Heat exchanger

Abstract

According to an exemplary construction, a heat exchanger includes a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet, a refrigerant passage extending between the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, a coolant passage extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and a heating element positioned on the base of the heat exchanger. The refrigerant passage includes a first segment and a second segment. The second segment is adjacent the base of the heat exchanger. A portion of the coolant passage extends between the first segment and the second segment. This portion facilitates heat transfer between the coolant flowing through the coolant passage and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage. When on, the heating element emits a heat to increase a temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

Description

HEAT EXCHANGERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 668,910, filed July 9, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 792,582, filed April 22, 2025, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to heat exchangers. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a heat exchanger, for example, for use in a thermal management system for an electric vehicle.

[0003] Thermal management systems are used in electric vehicles to cool the electric battery in high ambient temperatures, to heat the battery in cold ambient temperatures, and to condition the air to the cabin. Traditional thermal management systems include a coolant chiller and a coolant heater. In high ambient temperatures, the coolant chiller uses refrigerant evaporation to cool-down the coolant to a defined level such that the coolant can be used to cool the battery module and potentially used in a coolant-to-air heat exchanger to cool the cabin. In low ambient temperatures, the coolant heater is used to heat the coolant. The heated coolant is used to heat the battery and electronics to a suitable temperature and is used in a coolant-to-air heat exchanger to heat the cabin.

[0004] Some electric vehicles additionally include a heat-pump system that is used to heat the cabin. In these vapor compression heat-pump systems, the heated coolant provides the heat to the coolant chiller, which evaporates a refrigerant at a low pressure. A compressor elevates the vapor pressure and temperature, such that the hot vapor can be used with a cabin condenser to heat the cabin air.

[0005] Aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.SUMMARY

[0006] According to an exemplary construction, the invention includes a heat exchanger having a coolant inlet configured to supply a coolant to the heat exchanger, a coolant outletconfigured to dispel the coolant from the heat exchanger, a refrigerant inlet configured to supply a refrigerant to the heat exchanger, a refrigerant outlet configured to dispel the refrigerant from the heat exchanger, a refrigerant passage extending between the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, a coolant passage extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and a heating element positioned on the base of the heat exchanger. The refrigerant passage includes a first segment and a second segment. The second segment is adjacent the base of the heat exchanger. A portion of the coolant passage extends between the first segment and the second segment. This portion facilitates heat transfer between the coolant flowing through the coolant passage and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage. When on, the heating element is configured to emit a heat to increase a temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second segment of the refrigerant passage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a top view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top view of a coolant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of a refrigerant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a top view of a last refrigerant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a top view of a divider of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a top view of a bottom end plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is section view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 taken along section line 10- 10.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a detailed, partial view of the section view of FIG. 10 with the turbulators removed.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a top view of a bottom end plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a top view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13.

[0022] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a top view of a coolant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a top view of a refrigerant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a top view of a final refrigerant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a top view of a divider of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a top view of a bottom end plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 22 is section view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13 taken along section line 22- 22.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a detailed, partial view of the section view of FIG. 22 with the turbulators removed.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a top view of a coolant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 13 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a top view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25.

[0033] FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25.

[0034] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25.

[0035] FIG. 29 is a top view of a coolant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 30 is a top view of a refrigerant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 31 is a top view of a divider of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 32 is a top view of a bottom end plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 33 is section view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25.

[0040] FIG. 34 is a detailed, partial view of the section view of FIG. 33 with the turbulators removed.

[0041] FIG. 35 is a top view of a refrigerant plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 25 according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger of FIG. 36, taken along section37-37 in FIG. 36.

[0044] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger of FIG. 36, taken along section38-38 in FIG. 36.

[0045] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger of FIG. 36, taken along section39-39 in FIG. 36.

[0046] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger of FIG. 40, taken along section 41-41 in FIG. 40.

[0048] FIG. 42 is a schematic view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 40 taken along section 42-42 in FIG. 40.

[0049] FIG. 43 is a schematic view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 40 taken along section 43-43 in FIG. 40.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Before any constructions of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other constructions and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0051] In electrical vehicles, or hybrid vehicles, thermal management systems are used to control the temperature of the battery module and the cabin. The thermal management system includes a coolant circuit which controls the temperature of the battery module and a refrigerant circuit which controls the temperature of the cabin. A coolant chiller is connected to the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit to allow for heat transfer between the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit. An electrical coolant heater is positioned along the coolant circuit to heat the coolant, as needed. In traditional systems, the chiller and the heater are two individual components.

[0052] The thermal management system allows electrical vehicles to run efficiently in high ambient temperatures and in low ambient temperature. In high ambient temperatures, the chiller uses an evaporated refrigerant to chill the coolant such that it can be used to cool the battery module. In low ambient temperatures, the heater is used to heat the coolant such that the temperature of the battery module can be increased. The heated coolant can also be used to heat the refrigerant. The heated coolant transfers heat to the refrigerant in the chiller to evaporate the refrigerant. A compressor positioned along the refrigerant circuit elevates the vapor pressure andtemperature of the refrigerant, and a cabin condenser positioned along the refrigerant circuit can be used to transfer heat from the hot refrigerant vapor to air flowing to the cabin. In embodiments where the coolant is used to heat the air to the cabin, the heated coolant is used in a coolant-to-air heat exchanger to heat the air flowing to the cabin.

[0053] FIGS. 1-11 illustrate an embodiment of a heat exchanger 10 that combines a coolant chiller and a coolant heater. The heat exchanger 10 is operable to (1) cool coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 10 with refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 10, (2) electrically heat the refrigerant, and (3) electrically heat the coolant, and potentially, the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 10.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the heat exchanger 10 includes a top end 14 and a base 18 opposite the top end 14. The heat exchanger 10, not including the mounting plate discussed below, generally has a rectangular shape defined by a first short side 11 A, a second short side 1 IB opposite the first short side 11A, a first long side 13A, and a second long side 13B opposite the first long side 13 A.

[0055] The heat exchanger 10 further includes a coolant inlet 22, a coolant outlet 26, a refrigerant inlet 30, and a refrigerant outlet 34. The inlets and outlets include fittings or connectors that allow them to be fluidly connected to the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit. The coolant inlet 22 is fluidly connected to a first coolant line to supply coolant to the heat exchanger 10. The coolant outlet 26 is fluidly connected to a second coolant line to dispel the coolant from the heat exchanger 10. The refrigerant inlet 30 is fluidly connected to a first refrigerant supply line to supply refrigerant to the heat exchanger 10. The refrigerant outlet 34 is fluidly connected to a second refrigerant supply line to dispel refrigerant from the heat exchanger 10. The second coolant line and the second refrigerant lines may be suction lines to help move the coolant and the refrigerant through the heat exchanger 10.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 2, the coolant inlet 22, the coolant outlet 26, and the refrigerant inlet 30 are positioned on the top end 14 of the heat exchanger 10. The coolant inlet 22 is positioned at the center of the first short side 11 A, and the coolant outlet 26 is positioned at the center of the second short side 11B. The coolant inlet 22 and the coolant outlet 26 may be positioned at any point along the short sides 11A, 1 IB. The refrigerant inlet 30 is positioned in the corner defined between the first short side 11 A and the second long side 13B. The refrigerantinlet 30 is positioned on the short side 1 1 A adjacent to the coolant inlet 22 such that the refrigerant and coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 10 are in parallel flow. In some embodiments, the coolant inlet 22 and the coolant outlet 26 are switched such that the coolant outlet 26 is positioned next to the refrigerant inlet 30 and the refrigerant and coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 10 are in counter flow. In some embodiments, the coolant inlet 22 and the coolant outlet 26 are positioned on the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. In some embodiments, the refrigerant inlet 30 is positioned in the corner defined between the first short side 11A and the first long side 11 A.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 3, the refrigerant outlet 34 is positioned on the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. The refrigerant outlet 34 positioned in the corner defined between the first short side 11A and the second long side 13B such that the refrigerant outlet 34 is vertically aligned with the refrigerant inlet 30. In some embodiments, the refrigerant outlet 34 is positioned in the corner defined between the second short side 1 IB and the first long side 13 A such that the refrigerant outlet 34 is opposite the refrigerant inlet 30.

[0058] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the base 18 further includes a mounting plate 38. The mounting plate 38 may include mounting holes or cutouts that allow the heat exchanger 10 to be mounted to a different element in the thermal management system or to secure the heat exchanger 10. For example, the heat exchanger 10 may be mounted on the electronics module of the electric vehicle.

[0059] A heating element 42 is positioned on the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. Described in further detail below, when the heating element 42 is on, the heating element 42 emits a heat to heat the refrigerant and / or the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 10. The heating element 42 may be at least as big as the plates of the heat exchanger 10, discussed below in detail. The heating element 42 may be the same size as the plates. In some embodiments, the heating element 42 is larger than the plates. In some alternate embodiments, the heating element 42 is smaller than the plates. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 42 is one heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element 42 may be comprised of several smaller heating elements. The heating element 42 may be a resistance heating element, a ceramic heating element, a polymer PTC heating element, a thick film heating element, or a combination heating element.

[0060] Turning to FIG. 4, the heat exchanger 10 includes a first heat exchanger portion 46 and a second heat exchanger portion 50. The first heat exchanger portion 46 allows for heat transfer between the coolant and the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 10, and the second heat exchanger portion 50 allows the refrigerant to be heated by the heating element 42. A divider 54 separates the first heat exchanger portion 46 from the second heat exchanger portion 50. The divider 54 is a plate shaped divider and includes an opening, discussed in more detail below, that allows the refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger portion 46 to the second heat exchanger portion 50.

[0061] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the heat exchanger 10 includes a top end plate 58 (e.g., a first end plate) positioned at the top end 14 of the heat exchanger 10 and a bottom end plate 62 (e.g., a second end plate) positioned on the mounting plate 38 at the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. A plurality of plates 66 are stacked between the top end plate 58 and the bottom end plate 62. The plurality of plates 66 define a coolant passage that extends from the coolant inlet 22 to the coolant outlet 26 and a refrigerant passage that extends from the refrigerant inlet 30 to the refrigerant outlet 34. The top end plate 58, the bottom end plate 62, and the plurality of the plates 66 are brazed together.

[0062] With reference to FIGS. 5-7, each plate in the plurality of plates 66 includes a plate surface 70 and a plurality of openings disposed on the plate surface 70. The plurality of openings includes a first coolant opening 74, a second coolant opening 78, a first refrigerant opening 82, and a second refrigerant opening 86. The first coolant opening 74 is fluidly connected to the coolant inlet 22. The second coolant opening 78 is fluidly connected to the coolant outlet 26. The first refrigerant opening 82 is fluidly connected to the refrigerant inlet 30. The second refrigerant opening 86 is fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet 34.

[0063] Each of the openings includes a lip 90 (FIG. 10) that extends along the periphery of each of the plate openings. As explained in more detail below, the lip 90 may extend toward the top end 14 or toward the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. The lip 90 controls the flow of fluid across the plate surface 70.

[0064] The plurality of plates includes a group of coolant plates 98 (e.g., a first group of plates) and a group of refrigerant plates 102 (e.g., a second group of plates). The coolant plates 98 are alternately stacked with the refrigerant plates 102.

[0065] The coolant plates 98 include the coolant plates 98 A-98C (FIG. 4). With reference to FIG. 5, on the coolant plates 98, the coolant openings (e.g., the first coolant opening 74 and the second coolant opening 78) have a first lip 90A. The first lip 90A extends downward toward the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. On the coolant plates 98, the refrigerant openings (e.g., the first refrigerant opening 82 and the second refrigerant opening 86) have a second lip 90B. The second lip 90B extends upward toward the top end 14 of the heat exchanger 10. As discussed in more detail below, the coolant plates 98 may include a turbulator 118 positioned on the plate surface 70 of the coolant plates 98.

[0066] The refrigerant plates 102 include the refrigerant plates 102A-102C (FIG. 4). With reference to FIG. 6, on the refrigerant plates 102, the coolant openings have the second lip 90B that extends upward, and the refrigerant openings have the first lip 90A that extends downward. As discussed in more detail below, the refrigerant plates 102 include a flow guide element 122, a plurality of dimples 126, and protrusions 130.

[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates the last refrigerant plate 102C. The last refrigerant plate 102C is the refrigerant plate closest to the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. Unlike the other refrigerant plates 102A and 102B, the last refrigerant plate 102C only includes one refrigerant opening 86. The refrigerant opening 86 is fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet 34.

[0068] FIG. 8 illustrates the divider 54. The divider 54 is positioned between the last refrigerant plate 102C and the bottom end plate 62. The divider 54 includes a refrigerant opening 87. The refrigerant opening 87 allows the refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger portion 46 (FIG. 10) to the second heat exchanger portion 50 (FIG. 10). The divider 54 also includes a turbulator 118 positioned on the plate surface 70 of the divider 54.

[0069] FIG. 9 illustrates the bottom end plate 62. The bottom end plate 62 is positioned on the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. The bottom end plate 62 receives refrigerant from the refrigerant opening 87 of the divider 54. The bottom end plate 62 includes a refrigerant opening 88 that is fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet 34 of the heat exchanger 10. As discussed in more detail below, the bottom end plate 62 includes a turbulator 134 positioned on the plate surface 70 of the bottom end plate 62.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the lips 90 between adjacent plates provide or inhibit fluid communication between some of the plate openings. For example, when a coolant plate 98 isstacked below a refrigerant plate 102, the first lip 90A around the coolant openings of the coolant plate 98 does not engage with and is spaced from the second lip 90B around the coolant openings of the refrigerant plate 102. Additionally, the second lip 90B around the refrigerant openings on the coolant plate 98 engage (e.g., touch) with the first lip 90A around the refrigerant openings on the refrigerant plate 102 to form a seal. The seal prevents the refrigerant from flowing across the plate surface 70 of the coolant plate 98.

[0071] A space is formed between two adjacent plates (e.g., plates in the plurality of plates 66, the top end plate 58, or the divider 54). For example, when the coolant plate 98 is positioned below the refrigerant plate 102, a coolant space 106 is defined therebetween. The coolant space 106 is part of the coolant passage. The coolant space 106 allows for the coolant to flow across the coolant plate 98 and prevents the refrigerant from flowing across the coolant plate 98. More specifically, the coolant space 106 provides fluid communication between the first coolant opening 74 and the second coolant opening 78 and inhibits fluid communication between the first refrigerant opening 82 and the second refrigerant opening 86.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, the heat exchanger 10 includes a first coolant space 106A, a second coolant space 106B, a third coolant space 106C, and a fourth coolant space 106D. The first coolant space 106A is defined between the top end plate 58 and the coolant plate 98A. The second coolant space 106B is defined between the plates 98B and 102B. The third coolant space 106C is defined between the plates 98B and 102B. The fourth coolant space 106D is the last coolant space and is defined between the refrigerant plate 102B and the divider 54.

[0073] When the refrigerant plate 102 is positioned below the coolant plate 98, a refrigerant space 110 (e.g., an evaporation space) is defined therebetween. The refrigerant space 110 is a first segment of the refrigerant passage. The refrigerant space 110 allows for the refrigerant to flow across the refrigerant plate 102 and prevents the coolant from flowing across the refrigerant plate 102. More specifically, the refrigerant space 110 provides fluid communication between the first refrigerant opening 82 and the second refrigerant opening 86 and inhibits fluid communication between the first coolant opening 74 and the second refrigerant opening 86.

[0074] With continued reference to FIG. 10, the heat exchanger 10 includes a first refrigerant space 110A, a second refrigerant space HOB, and a third refrigerant space HOC. The first refrigerant space 110A is positioned between the plates 98 A and 102A. The second refrigerantspace 11 OB is positioned between the plates 98B and 102B. The third refrigerant space 1 IOC is positioned between the plates 98C and 102B.

[0075] The heat exchanger 10 further includes a heated refrigerant space 114 (e.g., a superheating passage). The heated refrigerant space 114 is a second segment of the refrigerant passage. The heated refrigerant space 114 is adjacent the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10. More specifically, the heated refrigerant space 114 is formed between the divider 54 and the bottom end plate 62. The heated refrigerant space 114 is fluidly connected to the refrigerant spaces 110 such that the first segment of the refrigerant passage and the second segment of the refrigerant passage are fluidly connected.

[0076] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 10 may include additional coolant spaces 102 and refrigerant spaces 110. The additional spaces are formed by alternatingly stacking additional coolant plates 98 and refrigerant plates 102. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 10 may include fewer coolant spaces 106 and refrigerant spaces 110. The number of coolant spaces 106 and refrigerant spaces 110 is reduced by removing some of the coolant plates 98 and refrigerant plates 102 that are alternatingly stacked. In general, the heat exchanger 10 has one more coolant space 106 than the number of refrigerant spaces 110. For example, if the heat exchanger 10 has N coolant spaces 106, then the heat exchanger 10 will have N-l refrigerant spaces 110.

[0077] With reference to FIG. 11 , each coolant space 106 has a height of Hl . Each refrigerant space 110 has a height of H2. The height H2 of the refrigerant space 110 is no bigger than the height Hl of the coolant space 106. The height H2 of the refrigerant space 110 is smaller than the height Hl of the coolant space 106. The height H2 of the refrigerant space 110 is less than 75% of the height Hl of the coolant space 106. The height H2 of the refrigerant space 110 is less than half the height Hl of the coolant space 106.

