Heat exchanger core for a printed circuit heat exchanger and printed circuit heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger core (10) for a printed circuit heat exchanger (1) comprising: first heat exchanger plates (100) and second heat exchanger plates (200) alternatingly stacked onto each other. Each first and second heat exchanger plate (100, 200) comprises a pair of first port holes (150) and a pair of second port holes (160). One or more of the first heat exchanger plates (100) and / or one or more of the second heat exchanger plates (200) comprises one or more thermal shield grooves (500) provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole (150), and / or adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole (160). A printed heat circuit heat exchanger (1) comprising the heat exchanger core (10) is also provided.

Description

[0001] HEAT EXCHANGER CORE FOR A PRINTED CIRCUIT HEAT EXCHANGER AND PRINTED CIRCUIT HEAT EXCHANGER

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to the field of heat exchangers. More particularly, it is related to a heat exchanger core for a printed circuit heat exchanger, and to a printed circuit heat exchanger comprising such heat exchanger core.

[0004] The heat exchanger core has first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates alternatingly stacked onto each other in a stacking direction and joined to each other. Each first heat exchanger plate has a first heat exchange area having a passage for a first media and each second heat exchanger plate has heat exchange area having a passage for a second media.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Plate heat exchangers are used in numerous applications where heat is to be transferred from one fluid to another or vice versa. A typical plate heat exchanger includes a plate package or core formed of stacked heat exchanger plates.

[0007] One type of plate heat exchanger is the so-called printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE). A PCHE generally has a core of a number of first heat exchanger plates and a number of second heat exchanger plates. The heat exchanger plates are typically stacked in an alternating fashion and joined to each other. Each fist heat exchanger plate generally has a heat exchange area which includes passages formed by grooves, where the grooves are etched into the material of the heat exchanger plate. Correspondingly, each second heat exchanger plate generally has a heat exchange area which includes a number of passages formed by grooves, where the grooves are etched into the material of the heat exchanger plate.

[0008] The first heat exchanger plates and the second heat exchanger plates of a PCHE are typically joined to each other by a diffusion bonding process. In this way a strong bond is established between the respective heat exchanger plates. When heat exchanger plates are diffusion bonded to each other, a solid heat exchanger core with tailor-made passages can be formed. Given the strong bond between the heat exchanger plates, a PCHE is generally suitable for high pressure applications where the heat exchanger core is subjected to high working pressures which would risk breaking a regular plate heat exchanger in which the heat exchanger plates are patterned or shaped by being pressed or punched. PCHEs are commonly used in hydrogen refueling stations due to their sturdy and pressure resistant nature. Although PCHEs have excellent resistance to high pressures, problems related to material fatigue can in practice significantly limit the lifetime of a PCHE. For instance, when a PCHE is used in a hydrogen refueling station, the PCHE will be subjected to great repeated cyclic temperature variations while at the same time being subjected to high pressures. Such great repeated cyclic temperature variations in combination with the high pressure can result in premature material fatigue with material rupture as a result. Material fatigue may typically occur at locations where the temperature differences are large, such as in areas where a cold or hot media enters the PCHE.

[0009] It has been suggested to design PCHEs in a way where thermally induced material stresses are reduced. To this end, it has been suggested to provide slits extending vertically, completely or partially, through the heat exchanger core at areas where thermal differences are the greatest. Although this approach can locally reduce thermally induced material stresses it typically complicates the overall design of the heat exchanger core and reduces its performance.

[0010] The presence of a slit in a heat exchanger plate will for natural reasons limit the design freedom and extension of the heat exchange area. The design can be even more hampered when the heat exchanger core at hand is to include port holes for providing media to the respective heat exchange areas. In practice, the port holes and slits will compete with the heat exchange area for the valuable area available on the heat exchanger plate. This means that the presence of such slits will inevitably lower the performance of the heat exchanger core since the slits will occupy an area which otherwise could have been used to exchange heat. Thus, the introduction of slits in a heat exchanger plate can require that the heat exchanger plate will have to be made larger or else the performance in terms of heat exchange can be reduced.

[0011] Further, the introduction of such slits will typically complicate the fabrication of the heat exchanger plate and consequently the heat exchanger core and can require further manufacturing steps. As a consequence, the heat exchanger plates will become more costly.

[0012] Hence, there is room for improvement when it comes to reducing thermally induced stresses in PCHEs and in particular in the core of PCHEs. With the above in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger as well as a printed circuit heat exchanger including a heat exchange core.

[0013] Another object is to provide such a heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger which is capable of handling great cyclic temperature variations with a reduced risk of breaking or otherwise failing.

[0014] Another object is to provide such a heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger which is less prone to cracking.

[0015] Another object is to provide such a heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger which is capable of handling larger temperature differences between the media used in a heat exchange process.

[0016] Another object is to provide such a heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger which has a prolonged lifetime.

[0017] Another object is to provide such a heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger which has an improved overall performance.

[0018] Another object is to provide such a heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger which allows for more design freedom of the heat exchanger areas.

[0019] Another object is to provide such a heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger which is easier to manufacture.

[0020] Another object is to provide such heat exchange core for a printed circuit heat exchanger which is more cost-effective.

[0021] To achieve at least one of the above objects and also other objects that will be evident from the following description, a heat exchanger core having the features defined in claim 1 is provided according to the present inventive concept. A printed circuit heat exchanger including a heat exchanger core for a printed circuit heat exchanger is provided according to claim 15.

[0022] More specifically, according to a first aspect, there is provided a heat exchanger core for a printed circuit heat exchanger comprising: first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates alternatingly stacked onto each other in a stacking direction, and joined to each other, wherein each first and second heat exchanger plate comprises a pair of first port holes and a pair of second port holes, wherein each first heat exchanger plate comprises a first heat exchange area comprising a first grove forming a first passage for a first media, the first passage extending between the first portholes of the first heat exchanger plate, wherein each second heat exchanger plate comprises a second heat exchange area comprising a second grove forming a second passage for a second media, the second passage extending between the second portholes of the second heat exchanger plate, wherein one or more of the first heat exchanger plates and / or one or more of the second heat exchanger plates comprises one or more thermal shield grooves provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole, and / or adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole.

