Collector for a heat exchange apparatus and corresponding manufacturing method

Abstract

Collector (10a, 10b) configured to be disposed in a heat exchange apparatus (100) and comprising both perimeter walls (22) defining an internal chamber (23) which is able to receive at least one heat transfer fluid (F 1 ), and also at least one protrusion portion (25) connected to the perimeter walls (22) and provided with one or more apertures (26) which are able to house corresponding ends (20a, 20b) of heat exchange elements (16) for the circulation of said heat transfer fluid (Fl). Each aperture (26) is configured to allow a same-shape coupling with a respective end (20a, 20b) without making it protrude into said chamber (23) and is shaped in such a way as to define an abutment portion (30) for said ends (20a, 20b).

Description

[0001] “COLLECTOR FOR A HEAT EXCHANGE APPARATUS AND CORRESPONDING MANUFACTURING METHOD”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns both a collector for a heat exchange apparatus which can be used in plants with a large cooling capacity, preferably of a commercial and / or industrial type, and also a method for manufacturing such collector.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Heat exchange apparatuses that can be used in commercial or industrial type plants, such as cooling using dry coolers for example, are known.

[0004] These plants typically comprise a plurality of contiguous modules, each defined by a heat exchange apparatus that can operate, for example, as a cooling apparatus.

[0005] Each heat exchange apparatus can comprise, for example in an upper part thereof, one or more fan devices for generating an air flow from one or more inlet zones to an outlet zone, and one or more heat exchange arrays provided with a plurality of heat exchange elements interposed with heat exchange fins. Each heat exchange element comprises a plurality of channels, or micro-channels.

[0006] Each apparatus comprises at least one inlet collector and at least one outlet collector, which are connected to respective upper and lower ends of the heat exchange elements in order to make the heat transfer fluid circulate within the channels. The heat transfer fluid, for example, can be water combined with ethylene glycol, or a phase change fluid, that is, a refrigerant.

[0007] The arrays can be disposed inclined by the same mirror angle with respect to a base of the heat exchange apparatus, substantially forming a V-shaped arrangement, or they can also have different configurations.

[0008] Each collector comprises a plurality of through apertures, mating in shape with those of the opposite ends of the heat exchange elements in order to receive said ends. Usually, these apertures are created on the collectors through punching. Currently, punching is performed only on collectors that have a circular shaped cross-section, and this can constitute a strong limitation on the shape of the collector itself. Furthermore, these collectors are manufactured starting from rolled elements which are bent and then welded in line. The punching process provides an inward deformation of the collector’s material and also generates an outward bulging. The ends of the heat exchange elements are then inserted into the inlet, or outlet, collector, protruding inward.

[0009] This causes the disadvantage that both the protruding portion of the ends of the heat exchange elements and also the folded part obstruct the flow of the heat transfer fluid that flows inside the collector, thus producing greater pressure drops.

[0010] Another disadvantage is that the protruding ends of the heat exchange elements inside the collectors create zones where dirt, debris, and / or fluids are deposited. These deposits can also cause problems related to the wear of the materials caused by corrosion.

[0011] In addition, the presence of the aforementioned bulging between the various apertures that receive the ends of the heat exchange elements leads to the creation of a possible dirt deposit zone in correspondence with which the brazing process to hermetically seal the heat exchange elements to the collector occurs. This can then also trigger an external corrosion process, and thus lead to fluidic leaks in the joining zone between these elements and the collectors.

[0012] In the automotive sector, heat exchangers are known from WO 2014 / 123474 and US 8720535, in which the collectors are provided with oblong apertures for the insertion of a respective plate in each of them. Each aperture is surrounded by a collar so that each plate, when inserted into the respective aperture, is surrounded by this collar, giving the heat exchanger significant structural reinforcement.

[0013] In the case of WO 2014 / 123474, the collectors and the plates are preferably made of aluminum so that they can be joined by means of a brazing process in the furnace. The oblong apertures and their collars are made by molding. In the case of US 8720535, the apertures are made by molding with “bulging”, using a suitable shaped punch to define the tapered shape of the aperture that facilitates the insertion of the plates.

[0014] There is therefore the need to perfect a collector for a heat exchange apparatus that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art. To do this, it is necessary to resolve the technical problem of providing a collector that allows to create the apertures (such as slots, for example) on the collectors in order to receive the ends of the heat exchange elements, and to attach, or couple, the heat exchange elements to the collectors, avoiding both the formation of zones in which dirt, debris and / or fluids are deposited and also any problems related to corrosion, whether internal or external.

[0015] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a collector for a heat exchange apparatus that is easy to manufacture. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a collector for a heat exchange apparatus which does not have high pressure drops.

[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a collector for a heat exchange apparatus that can also have different shapes compared to the state of the art. The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0019] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a collector according to the present invention, configured to be disposed in a heat exchange apparatus, comprises perimeter walls defining an internal chamber which is able to receive at least one heat transfer fluid.

[0020] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the collector comprises at least one protrusion portion connected to the perimeter walls and provided with one or more apertures which are able to house corresponding ends of heat exchange elements for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, wherein each aperture is configured to allow a same-shape coupling with each end of the heat exchange elements without making it protrude into the chamber, and is shaped in such a way as to define an abutment portion for these ends.

[0021] Doing so achieves the advantage that no zones are created inside the collector in which there is stagnation of dirt, debris and / or fluids, and problems related to corrosion are prevented. Furthermore, this conformation allows to reduce the pressure drops inside the collector compared to the collectors of the state of the art.

[0022] Another advantage of the collector according to the present invention is that of guaranteeing the ease of assembly of the heat exchange elements, which are placed in the correct position thanks to the conformation of the apertures and the presence of the abutment portion.

[0023] In accordance with some embodiments, the perimeter walls have a first thickness smaller than a second thickness of the protrusion portion which protrudes externally with respect to the first thickness. Preferably, an external wall of the protrusion portion is flat.

[0024] In accordance with some embodiments, the perimeter walls have a first thickness smaller than a second thickness of the protrusion portion which protrudes internally with respect to the first thickness. Preferably, an internal wall of the protrusion portion is flat.

[0025] In addition, in other embodiments the protrusion portion protrudes both externally and also internally with respect to the first thickness.

[0026] The cross-section of the collector can be of various shapes, such as D-shaped for example, wherein the protrusion portion has both an external wall and also an internal wall which are flat, and the perimeter walls have a curvilinear profile.

[0027] The collector can also comprise one or more additional protrusion portions, each connected to the perimeter walls, and each provided with one or more apertures which are configured to house corresponding ends of other heat exchange elements, or members, connectors and / or pipes for the circulation of the at least one heat transfer fluid.

[0028] The collector can comprise an internal separation baffle which divides the chamber into two circulation parts which are able to receive the at least one heat transfer fluid and another heat transfer fluid, respectively. The protrusion portion comprises a pair of external walls, configured to laterally contain the heat exchange elements, and an internal wall facing the chamber.

[0029] In one embodiment, each of the apertures is shaped in such a way as to define a single abutment portion in proximity to one of the external walls, while in proximity to the other external wall the abutment portion is absent. In other embodiments, each of the apertures is shaped in such a way that an abutment portion is provided in proximity to each wall of the pair of external walls.

[0030] This pair of external walls develops without interruptions along the entire length of the collector and acts as a lateral abutment for all the heat exchange elements. Thanks to this characteristic, the collector of the present invention is advantageous compared to the solutions of the state of the art which provide a reinforcement collar surrounding each aperture, since it is simpler and more economical to manufacture. The present invention also concerns a heat exchange apparatus comprising at least one heat exchange array provided with a plurality of heat exchange elements between which a plurality of heat exchange fins is interposed, wherein each heat exchange element comprises a plurality of channels disposed in succession, parallel to each other, and able to receive at least one heat transfer fluid. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the heat exchange apparatus comprises an inlet collector and an outlet collector, both as defined above, wherein the inlet and outlet collector are connected, respectively, to opposite ends of the heat exchange elements in order to make the heat transfer fluid circulate in the channels. In a preferred embodiment, in which the inlet collector and the outlet collector are disposed above and below the array, respectively, the inlet collector is also defined as upper collector, and the outlet collector is defined as lower collector. In this case, the ends of the heat exchange elements connected to the inlet collector, or upper collector, may be called “upper ends”, and the ends of the heat exchange elements connected to the outlet collector, or lower collector, may be called “lower ends”.

[0031] The heat exchange apparatus can comprise at least two arrays disposed along respective axes of inclination and inclined by a same mirror angle with respect to a rest base, thus substantially forming a “V”, wherein the channels have a longitudinal development parallel to the respective axes of inclination.

[0032] The heat exchange apparatus can also comprise at least one fan device disposed, for example, above the arrays and configured to generate an air flow, by suction of external air, from one or more lateral inlet zones, adjacent to the arrays, to a corresponding upper outlet zone. The arrays, with the respective inlet and outlet collectors, can be inclined by a certain angle with respect to a rest plane defined by a rest base of the heat exchange apparatus, preferably in order to promote the outflow of the at least one heat transfer fluid through an outlet valve of the outlet collector. The present invention also concerns a method for manufacturing at least one of such collectors. The method comprises a step of making available the at least one collector manufactured by means of a stationary process of plastic deformation so as to have perimeter walls defining an internal chamber able to receive at least one heat transfer fluid and at least one protrusion portion connected to the perimeter walls, and a step of creating one or more apertures in the protrusion portion, for example by milling or other working suited to the purpose. Corresponding ends of heat exchange elements are housed in the apertures for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid. Each aperture allows a same-shape coupling with each end of the heat exchange elements, without making it protrude into the chamber.

[0033] The method comprises a plastic deformation step, in which the collector is formed by means of a passage through a forming die shaped in such a way that the collector has at least the protrusion portion.

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0035] - figs, from 1 to 4 are partial and schematic three-dimensional views of different embodiments of a collector according to the present invention, in which the collector is integrated into a heat exchange array;

[0036] - figs. 5-7 are section front views of a collector according to further embodiments of the present invention, in which the collector is integrated into a heat exchange array;

[0037] - fig. 8 is a section front view of a heat exchange apparatus provided with one or more inlet and outlet collectors according to the present invention;

[0038] - figs. 9 and 10 are schematic lateral views of the heat exchange apparatus of fig.

[0039] 8 according to two different embodiments.

[0040] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0041] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference to fig. 1, a collector 10a, 10b according to the present invention is described, arranged and usable in a heat exchange apparatus 100.

[0042] The apparatus 100 (figs. 8-10) is usable, for example, in a plant with a large cooling capacity, preferably of the commercial and / or industrial type. Such a plant can comprise a plurality of contiguous modules, disposed side-by-side and operationally connected to each other, wherein each module is defined by a heat exchange apparatus 100.

[0043] The heat exchange apparatus 100 essentially comprises a containing structure 12 that defines a frame inside which the various components described below are disposed. The heat exchange apparatus 100 can comprise at least one fan device 13 and at least one heat exchange array 15, hereafter array 15, which together define heat exchange means. Preferably, the heat exchange apparatus 100 comprises at least two heat exchange arrays 15.

[0044] The fan device 13 can be disposed in correspondence with an upper part of the heat exchange apparatus 100. The fan device 13 is configured to generate an air flow F, by suctioning external air, from one or more lateral inlet zones ZI to a corresponding upper outlet zone ZU. The air flow F has an inlet, or initial, temperature.

[0045] The arrays 15 are disposed inclined by a same mirror angle a with respect to a rest base 14 of the heat exchange apparatus 100, substantially forming a “V” (fig.

[0046] 8). Specifically, the arrays 15 are disposed according to respective axes of inclination Al and A2, which mirror each other with respect to a symmetry plane PS. The mirror angle a is preferably comprised between 0° and 90°, even more preferably between about 45° and about 70°. According to other embodiments, the arrays 15 can be vertical, or can have a different inclination so as to form, for example, an inverted “V”.

[0047] Each array 15 comprises a plurality of modular heat exchange elements 16. Preferably, a plurality of fins 17 are interposed between the plurality of heat exchange elements 16. Specifically, each fin 17 is at a respective heat exchange element 16 and has the function of increasing the heat exchange surface in the array 15 itself. For example, the heat exchange elements 16 can be formed by so-called MPE extruded “plates”. Each heat exchange element 16 comprises, along its longitudinal development, a plurality of circulation elements, that is, channels or micro-channels, 19 which are disposed in succession, parallel to each other, with a longitudinal development parallel to the corresponding axis of inclination Al, A2.

[0048] Each heat exchange apparatus 100 comprises, for each array 15, an upper inlet collector 10a and a lower outlet collector 10b which are connected to upper 20a and lower 20b ends, respectively, of the heat exchange elements 16 in order to make at least one heat transfer fluid Fl circulate in the channels 19. The heat transfer fluid Fl can be water combined with ethylene or propylene glycol, or a phase change fluid, that is, a refrigerant. The first heat transfer fluid Fl can have a temperature higher than the temperature of the air flow F. In this case, in a condition of normal use of the heat exchange apparatus 100, a heat exchange occurs between the air flow F and the first heat transfer fluid F 1.

[0049] The inlet collector 10a and the outlet collector 10b can be provided with an inlet valve 22 and an outlet valve 23, respectively, for the heat transfer fluid Fl (fig. 8).

[0050] The arrays 15 and the respective collectors 10a, 10b can be disposed parallel to the rest base 14 (fig. 9).

[0051] According to other embodiments, the arrays 15 and the respective collectors 10a, 10b can be inclined by an angle of inclination p with respect to a rest plane defined by the rest base 14. This can promote, for example, the outflow of the heat transfer fluid Fl through the outlet valve 23 of the outlet collector 10b (fig. 10). The angle of inclination p is preferably comprised between 0° and about 10°.

[0052] The inlet collector 10a and the outlet collector 10b can be fluidically connected to a respective main inlet and outlet collector of the plant, not visible in the drawings. These main collectors fluidically connect all the inlet collectors 10a and all the outlet collectors 10b of the plant’s heat exchange apparatuses 100.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the heat exchange apparatus 100 can comprise two fan devices 13 disposed aligned along the symmetry plane PS and four heat exchange arrays 15, wherein the arrays 15 are disposed contiguous two by two and aligned with each other, as well as inclined along the respective axes of inclination Al, A2 so as to form the “V” shape. In this case, since there are two arrays 15 per side, there are provided two inlet collectors 10a aligned with each other and two output collectors 10b aligned with each other.

[0054] Advantageously, the collectors 10a, 10b are manufactured by means of a stationary process of plastic deformation, such as extrusion or drawing, or by means of other equivalent processes that allow to obtain a desired cross-section.

[0055] Each collector 10a, 10b (figs, from 1 to 7) comprises perimeter walls 22, having a first thickness SI, defining an internal chamber 23 which is able to receive at least the heat transfer fluid F 1.

[0056] Each collector 10a, 10b comprises at least one protrusion portion 25 connected to the perimeter walls 22 and provided with one or more holes 26. Preferably, the protrusion portion 25 comprises a plurality of through apertures 26, such as slots, millings, or holes.

[0057] Each aperture 26 is able to house corresponding lower 20a and upper 20b ends of the heat exchange elements 16 for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid F 1. Each aperture 26 is configured to allow a stable same-shape coupling with each end 20a, 20b of the heat exchange elements 16, without making it protrude into the chamber 23.

[0058] This offers the advantage that no zones in which there is a stagnation of dirt, debris, and / or fluids are created, and problems related to corrosion are prevented.

[0059] Furthermore, another advantage is that pressure drops inside each collector 10a, 10b are reduced.

[0060] In general, the protrusion portion 25 comprises a pair of external walls 27, configured to laterally contain the heat exchange elements 16, and an internal wall 29 facing the chamber 23.

[0061] The pair of external walls 27 develops without interruptions for the entire length of the collector 10a, 10b and acts as a lateral abutment for all the heat exchange elements 16.

[0062] The protrusion portion 25 has a second thickness S2 greater than the first thickness S 1.

[0063] In addition, the apertures 26 can be shaped in such a way as to define an abutment portion 30 for the ends 20a, 20b of the heat exchange elements 16.

[0064] In the embodiments visible in figs. 1-3 and 5-7, an abutment portion 30 is provided in proximity to each of the two external walls 27.

[0065] According to a possible embodiment, shown in fig. 1, the protrusion portion 25 protrudes externally with respect to the first thickness SI, and the external wall 27 is flat. As can be observed in fig. 1, the collector 10a, 10b has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0066] According to another possible embodiment, shown in fig. 2, the protrusion portion 25 protrudes internally with respect to the first thickness SI, and the internal wall 29 is flat. We must clarify that despite the internal protrusion of the protrusion portion 25, the latter is suitably connected to the perimeter walls 22. As can be seen in fig. 2, also in this case the collector 10a, 10b has a substantially circular shape.

[0067] According to another embodiment, shown in fig. 3, the protrusion portion 25 protrudes both externally and also internally with respect to the first thickness SI.

[0068] According to another embodiment, shown in fig. 4, the ends 20a, 20b abut against the abutment portion 30, which is however defined only on one side, while the other side does not have it. In this embodiment, each aperture 26 is shaped in such a way as to define a single abutment portion 30 in proximity to one of the external walls 27 (on the left in the drawing), while in proximity to the other external wall 27 (on the right in the drawing) the abutment portion 30 is absent.

[0069] This facilitates the insertion of the heat exchange elements 16, which are guided during the insertion by the external walls 27 until they abut against the only abutment portion 30 present. Furthermore, according to other embodiments, not shown in the drawings, the perimeter walls 22 have a thickness substantially the same as the protrusion portion 25, so that the latter does not protrude and remains within the overall dimensions of the lateral walls 22. In this case, the single thickness is equal to the greater of the first and second thickness SI, S2 of the embodiments described above. As shown in fig. 5, each collector 10a, 10b can also comprise one or more additional protrusion portions 25’, 25”, each connected to the perimeter walls 22 and also provided with one or more apertures 26’, 26” which are configured to house corresponding ends of other elements, or heat exchange members, connectors, and / or pipes for the fluidic circulation of the heat transfer fluid Fl.

[0070] According to another possible embodiment, shown in fig. 6, the collector 10a, 10b can have a D-shaped cross-section, wherein the protrusion portion 25 has both the external wall 27 and also the internal wall 29 flat, and the perimeter walls 22 have a curvilinear profile.

[0071] Furthermore, according to possible embodiments, each collector 10a, 10b (fig. 7) can comprise an internal separation baffle 32 that divides the chamber 23 into a first 33 and a second 34 circulation part, which are able to receive the heat transfer fluid F 1 , which can be defined as first heat transfer fluid F 1 , and another, or second, heat transfer fluid F2, respectively.

[0072] In this case, the channels 19 of each heat exchange element 16 are divided into a first group 19’ of channels 19, in which the first heat transfer fluid Fl flows, and a second group 19” of channels 19, in which the second heat transfer fluid F2 flows.

[0073] The second heat transfer fluid F2 can be water, possibly in combination with glycol, or other suitable liquid.

[0074] The method for manufacturing the collectors 10a, 10b, corresponding to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

[0075] A first step provides to make available a collector 10a, 10b manufactured by means of a stationary process of plastic deformation, such as extrusion or drawing, or other equivalent processes.

[0076] In particular, a plastic deformation step is provided, in which the collector 10a, 10b is formed by means of a passage through a forming die, not visible in the drawings, shaped in such a way that the collector 10a, 10b has at least the protrusion portion 25 connected to the perimeter walls 22 and as described above.

[0077] If necessary, during the plastic deformation step, the additional protrusion portions 25’, 25” can also be created by means of specific forming dies.

[0078] There is provided at least one subsequent step of creating the one or more apertures 26 on the collector 10a, 10b, for example by milling or other working suited to the purpose.

[0079] In addition, in order to arrange the collectors 10a, 10b in the heat exchange apparatus 100, a coupling step is provided, in which the ends 20a, 20b of the heat exchange elements 16 are coupled by same-shape coupling with the apertures 26 of the collectors 10a, 10b, without the ends 20a, 20b protruding into the chamber 23.

[0080] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the collectors 10a, 10b and to the method as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0081] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of collectors for heat exchange apparatuses, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0082] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Collector (10a, 10b) comprising perimeter walls (22) defining an internal chamber (23) which is able to receive at least one heat transfer fluid (Fl), and at least one protrusion portion (25) connected to said perimeter walls (22) and provided with one or more apertures (26) which are able to house corresponding ends (20a, 20b) of heat exchange elements (16) for the circulation of said heat transfer fluid (Fl), characterized in that each aperture (26) is configured to allow a same-shape coupling with said each end (20a, 20b), without making it protrude into said chamber (23), and is shaped in such a way as to define an abutment portion (30) for said ends (20a, 20b).

2. Collector (10a, 10b) as in claim 1, characterized in that said perimeter walls (22) have a first thickness (SI) smaller than a second thickness (S2) of said protrusion portion (25) which protrudes externally with respect to said first thickness (SI).

3. Collector (10a, 10b) as in claim 1, characterized in that said perimeter walls(22) have a first thickness (SI) smaller than a second thickness (S2) of said protrusion portion (25) which protrudes internally with respect to said first thickness (SI).

4. Collector (10a, 10b) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it also comprises one or more additional protrusion portions (25’, 25”), each connected to said perimeter walls (22) and each provided with one or more apertures (26’, 26”) which are configured to house corresponding ends of other heat exchange elements, or members, connectors and / or pipes for the circulation of said at least one heat transfer fluid (Fl).

5. Collector (10a, 10b) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises an internal separation baffle (32) which divides said chamber (23) into two circulation parts (33, 34) which are able to receive said at least one heat transfer fluid (Fl) and another heat transfer fluid (F2), respectively.

6. Collector (10a, 10b) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said protrusion portion (25) comprises a pair of external walls (27), configured to laterally contain the heat exchange elements (16), and an internal wall (29) facing the chamber (23).

7. Collector (10a, 10b) as in claim 6, characterized in that each of said apertures(26) is shaped in such a way as to define a single abutment portion (30) in proximity to one of the external walls (27), while in proximity to the other external wall (27) the abutment portion (30) is absent.

8. Collector (10a, 10b) as in claim 6, characterized in that each of said apertures (26) is shaped in such a way that an abutment portion (30) is provided in proximity to each wall of the pair of external walls (27).

9. Collector (10a, 10b) as in any claim from 6 to 8, characterized in that said pair of external walls (27) develops without interruptions along the entire length of the collector (10a, 10b) and acts as a lateral abutment for all the heat exchange elements (16).

10. Heat exchange apparatus (100) comprising at least one heat exchange array(15) provided with a plurality of heat exchange elements (16) between which a plurality of heat exchange fins is interposed, wherein each heat exchange element(16) comprises a plurality of channels (19) disposed in succession, parallel to each other, and able to receive at least one heat transfer fluid (Fl), characterized in that it comprises an inlet collector (10a) and an outlet collector (10b), both as in any claim hereinbefore and connected, respectively, to opposite ends (20a, 20b) of said heat exchange elements (16) in order to make said heat transfer fluid (Fl) circulate in said channels (19).

11. Heat exchange apparatus (100) as in claim 10, characterized in that it comprises at least two arrays (15) disposed along respective axes of inclination (Al, A2) and inclined by a same mirror angle (a) with respect to a rest base (14), thus substantially forming a “V”, wherein said channels (19) have a longitudinal development parallel to said respective axes of inclination (Al, A2), and in that it also comprises at least one fan device (13) configured to generate an air flow (F), by suction of external air, wherein said air flow goes from one or more lateral inlet zones (ZI), adjacent to said arrays (15), to a corresponding upper outlet zone (ZU).

12. Heat exchange apparatus (100) as in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said arrays (15) with the respective inlet and outlet collectors (10a, 10b) are inclined by a certain angle ( ) with respect to a rest plane (PG) defined by a rest base (14), in particular to promote the outflow of said at least one heat transfer fluid (Fl) through an outlet valve (23) of said outlet collector (10b).

13. Method for manufacturing at least one collector (10a, 10b) for a heatexchange apparatus (100), characterized in that it comprises a step of making available said at least one collector (10a, 10b) manufactured by means of a stationary process of plastic deformation so as to have perimeter walls (22) defining an internal chamber (23) able to receive at least one heat transfer fluid (Fl) and at least one protrusion portion (25) connected to said perimeter walls (22), and a step of creating one or more apertures (26) in said protrusion portion (25), by milling or other working, in which corresponding ends (20a, 20b) of heat exchange elements (16) are housed for the circulation of said heat transfer fluid (Fl), wherein each aperture (26) allows a same-shape coupling with each of said ends (20a, 20b), without causing it to protrude into said chamber (23), and is shaped in such a way as to define an abutment portion (30) for said ends (20a, 20b).

14. Method as in claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a plastic deformation step, in which said collector (10a, 10b) is formed by means of a passage through a forming die shaped in such a way that the collector (10a, 10b) has at least said protrusion portion (25).

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