[0078] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the heated refrigerant space 114 has a height of H3. The height H2 of the refrigerant space 110 is no bigger than the height H3 of the heated refrigerant space 114. The height H2 of the refrigerant space 110 is smaller than the height H3 of the heated refrigerant space 114. The height H2 of the refrigerant space 110 is less than 75% of height H3 of the heated refrigerant space 114. The height H2 of the refrigerant space 110 isless than half the height H3 of the heated refrigerant space 1 14. The height H3 of the heated refrigerant space 114 is similar to the height Hl of the coolant space 106. The height H3 of the heated refrigerant space 114 may be larger than the height Hl of the coolant space 106. The height H3 of the heated refrigerant space 114 may be smaller than the height Hl of the coolant space 106.

[0079] Turning back to FIGS. 5, 8, and 10, the turbulator 118 is positioned on the plate surface 70 of the coolant plate 98 and the divider 54. Said another way, the turbulator 118 is positioned in coolant spaces 106. The turbulator 118 extends at least partially across the plate surface 70 of the coolant plate 98 and the divider 54. The turbulator 118 may be made from a porous body that allows coolant to flow through the turbulator 118. The turbulator 118 increases the turbulence of the coolant as it flows across the turbulator 118. Increasing the turbulence of the coolant, increases the amount of heat transfer between the coolant and the refrigerant. In the illustrated embodiment, the turbulator 118 is positioned on all of the coolant plates 98 and in all of the coolant spaces 106. In some embodiments, the turbulator 118 is only positioned on some of the coolant plates 98 and in some of the coolant spaces 106.

[0080] Turning back to FIG. 7, the refrigerant plates 102 include a flow guide element 122 that guides the refrigerant across the plate surface 70 of the refrigerant plate 102. The flow guide element 122 includes a first wall that extends across a portion of the refrigerant plate 102 in a first direction and a second wall that extends across a portion of the refrigerant plate 102 in a second, opposite direction. The walls of the flow guide elements 122 extend in directions that are parallel to the first and second long sides 13A, 13B (FIG. 2) of the heat exchanger 10. More specifically, each wall of the flow guide element 122 extends at least 50% across the refrigerant plate 102 and no more than 95% across the refrigerant plate 102. Each wall of the flow guide element 122 may extend 60% across the refrigerant plate 102. Each wall of the flow guide element 122 may extend 70% across the refrigerant plate 102. Each wall of the flow guide element 122 may extend 80% across the refrigerant plate 102. Each wall of the flow guide element 122 may extend 90% across the refrigerant plate 102. The flow guide element 122 creates a serpentine shape such that the refrigerant flows across the refrigerant plate 102 in a serpentine pattern. The serpentine pattern forces the refrigerant to make three passes on the refrigerant plate 102. In some embodiments, the flow guide elementl22 may include more wallssuch that the serpentine pattern is tighter, and the refrigerant is forced to make more passes on the refrigerant plate 102. The flow guide element 122 increases the efficiency of the heat exchanger 10. The plates of the heat exchanger 10 have a large surface area which can lead to 2-phase flow distribution problems and inefficiencies. The flow guide element 122 allows for more even distribution of the refrigerant flowing across the refrigerant plate 102.

[0081] With continued reference to FIG. 6 and 7, the plurality of dimples 126 extend along the entire plate surface 70 of the refrigerant plate 102. The dimples 126 increase the turbulence of the refrigerant flowing across the refrigerant plate 102 and assist in dispersing the refrigerant evenly across the refrigerant plate 102. The set of protrusions 130 is positioned around the first refrigerant opening 82. More specifically, the protrusions 130 are arranged in an arc around the first refrigerant opening 82. The arc surrounds the majority of the first refrigerant opening. Said another way, the protrusions 130 are arranged in a major arc around the first refrigerant opening 82. The set of protrusions 130 include five equally spaced oblong protrusions. The protrusions 130 assist in dispersing the refrigerant evenly across the plate surface 70 of the refrigerant plate 102. The protrusions 130 also assist in increasing the turbulence of the refrigerant. In some embodiments, the set of protrusions 130 may include fewer or more protrusions. In some embodiments, the protrusions may have a square, rectangular, or circular shape. In some embodiments, the protrusions are arranged in a semi-circle around the first refrigerant opening 82.

[0082] With reference to FIGS. 9-10, the heated refrigerant space 114 includes a turbulator 134. The turbulator 134 is positioned on the plate surface 70 of the bottom end plate 62. The height of the turbulator 134 is the same as the height H3 of the heated refrigerant space 114 such that it contacts both the bottom end plate 62 and the divider 54. The turbulator 134 is formed from a conductive material (e.g., copper, nickel, aluminum, etc.). The turbulator 134 increases the turbulence of the refrigerant as it flows across the bottom end plate 62. Additionally, the turbulator 134 transfers heat from the heating element 42 to the coolant flowing through the last coolant space 106D. In some embodiments, the turbulator 134 may be the same as the turbulator 118 positioned on the coolant plates 98 and the divider plate 54. In some embodiments, the turbulator 134 is different than the turbulator 118 positioned on the coolant plates 98 and the divider plate 54.

[0083] In short, the coolant passage includes four (N) coolant spaces 106A-106D, while the refrigerant passage includes three (N-l) refrigerant spaces 110A-110C and the heated refrigerant space 114. The last coolant space 106D is positioned between the third refrigerant space 110C and the heated refrigerant space 114. Said another way, the last coolant space 106D is a portion of the coolant passage that extends between the third refrigerant space HOC and the heated refrigerant space 114. The coolant spaces 106A-106D and the refrigerant spaces 110A-110C are part of the first heat exchanger portion 46. The coolant spaces 106A-106D are altematingly stacked with the refrigerant spaces 110A-110C to facilitate heat transfer between the coolant flowing through the coolant spaces 106A-106D and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant spaces 110A-110C. The heated refrigerant space 114 and the heating element 42 are part of the second heat exchanger portion 50. When on, the heating element 42 emits a heat to increase the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heated refrigerant space 114.

[0084] As mentioned above, the heat exchanger 10 is operable to (1) cool coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 10 with refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 10, (2) electrically heat the refrigerant, and (3) electrically heat the coolant, and potentially, the refrigerant.

[0085] During the chiller operation, the coolant is cooled by the refrigerant as it flows through the heat exchanger 10. The heating element 42 is turned off and does not emit heat. The heated refrigerant space 114 serves as a superheating section for the refrigerant. The chilled coolant can then be used to cool the battery module.

[0086] During the refrigerant heating operation, the heating element 42 is turned on such that it emits heat. The heat is transferred from the heating element 42 to the refrigerant flowing through the heated refrigerant space 114. More specifically, the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10, including the mounting plate 38, and the bottom end plate 62 transfer the heat from the heating element 42 to the refrigerant flowing through the heated refrigerant space 114. The heated refrigerant can then be used in the cabin condenser to heat the air going to the cabin. During this operation, the coolant is not flowing through the coolant spaces 106.

[0087] During the coolant heating operation, the heating element 42 is turned on such that it emits heat. The heat is transferred from the heating element 42 to the coolant flowing throughthe last coolant space 106D. More specifically, the base 18 of the heat exchanger 10, the bottom end plate 62, and the turbulator 134 transfer heat from the heating element 42 to the coolant flowing through the last coolant space 106D. The heated coolant can then be used to heat the battery module. During this operation, the refrigerant may be flowing through the refrigerant spaces 110 and the heated refrigerant space 114 such that the refrigerant and the coolant are heated. Alternatively, the refrigerant may not be flowing through the refrigerant spaces 110 and the heated refrigerant space 114 such that only the coolant is heated.

[0088] In some embodiments, not shown, the refrigerant outlet is positioned on the top end of the heat exchanger and the refrigerant inlet is positioned on the base of the heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the refrigerant first flows through the heated refrigerant space and then flows through the other refrigerant spaces. During the chiller operation, this arrangement enables the heat exchanger to operate at a lower pressure in the refrigerant passages, while the highest pressure drop in the assembly occurs in the heated refrigerant space. The suction pressure from the compressor operation at the exit of the refrigerant passages is close to the refrigerant passages. This arrangement is helpful in achieving a high-performance heat exchanger.

[0089] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a bottom end plate 62’. Many of the features of the bottom end plate 62’ are similar to those discussed above with regard to the first embodiment of the bottom end plate 62, but the bottom end plate 62’ includes flow guides. As such, many of these features will not be discussed again below. Features similar to those discussed above will be labeled with a reference number similar to the corresponding feature discussed above.

[0090] The bottom end plate 62’ is similar to the bottom end plate 62 and includes a plate surface 70’, a turbulator 134’ positioned on the plate surface 70’, and a refrigerant opening 88’ fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger. The bottom end plate 62’ additionally includes a flow guide 138’. The flow guide 138’ includes a first wall that extends across a portion of the bottom end plate 62’ in a first direction and a second wall that extends across a portion of the bottom end plate 62’ in a second, opposite direction. The walls of the flow guide elements 122’ extend in directions that are parallel to the first and second short sides 11 A, 1 IB (FIG. 2) of the heat exchanger 10. The flow guide 138’ creates a serpentine shape such that the refrigerant flows across the bottom end plate 62’ in a serpentine pattern. The flow guide138’ allows for a more even distribution of the refrigerant across the bottom end plate 62’ such that the refrigerant can be more evenly heated.

[0091] FIGS. 13-23 illustrate another embodiment of a heat exchanger 1010. Many features of the heat exchanger 1010 are similar to those discussed above with regard to the first embodiment of the heat exchanger 10, but the heat exchanger 1010 includes parallel refrigerant flow passages. As such, many of these features will not be discussed again below. Features similar to those discussed above will be labeled with a reference number that is a value of one thousand higher than the corresponding feature discussed above.

[0092] With reference to FIGS. 13-15, the heat exchanger 1010 includes a top end 1014 and a base 1018 opposite the top end 1014. The heat exchanger 1010, not including the mounting plate described below, generally has a rectangular shape defined by a first short side 1011 A, a second short side 101 IB opposite the first short side 1011 A, a first long side 1013A, and a second long side 1013B opposite the first long side 1013A.

[0093] The heat exchanger 1010 further includes a coolant inlet 1022, a coolant outlet 1026, a refrigerant inlet 1030, and a refrigerant outlet 1034. The inlets and outlets include fittings or connectors that allow them to be fluidly connected to the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit.

[0094] With reference to FIG. 14, the coolant inlet 1022, the coolant outlet 1026, and the refrigerant inlet 1030 are positioned on the top end 1014 of the heat exchanger 1010. The coolant inlet 1022 is positioned at the center of the first short side 1011 A. The coolant outlet 1026 is positioned at the center of the second short side 101 IB. The coolant inlet 1022 and the coolant outlet 1026 may be positioned at any point along the short sides 1011A, 101 IB. The refrigerant inlet 1030 is positioned, inward of the coolant inlet 1022 at the center of the first short side 1011A. The refrigerant inlet 1030 is connected to a distributor 1144. The distributor 1144 divides the refrigerant into two separate parallel flow passages, discussed in detail below. The distributor 1144 includes a first branch 1144 A that supplies a portion of the refrigerant to a first parallel passage and a second branch 1144B that supplies the remaining portion of the refrigerant to a second parallel passage. The first branch 1144A extends toward the comer defined betweenthe first short side 1011 A and the second long side 1013B. The second branch 1144B extends toward the comer defined between the first short side 1011 A and the first long side 1013A.

[0095] With reference to FIG. 15, the refrigerant outlet 1034 is positioned on the base 1018 of the heat exchanger 1010. The refrigerant outlet 1034 is positioned at the center of the first short side 1011 A such that the refrigerant outlet 1034 is vertically aligned with the refrigerant inlet 1030. The refrigerant outlet 1034 is connected to a collector 1148. The collector 1148 combines the refrigerant from the two parallel flow passages. The collector 1148 includes a first branch 1148 A that receives refrigerant from the first parallel flow passage and a second branch 1148B that receives refrigerant from the second parallel flow passage. The first branch 1148A extends from the corner defined between the first short side 1011 A and the second long side 1013B to the center of the first short side 1011A. The second branch 1144B extends from the comer defined between the first short side 1011 A and the first long side 1013A to the center of the first short side 1011 A. With continued reference to FIG. 15, the base 1018 further includes a mounting plate 1038. The mounting plate 1038 may include mounting holes that allow the heat exchanger 1010 to be mounted to a different element in the thermal management system or to secure the heat exchanger 1010.

[0096] A heating element 1042 is positioned on the base 1018 of the heat exchanger 1010. Described in further detail below, when the heating element 1042 is on, the heating element 1042 emits a heat to heat the refrigerant and / or the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 1010. The heating element 1042 may be at least as big as the plates of the heat exchanger 1010, discussed below in detail.

[0097] With continued reference to FIG. 16, the heat exchanger 1010 includes a top end plate 1058 (e.g., a first end plate) positioned at the top end 1014 of the heat exchanger 1010 and a bottom end plate 1062 (e.g., a second end plate) positioned on the mounting plate 1038 at the base 1018 of the heat exchanger 1010. A plurality of plates 1066 are stacked between the top end plate 1058 and the bottom end plate 1062. The plurality of plates 1066 define a coolant passage that extends from the coolant inlet 1022 to the coolant outlet 1026 and a refrigerant passage that extends from refrigerant inlet 1030 to the refrigerant outlet 1034. Unlike the heat exchanger 10, the refrigerant passage is split into two parallel flow passages.

[0098] With reference to FIGS. 17-19, each plate in the plurality of plates 1066 includes a plate surface 1070 and a plurality of openings disposed on the plate surface 1070. The plurality of openings includes a first coolant opening 1074, a second coolant opening 1078, a first refrigerant opening 1082 A, a second refrigerant opening 1086A, a third refrigerant opening 1082B, and a fourth refrigerant opening 1086B. The first coolant opening 1074 is fluidly connected to the coolant inlet 1022. The second coolant opening 1078 is fluidly connected to the coolant outlet 1026. The first refrigerant opening 1082A and the third refrigerant opening 1082B are fluidly connected to the refrigerant inlet 1030. More specifically, the first refrigerant opening 1082A is fluidly connected to the first branch 1144A of the distributor 1144 and the third refrigerant opening 1082B is fluidly connected to the second branch 1144B of the distributor 1144. The second refrigerant opening 1086A and the fourth refrigerant opening 1086B are fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet 1034. More specifically, the second refrigerant opening 1086A is fluidly connected to the first branch 1148A of the collector 1148 and the fourth refrigerant opening 1086B is fluidly connected to the second branch 1148B of the collector 1148.

[0099] The plurality of plates 1066 includes a group of coolant plates 1098 (e.g., a first group of plates) and a group of refrigerant plates 1102 (e.g., a second group of plates). The coolant plates 1098 are alternately stacked with the refrigerant plates 1102.

[0100] The coolant plates 1098 include the coolant plates 1098A-1098C (FIG. 16). With reference to FIG. 17, the coolant plates 1098 may include a turbulator 11 18 positioned on the plate surface 1070 of the coolant plates 1098.

[0101] The refrigerant plates 1102 include the refrigerant plates 1102A-1102C (FIG. 16). With reference to FIG. 18, the refrigerant plates 1102 include a wall 1152 that extends across the surface of the plate surface 1070. The wall 1152 separates the refrigerant into two parallel flow passages 1154A, 1154B. Refrigerant flowing from the first refrigerant opening 1082A to the second refrigerant opening 1086A flows in the first parallel flow passage 1154A. Refrigerant flowing from the third refrigerant opening 1082B to the fourth refrigerant opening 1086B flows in the second parallel flow passage 1154B. The wall 1152 prevents the refrigerant from flowing from the first refrigerant opening 1082A to the fourth refrigerant opening 1086B and prevents the refrigerant from flowing from the third refrigerant opening 1082B to the second refrigerant opening 1086A. Similar to the flow guide element 122 of the heat exchanger 10, the wall 1152provides an even distribution of refrigerant flow to increase the efficiency of the heat exchanger 1010.

[0102] The refrigerant plates 1102 further include a turbulator 1118 positioned on the plate surface 1070. In some embodiments, the turbulator 1118 may be two pieces that are separated by the wall 1152. In some embodiments, the wall 1152 is built into the singular turbulator 1118.

[0103] FIG. 19 illustrates the last refrigerant plate 1102C. The last refrigerant plate 1102C is the refrigerant plate closest to the base 1018 of the heat exchanger 1010. Unlike the other refrigerant plates 1102A and 1102B, the last refrigerant plate 1102C only includes two refrigerant openings 1086A, 1086B that are fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet 1034 via the collector 1148.

[0104] FIG. 20 illustrates the divider 1054. The divider 1054 is positioned between the last refrigerant plate 1102C and the bottom end plate 1062. The divider 1054 includes two refrigerant openings 1087A, 1087B. The refrigerant openings 1087A, 1087B allow the refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger portion 1046 (FIG. 22) to the second heat exchanger portion 1050 (FIG. 22). The divider 1054 also includes a turbulator 1118 positioned on the plate surface 1070 of the divider 1054.

[0105] FIG. 21 illustrates the bottom end plate 1062. The bottom end plate 1062 is positioned on the base 1018 of the heat exchanger 1010. The bottom end plate 1062 receives refrigerant from the refrigerant openings 1087A, 1087B on the divider plate 1054. The bottom end plate 1062 includes two refrigerant openings 1086A, 1086B that are fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet 1034 of the heat exchanger 1010 via the collector 1148. Similar to the refrigerant plates 1102, the bottom end plate 1062 includes the wall 1152 that separates the plate into two parallel flow passages 1154A, 1154B. The bottom end plate 1062 further includes a turbulator 1134 positioned on the plate surface 1070.

