U.S. patent application number 12/909877 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for heat exchanger with an integrated temperature manipulation element.
This patent application is currently assigned to VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Guglielmo Abate, Evangelos S. Papoulis, Davide Fausto Piccirilli.
Application Number | 20120097365 12/909877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45923347 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120097365 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Papoulis; Evangelos S. ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
HEAT EXCHANGER WITH AN INTEGRATED TEMPERATURE MANIPULATION
ELEMENT
Abstract
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates in stacked
relation forming a plurality of fluid channels therebetween. Ports
formed in each of the plates are arranged and substantially align
to form an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold for receiving a
working fluid therein, wherein the inlet manifold is in fluid
communication with an inlet conduit and the outlet manifold is in
fluid communication with an outlet conduit. A temperature
manipulation element is disposed in at least one of the inlet
conduit and the outlet conduit to manipulate a temperature of the
working fluid flowing therethrough.
Inventors: |
Papoulis; Evangelos S.;
(Nortville, MI) ; Piccirilli; Davide Fausto;
(Livonia, MI) ; Abate; Guglielmo; (Canton,
MI) |
Assignee: |
VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES,
INC.
Van Buren Twp.
MI
|
Family ID: |
45923347 |
Appl. No.: |
12/909877 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/61 ;
165/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 27/00 20130101;
F28D 9/0056 20130101; F28D 9/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/61 ;
165/166 |
International
Class: |
F25B 29/00 20060101
F25B029/00; F28F 3/08 20060101 F28F003/08 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of plates in stacked
relation forming a plurality of first fluid flow channels and a
plurality of second fluid flow channels therebetween, the plates
having at least one first port formed therein in fluid
communication with the first fluid flow channels and at least one
second port formed therein in fluid communication with the second
fluid flow channels, wherein the at least one first port of one of
the plates substantially aligns with the at least one first port of
another of the plates to form a first manifold for receiving a
first working fluid therein and the at least one second port of one
of the plates substantially aligns with the at least one second
port of another of the plates to form a second manifold for
receiving a second working fluid therein; a first conduit in fluid
communication with the first manifold for receiving the first
working fluid therein; a second conduit in fluid communication with
the second manifold for receiving the second working fluid therein;
and a temperature manipulation element disposed in at least one of
the first conduit and the second conduit to manipulate a
temperature of the respective working fluid flowing through the at
least one of the first conduit and the second conduit.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one of the first conduit and the second conduit is one of an inlet
conduit and an outlet conduit.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the temperature
manipulation element is disposed in the at least one of the first
conduit and the second conduit at a position substantially
perpendicular to the flow of the respective working fluid through
the at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the temperature
manipulation element is disposed in the at least one of the first
conduit and the second conduit at a position substantially parallel
to the flow of the respective working fluid through the at least
one of the first conduit and the second conduit.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the temperature
manipulation element is disposed in the at least one of the first
conduit and the second conduit at an intermediate position between
substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel to the flow
of the respective working fluid through the at least one of the
first conduit and the second conduit.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the temperature
manipulation element is coupled to the at least one of the first
conduit and the second conduit by a threaded engagement forming a
substantially fluid-tight connection between the at least one of
the first conduit and the second conduit and the temperature
manipulation element.
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the temperature
manipulation element is one of a heating element for heating the
respective working fluid flowing through the at least one of the
first conduit and the second conduit to a desired temperature and a
cooling element for cooling the respective working fluid flowing
through the at least one of the first conduit and the second
conduit to a desired temperature.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the respective
working fluid is at least one of a refrigerant, an engine fluid, a
battery coolant, and a transmission oil.
9. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of end plates, wherein
at least one of the end plates includes a plurality of first ports
formed therein and a plurality of second ports formed therein; a
plurality of interior plates disposed between the end plates in
stacked relation forming a plurality of first fluid flow channels
and a plurality of second fluid flow channels therebetween, the
interior plates having a plurality of first ports formed therein in
fluid communication with the first fluid flow channels and a
plurality of second ports formed therein in fluid communication
with the second fluid flow channels, wherein the first ports of
each of the plates substantially align to form an inlet manifold
and an outlet manifold for receiving the first working fluid
therein, and wherein the second ports of each of the plates
substantially align to form an inlet manifold and an outlet
manifold for receiving the second working fluid therein; a first
inlet conduit in fluid communication with the inlet manifold for
receiving the first working fluid therein; a first outlet conduit
in fluid communication with the outlet manifold for receiving the
first working fluid therein; a second inlet conduit in fluid
communication with the inlet manifold for receiving the second
working fluid therein; a second outlet conduit in fluid
communication with the outlet manifold for receiving the second
working fluid therein; and a temperature manipulation element
disposed in at least one of the first inlet conduit, the first
outlet conduit, the second inlet conduit, and the second outlet
conduit to manipulate a temperature of the respective working fluid
flowing through the at least one of the first inlet conduit, the
first outlet conduit, the second inlet conduit, and the second
outlet conduit.
10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the
temperature manipulation element is disposed in the at least one of
the first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second inlet
conduit, and the second outlet conduit at a position substantially
perpendicular to the flow of the respective working fluid through
the at least one of the first inlet conduit, the first outlet
conduit, the second inlet conduit, and the second outlet
conduit.
11. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the
temperature manipulation element is disposed in the at least one of
the first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second inlet
conduit, and the second outlet conduit at a position substantially
parallel to the flow of the respective working fluid through the at
least one of the first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the
second inlet conduit, and the second outlet conduit.
12. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the
temperature manipulation element is disposed in the at least one of
the first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second inlet
conduit, and the second outlet conduit at an intermediate position
between substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel to
the flow of the respective working fluid through the at least one
of the first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second
inlet conduit, and the second outlet conduit.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the
temperature manipulation element is coupled to the at least one of
the first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second inlet
conduit, and the second outlet conduit by a threaded engagement
forming a substantially fluid-tight connection between the at least
one of the first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the
second inlet conduit, and the second outlet conduit and the
temperature manipulation element.
14. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the
temperature manipulation element is one of a heating element for
heating the respective working fluid flowing through the at least
one of the first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the
second inlet conduit, and the second outlet conduit to a desired
temperature and a cooling element for cooling the respective
working fluid flowing through the at least one of the first inlet
conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second inlet conduit, and
the second outlet conduit to a desired temperature.
15. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the respective
working fluid flowing through the at least one of the first inlet
conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second inlet conduit, and
the second outlet conduit is at least one of a refrigerant, an
engine fluid, a battery coolant, and a transmission oil.
16. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of first plates
including a pair of first ports and a pair of second ports formed
therein; a plurality of second plates disposed adjacent the first
plates in an alternating pattern to form a plurality of first fluid
flow channels and a plurality of second fluid flow channels
therebetween, wherein each of the first fluid flow channels
receives a first working fluid therein and each of the second fluid
flow channels receives a second working fluid therein, and wherein
each of the second plates includes a pair of first ports and a pair
of second ports formed therein, and wherein the first ports of each
of the plates substantially align to form an inlet manifold and an
outlet manifold for receiving the first working fluid therein, and
wherein the second ports of each of the plates substantially align
to form an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold for receiving the
second working fluid therein; a first inlet conduit in fluid
communication with the inlet manifold for receiving the first
working fluid therein; a first outlet conduit in fluid
communication with the outlet manifold for receiving the first
working fluid therein; a second inlet conduit in fluid
communication with the inlet manifold for receiving the second
working fluid therein; a second outlet conduit in fluid
communication with the outlet manifold for receiving the second
working fluid therein; and at least one temperature manipulation
element disposed in the second inlet conduit and the second outlet
conduit to manipulate a temperature of the second working fluid
flowing through the conduits.
17. The heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein the at least
one temperature manipulation element is disposed in the second
inlet conduit at one of a position substantially perpendicular to
the flow of the second working fluid through the conduit, a
position substantially parallel to the flow of the second working
fluid through the conduit, and an intermediate position between
substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel to the flow
of the second working fluid through the conduit.
18. The heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein the at least
one temperature manipulation element is disposed in the second
outlet conduit at one of a position substantially perpendicular to
the flow of the second working fluid through the conduit, a
position substantially parallel to the flow of the second working
fluid through the conduit, and an intermediate position between
substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel to the flow
of the second working fluid through the conduit.
19. The heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein the at least
one temperature manipulation element is at least one of a heating
element for heating the second working fluid to a desired
temperature and a cooling element for cooling the second working
fluid to a desired temperature.
20. The heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein the first
working fluid is a refrigerant and the second working fluid is one
of an engine fluid and a battery coolant.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. More
particularly, the invention is directed to a chiller heat exchanger
having at least one temperature manipulation element integrated
into at least one of a fluid inlet conduit and a fluid outlet
conduit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Plate-type heat exchangers are used to transfer thermal
energy between heat exchange working fluids. At least two heat
exchange working fluid streams flow through separate flow passages
defined between heat exchanger plates in the plate-type heat
exchanger. Usually, the heat exchanger plates are arranged in a
stacked relation, forming a part of the plate-type heat exchanger.
The separate flow passages are defined by ports formed in the heat
exchanger plates and flow channels formed between the heat
exchanger plates.
[0003] Heat transfer between the working fluid streams occurs in
the area of a central heat transfer portion of the heat exchanger
plates. To transfer thermal energy, a first working fluid stream
flows through the ports on one side of the heat exchanger into a
plurality of first flow channels formed by alternating heat
exchanger plates. Simultaneously, a second working fluid stream
flows through the ports on an opposite side of the heat exchanger
into a plurality of second flow channels also formed by the
alternating heat exchanger plates and separate from the first flow
channels. Thus, heat is exchanged between the two working fluid
streams counter flowing through the heat exchanger.
[0004] One such type of plate-type heat exchanger is a chiller heat
exchanger. The chiller heat exchanger typically is used to cool the
working fluids flowing through the chiller heat exchanger from a
heat source such as an engine, a motor, or a battery of a vehicle,
for example. However, in certain cold climates it is desirable to
heat the working fluids flowing from the heat source as well.
Currently, the working fluids are heated by either separate heating
elements located in the fluid system architecture remote from the
chiller heat exchanger or by heating elements disposed within a
body of the heat exchanger.
[0005] It would be desirable to develop a heat exchanger having a
temperature manipulation element integrated into a fluid conduit
thereof, which manipulates a temperature of a working fluid while
minimizing cost and maximizing manufacturability of the heat
exchanger, regardless of the conduit orientation, working fluid
flow circuitry, or heat exchanger size.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In concordance and agreement with the present invention, a
heat exchanger having a temperature manipulation element integrated
into a fluid conduit thereof, which manipulates a temperature of a
working fluid while minimizing cost and maximizing
manufacturability, has surprisingly been discovered.
[0007] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises: a plurality
of plates in stacked relation forming a plurality of first fluid
flow channels and a plurality of second fluid flow channels
therebetween, the plates having at least one first port formed
therein in fluid communication with the first fluid flow channels
and at least one second port formed therein in fluid communication
with the second fluid flow channels, wherein the at least one first
port of one of the plates substantially aligns with the at least
one first port of another of the plates to form a first manifold
for receiving a first working fluid therein and the at least one
second port of one of the plates substantially aligns with the at
least one second port of another of the plates to form a second
manifold for receiving a second working fluid therein; a first
conduit in fluid communication with the first manifold for
receiving the first working fluid therein; a second conduit in
fluid communication with the second manifold for receiving the
second working fluid therein; and a temperature manipulation
element disposed in at least one of the first conduit and the
second conduit to manipulate a temperature of the respective
working fluid flowing through the at least one of the first conduit
and the second conduit.
[0008] In another embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises: a
plurality of end plates, wherein at least one of the end plates
includes a plurality of first ports formed therein and a plurality
of second ports formed therein; a plurality of interior plates
disposed between the end plates in stacked relation forming a
plurality of first fluid flow channels and a plurality of second
fluid flow channels therebetween, the interior plates having a
plurality of first ports formed therein in fluid communication with
the first fluid flow channels and a plurality of second ports
formed therein in fluid communication with the second fluid flow
channels, wherein the first ports of each of the plates
substantially align to form an inlet manifold and an outlet
manifold for receiving the first working fluid therein, and wherein
the second ports of each of the plates substantially align to form
an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold for receiving the second
working fluid therein; a first inlet conduit in fluid communication
with the inlet manifold for receiving the first working fluid
therein; a first outlet conduit in fluid communication with the
outlet manifold for receiving the first working fluid therein; a
second inlet conduit in fluid communication with the inlet manifold
for receiving the second working fluid therein; a second outlet
conduit in fluid communication with the outlet manifold for
receiving the second working fluid therein; and a temperature
manipulation element disposed in at least one of the first inlet
conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second inlet conduit, and
the second outlet conduit to manipulate a temperature of the
respective working fluid flowing through the at least one of the
first inlet conduit, the first outlet conduit, the second inlet
conduit, and the second outlet conduit.
[0009] In another embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises: a
plurality of first plates including a pair of first ports and a
pair of second ports formed therein; a plurality of second plates
disposed adjacent the first plates in an alternating pattern to
form a plurality of first fluid flow channels and a plurality of
second fluid flow channels therebetween, wherein each of the first
fluid flow channels receives a first working fluid therein and each
of the second fluid flow channels receives a second working fluid
therein, and wherein each of the second plates includes a pair of
first ports and a pair of second ports formed therein, and wherein
the first ports of each of the plates substantially align to form
an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold for receiving the first
working fluid therein, and wherein the second ports of each of the
plates substantially align to form an inlet manifold and an outlet
manifold for receiving the second working fluid therein; a first
inlet conduit in fluid communication with the inlet manifold for
receiving the first working fluid therein; a first outlet conduit
in fluid communication with the outlet manifold for receiving the
first working fluid therein; a second inlet conduit in fluid
communication with the inlet manifold for receiving the second
working fluid therein; a second outlet conduit in fluid
communication with the outlet manifold for receiving the second
working fluid therein; and at least one temperature manipulation
element disposed in the second inlet conduit and the second outlet
conduit to manipulate a temperature of the second working fluid
flowing through the conduits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above, as well as other advantages of the present
invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment
when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top perspective schematic view of a heat
exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2
thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The following detailed description and appended drawings
describe and illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art
to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention in any manner.
[0014] FIGS. 1-2 show a heat exchanger 10 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger 10 shown is
a chiller heat exchanger, however, it is understood that the heat
exchanger 10 can be any type of heat exchanger used for any desired
application such as automotive, commercial, residential, marine,
aeronautical, and recreational vehicle applications, for example.
The heat exchanger 10 includes a corner plate 16 and a plurality of
interior plates 18a, 18b disposed between a pair of end plates 19,
20 in stacked relation. Additional or fewer plates than shown can
be employed as desired such as spacer plates or transfer plates,
for example.
[0015] As illustrated, the corner plate 16 and the end plates 19,
20 have a greater thickness than the interior plates 18a, 18b to
provide structural rigidity to the heat exchanger 10. The plates
16, 18a, 18b, 19, 20 are affixed around outer peripheries thereof
in a substantially fluid-tight manner. It is understood that the
plates 16, 18a, 18b, 19, 20 can be affixed by any suitable means as
desired such as by brazing, soldering, welding, use of gasket, and
the like, for example. Each of the plates 18a, 18b, 19, 20 shown
has an upwardly and outwardly extending peripheral skirt portion 21
to facilitate a nesting of adjacent plates 18a, 18b, 19, 20 in the
stack and maximize a sealing therebetween.
[0016] In the embodiment shown, the plates 16, 18a, 18b, 19, 20
have a generally rectangular shape, although it is understood that
the plates 16, 18a, 18b, 19, 20 can have any shape and size as
desired. It is further understood that the plates 16, 18a, 18b, 19,
29 can be formed from any suitable material such as a metal
material, for example. A width and a length of the heat exchanger
10 shown depends on the shape and size of the plates 18a, 18b, 19,
20 and a height of the heat exchanger 10 depends upon the number of
plates 18a, 18b, 19, 20 in the stack. The number of interior plates
18a, 18b in the stack is determined based on a desired cooling,
heating, and flow capacity of the heat exchanger 10. The heat
exchanger 10 illustrated includes twenty-four (24) interior plates
18a, 18b. It is understood, however, additional or fewer interior
plates 18a, 18b than shown can be employed if desired.
[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the interior plates 18a are
disposed adjacent the interior plates 18b in an alternating
pattern. The corner plate 16 is disposed adjacent the end plate 20.
It is understood that the corner plate 16 can be disposed adjacent
one of the interior plates 18a, 18b or the end plate 19 if desired.
A plurality of flow channels 22a, 22b is formed between the
alternating interior plates 18a, 18b and between the end plate 20
and the interior plate 18b. A first working fluid (not shown) is
received in the flow channels 22a. A second working fluid (not
shown) is received in the flow channels 22b. The working fluids can
be any working fluids as desired such as any fluid used in an
automotive application, a refrigerant (e.g. R12, R134a, etc.), a
coolant (e.g. ethyl glycol), an engine oil, a transmission oil, a
power-steering fluid, and the like, for example. In a non-limiting
example, the first working fluid is a refrigerant and the second
working fluid is an engine or battery coolant.
[0018] Surface irregularities 24 formed in the interior plates 18a,
18b contact the adjacent interior plates 18a, 18b or at least one
of the end plates 19, 20, creating a plurality of non-linear flow
paths within the flow channels 22a, 22b to maximize heat transfer
between the working fluids. It is understood that the surface
irregularities 24 can have any shape and size as desired.
[0019] Each of the plates 18a, 18b, 20 further includes a pair of
first working fluid ports 30, 32 and a pair of second working fluid
ports 34, 36. It is understood that the end plate 19 can have
working fluid ports formed therein, if desired. The first working
fluid ports 30, 32 of each of the plates 18a, 18b, 20 are arranged
and substantially aligned to form an inlet manifold 40 and an
outlet manifold 42, respectively. The first working fluid inlet
manifold 40 permits the first working fluid to flow into the flow
channels 22a and the first working fluid outlet manifold 42 permits
the first working fluid to flow from the flow channels 22a. An
inlet conduit 50 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and in fluid
communication with the first working fluid inlet manifold 40 to
permit the first working fluid to flow into the heat exchanger 10.
An outlet conduit 52 is coupled to the heat exchanger 10 and in
fluid communication with the first working fluid outlet manifold 42
to permit the first working fluid to flow from the heat exchanger
10. As illustrated, the conduits 50, 52 are received in respective
openings formed in the corner plate 16 to form a fluid-tight
connection therebetween. It is understood that the conduits 50, 52
can be coupled to the corner plate 16 or one of the end plates 19,
20 by any means as desired such as by brazing, soldering, welding,
use of gasket, and the like, for example.
[0020] The second working fluid ports 34 of each of the plates 18a,
18b, 20 are arranged and substantially aligned to form a second
working fluid inlet manifold 54. The second working fluid inlet
manifold 54 permits the second working fluid to flow into the flow
channels 22b. The second working fluid ports 36 of each of the
plates 16, 18a, 18b, 20 are arranged and substantially aligned to
form a second working fluid outlet manifold 56. The second working
fluid outlet manifold 56 permits the second working fluid to flow
from the flow channels 22b. An inlet conduit 58 is coupled to the
heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with the second
working fluid inlet manifold 54 to permit the second working fluid
to flow into the heat exchanger 10. An outlet conduit 60 is coupled
to the heat exchanger 10 and in fluid communication with the second
working fluid outlet manifold 56 to permit the second working fluid
to flow from the heat exchanger 10. It is understood that the
conduits 50, 52, 58, 60 can be coupled to the heat exchanger 10 by
any suitable means such as brazing, soldering, welding, use of a
gasket, and the like, for example. It is further understood that
the conduits 50, 52, 58, 60 can be formed from any suitable
material such as a metal material or a plastic material, for
example. As illustrated, the conduits 50, 52, 58, 60 extend
laterally outwardly from one side of the heat exchanger 10. It is
understood, however, that each of the conduits 50, 52, 58, 60 can
formed to extend from any side of the heat exchanger 10 in any
direction and configuration as desired.
[0021] In the embodiment shown, a temperature manipulation element
70 is disposed in each of the inlet conduit 58 and the outlet
conduit 60 for the second working fluid. Additional or fewer
temperature manipulation elements 70 than shown can be employed if
desired such as a temperature manipulation element 70 disposed in
each of the conduits 50, 52, 58, 60, two or more temperature
manipulation elements 70 disposed in at least one of the conduits
50, 52, 58, 60, or one temperature manipulation element 70 disposed
in only one of the conduits 50, 52, 58, 60, for example. As
illustrated, the temperature manipulation element 70 is disposed in
the conduits 58, 60 at a position substantially perpendicular to a
direction of flow of the second working fluid through the conduits
58, 60. It is understood, however, that the temperature
manipulation element 70 can be disposed in the conduits 50, 52, 58,
60 at any position as desired such as at a position substantially
perpendicular to a direction of flow of the first working fluid
through the conduits 50, 52, a position substantially parallel to
the direction of flow of the working fluids through the conduits
50, 52, 58, 60 or at an intermediate position between substantially
perpendicular and substantially parallel to the direction of flow
of the working fluids through the conduits 50, 52, 58, 60, for
example.
[0022] The temperature manipulation element 70 shown is a heating
element such as a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) or a glow
plug, for example. It is understood that the temperature
manipulation element 70 can be any temperature manipulation element
70 as desired such as other heating elements or a cooling element
if desired. In the embodiment shown, the temperature manipulation
elements 70 are coupled to the conduits 58, 60 by a threaded
engagement 72 forming a substantially fluid-tight connection
therebetween. It is understood, however, that the temperature
manipulation elements 70 can be coupled to the conduits 50, 52, 58,
60 by any means to form a fluid-tight connection as desired such as
by brazing, soldering, welding, use of fasteners, and the like, for
example. Gaskets (not shown) may also be employed to facilitate the
formation of the fluid-tight connection if desired.
[0023] In operation, the first working fluid flows to the heat
exchanger 10 through the inlet conduit 50 and into the inlet
manifold 40 for the first working fluid. The first working fluid
then flows into the flow channels 22a formed between the
alternating plates 18a, 18b. As the first working fluid travels
through the flow paths of the flow channels 22a, the first working
fluid flows around the surface irregularities 24 formed in the
plates 18a, 18b, which cause the first working fluid to be
turbulated. Thereafter, the first working fluid flows from the flow
channels 22a through the outlet manifold 42 and into the outlet
conduit 52 out of the heat exchanger 10.
[0024] Simultaneously, the second working fluid flows to the heat
exchanger 10 through the inlet conduit 58 and into the inlet
manifold 54 for the second working fluid. The second working fluid
then flows into the flow channels 22b formed between the
alternating plates 18a, 18b. As the second working fluid travels
through the flow paths of the flow channels 22b, the second working
fluid flows around the surface irregularities 24 formed in the
plates 18a, 18b, which cause the second working fluid to be
turbulated. Typically, heat is transferred from the second working
fluid to the first working fluid. It is understood, however, that
in certain applications of the heat exchanger 10 such as in use in
cold climates, for example, heat can be transferred from the first
working fluid to the second working fluid if desired. Thereafter,
the second working fluid flows from the flow channels 22b through
the outlet manifold 56 and into the outlet conduit 60 out of the
heat exchanger 10.
[0025] When a temperature of the second working fluid flowing
through the inlet conduit 58 into the heat exchanger 10 is above or
below a desired temperature, the temperature manipulation element
70 disposed in the inlet conduit 58 is either activated or
deactivated. In the embodiment shown, the temperature manipulation
element 70 is a heating element and is activated when the
temperature of the second working fluid flowing through the inlet
conduit 58 is below the desired temperature. Accordingly, the
temperature manipulation element 70 in the inlet conduit 58
operates to heat the second working fluid flowing through the inlet
conduit 58 until the desired temperature is reached. Once the
desired temperature is reached, the temperature manipulation
element 70 is then deactivated. It is understood, however, that the
temperature manipulation element 70 can be used to maintain the
temperature of the second working fluid flowing through the inlet
conduit 58 at the desired temperature if desired. Additional
temperature manipulation elements 70 disposed in the inlet conduit
58 minimize a time required to reach the desired temperature. When
the temperature manipulation element 70 is a heating element that
has been activated and the temperature of the second working fluid
flowing through the inlet conduit 58 is above the desired
temperature, the temperature manipulation element 70 is
deactivated.
[0026] When a temperature of the second working fluid flowing
through the outlet conduit 60 from the heat exchanger 10 is above
or below a desired temperature, the temperature manipulation
element 70 disposed in the outlet conduit 60 is either activated or
deactivated. In the embodiment shown, the temperature manipulation
element 70 is a heating element and is activated when the
temperature of the second working fluid flowing through the outlet
conduit 60 is below the desired temperature. Accordingly, the
temperature manipulation element 70 in the outlet conduit 60
operates to heat the second working fluid flowing through the
outlet conduit 60 until the desired temperature is reached. Once
the desired temperature is reached, the temperature manipulation
element 70 is then deactivated. It is understood, however, that the
temperature manipulation element 70 can be used to maintain the
temperature of the second working fluid flowing through the outlet
conduit 60 at the desired temperature if desired. Additional
temperature manipulation elements 70 disposed in the outlet conduit
60 minimize a time required to reach the desired temperature. When
the temperature manipulation element 70 is a heating element that
has been activated and the temperature of the second working fluid
flowing through the outlet conduit 60 is above the desired
temperature, the temperature manipulation element 70 is
deactivated.
[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, the temperature
manipulation element 70 disposed in the inlet conduit 58 is a
cooling element and is activated when the temperature of the second
working fluid flowing through the inlet conduit 58 is above the
desired temperature. Accordingly, the temperature manipulation
element 70 in the inlet conduit 58 operates to cool the second
working fluid flowing through the inlet conduit 58 until the
desired temperature is reached. Once the desired temperature is
reached, the temperature manipulation element 70 is then
deactivated. It is understood, however, that the temperature
manipulation element 70 can be used to maintain the temperature of
the second working fluid flowing through the inlet conduit 58 at
the desired temperature if desired. Additional temperature
manipulation elements 70 disposed in the inlet conduit 58 minimize
a time required to reach the desired temperature. When the
temperature manipulation element 70 is a cooling element that has
been activated and the temperature of the second working fluid
flowing through the inlet conduit 58 is below the desired
temperature, the temperature manipulation element 70 is
deactivated.
[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, the temperature
manipulation element 70 disposed in the outlet conduit 60 is a
cooling element and is activated when the temperature of the second
working fluid flowing through the outlet conduit 60 is above the
desired temperature. Accordingly, the temperature manipulation
element 70 in the outlet conduit 60 operates to cool the second
working fluid flowing through the outlet conduit 60 until the
desired temperature is reached. Once the desired temperature is
reached, the temperature manipulation element 70 is then
deactivated. It is understood, however, that the temperature
manipulation element 70 can be used to maintain the temperature of
the second working fluid flowing through the outlet conduit 60 at
the desired temperature if desired. Additional temperature
manipulation elements 70 disposed in the outlet conduit 60 minimize
a time required to reach the desired temperature. When the
temperature manipulation element 70 is a cooling element that has
been activated and the temperature of the second working fluid
flowing through the outlet conduit 60 is below the desired
temperature, the temperature manipulation element 70 is
deactivated.
[0029] It is understood that the inlet conduit 58 and the outlet
conduit 60 can have any combination of temperature manipulation
elements 70 disposed therein such as where the temperature
manipulation element 70 disposed in the inlet conduit 58 is a
heating element and the temperature manipulation element 70
disposed in the outlet conduit 60 is a cooling element, where the
temperature manipulation element 70 disposed in the inlet conduit
58 is a cooling element and the temperature manipulation element 70
disposed in the outlet conduit 60 is a heating element, or where
one of the temperature manipulation elements 70 disposed in the
inlet conduit 58 is a heating element and another of the
temperature manipulation elements 70 disposed in the inlet conduit
58 is a cooling element and one of the temperature manipulation
elements 70 disposed in the outlet conduit 60 is a heating element
and another of the temperature manipulation elements 70 disposed in
the outlet conduit 60 is a cooling element, for example.
[0030] It is further understood that at least one of the conduits
50, 52 may include at least one temperature manipulation element 70
disposed therein for heating or cooling the first working fluid
until a desired temperature thereof is reached.
[0031] From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in
the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this
invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof,
make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it
to various usages and conditions.
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