Stacked Heat Exchanger Plate Structure With Single Return Orifice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacked plate heat exchangers suffer from suboptimal pressure loss due to incomplete annular beads surrounding dip tubes and multiple return passage holes, which affect fluid flow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a single return passage orifice per plate, with a through hole surrounded by an internal annular edge and an external raised edge, forming a plunger channel that extends across multiple plates, and a second distribution chamber for a second fluid path, optimizing fluid flow and reducing pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple return passage holes are provided on each plate, then the fluid can return to the distribution chamber, but the pressure loss increases and fluid flow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple return passage holes are merged into a single return passage orifice on each plate. This consolidation reduces the number of openings needed while maintaining effective fluid return to the distribution chamber, thereby reducing pressure loss and improving fluid flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The return passage orifice is positioned between the internal and external raised edges in a specific spatial arrangement. This dimensional positioning optimizes the fluid flow path from the through hole back to the distribution chamber, enabling efficient return flow with minimal pressure loss.
2Strength
If an annular bead completely surrounds the dip tube, then the structure is more robust, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular bead structure is modified to provide localized support rather than complete surrounding. The bead is positioned to offer structural reinforcement where needed while leaving openings that allow fluid to pass through, thus maintaining structural robustness without increasing pressure loss.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple holes are provided for return passage on each plate, then the fluid distribution is more uniform, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple return passage holes are consolidated into a single return passage orifice on each plate. This merger reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall structure while the strategic positioning of the single orifice maintains effective fluid distribution and return.
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 fluid flow efficiency by minimizing pressure loss and eliminating the need for multiple return passage holes, improving the overall performance of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
Two fluids circulate within these stacked cavities—a cooling fluid and a fluid to be cooled—so that heat can be exchanged between the two fluids
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of plates and wherein the plates (3, 4) are stacked on top of one another in a stacking direction so as to form a bundle (2) of plates, at least a first plate (3) and at least a second plate (4) define a first circulation path (5) for circulating a first fluid, at least the second plate (4) and at least a third plate (3) define a second circulation path for circulating a second fluid, the bundle (2) of plates having a first distribution chamber (9) configured so as to supply the first circulation path (5) with first fluid.