U.S. patent application number 15/824460 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-17 for plate heat exchanger with dual flow path.
The applicant listed for this patent is Carrier Corporation. Invention is credited to Abbas A. Alahyari, Matthew Robert Pearson, John H. Whiton.
Application Number | 20190316847 15/824460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66634938 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-17 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190316847 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Alahyari; Abbas A. ; et
al. |
October 17, 2019 |
PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER WITH DUAL FLOW PATH
Abstract
A plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of main plates
stacked to define a first cavity to direct a first fluid
therethrough and a second cavity to direct a second fluid
therethrough, the second fluid different from and kept separated
from the first fluid, and an intermediate plate located in the
second cavity between adjacent main plates, the second fluid
directed across both sides of the intermediate plate.
Inventors: |
Alahyari; Abbas A.;
(Manchester, CT) ; Whiton; John H.; (South
Windsor, CT) ; Pearson; Matthew Robert; (Hartford,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carrier Corporation |
Palm Beach Gardens |
FL |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190162478 A1 |
May 30, 2019 |
|
|
Family ID: |
66634938 |
Appl. No.: |
15/824460 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62426721 |
Nov 28, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 9/0093 20130101;
F28F 2215/04 20130101; F28F 3/046 20130101; F28F 3/08 20130101;
F28D 9/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28D 9/00 20060101
F28D009/00; F28F 3/08 20060101 F28F003/08 |
Claims
1. A plate heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of main plates
stacked to define a first cavity to direct a first fluid
therethrough and a second cavity to direct a second fluid
therethrough, the second fluid different from and kept separated
from the first fluid; and an intermediate plate located in the
second cavity between adjacent main plates, the second fluid
directed across both sides of the intermediate plate.
2. The plate heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising one or
more surface enhancements disposed at the intermediate plate to
induce vortices in the second fluid.
3. The plate heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein the one or more
surface enhancements are one or more of material deformation at the
intermediate plate or material removal from the intermediate
plate.
4. The plate heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the main plates
include a plurality of ridges and troughs, defining at least one
main plate peak and at least one main plate valley.
5. The plate heat exchanger of claim 4, wherein the intermediate
plate includes a plurality of ridges and troughs, defining at least
one intermediate plate peak and at least one intermediate plate
valley.
6. The plate heat exchanger of claim 5, wherein a pitch between
adjacent intermediate plate peaks differs from a pitch between
adjacent main plate peaks.
7. The plate heat exchanger of claim 6, wherein the pitch between
adjacent intermediate plate peaks is greater than a pitch between
adjacent main plate peaks.
8. The plate heat exchanger of claim 6, wherein the pitch between
adjacent intermediate plate peaks is greater than a pitch between
adjacent main plate peaks.
9. The plate heat exchanger of claim 4, wherein an amplitude
between adjacent intermediate plate peaks and intermediate plate
valleys differs from an amplitude between adjacent main plate peaks
and main plate valleys.
10. The plate heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein the amplitude
between adjacent intermediate plate peaks and intermediate plate
valleys is greater than an amplitude between adjacent main plate
peaks and main plate valleys.
11. The plate heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein the amplitude
between adjacent intermediate plate peaks and intermediate plate
valleys is less than an amplitude between adjacent main plate peaks
and main plate valleys.
12. The plate heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising a
second intermediate plate disposed in the first cavity.
13. The plate heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a first flow
direction of the second fluid at a first side of the intermediate
plate is the same as a second flow direction of the second fluid at
a second side of the intermediate plate.
14. The plate heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a first flow
direction of the second fluid at a first side of the intermediate
plate is different from a second flow direction of the second fluid
at a second side of the intermediate plate.
15. A plate heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of main plates
stacked to define a first cavity to direct a first fluid
therethrough and a second cavity to direct a second fluid
therethrough, the second fluid different from and kept separated
from the first fluid, each main plate of the plurality of main
plates including a plurality of ridges and troughs, defining at
least one main plate peak and at least one main plate valley; and
an intermediate plate located in the second cavity between adjacent
main plates, the intermediate plate including a plurality of ridges
and troughs, defining at least one intermediate plate peak and at
least one intermediate plate valley; wherein one or more of a pitch
between adjacent intermediate plate peaks differs from a pitch
between adjacent main plate peaks or an amplitude between adjacent
intermediate plate peaks and intermediate plate valleys differs
from an amplitude between adjacent main plate peaks and main plate
valleys.
16. The plate heat exchanger of claim 15, wherein the pitch between
adjacent intermediate plate peaks is greater than a pitch between
adjacent main plate peaks.
17. The plate heat exchanger of claim 15, wherein the amplitude
between adjacent intermediate plate peaks and intermediate plate
valleys is greater than an amplitude between adjacent main plate
peaks and main plate valleys.
18. The plate heat exchanger of claim 15, further comprising one or
more surface enhancements disposed at the intermediate plate to
induce vortices in the second fluid.
19. The plate heat exchanger of claim 18, wherein the one or more
surface enhancements are one or more of material deformation at the
intermediate plate or material removal from the intermediate plate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of 62/426,721, filed
Nov. 28, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to heat
exchangers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to
plate heat exchangers.
[0003] Plate Heat Exchangers (PHEs) and Brazed Plate Heat
Exchangers (BPHEs) are formed of a series of plates that are
stacked and sealed/brazed to form separate flow paths for two
fluids. In many such PHEs and BPHEs, the fluids are typically
refrigerant circulated through a first flow path and water or brine
circulated through a second flowpath, with the PHE or BPHE
facilitating thermal energy exchange between the two fluids. PHEs
and BPHEs are utilized in, for example, commercial or residential
chillers.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, a plate heat exchanger includes a
plurality of main plates stacked to define a first cavity to direct
a first fluid therethrough and a second cavity to direct a second
fluid therethrough, the second fluid different from and kept
separated from the first fluid, and an intermediate plate located
in the second cavity between adjacent main plates, the second fluid
directed across both sides of the intermediate plate.
[0005] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
one or more surface enhancements are located at the intermediate
plate to induce vortices in the second fluid.
[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the one or more surface enhancements are one or more of material
deformation at the intermediate plate or material removal from the
intermediate plate.
[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the main plates include a plurality of ridges and troughs, defining
at least one main plate peak and at least one main plate
valley.
[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the intermediate plate includes a plurality of ridges and troughs,
defining at least one intermediate plate peak and at least one
intermediate plate valley.
[0009] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
a pitch between adjacent intermediate plate peaks differs from a
pitch between adjacent main plate peaks.
[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the pitch between adjacent intermediate plate peaks is greater than
a pitch between adjacent main plate peaks.
[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the pitch between adjacent intermediate plate peaks is greater than
a pitch between adjacent main plate peaks.
[0012] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
an amplitude between adjacent intermediate plate peaks and
intermediate plate valleys differs from an amplitude between
adjacent main plate peaks and main plate valleys.
[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the amplitude between adjacent intermediate plate peaks and
intermediate plate valleys is greater than an amplitude between
adjacent main plate peaks and main plate valleys.
[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the amplitude between adjacent intermediate plate peaks and
intermediate plate valleys is less than an amplitude between
adjacent main plate peaks and main plate valleys.
[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
a second intermediate plate is located in the first cavity.
[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
a first flow direction of the second fluid at a first side of the
intermediate plate is the same as a second flow direction of the
second fluid at a second side of the intermediate plate.
[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
a first flow direction of the second fluid at a first side of the
intermediate plate is different from a second flow direction of the
second fluid at a second side of the intermediate plate.
[0018] In another embodiment, a plate heat exchanger includes a
plurality of main plates stacked to define a first cavity to direct
a first fluid therethrough and a second cavity to direct a second
fluid therethrough, the second fluid different from and kept
separated from the first fluid. Each main plate of the plurality of
main plates includes a plurality of ridges and troughs, defining at
least one main plate peak and at least one main plate valley. An
intermediate plate is located in the second cavity between adjacent
main plates. The intermediate plate includes a plurality of ridges
and troughs, defining at least one intermediate plate peak and at
least one intermediate plate valley. One or more of a pitch between
adjacent intermediate plate peaks differs from a pitch between
adjacent main plate peaks or an amplitude between adjacent
intermediate plate peaks and intermediate plate valleys differs
from an amplitude between adjacent main plate peaks and main plate
valleys.
[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the pitch between adjacent intermediate plate peaks is greater than
a pitch between adjacent main plate peaks.
[0020] The plate heat exchanger of claim 15 or 16, wherein the
amplitude between adjacent intermediate plate peaks and
intermediate plate valleys is greater than an amplitude between
adjacent main plate peaks and main plate valleys.
[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
one or more surface enhancements are located at the intermediate
plate to induce vortices in the second fluid.
[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments
the one or more surface enhancements are one or more of material
deformation at the intermediate plate or material removal from the
intermediate plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The subject matter, which is regarded as the present
disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in
the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing
and other features, and advantages of the present disclosure are
apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of a
plate heat exchanger;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a plate arrangement in an
embodiment of a plate heat exchanger;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a plate arrangement in another
embodiment of a plate heat exchanger;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a plate arrangement in yet
another embodiment of a plate heat exchanger; and
[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an
intermediate plate for a plate heat exchanger.
[0029] The detailed description explains embodiments of the present
disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of
example with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Symmetric PHEs or BPHEs are constructed such that the first
flow path and the second flow path have equal flow areas for the
two fluids. The symmetric construction, however, can lead to a mass
flux of one or both fluids through the heat exchanger which is not
optimal. For example, a mass flux of the refrigerant through the
first flow path may be lower than desired, while additionally or
alternatively, a mass flux of the water or brine through the second
flow path may be greater than desired. As a result,
refrigerant-side heat transfer underperforms, and liquid-side
pressure drop can be too high, thus limiting capacity of a heat
exchanger of a given size. In an attempt to correct the mass flow
differences, some PHEs and BPHEs are constructed asymmetrically,
with different flow areas for the two fluids. Asymmetric PHEs and
BPHEs have limitations as well, however.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is a partially exploded
view of a plate heat exchanger 10. The plate heat exchanger 10
includes main plates 12, having ridged regions 14 and openings 16
corresponding to inlets and outlets of a fluid. The ridged regions
14 of the main plates 12 may have a herringbone, chevron or other
suitable pattern to increase a surface area of the main plate 12
contacted by the fluid and to generate turbulence in the fluid.
Adjacent main plates 12 are typically joined by, for example,
brazing, welding, or adhesive bonding to define cavities between
adjacent main plates 12 for fluid flow therethrough. The openings
16 of the main plates 12 may be provided, alternatingly, with
protrusions or recesses surrounding the openings 16 to alternate a
fluid that enters the cavities defined between adjacent main plates
12. For example a first fluid may enter first, third and fifth
cavities between main plates 12, and a second fluid may enter
second, fourth and sixth cavities between main plates 12. The
fluids are maintained separate and exchange thermal energy as the
fluids flow through the cavities.
[0032] The plate heat exchanger 10 includes a first end plate 18 at
a first end 20 of the plate heat exchanger 10 and a second end
plate 22 located at a second end 24 of the plate heat exchanger 10,
opposite the first end 20. The first end plate 18 and/or the second
end plate 22 includes end plate openings 26 substantially aligned
with the openings 16 in the main plates to receive fluid fittings
28, 30, 32, 34 for entry of first fluid 36 and second fluid 38 into
the plate heat exchanger 10, and for exit of first fluid 36 and
second fluid 38 from the plate heat exchanger 10. For example,
first fluid 36 may be input into the heat exchanger 10 via fitting
28 and output from the heat exchanger 10 via fitting 30, and second
fluid 38 may be input into the heat exchanger 10 via fitting 32 and
output from the heat exchanger 10 via fitting 34. While main plates
12 are shown having a rectangular shape in FIG. 1, it is to be
appreciated that main plates 12 having other shapes may be
utilized. For example, main plates 12 may have other rectangular,
square, oval or any polygonal shape. Further, openings 16 and 26
may have a circular shape, oval shape, square shape, or any other
desired cross-sectional shape. Embodiments are not limited to those
illustrated, but include heat exchangers 10 having any desired
shape.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of heat
exchanger 10 is illustrated. The main plates 12 are layered such
that first cavities 40 carry first fluid 36 and second cavities 42
carry second fluid 38. In some embodiments, the first fluid 36 is a
refrigerant, and the second fluid 38 is water or a brine solution.
The first cavity 40 and the second cavity 42 are defined between
adjacent main plates, which as shown in FIG. 2, may have a
plurality of peaks 44 and valleys 46. In some embodiments, the main
plates 12 may be sinusoidal and have a main plate period 48 between
adjacent peaks 44, and a main plate amplitude 50 between an
adjacent peak 44 and valley 46. In some embodiments, a peak 44 of a
first main plate 12 may contact or be secured to a valley 46 of an
adjacent main plate 12.
[0034] At at least one portion of the heat exchanger 10, an
intermediate plate 52 is positioned between two adjacent main
plates 12, such that the intermediate plate 52 divides one of the
first cavities 40 or, as shown in FIG. 2, one of the second
cavities 42, such that the same fluid, either first fluid 36 or
second fluid 38 flows on both sides of the intermediate plate 52 in
cavity 42a and 42b. The intermediate plate 52 is configured to
enhance thermal energy transfer between the first fluid 36 and the
second fluid 38 in the heat exchanger 10. The second fluid can be
directed across both sides of the intermediate plate 52 in the same
flow direction, such as splitting the second flow 36 into two
adjacent parallel flow paths a first in cavity 42a, and a second in
cavity 42b. Further, the flow directions of the second fluid 38 in
cavity 42a may be different from a flow direction of the second
fluid 38 in cavity 42b. In some embodiments, these flow directions
may be substantially opposite.
[0035] In some embodiments, such as is shown in FIG. 2, the
intermediate plate 52 has a sinusoidal shape with a plurality of
intermediate plate peaks 54 and intermediate plate valleys 56. The
intermediate plate peaks 54 and intermediate plate valleys 56
define an intermediate plate period 58 between adjacent
intermediate plate peaks 54, and an intermediate plate amplitude 60
between an adjacent intermediate plate peak 54 and intermediate
plate valley 56. In some embodiments, the intermediate plate period
58 may be greater than the main plate period 48, or alternatively
less than the main plate period 48, as shown in FIG. 3. Further,
the intermediate plate amplitude 60 may differ from the main plate
amplitude 50. For example, the intermediate plate amplitude 60 may
be greater than the main plate amplitude 50 as shown in FIG. 2, or
alternatively the intermediate plate amplitude 60 may be less than
the main plate amplitude 50 as shown in FIG. 3. While the increases
or decreases in period and amplitude are coupled in the embodiments
of FIGS. 2 and 3, it is to be appreciated that in other
embodiments, one or both of amplitude and period may be changed
independently from the other.
[0036] Further, while in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the
intermediate plate 52 is disposed in a second cavity 42, in other
embodiments the intermediate plate 52 is positioned in a first
cavity 40, while in still other embodiments such as shown in FIG.
4, intermediate plates 52 are positioned in both the first cavity
40 and second cavity.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, the intermediate plate 52 may
include one or more enhancement features to improve thermal energy
transfer and/or flow of the second fluid 38 through the second
cavity 42. The enhancement features may include turbulators 62
formed in the intermediate plate by removal of and/or deformation
of material of the intermediate plate 52. As shown, the turbulators
62 may take any of several shapes, including triangular,
rectangular, circular or the like. Additionally, the turbulators 62
may take the form of tabs or perforations. Further, the enhancement
features may be at least partially configured to be through holes
in the intermediate plate 52. The enhancement features are
generally configured to generate vortices to enhance thermal energy
transfer between the first fluid 36 and the second fluid 38.
Additionally, the intermediate plate 52 may have a thickness less
than a main plate 12 thickness, as there is no pressure
differential across the intermediate plate 52 since the same fluid
is flowing on each side of the intermediate plate 52. While the
intermediate plate is described herein as being located in the
second cavity 42 with second fluid 38 flowing on both sides of the
intermediate plate 52, it is to be appreciated that in some
embodiments the intermediate plate 52 is located in the first
cavity 40 with first fluid 36 flowing along both sides of the
intermediate plate 52.
[0038] The heat exchanger 10 described herein with intermediate
plate 52 increases thermal energy transfer in the heat exchanger 10
as compared to heat exchangers without the intermediate plate. As a
result, refrigerant charge may be reduced and material usage
reduced to achieve the same cooling capacity.
[0039] While the disclosure has been described in detail in
connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be
readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such
disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been
described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure
may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly,
the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *