Shell-and-plate type heat exchanger and refrigeration device

Abstract

A plate laminate (30) is accommodated in an internal space (15) of a shell (11). A net-like member (50) is disposed above the plate laminate (30) and below a refrigerant outlet (22). The net-like member (50) collects droplets contained in a refrigerant flowing out from an upper surface of the plate laminate (30) through a refrigerant flow path (31). The distance H [mm] from the upper surface of the plate laminate (30) to a lower surface of the net-like member (50) satisfies the condition of H ≥ 150.

Description

Shell and plate type heat exchanger and refrigeration equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shell-and-plate heat exchanger and a refrigeration system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a shell-and-plate heat exchanger including a shell, a plate stack having a plurality of heat transfer plates and disposed within the shell, and a mesh member (eliminator).

[0003] The refrigerant in the shell flows into the refrigerant flow passage of the plate stack, where it evaporates through heat exchange with the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium flow passage of the plate stack. The evaporated refrigerant flows out from the top surface of the plate stack. The mesh member collects droplets of the refrigerant.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-110516

[0005] However, if the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the top surface of the plate stack is high, the droplets contained in the refrigerant may not be sufficiently captured by the mesh member and may pass through the mesh member, flowing out of the shell through the refrigerant outlet.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to enable the mesh member to sufficiently capture droplets contained in the refrigerant.

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure includes a shell (11) that forms an internal space (15), has a refrigerant inlet (21) at a lower part, and has a refrigerant outlet (22) at an upper part; a plate stack (30) that is accommodated in the internal space (15), has a plurality of heat transfer plates (40) that are stacked in the plate thickness direction and joined to each other, and has formed therein a refrigerant flow path (31) through which a refrigerant flows and a heat medium flow path (32) through which a heat medium flows; and a mesh member (50) that is arranged above the plate stack (30) and below the refrigerant outlet (22) and that collects droplets contained in the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow path (31) and flowed out from an upper surface of the plate stack (30), wherein a distance H [mm] from the upper surface of the plate stack (30) to a lower surface of the mesh member (50) satisfies the condition H≧150.

[0008] In the first aspect, by appropriately setting the distance from the plate stack (30) to the underside of the mesh member (50), the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the upper surface of the plate stack (30) becomes slower before it reaches the mesh member (50), making it easier for the mesh member (50) to capture droplets.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the plate-and-shell heat exchanger of the first aspect, wherein the thickness t [mm] of the mesh member (50) in the vertical direction satisfies the condition t≧40 mm.

[0010] In the second aspect, by appropriately setting the thickness of the mesh member (50) in the vertical direction, it becomes easier to collect droplets contained in the refrigerant passing through the mesh member (50).

[0011] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the plate-and-shell heat exchanger of the first or second aspect, the total opening area S1 of the refrigerant flow paths (31) opening to the upper surface of the plate stack (30) and the area S2 of the mesh member (50) as viewed from the top and bottom satisfy the condition 2 × S1 ≦ S2 ≦ 4 × S1.

[0012] In the third aspect, by appropriately setting the total opening area S1 of the refrigerant flow path (31) and the area S2 of the mesh member (50), the mesh member (50) sufficiently covers the refrigerant flow path (31) of the plate stack (30), making it easier for the mesh member (50) to capture liquid droplets.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to any one of the first to third aspects, which includes a pair of support members (52) whose width direction is perpendicular to the stacking direction and the up-down direction of the heat transfer plates (40), and which are fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11) and have recesses (53) into which both ends of the mesh member (50) in the width direction are fitted.

[0014] In the fourth aspect, the mesh member (50) can be accommodated and supported in the shell (11) by inserting the mesh member (50) into the recesses (53) of the pair of support members (52).

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the width direction is a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the up-down direction of the heat transfer plates (40), and the shell (11) is provided with a pair of lower plates (55) fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11) and supporting the lower surfaces of both end portions of the mesh member (50) in the width direction, and a pair of upper plates (56) fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11) and arranged on the upper surfaces of both end portions of the mesh member (50) in the width direction.

