U.S. patent application number 13/731276 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-01 for multilayer heat exchanger and heat exchange system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.). The applicant listed for this patent is Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.). Invention is credited to Hiroyuki Ban, Yasutake Miwa, Koji Noishiki.
Application Number | 20130192806 13/731276 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47561420 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130192806 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noishiki; Koji ; et
al. |
August 1, 2013 |
MULTILAYER HEAT EXCHANGER AND HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEM
Abstract
In a multilayer heat exchanger of the present invention, a
plurality of heat exchange units for performing heat exchange of a
fluid fed from a plurality of compressors is stacked. Each of the
heat exchange units has a structure that pluralities of flow
passage plates and cooling plates are stacked. Concave grooves
formed on surfaces are formed as flow passages of the fluid in the
flow passage plates and cooling plates. The flow passage plates and
cooling plates are made of metal, the flow passages are formed by
chemical etching, and the stacked metal flow passage plates and
cooling plates are bonded to each other by diffusion-bonding.
Further, each of the heat exchange units is in one-to-one
correspondence with each of the compressors.
Inventors: |
Noishiki; Koji;
(Takasago-shi, JP) ; Miwa; Yasutake;
(Takasago-shi, JP) ; Ban; Hiroyuki; (Takasago-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
(Kobe Steel, Ltd.); Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho |
Kobe-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
(Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
Kobe-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
47561420 |
Appl. No.: |
13/731276 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 3/08 20130101; F04D
29/5826 20130101; F28D 9/005 20130101; F28D 9/0093 20130101; F28D
9/0056 20130101; F28D 9/0075 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/166 |
International
Class: |
F28F 3/08 20060101
F28F003/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 31, 2012 |
JP |
2012-018128 |
Claims
1. A multilayer heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of stacked
heat exchange units for performing heat exchange of a fluid fed out
from a plurality of machines, wherein each of the heat exchange
units has a structure that a plurality of flow passage plates is
stacked, and each of the flow passage plates has concave grooves
formed on a surface as flow passages of the fluid.
2. The multilayer heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each
of the plurality of heat exchange units is paired with each of the
plurality of machines.
3. The multilayer heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein each
of the plurality of heat exchange units is provided with a supply
hole through which the fluid is supplied to the heat exchange unit
and a discharge hole through which the supplied fluid is
discharged, and the supply hole and the discharge hole provided in
each of the heat exchange units are formed with length to directly
communicate with an exterior along the stacking direction of the
heat exchange unit in such a manner that arrangement positions
thereof in a plan view are not overlapped with each other.
4. The multilayer heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the
flow passage plates are made of metal, and the flow passages of the
flow passage plates are formed by chemical etching.
5. The multilayer heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein the
stacked metal flow passage plates are bonded to each other by
diffusion-bonding.
6. A heat exchange system, comprising: a plurality of machines for
changing a heat amount of a fluid; and a multilayer heat exchanger
formed by stacking heat exchange units for performing heat exchange
of the fluid whose heat amount is changed by the plurality of
machines, wherein the multilayer heat exchanger is the multilayer
heat exchanger according to claim 1.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a multilayer heat exchanger
formed by stacking flow passage plates, and a heat exchange system
in which this multilayer heat exchanger is used.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There is a case where a high-temperature gas compressed by a
compressor is guided to and cooled in a heat exchanger and the
cooled high-pressure gas is charged into a tank or a cylinder. The
heat exchanger used at this time includes a so-called fin type or
plate type heat exchanger, and for example Japanese Unexamined
Patent Application Publication No. 2000-283668 discloses such a
heat exchanger. In the plate type heat exchanger having an integral
structure that an interior is partitioned into a plurality of units
by a partition wall, at least one of the plurality of units has a
plurality of fluid inlets or outlets, and at least one side
connecting to the inlets and the outlets forms a plurality of
different heating flow passages or heated flow passages in the
plurality of units. With this plate type heat exchanger, piping is
easily performed and size and weight can be reduced.
[0005] A compression of a gas is not limited only to a so-called
one-step type compression in which a gas is compressed only once by
one compressor but a multi-step type compression in which a gas
successively passes through a plurality of compressors so that the
gas once compressed by a compressor is further compressed by a
next-step compressor may be performed.
[0006] In a case of the multi-step type compression, a temperature
of the gas is increased every time when the gas is compressed by
the compressor. Thus, the compressed gas passes through and is
cooled in a heat exchanger before being supplied to the next-step
compressor. That is, there is a need for preparing the same number
of heat exchangers as the number of the compressors so as to
establish a multi-step type compression system in which the
plurality of heat exchangers and also the plurality of compressors
are alternately connected in series.
[0007] In a case where the above conventional heat exchanger is
used for such a multi-step type compression system, there are a
problem that there is a need for a large installment area for
arranging the pluralities of compressors and heat exchangers and a
problem that there is a larger installment area due to complicated
piping when the numbers of the compressors and the heat exchangers
are increased.
[0008] Further, due to low pressure resistance, the conventional
heat exchanger is not suitable for treating the gas whose pressure
is greatly increased by the multi-step type compression. Thus,
development of a heat exchanger having high pressure resistance is
also an important challenge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In consideration with the above problems and the challenge,
an object of the present invention is to provide a compact
multilayer heat exchanger having high pressure resistance and a
heat exchange system in which the multilayer heat exchanger is
used.
[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
adopts the following technical means.
[0011] A multilayer heat exchanger according to the present
invention includes a plurality of stacked heat exchange units for
performing heat exchange of a fluid fed out from a plurality of
machines, wherein each of the heat exchange units has a structure
that a plurality of flow passage plates is stacked, and each of the
flow passage plates has concave grooves formed on a surface as flow
passages of the fluid.
[0012] Each of the plurality of heat exchange units may be paired
with each of the plurality of machines. In other words, each of the
plurality of heat exchange units may be in one-to-one
correspondence with each of the plurality of machines.
[0013] Further, preferably, each of the plurality of heat exchange
units is provided with a supply hole through which the fluid is
supplied to the heat exchange unit and a discharge hole through
which the supplied fluid is discharged, and the supply hole and the
discharge hole provided in each of the heat exchange units are
formed with length to directly communicate with an exterior along
the stacking direction of the heat exchange unit in such a manner
that arrangement positions thereof in a plan view are not
overlapped with each other.
[0014] In addition, the flow passage plates may be made of metal,
and the flow passages of the flow passage plates may be formed by
chemical etching.
[0015] Preferably, the stacked metal flow passage plates are bonded
to each other by diffusion-bonding.
[0016] A heat exchange system according to the present invention
includes a plurality of machines for changing a heat amount of a
fluid, and a multilayer heat exchanger formed by stacking heat
exchange units for performing heat exchange of the fluid whose heat
amount is changed by the plurality of machines, wherein the
multilayer heat exchanger is the multilayer heat exchanger
described above.
[0017] According to the present invention, the compact heat
exchanger having high pressure resistance and the heat exchange
system can be obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a concept view showing a configuration of a
multi-step type heat exchange system: FIG. 1A is a concept view
showing a configuration of a conventional heat exchange system; and
FIG. 1B is a concept view showing a configuration of a heat
exchange system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a view showing a section structure of a multilayer
heat exchanger according to the first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a view showing a section structure of the
multilayer heat exchanger according to the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan concept view showing a configuration of all
plates forming the multilayer heat exchanger according to the first
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration of the plates
forming the multilayer heat exchanger according to the first
embodiment: FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a configuration of a
flow passage plate; and FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a
configuration of a cooling plate;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a view for illustrating differential pressures of
a fluid supplied to heat exchange units of the multilayer heat
exchanger according to the first embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a configuration of a cooling
plate used for a multilayer heat exchanger according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a view showing a section structure of the
multilayer heat exchanger according to the second embodiment;
and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a view showing a section structure of the
multilayer heat exchanger according to the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described based on the drawings.
First Embodiment
(Outline of Heat Exchange System)
[0028] With reference to the drawings, a heat exchange system
according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a concept view showing a configuration of a
multi-step type heat exchange system in which compressors serving
as a plurality of machines and a plurality of heat exchangers are
used. FIG. 1A is a concept view showing a configuration of a heat
exchange system in which conventional heat exchangers are used, and
FIG. 1B is a concept view showing a configuration of a heat
exchange system 1a in which a multilayer heat exchanger 2a
according to the present embodiment is used.
[0030] In the heat exchange system 1a to be described in the
present embodiment, in a multi-step type compression process for
successively pressurizing and compressing a gas by a plurality of
compressors connected in series so as to change the gas into a
high-pressure gas, the heat exchanger is provided in a subsequent
step to the compressors.
(Conventional Heat Exchange System)
[0031] The heat exchange system shown in FIG. 1A shows the
configuration of a case where the conventional heat exchangers are
used. The heat exchange system of FIG. 1A includes four compressors
of first to fourth compressors denoted by 1st-comp to 4th-comp, and
four heat exchangers of first to fourth heat exchangers denoted by
1st-ex to 4th-ex.
[0032] Regarding the four compressors and the four heat exchangers,
firstly, a discharge port of the first compressor is connected to a
suction port of the first heat exchanger by a pipe, and a discharge
port of the first heat exchanger is connected to a suction port of
the second compressor by a pipe. In such a way, the conventional
heat exchange system is formed as shown in FIG. 1A while connecting
the discharge ports of the compressors and the suction ports of the
heat exchangers.
(Heat Exchange System of the Present Application)
[0033] On the other hand, the heat exchange system 1a shown in FIG.
1B includes compressors serving as four machines of first to fourth
compressors C1 to C4 denoted by 1st-comp to 4th-comp, and the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a formed by stacking and integrating
four heat exchange units of first to fourth heat exchange units U1
to U4 denoted by 1st-unit to 4th unit.
[0034] The first to fourth heat exchange units U1 to U4 of the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a shown in FIG. 1B perform operations
corresponding to the conventional first to fourth heat exchangers
shown in FIG. 1A. The first heat exchange unit U1 performs heat
exchange (cooling) of a high-temperature fluid discharged from the
first compressor C1, and the second heat exchange unit U2 performs
heat exchange (cooling) of the high-temperature fluid discharged
from the second compressor C2. The third heat exchange unit U3
performs heat exchange (cooling) of the high-temperature fluid
discharged from the third compressor C3, and the fourth heat
exchange unit U4 performs heat exchange (cooling) of the
high-temperature fluid discharged from the fourth compressor
C4.
[0035] In such a way, the heat exchange system 1a according to the
present embodiment has the plurality of machines (such as the first
to fourth compressors C1 to C4) for changing a heat amount of the
fluid (such as a hydrogen gas), and the multilayer heat exchanger
2a formed by stacking the heat exchange units (such as the first to
fourth heat exchange units U1 to U4) for performing heat exchange
of the fluid whose heat amount is changed by the plurality of
machines.
[0036] In the present embodiment, a state that the plurality of
machines for changing the heat amount of the fluid is connected in
series so as to form one flow passage is called as a state that the
plurality of machines is connected in multiple steps. When the
plurality of compressors C1 to C4 is connected in multiple steps as
in the present embodiment, the hydrogen gas serving as the fluid
flows through one flow passage formed by the multiple steps of the
compressors C1 to C4 from the first compressor C1, the second
compressor C2, the third compressor C3, to the fourth compressor C4
in this order. However, the heat amount of the hydrogen gas is
changed and a temperature of the gas is increased every time when
the gas passes through the compressors C1 to C4. Thus, every time
when the gas passes through the compressors C1 to C4, the hydrogen
gas discharged from the first to fourth compressors C1 to C4 flows
into the corresponding first to fourth heat exchange units U1 to
U4, heat exchange is performed, and the gas is suctioned into the
compressor in a next step.
[0037] That is, the high-temperature hydrogen gas compressed
(pressurized) in the first compressor C1 flows into the first heat
exchange unit U1 of the multilayer heat exchanger 2a so as to be
cooled, and is suctioned into the second compressor C2 in the next
step. The suctioned hydrogen gas is further compressed by the
second compressor C2 so as to have a higher temperature and
returned to the multilayer heat exchanger 2a, and flows into the
second heat exchange unit U2 so as to be cooled. By repeating such
a cycle until the hydrogen gas passes through the fourth compressor
C4 and the fourth heat exchange unit U4, the hydrogen gas becomes a
greatly high-pressure gas.
[0038] In such a way, the fluid discharged from the first
compressor C1 flows into the first heat exchange unit U1, and the
fluid discharged from the second compressor C2 flows into the
second heat exchange unit U2. Thus, it can be said that the first
compressor C1 and the first heat exchange unit U1 are paired with
each other, and the second compressor C2 and the second heat
exchange unit U2 are paired with each other. Similarly, it can be
said that the third compressor C3 and the third heat exchange unit
U3 are paired with each other, and the fourth compressor C4 and the
fourth heat exchange unit U4 are paired with each other.
[0039] At this time, a flow rate of cooling water can be controlled
for each unit according to a layering method so that the cooling
water performs cooling, or the cooling water can perform cooling
all the units at once.
[0040] The multilayer heat exchanger 2a according to the present
embodiment realizes functions of the plurality of heat exchangers
in the conventional heat exchange system by an integrated flow
passage structure. The multilayer heat exchanger 2a according to
the present embodiment can be downsized more than the conventional
heat exchangers, and piping with the compressors can be simply and
easily organized. Further, an area of an installment place required
for installing the heat exchange system including compressors can
be reduced.
