U.S. patent application number 12/499956 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for heat transfer cell for heat exchanger and assembly, and methods of fabricating the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to SHIN HAN APEX CORPORATION. Invention is credited to MUN-JAE CHO.
Application Number | 20100006274 12/499956 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41337996 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100006274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHO; MUN-JAE |
January 14, 2010 |
HEAT TRANSFER CELL FOR HEAT EXCHANGER AND ASSEMBLY, AND METHODS OF
FABRICATING THE SAME
Abstract
A heat transfer cell includes first and second heat transfer
plates which have first and second heat transfer areas, and first
and second flanges bent from the first and second heat transfer
areas so as to have a height difference with respect to the first
and second heat transfer areas. The first and second heat transfer
plates are joined into a cell body so as to be opposite to each
other in a mirror image, and the cell body having a first fluid
passage therein, weld lines formed along the first contacting each
other and along the second flanges contacting each other, and
external recesses formed outside the heat transfer areas for second
fluid passages intersecting with the first fluid passage at a right
angle.
Inventors: |
CHO; MUN-JAE; (SEOUL,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Emerson, Thomson & Bennett, LLC
777 W. Market Street
Akron
OH
44303
US
|
Assignee: |
SHIN HAN APEX CORPORATION
INCHEON
KR
|
Family ID: |
41337996 |
Appl. No.: |
12/499956 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/166 ;
29/890.03; 29/890.039 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 1/006 20130101;
Y10T 29/49366 20150115; F28D 9/0037 20130101; F28F 19/00 20130101;
Y10T 29/4935 20150115; F28F 2275/06 20130101; F28F 3/10 20130101;
F28F 1/045 20130101; B23P 15/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/166 ;
29/890.039; 29/890.03 |
International
Class: |
F28F 3/08 20060101
F28F003/08; B21D 53/02 20060101 B21D053/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 9, 2008 |
KR |
10-2008-0066435 |
Claims
1. A heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger comprising: a first
heat transfer plate having a first heat transfer area shaped of a
quadrilateral panel, and a pair of first flanges bent from the
first heat transfer area so as to have a height difference with
respect to the first heat transfer area; a second heat transfer
plate having a second heat transfer area shaped of a quadrilateral
panel, and a pair of second flanges bent from the second heat
transfer area in a direction opposite the bending direction of the
first flanges so as to have a height difference with respect to the
second heat transfer area, wherein the first and second heat
transfer plates are joined into a cell body so as to be opposite to
each other in a mirror image; and the cell body having a first
fluid passage therein, weld lines formed along the first contacting
each other and along the second flanges contacting each other, and
external recesses formed outside the heat transfer areas for second
fluid passages intersecting with the first fluid passage at
approximately a right angle.
2. The heat transfer cell of claim 1, wherein each of the first and
second heat transfer plates includes the first flanges that are
bent from opposite edges of each of the first and second heat
transfer areas in one direction and that run parallel to each of
the first and second heat transfer areas with a predetermined
length, and the second flanges that are bent from the other
opposite edges of each of the first and second heat transfer areas
in the direction opposite the bending direction of the first
flanges and that run parallel to each of the first and second heat
transfer areas with a predetermined length.
3. The heat transfer cell of claim 1, wherein the cell body
includes the weld lines formed along the first flanges that are
opposite to and in contact with each other, and inlet and outlet
that are connected with the first fluid passage and are defined by
the second flanges that are opposite to and spaced apart from each
other.
4. The heat transfer cell of claim 3, wherein the cell body
includes first slopes that are inclined toward the weld lines among
the first flanges, the first or second heat transfer area, and the
second flanges at a predetermined angle, and second slopes that are
inclined toward the inlet and the outlet between the second flanges
and the first or second heat transfer area at a predetermined
angle.
5. The heat transfer cell of claim 1, wherein the cell body
includes the weld lines formed along the second flanges of the heat
transfer plates which are opposite to and in contact with each
other in the mirror image, and an inlet and an outlet that are
connected with the first fluid passage and are defined by the first
flanges that are opposite to and spaced apart from each other.
6. The heat transfer cell of claim 5, wherein the cell body
includes first slopes inclined toward the inlet and the outlet
among the first flanges, the first or second heat transfer area,
and the second flanges at a predetermined angle, second slopes
inclined toward the weld lines between the second flanges and the
first or second heat transfer area at a predetermined angle, and
end plates that are in contact with the second flanges together
with the weld lines at left-hand and right-hand ends of the first
flanges forming the inlet and outlet.
7. The heat transfer cell of claim 1, wherein the cell body
includes a spacer set that maintains an interval of the first fluid
passage between the first and second heat transfer areas.
8. The heat transfer cell of claim 7, wherein the spacer set
includes a plurality of stud spacers, a lower end of each of which
is fixed to one of the first and second heat transfer areas so as
to intersect with one of the first and second heat transfer areas
at a right angle.
9. The heat transfer cell of claim 7, wherein the spacer set
includes a plurality of strip spacers, a lower end of each of which
is fixed to one of the first and second heat transfer areas so as
to intersect with one of the first and second heat transfer areas
at approximately a right angle, and each of which extends in a flow
direction of a fluid at a predetermined length.
10. The heat transfer cell of claim 7, wherein the spacer set
includes a plurality of stud spacers, a lower end of each of which
is fixed to one of the first and second heat transfer area so as to
intersect with one of the first and second heat transfer areas at
approximately a right angle, and a plurality of strip spacers, a
lower end of each of which is fixed to one of the first and second
heat transfer areas so as to intersect with one of the first and
second heat transfer areas at approximately a right angle and each
of which extends in a flow direction of the fluid at a
predetermined length.
11. A method of fabricating a heat transfer cell for a heat
exchanger, the method comprising: preparing a quadrilateral panel;
bending the quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate so as to
form a pair of first flanges and a pair of second flanges having a
height difference with respect to a heat transfer area formed on a
central region of the heat transfer plate, the first flanges being
located approximately perpendicular to the second flanges; and
disposing two heat transfer plates so as to be opposite to each
other in a mirror image, joining the two heat transfer plates to
form a first fluid passage, weld lines along the first contacting
each other and along the second flanges contacting each other, and
external recesses outside the heat transfer areas for second fluid
passages intersecting with the first fluid passage at a right
angle, and thereby forming a cell body.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the bending of the
quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate simultaneously or
sequentially performs bending opposite edges of the heat transfer
areas in one direction to form the first flanges that run
substantially parallel to the heat transfer areas with a
predetermined length, and bending the other opposite edges of the
heat transfer areas in a direction opposite the bending direction
of the first flanges to form the second flanges that run
substantially parallel to the heat transfer areas with a
predetermined length.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the bending of the
quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate further includes
forming first slopes that are inclined among the first flanges, the
heat transfer area, and the second flanges at a predetermined
angle, and forming second slopes that are inclined between the
second flanges and the transfer section at a predetermined
angle.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the forming of a cell body
includes forming the weld lines along the first flanges that are
opposite to and in contact with each other, and inlet and outlet
that are connected with the first fluid passage and are defined by
the second flanges that are opposite to and spaced apart from each
other.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the forming of a cell body
includes forming the weld lines along the second flanges that are
opposite to and in contact with each other, forming an inlet and an
outlet that are connected with the first fluid passage and are
defined by the first flanges that are opposite to and spaced apart
from each other, and installing end plates that are in contact with
the second flanges together with the weld lines at left-hand and
right-hand ends of the first flanges forming the inlet and
outlet.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising, prior to forming a
cell body, forming a spacer set that maintains an interval of the
first fluid passage between the first and second heat transfer
areas.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the forming of a spacer set
includes fixing a plurality of stud spacers to the heat transfer
area at lower ends thereof so as to intersect with the heat
transfer area at a right angle.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the forming of a spacer set
includes fixing a plurality of strip spacers to the heat transfer
area at lower ends thereof so as to intersect with one of the heat
transfer area at a right angle, each of the spacer spacers
extending in a flow direction of a fluid at a predetermined
length.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the forming of a spacer set
includes fixing a plurality of stud spacers to the heat transfer
area at lower ends thereof so as to intersect with the heat
transfer area at approximately a right angle, fixing a plurality of
strip spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends thereof so as
to intersect with one of the heat transfer area at a right angle,
each of the spacer spacers extending in a flow direction of a fluid
at a predetermined length.
