Plate heat exchanger

Abstract

A plate heat exchanger comprises a package of heat exchanger plates, each with a peripheral portion and several aligned through flow ports. The plates are permanently joined to form flow passages for two heat exchange media. First inlet and outlet channels communicate with every other flow passage, while second inlet and outlet channels communicate with the remaining passages. First guiding ribs in the port portions distribute the first heat exchange medium, and second guiding ribs do the same for the second medium. Fins in the heat exchange portion create parallel guide channels for both media. A mixing zone is configured between the fins and guiding ribs to equalize volume flow before entering the guide channels. Outermost guiding ribs prevent bypass flow between the plates and fins, ensuring efficient heat exchange.

Description

[0001] Plate heat exchanger

[0002] The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger comprising a package of heat exchanger plates and a method of operating the plate heat exchanger.

[0003] Background

[0004] Heat exchangers and more particularly plate heat exchangers are used for transferring thermal energy between fluids. It relates to heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus in which the heat-exchange media do not come into direct contact. Applications for heat exchangers include energy storage, refrigeration and heat pump systems. Energy storage may include electrochemical devices such as electrolyzers and fuel cells.

[0005] Relevant prior art includes WO 2024 / 061823 A1 which discloses a plate heat exchanger comprising a package of heat exchanger plates, each having a peripheral portion and several port portions with through flow ports communicating with flow passages between adjacent heat exchanger plates. First guiding ribs are arranged in the port portions, which first guiding ribs in every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates are configured to guide and distribute the first heat exchange medium from a first inlet channel to a heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to a first outlet channel, and in that second guiding ribs are arranged in the port portions, which second guiding ribs in the remaining flow passages between the heat exchanger plates are configured to guide and distribute a second heat exchange medium from a second inlet channel to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to a second outlet channel.

[0006] Fins are arranged in the heat exchange portion of the flow passages between the adjacent heat exchanger plates, which fins creates a number of parallel guide channels for each of the first and second heat exchange medium. A number of the guiding ribs extend to a position at a distance from a respective end portion of the fins, which distance is configured as a mixing zone for mixing and equalize the flow before entering the parallel guide channels created by the fins. A number of the guiding ribs extend into the mixing zone and abut against the respective end portion of the fins for positioning and guidance of the corrugated sheet metal of the fins. It is an object of the present invention to provide technologies for improving the flow in the heat exchanger of the prior art.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above object is realized by a plate heat exchanger comprising a package of heat exchanger plates, each plate having a peripheral portion and several port portions with through flow ports, wherein the plates are permanently joined along their peripheral portions to form flow passages in a heat exchange portion between the heat exchanger plates for a first and a second heat exchange medium, wherein the through flow ports of the heat exchanger plates are aligned and form first inlet and outlet channels through the package for a first heat exchange medium, which communicate with every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates, and second inlet and outlet channels through the package for a second heat exchange medium, which communicate with remaining flow passages between the heat exchanger plates; wherein along each of the inlet and outlet channels, the port portions of adjacent heat exchanger plates, which form a flow passage separated from the inlet and outlet channel, respectively, are permanently joined around the inlet and outlet channel, respectively, wherein first guiding ribs are arranged in the port portions, which first guiding ribs in every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates are configured to guide and distribute the first heat exchange medium from the first inlet channel to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to the first outlet channel, and in that second guiding ribs are arranged in the port portions, which second guiding ribs in the remaining flow passages between the heat exchanger plates are configured to guide and distribute the second heat exchange medium from the second inlet channel to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to the second outlet channel, wherein fins are arranged in the heat exchange portion of the flow passages between the adjacent heat exchanger plates, which fins creates a number of parallel guide channels for each of the first and second heat exchange medium, respective, wherein a number of the first and second guiding ribs extend to a position at a distance from a respective end portion of the fins, which distance between the respective end portion of the fins and the first and second guiding ribs is configured as a mixing zone for mixing and equalize the volume flow of the first heat exchange medium before entering the parallel guide channels created by the fins, and for mixing and equalize the volume flow of the second heat exchange medium before entering the parallel guide channels created by the fins, wherein first outermost guiding ribs of the first guiding ribs being located diagonally opposite to each other on opposite sides of the heat exchange portion and first outermost guiding ribs of the second guiding ribs being located diagonally opposite to each other on opposite sides of the heat exchange portion, the first outermost guiding ribs extend into the mixing zone and abuts against the respective end portion of the fins for preventing the first and second heat exchange medium, respective, to flow in bypass channels formed between the peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plate and the outermost fins in the heat exchange portion, wherein second outermost guiding ribs of each of the first and second guiding ribs being located opposite the first guiding ribs on the same side of the heat exchange portion on the heat exchanger plate being spaced apart from the respective end portion of the fins, the first outermost guiding ribs of the first guiding ribs being located adjacent the second outermost guiding ribs of the second guiding ribs and vice versa.

[0009] The configuration of first and second guiding ribs, along with the mixing zone, ensures an optimized distribution of the heat exchange mediums, leading to improved thermal efficiency and uniform temperature distribution across the heat exchanger plates. The symmetric arrangement of the guiding ribs and fins contributes to uniform flow patterns, minimizing dead zones and enhancing overall thermal performance.

[0010] The presence of fins creating parallel guide channels maximizes the surface area for heat transfer, enhancing the overall heat exchange performance of the unit. The distance kept between the guiding ribs and the fins creates the mixing zone, allowing for mixing and equalize the flow, which results in a better thermal interaction between the heat exchange mediums.

[0011] It has been surprisingly found out that there is no need to let all of the outermost guiding ribs extend into the mixing zone. It is sufficient to let the first outermost guiding ribs located diagonally opposite to each other on opposite sides of the heat exchange portion on the heat exchanger plate abut against the respective end portion of the fins the fins. The second outermost guiding ribs opposite the first outermost guiding ribs on the same side of the heat exchange portion may thus be spaced apart from the respective end portion of the fins. The outermost guiding ribs abutting against the respective end portion of the fins diagonally opposite to each other allow the fins to be kept in a suitable position for establishing the mixing zone between the fins and the rest of the guiding ribs as the fins are prevented from moving towards any of the port portions. The fins are further supported by the opposite plates, the fins will also be supported by the peripheral portion and by the opposite plates. This will provide sufficient support for the fins and prevent movement in any direction. It further prevents bypassing of the fins by the heat exchange mediums as the bypass flow is still prevented between the opposite port portions by at least one outermost guiding rib which is located either at the inlet side or at the outlet side.

[0012] By having only one outermost guiding rib on each side of the heat exchange portion extending into the mixing zone and abutting against the respective end portion of the fins, the mixing zone can be wider and extend uninterrupted between the first outermost guiding rib and the second outermost guiding rib, allowing a better mixing and ensuring that the fluid can re-distribute evenly over the fin channel such that all the fluid participates in the heat exchange process in the most efficient way. This offers the advantage of an enhanced heat transfer efficiency due to improved heat conduction between the first and second heat exchange mediums. It also allows the flow to briefly enter the bypass channel at the second outermost guide ribs and return in a back-and-forth motion which contributes to the heat exchange and flow balance. Further, the design of the guiding ribs and the port portions can be simplified as the wider mixing zone ensures a balanced flow distribution, which optimizes the performance of both heat exchange mediums.

[0013] Having the first outermost guiding ribs of the first guiding ribs being located adjacent the second outermost guiding ribs of the second guiding ribs and the first outermost guiding ribs of the second guiding ribs being located adjacent the second outermost guiding ribs of the first guiding ribs also allows the first guising ribs to be adjacent a flat part of the adjacent plate in the mixing zone adjacent the fins, allowing for a better blocking of the bypass channel.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises first and second guiding ribs constituting an integral part of a heat exchanger plate. Integrating the first and second guiding ribs as part of the heat exchanger plate simplifies the manufacturing process, reducing the number of components and assembly time.

[0015] The integral design of the guiding ribs with the heat exchanger plates enhances the structural integrity of the system, leading to increased durability and a longer service life.

[0016] By forming the guiding ribs with the plate itself, potential misalignment during assembly is minimized, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the likelihood of operational failures.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises heat exchanger plates being made of thin material and be provided with the first and second guiding ribs shaped on one side, each first and second guiding rib being shaped in the port portion of a heat exchanger plate.

[0018] Utilizing thin material for the heat exchanger plates with shaped guiding ribs on one side reduces the overall weight of the heat exchanger, leading to cost savings in materials and easier handling during installation.

[0019] The shaping of the guiding ribs on the heat exchanger plates can be achieved through efficient manufacturing processes such as stamping or pressing, which can lower production costs and increase production rates.

[0020] The design allows for a compact construction of the heat exchanger, which is beneficial for applications where space is at a premium, without compromising the heat transfer capabilities.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises first and second guiding ribs being arranged in a separate sheet element, and wherein such sheet elements are arranged in the respective port portion.

[0022] Arranging the first and second guiding ribs in a separate sheet element allows for customization of the rib design and material selection independent of the heat exchanger plates, providing flexibility in optimizing the heat exchanger for different operating conditions.

[0023] The use of separate sheet elements for the guiding ribs facilitates easier replacement or maintenance of these components without the need to disassemble or replace the entire heat exchanger plate.

[0024] The separate sheet elements can be manufactured with precision-engineered features that may be difficult to achieve directly on the heat exchanger plates, enhancing the performance and reliability of the heat exchanger.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises a height of the first and second guiding ribs corresponding to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates in the port portions, respective.

[0026] Matching the height of the first and second guiding ribs to the distance between adjacent heat exchanger plates ensures a tight control of the flow path, minimizing dead zones and promoting efficient heat transfer.

[0027] The precise height correspondence between the guiding ribs and the spacing of the plates contributes to a uniform flow distribution, which can lead to reduced pressure drop and improved energy efficiency.

[0028] This design feature can help to prevent the intermixing of the heat exchange mediums in the port portions, maintaining the integrity of the separate flow channels and enhancing the overall performance of the heat exchanger.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the first outermost guiding ribs extending from the peripheral portion.

[0030] The inclusion of first outermost guiding ribs extending from the peripheral portion enhances the structural integrity of the heat exchanger, providing increased resistance to mechanical stresses and potential damage during operation or maintenance. The first outermost guiding ribs can improve the flow distribution of the working fluid by directing it more efficiently towards the core heat exchange area, thereby optimizing thermal performance and reducing pressure drop across the heat exchanger.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the second outermost guiding ribs extending from the peripheral portion.

[0032] The second outermost guiding ribs serve to further stabilize the flow pattern of the fluid within the heat exchanger, ensuring a more uniform temperature distribution and increasing the overall heat transfer efficiency.

[0033] By extending from the peripheral portion, the second outermost guiding ribs contribute to the mechanical robustness of the device, potentially allowing for a more compact design by reducing the need for additional support structures.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, one or more of the guiding ribs between the first and second outermost guiding ribs extend into the mixing zone.

[0035] The first and second guiding ribs located between the outermost guiding ribs preferably do not extend into the mixing zone for allowing the mixing zone to extend uninterrupted between the between the outermost guiding ribs. However, on very large plates one or more first and second guiding ribs located between the outermost guiding ribs can extend into the mixing zone and their abutment against the fins provide precise positioning of the corrugated sheet metal, which can enhance the structural integrity of the heat exchanger. These guiding ribs can also serve to direct fluid flow more effectively within the heat exchange portion, potentially improving the heat exchanger's overall thermal efficiency and reducing wear on the fins.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises first outermost guiding ribs of the first guiding ribs being located adjacent the first inlet and the first outlet, respectively, and, the first outermost guiding ribs of the second guiding ribs are located adjacent the second inlet and the second outlet, respectively The strategic placement of the first outermost guiding ribs adjacent to the inlets and outlets minimizes the risk of hot spots and cold spots, leading to a more consistent and reliable operation of the heat exchanger.

[0037] Being close to the inlet, the first outermost guiding rib can provide a direct blocking of the bypass channels closest to the inlet. This configuration also provides organized pathways for fluid entry and exit.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises guiding ribs being straight or curved.

[0039] The use of straight guiding ribs simplifies the manufacturing process, potentially reducing production costs and time, as well as allowing for easier replication of the heat exchanger design. Further, a cross corrugated pattern can be established when mounted opposite a similar mirrored plate. Straight guiding ribs can offer a predictable and streamlined flow path for the working fluid, which can enhance the predictability of the heat exchanger's performance and facilitate computational modeling and analysis for further optimization. However, using curve guiding ribs the flow pattern can be optimized.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises each parallel guide channel being delimited by walls of the fins and a heat exchanger plate.

[0041] Delimiting each parallel guide channel by walls of the fins and a heat exchanger plate ensures a high surface area to volume ratio, which is beneficial for maximizing heat transfer rates within a compact space.

[0042] The defined boundaries of the guide channels can prevent cross-flow or mixing of fluid streams, thereby maintaining the integrity of the thermal gradients necessary for efficient heat exchange and reducing the potential for thermal short-circuiting.

[0043] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises fins being created by a corrugated sheet metal, which has wave peaks and wave troughs. The incorporation of fins created by corrugated sheet metal enhances the surface area available for heat transfer, thereby improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0044] The wave peaks and troughs of the corrugated sheet metal induce turbulence in the fluid flow, which can increase the heat transfer coefficient and reduce the likelihood of hot spots within the heat exchanger.

[0045] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises wave height of the fins of the corrugated sheet metal corresponding to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates in the heat exchange portion.

[0046] Matching the wave height of the fins to the distance between adjacent heat exchanger plates ensures optimal spacing for fluid flow, which can minimize pressure drop and improve thermal performance.

[0047] This configuration can facilitate a more uniform distribution of the heat exchange medium between the plates, leading to more consistent heat transfer rates across the heat exchanger.

[0048] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the first outermost guiding ribs contact the adjacent heat exchanger plate, and or, wherein the second outermost guiding ribs contact the adjacent heat exchanger plate.

[0049] In this way the adjacent plates can support each other and define contact points at the first outermost guiding ribs and / or the second outermost guiding ribs. Optionally, the plates are joined at these contact points.

[0050] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the fins have a variable height.

[0051] The first and second flow passage may have fins of different height. In this way the heat exchange between the fluids can be optimized.

[0052] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the heat exchanger further comprises flow ports being non-circular. Non-circular flow ports can be designed to optimize fluid dynamics for specific applications, potentially leading to improved heat transfer and reduced energy consumption.

[0053] The non-circular geometry of the flow ports can also allow for a more compact design of the heat exchanger, which can be beneficial in applications where space is at a premium.

[0054] The configuration of non-circular flow ports enhances the flow characteristics, further improving the heat transfer capabilities of the plate heat exchanger.

[0055] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above object is realized by a method of operating a plate heat exchanger according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of: flowing the first heat exchange medium from the first inlet to the first outlet, and, flowing the second heat exchange medium from the second inlet to the second outlet.

[0056] The method of operating the plate heat exchanger according to a second aspect ensures a controlled flow of two separate heat exchange mediums, which can maximize the heat exchanger's performance and extend its operational lifespan.

[0057] By separately managing the flow of the first and second heat exchange mediums, the method allows for precise temperature control of the outgoing fluids, which is critical in processes that require stringent thermal regulation.

[0058] Brief description of the drawings

[0059] Embodiments of the application will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the figures, the same or similar features are referenced by the same reference numerals.

[0060] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plate heat exchanger.

[0061] Fig. 2 is a side view of the plate heat exchanger in a section view.

[0062] Fig. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a plate of the plate heat exchanger.

[0063] Fig. 4 is a close-up view of the first embodiment of a plate of the plate heat exchanger.

[0064] Fig. 5 is a front view of a second embodiment of a plate of the plate heat exchanger. Fig. 6 is a front view of two superimposed plates of the second embodiment of the plate heat exchanger.

[0065] Detailed description of the drawings

[0066] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plate heat exchanger 1 according to an example. The plate heat exchanger 1 comprising a stack of corrugated heat exchanger plates 2, each having a peripheral portion 4 and several port portions 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b with ports 16a, 16b, 20a, 20b. The heat exchanger plates 2 are permanently joined to adjacent heat exchanger plates of the package along their peripheral portions 4 in such manner that they leave flow passages (see fig. 2) between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2. The top plate 42 may constitute an end plate 42 which may be a flat plate for easy attachment of connectors etc. The ports 16a, 20a of the heat exchanger plates 2 are aligned and form respective first outlet and inlet channels 26a, 24a through the plate package for a first heat exchange medium 18, which communicate with every other flow passage 12 between the heat exchanger plates 2, and ports 16b, 20b of the heat exchanger plates 2 are aligned and form respective second inlet and outlet channels 24b, 26b through the plate package for a second heat exchange medium 22, which communicate with every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates 2. The port portions 6a, 8a surround a respective first outlet channel 24a and first inlet channel 26a and the port portions 6b, 8b surround a respective second inlet channel 24b and outlet channel 26b communicating with the flow passages formed by the heat exchanger plates 2.

[0067] Fig. 2 is a side view of the plate heat exchanger 1 in a section view in a section view along line X - X in fig. 1 according to an example. The heat exchanger plates 2 are permanently joined to adjacent heat exchanger plates 2 of the package along their peripheral portions 4 in such manner that they leave flow passages 12 in a heat exchange portion 14 between adjacent heat exchanger plates 2. Fins 32 are arranged in the heat exchange portion 14 of the flow passages 12 between the adjacent heat exchanger plates 2, which fins 32 creates a number of parallel guide channels 34 for each of the first and second heat exchange medium 18,22, respective. The peripheral portion of the heat exchange plates are provided with a flank 23 and a brim 25. Fig. 3 is a front view of a plate 2 of the plate heat exchanger. The peripheral portion 4 circumferentially encloses the plate 2. Each of the port portions 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b comprises a respective port 16a, 16b, 20a, 20b. The ports 16a, 16b, 20a, 20b, which serve as inlets and outlets for the heat exchange media and have a circular shape. The heat exchange portion 14 is located between the port portions 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b and comprises fins 32 which form parallel guide channels 34 through which the heat exchange media travel. The fins 32 define a corrugated sheet metal structure, with wave peaks and troughs. First guiding ribs 50 extend from the port portion 6a towards the heat exchange portion 14 for directing the heat exchange media from the port 16a towards the fins 32. Second guiding ribs 52 extend from the port portion 8a towards the heat exchange portion 14 for directing the heat exchange media from the fins 32 towards the port 20a. The guiding ribs 50,52 are typically pressed protrusions in the plate 2. A mixing zone 58 is located between the fins 32 and the respective guiding ribs 50,52. The mixing zone 58 helps with mixing and equalizing the flow of the heat exchange media before entry into the guide channels 34 of the fins 32.

[0068] The outermost guiding ribs 50a, 50b, 52a, 52b of the first and second guiding ribs 50,52 are located adjacent the peripheral portion 4 at the respective port portion 8a, 8b, 6a, 6b. The first outermost guiding ribs 50a, 52a are located diagonally opposite to each other on opposite sides of the heat exchange portion 14 on the heat exchanger plate 2. The first outermost guiding ribs 50a, 52a differ from the other guiding ribs 50,52 and from the second outermost guiding ribs 50b, 52b in that they extend into the mixing zone 58 and abut against the respective end portion 56 of the fins 32 for preventing the heat exchange medium to flow in bypass channels 60 formed between the peripheral portion 4 of the heat exchanger plate 2 and the outermost fins 32a, 32b in the heat exchange portion 14. The second outermost guiding ribs 50b, 52b of each of the first and second guiding ribs 50,52 are located opposite the first outermost guiding ribs 50a, 52a on the same side of the heat exchange portion on the heat exchanger plate 2, as well as the other guiding ribs 50,52, are thus being spaced apart from the respective end portion 56 of the fins 32.

[0069] Fig. 4 is a close-up view of the first embodiment of a plate of the plate heat exchanger.

[0070] Fig. 5 is a front view of a second embodiment of a plate of the plate heat exchanger. The ports 16a, 16b, 20a, 20b, which serve as inlets and outlets for the heat exchange media, have a non-circular shape for optimizing the distribution of the heat exchange media. The guiding ribs 50,52 are angled but not curved as in the first embodiment.

[0071] Fig. 6 is a front view of two superimposed plates of the second embodiment of the plate heat exchanger, illustrating the cross-corrugated shape established by the guiding ribs 50,52.

[0072] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements.

Claims

Claims1 . A plate heat exchanger comprising a package of heat exchanger plates, each plate having a peripheral portion and several port portions with through flow ports, wherein the plates are permanently joined along their peripheral portions to form flow passages in a heat exchange portion between the heat exchanger plates for a first and a second heat exchange medium, wherein the through flow ports of the heat exchanger plates are aligned and form first inlet and outlet channels through the package for a first heat exchange medium, which communicate with every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates, and second inlet and outlet channels through the package for a second heat exchange medium, which communicate with remaining flow passages between the heat exchanger plates; wherein along each of the inlet and outlet channels, the port portions of adjacent heat exchanger plates, which form a flow passage separated from the inlet and outlet channel, respectively, are permanently joined around the inlet and outlet channel, respectively, wherein first guiding ribs are arranged in the port portions, which first guiding ribs in every other flow passage between the heat exchanger plates are configured to guide and distribute the first heat exchange medium from the first inlet channel to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to the first outlet channel, and in that second guiding ribs are arranged in the port portions, which second guiding ribs in the remaining flow passages between the heat exchanger plates are configured to guide and distribute the second heat exchange medium from the second inlet channel to the heat exchange portion and from the heat exchange portion to the second outlet channel, wherein fins are arranged in the heat exchange portion of the flow passages between the adjacent heat exchanger plates, which fins creates a number of parallel guide channels for each of the first and second heat exchange medium, respective, wherein a number of the first and second guiding ribs extend to a position at a distance from a respective end portion of the fins, which distance between the respective end portion of the fins and the first and second guiding ribs is configured as a mixing zone for mixing and equalize the volume flow of the first heat exchange medium before entering the parallel guide channels created by the fins, and for mixing and equalize the volume flow of the second heat exchange medium before entering the parallel guide channels created by the fins, wherein first outermost guiding ribs of the first guiding ribs being located diagonally opposite to each other on opposite sides of the heat exchange portion and first outermost guiding ribs of the second guiding ribs being located diagonally opposite to each other on opposite sides of the heat exchange portion, the firstoutermost guiding ribs extend into the mixing zone and abuts against the respective end portion of the fins for preventing the first and second heat exchange medium, respective, to flow in bypass channels formed between the peripheral portion of the heat exchanger plate and the outermost fins in the heat exchange portion, wherein second outermost guiding ribs of each of the first and second guiding ribs being located opposite the first guiding ribs on the same side of the heat exchange portion on the heat exchanger plate being spaced apart from the respective end portion of the fins, the first outermost guiding ribs of the first guiding ribs being located adjacent the second outermost guiding ribs of the second guiding ribs and vice versa.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second guiding ribs constitute an integral part of a heat exchanger plate.

3. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the heat exchanger plates are made of thin material and be provided with the first and second guiding ribs shaped on one side, each first and second guiding rib being shaped in the port portion of a heat exchanger plate.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second guiding ribs are arranged in a separate sheet element, and wherein such sheet elements are arranged in the respective port portion.

5. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the first and second guiding ribs corresponds to the distance between two adjacent heat exchanger plates in the port portions, respective.

6. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first outermost guiding ribs of extend from the peripheral portion and / or the second outermost guiding ribs of extend from the peripheral portion.

7. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the guiding ribs between the first and second outermost guiding ribs extend into mixing zone.

168. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first outermost guiding ribs of the first guiding ribs are located adjacent the first inlet and the first outlet, respectively, and, the first outermost guiding ribs of the second guiding ribs are located adjacent the second inlet and the second outlet, respectively9. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding ribs are straight or curved.

10. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each parallel guide channel is delimited by walls of the fins and a heat exchanger plate.11 . The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fins are created by a corrugated sheet metal, which has wave peaks and wave troughs.

12. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first outermost guiding ribs contact the adjacent heat exchanger plate, and or, wherein the second outermost guiding ribs contact the adjacent heat exchanger plate .

13. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fins have a variable height.

14. The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flow ports are non-circular.

15. A method of operating a plate heat exchanger according to any of the claims 1-14, comprising the steps of: flowing the first heat exchange medium from the first inlet to the first outlet, and, flowing the second heat exchange medium from the second inlet to the second outlet.

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