[0106] A space is formed between two adjacent plates (e.g., plates in the plurality of plates 66, the top end plate 58, or the divider 54). For example, when the coolant plate 1098 is positioned below the refrigerant plate 1102, a coolant space 1106 is defined therebetween. The coolant space 1106 is part of the coolant passage. The coolant space 1106 allows for the coolant to flow across the coolant plate 1098 and prevents the refrigerant from flowing across the coolant plate 1098. More specifically, the coolant space 1106 provides fluid communication betweenthe first coolant opening 1074 and the second coolant opening 1078, inhibits fluid communication between the first refrigerant opening 1082A and the second refrigerant opening 1086A, and inhibits fluid communication between the third refrigerant opening 1082B and the fourth refrigerant opening 1086B.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 22, the heat exchanger 1010 includes four coolant spaces 1106. The first coolant space is defined between the top end plate 1058 and the coolant plate 1098A. The second coolant space is defined between the plates 1098B and 1102B. The third coolant space is defined between the plates 1098B and 1102B. The fourth coolant space is defined between the refrigerant plate 1102B and the divider 1054.

[0108] When the refrigerant plate 1102 is positioned below the coolant plate 1098, a refrigerant space 1110 (e.g., an evaporation space) is defined therebetween. The refrigerant space 1110 is a first segment of the refrigerant passage. The refrigerant space 1110 allows for the refrigerant to flow across the refrigerant plate 1102 and prevents the coolant from flowing across the refrigerant plate 1102. More specifically, the refrigerant space 1110 provides fluid communication between the first refrigerant opening 1082A and the second refrigerant opening 1086A, provides fluid communication between the third refrigerant opening 1082B and the second refrigerant opening 1086B, and inhibits fluid communication between the first coolant opening 1074 and the second refrigerant opening 1086A.

[0109] With continued reference to FIG. 22, the heat exchanger 1010 includes three refrigerant spaces 1110. The first refrigerant space is positioned between the plates 1098A and 1102A. The second refrigerant space is positioned between the plates 1098B and 1102B. The third refrigerant space is positioned between the plates 1098C and 1102B. As discussed above, each refrigerant space 1110 is divided into two parallel flow passages 1154A, 1154B (FIG. 19).

[0110] The heat exchanger 1010 further includes a heated refrigerant space 1114 (e.g., a superheating passage). The heated refrigerant space 1114 is a second segment of the refrigerant passage. The heated refrigerant space 1114 is adjacent the base 1018 of the heat exchanger 1010. More specifically, the heated refrigerant space 1114 is fomied between the divider 1054 and the bottom end plate 1062. The heated refrigerant space 1114 is fluidly connected to the refrigerant spaces 1110 such that fluid flows through the first segment of the refrigerant passage and the second segment of the refrigerant passage in series.

[0111] With reference to FIG. 23, each coolant space 1 106 has a height of Hl l . Each refrigerant space 1110 has a height of H12. The height H12 of the refrigerant space 1110 is no bigger than the height Hl 1 of the coolant space 1106. The height H12 of the refrigerant space 1110 is smaller than the height Hl 1 of the coolant space 1106. The height Hl 2 of the refrigerant space 1110 is less than 75% of the height Hl 1 of the coolant space 1106. The height H12 of the refrigerant space 1110 is less than half the height Hl 1 of the coolant space 1106.

[0112] With continued reference to FIG. 23, the heated refrigerant space 1114 has a height of Hl 3. The height Hl 2 of the refrigerant space 1110 is no bigger than the height Hl 3 of the heated refrigerant space 1114. The height H13 of the heated refrigerant space 1114 may be smaller than the height H12 of the refrigerant space 11 10. The height H13 of the heated refrigerant space 1114 is no bigger than the height Hl 1 of the coolant space 1106. The height H13 of the heated refrigerant space 1114 is smaller than the height Hl l of the coolant space 1106. The height H13 of the heated refrigerant space 1114 is less than 75% of the height Hl 1 of the coolant space 1106. The height H13 of the heated refrigerant space 1114 is less than half the height H l 1 of the coolant space 1106.

[0113] In short, the coolant passage includes four (N) coolant spaces 1106, while the refrigerant passage includes three (N-l) refrigerant spaces 1110 and the heated refrigerant space 1114. The coolant spaces 1106 and the refrigerant spaces 1110 are part of the first heat exchanger portion 1046. The coolant spaces 1106 are alternatingly stacked with the refrigerant spaces 1110 to facilitate heat transfer between the coolant flowing through the coolant spaces 1106 and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant spaces 1110. The heated refrigerant space 1114 and the heating element 1042 are part of the second heat exchanger portion 1050. When on, the heating element 1042 emits a heat to increase the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heated refrigerant space 1114.

[0114] Similar to the heat exchanger 10, the heat exchanger 1010 is operable to (1) cool coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 1010 with refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 1010, (2) electrically heat the refrigerant, and (3) electrically heat the coolant, and potentially, the refrigerant.

[0115] FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of a coolant plate 1098’ . Many of the features of the coolant plate 1098’ are similar to those discussed above with regard to the second embodiment of the coolant plate 1098, but the coolant plate 1098’ includes flow guides. As such, many of these features will not be discussed again below. Features similar to those discussed above will be labeled with a reference number similar to the corresponding feature discussed above.

[0116] The coolant plate 1098’is similar to the coolant plate 1098 and includes a plate surface, a turbulator 1118’ positioned on the plate surface, refrigerant openings, and coolant openings 1074’, 1078’. The coolant plate 1098’ additionally includes a flow guide element 1136’. The flow guide element 1136’ includes at least one rib positioned on the turbulator 1 118’ near the coolant openings 1074’, 1078’. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow guide element 1136’ includes two ribs positioned near the first coolant opening 1074’ and two ribs positioned near the second coolant opening 1078’. The flow guide element 1136’ disrupts the flow of the coolant flowing across the coolant plate 1098’ and allows for a more even distribution of the coolant across the coolant plate 1098’.

[0117] FIGS. 25-34 illustrate another embodiment of a heat exchanger 2010. Many features of the heat exchanger 2010 are similar to those discussed above with regard to the first embodiment of the heat exchanger 10, but the heat exchanger 2010 is shorter in height and has fewer plates stacked together. As such, many of these features will not be discussed again below. Features similar to those discussed above will be labeled with a reference number that is a value of two thousand higher than the corresponding feature discussed above.

[0118] With reference to FIGS. 25-27, the heat exchanger 2010 includes a top end 2014 and a base 2018 opposite the top end 2014. The heat exchanger 2010, not including the mounting plate discussed below, has a rectangular shape defined by a first short side 2011 A, a second short side 201 IB opposite the first short side 2011A, a first long side 2013A, and a second long side 2013B opposite the first long side 2013A.

[0119] The heat exchanger 2010 further includes a coolant inlet 2022, a coolant outlet 2026, a refrigerant inlet 2030, and a refrigerant outlet 2034. The inlets and outlets include fittings orconnectors that allow them to be fluidly connected to the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit.

[0120] With reference to FIG. 26, the coolant inlet 2022, the coolant outlet 2026, the refrigerant inlet 2030, and the refrigerant outlet 2034 are positioned on the top end 2014 of the heat exchanger 2010. More specifically, the coolant inlet 2022 is positioned in the corner defined between the first short side 2011A and the first long side 2013A; the coolant outlet is positioned in the corner defined between the second short side 201 IB and the second long side 2013B; the refrigerant inlet 2030 is positioned in the corner defined between the first short side 2011 A and the second long side 2013B; and the refrigerant outlet 2034 is positioned in the comer defined between the second short side 201 IB and the first long side 2013A. The coolant inlet 2022 and the coolant outlet 2026 may be positioned at any point along the short sides 2011 A, 201 IB. The coolant openings and the refrigerant openings are arranged in a crossflow arrangement. In some embodiments, the coolant openings and the refrigerant openings may be arranged in a parallel flow or counter flow arrangement.[00121 J With reference to FIG. 27, the base 2018 further includes a mounting plate 2038. The mounting plate 2038 may include mounting holes that allow the heat exchanger 2010 to be mounted to a different element in the thermal management system.

[0122] A heating element 2042 is positioned on the base 2018 of the heat exchanger 2010. Described in further detail below, when the heating element 2042 is on, the heating element 2042 emits a heat to heat the refrigerant and / or the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 2010. The heating element 2042 may be at least as big as the plates of the heat exchanger 2010, discussed below in detail.

[0123] With continued reference to FIG. 28, the heat exchanger 2010 includes a top end plate 2058 (e g., a first end plate) positioned at the top end 2014 of the heat exchanger 2010 and a bottom end plate 2062 (e.g., a second end plate) positioned on the mounting plate 2038 at the base 2018 of the heat exchanger 2010. A plurality of plates 2066 are stacked between the top end plate 2058 and the bottom end plate 2062. The plurality of plates 2066 define a coolant passage that extends from the coolant inlet 2022 to the coolant outlet 2026 and a refrigerant passage that extends from the refrigerant inlet 2030 to the refrigerant outlet 2034.

[0124] With reference to FIGS. 29-30, each plate in the plurality of plates 2066 includes a plate surface 2070 and a plurality of openings disposed on the plate surface 2070. The plurality of openings includes a first coolant opening 2074, a second coolant opening 2078, a first refrigerant opening 2082, and a second refrigerant opening 2086. The first coolant opening 2074 is fluidly connected to the coolant inlet 2022. The second coolant opening 2078 is fluidly connected to the coolant outlet 2026. The first refrigerant opening 2082 is fluidly connected to the refrigerant inlet 2030. The second refrigerant opening 2086 is fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet 2034.

[0125] The plurality of plates 1066 includes a coolant plate 2098 (e.g., a first plate) and a refrigerant plate 2102 (e g., a second plate).

[0126] With reference to FIG. 29, the coolant plate 2098 may include a turbulator 2118 positioned on the plate surface 2070 of the coolant plate 2098.

[0127] With reference to FIG. 30, the refrigerant plate 2102 includes a turbulator 2118 positioned on the plate surface 2070 and a flow guide element 2122. The turbulator 2118 extends across the majority of the plate surface 2070. More specifically, the turbulator 2118 covers at least 90% of the plate surface 2070. Even more specifically, the turbulator 2118 covers at least 95% of the plate surface 2070. The turbulator 2118 may cover the entire plate surface 2070. In some embodiments, the turbulator 2118 may be three pieces that are separated by the flow guide element 2122. In some embodiments, the flow guide element 2122 is built into a singular turbulator 2118.

[0128] The flow guide element 2122 guides the refrigerant across the plate surface 2070 of the refrigerant plate 2102. The flow guide element 2122 includes a first wall that extends across a portion of the refrigerant plate 2102 in a first direction and a second wall that extends across a portion of the refrigerant plate 2102 in a second, opposite direction. The walls of the flow guide elements 2122 extend in directions that are parallel to the first and second long sides 2013A, 2013B (FIG. 26) of the heat exchanger 2010. More specifically, each wall of the flow guide element 2122 extends at least 50% across the refrigerant plate 2102 and no more than 95% across the refrigerant plate 2102. Each wall of the flow guide element 2122 may extend 60% across the refrigerant plate 2102. Each wall of the flow guide element 2122 may extend 70% across the refrigerant plate 2102. Each wall of the flow guide element 2122 may extend 80% across therefrigerant plate 2102. Each wall of the flow guide element 2122 may extend 90% across the refrigerant plate 2102. Each wall of the flow guide element 2122 does not extend past the length of the turbulator 2118. The flow guide element 2122 creates a serpentine shape such that the refrigerant flows across the refrigerant plate 2102 in a serpentine pattern. The serpentine pattern forces the refrigerant to make three passes on the refrigerant plate 2102.

[0129] FIG. 31 illustrates the divider 2054. The divider 2054 is positioned between the refrigerant plate 2102 and the bottom end plate 2062. The divider 2054 only includes the first refrigerant opening 2082 and the second refrigerant opening 2086. The refrigerant openings 2082, 2086 allow the refrigerant to flow from the refrigerant inlet 2030 of the heat exchanger 2010 to the second heat exchanger portion 2050 and allows the refrigerant to flow from the second heat exchanger portion 2050 to the refrigerant outlet 2034 of the heat exchanger 2010. The divider 2054 also includes a turbulator 2118 positioned on the plate surface 2070 of the divider 2054.

[0130] FIG. 32 illustrates the bottom end plate 2062. The bottom end plate 2062 is positioned on the base 2018 of the heat exchanger 2010. Unlike the bottom end plate 62, 1062 of the heat exchangers 10, 1010, the bottom end plate 2062 does not include any openings. Similar to the refrigerant plate 2102, the bottom end plate 2062 includes the flow guide element 2122 which guides the refrigerant to flow in a serpentine pattern. The bottom end plate 2062 further includes a turbulator 2134 positioned on the plate surface 2070.

[0131] A space is formed between two adjacent plates (e g., plates in the plurality of plates 2066, the top end plate 2058, or the divider 2054). For example, when the coolant plate 2098 is positioned below a plate, a coolant space 2106 is defined therebetween. The coolant space 2106 is part of the coolant passage. The coolant space 2106 allows for the coolant to flow across the coolant plate 2098 and prevents the refrigerant from flowing across the coolant plate 2098. More specifically, the coolant space 2106 provides fluid communication between the first coolant opening 2074 and the second coolant opening 2078 and inhibits fluid communication between the first refrigerant opening 2082 and the second refrigerant opening 2086.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 33, the heat exchanger 2010 includes two coolant spaces 2106. The first coolant space is defined between the top end plate 2058 and the coolant plate 2098. The second coolant space is defined between the refrigerant plate 2102 and the divider 2054.

[0133] When the refrigerant plate 2102 is positioned below a plate, a refrigerant space 21 10 (e.g., an evaporation space) is defined therebetween. The refrigerant space 2110 is a first segment of the refrigerant passage. The refrigerant space 2110 allows for the refrigerant to flow across the refrigerant plate 2102 and prevents the coolant from flowing across the refrigerant plate 2102. More specifically, the refrigerant space 2110 provides fluid communication between the first refrigerant opening 2082 and the second refrigerant opening 2086 and inhibits fluid communication between the first coolant opening 2074 and the second refrigerant opening 2086.

[0134] With continued reference to FIG. 33, the heat exchanger 2010 includes one refrigerant space 2110 defined between the coolant plate 2098 and the refrigerant plate 2102.

[0135] The heat exchanger 2010 further includes a heated refrigerant space 2114 (e.g., a superheating passage). The heated refrigerant space 2114 is a second segment of the refrigerant passage. The heated refrigerant space 2114 is adjacent the base 2018 of the heat exchanger 2010. More specifically, the heated refrigerant space 2114 is formed between the divider 2054 and the bottom end plate 2062.

[0136] Unlike the heat exchangers 10, 1010 where the refrigerant flows from the first heat exchanger portion 46, 1046 to the second heat exchanger portion 50, 1050, in the heat exchanger 2010 a first portion of the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchanger portion 2046 and a second portion of the refrigerant flows the second heat exchanger portion 2050. Said another way, a first portion of the refrigerant from the refrigerant inlet 2030 flows along the first segment of the refrigerant passage via the refrigerant space 2110 and a second portion of the refrigerant from the refrigerant inlet 2030 flows along the second segment of the refrigerant passage via the heated refrigerant space 2114. The first portion of the refrigerant flows along the first segment of the refrigerant passage and the second portion of the refrigerant flows along the second segment of the refrigerant passage in parallel or simultaneously.

[0137] With reference to FIG. 34, each coolant space 2106 has a height of H21. The refrigerant space 2110 has a height of H22. The height H22 of the refrigerant space 2110 is no bigger than the height H21 of the coolant space 2106. The height H22 of the refrigerant space 2110 is smaller than the height H21 of the coolant space 2106. The height H22 of the refrigerantspace 2110 is less than 75% of the height H21 of the coolant space 2106. The height H22 of the refrigerant space 2110 is less than half the height H21 of the coolant space 2106.

[0138] With continued reference to FIG. 34, the heated refrigerant space 2114 has a height of H23. The height H22 of the refrigerant space 2110 is no bigger than the height H23 of the heated refrigerant space 2114. The height H23 of the heated refrigerant space 2114 may be smaller than the height H22 of the refrigerant space 2110. The height H23 of the heated refrigerant space 2114 is no bigger than the height H21 of the coolant space 2106. The height H23 of the heated refrigerant space 2114 is smaller than the height H21 of the coolant space 2106. The height H23 of the heated refrigerant space 2114 is less than 75% of the height H21 of the coolant space 2106. The height H23 of the heated refrigerant space 2114 is less than half the height H21 of the coolant space 2106.

[0139] In short, the coolant passage includes two coolant spaces 2106, while the refrigerant passage includes one refrigerant space 2110 and the heated refrigerant space 2114. The coolant spaces 2106 and the refrigerant space 2110 are part of the first heat exchanger portion 2046. The coolant spaces 2106 are alternatingly stacked with the refrigerant space 2110 to facilitate heat transfer between the coolant flowing through the coolant spaces 2106 and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant space 2110. The heated refrigerant space 2114 and the heating element 2042 are part of the second heat exchanger portion 2050. When on, the heating element 2042 emits a heat to increase the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the heated refrigerant space 2114.

[0140] Similar to the heat exchanger 10, the heat exchanger 2010 is operable to (1) cool coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 2010 with refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 2010, (2) electrically heat the refrigerant, and (3) electrically heat the coolant, and potentially, the refrigerant.

[0141] FIG. 35 illustrates another embodiment of a refrigerant plate 2102’. Many of the features of the refrigerant plate 2102’ are similar to those discussed above with regard to the third embodiment of the refrigerant plate 2102, but the refrigerant plate 2102’ includes a single turbulator. As such, many of these features will not be discussed again below. Features similarto those discussed above will be labeled with a reference number similar to the corresponding feature discussed above.

[0142] The refrigerant plate 2102’ is similar to the refrigerant plate 2102’ and includes a plate surface 2070’; coolant openings 2074’, 2078’; and refrigerant openings 2082’, 2086’. The refrigerant plate 2102’ includes a singular turbulator 2118’ positioned on the plate surface 1070’. Flow guide elements 2122’ are positioned at least partially in the turbulator 2118’. The flow guide elements 2122’ are walls built into the plate surface 2070 that extend into the turbulator 2118’. More specifically, the flow guide elements 2122’ only extend no more than 10% into the turbulator 2118’. The flow guide elements 2122’ extend at least 5% into the turbulator 2118’. The flow guide elements 2122' may extend 5% into the turbulator 21 18’. The flow guide elements 2122’ may extend 10% into the turbulator 2118’. The turbulator 2118’ includes guide walls 2119’ that further guide the refrigerant and create a serpentine flow path. The guide walls 2119’ are built into the turbulator 2118’ and extend across the majority of the surface of the turbulator 2118’. The guide walls 2119’ extend from the flow guide elements 2122’ and extend further across the turbulator 2118’. The illustrated flow guide walls 2119’ are thinner than the flow guide elements 2122’. In some embodiments, the flow guide walls 2119’ may be the same thickness as the glow guide elements 2122’.

[0143] FIG. 36 illustrates another embodiment of a heat exchanger 3010. Many features of the heat exchanger 3010 are similar to those discussed above with regard to the first embodiment of the heat exchanger 10. Features will be labeled with a reference number that is a valve of three thousand higher than the corresponding features described with respect to the heat exchanger 10.

[0144] As shown in FIGS. 36-38, the heat exchanger 3010 includes a coolant inlet 3022 and a coolant outlet 3026 disposed on opposite comers from one another (e.g., diagonal from each other). The heat exchanger 3010 includes a first refrigerant space 3110A, a second refrigerant space 3 HOB, a first heated refrigerant space 3114A, and a second heated refrigerant space 3114B. The first and second refrigerant spaces 3110A, 3110B and the first and second heated refrigerant spaces 3114A, 3114B are arranged in the heat exchanger 3010 such that coolant spaces 3106 are disposed between the spaces 3110A, 3110B, 3114A, 3114B. In contrast to the heat exchanger 10, the heat exchanger 3010 includes two heated refrigerant sections (e.g., thesingle heated refrigerant space 114). The two heated refrigerant spaces reduce the pressure drop and therefore increase the flow rate of the refrigerant. In some embodiments, the coolant spaces 3106 are heated electrically. That is, the coolant is heated by an electric heater directly rather than by the refrigerant, which is heated by an electric heater.

[0145] Each refrigerant plate of the refrigerant plates 3102 include a first refrigerant opening 3082, a second refrigerant opening 3086, a turbulator 3118, and a single flow guide element 3122. For instance, FIG. 38 illustrates a refrigerant plate of the refrigerant plates 3102 corresponding to the first refrigerant space 3110A including the openings 3082, 3086, the turbulator 3118, and the guide element 3122. The flow guide element 3122 splits the refrigerant plate of the refrigerant plates 3102 into a U-shape for a U-shaped flow. In contrast to the heat exchanger 10, the heat exchanger 3010 includes the turbulators 3118 rather than a plurality of dimples (e.g., the plurality of dimples 126 in FIG. 6). Additionally, in contrast to the heat exchanger 10, the heat exchanger 3010 includes a U-shaped flow (e.g., the serpentine shape caused by the flow guide elements 122 in FIG. 6). As a result of the U-shape flow, the pressure drop is less than a comparative heat exchanger using the serpentine shape.[00146J As illustrated in FIGS. 37-39, the refrigerant flow Fl enters the heat exchanger 3010 through the refrigerant inlet 3030 and flows through the first and second refrigerant space 3110A, 3110B by entering proximal to the first refrigerant opening 3082. As best shown in FIG. 37, the heat exchanger 3010 includes a coolant plate 3098B of the coolant plates 3098A-C that has a divider 3054 that separates the first and second refrigerant spaces 3110A, 3110B (e.g., a first heat exchanger portion 3046) from the first and second heated refrigerant spaces 3114A, 3114B (e.g., a second heat exchanger portion 3050). The refrigerant flow Fl moves around the flow guide element 3122 in the first and second refrigerant space 3110A, 3110B toward second refrigerant opening 3086. Specifically, the refrigerant flow F l moves from a side of the heat exchanger 3010 with the refrigerant inlet 3030, to a side of the heat exchanger 3010 with the coolant outlet 3026, and to a side of the heat exchanger 3010 with the coolant inlet 3022 (e.g., a U-shaped flow). The second refrigerant openings 3086 connects the first and second refrigerant space 3110A, 3 HOB to the first and second heated refrigerant spaces 3114A, 3114B. The refrigerant flow Fl moves from the openings 3086 through the first and second heated refrigerant spaces 3114A, 3114B to the refrigerant outlet 3034 (FIG. 39). In some embodiments, the heated refrigerantspace that is closest to an electric heater 3042 (e.g., the second heated refrigerant space 3114B) includes a turbulator that is denser than the turbulators in the first heated refrigerant space 3114A and the first and second refrigerant space 3110A, 3110B such that heat transfer is increased.

[0147] FIGS. 40-43 illustrates another embodiment of a heat exchanger 4010. Many features of the heat exchanger 4010 are similar to those discussed above with regard to the first embodiment of the heat exchanger 10, but the heat exchanger 4010 includes a different arrangement of refrigerant passages. Features will be labeled with a reference number that is a valve of four thousand higher than the corresponding features described with respect to the heat exchanger 10.

[0148] As shown in FIGS. 40-43, the heat exchanger 4010 includes refrigerant inlet 4030 and a refrigerant outlet 4034 disposed on opposite corners from one another (e.g., diagonal from each other). The heat exchanger 4010 includes refrigerant plates 4102A-C that each include a wall 4140 that extends across the surface of the plate surface 4102. The wall 4140 separates the refrigerant into two groups of parallel flow passages (e.g., a first parallel group and a second parallel group) that are connected in series. The wall 4140 extends from the first short side 4011 A to the second short side 401 IB. In other words, the wall 4140 splits each of the refrigerant plates 4102A-C into two parallel passages (e.g., three plates with a total of six passages). Similar to the flow guide element 122 of the heat exchanger 10, the wall 4140 provides an even distribution of refrigerant flow to increase the efficiency of the heat exchanger 4010. For instance, as shown in FIG. 41, the refrigerant plate 4102A defines a first refrigerant space 4110A and a second refrigerant space 4110B. The refrigerant plate 4102B defines a third refrigerant space 4110C and a fourth refrigerant space 4110D. The refrigerant plate 4102C defines a first heated refrigerant space 4114A and a second heated refrigerant space 4114B. The spaces 4110A-D, 4114A, and 4114B are arranged in the heat exchanger 4010 such that coolant spaces 4106A-C are disposed between the spaces 4110A-D, 4114A, and 4114B. In some embodiments, the coolant spaces 4106 are heated electrically. That is, the coolant is heated by an electric heater directly rather than by the refrigerant, which is heated by an electric heater.

[0149] FIGS. 40-43 illustrate a refrigerant flow F2 entering though a refrigerant inlet 4030 and flowing into the first refrigerant space 4110A, the third refrigerant space 4110C, and the first heated refrigerant space 4114A. The first refrigerant space 4110A, the third refrigerant space41 IOC, and the first heated refrigerant space 4114A are illustrated schematically in FIGS. 40 and 42. The refrigerant flow F2 passes through the first refrigerant space 4110A, the third refrigerant space 41 IOC, the first heated refrigerant space 4114A, and a second refrigerant opening 4086 and is collected in a collector manifold 4142. The collector 1142 combines the refrigerant from the three parallel flow passages (e.g., spaces 4110A, 41 IOC, and 4114A). The spaces 4110A, 41 IOC, and 4114A form a first parallel group of the two parallel groups in series. The refrigerant flow F2 flows through the collector manifold 4142 to a transfer line 4144. In short, the collector manifold 4142 and the transfer line 4144 transport the refrigerant flow F2 around the wall 4140. Additionally, the transfer line 4144 promotes a mixing effect of the refrigerant flow F2. Specifically, the mixing effects helps to compensate for differing evaporation effects. After passing through the transfer line 4144, the refrigerant flow F2 passes through a third refrigerant opening 4146 and enters second refrigerant space 4110B, the fourth refrigerant space 4110D, and the second heated refrigerant space 4114B to a refrigerant outlet 4034 as shown in FIG. 43. The spaces 4110B, 4110D, and 4114B form a second parallel group of the two parallel groups in series. The transfer line 414 connects the two parallel groups in series such that the refrigerant flow F2 flows in the same direction for each of the two parallel groups.