20. The heat transfer of claim 1, wherein at least two cell bodies
are stacked in multiple layers and form the second fluid passages
intersecting with the first fluid passage at approximately a right
angle, between the two neighboring cell bodies, and fluids having
different temperatures exchange heat with each other without
physical contact while flowing through the first and second fluid
passages.
21. The heat transfer of claim 6, wherein at least two cell bodies
are stacked in multiple layers and form the second fluid passages
intersecting with the first fluid passage at approximately a right
angle, between the two neighboring cell bodies, and fluids having
different temperatures exchange heat with each other without
physical contact while flowing through the first and second fluid
passages.
22. The heat transfer of claim 10, wherein at least two cell bodies
are stacked in multiple layers and form the second fluid passages
intersecting with the first fluid passage at approximately a right
angle, between the two neighboring cell bodies, and fluids having
different temperatures exchange heat with each other without
physical contact while flowing through the first and second fluid
passages.
23. The heat transfer assembly of claim 20, wherein the cell bodies
stacked in multiple layers include the second fluid passages which
intersect with the first fluid passage at the right angle and are
formed by the second flanges that are in surface contact with each
other, the inlet and the outlet which are connected with the second
fluid passages and are defined by the first flanges that are
adjacent to and spaced apart from each other, and the end plates
that are in contact with the second flanges at the left-hand and
right-hand ends of the first flanges.
24. The heat transfer assembly of claim 20, wherein the cell bodies
stacked in multiple layers include the second fluid passages which
intersect with the first fluid passage at the right angle and are
formed by the first flanges that are in surface contact with each
other, and the inlet and the outlet which are connected with the
second fluid passages and are defined by the second flanges that
are adjacent to and spaced apart from each other.
25. The heat transfer assembly of claim 20, further comprising
cover members installed at the inlet of one of the first and second
fluid passages, into which the fluid having a relatively lower
temperature flows, wherein each of the cover members includes a
pair of isometric flat sections inclined with respect to the
flanges forming the inlet, and curved sections extending from the
isometric flat sections with a predetermined curvature.
26. The heat transfer assembly of claim 25, wherein each of the
cover members is fixed to the slopes in a manner that ends of the
isometric flat sections are in contact with the slopes through
which the flanges are connected with the heat transfer areas, and
includes an air space filled with air between the flanges and the
cover member with a leading end of the cover member spaced apart
from the weld line formed by welding the flanges by a predetermined
distance.
27. The method of claim 11, the method further comprising: stacking
a plurality of cell bodies in multiple layers so as to have the
second fluid passages intersecting with the first fluid passage
between the neighboring cell bodies.
28. The method of claim 16, the method further comprising: stacking
a plurality of cell bodies in multiple layers so as to have the
second fluid passages intersecting with the first fluid passage
between the neighboring cell bodies.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the stacking of a plurality of
cell bodies in multiple layers includes forming the second fluid
passages which intersect with the first fluid passage at the right
angle and are formed by the second flanges that are in surface
contact with each other, forming the inlet and the outlet which are
connected with the second fluid passages and are defined by the
first flanges that are adjacent to and spaced apart from each
other, and installing the end plates that are in contact with the
second flanges at the left-hand and right-hand ends of the first
flanges.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein the stacking of a plurality of
cell bodies in multiple layers includes forming the second fluid
passages which intersect with the first fluid passage at the right
angle and are formed by the first flanges that are in surface
contact with each other, and forming the inlet and the outlet which
are connected with the second fluid passages and are defined by the
second flanges that are adjacent to and spaced apart from each
other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent
Application No. 2008-0066435, filed on Jul. 9, 2008, in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a heat transfer cell and
assembly for a heat exchanger and methods of fabricating the same,
and more particularly, to a heat transfer cell and assembly for a
heat exchanger and methods of fabricating the same, capable of
minimizing vortex at and in the inlet of a passage into and through
which a fluid flows, increasing a contact area between the fluid
and its contact plate to improve heat exchange efficiency, easily
and rapidly fabricating an assembly by stacking a plurality of heat
transfer cells to improve productivity, preventing welding defects
resulting from downward sagging of the heat transfer plate when the
heat transfer cells are stacked, reducing the number of whole
constituent parts and the resulting fabricating costs, and
improving assemblability.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In general, heat exchangers are fluid-to-fluid heat recovery
apparatuses that recover heat included in gases discharged to the
outside in industrial facilities such as air-conditioning
facilities and then supply the recovered heat to productive
facilities or interiors of buildings.
[0006] These heat exchangers are designed to perform heat transfer
(heat exchange) between a high-temperature fluid and a
low-temperature fluid without a physical contact, and are
classified into a plate type heat exchanger, a heat pipe type heat
exchanger, a disc type heat exchanger, etc. according to the type
of a heat exchange module that is an internal core part.
[0007] Among these heat exchangers, the plate type heat exchanger
recovers heat by arranging a plurality of heat transfer plates in
parallel to each other at predetermined intervals, adopting a gap
between every two neighboring heat transfer plates as a channel
through which a fluid flows in one direction, and alternately
supplying a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid to
the respective channels so as to perform heat transfer (heat
exchange) through the respective heat transfer plates.
[0008] One example of the plate type heat exchanger is disclosed in
Korean Patent Publication No. 1993-7002655 (Sep. 9, 1993).
According to the plate type heat exchanger of this document, a
rigid parallelepiped shaped core is installed in a frame, and the
core is formed of a plurality of thin parallel plates that define
alternating passages for two different fluid flows. Each of the
thin parallel plates is connected to its adjacent plate by parallel
bars alongside edges thereof, wherein each bar is of stronger
construction than each plate. The frame includes a pair of spaced
parallel plates and transverse structural connectors. Seal means
are provided both between vertical corners and transverse corners
of the core and the adjacent surfaces of the frame defined by the
pair of plates and by the structural connectors.
[0009] However, in this related art, the plurality of thin parallel
plates constituting the core are welded so as to define the fluid
passages, i.e. first and second gas flow passages, intersecting at
right angle via the plurality of vertical, horizontal bars. For
this reason, a process of individually welding the bars to an inlet
and an outlet between the adjacent plates disposed in parallel
requires a high precision of welding, which further increases the
burden of a worker and reduces work efficiency. Further, the number
of constituent parts is increased to act as a main factor that
increases fabrication costs.
[0010] Further, the core is assembled by repeating a process of
horizontally disposing the first plate, a process of stacking the
second plate on the first plate via the bars, and a process of
welding the bars to the plates so as to have the first and second
gas flow passages intersecting at right angle. When each plate made
of metal is welded, the plate sags due to its own weight, which
leads to a failure in welding.
[0011] In the case in which a heat transfer area of the plate is
increased in order to meet design requirements of large facilities,
a sagging amount of the plate is relatively increased in proportion
to the heat transfer area of the plate. Thus, this welding failure
acts as a factor that reduces product reliability.
[0012] Further, the first fluid and the second fluid flowing to the
different passages of the core collide with a vertical front face
of each bar installed at the inlet of the passage, so that fluid
vortex and fluid resistance take place at the inlet of the passage,
and so that a flow of the fluid flowing into each passage forms a
turbulent flow rather than a laminar flow. For this reason, a
contact area between the plate as the heat transfer member and the
fluid is reduced, and thus heat exchange efficiency is reduced.
[0013] Meanwhile, when the heat is exchanged between the first and
second fluids having different temperatures via the plate, one of
the fluids which has an atmospheric temperature is typically
subjected to the heat exchange by contacting the plate heated by
the other fluid having relatively high temperature, for instance
200.degree. C or more. Thus, moisture can be created on a surface
of the plate due to the temperature difference between the heated
plate and the room-temperature fluid.
[0014] This moisture is mainly created at the inlet of the passage
through which the fluid having the atmospheric temperature flows.
The moisture acts as a main factor that corrodes the plate made of
metal to reduce the lifespan of the product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention provide a heat transfer
cell for a heat exchanger and a method of fabricating the same,
capable of minimizing vortex at and in the inlet of a passage into
and through which a fluid flows, and increasing a contact area
between the fluid and its contact plate to improve heat exchange
efficiency.
[0016] There is also provided a heat transfer assembly for a heat
exchanger and a method of fabricating the same, capable of easily
and rapidly fabricating an assembly by stacking a plurality of heat
transfer cells, preventing welding defects resulting from downward
sagging of the heat transfer plate when the heat transfer cells are
stacked, reducing the number of whole constituent parts and the
resulting fabricating costs, improving assemblability, and
preventing moisture from being generated when the heated plate
exchanges heat with the fluid.
[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger, which includes:
a first heat transfer plate having a first heat transfer area
shaped of a quadrilateral panel, and a pair of first flanges bent
from the first heat transfer area so as to have a height difference
with respect to the first heat transfer area; a second heat
transfer plate having a second heat transfer area shaped of a
quadrilateral panel, and a pair of second flanges bent from the
second heat transfer area in a direction opposite the bending
direction of the first flanges so as to have a height difference
with respect to the second heat transfer area, wherein the first
and second heat transfer plates are joined into a cell body so as
to be opposite to each other in a mirror image; and the cell body
having a first fluid passage therein, weld lines formed along the
first contacting each other and along the second flanges contacting
each other, and external recesses formed outside the heat transfer
areas for second fluid passages intersecting with the first fluid
passage at a right angle.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of
the first and second heat transfer plates may include the first
flanges that are bent from opposite edges of each of the first and
second heat transfer areas in one direction and that run parallel
to each of the first and second heat transfer areas with a
predetermined length, and the second flanges that are bent from the
other opposite edges of each of the first and second heat transfer
areas in the direction opposite the bending direction of the first
flanges and that run parallel to each of the first and second heat
transfer areas with a predetermined length.
[0019] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include the weld lines formed along the first
flanges that are opposite to and in contact with each other, and
inlet and outlet that are connected with the first fluid passage
and are defined by the second flanges that are opposite to and
spaced apart from each other.
[0020] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include first slopes that are inclined toward the
weld lines among the first flanges, the first or second heat
transfer area, and the second flanges at a predetermined angle, and
second slopes that are inclined toward the inlet and the outlet
between the second flanges and the first or second heat transfer
area at a predetermined angle.
[0021] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include the weld lines formed along the second
flanges of the heat transfer plates which are opposite to and in
contact with each other in the mirror image, and an inlet and an
outlet that are connected with the first fluid passage and are
defined by the first flanges that are opposite to and spaced apart
from each other.
[0022] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include first slopes inclined toward the inlet
and the outlet among the first flanges, the first or second heat
transfer area, and the second flanges at a predetermined angle,
second slopes inclined toward the weld lines between the second
flanges and the first or second heat transfer area at a
predetermined angle, and end plates that are in contact with the
second flanges together with the weld lines at left-hand and
right-hand ends of the first flanges forming the inlet and
outlet.
[0023] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include a spacer set that maintains an interval
of the first fluid passage between the first and second heat
transfer areas.
[0024] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the spacer set may include a plurality of stud spacers, a lower end
of each of which is fixed to one of the first and second heat
transfer areas so as to intersect with one of the first and second
heat transfer areas at a right angle.
[0025] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the spacer set may include a plurality of strip spacers, a lower
end of each of which is fixed to one of the first and second heat
transfer areas so as to intersect with one of the first and second
heat transfer areas at a right angle, and each of which extends in
a flow direction of a fluid at a predetermined length.
[0026] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the spacer set may include a plurality of stud spacers, a lower end
of each of which is fixed to one of the first and second heat
transfer area so as to intersect with one of the first and second
heat transfer areas at a right angle, and a plurality of strip
spacers, a lower end of each of which is fixed to one of the first
and second heat transfer areas so as to intersect with one of the
first and second heat transfer areas at a right angle and each of
which extends in a flow direction of the fluid at a predetermined
length.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of fabricating a heat transfer cell for a heat
exchanger. The method includes: preparing a quadrilateral panel;
bending the quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate so as to
form a pair of first flanges and a pair of second flanges having a
height difference with respect to a heat transfer area formed on a
central region of the heat transfer plate, the first flanges being
located perpendicular to the second flanges; and disposing two heat
transfer plates so as to be opposite to each other in a mirror
image, joining the two heat transfer plates to form a first fluid
passage, weld lines along the first contacting each other and along
the second flanges contacting each other, and external recesses
outside the heat transfer areas for second fluid passages
intersecting with the first fluid passage at a right angle, and
thereby forming a cell body.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
bending of the quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate may
simultaneously or sequentially perform bending opposite edges of
the heat transfer areas in one direction to form the first flanges
that run parallel to the heat transfer areas with a predetermined
length, and bending the other opposite edges of the heat transfer
areas in a direction opposite the bending direction of the first
flanges to form the second flanges that run parallel to the heat
transfer areas with a predetermined length.
[0029] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the bending of the quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate
may further include forming first slopes that are inclined among
the first flanges, the heat transfer area, and the second flanges
at a predetermined angle, and forming second slopes that are
inclined between the second flanges and the transfer section at a
predetermined angle.
[0030] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a cell body may include forming the weld lines along
the first flanges that are opposite to and in contact with each
other, and inlet and outlet that are connected with the first fluid
passage and are defined by the second flanges that are opposite to
and spaced apart from each other.
[0031] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a cell body may include forming the weld lines along
the second flanges that are opposite to and in contact with each
other, forming an inlet and an outlet that are connected with the
first fluid passage and are defined by the first flanges that are
opposite to and spaced apart from each other, and installing end
plates that are in contact with the second flanges together with
the weld lines at left-hand and right-hand ends of the first
flanges forming the inlet and outlet.
[0032] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the method may include, prior to forming a cell body, forming a
spacer set that maintains an interval of the first fluid passage
between the first and second heat transfer areas.
[0033] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a spacer set may include fixing a plurality of stud
spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends thereof so as to
intersect with the heat transfer area at a right angle.
[0034] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a spacer set may include fixing a plurality of strip
spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends thereof so as to
intersect with one of the heat transfer area at a right angle, each
of the spacer spacers extending in a flow direction of a fluid at a
predetermined length.
[0035] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a spacer set may include fixing a plurality of stud
spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends thereof so as to
intersect with the heat transfer area at a right angle, fixing a
plurality of strip spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends
thereof so as to intersect with one of the heat transfer area at a
right angle, each of the spacer spacers extending in a flow
direction of a fluid at a predetermined length.
[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a heat transfer assembly for a heat exchanger, which
includes: a first heat transfer plate having a first heat transfer
area shaped of a quadrilateral panel, and a pair of first flanges
bent from the first heat transfer area so as to have a height
difference with respect to the first heat transfer area; a second
heat transfer plate having a second heat transfer area shaped of a
quadrilateral panel, and a pair of second flanges bent from the
second heat transfer area in a direction opposite the bending
direction of the first flanges so as to have a height difference
with respect to the second heat transfer area, wherein the first
and second heat transfer plates are joined into a cell body so as
to be opposite to each other in a mirror image; and the cell body
having a first fluid passage therein, weld lines formed along the
first contacting each other and along the second flanges contacting
each other, and external recesses formed outside the heat transfer
areas for second fluid passages intersecting with the first fluid
passage at a right angle, wherein at least two cell bodies are
stacked in multiple layers and form the second fluid passages
intersecting with the first fluid passage at the right angle,
between the two neighboring cell bodies, and fluids having
different temperatures exchange heat with each other without
physical contact while flowing through the first and second fluid
passages.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of
the first and second heat transfer plates may include the first
flanges that are bent from opposite edges of each of the first and
second heat transfer areas in one direction and that run parallel
to each of the first and second heat transfer areas with a
predetermined length, and the second flanges that are bent from the
other opposite edges of each of the first and second heat transfer
areas in the direction opposite the bending direction of the first
flanges and that run parallel to each of the first and second heat
transfer areas with a predetermined length.
[0038] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include the weld lines formed along the first
flanges that are opposite to and in contact with each other, and
inlet and outlet that are connected with the first fluid passage
and are defined by the second flanges that are opposite to and
spaced apart from each other.
[0039] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include first slopes that are inclined toward the
weld lines among the first flanges, the first or second heat
transfer area, and the second flanges at a predetermined angle, and
second slopes that are inclined toward the inlet and the outlet
between the second flanges and the first or second heat transfer
area at a predetermined angle.
[0040] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include the weld lines formed along the second
flanges of the heat transfer plates which are opposite to and in
contact with each other in the mirror image, and an inlet and an
outlet that are connected with the first fluid passage and are
defined by the first flanges that are opposite to and spaced apart
from each other.
[0041] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include first slopes inclined toward the inlet
and the outlet among the first flanges, the first or second heat
transfer area, and the second flanges at a predetermined angle,
second slopes inclined toward the weld lines between the second
flanges and the first or second heat transfer area at a
predetermined angle, and end plates that are in contact with the
second flanges together with the weld lines at left-hand and
right-hand ends of the first flanges forming the inlet and
outlet.
[0042] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell body may include a spacer set that maintains an interval
of the first fluid passage between the first and second heat
transfer areas.
[0043] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the spacer set may include a plurality of stud spacers, a lower end
of each of which is fixed to one of the first and second heat
transfer areas so as to intersect with one of the first and second
heat transfer areas at a right angle.
[0044] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the spacer set may include a plurality of strip spacers, a lower
end of each of which is fixed to one of the first and second heat
transfer areas so as to intersect with one of the first and second
heat transfer areas at a right angle, and each of which extends in
a flow direction of a fluid at a predetermined length.
[0045] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the spacer set may include a plurality of stud spacers, a lower end
of each of which is fixed to one of the first and second heat
transfer area so as to intersect with one of the first and second
heat transfer areas at a right angle, and a plurality of strip
spacers, a lower end of each of which is fixed to one of the first
and second heat transfer areas so as to intersect with one of the
first and second heat transfer areas at a right angle and each of
which extends in a flow direction of the fluid at a predetermined
length.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
cell bodies stacked in multiple layers may include the second fluid
passages which intersect with the first fluid passage at the right
angle and are formed by the second flanges that are in surface
contact with each other, the inlet and the outlet which are
connected with the second fluid passages and are defined by the
first flanges that are adjacent to and spaced apart from each
other, and the end plates that are in contact with the second
flanges at the left-hand and right-hand ends of the first
flanges.
[0047] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the cell bodies stacked in multiple layers may include the second
fluid passages which intersect with the first fluid passage at the
right angle and are formed by the first flanges that are in surface
contact with each other, and the inlet and the outlet which are
connected with the second fluid passages and are defined by the
second flanges that are adjacent to and spaced apart from each
other.
[0048] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the heat transfer assembly may further include cover members
installed at the inlet of one of the first and second fluid
passages, into which the fluid having a relatively lower
temperature flows, wherein each of the cover members includes a
pair of isometric flat sections inclined with respect to the
flanges forming the inlet, and curved sections extending from the
isometric flat sections with a predetermined curvature.
[0049] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
each of the cover members may be fixed to the slopes in a manner
that ends of the isometric flat sections are in contact with the
slopes through which the flanges are connected with the heat
transfer areas, and include an air space filled with air between
the flanges and the cover member with a leading end of the cover
member spaced apart from the weld line formed by welding the
flanges by a predetermined distance.
[0050] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of fabricating a heat transfer assembly for a
heat exchanger. The method includes: preparing a quadrilateral
panel; bending the quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate
so as to form a pair of first flanges and a pair of second flanges
having a height difference with respect to a heat transfer area
formed on a central region of the heat transfer plate, the first
flanges being located perpendicular to the second flanges;
disposing two heat transfer plates so as to be opposite to each
other in a mirror image, joining the two heat transfer plates to
form a first fluid passage, weld lines along the first contacting
each other and along the second flanges contacting each other, and
external recesses outside the heat transfer areas for second fluid
passages intersecting with the first fluid passage at a right
angle, and thereby forming a cell body; and stacking a plurality of
cell bodies in multiple layers so as to have the second fluid
passages intersecting with the first fluid passage between the
neighboring cell bodies.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
bending of the quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate may
simultaneously or sequentially perform bending opposite edges of
the heat transfer areas in one direction to form the first flanges
that run parallel to the heat transfer areas with a predetermined
length, and bending the other opposite edges of the heat transfer
areas in a direction opposite the bending direction of the first
flanges to form the second flanges that run parallel to the heat
transfer areas with a predetermined length.
[0052] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the bending of the quadrilateral panel into a heat transfer plate
may further include forming first slopes that are inclined among
the first flanges, the heat transfer area, and the second flanges
at a predetermined angle, and forming second slopes that are
inclined between the second flanges and the transfer section at a
predetermined angle.
[0053] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a cell body may include forming the weld lines along
the first flanges that are opposite to and in contact with each
other, and inlet and outlet that are connected with the first fluid
passage and are defined by the second flanges that are opposite to
and spaced apart from each other.
[0054] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a cell body may include forming the weld lines along
the second flanges that are opposite to and in contact with each
other, forming an inlet and an outlet that are connected with the
first fluid passage and are defined by the first flanges that are
opposite to and spaced apart from each other, and installing end
plates that are in contact with the second flanges together with
the weld lines at left-hand and right-hand ends of the first
flanges forming the inlet and outlet.
[0055] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the method may include, prior to forming a cell body, forming a
spacer set that maintains an interval of the first fluid passage
between the first and second heat transfer areas.
[0056] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a spacer set may include fixing a plurality of stud
spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends thereof so as to
intersect with the heat transfer area at a right angle.
[0057] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a spacer set may include fixing a plurality of strip
spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends thereof so as to
intersect with one of the heat transfer area at a right angle, each
of the spacer spacers extending in a flow direction of a fluid at a
predetermined length.
[0058] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the forming of a spacer set may include fixing a plurality of stud
spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends thereof so as to
intersect with the heat transfer area at a right angle, fixing a
plurality of strip spacers to the heat transfer area at lower ends
thereof so as to intersect with one of the heat transfer area at a
right angle, each of the spacer spacers extending in a flow
direction of a fluid at a predetermined length.
[0059] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the stacking of a plurality of cell bodies in multiple layers may
include forming the second fluid passages which intersect with the
first fluid passage at the right angle and are formed by the second
flanges that are in surface contact with each other, forming the
inlet and the outlet which are connected with the second fluid
passages and are defined by the first flanges that are adjacent to
and spaced apart from each other, and installing the end plates
that are in contact with the second flanges at the left-hand and
right-hand ends of the first flanges.
[0060] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the stacking of a plurality of cell bodies in multiple layers may
include forming the second fluid passages which intersect with the
first fluid passage at the right angle and are formed by the first
flanges that are in surface contact with each other, and forming
the inlet and the outlet which are connected with the second fluid
passages and are defined by the second flanges that are adjacent to
and spaced apart from each other.
[0061] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, the cell body is configured so that a pair of heat
transfer plates includes a pair of first flanges and a pair of
second flanges, each of which has a height difference with respect
to the quadrilateral heat transfer area and is bent in a direction
perpendicular to the other pair of flanges, is joined so as to
opposite to each other in a mirror image, thereby forming a first
fluid passage and weld lines along the flanges contacting each
other. Thereby, the cell body can minimize vortex and resistance of
fluid at and in the inlet of a passage into and through which the
fluid flows, so that it can increase a contact area between the
fluid and its contact plate and stably maintain contact between the
fluid and the heat transfer plate, thereby improving heat exchange
efficiency.
[0062] Further, each heat transfer cell prevents downward sagging
due to weight of the heat transfer plate when a heat transfer
assembly is fabricated by stacking a plurality of heat transfer
cells in multiple layers, so that it can prevent welding defects
and reduce the number of whole constituent parts and the resulting
fabricating costs.
[0063] In addition, an air space is additionally formed at the
inlet into which the fluid having a relatively lower temperature
flows, so that the moisture can be prevented from being generated
by a sharp temperature difference when the heated plate exchanges
heat with the fluid. Thereby, the corrosion caused by the moisture
can be prevented, and a lifespan can be prolonged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0065] FIG. 1 is an entire perspective view illustrating a heat
transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0066] FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating a
heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a first
embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a
cross-sectional view taken along line 2a -2a' of FIG. 1, and FIG.
2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2b-2b' of FIG. 1;
[0067] FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate a process of fabricating a
heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 4 is an entire perspective view illustrating a heat
transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment
of the present invention;
[0069] FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating a
heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a second
embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A is a
cross-sectional view taken along line 5a-5a' of FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B
is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5b-5b' of FIG. 4;
[0070] FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate a process of fabricating a
heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a heat transfer
assembly for a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 8 is an entire perspective view illustrating a heat
transfer assembly for a heat exchanger according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0073] FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views illustrating cover
members installed on a heat transfer assembly for a heat exchanger
according to first and second embodiments of the present
invention;
[0074] FIGS. 10A through 10F are perspective views illustrating a
set of spacers installed on a heat transfer cell for a heat
exchanger according to first and second embodiments of the present
invention, wherein FIGS. 10A and 10B are for a stud type, FIGS. 10C
and 10D are for a strip type, and FIGS. 10E and 10F are for a mixed
type; and
[0075] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger
to which a heat transfer cell or a heat transfer assembly according
to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0076] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0077] FIG. 1 is an entire perspective view illustrating a heat
transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment
of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views
illustrating a heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to
a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a
cross-sectional view taken along line 2a-2a' of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B
is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2b-2b' of FIG. 1.
[0078] According to the first embodiment of the present invention,
as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat transfer cell 100
includes a cell body 130 having a first (or transverse) fluid
passage P1, i.e. an internal fluid passage, through which a fluid
flows in one direction. The cell body 130 is obtained by welding a
pair of heat transfer plates 110 and 120, which are opposite to
each other in a mirror image.
[0079] The heat transfer plate 110 or 120 includes a heat transfer
area 111 or 121 shaped of a substantially quadrilateral panel, a
pair of first flanges 112 and 113, or 122 and 123 bent from
opposite upper and lower edges of the heat transfer area 111 or 121
in one direction when viewed from FIG. 1 and having a height
difference with respect to the heat transfer area 111 or 121, and a
pair of second flanges 114 and 115, or 124 and 125 bent from
opposite left-hand and right-hand edges of the heat transfer area
111 or 121 in the direction opposite the bending direction of the
first flanges 112 and 113, or 122 and 123 and having a height
difference with respect to the heat transfer area 111 or 121.
[0080] The first flanges 112 and 113, and 122 and 123 are planar
sections that are bent from the opposite upper and lower edges of
the heat transfer areas 111 and 121 in one direction, that run
parallel to the heat transfer areas 111 and 121 with a
predetermined length and a height difference with respect to the
heat transfer areas 111 and 121, and that are in contact with each
other. The second flanges 114 and 115, and 124 and 125 are planar
sections that are bent from the opposite left-hand and right-hand
edges of the heat transfer areas 111 and 121 in the direction
opposite the bending direction of the first flanges 112 and 113,
and 122 and 123, that run parallel to the heat transfer areas 111
and 121 with a predetermined length and a height difference with
respect to the heat transfer areas 111 and 121, and that are spaced
apart from each other.
[0081] The cell body 130 includes the first fluid passage P1
therein which has open opposite ends by welding the heat transfer
plates 110 and 120 that are opposite to each other in a mirror
image, weld lines S1 that weld and seal faying surfaces of the
first flanges 112 and 122, and 113 and 123 facing each other, and
external recesses 101 and 102 that are formed outside the heat
transfer areas 111 and 121 for second fluid passages intersecting
with the first fluid passage P1 at a right angle.
[0082] Here, the weld lines S1 can be formed by, but not limited
to, arc welding in which all or outer ends of the faying surfaces
of the first flanges 112 and 122, and 113 and 123 of the heat
transfer plates 110 and 120 contacting each other are fused and
joined by a welding electrode. Thus, the weld lines S1 may be
formed by another type of welding.
[0083] When the heat transfer plates 110 and 120 are welded, the
second flanges 114 and 124, and 115 and 125, which are opposite to
and spaced apart from each other, define an inlet 131 and an outlet
132 connected with the first fluid passage P1.
[0084] Here, the weld lines S1 are formed parallel to the first
fluid passage P1, but perpendicular to the external recesses 101
and 102 for the second fluid passages. The inlet 131 and the outlet
132 can be subjected to reversal of their functions according to a
direction in which the fluid is fed to the first fluid passage
P1.
[0085] First slopes 116 and 117, or 126 and 127 are inclined toward
the weld lines among the first flanges 112 and 113, or 122 and 123,
the heat transfer area 111 or 121, and the second flanges 114 and
115, or 124 and 125 at a predetermined angle. Further, second
slopes 118 and 119, or 128 and 129 are inclined toward the inlet
131 and the outlet 132 of the first fluid passage P1 between the
second flanges 114 and 115, or 124 and 125 and the heat transfer
area 111 or 121 at a predetermined angle, and thus define the
external recesses 101 and 102 for the second fluid passages between
the second flanges 114 and 115, or 124 and 125 with a predetermined
width.
[0086] These first and second slopes smoothly convert the flows of
the fluids that flow into the first and second fluid passages,
exchange heat through the heat transfer areas, and flow out of the
first and second fluid passages, thereby inhibiting vortex from
being generated at the inlet and outlet of each of the first and
second fluid passages.
[0087] Here, the predetermined angles of the first and second
slopes are preferably set to about 45.degree. so as to minimize
resistance of the fluid.
[0088] Thus, the fluid flowing into and out of the first fluid
passage and the fluid flowing into and out of the second fluid
passages defined by the external recesses undergo minimized vortex,
so that a contact area between the fluid in each passage and the
heat transfer area 111 or 112 is increased, and thus thermal
efficiency can be increased.
[0089] FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate a process of fabricating a
heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0090] First, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, there is prepared a plate
T, which is shaped of a substantially quadrilateral panel and is
made of metal having high thermal conductivity. The plate T is
placed on a press (not shown), and then external force having
predetermined magnitude is applied to the plate T through a die.
Thereby, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the plate T is formed into the
heat transfer plate 110 or 120, which has the heat transfer area
111 or 121 shaped of a quadrilateral panel in a central region, the
first flanges 112 and 113, or 122 and 123 bent from opposite upper
and lower edges of the heat transfer area 111 or 121 in one
direction and having a height difference with respect to the heat
transfer area 111 or 121, and the second flanges 114 and 115, or
124 and 125 bent from opposite left-hand and right-hand edges of
the heat transfer area 111 or 121 in the direction opposite the
bending direction of the first flanges 112 and 113, or 122 and 123
and having a height difference with respect to the heat transfer
area 111 or 121.
[0091] When the first and second flanges are formed, both a process
of forming first slopes 116 and 117, or 126 and 127 that are
inclined among the first flanges 112 and 113, or 122 and 123, the
heat transfer area 111 or 121, and the second flanges 114 and 115,
or 124 and 125 at a predetermined angle and a process of forming
second slopes 118 and 119, or 128 and 129 that are inclined between
the second flanges 114 and 115, or 124 and 125 and the heat
transfer area 111 or 121 at a predetermined angle are preformed at
the same time. Alternatively, the processes of forming the first
and second slopes may be separately performed.
[0092] Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the heat transfer
plates 110 and 120 are disposed in a mirror image such that a
distance between the first flanges 112 and 113, or 122 and 123 is
relatively shorter than that between the second flanges 114 and
115, or 124 and 125.
[0093] In this state, the first flanges 112 and 122, and 133 and
123 come into surface contact with each other, and then are welded
along the outer ends thereof. As a result, as illustrated in FIG.
3D, the outer ends of the first flanges 112 and 122, and 133 and
123 have weld lines S1. Further, the inlet 131 and the outlet 132
connected with the first fluid passage P1 are formed between the
second flanges 114 and 124, and 115 and 125, and the external
recesses 101 and 102 for the second fluid passages are formed
between the second flanges 114 and 115, and 124 and 125. Thereby,
the heat transfer cell 100 is fabricated.
[0094] Here, the external recesses 101 and 102 define the second
fluid passages P2, through which a second fluid flows,
perpendicular to the first fluid passage P1, through which a first
fluid flows, when the heat transfer cell 100 is joined with another
heat transfer cell 100.
[0095] Meanwhile, both the process of forming the first flanges 112
and 113, and 122 and 123 that are bent from the opposite upper and
lower edges of the heat transfer areas 111 and 121 in one direction
and that run parallel to heat transfer areas 111 and 121 with a
predetermined length and the process of forming the second flanges
114 and 115, and 124 and 125 that are bent from the opposite
left-hand and right-hand edges of the heat transfer areas 111 and
121 in the direction opposite the bending direction of the first
flanges 112 and 113, and 122 and 123 and that run parallel to heat
transfer areas 111 and 121 with a predetermined length can be
simultaneously performed using, but not limited to, one die. Thus,
these processes may be sequentially performed using two dies.
[0096] FIG. 4 is an entire perspective view illustrating a heat
transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment
of the present invention. FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views
illustrating a heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to
a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A is a
cross-sectional view taken along line 5a-5a' of FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B
is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5b-5b' of FIG. 4.
[0097] According to a second embodiment of the present invention,
as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heat transfer cell 100a
includes a cell body 130a having a first fluid passage P1, i.e. an
internal fluid passage, through which a fluid flows in one
direction, by welding a pair of heat transfer plates 110a and 120a,
which are opposite to each other in a mirror image.
[0098] As in the first embodiment, the heat transfer plates 110a
and 120a includes a pair of first flanges 112a and 113a, or 122a
and 123a and a pair of second flanges 114a and 115a, or 124a and
125a, each of which is bent and extends in a direction
perpendicular to each other and has a height difference with
respect to the heat transfer area 111a or 121a shaped of a
substantially quadrilateral panel.
[0099] The cell body 130a includes the first fluid passage P1
therein which has open opposite ends by welding the heat transfer
plates 110a and 120a that are opposite to each other in a mirror
image, weld lines S2 that weld and seal faying surfaces of the
first flanges 112a and 122a, and 113a and 123a facing each other,
and external recesses 101a and 102a that are formed outside the
heat transfer areas 111a and 121a for second fluid passages
intersecting with the first fluid passage P1 at a right angle.
[0100] Here, the weld lines S2 can be formed by, but not limited
to, arc welding in which all or outer ends of the faying surfaces
of the first flanges 112a and 122a, and 113a and 123a of the heat
transfer plates 110a and 120a contacting each other are fused and
joined by a welding electrode. Thus, the weld lines S1 may be
formed by another type of welding.
[0101] The second flanges 114a and 124a, and 115a and 125a, which
are opposite to and spaced apart from each other, define an inlet
131a and an outlet 132a connected with the first fluid passage
P1.
[0102] Here, the weld lines S2 are formed parallel to the first
fluid passage P1, but perpendicular to the external recesses 101a
and 102a for the second fluid passages. The inlet 131a and the
outlet 132a can be subjected to reversal of their functions
according to a direction in which the fluid is fed to the first
fluid passage P1.
[0103] First slopes 116a and 117a, or 126a and 127a are inclined
among the first flanges 112a and 113a, or 122a and 123a, the heat
transfer area 111a or 121a, and the second flanges 114a and 115a,
or 124a and 125a at a predetermined angle. Further, second slopes
118a and 119a, or 128a and 129a are inclined toward the weld lines
S2 between the second flanges 114a and 115a, or 124a and 125a and
the heat transfer area 111a or 121a at a predetermined angle, and
thus define the external recesses 101a and 102a for the second
fluid passages between the second flanges 114a and 115a, or 124a
and 125a with a predetermined width.
[0104] Further, the first flanges 112a and 122a, and 113a and 123a,
between which the inlet 131a and the outlet 132a are formed, have
end plates 103a and 104a at left-hand and right-hand ends thereof
which are in contact with the second flanges 114a and 124a, or 115a
and 125a together with the weld lines S2.
[0105] These first and second slopes smoothly convert the flows of
the fluids that flow into the first fluid passage and the second
fluid passages (in a direction perpendicular to the weld lines S2),
exchange heat through the heat transfer areas, and flow out of the
first and second fluid passages, thereby inhibiting vortex from
being generated.
[0106] Thus, the fluid flowing into and out of the first fluid
passage and the fluid flowing into and out of the second fluid
passages defined by the external recesses undergo minimized vortex,
so that a contact area between the fluid in each passage and the
heat transfer area 111a or 112a is increased, and thus thermal
efficiency can be increased.
[0107] FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate a process of fabricating a
heat transfer cell for a heat exchanger according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0108] As in the first embodiment, the heat transfer plate 110a or
120a according to the second embodiment is fabricated by forming
the first flanges 112a and 113a, or 122a and 123a at the upper and
lower edges of the heat transfer area 111a or 121a shaped of a
quadrilateral panel in a middle region, and by forming the second
flanges 114a and 115a, or 124a and 125a at the left-hand and
right-hand edges of the heat transfer area 111a or 121a.
[0109] When the first and second flanges are formed, both a process
of forming first slopes 116a and 117a, or 126a and 127a that are
inclined among the first flanges 112a and 113a, or 122a and 123a,
the heat transfer area 111a or 121a, and the second flanges 114a
and 115a, or 124a and 125a at a predetermined angle and a process
of forming second slopes 118a and 119a, or 128a and 129a that are
inclined between the second flanges 114a and 115a, or 124a and 125a
and the heat transfer area 111a or 121a at a predetermined angle
are preformed at the same time. Alternatively, the processes of
forming the first and second slopes may be separately
performed.
[0110] Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the heat transfer
plates 110a and 120a are disposed in a mirror image such that a
distance between the first flanges 112a and 113a, or 122a and 123a
is relatively longer than that between the second flanges 114a and
115a, or 124a and 125a.
[0111] In this state, the second flanges 114a and 124a, and 115a
and 125a come into surface contact with each other, and then are
welded along the outer ends thereof. As a result, as illustrated in
FIG. 6D, the outer ends of the second flanges 114a and 124a, and
115a and 125a form the weld lines S2. Further, the inlet 131a and
the outlet 132a connected with the first fluid passage P1 are
formed between the first flanges 112a and 122a, and 113a and 123a,
and the external recesses 101a and 102a for the second fluid
passages are formed between the first flanges 112a and 113a, and
122a and 123a. Thereby, the heat transfer cell 100a is
fabricated.
[0112] Meanwhile, as in the first embodiment, the process of
forming the first flanges 112a and 113a, and 122a and 123a and the
process of forming the second flanges 114a and 115a, or 124a and
125a can be simultaneously performed. Alternatively, the processes
of forming the first and second flanges may be sequentially
performed.
[0113] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a heat transfer
assembly for a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the heat transfer assembly 200 is
a hexahedral rigid structure in which two or more heat transfer
cells 100, each of which is a unit member fabricated by welding the
pair of heat transfer plates 110 and 120 disposed in a mirror
image, are stacked.
[0115] This heat transfer assembly 200 includes the first fluid
passage P1, through which the first fluid flows, in the body of
each of the heat transfer cells 100 stacked in multiple layers, and
the second fluid passage P2, through which the second fluid flows,
between the two neighboring ones of the heat transfer cells 100
stacked in multiple layers.
[0116] At this time, the first fluid passage P1 intersects with the
second fluid passage P2 at a right angle with the heat transfer
area of each heat transfer plate in between without communicating
with the second fluid passage P2. Thus, the first and second fluids
having different temperatures flow through the heat transfer
assembly 200 without being mixed with each other, and thereby
exchanging heat with each other through the heat transfer area.
[0117] In detail, when the heat transfer cells 100, each of which
has the weld lines S1 of the first flanges 112 and 122, and 113 and
123, are stacked in a vertical direction as in FIG. 7, the second
flanges 114 and 124, and 115 and 125 intersecting with the first
fluid passage P1 of each heat transfer cell 100 are in surface
contact with the second flanges 114 and 124, and 115 and 125 of the
neighboring heat transfer cell 100, whereas the first flanges 112
and 122, and 113 and 123 are spaced apart from the first flanges
112 and 122, and 113 and 123 of the neighboring heat transfer cell
100.
[0118] Thus, the second flanges 114 and 124, and 115 and 125 of the
heat transfer cell 100 which are in surface contact with each
other, are welded to form other weld lines S2' intersecting with
the first fluid passage P1, and the first flanges 112 and 122, and
113 and 123 are welded with the end plates 103 and 104 at the
opposite ends of the weld lines S1 thereof. Thereby, the inlet 131
and the outlet 132 of the second fluid passage P2 are formed
between the neighboring heat transfer cells 100 by the external
recess 101 or 102.
[0119] FIG. 8 is an entire perspective view illustrating a heat
transfer assembly for a heat exchanger according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0120] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the heat transfer assembly 200a is
a hexahedral rigid structure in which two or more heat transfer
cells 100a, each of which is a unit member fabricated by welding
the pair of heat transfer plates 110a and 120a disposed in a mirror
image, are stacked.
[0121] As in the first embodiment, this heat transfer assembly 200a
is designed so that the first fluid passage P1 in each of the heat
transfer cells 100a stacked in multiple layers and the second fluid
passage P2 between the two neighboring ones of the heat transfer
cells 100a stacked in multiple layers intersect with each other at
a right angle without communicating with each other. Thus, the
first and second fluids flowing through the first and second fluid
passages of the heat transfer assembly 200a are not mixed with each
other, and exchange heat with each other.
[0122] This heat transfer assembly 200a includes the first fluid
passage P1, through which the first fluid flows, in the body of
each of the heat transfer cells 100a stacked in multiple layers,
and the second fluid passage P2, through which the second fluid
flows, between the two neighboring ones of the heat transfer cells
100a stacked in multiple layers.
[0123] At this time, the first fluid passage P1 intersects with the
second fluid passage P2 at a right angle with the heat transfer
area of each heat transfer plate in between without communicating
with the second fluid passage P2. Thus, the first and second fluids
having different temperatures flow through the heat transfer
assembly 200a without being mixed with each other, and thereby
exchanging heat with each other through the heat transfer area.
[0124] In detail, when the heat transfer cells 100a, each of which
has the weld lines S1 of the second flanges 114a and 124a, and 115a
and 125a are stacked in a vertical direction as in FIG. 8, the
first flanges 112a and 122a, and 113a and 123a intersecting with
the first fluid passage P1 of each heat transfer cell 100a are in
surface contact with the first flanges 112a and 122a, and 113a and
123a of the neighboring heat transfer cell 100a, whereas the second
flanges 114a and 124a, and 115a and 125a are spaced apart from the
second flanges 114a and 124a, and 115a and 125a of the neighboring
heat transfer cell 100a.
[0125] Thus, the first flanges 112a and 122a, and 113a and 123a of
the heat transfer cell 100a which are in surface contact with each
other, are welded to form other weld lines S2 intersecting with the
first fluid passage P1. Thereby, the inlet 131a and the outlet 132a
of the second fluid passage P2 are formed between the neighboring
heat transfer cells 100a by the external recess 101a or 102a.
[0126] FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views illustrating cover
members installed on a heat transfer assembly for a heat exchanger
according to first and second embodiments of the present
invention.
[0127] The heat transfer assembly 200 or 200a is provided with
cover members 140 on one side thereof, particularly on a side of
the inlet of one of the first and second fluid passages P1 and P2,
into which the fluid having a relatively lower temperature flows.
Each cover member 140 includes a pair of isometric flat sections
141 inclined with respect to the flanges forming the inlet of the
second fluid passage by a predetermined angle, and curved sections
142 extending from first ends of the isometric flat sections 141
with a predetermined curvature.
[0128] Here, the cover member 140 is open at opposite longitudinal
ends thereof, and is preferably formed of a metal sheet in which
the isometric flat sections 141 are integrally formed with the
curved sections 142. Second ends of the isometric flat sections 141
are fixed to the heat transfer cell, particularly to the slopes
that interconnect the flanges and the heat transfer areas of the
heat transfer plates. The blind end of the cover member at which
the curved sections are connected with each other is spaced apart
from the weld line that is formed by welding the flanges by a
predetermined distance.
[0129] In this manner, the inlet-side flanges are spaced apart from
inner surface of the cover member 140, so that an air space filled
with air is defined between the inlet-side flanges and the cover
member 140. Thus, the fluid having an atmospheric temperature comes
into contact with the cover member 140 that is indirectly heated
through the air space at a relatively low temperature in its
initial stage, instead of contacting the heat transfer plates that
are directly heated by the fluid having a relatively high
temperature, and thereby is subjected to heat exchange.
[0130] In this case, since a temperature difference between the
fluid having an atmospheric temperature and the indirectly heated
cover member is relatively smaller than that between the fluid
having an atmospheric temperature and the directly heated heat
transfer plate, it is possible to inhibit moisture from being
generated by a sharp temperature difference at the inlet of the
fluid passage into the fluid having an atmospheric temperature
flows.
[0131] Further, the flanges forming the inlet of the fluid passage
on which the cover member is installed can be heated within a
relatively rapid time to increase its temperature, as compared to
the case in which the cover member is not installed.
[0132] FIGS. 10A through 10F are perspective views illustrating a
set of spacers installed on a heat transfer cell for a heat
exchanger according to first and second embodiments of the present
invention, wherein FIGS. 10A and 10B are for a stud type, FIGS. 10C
and 10D are for a strip type, and FIGS. 10E and 10F are for a mixed
type.
[0133] As illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10F, the heat transfer
cell 100 or 100a includes a spacer set 160, which has a height
equal to or less than an interval between the two neighboring heat
transfer areas 111 and 121, or 111a and 121a so as to be able to
constantly maintain an interval of the first fluid passage P1
formed between the two neighboring heat transfer plates 110 and
120, or 110a and 120a that are welded opposite to each other in a
mirror image.
[0134] The spacer set 160 allows the interval between the heat
transfer areas of the heat transfer plates 110 and 120, or 110a and
120a opposite to each other to be maintained as a design value so
as not only to prevent welding defects generated when the heat
transfer plates 110 and 120, or 110a and 120a disposed in a
horizontal direction are subjected to sag at the central regions
thereof due to their own weights in the process of fabricating the
heat transfer assembly 200 or 200a by stacking the heat transfer
cells 100 or 100a in a vertical direction and by welding the
flanges of the heat transfer cells 100 or 100a which are in contact
with each other but also to form the first fluid passage.
[0135] This is because opposite ends of the spacer set 160 are in
contact with the heat transfer areas 111 and 121, or 111a and 121a
of the neighboring heat transfer plates 110 and 120, or 110a and
120a, and thus prevent excessive downward sagging.
[0136] Accordingly, the process of welding the flanges of the heat
transfer cells 100 or 100a staked in a vertical direction in order
to assemble the heat transfer assembly 200 or 200a can be more
precisely performed without a flaw or defect, and prevent
deformation of the heat transfer assembly 200 or 200a.
[0137] As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the spacer set 160
includes a plurality of stud spacers 163, a lower end of each of
which is welded to the heat transfer area 111 or 111a, or 121 or
121a so as to intersect with the heat transfer area 111 or 111a, or
121 or 121a at a right angle. Each stud spacer 163 includes a weld
strap 161 fixed to the heat transfer area 111 or 111a, or 121 or
121a by spot welding, and a support stud 162 vertically extending
from the top of the weld strap 161.
[0138] Here, the stud spacers 163 must be arranged in rows and
columns so as to be able to minimize friction loss of the fluid
flowing through the first fluid passage. In consideration of the
downward sagging that occurs to a relatively higher level on the
central region of each heat transfer area as compared to the edge
region of each heat transfer area, an interval between the
neighboring stud spacers 163 on the central region of each heat
transfer area may be set to be narrower than that on the edge
region of each heat transfer area.
[0139] Further, the support stud 162 is shown to have, but not
limited to, a cylindrical shape. Thus, the support stud 162 may
have an oval cross section or an angled cross section.
[0140] As illustrated in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the spacer set 160
includes a plurality of strip spacers 164, a lower end of each of
which is welded to the heat transfer area 111 or 111a, or 121 or
121a so as to intersect with the heat transfer area 111 or 111a, or
121 or 121a at a right angle, and each of which extends in a flow
direction of the fluid at a predetermined length.
[0141] Here, in consideration of the downward sagging, an interval
between the neighboring strip spacers 164 on the central region of
each heat transfer area may be set to be narrower than that on the
edge region of each heat transfer area.
[0142] As illustrated in FIGS. 10E and 10F, the spacer set 160
includes a plurality of stud spacers 163, a lower end of each of
which is welded to the heat transfer area 111 or 111a, or 121 or
121a so as to intersect with the heat transfer area 111 or 111a, or
121 or 121a at a right angle, and a plurality of strip spacers 164,
a lower end of each of which is welded to the heat transfer area
111 or 111a, or 121 or 121a so as to intersect with the heat
transfer area 111 or 111a, or 121 or 121a at a right angle, and
each of which extends in a flow direction of the fluid at a
predetermined length, wherein the stud spacers 163 are mixed with
the strip spacers 164.
[0143] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger
to which a heat transfer cell or a heat transfer assembly according
to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. This heat
exchanger 300 includes a pair of sealing plates 141 so as to be in
contact with or spaced from apart from the opposite left-hand and
right-hand sides of the heat transfer assembly 200 or 200a in which
at least two heat transfer cells are stacked in multiple layers.
When viewed from FIG. 11, the heat exchanger 300 has an inlet into
which a first fluid F1 flows and an outlet out of which the first
fluid F1 flows on upper and lower faces thereof, and another inlet
into which a second fluid F2 flows and another outlet out of which
the second fluid F2 flows on front and rear faces thereof.
[0144] In detail, as illustrated in FIG. 11, among the first and
second fluids having different temperatures, the first fluid having
an atmospheric temperature is designed to flow from the top to the
bottom through the fluid passage formed in the body of the heat
transfer cell 100 or 100a when vertically flowing through the heat
transfer assembly 200 or 200a, whereas the second fluid having a
relatively higher temperature is designed to flow from the front to
the rear through the other fluid passage formed between the
neighboring heat transfer cells 100 or 100a when horizontally
flowing through the heat transfer assembly 200 or 200a. However,
the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. Thus, the
first and second fluids may flow in opposite directions.
[0145] Accordingly, the first and second fluids fed to the heat
transfer assembly 200 or 200a exchange heat with each other while
flowing through the passages that intersect with each other at a
right angle without communicating with each other. At this time,
the fluid having an atmospheric temperature is converted into a
high-temperature fluid, and then is discharged to the outside,
while the other fluid recollects waste heat, is converted into a
low-temperature fluid, and is discharged to the outside.
[0146] Here, one of the first and second fluid includes air having
an atmospheric temperature, and the other fluid includes waste gas,
exhaust gas, or the like that is discharged from the industrial
field and has a relatively higher temperature.
[0147] The heat exchanger 300 includes joint quadrilateral frames
149 having a plurality of fastening holes 149a at the inlets and
outlets for the first and second fluids, so that the plurality of
heat exchangers 300 can be continuously connected in the flow
direction of the first or second fluid by means of the joint
quadrilateral frames 149.
[0148] While the present invention has been shown and described in
connection with the exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *