Plate heat exchanger

Abstract

A plate-type heat exchanger is provided. The plate-type heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present specification comprises: a plurality of plates, stacked on top of each other; pipes connected to the plurality of plates and forming channels through which fluid is supplied thereto; and an agitator disposed inside a pipe, adjacent to the plurality of plates, wherein the agitator may form a helical channel extending in the lengthwise-direction of the pipe.

Description

plate heat exchanger

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger. More specifically, it relates to a plate heat exchanger that performs heat exchange by moving different heat exchange media through a plurality of flow spaces between a plurality of stacked plates.

[0002] In general, various heat exchangers are used for the purpose of reusing heat energy or lowering or raising the temperature according to the purpose, and various heat exchangers are also equipped in automobiles.

[0003] In the automotive industry, miniaturizing and reducing the weight of various components leads to improved fuel efficiency and enables body designs that meet consumer needs. Therefore, research is being conducted on technologies that make various components smaller, lighter, and more functional.

[0004] In the field of vehicle air conditioning systems, where space is limited in engine rooms, research is continuing toward miniaturization and lightweighting. As a result, heat exchangers, which are components of vehicle air conditioning systems, are also being pursued for miniaturization, lightweighting, high efficiency, and high functionality.

[0005] There are many different types of heat exchangers, but the most common is the plate heat exchanger.

[0006] The above plate heat exchanger is a structure in which a plurality of plates are stacked to form a first medium flow space and a second medium flow space with the plates interposed therebetween, and heat exchange occurs between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium while the first heat exchange medium passes through the first medium flow space and the second heat exchange medium passes through the second medium flow space.

[0007] In vehicle air conditioning systems, it is generally difficult to secure sufficient space inside the engine room, so components such as heat exchangers that make up vehicle air conditioning systems are required to be compact while also having the ability to increase efficiency.

[0008] Meanwhile, recently, to prevent environmental pollution, eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are being developed, and plate heat exchangers are also being applied to these eco-friendly vehicles.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a plate heat exchanger according to the prior art.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, a plate heat exchanger (10) according to the prior art includes a plurality of plates (100), a first pipe (110), and a second pipe (120). Although not shown, a plurality of plates (100) may be stacked, and a medium flow space may be formed in the space between the stacked plates (100). The first pipe (110) may be coupled to the plate (100) to provide a flow path for supplying a fluid. The second pipe (120) may be coupled to the plate (100) to provide a flow path for discharging a fluid.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing the liquid volume rendering of the plates of a plate heat exchanger according to the prior art. Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the liquid volume rendering of the pipes of a plate heat exchanger according to the prior art. Fig. 4 is a drawing showing the gas volume rendering of the pipes of a plate heat exchanger according to the prior art.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, in the plate heat exchanger (10) according to the prior art, there was a problem in that a fluid flow imbalance occurred due to two-phase flow, which resulted in a decrease in heat transfer efficiency.

[0013] [Prior Art Literature]

[0014] [Patent Document]

[0015] Patent Document 1: Republic of Korea Patent Registration No. 10-1650160 (announced on August 23, 2016)

[0016] The problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a plate heat exchanger capable of preventing fluid flow imbalance.

[0017] In addition, the problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a plate heat exchanger that can alleviate pressure drop in a pipe caused by installation of a stirrer.

[0018] In addition, the problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a plate heat exchanger that can stably fix an agitator inside a pipe even when a fluid flows.

[0019] In addition, the problem that this specification seeks to solve is to provide a plate heat exchanger that can facilitate the formation of turbulence within a pipe.

[0020] A plate heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present specification for achieving the above task includes a plurality of plates stacked on each other, a pipe connected to the plurality of plates and forming a flow path for supplying fluid to the plurality of plates, and a stirrer disposed inside the pipe and adjacent to the plurality of plates.

[0021] In this case, the agitator can form a flow path extending spirally in the length direction of the pipe.

[0022] Through this, the flow imbalance of the fluid occurring in the plate heat exchanger can be prevented.

[0023] Additionally, the agitator may have a shape in which a groove extending spirally in the length direction of the pipe is formed on a cylinder.

[0024] Additionally, the agitator may include a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other.

[0025] Additionally, the plurality of holes may not overlap each other in the direction in which the pipe extends.

[0026] Additionally, the plurality of holes may be arranged closer to the top than the bottom of the stirrer.

[0027] This can alleviate the pressure drop within the pipe caused by the installation of the agitator and facilitate the formation of turbulence.

[0028] In addition, the agitator includes a connecting portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe at a shear end adjacent to the plate, the pipe includes a protruding region extending inward from an inner surface, and two connecting grooves formed in the protruding region, and both ends of the connecting portion can be connected to the two connecting grooves, respectively.

[0029] This allows the agitator to be stably fixed inside the pipe even in the flow of fluid.

[0030] In addition, the pipe may be formed to have a larger diameter as it approaches the plate in the area where the stirrer is mounted, and the stirrer may be formed to have a larger diameter as it approaches the plate.

[0031] This will help alleviate the pressure drop within the pipe caused by the installation of the agitator.

[0032] Additionally, the pipe may include a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions may be formed on the inner surface of the pipe, spaced apart from each other, and arranged in a spiral shape in the length direction of the pipe.

[0033] In this case, the plurality of protrusions may not come into contact with the stirrer.

[0034] This can create turbulence within the pipe.

[0035] Through this embodiment, a plate heat exchanger capable of preventing fluid flow imbalance can be provided.

[0036] In addition, the present embodiment can provide a plate heat exchanger capable of alleviating pressure drop within a pipe caused by installation of a stirrer.

[0037] In addition, through this embodiment, a plate heat exchanger can be provided in which the agitator can be stably fixed inside a pipe even in the flow of fluid.

[0038] In addition, the present embodiment can provide a plate heat exchanger that can facilitate turbulent flow formation within a pipe.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a plate heat exchanger according to the prior art.

[0040] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the liquid volume rendering of a plate of a plate heat exchanger according to the prior art.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the liquid volume rendering of a pipe of a plate heat exchanger according to the prior art.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a gaseous volume rendering of a pipe of a plate heat exchanger according to the prior art.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pipe and a stirrer of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a side view of a stirrer of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0046] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a stirrer of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0047] Fig. 9 is a front view of a stirrer of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a pipe of a first modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0049] FIGS. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional perspective views of a pipe and a stirrer of a first modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0050] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a pipe and a stirrer of a second modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0051] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe and a stirrer of a second modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0052] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a stirrer of a second modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0053] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a pipe and a stirrer of a third modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0054] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a plurality of protrusions of a third modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0055] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a liquid volume rendering of a plate of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0056] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a liquid volume rendering of a pipe of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0057] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a gaseous volume rendering of a pipe of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0058] FIG. 21 is a graph showing the liquid volume ratio of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0060] However, the technical idea of ​​this specification is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of ​​this specification, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted for use.

[0061] In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of this specification may be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this specification pertains, unless explicitly and specifically defined and described, and terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0062] Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit this specification.

[0063] In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and / or at least one (or more) of B, C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, C.

[0064] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present specification, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0065] And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, it may include not only cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' directly to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.

[0066] Additionally, when described as being formed or arranged "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when expressed as "above" or "below," the meaning may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0067] Hereinafter, the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0068] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a pipe and a stirrer of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a side view of a stirrer of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a stirrer of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a front view of a stirrer of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, a plate heat exchanger (20) according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a plate (200), a first pipe (210), a second pipe (220), and a stirrer (230), but may be implemented excluding some of these configurations, and additional configurations are not excluded.

[0070] A plate heat exchanger (20) is a heat exchanger configured in a plate shape for exchanging heat between two or more fluids. Compared to other types of heat exchangers, the plate heat exchanger (20) not only has higher heat transfer efficiency, but also offers high space utilization and is easy to maintain. The plate heat exchanger (20) can be applied to refrigerators, generators, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), etc.

[0071] Although not shown, a plurality of plates (200) may be stacked on top of each other. Between the plurality of stacked plates (200), a medium flow space for two or more fluids to flow may be formed.

[0072] A first pipe (210) may be connected to a plate (200). The first pipe (210) may form a flow path through which a fluid is supplied to the medium flow space. A stirrer (230) may be arranged in the first pipe (210).

[0073] A second pipe (220) can be connected to the plate (200). The second pipe (220) can form a path through which fluid flows out of the medium flow space.

[0074] The stirrer (230) may be placed inside the first pipe (210). The stirrer (230) may be placed in a region adjacent to the plate (200) within the first pipe (210). The stirrer (230) may be fixed inside the first pipe (210) to form a flow path extending spirally in the longitudinal direction of the first pipe (210). Specifically, the stirrer (230) may have a shape in which a groove extending spirally in the longitudinal direction of the first pipe (210) is formed in a cylinder. Through this, it is possible to prevent a fluid flow imbalance occurring in the plate heat exchanger (20).

[0075] In one embodiment of the present specification, the shape of the stirrer (230) is described as being formed by rotating a spiral groove twice in the longitudinal direction of the first pipe (210) in a cylinder, but is not limited thereto and may be changed in various ways.

[0076] The stirrer (230) may include a connecting portion (232) formed at the front end of the stirrer (230) adjacent to the plate (200). The connecting portion (232) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first pipe (210). Both ends of the connecting portion (232) may be fixed to the inner circumferential surface (212) of the first pipe (210). In this case, an adhesive may be interposed between the connecting portion (232) and the inner circumferential surface (212) of the first pipe (210).

[0077] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a pipe of a first modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification. Figs. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional perspective views of a pipe and a stirrer of a first modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the agitator (230) may include a plurality of holes (234) spaced apart from each other. The plurality of holes (234) may not overlap each other in the direction in which the first pipe (210) extends. The holes (234) may be arranged closer to the top than the bottom of the agitator (230). Specifically, the holes (234) may be arranged on the upper side of the inner region of the first pipe (210). Through this, the pressure drop within the first pipe (210) caused by the installation of the agitator (230) may be alleviated, and turbulent flow formation may be facilitated.

[0079] The first pipe (210) may include a protruding region (214) extending inward from the inner surface (212), and two joining grooves (216) formed in the protruding region (214). Each of the two joining grooves (216) may be formed to be concavely forward at the rear end of the protruding region (214). Here, the forward may be interpreted to mean a direction toward the plate (200), and the rear may be interpreted to mean a direction away from the plate (200).

[0080] Each of the two ends of the coupling portion (232) can be coupled to two coupling grooves (216). For example, each of the two ends of the coupling portion (232) can be fitted into two coupling grooves (216). Through this, the agitator (230) can be stably fixed inside the (210) pipe even when the fluid flows within the first pipe (210), and rotation of the agitator (230) can be prevented.

[0081] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a pipe and a stirrer of a second modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe and a stirrer of a second modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a stirrer of a second modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the first pipe (210) may be formed to have a larger diameter as it approaches the plate (200) in the area where the stirrer (230) is mounted. In this case, the stirrer (230) may be formed to have a larger diameter as it approaches the plate (200). Through this, the pressure drop within the first pipe (210) caused by the installation of the stirrer (230) can be alleviated.

[0083] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a pipe and a stirrer of a third modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification. Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a plurality of protrusions of a third modified example of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the first pipe (210) may include a plurality of protrusions (218) formed on the inner surface (212) and spaced apart from each other. The plurality of protrusions (218) may be arranged in a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction of the first pipe (210). In this case, the plurality of protrusions (218) may not come into contact with the agitator (230). In addition, the protrusions (218) may include first spiral protrusions formed of a plurality of protrusions (218) arranged in a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction of the first pipe (210), and second spiral protrusions formed of a plurality of protrusions (218) spaced apart from the first spiral protrusions in the circumferential direction of the first pipe (210) and arranged in a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction of the first pipe (210). Through this, turbulent flow may be formed within the first pipe (210).

[0085] Fig. 18 is a drawing showing a liquid volume rendering of a plate of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 19 is a drawing showing a liquid volume rendering of a pipe of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 is a drawing showing a gas volume rendering of a pipe of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 21 is a graph showing a liquid volume ratio of a plate heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Figures 18 to 20 show the volume fractions in the first pipe (210) and the channel of the plate heat exchanger (20) when the fluid volume fraction is 0.2 at 25°C and atmospheric pressure and the mass flow rate is 0.05 kg / s and is injected into the plate heat exchanger (20). The analysis was performed using the SST turbulence model with Ansys 2021 R2 CFX. The closer to red, the higher the proportion of the volume occupied by the liquid phase, and the closer to blue, the lower the proportion of the volume occupied by the liquid phase.

[0087] That is, it can be seen that the liquid and gas phases are not divided into upper and lower phases, but pass through the first pipe (210) in a balanced distribution.

[0088] Fig. 21 is a graph showing the liquid volume fraction at the bottom 50% of the channel corresponding to the liquid preferred path. Referring to Fig. 21, it can be seen that the liquid volume fraction at the bottom 50% of the channel corresponding to the liquid preferred path when the mixer (230) is present (indicated as With Mixer) is lower than the liquid volume fraction when the mixer (230) is not present (indicated as No Mixer). That is, it can be seen that a uniform ideal flow distribution appears within the channel, as it is 0.197, which is close to the injected refrigerant volume ratio of 0.2.

[0089] Therefore, in the case of a plate heat exchanger (20) according to one embodiment of the present specification, the flow imbalance of the fluid can be alleviated to prevent a decrease in heat transfer efficiency.

[0090] Although the embodiments of this specification have been described with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present specification can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A plurality of plates stacked on top of each other; A pipe connected to the plurality of plates and forming a flow path for supplying fluid to the plurality of plates; and A stirrer is disposed inside the pipe and adjacent to the plurality of plates, The above agitator is a plate heat exchanger that forms a flow path extending spirally in the length direction of the pipe.

2. In paragraph 1, The above agitator is a plate-type heat exchanger having a shape in which a groove extending spirally in the length direction of the pipe is formed on a cylinder.

3. In paragraph 1, The above agitator is a plate heat exchanger including a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other.

4. In paragraph 3, A plate heat exchanger in which the plurality of holes do not overlap each other in the direction in which the pipe extends.

5. In paragraph 3, A plate heat exchanger in which the plurality of holes are arranged closer to the top than the bottom of the agitator.

6. In paragraph 1, The above agitator comprises a joint extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe at a shear adjacent to the plate, The above pipe includes a protruding region extending inward from the inner surface, and two joining grooves formed in the protruding region, A plate heat exchanger in which both ends of the above-mentioned joint are respectively joined to the two joining grooves.

7. In paragraph 1, The above pipe is formed with a larger diameter as it approaches the plate in the area where the agitator is mounted, The above stirrer is a plate-type heat exchanger in which the diameter increases as it approaches the plate.

8. In paragraph 1, The above pipe comprises a plurality of protrusions, A plate heat exchanger in which the above plurality of protrusions are formed on the inner surface of the pipe, spaced apart from each other, and arranged in a spiral shape in the length direction of the pipe.

9. In paragraph 9, A plate heat exchanger in which the above plurality of protrusions do not come into contact with the agitator.

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