[0023] Hereby an improved heat exchanger core for a printed circuit heat exchanger is provided.

[0024] The heat exchanger core is designed for, and hence suitable to be used with, high pressures and large temperature differences. Further, the heat exchanger core is designed for great repeated cyclic temperature variations like when used in hydrogen refuelling stations.

[0025] Thus, the present invention is based on the realization that by providing one or more thermal shield grooves in a heat exchanger plate at a location where a temperature difference is large during use, a heat exchanger core which is less prone to failure may be provided. This means in practice, that the heat exchanger core may have a prolonged lifetime. Furthermore, the heat exchanger core may be designed with more design freedom potentially resulting in a heat exchanger core which has an improved performance in terms of heat exchange.

[0026] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term “thermal shield groove” may here mean any groove which is disconnected from the first port holes and the second port holes and extends partially into its associated heat exchanger plate. Thus, a thermal shield groove extends along a major surface of an associated heat exchanger plate. A thermal shield groove is not in fluid communication with the first media or the second media between which heat is exchanged during use of the heat exchanger core. Hence, a thermal shield groove has a dept which corresponds to portion of a thickness of its associated heat exchanger plate. Thus, a thermal shield groove does not extend through its associated heat exchanger plate. A thermal shield groove is isolated to its associated heat exchanger plate. In other words, a thermal shield groove extends along a major surface of its associated heat exchanger plate while at the same time not extending through the associated heat exchanger plate. A thermal shield groove may be closed and have vacuum therein. A thermal shield groove may be air filled.

[0027] Thus, by providing a thermal shield groove at a location where a temperature difference is large during use, the thermal path of the heat exchanger core may be locally extended. Thus, the thermal path of the heat exchanger core may be locally extended at a location of the thermal shield groove. More specifically, the thermal path may be locally extended across the thermal shield groove since material that would otherwise conduct heat has been removed while forming the thermal shield groove. Hence, by providing a thermal shield groove at a location between a relatively speaking hot area and a relatively speaking cold area, less heat may be transferred between the hot area and the cold area. Correspondingly, heat may be transferred more slowly between the hot area and the cold area. In this way, large temperature differences and quick temperature changes may be mitigated. By mitigating large temperature differences and quick temperature changes thermal stresses induced in the heat exchanger core may be significantly reduced.

[0028] The one or more thermal shield grooves of a heat exchanger plate are provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole, and / or adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole. This means that at least a portion of a thermal shield groove of the thermal shield grooves of a heat exchanger plate will be provided relatively speaking in the vicinity of, or in an area surrounding, a port hole. In other words, a thermal shield groove of the thermal shield grooves will be associated with a porthole of the first port holes or the second port holes. In practice, each thermal shield groove of the thermal shield grooves of a heat exchanger plate may be associated with a port hole of the first port holes or the second port holes.

[0029] Further, each one of the thermal shield grooves of a heat exchanger plate will typically extend along at least a portion of the periphery of a porthole in the vicinity of which the thermal shield groove is provided. Thus, in practice, at least a portion of each one of the thermal shield grooves of a heat exchanger plate will be provided relatively speaking close to a port hole of the first port holes and the second portholes and will at the same time extend along at least a portion of the porthole which the thermal shield groove at hand is provided close to.

[0030] More than one thermal shield groove may be provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of a port hole of the first and second portholes. This means in practice that different thermal shield grooves may be provided at different distances from the very same port hole. To this end, two or more thermal shield grooves may extend at least in part in parallel at different distances from the very same port hole.

[0031] One or more thermal shield grooves may be provided adjacent to one or more of the first port holes and adjacent to one or more of the second port holes of a heat exchanger plate. That is, one or more thermal shield grooves may for instance be provided adjacent to one, two, three or four port holes of a heat exchanger plate.

[0032] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term “extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated port hole” is here meant that the thermal shield groove at hand to some extent of its extension extends along the periphery of the porthole which the thermal shield groove is located adjacent to. The thermal shield groove may extend a varying distance from the associated port hole. This means in practice that the thermal shield groove may extend along the periphery of an associated port hole without following its contour. For instance, a thermal shield groove may extend in a straight line past a circular port hole. However, a thermal shield groove may follow the contour of a port hole. For instance, a thermal shield groove may partially follow the contour of a port hole. For instance, a thermal shield groove may have a curved section and a straight section.

[0033] Any number of thermal shield grooves may to advantage be provided in a heat exchanger plate of the first heat exchanger plates and the second heat exchanger plates.

[0034] In practice, one or more of the heat exchanger plates of the heat exchanger core may comprise one or more thermal shield grooves. In practice, one or more of the first heat exchanger plates of the heat exchanger core may comprise one or more thermal shield grooves. In practice, one or more of the second heat exchanger plates of the heat exchanger core may comprise one or more thermal shield grooves.

[0035] A thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may be provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first heat exchange area, and / or a thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may be provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second heat exchange area, which is advantageous in that the large temperature differences and quick temperature changes in an area along at least a portion of the first heat exchange area and / or in an area along at least a portion of the second heat exchange area of a heat exchanger plate may be mitigated. As previously discussed, by mitigating large temperature differences and quick temperature changes thermal stresses induced in the heat exchanger core may be significantly reduced.

[0036] A thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may circumscribe an associated first port hole, and / or a thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may circumscribe an associated second port hole, which is advantageous in that large temperature differences and quick temperature changes in an area circumscribing a first port hole and / or in an area circumscribing a second port hole of a heat exchanger plate may be mitigated. In this way, the amount of heat transferred to / from a media being fed through a port hole to areas surrounding the port hole may be reduced.

[0037] A thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may be provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole, and a thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may be provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole, which is advantageous in that large temperature differences and quick temperature changes in an area along at least a portion of a periphery of a first port hole and in an area along at least a portion of a periphery of a second port hole of a heat exchanger plate may be mitigated.

[0038] A respective thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may be provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of each associated first port hole, and / or a respective thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may be provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of each associated second port hole, which is advantageous in that large temperature differences and quick temperature changes in an area along at least a portion of a periphery of each first port hole and in an area along at least a portion of a periphery of each second port hole of a heat exchanger plate may be mitigated.

