Motor Vehicle Heat Exchanger Frames with Internal Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers fail to efficiently handle high-pressure refrigerant fluids like CO2, leading to increased pressure losses and mechanical weaknesses, while also being complex to produce and inefficient in space allocation for motor vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a bundle of frames with internal bars that allow for multiple fluid passes, optimizing thermal performance and reducing pressure losses, with a brazed assembly for improved mechanical strength and simplicity in production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a stack of plates with partitions is used to create multiple circulation passes, then heat exchange performance is improved, but pressure losses increase and the structure cannot withstand high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple frames, each independently defining circulation channels. This segmentation allows each frame to be optimized for pressure containment while collectively providing multi-pass heat exchange functionality through the arrangement of frames in series.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional plate arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked frame structure. Multiple frames are arranged in the vertical dimension, allowing fluid to circulate through multiple passes by moving between frames, thereby achieving enhanced heat exchange without the pressure loss issues of planar plate designs.
2Stress or pressure
If a stack of tubes with collectors is used, then high pressure resistance is improved, but the architecture becomes complex with multiple brazing points and poor sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure merges the functions of tube supports, fluid distributors, and structural pressure-containing elements into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate collectors and multiple brazing joints, simplifying the architecture while maintaining high pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each frame serves multiple functions: it contains the fluid, provides structural strength for pressure resistance, defines circulation channels, and interfaces with adjacent frames. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing complexity and potential sealing issues.
3Power
If traditional heat exchanger architecture is used, then heat exchange function is achieved, but space allocation in motor vehicle is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked frame architecture utilizes the vertical dimension more effectively, arranging multiple heat exchange stages in the vertical direction rather than spreading them out horizontally. This compact vertical arrangement reduces the overall footprint and improves space utilization in the constrained motor vehicle environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The frames are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration where each frame is positioned within the vertical envelope of the overall structure. This nesting approach allows maximum heat exchange surface area to be packed into a compact volume, improving space efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances heat exchange efficiency, withstands high pressures, and simplifies production while reducing bulk, making it suitable for motor vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange bundle enabling heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid
Implementation Method 2
circulation channels for the first fluid and second circulation channels for the second fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger, notably for a motor vehicle, said exchanger comprising a heat exchange core bundle defining circulation canals (9) for at least one fluid. According to the invention, - the heat exchanger comprises a predefined number of frames (15) respectively defining a circulation canal (9) for said fluid, each frame (15) defining an internal width and an internal length (L), and – each frame (15) comprises at least one internal strip (150) of smaller width (W) than the said frame (15), and extending longitudinally inside said frame (15) over a length (l) less than the internal length (I) of the said frame (15) so as to define an at least two-pass path for the said fluid in the said frame (15).