heat exchange medium outlet (140) can be arranged in a direction diagonally opposite the first heat exchange medium inlet (120).

[0093] FIG. 8 is a plate heat exchanger according to another embodiment, in which a plurality of heat exchange plates (102) can be stacked to form a first heat exchange section (100a) and a second heat exchange section (100b) between an upper plate (110) and a lower plate (160). For example, the first heat exchange section (100a) can perform heat exchange between battery coolant and refrigerant, and the second heat exchange section (100b) can be configured to perform heat exchange between electric field coolant and refrigerant separately.

[0094] Additionally, a plurality of heat exchange plates (102) may be laminated to form a first heat exchange section (100a), a second heat exchange section (100b1), and a third heat exchange section (100b2) between the upper plate (110) and the lower plate (160), or may be laminated to form a first heat exchange section (100a1), a second heat exchange section (100a2), a third heat exchange section (100b1), and a fourth heat exchange section (100b2).

[0095]

[0096] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the forms set forth in the detailed description above. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. In a plate-type heat exchanger formed by stacking a plurality of heat exchange plates between an upper plate and a lower plate, The upper plate or the lower plate includes a first heat exchange medium inlet for introducing a first heat exchange medium, a first heat exchange medium outlet for discharging the first heat exchange medium, a second heat exchange medium inlet for introducing a second heat exchange medium, and a second heat exchange medium outlet for discharging the second heat exchange medium. The above first heat exchange medium inlet is, It is formed by dividing into a first inlet and a second inlet, and is provided in an integrated flow path formed at one corner of the upper plate or the lower plate. Plate heat exchanger.

2. In paragraph 1, The above integrated flow path is formed by protruding a predetermined distance and forming a connecting flow path inside that connects the first inlet and the second inlet. Plate heat exchanger.

3. In paragraph 2, The above connecting path leads to an internal path formed in the plurality of stacked heat exchange plates extending from the first inlet port. Plate heat exchanger.

4. In paragraph 2, The above integrated flow path forms a first inlet hole to which the first inlet is connected and a second inlet hole to which the second inlet is connected. Plate heat exchanger.

5. In paragraph 4, The first inflow hole and the second inflow hole are formed adjacent to each other so that the integrated flow portion is positioned at one corner. Plate heat exchanger 6. In paragraph 3, The first heat exchange medium is introduced into the first inlet and the second inlet, but the first heat exchange medium introduced into the first inlet and the first heat exchange medium introduced into the second inlet have different temperatures or pressures. Plate heat exchanger.

7. In paragraph 6, The first heat exchange medium flowing into the first inlet and the first heat exchange medium flowing into the second inlet are combined in the connecting passage and flow into the internal passage connected to the first inlet. Plate heat exchanger.

8. In paragraph 2, The above integrated euro portion is formed integrally with the upper plate or the lower plate. Plate heat exchanger.

9. In paragraph 2, The above integrated euro portion is formed by brazing to the upper plate or the lower plate, Plate heat exchanger.

10. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of heat exchange plates are laminated to form a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section between the upper plate and the lower plate. Plate heat exchanger.

11. In paragraph 2, The above first heat exchange medium inlet can be exclusively used as the first heat exchange medium outlet. Plate heat exchanger.

12. In paragraph 2, The first inlet and the second inlet are formed to have a predetermined interval so that the above connecting path secures a predetermined length. Plate heat exchanger.

13. In paragraph 2, The first inlet or the second inlet has a curved shape, Plate heat exchanger.

14. In paragraph 1, The above integrated flow path can be configured diagonally depending on the arrangement of the first and second inlets. Plate heat exchanger.

15. In paragraph 10, The above plurality of heat exchange plates are laminated to form a first heat exchange section, a second heat exchange section, and a third heat exchange section between the upper plate and the lower plate. Plate heat exchanger.

16. In Article 16, The above plurality of heat exchange plates are laminated to form a first heat exchange section, a second heat exchange section, a third heat exchange section and a fourth heat exchange section between the upper plate and the lower plate. Plate heat exchanger.

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