[0039] A thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, of a first heat exchanger plate, and a thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, of a neighboring second heat exchanger plate may at least partially overlap each other as seen along the stacking direction, which is advantageous in that heat transfer across the thermal shield grooves of the neighboring heat exchanger plates may be further reduced as compared to when thermal shield grooves of two neighboring heat exchanger plates do not overlap, or as compared to when only one of two neighboring heat exchanger plates is provided with one or more thermal shield grooves. Thus, by providing thermal shield grooves of neighboring plates in an overlapping fashion, heat transfer from a first portion of the heat exchanger core to second portion of the heat exchanger core may be further reduced since the overlapping thermal shield grooves will provide for a thermal shielding effect along the stacking direction apart form along a respective major surface of their associated heat exchanger plates. Each first and second heat exchanger plate may comprise one or more thermal shield grooves, which is advantageous in that large temperature differences and quick temperature changes may be mitigated throughout the heat exchanger core.

[0040] The second port holes may have an elongated shape, and each first heat exchanger plate may comprise, for each second port hole, a thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, extending along at least a portion of the periphery an associated second port hole between the second port hole and the first heat exchange area, which is advantageous in that large temperature differences and quick temperature changes between the second port holes and the first heat exchange areas may be mitigated throughout the heat exchanger core.

[0041] The first port holes of each second heat exchanger plate may have a circular shape, a semi-circular shape, an elliptical shape, a semi-elliptical shape, an oval shape or an oblong shape, and each second heat exchanger plate may comprise, for each first port hole, a thermal shield groove extending along at least a portion of the periphery an associated first port hole between the first port hole and the second heat exchange area, which is advantageous in that large temperature differences and quick temperature changes between the first port holes and the second heat exchange areas may be mitigated throughout the heat exchanger core.

[0042] A thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, of a first heat exchanger plate may be open to the ambient by extending to an outer perimeter of the first heat exchanger plate, and / or a thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, of a second heat exchanger plate may be open to the ambient by extending to an outer perimeter of the second heat exchanger plate, which is advantageous in that pressure changes in the thermal shield groove may be mitigated. Thus, by letting the thermal shield groove communicate with the ambient, the risk of pressure building up in the thermal shield groove as a result of an increased temperature may be mitigated. In this way, material stress in the heat exchanger core may be further reduced.

[0043] A thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, may have a depth within a range corresponding to 20-90%, preferably 25-80%, more preferably 30- 50% of a thickness of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate, which is advantageous in that an efficient thermal shielding may be provided while maintaining the strength of the heat exchanger core. Further, the one or more thermal shield grooves may be fabricated simultaneously to fabricating the first groove and / or the second groove. Thus, no further manufacturing steps may be required for forming the one or more thermal shield grooves. A minimum lateral distance between thermal shield grooves, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, as seen along a major surface of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate may at least 15%, preferably at least 40%, of a thickness of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate, which is advantageous in that an efficient thermal shielding may be provided while maintaining the strength of the heat exchanger core.

[0044] A minimum lateral distance between a thermal shield groove, of the one or more thermal shield grooves, and an associated first port hole or an associated second port hole as seen along a major surface of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate may be at least 15%, preferably at least 40%, of a thickness of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate, which is advantageous in that an efficient thermal shielding may be provided while maintaining the strength of the heat exchanger core. Thus, an efficient thermal shielding may be realized while maintaining a low risk of material failure in the area of the port holes.

[0045] The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may be formed of a metal comprising material and the one or more thermal shield grooves may be formed by etching the metal comprising material.

[0046] The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may be formed of metal.

[0047] The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may be formed of a metal alloy.

[0048] The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may be formed of stainless steel.

[0049] The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may be formed of a nickel alloy.

[0050] The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may comprise titanium.

[0051] The one or more thermal shield grooves may be formed by etching using a photoresist etch mask.

[0052] The one or more thermal shield grooves may be formed by etching using a negative photoresist etch mask.

[0053] The one or more thermal shield grooves may be formed simultaneously to forming the first groove and / or the second groove.

[0054] The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may be joined by a diffusion bonding process. The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may be joined by brazing.

[0055] The first heat exchanger plates and second heat exchanger plates may be joined by welding.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a printed circuit heat exchanger comprising: a heat exchanger core according to the first aspect, a first end plate provided at a first end of the heat exchanger core as seen along the stacking direction, and a second end plate provided at a second end of the heat exchanger core as seen along the stacking direction, wherein one end plate, of the first end plate and the second end plate, comprises a first opening in fluid communication with a first port hole, and wherein one end plate, of the first end plate and the second end plate, comprises a second opening in fluid communication with a second port hole.

[0057] In general, features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the first aspect. Consequently, said advantages will not be repeated in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0058] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term “end plate” is here meant a plate of the heat exchanger that is void of a heat exchanger area. Hence, an end plate is void of grooves for the first media and for the second media. Further, an end plate is typically provided at an end of the heat exchanger core. In practice, a first end plate is typically provided at a fist end of the heat exchanger core as seen along the stacking direction, and a second end plate is typically provided at a second opposite end of the heat exchanger core as seen along the stacking direction. Further, an end plate may be formed of series of sub-plates stacked on top of each other. Such sub-plates may be of the same type or may for instance have different thicknesses or may be formed of different materials.

[0059] By the above design the first end plate may comprise zero or more openings. Correspondingly, the second end plate may comprise zero or more openings.

[0060] The printed circuit heat exchanger may comprise a pair of first openings in fluid communication with a respective first port hole of the pair of first port holes of the heat exchanger core.

[0061] The printed circuit heat exchanger may comprise a pair of second openings in fluid communication with a respective second port hole of the pair of second port holes of the heat exchanger core.

[0062] In practice, the printed circuit heat exchanger will comprise a pair of first openings in fluid communication with a respective first port hole of the pair of first port holes of the heat exchanger core, and a pair of second openings in fluid communication with a respective second port hole of the pair of second port holes of the heat exchanger core. In this case, the first openings and the second openings may be arbitrary distributed between the first end plate and the second end plate. That is, zero or more of the first openings and the second openings may be provided at the first end plate. Correspondingly, zero or more of the first openings and the second openings may be provided at the second end plate. Thus, four openings out of four may be provided at the first end plate or at the second end plate. Three openings out of four may be provided at the first end plate or at the second end plate, meaning that one opening may be provided at the other one of the first end plate and the second end plate. Two openings out of four may be provided at the first end plate or at the second end plate, meaning that two openings may be provided at the other one of the first end plate and the second end plate. Both first openings may be provided at the fist end plate and both second openings may be provided at the second end plate.

[0063] A further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0064] Hence, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described as such device may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0065] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0066] The above and other aspects of the present inventive concept will now be described in more detail, with reference to appended figures showing variants. The figures should not be considered limiting, instead, they are used for explaining and understanding. In fact, in the figures, several thermal shield grooves are illustrated in the respective figures although just a single thermal shield groove in a single location at a single heat exchanger plate may be used to advantage according to the inventive concept.

[0067] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of variants. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0068] Fig. 1 is a schematic example perspective exploded view of a heat exchanger core for a printed circuit heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0069] Fig. 2 is a schematic plane view of a first heat exchanger plate of the heat exchanger core of Fig. 1.

[0070] Fig. 3 is a schematic plane view of a second heat exchanger plate of the heat exchanger core of Fig. 1.

[0071] Fig. 4 is a schematic plane view of a first heat exchanger plate according to an example embodiment.

[0072] Fig. 5 is a schematic plane view of a first heat exchanger plate according to another example embodiment.

[0073] Fig. 6 is a schematic plane view of a second heat exchanger plate, typically used in conjunction with the first heat exchanger plate of Fig. 5, according to an example embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 7 is a schematic plane view of a first heat exchanger plate according to another example embodiment.

[0075] Fig. 8 is a schematic example perspective exploded view of a printed circuit heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0076] Detailed

[0077] The present inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred variants or embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the variants set forth herein; rather, these variants are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to the skilled person.

[0078] Example embodiments of heat exchanger core 10 for a printed circuit heat exchanger 1 will in the below be described with reference to the drawings. A printed circuit heat exchanger 1 will also be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are only schematic and the relative dimensions of some structures and layers may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale. Rather the dimensions may be adapted for illustrational clarity and to facilitate understanding. When present in the figures, the indicated axes L and S consistently refer to lateral direction L of the heat exchanger core 10 and stacking direction S of the heat exchanger core 10. The term “lateral” direction L refers to any directions parallel to an extension plane of the heat exchanger plates of the heat exchanger core 10. The term “stacking” direction S refers to a direction parallel to a normal direction of the extension plane of the heat exchanger plates of the heat exchanger core 10.

[0079] Now turning to Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Fig 1 schematically illustrates by way of example an example heat exchanger core 10 for a printed circuit heat exchanger 1 (depicted in Fig. 8). Such core 10 may also be referred to as a plate package. The depicted heat exchanger core 10 will in the following be referred to as a core 10.

[0080] The core 10 is formed of a number of heat exchanger plates 100, 200. More specifically, the core 10 is formed by a number of first heat exchanger plates 100 and number second heat exchanger plates 200. The design of the first heat exchanger plates of Fig 1. are illustrated in Fig. 2, to which reference is also made. Correspondingly, the design of the second heat exchanger plates of Fig. 1 are illustrated in Fig. 3, to which reference is also made.

[0081] The first heat exchanger plates 100 and the second heat exchanger plates 200 are alternatingly stacked onto each other in a stacking direction S as illustrated in Fig. 1. It is to be noted that in Fig. 1 , the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are illustrated as being separated in order to clearly illustrate the design of the heat exchanger plates 100, 200. However, as is to be understood, the first heat exchanger plates 100 and the second heat exchanger plates 200 are joined to each other to form the core 10.

[0082] The first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are typically formed from metal plates or sheets. The metal plates form which the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are formed may for example be stainless steel plates. However, other materials such as various other metal alloys may be used to advantage. The first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are typically joined to each other by a diffusion bonding process. Diffusion bonding as such is known in the art and will not be described in detail here. However, when the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are joined via a diffusion bonding process, the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are in short stacked onto each other and heated in a furnace under vacuum conditions while subjected to pressure. In this way, the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are joined to each other without using any solder or welding material. However, before the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are joined to each other, the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are subjected to further processing steps aiming at forming the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200.

[0083] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, each first heat exchanger plate 100 comprises a pair of first port holes 150 and a pair of second port holes 160. Correspondingly, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, each second heat exchanger plate 100 comprises a pair of first port holes 150 and a pair of second port holes 160. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the first port holes 150 of the first heat exchanger plates 100 and of the second heat exchanger plates 200 are aligned so as to form a pair of port hole channels 152 (generally pointed out in Fig. 1) for a first media. Correspondingly, the second port holes 160 of the first heat exchanger plates 100 and of the second heat exchanger plates 200 are aligned so as to form a pair of port hole channels 162 (generally pointed out in Fig. 1) for a second media.

[0084] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, each first heat exchanger plate 100 comprises, a first heat exchange area A1. The depicted first heat exchange area A1 of each first heat exchanger plate 100 comprises a plurality of first groves 102. The first grooves 102 are each forming a first passage 104 for the first media, i.e. the media associated with the first port hole channels 152. The first passages 104 are extending between the first portholes 150 of the associated first heat exchanger plate 100.

[0085] Correspondingly, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, each second heat exchanger plate 200 comprises, a second heat exchange area A2. The depicted second heat exchange area A2 of each second heat exchanger plate 200 comprises a plurality of second grooves 202. The second grooves 202 are each forming a second passage 204 for the second media, i.e. the media associated with the second port hole channels 162. The second passages 204 are extending between the second portholes 160 of the associated second heat exchanger plate 200.

[0086] The depicted core 10 is designed to be used in a hydrogen refueling station. To this end, the first heat exchanger plates 100 comprises the first grooves 102 for feeding liquefied hydrogen, as a first media, between the first port holes 150 via the first heat exchange area A1. Correspondingly, the second heat exchanger plates 200 comprises the second grooves 202 for feeding a refrigerant, such as water, as a second media, between the second port holes 160 via the second heat exchange area A2. Thus, when the first media and the second media are fed via the first and second heat exchange areas A1, A2 heat will be exchanged between the first and second media depending on their temperatures. Typically, when the first media is liquefied hydrogen, the liquefied hydrogen will be cooled by the second media (water) while the medias are fed via the heat exchange areas A1, A2.

[0087] The depicted first grooves 102 and the second grooves 202 of Figs. 1 , 2 and 3 are formed via an etching process in which the metal of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 are etched away to form a dedicated pattern of grooves, i.e. the first grooves 102 in case of a first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second grooves in case of a second heat exchanger plate 200. Metal etching as such is known in the art and will not be described in detail here. However, when etching the first grooves 102 and the second grooves 202, an etch mask formed of a photoresist is typically used. The photoresist may be a positive photoresist or a negative photoresist. A negative photoresist is generally desired due to its relatively speaking high resistance to the etch chemistry used to etch the grooves 102, 202. When etching the grooves 102, 202, a major surface of a plate 100, 200 to be etched is typically coated with a photoresist, whereafter the photoresist is exposed with the groove pattern to be etched in case of positive photoresist or with an inverse of the groove pattern to be etched in case of negative photoresist. The photoresist is then developed and used as an etch mask for the etch chemistry used to etch the metal at the major surface of the plate 100, 200 to be etched.

[0088] Further, as illustrated in Figs. 1 , 2 and 3, the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of the core 10 comprises a number of thermal shield grooves 500. The depicted thermal shield grooves 500 are like the first grooves 102 and the second grooves 202 etched into the material of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200. In other words, thermal shield grooves 500 are etched into a major surface of the first heat exchanger plates 100. Correspondingly, thermal shield grooves 500 are etched into a major surface of the second heat exchanger plates 200. Oving from the fact that the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of the core 10 are joined to each other by diffusion bonding under vacuum conditions, the thermal shield grooves 500 may typically have a vacuum therein. This holds true as long as the thermal shield grooves 500 are not open to the ambient. In such case where a thermal shield groove 500 is open to the ambient, the thermal shield groove will for natural reasons be filled with air. The design of the thermal shield grooves may vary. In this regard, different relevant designs of the thermal shield grooves will be described in greater detail hereinafter while referring to Figs. 1-7. In doing so, specific designs of the thermal shield grooves 500 will be referred to as 500:X, where X denotes a particular design of a thermal shield groove 500. The refence numeral 500 is still referring to all depicted thermal shield grooves of any design. Despite the possible different designs of the thermal shield grooves 500, all described designs of the thermal shield grooves 500 have some common design features, namely that the thermal shield grooves 500 are provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole 150, and / or adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole 160. Further, the thermal shield grooves 500 are grooves in the sense that they do not extend through a thickness of their associated heat exchanger plates 100, 200. Furthermore, the thermal shield grooves 500 are disconnected from the first port holes 150 and the second port holes 160. Thus the first media and the second media will not enter into the thermal shield grooves 500.

[0089] When providing thermal shield grooves 500 such that the thermal shield grooves 500 are adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole 150, and / or adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole 160, the thermal shield grooves 500 may to advantage be provided at a distance from the port holes 150, 160. If a thermal shield groove 500 is provided very close to a port hole 150, 160 there is a risk for material rupture between the thermal shield groove 500 and the associated port hole 150, 160. Such rupture may result in malfunction of the core 10 and may at the same time ruin or significantly reduce the thermal shielding effect across the thermal shield groove 500. To this end, according to an example, a minimum lateral distance d2 between a thermal shield groove 500 and an associated first port hole 150 or an associated second port hole 160 as seen along a major surface of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate 100, 200 may be at least 15% of a thickness of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate 100, 200. However, any suitable lateral distance d2 between a thermal shield groove 500 and a port hole 150, 160 as seen along a major surface of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate 100, 200 may be used to advantage. For instance, a minimum lateral distance d2 of about 40% of the thickness of the exchanger plate 100, 200 where the thermal shield grooves 500 are located may provide for a mechanically strong solution with a significant thermal shielding effect.

[0090] Now turning to Figs. 2 and 3 in particular. Fig. 2 illustrates a first heat exchanger plate 100 of the core 10. Fig. 3 illustrates a second heat exchanger plate 200 of the core 10.

[0091] The first heat exchanger plate 100 is provided with a thermal shield groove 500:1 adjacent to each one of the first port holes 150. The thermal shield grooves 500:1 of Fig. 2 extend along a portion of their associated first port hole 150. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the first portholes 150 have a general oblong shape, and the thermal shield grooves 500:1 are provided along about half the periphery of a rounded end portion of the first port holes 150. In this way, the first port holes 150 are to some extent thermally shielded from the first heat exchange area A1. However, this is not the main purpose of the thermal shield grooves 500:1 of the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig 2. The main purpose of the thermal shield grooves 500:1 of Fig. 2 is to thermally shield the first port holes 150 from the second heat exchange area A2 of second heat exchanger plates 200 being adjacent to the first heat exchange plate 100 of Fig. 2.

[0092] To this end, as illustrated in Fig. 3. the second heat exchanger plates 200 of the core 10 are provided with more or less corresponding thermal shield grooves 500:2. Hence, the thermal shield grooves 500:2 of Fig. 3 are provided adjacent to each one of the first port holes 150 of the second heat exchanger plate 200. In this regard it is to be noted that the first port holes 150 of Figs. 2 and 3 are differently shaped. In the second heat exchanger plate 200 of Fig. 3, the first port holes 150 are circular holes. However, other shapes such as a semi-circular shape, an elliptical shape, a semi-elliptical shape, an oval shape or an oblong shape may be used to advantage. Further, the thermal shield grooves 500:1 of Fig. 2 and the thermal shield grooves 500:2 of Fig. 3 overlap each other in the staking direction S. Hence a thermal shield groove 500:1 of a first heat exchanger plate 100, and a thermal shield groove 500:2 of a neighboring second heat exchanger plate 200 at least partially overlap each other as seen along the stacking direction S. By the overlapping thermal shield grooves 500:1, 500:2 the thermal path across the thermal shield grooves 500:1, 500:2 may be significantly extended since only a portion of the material that otherwise were to conduct heat may remain at the overlapping location of the thermal shield grooves 500:1 , 500:2.