(Configuration of Multilayer Heat Exchanger)
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a configuration of the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a according to the present embodiment
will be described.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a view of a structure of the multilayer heat
exchanger 2a, showing an A-A section and a C-C section of the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a. FIG. 3 is a view showing a B-B
section of the multilayer heat exchanger 2a.
[0043] The multilayer heat exchanger 2a is formed by stacking the
first to fourth heat exchange units U1 to U4 denoted by 1st to 4th,
stacking an upper surface board (upper end plate) 3 on an upper
surface of the stacked body, and stacking a lower surface board
(lower end plate) 4 on a lower surface. Each of the first to fourth
heat exchange units U1 to U4 is formed by alternately stacking a
plurality of flat flow passage boards (flow passage plates) in
which flow passages of the hydrogen gas serving as the fluid are
formed, and a plurality of flat flow passage boards (cooling
plates) in which flow passages of the cooling water serving as a
cooling medium are formed.
[0044] At this time, depending on a desired heat exchanger
performance, the plates may be stacked in such a manner that the
both surface sides of the flow passage plate on the hydrogen side
are sandwiched by the cooling plates.
[0045] Therefore, an outer appearance of each of the first to
fourth heat exchange units U1 to U4 is a cuboid shape in which the
flat fluid plates and the cooling plates are stacked. Since such
cuboid first to fourth heat exchange units U1 to U4 are stacked,
the multilayer heat exchanger 2a is formed in a cuboid shape which
is high in the stacking direction of the first to fourth heat
exchange units U1 to U4.
[0046] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, configurations of the first
to fourth flow passage plates P1 to P4 and the cooling plate CP1
used for the first to fourth heat exchange units U1 to U4 will be
described for illustrating the configuration of the multilayer heat
exchanger 2a.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a view showing all the plates forming the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a. The first flow passage plate (1st
plate) P1 forming the first heat exchange unit U1 is shown in a
upper left part of FIG. 4, and the third flow passage plate (3rd
plate) P3, the fourth flow passage plate (4th plate) P4, and the
second flow passage plate (2nd plate) P2 are shown in this order
toward the right side. The flow passage plates P1 to P4 are shown
in order of the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 2nd plates from the left side
based on the fact that the first to fourth heat exchange units U1
to U4 are stacked in order of the first, third, fourth, and second
heat exchange units from the upper side in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0048] The upper surface board (upper end plate) 3 stacked on the
upper surface of the multilayer heat exchanger is shown in a lower
left part of FIG. 4, and the cooling plate CP1 stacked between the
flow passage plates and the lower surface board (lower end plate) 4
stacked on the lower surface of the multilayer heat exchanger are
shown in this order toward the right side.
[0049] FIG. 4 shows the configurations of the plates of the time
when the multilayer heat exchanger 2a is seen from the upper
surface side, that is, when the multilayer heat exchanger is seen
along the direction from the upper side of the upper end plate 3 to
the lower end plate 4.
(First Heat Exchange Unit)
[0050] Firstly, the first heat exchange unit (1st heat exchange
unit) U1 in the multilayer heat exchanger 2a is formed by
alternately stacking the first flow passage plates (1st plates) P1
and the cooling plates CP1.
(First Flow Passage Plate)
[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the first flow passage plate P1 is a
flat rectangular board made of metal such as stainless or aluminum,
the board having thickness of a few millimeters. In both ends in
the longitudinal direction of the first flow passage plate P1 shown
in FIG. 4, a fluid supply hole 1IN through which the hydrogen gas
supplied from the first compressor C1 flows into the first flow
passage plate P1 is bored so as to form a through hole in a left
part of the upper end in the figure. A fluid discharge hole 1OUT
through which the hydrogen gas flows out from the first flow
passage plate P1 is bored so as to form a through hole in a right
part of the lower end. That is, the fluid supply hole 1IN and the
fluid discharge hole 1OUT are formed in the diagonal direction of
the first flow passage plate P1.
[0052] On one surface of the first flow passage plate P1 in which
the fluid supply hole 1IN and the fluid discharge hole 1OUT are
formed, that is, an upper surface shown in FIG. 4, flow passages
for the hydrogen gas are formed so as to connect the fluid supply
hole 1IN and the fluid discharge hole 1OUT. By the flow passages,
the hydrogen gas flowing from the fluid supply hole 1IN flows along
the formed flow passages, and flows out from the fluid discharge
hole 1OUT to an exterior of the first flow passage plate.
[0053] FIG. 5A is a view showing a detailed configuration of the
first flow passage plate P1 shown in FIG. 4. The plurality of flow
passages is formed in the first flow passage plate P1 so as to
meander in the width direction of the first flow passage plate P1
and connect the fluid supply hole 1IN and the fluid discharge hole
1OUT. The plurality of flow passages is formed so as not to cross
each other but be substantially parallel to each other. Therefore,
the hydrogen gas flowing from the fluid supply hole 1IN reaches the
fluid discharge hole 1OUT through only one flow passage into which
the gas flows.
[0054] The flow passages of the first flow passage plate P1 meander
in the width direction of the first flow passage plate P1 in order
to have as long flow passages as possible within a limited area of
the first flow passage plate P1. For that purpose, the flow
passages may take a track other than the meandering track shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0055] Such flow passages are called as micro channels in the
technical field of the present invention, the micro channels being
thin flow passages having width of about 1 millimeter. The flow
passages called as the micro channels are formed with using an
etching technique such as chemical etching. Since etching is
isotropic work, depth of the flow passages is close to 0.5 times
more than the width of the flow passages. However, in the present
embodiment, the depth is about 0.4 to 0.6 times more than the width
of the flow passages.
[0056] In addition, in both the ends in the longitudinal direction
of the first flow passage plate P1, a fluid supply hole 3IN serving
as a through hole through which the hydrogen gas supplied from the
third compressor C3 flows into the third flow passage plate P3
described later is bored in a right part of the upper end in the
figure. A fluid discharge hole 3OUT serving as a through hole
through which the hydrogen gas flows out from the third flow
passage plate P3 is bored in a left part of the lower end. The
fluid supply hole 3IN and the fluid discharge hole 3OUT are not
connected to the flow passages of the first flow passage plate
P1.
[0057] A cooling water hole IN serving as a through hole through
which the cooling water flows into the cooling plate CP1 described
later is bored between the fluid discharge hole 1OUT and the
through hole of the fluid discharge hole 3OUT, and a cooling water
hole OUT serving as a through hole through which the cooling water
flows out from the cooling plate CP1 described later is bored
between the fluid supply hole 1IN and the through hole of the fluid
supply hole 3IN. The cooling water hole IN and the cooling water
hole OUT are not connected to the flow passages of the first flow
passage plate P1.
[0058] The other surface of such a first flow passage plate P1,
that is, a lower surface (not shown) in which no flow passages are
formed is a smooth surface.
(Cooling Plate)
[0059] The cooling plate CP1 has a substantially similar
configuration to the first flow passage plate P1 and is made of the
same material as the first flow passage plate P1. In both ends in
the longitudinal direction, a fluid supply hole 1IN, a cooling
water hole OUT, and a fluid supply hole 3IN are formed at the same
positions as the first flow passage plate P1 in the upper end, and
a fluid discharge hole 1OUT, a cooling water hole IN, and a fluid
discharge hole 3OUT are similarly formed at the same positions as
the first flow passage plate P1 in the lower end.
[0060] FIG. 5B is a view showing a detailed configuration of the
cooling plate CP1 shown in FIG. 4. A plurality of flow passages is
also formed in the cooling plate CP1 so as to meander in the width
direction as well as the first flow passage plate P1 and connect
the cooling water hole IN and the cooling water hole OUT. The
plurality of flow passages is also formed so as not to cross each
other but be substantially parallel to each other as well as the
first flow passage plate P1. Therefore, the cooling water flowing
from the cooling water hole IN reaches the cooling water hole OUT
through only one flow passage into which the water flows.
[0061] The other surface of such a cooling plate CP1, that is, a
lower surface (not shown) in which no flow passages are formed is a
smooth surface.
[0062] The first heat exchange unit U1 is formed by alternately
stacking the first flow passage plates P1 and the cooling plates
CP1 described above. Firstly, a cooling plate CP1 is used as a
lowermost layer of the first heat exchange unit U1, a first flow
passage plate P1 is stacked on the cooling plate, and another
cooling plate CP1 is further stacked on the first flow passage
plate. In such a way, the first flow passage plates P1 and the
cooling plates CP1 are alternately stacked to be multiple layers on
the lowermost cooling plate CP1, and the other cooling plate CP1
serves as an uppermost layer.
[0063] The number of the stacked first flow passage plates P1 is
arbitrary. However, by changing the number of the first flow
passage plates P1, a capacity of the first heat exchange unit U1
can be changed. This is applied to the second to fourth heat
exchange units U2 to U4 described later. However, in the present
embodiment, capacities of the first to fourth heat exchange units
U1 to U4 are the same as each other.
[0064] When the first flow passage plates P1 and the cooling plates
CP1 stacked to be multiple layers in such a way are pressurized at
a predetermined temperature and bonding surfaces of the first flow
passage plates P1 and the cooling plates CP1 are diffusion-bonded
to each other, the first heat exchange unit U1 in which the
plurality of plates is integrated is obtained. That is, the smooth
lower surface of the first flow passage plate P1 diffusion-bonded
onto the cooling plate CP1 serves as a lid for the flow passages of
the cooling plate CP1, and the smooth lower surface of the cooling
plate CP1 diffusion-bonded onto the first flow passage plate P1
serves as a lid for the flow passages of the first flow passage
plate P1.
[0065] The first flow passage plate P1 and the cooling plate CP1
are firmly bonded to each other by this diffusion-bonding. Thus,
the first heat exchange unit U1 has greatly high pressure
resistance for the supplied fluid.
[0066] In the first heat exchange unit U1 in which the plates are
diffusion-bonded in such a manner that the lower surface of the
immediately upper layer serves as a lid, when the hydrogen gas is
supplied from the fluid supply hole 1IN, the hydrogen gas flows
into the flow passages of the first flow passage plate P1 connected
to the fluid supply hole 1IN. However, since the fluid supply hole
is isolated from the flow passages of the cooling plate CP1 by
bonding of an upper surface of the cooling plate and the lower
surface of the first flow passage plate, the hydrogen gas does not
flow into the flow passages of the cooling plate CP1.
[0067] Similarly, when the cooling water is supplied from the
cooling water hole IN, the cooling water flows into the flow
passages of the cooling plate CP1 connected to the cooling water
hole IN. However, since the cooling water hole is isolated from the
flow passages of the first flow passage plate P1 by bonding of the
upper surface of the first flow passage plate P1 and the lower
surface of the cooling plate CP1, the cooling water does not flow
into the flow passages of the first flow passage plate P1.
(Third Heat Exchange Unit)
[0068] The third heat exchange unit U3 is a heat exchange unit
arranged immediately below the first heat exchange unit U1. The
third flow passage plate P3 used for the third heat exchange unit
U3 is a member of the substantially same material and size as the
first flow passage plate P1, and similar flow passages to the first
flow passage plate P1 are formed.
(Third Flow Passage Plate)
[0069] In the third flow passage plate P3, a fluid supply hole 1IN
and a fluid discharge hole 1OUT as formed in the first flow passage
plate P1 are not formed but a fluid supply hole 3IN, a fluid
discharge hole 3OUT, a cooling water hole IN, and a cooling water
hole OUT are formed. On one surface of the third flow passage plate
P3, that is, an upper surface shown in FIG. 4, the flow passages
serving as micro channels are formed, and the fluid supply hole 3IN
and the fluid discharge hole 3OUT are connected by the flow
passages.
[0070] When the third flow passage plates P3 and the cooling plates
CP1 are stacked as well as the first heat exchange unit U1 and the
plates are diffusion-bonded to each other, the third heat exchange
unit U3 is obtained. In the third heat exchange unit U3, when the
hydrogen gas is supplied from the fluid supply hole 3IN, the
hydrogen gas flows into the flow passages of the third flow passage
plate P3 connected to the fluid supply hole 3IN. However, since the
fluid supply hole is isolated from the flow passages of the cooling
plate CP1 by bonding of the upper surface of the cooling plate CP1
and a lower surface of the third flow passage plate P3, the
hydrogen gas does not flow into the flow passages of the cooling
plate CP1.
[0071] Similarly, when the cooling water is supplied from the
cooling water hole IN, the cooling water flows into the flow
passages of the cooling plate CP1 connected to the cooling water
hole IN. However, since the cooling water hole is isolated from the
flow passages of the third flow passage plate P3 by bonding of the
upper surface of the third flow passage plate P3 and the lower
surface of the cooling plate CP1, the cooling water does not flow
into the flow passages of the third flow passage plate P3.
(Fourth Heat Exchange Unit)
[0072] The fourth heat exchange unit U4 is a heat exchange unit
arranged immediately below the third heat exchange unit U3. The
fourth flow passage plate P4 used for the fourth heat exchange unit
U4 is a member of the substantially same material and size as the
first flow passage plate P1 and the third flow passage plate P3,
and similar flow passages to the first flow passage plate P1 and
the third flow passage plate P3 are formed.
(Fourth Flow Passage Plate)
[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the fourth flow passage plate P4 has a
configuration formed by mirror-reversing the configuration of the
third flow passage plate P3, and through holes formed on a diagonal
line are a fluid supply hole 4IN and a fluid discharge hole 4OUT. A
cooling water hole IN and a cooling water hole OUT are also formed
in the fourth flow passage plate P4. On one surface of the fourth
flow passage plate P4, that is, an upper surface shown in FIG. 4,
the flow passages serving as micro channels are formed, and the
fluid supply hole 4IN and the fluid discharge hole 4OUT are
connected by the flow passages.
[0074] When the fourth flow passage plates P4 and the cooling
plates CP1 are stacked as well as the first heat exchange unit U1
and the third heat exchange unit U3 and the plates are
diffusion-bonded to each other, the fourth heat exchange unit U4 is
obtained. In the fourth heat exchange unit U4, when the hydrogen
gas is supplied from the fluid supply hole 4IN, the hydrogen gas
flows into the flow passages of the fourth flow passage plate P4
connected to the fluid supply hole 4IN. However, since the fluid
supply hole is isolated from the flow passages of the cooling plate
CP1 by bonding of the upper surface of the cooling plate CP1 and a
lower surface of the fourth flow passage plate P4, the hydrogen gas
does not flow into the flow passages of the cooling plate CP1.
[0075] Similarly, when the cooling water is supplied from the
cooling water hole IN, the cooling water does not flow into the
flow passages of the fourth flow passage plate P4 for a similar
reason to the first heat exchange unit U1 and the third heat
exchange unit U3.
(Second Heat Exchange Unit)
[0076] The second heat exchange unit U2 is a heat exchange unit
arranged immediately below the fourth heat exchange unit U4. The
second flow passage plate P2 used for the second heat exchange unit
U2 is a member of the substantially same material and size as the
first flow passage plate P1, the third flow passage plate P3, and
the fourth flow passage plate P4, and similar flow passages to the
flow passage plates are formed.
(Second Flow Passage Plate)
[0077] As shown in FIG. 4, the second flow passage plate P2 has a
configuration formed by mirror-reversing the configuration of the
first flow passage plate P1, and through holes formed on a diagonal
line which is different from a diagonal line connecting a fluid
supply hole 4IN and a fluid discharge hole 4OUT are a fluid supply
hole 2IN and a fluid discharge hole 2OUT. A cooling water hole IN
and a cooling water hole OUT are also formed in the second flow
passage plate P2. On one surface of the second flow passage plate
P2, that is, an upper surface shown in FIG. 4, the flow passages
serving as micro channels are formed, and the fluid supply hole 2IN
and the fluid discharge hole 2OUT are connected by the flow
passages.
[0078] When the second flow passage plates P2 and the cooling
plates CP1 are stacked as well as the first heat exchange unit U1,
the third heat exchange unit U3, and the fourth heat exchange unit
U4 and the plates are diffusion-bonded to each other, the second
heat exchange unit U2 is obtained. In the second heat exchange unit
U2, when the hydrogen gas is supplied from the fluid supply hole
2IN, the hydrogen gas flows into the flow passages of the second
flow passage plate P2 connected to the fluid supply hole 2IN.
However, since the fluid supply hole is isolated from the flow
passages of the cooling plate CP1 by bonding of the upper surface
of the cooling plate CP1 and a lower surface of the second flow
passage plate P2, the hydrogen gas does not flow into the flow
passages of the cooling plate CP1.
[0079] Similarly, when the cooling water is supplied from the
cooling water hole IN, the cooling water does not flow into the
second flow passage plate P2 for a similar reason to the first heat
exchange unit U1, the third heat exchange unit U3, and the fourth
heat exchange unit U4.
[0080] The heat exchange units U1 to U4 obtained as above are
stacked in order of the first heat exchange unit U1, the third heat
exchange unit U3, the fourth heat exchange unit U4, and the second
heat exchange unit U2 from the upper side. Further, the upper end
plate 3 is placed on an upper surface of the first heat exchange
unit U1, the lower end plate 4 is placed on a lower surface of the
second heat exchange unit U2, and the heat exchange units U1 to U4
and the upper and lower end plates 3 and 4 are bonded to each other
by diffusion-bonding.
[0081] Thereby, the multilayer heat exchanger 2a according to the
present embodiment is formed. In the upper end plate 3, a fluid
supply hole 1IN, a fluid discharge hole 1OUT, a fluid supply hole
3IN, a fluid discharge hole 3OUT, a cooling water hole IN, and a
cooling water hole OUT are opened as well as the first flow passage
plate P1. In the lower end plate 4, a fluid supply hole 2IN, a
fluid discharge hole 2OUT, a fluid supply hole 4IN, and a fluid
discharge hole 4OUT are opened.
[0082] Returning to FIG. 2, the A-A section and the C-C section of
the multilayer heat exchanger 2a will be referred to.
[0083] The A-A section is a plane including the fluid supply hole
1IN and the fluid discharge hole 3OUT in the upper end plate 3 and
the fluid supply hole 4IN and the fluid discharge hole 2OUT in the
lower end plate 4, showing a sectional view of the time when the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a is cut in the stacking direction.
[0084] The C-C section is a plane including the fluid supply hole
3IN and the fluid discharge hole 1OUT in the upper end plate 3 and
the fluid supply hole 2IN and the fluid discharge hole 4OUT in the
lower end plate 4, showing a sectional view of the time when the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a is cut in the stacking direction.
[0085] In the upper end plate 3, the fluid supply hole 1IN and the
fluid discharge hole 1OUT are formed on one diagonal line, and the
fluid supply hole 3IN and the fluid discharge hole 3OUT are formed
on the other diagonal line. Therefore, the fluid supply hole 1IN
shown in the A-A section and the fluid discharge hole 1OUT shown in
the C-C section corresponding to the fluid supply hole 1IN are
formed in such a manner that an interior of the first heat exchange
unit U1 directly communicates with an exterior along the stacking
direction of the heat exchange units in the sections. The fluid
supply hole 3IN shown in the C-C section and the fluid discharge
hole 3OUT shown in the A-A section corresponding to the fluid
supply hole 3IN are formed so as to penetrate the first heat
exchange unit U1 in such a manner that an interior of the third
heat exchange unit U3 directly communicates with the exterior along
the stacking direction of the heat exchange units in the
sections.
[0086] In the lower end plate 4, the fluid supply hole 4IN and the
fluid discharge hole 4OUT are formed on one diagonal line, and the
fluid supply hole 2IN and the fluid discharge hole 2OUT are formed
on the other diagonal line. Therefore, the fluid supply hole 4IN
shown in the A-A section and the fluid discharge hole 4OUT shown in
the C-C section corresponding to the fluid supply hole 4IN are
formed so as to penetrate the second heat exchange unit U2 in such
a manner that an interior of the fourth heat exchange unit U4
directly communicates with the exterior along the stacking
direction of the heat exchange units in the sections. Further, the
fluid supply hole 2IN shown in the C-C section and the fluid
discharge hole 2OUT shown in the A-A section corresponding to the
fluid supply hole 2IN are formed in such a manner that an interior
of the second heat exchange unit U2 directly communicates with the
exterior along the stacking direction of the heat exchange units in
the sections.
[0087] The B-B section of the multilayer heat exchanger 2a shown in
FIG. 3 will be referred to. The B-B section is a plane including
the cooling water hole IN and the cooling water hole OUT in the
upper end plate 3, showing a sectional view of the time when the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a is cut in the stacking direction. In
the upper end plate 3, the cooling water hole IN and the cooling
water hole OUT are formed on a B-B line along the longitudinal
direction of the upper end plate 3. Therefore, both the cooling
water hole IN and the cooling water hole OUT are formed in all the
heat exchange units U1 to U4 of the multilayer heat exchanger 2a in
the B-B section.
[0088] In such a way, in the multilayer heat exchanger 2a according
to the present embodiment, the fluid supply hole (supply hole)
through which the fluid is supplied to each of the heat exchange
units and the fluid discharge hole (discharge hole) through which
the supplied fluid is discharged are provided in each of the
plurality of heat exchange units U1 to U4. It can be said that the
supply holes and the discharge holes provided in the heat exchange
units are formed with length to directly communicate with the
exterior along the stacking direction of the heat exchange units U1
to U4 in such a manner that arrangement positions thereof in a plan
view seen from the upper end plate 3 and the lower end plate 4 are
not overlapped with each other. Since such a structure is adopted,
there is no need for partition walls and the like for maintaining
pressure between the heat exchange units.
(Operations of Heat Exchange System)
[0089] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, connection between
the multilayer heat exchanger 2a and the compressors will be
described. Each of the compressors in one-to-one correspondence
with each of the heat exchange units is connected to each of the
heat exchange units U1 to U4 of the multilayer heat exchanger 2a in
which the fluid supply holes and the fluid discharge holes are
formed as described above. That is, a discharge port of the first
compressor C1 is connected to the fluid supply hole 1IN of the
upper end plate 3, and the fluid discharge hole 1OUT of the upper
end plate 3 is connected to a suction port of the second compressor
C2. Next, a discharge port of the second compressor C2 is connected
to the fluid supply hole 2IN of the lower end plate 4, and the
fluid discharge hole 2OUT of the lower end plate 4 is connected to
a suction port of the third compressor C3. Then, a discharge port
of the third compressor C3 is connected to the fluid supply hole
3IN of the upper end plate 3, and the fluid discharge hole 3OUT of
the upper end plate 3 is connected to a suction port of the fourth
compressor C4. Finally, a discharge port of the fourth compressor
C4 is connected to the fluid supply hole 4IN of the lower end plate
4, and the fluid discharge hole 4OUT of the lower end plate 4 is
connected to a charge port of a tank or a cylinder.
[0090] Further, a cooling water discharge port of a cooling water
supply pump is connected to the cooling water hole IN of the upper
end plate 3, and a drainpipe is connected to the cooling water hole
OUT. By this connection, the heat exchange system 1a for
compressing the hydrogen gas in multiple steps while performing
heat exchange of the compressed hydrogen gas from the suction port
of the first compressor C1 to the charge port of the tank or the
cylinder is formed.
[0091] FIG. 3 shows a flow of the cooling water. Firstly, the
cooling water supply pump is operated so as to continuously supply
the cooling water from the cooling water hole IN of the upper end
plate 3 of the multilayer heat exchanger 2a. The supplied cooling
water flows into the flow passages of the cooling plates of the
heat exchange units from the cooling water hole IN penetrating from
the first heat exchange unit U1 of the uppermost layer to the
second heat exchange unit U2 of the lowermost layer, and is
discharged to the cooling water hole OUT penetrating from the first
heat exchange unit U1 of the uppermost layer to the second heat
exchange unit U2 of the lowermost layer while filling the flow
passages. Since the cooling water is continuously supplied by the
cooling water supply pump, the cooling water discharged to the
cooling water hole OUT through the flow passages of the cooling
plates CP1 is brought out from the cooling water hole OUT of the
upper end plate 3 and discharged to the drainpipe. In such a way,
the flow of the cooling water in all the cooling plates CP1 of the
heat exchange units U1 to U4 is ensured.
[0092] Then, the first compressor C1 serving as a first-step
machine compresses the hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas in which
pressure is boosted and a temperature is also increased is fed from
the discharge port of the first compressor C1 to the fluid supply
hole 1IN of the upper end plate 3.
[0093] As shown in the A-A section of FIG. 2, the hydrogen gas
supplied to the fluid supply hole 1IN flows into the flow passages
of the first flow passage plate P1 of the first heat exchange unit
U1 as a hydrogen gas flow (1). While flowing through the flow
passages of the first flow passage plate P1, the high-temperature
hydrogen gas flowing into the first flow passage plate P1 is cooled
by heat exchange with the cooling water flowing through the cooling
plates CP1 which are stacked on the upper and lower sides of the
first flow passage plate.
[0094] As shown in the C-C section of FIG. 2, the hydrogen gas flow
(1) cooled in the first heat exchange unit U1 is discharged from
the flow passages of the first flow passage plate P1 to the fluid
discharge hole 1OUT, and flows into the suction port of the second
compressor C2 serving as a second-step machine from the fluid
discharge hole 1OUT of the upper end plate 3. The second compressor
C2 compresses the hydrogen gas, and the hydrogen gas in which the
pressure and the temperature are increased is fed from the
discharge port of the second compressor C2 to the fluid supply hole
2IN of the lower end plate 4.
[0095] As shown in the C-C section of FIG. 2, the hydrogen gas
supplied to the fluid supply hole 2IN flows into the flow passages
of the second flow passage plate P2 of the second heat exchange
unit U2 as a hydrogen gas flow (2). While flowing through the flow
passages of the second flow passage plate P2, the high-temperature
hydrogen gas flowing into the second flow passage plate P2 is
cooled by heat exchange with the cooling water flowing through the
cooling plates CP1 which are stacked on the upper and lower sides
of the second flow passage plate.
[0096] As shown in the A-A section of FIG. 2, the hydrogen gas flow
(2) cooled in the second heat exchange unit U2 is discharged from
the flow passages of the second flow passage plate P2 to the fluid
discharge hole 2OUT, and flows into the suction port of the third
compressor C3 serving as a third-step machine from the fluid
discharge hole 2OUT of the lower end plate 4. The third compressor
C3 further compresses the hydrogen gas compressed by the first
compressor C1 and the second compressor C2, and the hydrogen gas in
which the pressure and the temperature are increased is fed from
the discharge port of the third compressor C3 to the fluid supply
hole 3IN of the upper end plate 3.
[0097] As shown in the C-C section of FIG. 2, the hydrogen gas
supplied to the fluid supply hole 3IN flows into the flow passages
of the third flow passage plate P3 of the third heat exchange unit
U3 as a hydrogen gas flow (3). While flowing through the flow
passages of the third flow passage plate P3, the high-temperature
hydrogen gas flowing into the third flow passage plate P3 is cooled
by heat exchange with the cooling water flowing through the cooling
plates CP1 which are stacked on the upper and lower sides of the
third flow passage plate.
[0098] As shown in the A-A section of FIG. 2, the hydrogen gas flow
(3) cooled in the third heat exchange unit U3 is discharged from
the flow passages of the third flow passage plate P3 to the fluid
discharge hole 3OUT, and flows into the suction port of the fourth
compressor C4 serving as a fourth- or final-step machine from the
fluid discharge hole 3OUT of the upper end plate 3. The fourth
compressor C4 further compresses the hydrogen gas compressed up to
the third compressor C3 at targeted pressure, and the hydrogen gas
in which the pressure and the temperature are increased is fed from
the discharge port of the fourth compressor C4 to the fluid supply
hole 4IN of the lower end plate 4.
[0099] As shown in the C-C section of FIG. 2, the hydrogen gas
supplied to the fluid supply hole 4IN flows into the flow passages
of the fourth flow passage plate P4 of the fourth heat exchange
unit U4 as a hydrogen gas flow (4). While flowing through the flow
passages of the fourth flow passage plate P4, the high-temperature
hydrogen gas flowing into the fourth flow passage plate P4 is
cooled by heat exchange with the cooling water flowing through the
cooling plates CP1 which are stacked on the upper and lower sides
of the fourth flow passage plate.
[0100] As shown in the A-A section of FIG. 2, the hydrogen gas flow
(4) cooled in the fourth heat exchange unit U4 is discharged from
the flow passages of the fourth flow passage plate P4 to the fluid
discharge hole 4OUT, and supplied to and charged in the charge port
of the tank or the cylinder from the fluid discharge hole 4OUT of
the lower end plate 4.
[0101] In such a way, in the heat exchange system 1a according to
the present embodiment, the multilayer heat exchanger 2a formed by
stacking and integrating the plurality of heat exchange units U1 to
U4 is used, and every time when the fluid is compressed by the
compressors, heat exchange of the fluid compressed by the plurality
of compressors C1 to C4 in multiple steps is performed in the
corresponding heat exchange unit.
[0102] An A-A section of FIG. 6 shows a differential pressure
between the upper end plate 3 and the first heat exchange unit U1,
differential pressures between the heat exchange units adjacent to
each other, and a differential pressure between the second heat
exchange unit U2 and the lower end plate 4 (.DELTA.P). The
differential pressure between the upper end plate 3 and the first
heat exchange unit U1 is 5 MPa, the differential pressure between
the first heat exchange unit U1 and the third heat exchange unit U3
is 20 MPa, the differential pressure between the third heat
exchange unit U3 and the fourth heat exchange unit U4 is 30 MPa,
the differential pressure between the fourth heat exchange unit U4
and the second heat exchange unit U2 is 40 MPa, and the
differential pressure between the second heat exchange unit U2 and
the lower end plate 4 is 10 MPa.
[0103] Regarding a configuration of the heat exchange system 1a,
for a purpose of preventing damages to devices due to an operation
change of the multilayer heat exchanger 2a, a correspondence
relationship between each of the compressors and each of the heat
exchange units is desirably determined in such a manner that the
sum of the differential pressures of the multilayer heat exchanger
2a becomes minimum. In the present embodiment, the first heat
exchange unit U1 is in one-to-one correspondence with the first
compressor C1. However, the first heat exchange unit may correspond
to any of the second to fourth compressors C2 to C4 other than the
first compressor C1.
[0104] For example, it assumes that the first heat exchange unit U1
corresponds to the third compressor C3, the second heat exchange
unit U2 corresponds to the first compressor C1, the third heat
exchange unit U3 corresponds to the fourth compressor C4, and the
fourth heat exchange unit U4 corresponds to the second compressor
C2. In that case, the hydrogen gas passes through the first
compressor C1, the second heat exchange unit U2, the second
compressor C2, the fourth heat exchange unit U4, the third
compressor C3, the first heat exchange unit U1, the fourth
compressor C4, and the third heat exchange unit U3 in this order,
and is supplied to and charged in the charge port of the tank or
the cylinder.
Second Embodiment
[0105] With reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, a heat exchange system 1b
according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0106] In the heat exchange system 1b according to the present
embodiment, six compressors C1 to C6 and six heat exchange units U1
to U6 are connected in series so as to perform a six-step
compression. That is, a configuration of a multilayer heat
exchanger 2b formed by stacking the six heat exchange units U1 to
U6 is different from the configuration of the multilayer heat
exchanger 2a according to the first embodiment. Thus, the
configuration will be described in detail below.
[0107] The multilayer heat exchanger 2b according to the present
embodiment is different from the multilayer heat exchanger 2a
according to the first embodiment in terms that a configuration of
a cooling plate CP2 is different from the cooling plate CP1 of the
multilayer heat exchanger 2a according to the first embodiment, and
the fifth heat exchange unit U5 and the sixth heat exchange unit U6
are added. The configurations of the first to fourth flow passage
plates P1 to P4 and the upper and lower end plates 3 and 4 are the
same as the first embodiment.
[0108] FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the cooling plate CP2 used
for the multilayer heat exchanger 2b according to the present
embodiment. The cooling plate CP2 shown in FIG. 7 is a plate in
which a cooling water hole IN for flow passages is opened on the
side of one long side along the longitudinal direction of the
cooling plate CP2, and a cooling water hole OUT for the flow
passages is opened on the side of the other long side. The cooling
water hole IN and the cooling water hole OUT are formed at
positions substantially along the diagonal direction of the cooling
plate CP2. The plurality of flow passages is formed in the cooling
plate CP2 so as to meander in the width direction of the cooling
plate CP2 and connect the cooling water hole IN and the cooling
water hole OUT.
[0109] The cooling plate CP2 has through holes capable of
corresponding to fluid supply holes 1IN to 4IN, fluid discharge
holes 1OUT to 4OUT, fluid supply holes 5IN and 6IN described later,
and fluid discharge holes 5OUT and 6OUT on the both end sides in
the longitudinal direction.
[0110] With using such cooling plates CP2, as well as the first
embodiment, the first heat exchange unit U1 is formed by stacking
the first flow passage plates P1 and the second heat exchange unit
U2 is formed by stacking the second flow passage plates P2.
Further, the third heat exchange unit U3 is formed by stacking the
third flow passage plates P3 and the fourth heat exchange unit U4
is formed by stacking the fourth flow passage plates P4.
[0111] A fifth flow passage plate P5 and a sixth flow passage plate
P6 have the substantially same configuration as the cooling plate
CP1 according to the first embodiment. The cooling water hole OUT
in the cooling plate CP1 according to the first embodiment acts as
the hole 5IN in the fifth flow passage plate P5, and the cooling
water hole IN acts as the hole 5OUT. Similarly, the sixth flow
passage plate P6 is provided with the fluid supply hole 6IN and the
fluid discharge hole 6OUT.
[0112] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the upper end plate
3, through holes 6IN and 6OUT are formed at positions corresponding
to the holes 6IN and 6OUT of the sixth flow passage plate P6, and
in the lower end plate 4, through holes 5IN and 5OUT are formed at
positions corresponding to the holes 5IN and 5OUT of the fifth flow
passage plate P5.
[0113] As well as the first to fourth heat exchange units U1 to U4,
the fifth heat exchange unit U5 is formed by using the cooling
plates CP2 and the fifth flow passage plates P5, and the sixth heat
exchange unit U6 is formed by using the cooling plates CP2 and the
sixth flow passage plates P6.
[0114] The heat exchange units U1 to U6 obtained as above are
stacked in order of the first heat exchange unit U1, the third heat
exchange unit U3, the sixth heat exchange unit U6, the fourth heat
exchange unit U4, the fifth heat exchange unit U5, and the second
heat exchange unit U2 from the upper side. Further, the upper end
plate 3 is placed on the upper surface of the first heat exchange
unit U1, the lower end plate 4 is placed on the lower surface of
the second heat exchange unit U2, and the heat exchange units U1 to
U6 and the upper and lower end plates 3 and 4 are bonded to each
other by diffusion-bonding.
[0115] Thereby, the multilayer heat exchanger 2b according to the
present embodiment is formed. In the upper end plate 3, the fluid
supply hole 1IN, the fluid discharge hole 1OUT, the fluid supply
hole 3IN, the fluid discharge hole 3OUT, and the holes 6IN and 6OUT
are opened as well as the first flow passage plate P1. In the lower
end plate 4, the fluid supply hole 2IN, the fluid discharge hole
2OUT, the fluid supply hole 4IN, the fluid discharge hole 4OUT, and
the holes 5IN and 5OUT are opened. In the fourth flow passage plate
P4, there may be no through holes corresponding to the fluid supply
holes 5IN and 6IN and the fluid discharge holes 5OUT and 6OUT.
[0116] By stacking the first to sixth heat exchange units U1 to U6,
the cooling water hole IN and the cooling water hole OUT of the
cooling plates CP2 are opened along the vertical height direction
of the multilayer heat exchanger 2b on the sides of the multilayer
heat exchanger 2b. Headers 5 for forming the common flow passages
for the cooling water hole IN and the cooling water hole OUT along
the vertical height direction of the multilayer heat exchanger 2b
are attached to the cooling water hole IN and the cooling water
hole OUT. Therefore, the cooling water supplied to the header 5 on
the side of the cooling water hole IN flows into the flow passages
from the cooling water hole IN of each of the stacked cooling water
plates CP2. The cooling water flowing out from the cooling water
hole IN of each of the cooling plates CP2 is discharged through the
header 5 on the side of the cooling water hole IN. By attaching the
headers 5, the multilayer heat exchanger 2b according to the
present embodiment is completed.
[0117] In the present embodiment, the fluid supply hole (supply
hole) through which the fluid is supplied to each of the heat
exchange units and the fluid discharge hole (discharge hole)
through which the supplied fluid is discharged are also provided in
each of the plurality of heat exchange units U1 to U6 of the
multilayer heat exchanger 2b. It can be said that the supply holes
and the discharge holes provided in the heat exchange units are
formed with length to directly communicate with the exterior along
the stacking direction of the heat exchange units U1 to U6 in such
a manner that arrangement positions thereof in a plan view seen
from the upper end plate 3 and the lower end plate 4 are not
overlapped with each other.
[0118] In the present embodiment, the hydrogen gas is compressed in
six steps with using the above multilayer heat exchanger 2b and the
six compressors C1 to C6. The first heat exchange unit U1
corresponds to the first compressor C1, the second heat exchange
unit U2 corresponds to the second compressor C2, . . . , the fifth
heat exchange unit U5 corresponds to the fifth compressor C5, and
the sixth heat exchange unit U6 corresponds to the sixth compressor
C6 in order, so as to form the six-step heat exchange system 1b in
which the six compressors C1 to C6 are connected in series via the
multilayer heat exchanger 2b.
[0119] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the hydrogen gas passes
through the heat exchange system 1b as any of hydrogen gas flows
(1) to (6), the hydrogen gas is pressurized at targeted pressure by
receiving compression in six steps. At that time, the heat exchange
system 1b is preferably formed in such a manner that the sum of
differential pressures of the heat exchange units adjacent to each
other is minimum.
[0120] The embodiments disclosed herein are not limitation but
examples in all respects. In particular, matters which are not
explicitly disclosed in the embodiments herein such as operation
conditions, measurement conditions, various parameters, and size,
weight, and mass of constituent elements do not depart from the
scope of general implementation of those skilled in the art but
take values which can easily be anticipated by those skilled in the
art.
[0121] For example, although the four-step compression in which the
four compressors C1 to C4 and the four heat exchange units U1 to U4
are connected in series is described in the first embodiment, a
configuration that two of a two-step compression in which two
compressors and two heat exchange units are connected in series are
placed in parallel can also be adopted. Needless to say, a
configuration that a one-step compression and a three-step
compression are placed in parallel can also be adopted.
[0122] Although the six-step compression in which the six
compressors C1 to C6 and the six heat exchange units U1 to U6 are
connected in series is described in the second embodiment, a
configuration that a one-step compression and a five-step
compression are placed in parallel, a two-step compression and a
four-step compression are placed in parallel, or a three-step
compression and a three-step compression are placed in parallel can
also be adopted.
[0123] The hydrogen gas is shown as an example of the fluid of the
heat exchange systems 1a and 1b. However, the fluid is not limited
to the hydrogen gas but other gases or liquids can be adopted. In
that case, a cooling medium supplied to the cooling plates CP1 and
CP2 can be appropriately changed in accordance with a type of the
supplied fluid. Since the present invention is also the heat
exchange system, the fluid may be heated by making a heating medium
flow and using the cooling plate as a heating plate.
* * * * *