[0150] Various additional features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A heat exchanger comprising: a coolant inlet configured to supply a coolant to the heat exchanger; a coolant outlet configured to dispel the coolant from the heat exchanger; a refrigerant inlet configured to supply a refrigerant to the heat exchanger; a refrigerant outlet configured to dispel the refrigerant from the heat exchanger; a refrigerant passage extending between the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the refrigerant passage including a first segment and a second segment, the second segment adjacent a base of the heat exchanger; a coolant passage extending between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, a portion of the coolant passage extends between the first segment and the second segment and is configured to facilitate heat transfer between the coolant flowing through the coolant passage and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage; and a heating element positioned on the base of the heat exchanger, when the heating element is on, the heating element is configured to emit a heat to increase a temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the first segment and the second segment each have a U-shape.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein the U-shape is defined by wall extending across a portion of the first segment and wherein the U-shape is defined by a wall extending across a portion of the second segment.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to transfer the heat from the heating element to the refrigerant flowing through the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

5. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, when the heating element is on, the heating element is configured to emit a heat to increase a temperature of the coolant flowing though the portion of the coolant passage extending between the first segment and the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

6. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first segment of the refrigerant passage has a serpentine shape.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 6, wherein the serpentine shape is defined by two walls extending across a portion of the first segment in opposite directions.

8. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of dimples is positioned in the first segment of the refrigerant passage.

9. The heat exchanger of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of protrusions positioned around an inlet to the first segment of the refrigerant passage.

10. The heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein the plurality of protrusions is arranged in an arc around the inlet.

11. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a turbulator is positioned in the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein a height of the turbulator is similar to a height of the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

13. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 1-5, further comprising a wall positioned in the first segment of the refrigerant passage, wherein the wall separates the first segment into two parallel passages.

14. The heat exchanger of claim 13, wherein the refrigerant inlet is fluidly connected to a distributor, the distributor configured to direct a first portion of the refrigerant into one of the two parallel passages of the first segment, and the distributor configured to direct a second portion of the refrigerant into the other of the two parallel passages of the first segment.

15. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coolant passage and the refrigerant passage are defined by a plurality of plates stacked together.

16. The heat exchanger according to claims 15 wherein the plurality of plates includes a first group of plates and a second group of plates, and the first group of plates are alternating stacked with the second group of plates.

17. The heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of plates includes a first short side and a second short side, wherein the first group of plates each include a wall that extends from the first short side to the second short side.

18. The heat exchanger according to claim 17, wherein the wall separates the refrigerant into a first parallel group and a second parallel group.

19. The heat exchanger according to claim 18, further comprising a transfer channel that couples the first parallel group to the second parallel group such that the first and the second parallel groups are connected in series.

20. The heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein the first segment of the refrigerant passage is defined between one plate of the first group of plates and one plate of the second group of plates when the one plate of the second group of plates is positioned below the one plate of the first group of plates.

21. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 16-20, wherein the portion of the coolant passage extending between the first segment and second segment of the refrigerant passage is defined between one plate of the first group of plates and one plate of the second group of plates when the one plate of the first group of plates is positioned below the one plate of the second group of plates.

22. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 16-21, wherein a surface of each plate in the first group of plates is dimpled.

23. The heat exchanger according to any of the claim 16-22, wherein each plate in the plurality of plates includes a first coolant opening fluidly connected to the coolant inlet, a second coolant opening fluidly connected to the coolant outlet, a first refrigerant opening fluidly connected to the refrigerant inlet, anda second refrigerant opening fluidly connected to the refrigerant inlet.

24. The heat exchanger according to claim 23, wherein each plate in the first group of plates includes a plurality of protrusions positioned around the refrigerant inlet.

25. The heat exchanger of claim 24, wherein the plurality of protrusions is arranged in an arc around the refrigerant inlet.

26. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 23-25, wherein the first segment allows for fluid communication between the first refrigerant opening and the second refrigerant opening, and the first segment inhibits fluid communication between the first coolant opening and the second coolant opening.

27. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 23-26, wherein the portion of the coolant passage extending between the first segment and the second segment of the refrigerant passage allows for fluid communication between the first coolant opening and the second coolant opening, and the portion of the coolant passage extending between the first segment and the second segment of the refrigerant passage inhibits fluid communication between the first coolant opening and the second coolant opening.

28. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a turbulator is positioned in the second segment of the refrigerant passage, the turbulator is formed from a conductive material, and the turbulator is configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the coolant flowing through the portion of the coolant passage extending between the first segment and the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

29. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a turbulator positioned in the portion of the coolant passage that extends between the first segment and the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

30. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 1 -7, 9-16, and 20-28, further comprising a turbulator positioned in the first segment of the refrigerant passage.

31. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 1-12 and 15-29, wherein a first portion of the refrigerant flows through the first segment and a second portion of the refrigerant flows through the second segment simultaneously.

32. The heat exchanger according to claim 31, wherein the second segment of the refrigerant passage is defined by two refrigerant spaces, each refrigerant space of the two refrigerant spaces are formed between adjacent plates of the plurality of plates and wherein the two refrigerant spaces are in parallel.

33. The heat exchanger according to claim 32, wherein the two refrigerant spaces are separated by a portion of the coolant passage.

34. The heat exchanger according to claim 31 , wherein the first segment of the refrigerant passage is defined by a first refrigerant space formed between adjacent plates of the plurality of plates, and wherein the second segment of the refrigerant passage is defined by a second refrigerant space formed between a bottom plate of the plurality of plates and an end plate positioned adjacent the base.

35. The heat exchanger according to claim 34, wherein the coolant passage is defined by a first coolant space formed between a top plate of the plurality of plates and one plate of the plurality plates, and wherein a second coolant space formed between another plate of the plurality of plates and the bottom plate of the plurality of plates.

36. The heat exchanger according to claim 31, further comprising a turbulator positioned in the first segment of the refrigerant passage.

37. The heat exchanger of claim 36, wherein the two walls defining the serpentine shape extend at least partially into the turbulator.

38. The heat exchanger of claim 36, wherein the two walls defining the serpentine shape are at least partially formed in the turbulator.

39. The heat exchanger of claim 36, further comprising a second turbulator positioned in the first segment of the refrigerant passage, wherein the turbulator and the second turbulator are separated by at least one of the two walls defining the serpentine shape.

40. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the coolant passage extending between the first segment and the second segment has a first height, the first segment of the refrigerant passage has a second height, the second segment of the refrigerant passage has a third height, and the second height is no larger than the first height.

41. The heat exchanger of claim 40, wherein the second height is smaller than the first height.

42. The heat exchanger of claim 40 or 41, wherein the third height is at least as large as the second height.

43. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 40-42, wherein the third height is larger than the second height.

44. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 40-43, wherein the third height is no larger than the first height.

45. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 40-44, wherein the third height is smaller than the first height.

46. The heat exchanger according to claim 40, wherein a height of the turbulator positioned in the second segment of the refrigerant passage is the same as the third height.

47. The heat exchanger according to any of the claims 1-30 and 40-46, wherein a divider separates the heat exchanger into a first heat exchanger portion and a second heat exchanger portion, the first heat exchanger portion includes the first segment of the refrigerant passage and the portion of the coolant passage extending between the first segment and the second segment of the refrigerant passage,the second heat exchanger portion includes the second segment of the refrigerant passage and the heating element, and the divider includes an opening fluidly connecting the first segment and the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

48. The heat exchanger according to claim 47, wherein the divider is a plate.

49. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a rib positioned in the portion of the coolant passage extending between the first segment and the second segment of the refrigerant passage, the rib configured to distribute the flow of the coolant flowing through the portion of the coolant passage.

50. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coolant inlet, the coolant outlet, and the refrigerant inlet are positioned on a top end of the heat exchanger, and the top end of the heat exchanger is opposite of the base of the heat exchanger.

51. The heat exchanger of claim 50, wherein the refrigerant outlet is positioned on the top end of the heat exchanger.

52. The heat exchanger of claim 50, wherein the refrigerant outlet is positioned on the base of the heat exchanger.

53. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a turbulator positioned in the second segment of the refrigerant passage.

54. The heat exchanger of claim 53, wherein the second segment of the refrigerant passage has a serpentine shape.

55. The heat exchanger of claim 54, wherein the serpentine shape is defined by two walls extending across a portion of the second segment in opposite directions.

56. The heat exchanger of claim 55, wherein the two walls defining the serpentine shape extend at least partially across the turbulator.

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