[0093] Further, the first heat exchanger plate 100 is provided with three thermal shield grooves 500:11 adjacent to each one of the second port holes 160. The thermal shield grooves 500:11 of Fig. 2 extend along a portion of their associated second port hole 160. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the second portholes 160 have a general elongated shape. Two thermal shield grooves 500: 11 are provided along about half the periphery the second port holes 160 whereas a thermal shield groove 500:11 is provided close to an end region of the of the second port holes 160. The two thermal shield grooves 500:11 that are provided along about half the periphery the second port holes 160 are to a major extent thereof provided between the associated second port hole 160 and the first heat exchange area A1. In this way, the second port holes 160 are thermally shielded from the first heat exchange area A1. At the same time, the first port holes 150 are to some extent thermally shielded from the second port holes in the respective areas where the port holes 150, 160 are close to each other.

[0094] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the second heat exchanger plates 200 of the core 10 are provided with to some extent corresponding thermal shield grooves 500:21. In this regard, the thermal shield grooves 500:21 of Fig. 3 are provided adjacent to each one of the second port holes 160 of the second heat exchanger plate 200. More specifically, the thermal shield grooves 500:21 of Fig. 3 are provided in an area close to an end of each second port hole 160. The thermal shield groove 500:21 of each of each second port hole 160 that is provided farthest away from the associated second port hole 160 corresponds to the thermal shield groove 500:11 that is provided farthest away from the associated second port hole 160 of the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 2. Further, the two thermal shield grooves 500:21 that are provided closer to the associated second port hole 160 of the second heat exchanger plate 200 of Fig. 3 corresponds to a portion of the two thermal shield grooves 500:11 that are provided closer to the associated second port hole 160 of the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 2. Hence, the thermal shield grooves 500:11 of Fig. 2 and the thermal shield grooves 500:21 of Fig. 3 at least partially overlap each other in the staking direction S. Hence a thermal shield groove 500: 11 of a first heat exchanger plate 100, and a thermal shield groove 500:21 of a neighboring second heat exchanger plate 200 at least partially overlap each other as seen along the stacking direction S. By the overlapping thermal shield grooves 500:11, 500:21 the thermal path across the thermal shield grooves 500:11 , 500:21 may be significantly extended since only a portion of the material that otherwise were to conduct heat may remain at the overlapping location of the thermal shield grooves 500:11 , 500:21.

[0095] To sum up, portions of the thermal shield grooves 500:1, 500:2, 500:11, 500:21 of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of the core 10 may overlap each other at locations where the thermal shielding effect is needed most and has a significant impact the heat transfer in the regions of the thermal shield grooves 500: 1 , 500:2, 500:11 , 500:21. For instance, portions of the thermal shield grooves 500:1, 500:2, 500:11, 500:21 of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of the core 10 may overlap at locations where the temperature differences are large during use of the core 10. Such area as are typically located adjacent to the port holes 150, 160 of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200.

[0096] The thermal path across the thermal shield grooves 500 may be adapted by tailoring the depth of the thermal shield grooves, apart from tailoring the design and location of the thermal shield grooves 500. As, described above, the thermal shield grooves 500 are to advantage formed by etching while etching the first grooves 102 in case of a first heat exchanger plate 100 and while etching the second grooves 202 in case of a first heat exchanger plate 200. The thermal shield grooves may typically be etched to have a depth within a range corresponding to 20-90%, preferably 25-80%, more preferably 30-50% of a thickness of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate 100, 200. Irrespective of the fact the thermal shield grooves 500 may be etched simultaneously to the first grooves 102 and the second grooves 202, the depth of the thermal shield grooves 500 may be adapted by tailoring a line width of the etch mask used for etching the first grooves 102, the second grooves 202 and the thermal shield grooves 500, as is known in the art.

[0097] According to an example, the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 may have a thickness in a range of 1 ,5 - 2,0 mm. In such case, the thermal shield grooves 500 may be etched to have a depth of about 0,65 mm. However, the depth of the thermal shield grooves 500 may be about 1,2 mm to improve the thermal shielding provided by the thermal shield grooves 500. However, it is to be understood that any suitable thickness of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 may be used to advantage. Also, any suitable depth of the thermal shield grooves may be used to advantage.

[0098] When two or more thermal shield grooves 500 are provided adjacent to a port hole 150, 160, the thermal shield grooves 500 may as explained above and illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 extend along each other or extend partially along each other. In such case where thermal shield grooves extend at least partially along each other the thermal shield grooves 500 may be provided at a minimum distance from each other in order to not risk that a rupture occurs due to too closely located thermal shield grooves 500. The same holds true for when thermal shield grooves 500 associated with different port holes 150, 160 are located close to each other. In such cases, a minimum lateral distance d1 between thermal shield grooves 500 as seen along a major surface of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate 100, 200 may according to an example be at least 15% of a thickness of the exchanger plate 100, 200 where the thermal shield grooves 500 are located. However, any suitable lateral distance d1 between thermal shield grooves 500 as seen along a major surface of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate 100, 200 may be used to advantage. For instance, a minimum lateral distance d1 of about 40% of the thickness of the exchanger plate 100, 200 where the thermal shield grooves 500 are located may provide for a mechanically strong solution with a significant thermal shielding effect. Now turning to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 illustrates an alternative design of a first heat exchanger plate 100. Thus, the heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 4 may be used in the core 10 of Fig. 1. The heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 4 may replace all or some of the first heat exchanger plates 100 of the core 10 of Fig. 1.

[0099] The first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 4 is similar to the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 2. Given the similarities, only differences between the respective first heat exchanger plates 100 will be described in the following. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the first heat exchanger plate 100 comprises a pair of thermal shield grooves 500:12 circumscribing each second port hole 160. Thus, two thermal shield grooves 500:12 are provided around the periphery of each one of the two second port holes 160 of the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 4. In this way, a thermal shielding effect may be provided along the entire periphery of the second port holes 160 of the of the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 4. The thermal shield grooves 500:12 may be of a type described above in conjunction with Fig. 1 , 2 and 3.

[0100] Correspondingly, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 may be provided on the second heat exchanger plate 200 of Fig. 3 to circumscribe an associated first port hole 150. To this end, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 of a type described above in conjunction with Fig. 1 , 2 and 3 may be provided such that the one or more thermal shield grooves 500 circumscribes a first port hole 150.

[0101] Now turning to Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative design of a first heat exchanger plate 100. Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative design of a second heat exchanger plate 200. The first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of Figs. 5 and 6 may be used to form a core similar to the core 10 of Fig. 1.

[0102] The first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 5 is similar to the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 2. The second heat exchanger plate 200 of Fig. 6 is similar to the second heat exchanger plate 200 of Fig. 3. Given the similarities, only differences between the respective first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 will be described in the following.

[0103] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the first port holes 150 of the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 5 are located in a different location as compared to the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 2. Thus, for natural reasons, also the first port holes 150 of the second heat exchanger plate 200 of Fig. 6 are located in a different location as compared to the second heat exchanger plate 200 of Fig. 3. As a result, the first and second heat exchange areas A1, A2 of Figs. 5 and 6 are differently designed as compared to the first and second heat exchange areas A1, A2 of Figs. 2 and 3. Also, the thermal shield grooves 500 of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of Figs. 5 and 6 are differently designed as compared to the thermal shield grooves 500 of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of Figs. 2 and 3.

[0104] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the first heat exchanger plate 100 may be provided with a number of thermal shield grooves 500:13. The thermal shield grooves 500:13 may be of a type described above in conjunction with Fig. 1, 2 and 3. The depicted thermal shield grooves 500:13 are provided adjacent to and extend along a periphery of an associated second port hole 160. Further, the depicted thermal shield grooves 500:13 are at least in part provided between the first heat exchange area and an associated second port hole 160. Furthermore, as a result of the design of the thermal shield grooves 500:13, the depicted thermal shield grooves 500:13 are provided adjacent to and extending along a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole 150.

[0105] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the thermal shield grooves 500:13 are open to the ambient by extending to an outer perimeter 106 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. In this way, the thermal shield grooves 500:13 are in fluid communication with the ambient. Thus, air or another fluid may enter or exit the thermal shield grooves 500:13 at the perimeter 106 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. In this way, pressure fluctuations in the thermal shield grooves 500:13 may be counteracted.

[0106] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the second heat exchanger plate 200 may be provided with a number of thermal shield grooves 500:23. The thermal shield grooves 500:23 may be of a type described above in conjunction with Fig. 1 , 2 and 3. The depicted thermal shield grooves 500:23 are provided adjacent to and extend along a periphery of an associated first port hole 150. Further, as a result of the design of the thermal shield grooves 500:23, the depicted thermal shield grooves 500:23 are provided adjacent to and extending along a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole 160.

[0107] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the thermal shield grooves 500:23 are open to the ambient by extending to an outer perimeter 206 of the second heat exchanger plate 200. In this way, the thermal shield grooves 500:23 are in fluid communication with the ambient. Thus, air or another fluid may enter or exit the thermal shield grooves 500:23 at the perimeter 206 of the second heat exchanger plate 200. In this way, pressure fluctuations in the thermal shield grooves 500:23 may be counteracted.

[0108] Now turning to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative design of a first heat exchanger plate 100. Thus, the heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 4 may be used in the core 10 of Fig. 1. The heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 7 may replace all or some of the first heat exchanger plates 100 of the core 10 of Fig. 1.

[0109] The first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 7 is similar to the first heat exchanger plate 100 of Fig. 2. Given the similarities, only differences between the respective first heat exchanger plates 100 will be described in the following. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the first heat exchanger plate 100 may comprise a pair of thermal shield grooves 500:14 for each second port hole 160, where the thermal shield grooves 500:14 are open to the ambient by extending to an outer perimeter 106 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. In this way, pressure fluctuations in the thermal shield grooves 500:14 may be counteracted. The thermal shield grooves 500:14 may be of a type described above in conjunction with Fig. 1 , 2 and 3.

[0110] Correspondingly, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 which are open to the ambient may be provided on the second heat exchanger plate 200 of Fig. 3. To this end, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 of a type described above in conjunction with Fig. 1 , 2 and 3 may be provided such that the one or more thermal shield grooves 500 are open to the ambient.

[0111] Now turning to Fig. 8. Fig 8 illustrates by way of example a printed circuit heat exchanger 1. The depicted printed heat exchanger 1 of Fig. 8 comprises a core 10 of the type described above in conjunction with Figs. 1, 2 and 3. However, the printed heat exchanger 1 of Fig. 8 may comprise a core 10 of a different design. For instance, the printed heat exchanger 1 of Fig. 8 may comprise a core formed of the first and second heat exchanger plates 100, 200 illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. Apart from the core 10, the printed heat exchanger 1 comprises a first end plate 300 and a second end plate 400. The first end plate is provided at a first end of the heat exchanger core 10 as seen along the stacking direction S. The second end plate 400 is provided at a second end of the heat exchanger core 10 as seen along the stacking direction S. Thus, the first end plate 300 and the second end plate 400 are provided at opposite ends of the core 10 as seen along the stacking direction S.

[0112] As illustrated in Fig. 8, the first end plate 300 comprises a pair of first openings 170 and a pair of second openings 180. The first openings 170 are in fluid communication with a respective port hole channel formed by the first port holes 150. Correspondingly, the second openings 180 are in fluid communication with a respective port hole channel formed by the second port holes 160. Thus, a first media may be fed into the core 10 via one of the first openings 170 and extracted from the core via the other one of the first openings 170. Hence, the first media may be fed between the first openings 170. Correspondingly, a second media may be fed into the core 10 via one of the second openings 180 and extracted from the core via the other one of the second openings 180. Hence, the second media may be fed between the second openings 180. In this way, heat may be exchanged between the first media and the second media.