[0016] In the fifth aspect, the mesh member (50) is inserted along the upper surfaces of a pair of lower plates (55), and the upper surfaces of both widthwise ends of the mesh member (50) are pressed down by a pair of upper plates (56), thereby enabling the mesh member (50) to be accommodated and supported within the shell (11).

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the plate-and-shell heat exchanger of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the refrigerant is a single refrigerant that is an HFO refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant that contains an HFO refrigerant as a component.

[0018] In the sixth aspect, a single refrigerant that is an HFO refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant that contains an HFO refrigerant as a component can be used as the refrigerant.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration system including a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and a refrigerant circuit (1a) through which refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange in the shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) flows.

[0020] In the seventh aspect, a refrigeration system can be provided, which includes a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) and a refrigerant circuit (1a).

[0021] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger. FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a plate stack. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the thickness of a mesh member and the average flow velocity. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the distance from the upper surface of the plate stack to the lower surface of a mesh member and the critical flow velocity. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining the relationship between the total opening area of ​​the refrigerant flow passages opening to the upper surface of the plate stack and the area of ​​the mesh member as viewed from the top and bottom. FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to a second embodiment.

[0022] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1 , a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) (hereinafter simply referred to as a “heat exchanger”) is provided in a refrigeration system (1). The refrigeration system (1) has a refrigerant circuit (1a) filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (1a) has a compressor (2), a radiator (3), a pressure reduction mechanism (4), and a heat exchanger (10) serving as an evaporator. The pressure reduction mechanism (4) is, for example, an expansion valve. The refrigerant circuit (1a) performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0023] The refrigeration system (1) is, for example, an air conditioner. The air conditioner may be a cooling-only unit, a heating-only unit, or an air conditioner that switches between cooling and heating. In this case, the air conditioner has a switching mechanism (e.g., a four-way switching valve) that switches the refrigerant circulation direction. The refrigeration system (1) may be a water heater, a chiller unit, a cooling device that cools the air inside a storage unit, or the like. The cooling device cools the air inside a refrigerator, a freezer, a container, or the like.

[0024] <Heat Exchanger> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heat exchanger (10) has a shell (11) and a plate stack (30). The shell (11) has an internal space (15). A refrigerant flows into the internal space (15) of the shell (11). The plate stack (30) is accommodated in the internal space (15) of the shell (11). The refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating within the plate stack (30). In this way, the heat exchanger (10) functions as an evaporator by evaporating the refrigerant that flows into the internal space (15) of the shell (11).

[0025] The refrigerant used here is a single HFO refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant containing an HFO refrigerant as a component. Specific examples include R1233zd(E), R1234ze(E), and R513A. The heat transfer medium used may be, for example, water or brine.

[0026] <Shell> The shell (11) has a tubular body (12), support legs (13), and a closing member (14). The tubular body (12) is formed of a cylindrical member that extends horizontally and is open at both axial ends.

[0027] The support legs (13) are disposed on both axial ends of the cylindrical body (12). The support legs (13) have holes formed therein that correspond to the openings of the cylindrical body (12). The support legs (13) are attached to the cylindrical body (12) by, for example, welding.

[0028] The closing members (14) close the openings at both ends of the cylindrical body (12) and are fastened to the support legs (13) by, for example, fastening bolts.

[0029] The shell (11) defines an internal space (15) by means of a cylindrical body (12), support legs (13), and a closing member (14). The shell (11) is installed with its axial direction aligned horizontally. A liquid refrigerant is stored in the internal space (15). A plate stack (30) is housed in the internal space (15).

[0030] The shell (11) has a refrigerant inlet (21) and a refrigerant outlet (22). The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided in the lower part of the shell (11). The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided in the bottom part of the shell (11). The refrigerant is introduced into the internal space (15) through the refrigerant inlet (21). In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the refrigerant inlet (21) is provided in the lower part of the shell (11) at a central position in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0031] The refrigerant outlet (22) is provided at an upper portion of the shell (11). The refrigerant evaporated in the internal space (15) is discharged from the refrigerant outlet (22) to the outside of the shell (11). The refrigerant inlet (21) and the refrigerant outlet (22) are connected to the refrigerant circuit (1a).

[0032] The shell 11 has a heat transfer medium inlet 23 and a heat transfer medium outlet 24. The heat transfer medium inlet 23 and the heat transfer medium outlet 24 are tubular members.

[0033] The heat medium inlet (23) penetrates one axial end of the shell (11). The heat medium inlet (23) is connected to a heat medium introduction passage (33) of the plate stack (30). The heat medium inlet (23) supplies the heat medium to the plate stack (30). Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant that has flowed into the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and the heat medium that has flowed into a heat medium flow passage (32) of the plate stack (30) described below.

[0034] The heat medium outlet (24) penetrates one axial end of the shell (11) at a position higher than the heat medium inlet (23). The heat medium outlet (24) is connected to a heat medium discharge path (34) of the plate stack (30). The heat medium outlet (24) discharges the heat medium from the plate stack (30). Note that the heat medium inlet (23) may be configured to be located higher than the heat medium outlet (24).

[0035] A partition member (60) is disposed below the plate stack (30). The partition member (60) has a partition plate (61). The partition plate (61) separates the plate stack (30) from the refrigerant inlet (21). The partition plate (61) extends along the lower surface of the plate stack (30) in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0036] The partition plate (61) has a plurality of communication holes (65). The refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet (21) flows along the partition plate (61) in the stacking direction of the heat transfer plates (40), and is discharged through the plurality of communication holes (65) toward the plate stack (30).

[0037] A mesh member (50) is disposed above the plate stack (30) and below the refrigerant outlet (22). The refrigerant passes through the refrigerant flow paths (31) of the plate stack (30), then flows out from the upper surface of the plate stack (30), and flows toward the mesh member (50). The mesh member (50) collects droplets contained in the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow paths (31) and flowed out from the upper surface of the plate stack (30). The mesh member (50) is formed, for example, in the shape of a thick plate by stacking metal meshes. The refrigerant can pass through the mesh member (50) in the thickness direction. The refrigerant that has passed through the mesh member (50) flows out from the refrigerant outlet (22).

[0038] The void ratio, which is an index indicating the fineness of the mesh of the mesh member (50), is, for example, 95% or more and 99% or less. The density of the mesh member (50) is, for example, 50 kg / m ３ More than 400 kg / m ３ The following is the result.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, the mesh member (50) is supported by a pair of support members (52). Specifically, in the following description, a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the up-down direction of the heat transfer plates (40) is defined as a width direction. A pair of fixing portions (51) extending in the axial direction is provided on the inner surface of the shell (11). The pair of fixing portions (51) are spaced apart in the width direction.

[0040] The support members (52) are fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11) via fixing portions (51). The support members (52) have recesses (53) that open toward the mesh members (50). The recesses (53) extend along the axial direction of the shell (11). Both widthwise ends of the mesh members (50) are inserted into the recesses (53) of the pair of support members (52), respectively. In this way, the mesh members (50) are accommodated and supported within the shell (11).

[0041] <Plate Stack> The plate stack (30) has a plurality of heat transfer plates (40) stacked in the thickness direction and joined to one another. The plate stack (30) is accommodated in the internal space (15) of the shell (11) with the stacking direction of the heat transfer plates (40) horizontal. The length of the plate stack (30) in the width direction is, for example, 600 to 1500 mm.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, the heat transfer plate (40) includes a first plate (40a) and a second plate (40b). In the plate stack (30), the first plates (40a) and the second plates (40b) are stacked alternately. The second plates (40b) are the first plates (40a) turned upside down.

[0043] In the following description, the left side of each of the first plate (40a) and the second plate (40b) in FIG. 4 is referred to as the front side, and the right side of each of the first plate (40a) and the second plate (40b) in FIG. 4 is referred to as the back side.

[0044] <Heat Medium Inlet Path, Heat Medium Outlet Path> The first plate (40a) has an inlet protrusion (41a) and an outlet protrusion (43a). The inlet protrusion (41a) and the outlet protrusion (43a) are formed by bulging a part of the first plate (40a) toward the surface side.

[0045] The inlet protrusion (41 a) is formed in the lower part of the first plate (40 a). A first inlet hole (42 a) is formed in the center of the inlet protrusion (41 a). The first inlet hole (42 a) is a circular hole that penetrates the first plate (40 a) in the thickness direction.

[0046] The outlet protrusion (43a) is formed on the upper part of the first plate (40a). A first outlet hole (44a) is formed in the center of the outlet protrusion (43a). The first outlet hole (44a) is a circular hole that penetrates the first plate (40a) in the thickness direction.

[0047] The second plate (40b) has an inlet recess (41b) and an outlet recess (43b). The inlet recess (41b) and the outlet recess (43b) are formed by bulging a part of the second plate (40b) toward the rear surface side.

[0048] The inlet recess (41b) is formed in the lower part of the second plate (40b). A second inlet hole (42b) is formed in the center of the inlet recess (41b). The second inlet hole (42b) is a circular hole that penetrates the second plate (40b) in the thickness direction. The inlet recess (41b) is formed at a position corresponding to the inlet protrusion (41a) of the first plate (40a). The second inlet hole (42b) is formed at a position corresponding to the first inlet hole (42a) of the first plate (40a).

[0049] The outlet recess (43b) is formed in the upper part of the second plate (40b). A second outlet hole (44b) is formed in the center of the outlet recess (43b). The second outlet hole (44b) is a circular hole that penetrates the second plate (40b) in the thickness direction. The outlet recess (43b) is formed at a position corresponding to the outlet protrusion (43a) of the first plate (40a). The second outlet hole (44b) is formed at a position corresponding to the first outlet hole (44a) of the first plate (40a).

[0050] In the plate stack (30), the peripheral edge of the first plate (40a) and the peripheral edge of the second plate (40b) adjacent to the back surface of the first plate (40a) are joined together along the entire periphery by welding. Alternatively, they may be joined by brazing.

[0051] In the plate stack (30), the first inlet hole (42a) of the first plate (40a) overlaps with the second inlet hole (42b) of the second plate (40b) adjacent to the front surface of the first plate (40a). The overlapping edges of the first inlet hole (42a) and the second inlet hole (42b) are joined by welding along the entire periphery. Alternatively, they may be joined by brazing. The first inlet hole (42a) and the second inlet hole (42b) communicate with a heat medium flow path (32) described below and introduce a heat medium into the heat medium flow path (32).

[0052] In the plate stack (30), the first outlet hole (44a) of the first plate (40a) overlaps with the second outlet hole (44b) of the second plate (40b) adjacent to the front surface of the first plate (40a). The overlapping edges of the first outlet hole (44a) and the second outlet hole (44b) are joined by welding along the entire periphery. Alternatively, they may be joined by brazing. The first outlet hole (44a) and the second outlet hole (44b) communicate with a heat medium flow path (32) described below, and allow the heat medium to flow out of the heat medium flow path (32).

[0053] In the plate stack (30), the inlet protrusion (41a) and the first inlet hole (42a) of the first plate (40a) and the inlet recess (41b) and the second inlet hole (42b) of the second plate (40b) form a heat transfer medium introduction passage (33).

[0054] In the plate stack (30), the heat medium discharge passage (34) is formed by the outlet protrusion (43a) and the first outlet hole (44a) of the first plate (40a) and the outlet recess (43b) and the second outlet hole (44b) of the second plate (40b).

[0055] The heat medium introduction channel (33) is a passage extending in the stacking direction of the heat transfer plates (40) in the plate stack (30). The heat medium introduction channel (33) is a passage isolated from the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and connects all the heat medium flow channels (32) to the heat medium inlet (23).

[0056] The heat medium outlet channel (34) is a passage extending in the stacking direction of the heat transfer plates (40) in the plate stack (30). The heat medium outlet channel (34) is a passage isolated from the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and connects all the heat medium flow channels (32) to the heat medium outlets (24).

[0057] <Refrigerant Channels, Heat Medium Channels> The plate stack (30) has refrigerant channels (31) and heat medium channels (32). A plurality of the refrigerant channels (31) and a plurality of the heat medium channels (32) are formed with the heat transfer plates (40) interposed therebetween. The refrigerant channels (31) and the heat medium channels (32) are separated from each other by the heat transfer plates (40). The first plate (40a) and the second plate (40b) each have repeated elongated ridge-like projections and depressions.

[0058] The first plate (40a) is provided with first front-side convex portions (45a) and first back-side convex portions (47a) alternately and repeatedly. The first front-side convex portions (45a) bulge out toward the front side of the first plate (40a). The first back-side convex portions (47a) bulge out toward the back side of the first plate (40a).

[0059] The second plate (40b) is provided with second front-side protrusions (47b) and second rear-side protrusions (45b) alternately and repeatedly. The second front-side protrusions (47b) bulge out toward the front side of the second plate (40b). The second rear-side protrusions (45b) bulge out toward the rear side of the second plate (40b).

[0060] The refrigerant flow path (31) is a flow path sandwiched between the front surface of the first plate (40a) and the back surface of the second plate (40b). The refrigerant flow path (31) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows, communicating with the internal space (15) of the shell (11). Specifically, the refrigerant flow path (31) includes a flow path formed between the front surface of the first back-side convex portion (47a) and the back surface of the second front-side convex portion (47b).

[0061] The heat medium flow path (32) is a flow path sandwiched between the back surface of the first plate (40a) and the front surface of the second plate (40b). The heat medium flow path (32) is a flow path through which the heat medium flows while being isolated from the internal space (15) of the shell (11). Specifically, the heat medium flow path (32) includes a flow path formed between the back surface of the first front-side convex portion (45a) and the front surface of the second back-side convex portion (45b).

[0062] <Flow of Heat Medium and Refrigerant> The flow of the heat medium and refrigerant in the heat exchanger (10) will be described. As shown in Fig. 4 , the heat medium flows from the heat medium inlet (23) into the heat medium introduction passage (33). The heat medium flowing through the heat medium introduction passage (33) flows through the heat medium flow passage (32) from the first inlet hole (42a) and the second inlet hole (42b) toward the first outlet hole (44a) and the second outlet hole (44b).

[0063] Specifically, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium introduction passage (33) flows into the heat medium flow path (32). The heat medium flows along the heat medium flow path (32) and then flows into the heat medium flow path (32) adjacent to the heat medium flow path (32) on the upper side of the heat medium flow path (32). In this manner, the heat medium flows upward while reaching both side ends of the heat transfer plate (40).

[0064] Next, the flow of the refrigerant will be described. The refrigerant that has passed through the pressure reducing mechanism (4) in the refrigerant circuit (1a) flows into the heat exchanger (10). The refrigerant passes through the refrigerant inlet (21) and flows into the internal space (15) of the shell (11).

[0065] In the internal space (15) of the shell (11), most of the plate stack (30) is immersed in liquid refrigerant, and the liquid refrigerant flows into the refrigerant flow paths (31) of the plate stack (30). The liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant flow paths (31) comes into contact with the heat transfer plates (40) and absorbs heat from the heat medium flowing in the heat medium flow paths (32), thereby evaporating. The gas refrigerant generated in the refrigerant flow paths (31) flows upward, exits the refrigerant flow paths (31), and is blown upward from the top surface of the plate stack (30).

[0066] The gas refrigerant that has passed through the plate stack (30) passes through the mesh member (50). The mesh member (50) captures liquid refrigerant contained in the gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant that has passed through the mesh member (50) flows out of the shell (11) through the refrigerant outlet (22).

[0067] <Arrangement of Mesh Member> Incidentally, when the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing out from the upper surface of the plate stack (30) is high, droplets contained in the refrigerant may not be sufficiently captured by the mesh member (50) and may pass through the mesh member (50) and flow out of the shell (11) through the refrigerant outlet (22). In particular, when a single refrigerant that is an HFO refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant containing an HFO refrigerant as a component is used as the refrigerant, the flow velocity tends to be high due to the relatively low density.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, the mesh member (50) is designed to be able to sufficiently capture the droplets contained in the refrigerant.

[0069] In the following description, the distance from the upper surface of the plate stack (30) to the lower surface of the mesh member (50) is defined as H [mm], and the thickness of the mesh member (50) in the vertical direction is defined as t [mm].

[0070] Fig. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the thickness of the mesh member (50) and the average flow velocity. As shown in Fig. 5, the average flow velocity of the refrigerant tends to increase as the thickness t of the mesh member (50) increases. In the example shown in Fig. 5, when t = 40, the average flow velocity is 1.9 m / s. In this embodiment, a mesh member (50) that satisfies the condition t ≥ 40 is used.

[0071] 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the distance from the upper surface of the plate stack (30) to the lower surface of the mesh member (50) and the critical flow velocity. Here, the critical flow velocity refers to the limit of the average flow velocity at which droplets can be collected from the refrigerant. In other words, when the average flow velocity of the refrigerant passing through the mesh member (50) becomes greater than the critical flow velocity, the mesh member (50) is unable to sufficiently collect the droplets, causing them to scatter.

[0072] The rectangular plots in Fig. 6 represent the critical flow velocity determined by a stand-alone test of the mesh member 50. As shown in Fig. 6, as the distance H increases, the critical flow velocity increases, and the critical flow velocity tends to fluctuate around 2.0 m / s.

[0073] In this embodiment, the mesh member (50) is arranged so as to satisfy the condition H≧150. This makes it possible to prevent the droplets contained in the refrigerant from scattering up to an average flow velocity of 2.0 m / s.

[0074] The researchers also investigated conditions for the mesh member (50) to sufficiently cover the refrigerant flow paths (31) of the plate stack (30). Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the plate stack (30) and the mesh member (50) in the vertical direction. When viewed from above, the mesh member (50) overlaps with the plate stack (30). That is, the mesh member (50) overlaps with the openings of the refrigerant flow paths (31) on the upper surface of the plate stack (30). Figure 7 simply illustrates the portion of the mesh member (50) that overlaps with the plate stack (30). Here, assuming that the total opening area of ​​the refrigerant flow paths (31) opening on the upper surface of the plate stack (30) is S1 and the area of ​​the mesh member (50) viewed from the vertical direction is S2, it is preferable to set the area of ​​the mesh member (50) so as to satisfy the condition 2 × S1 ≦ S2 ≦ 4 × S1.

[0075] In Figure 7, for ease of understanding, the refrigerant flow path (31) is schematically represented as a square, but the shape and size of the refrigerant flow path (31) may differ from the actual shape and size, and the refrigerant flow path (31) is not limited to this form.

[0076] -Effects of embodiment 1- According to this embodiment, by appropriately setting the distance from the plate stack (30) to the underside of the mesh member (50), the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the upper surface of the plate stack (30) decreases before it reaches the mesh member (50), making it easier for the mesh member (50) to capture droplets.

[0077] According to this embodiment, by appropriately setting the thickness of the mesh member (50) in the vertical direction, it becomes easier to collect droplets contained in the refrigerant passing through the mesh member (50).

[0078] According to this embodiment, by appropriately setting the total opening area S1 of the refrigerant flow path (31) and the area S2 of the mesh member (50), the mesh member (50) can adequately cover the refrigerant flow path (31) of the plate stack (30), making it easier for the mesh member (50) to capture liquid droplets.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the mesh member (50) can be accommodated and supported in the shell (11) by inserting the mesh member (50) into the recesses (53) of the pair of support members (52).

[0080] According to this embodiment, a single refrigerant that is an HFO refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant that contains an HFO refrigerant as a component can be used as the refrigerant.

[0081] According to the present embodiment, a refrigeration system (1) can be provided that includes a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) and a refrigerant circuit (1a).

[0082] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 8, a pair of fixing portions (51) extending in the axial direction is provided on the inner surface of the shell (11). The pair of fixing portions (51) are arranged with a gap therebetween in the width direction.

[0084] The mesh member (50) is supported by a pair of lower plates (55). The lower plates (55) are fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11) via fixing portions (51). The mesh member (50) is inserted into the shell (11) along the upper surfaces of the pair of lower plates (55) and placed on the lower plates (55).

[0085] A pair of upper plates (56) are arranged on the upper surface sides of both widthwise ends of the mesh member (50). The upper plates (56) are fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11) via fixing portions (51). The upper plates (56) press down the upper surface sides of both widthwise ends of the mesh member (50). The mesh member (50) is sandwiched between the lower plate (55) and the upper plate (56). As a result, the mesh member (50) is housed and supported within the shell (11).

[0086] -Effects of embodiment 2- According to this embodiment, the mesh member (50) is inserted along the upper surfaces of the pair of lower plates (55) and the upper surfaces of both widthwise ends of the mesh member (50) are pressed down by the pair of upper plates (56), thereby allowing the mesh member (50) to be accommodated and supported within the shell (11).

[0087] Other Embodiments Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and detail are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those terms.

[0088] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a shell-and-plate heat exchanger and a refrigeration device.

[0089] REFRIGERATION SYSTEM 1a REFRIGERATOR CIRCUIT 10 SHELL-AND-PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER 11 SHELL 15 INTERNAL SPACE 21 REFRIGERATOR INLETS 22 REFRIGERATOR OUTLETS 30 PLATE LAYERS 31 REFRIGERATOR FLOW PATH 32 HEAT TRANSFER FLOW PATH 40 HEAT TRANSFER PLATES 50 NET-SHAPED MEMBER 52 SUPPORT MEMBER 53 CONCAVITY 55 LOWER SURFACE 56 UPPER SURFACE PATH

Claims

1. A shell-and-plate heat exchanger comprising: a shell (11) that forms an internal space (15), has a refrigerant inlet (21) at the bottom, and has a refrigerant outlet (22) at the top; a plate stack (30) that is housed in the internal space (15), has a plurality of heat transfer plates (40) that are stacked in the plate thickness direction and joined to each other, and has a refrigerant flow path (31) through which a refrigerant flows and a heat transfer medium flow path (32) through which a heat transfer medium flows; and a mesh member (50) that is arranged above the plate stack (30) and below the refrigerant outlet (22) and that collects droplets contained in the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow path (31) and flowed out from the upper surface of the plate stack (30), wherein a distance H [mm] from the upper surface of the plate stack (30) to the lower surface of the mesh member (50) satisfies the condition H≧150.

2. A shell and plate type heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the thickness t [mm] of the mesh member (50) in the vertical direction satisfies the condition t≧40.

3. A shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the total opening area S1 of the refrigerant flow paths (31) opening to the upper surface of the plate stack (30) and the area S2 of the mesh member (50) as viewed from above and below satisfy the condition 2 x S1 ≦ S2 ≦ 4 x S1.

4. A shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the width direction is a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the up-down direction of the heat transfer plates (40), and the shell (11) is fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11), and the shell-and-plate heat exchanger is provided with a pair of support members (52) having recesses (53) into which both ends of the mesh member (50) in the width direction are fitted.

5. A shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a width direction is a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the up-down direction of the heat transfer plates (40), and the shell-and-plate heat exchanger comprises a pair of lower plates (55) fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11) and supporting the lower surfaces of both ends of the mesh member (50) in the width direction, and a pair of upper plates (56) fixed to the inner surface of the shell (11) and arranged on the upper surfaces of both ends of the mesh member (50) in the width direction.

6. A shell and plate type heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the refrigerant is a single refrigerant that is an HFO refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant that contains an HFO refrigerant as a component.

7. A refrigeration system comprising: a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a refrigerant circuit (1a) through which refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange in the shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) flows.

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