[0113] It is to be understood that the first openings 170 and the second openings 180 do not need to be provided at the first end plate 300. In practice, the first openings 170 may be provided at the first end plate 300 as illustrated in Fig. 8, or at the second end plate 400. Further, one of the first openings 170 may be provided at the fist end plate 300 and the other one of the first openings 170 may be provided at the second end plate 400. Correspondingly, the second openings 180 may be provided at the first end plate 300 as illustrated in Fig. 8, or at the second end plate 400. Further, one of the second openings 180 may be provided at the fist end plate 300 and the other one of the second openings 180 may be provided at the second end plate 400. For example, the first openings 170 and the second openings 180 may be provided at opposite end plates 300, 400. For example, the first openings 170 and one of the second openings 180 may be provided at the first end plate 300, whereas the other one of the second openings 180 may be provided at the second end plate 400. For example, the second openings 180 and one of the first openings 170 may be provided at the first end plate 300, whereas the other one of the first openings 170 may be provided at the second end plate 400.

[0114] From the description above follows that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto, but may also be embodied in other ways.

[0115] For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 may be provided in a single heat exchanger plate 100, 200 of a core 10.

[0116] For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 may be provided in some of the heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of a core 10.

[0117] For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 may be provided in some of the first heat exchanger plates 100 of a core 10.

[0118] For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 may be provided in some of the second heat exchanger plates 200 of a core 10.

[0119] For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 may be provided adjacent to a single port hole 150, 160 of one or more heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of a core 10. For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 may be provided adjacent to more than one port hole 150, 160 of one or more heat exchanger plates 100, 200 of a core 10.

[0120] For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 having a different design or configuration may be provided adjacent to different port holes 150, 160.

[0121] For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 having a different design or configuration may be provided at different first heat exchanger plates 100 of a core 10.

[0122] For instance, one or more thermal shield grooves 500 having a different design or configuration may be provided at different second heat exchanger plates 200 of a core 10.

[0123] It will be appreciated that the present inventive concept is not limited to the variants and examples shown. Several modifications and variations are thus conceivable within the scope of the invention which thus is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A heat exchanger core (10) for a printed circuit heat exchanger (1) comprising: first heat exchanger plates (100) and second heat exchanger plates (200) alternatingly stacked onto each other in a stacking direction (S), and joined to each other, wherein each first and second heat exchanger plate (100, 200) comprises a pair of first port holes (150) and a pair of second port holes (160), wherein each first heat exchanger plate (100) comprises a first heat exchange area (A1) comprising a first groove (102) forming a first passage (104) for a first media, the first passage (104) extending between the first portholes (150) of the first heat exchanger plate (100), wherein each second heat exchanger plate (200) comprises a second heat exchange area (A2) comprising a second groove (202) forming a second passage (204) for a second media, the second passage (204) extending between the second portholes (160) of the second heat exchanger plate (200), wherein one or more of the first heat exchanger plates (100) and / or one or more of the second heat exchanger plates (200) comprises one or more thermal shield grooves (500) provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole (150), and / or adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole (160).

2. The heat exchanger core (10) according to claim 1 , wherein a thermal shield groove (500), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), is provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first heat exchange area (A1), and / or wherein a thermal shield groove (500), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), is provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second heat exchange area (A2).

3. The heat exchanger core (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a thermal shield groove (500), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), circumscribes an associated first port hole (150), and / or wherein a thermal shield groove (500:12), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), circumscribes an associated second port hole (160).

4. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thermal shield groove (500:1), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), is provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated first port hole (150), and wherein a thermal shield groove (500:2), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), is provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of an associated second port hole (160).

5. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective thermal shield groove (500:1), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), is provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of each associated first port hole (150), and / or wherein a respective thermal shield groove (500:2), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), is provided adjacent to and extending along at least a portion of a periphery of each associated second port hole (160).

6. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thermal shield groove (500:1), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), of a first heat exchanger plate (100), and a thermal shield groove (500:2), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), of a neighboring second heat exchanger plate (200) at least partially overlap each other as seen along the stacking direction (S).

7. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first and second heat exchanger plate (100, 200) comprises one or more thermal shield grooves (500).

8. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second port holes (160) have an elongated shape, and wherein each first heat exchanger plate (100) comprises, for each second port hole (160), a thermal shield groove (500:1c), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), extending along at least a portion of the periphery an associated second port hole (160) between the second port hole (160) and the first heat exchange area (A1).

9. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first port holes (150) of each second heat exchanger plate (200) have a circular shape, a semi-circular shape, an elliptical shape, a semi-elliptical shape, an oval shape or an oblong shape, and wherein each second heat exchanger plate (200)comprises, for each first port hole (150), a thermal shield groove (500:2) extending along at least a portion of the periphery an associated first port hole (150) between the first port hole (150) and the second heat exchange area (A2).

10. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thermal shield groove (500:13, 500:14), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), of a first heat exchanger plate (100) is open to the ambient by extending to an outer perimeter (106) of the first heat exchanger plate (100), and / or wherein a thermal shield groove (500:23), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), of a second heat exchanger plate (200) is open to the ambient by extending to an outer perimeter (206) of the second heat exchanger plate (200).

11. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thermal shield groove (500), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), has a depth within a range corresponding to 20-90%, preferably 25-80%, more preferably 30-50% of a thickness of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate (100, 200).

12. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a minimum lateral distance (d1) between thermal shield grooves (500), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), as seen along a major surface of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate (100, 200) is at least 15%, preferably at least 40%, of a thickness of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate (100, 200).

13. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a minimum lateral distance (d2) between a thermal shield groove (500), of the one or more thermal shield grooves (500), and an associated first port hole (150) or an associated second port hole (160) as seen along a major surface of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate (100, 200) is at least 15%, preferably at least 40%, of a thickness of the associated first or second heat exchanger plate (100, 200).

14. The heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heat exchanger plates (100) and second heat exchanger plates (200) are formed of a metal comprising material and wherein the one or more thermal shield grooves (500) are formed by etching the metal comprising material.

15. A printed circuit heat exchanger (1) comprising: a heat exchanger core (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, a first end plate (300) provided at a first end of the heat exchanger core (10) as seen along the stacking direction (S), and a second end plate (400) provided at a second end of the heat exchanger core(10) as seen along the stacking direction (S), wherein one end plate (300, 400) of the first end plate (300) and the second end plate (400), comprises a first opening (170) in fluid communication with a first port hole (150), and wherein one end plate (300, 400) of the first end plate (300) and the second end plate (400), comprises a second opening (180) in fluid communication with a second port hole (160).

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