JP7653897B2 - Heat exchanger and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to heat exchangers and methods for manufacturing heat exchangers.

Many heat exchangers are configured to enable heat exchange between a high-temperature fluid flowing through multiple high-temperature fluid flow paths and a low-temperature fluid flowing through multiple low-temperature fluid flow paths. The high-temperature fluid flow paths and the low-temperature fluid flow paths extend in parallel, and the high-temperature fluid and the low-temperature fluid often flow in opposite directions or in parallel through each flow path.

Plate heat exchangers are a common type of heat exchanger. Plate heat exchangers are made up of multiple plates with flow paths formed on top of each other, and each plate is fastened and fixed. Heat exchangers can also be manufactured using additive manufacturing technology or diffusion bonding technology. In this case, a heat exchanger with excellent pressure resistance can be obtained. However, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency (for example, the amount of heat exchanged per volume), the flow path structure may become complicated unless some ingenuity is used.

JP 2007-333353 A

The embodiment has been made with these points in mind, and aims to provide a heat exchanger and a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger that can prevent the flow path structure from becoming complicated and improve heat exchange efficiency.

The heat exchanger according to the embodiment includes a heat exchanger body, a plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths arranged in parallel within the heat exchanger body and through which a high-temperature fluid flows, a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths arranged in parallel within the heat exchanger body and extending parallel to the high-temperature fluid flow paths and through which a low-temperature fluid flows, a plurality of high-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow paths, and a plurality of low-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow paths. The X direction and the Y direction along the flow path cross section perpendicular to the high-temperature fluid flow path and the low-temperature fluid flow path are defined. When viewed in the flow path cross section, a plurality of high-temperature fluid flow path rows formed by a plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths aligned in the X direction are formed in parallel, and a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow path rows formed by a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths aligned in the X direction are formed in parallel. The high-temperature fluid flow path rows and the low-temperature fluid flow path rows are alternately arranged in the Y direction. The high-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow paths extend in the X direction and supply or discharge a high-temperature fluid to the high-temperature fluid flow path of the corresponding one of the high-temperature fluid flow path rows. The low-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow paths extend in the X direction and supply or discharge a low-temperature fluid to the low-temperature fluid flow path of the corresponding one of the low-temperature fluid flow path rows. When viewed in cross section, multiple first direction rows are formed in parallel, where the high-temperature fluid flow paths and the low-temperature fluid flow paths are alternately arranged in a first direction inclined toward the X direction. When viewed in cross section, multiple second direction rows are formed in parallel, where the high-temperature fluid flow paths and the low-temperature fluid flow paths are alternately arranged in a second direction inclined toward the X direction and intersecting the first direction. The heat exchanger body includes a first partition wall formed between two adjacent first direction rows, and a second partition wall formed between two adjacent second direction rows. The first partition wall extends in the first direction, and the second partition wall extends in the second direction.

The method for manufacturing a heat exchanger according to the embodiment is a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger in which the above-mentioned heat exchanger is manufactured using additive manufacturing technology.

The method for manufacturing a heat exchanger according to the embodiment is a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger using diffusion bonding technology to manufacture the above-mentioned heat exchanger.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the flow path structure from becoming complicated and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E--E of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. FIG. 13B is a partial view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line K--K in FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The heat exchanger and the method for manufacturing the heat exchanger according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
The heat exchanger and the method for manufacturing the heat exchanger according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment includes a heat exchanger body 2, a first header 3, and a second header 4.

The heat exchanger body 2 is the part where heat is exchanged between high-temperature fluid and low-temperature fluid. A high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and a low-temperature fluid flow path 20, which will be described later, are formed within the heat exchanger body 2. The heat exchanger body 2 in this embodiment is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The first header 3 is a part that supplies or discharges high-temperature fluid and low-temperature fluid to or from the heat exchanger body 2. The first header 3 according to this embodiment is configured to supply high-temperature fluid to the heat exchanger body 2 and discharge low-temperature fluid from the heat exchanger body 2. The first header 3 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The height of the first header 3 may be equal to the height of the heat exchanger body 2. In this case, the upper surface 3a of the first header 3 and the upper surface 2a of the heat exchanger body 2 may be located on the same plane, and the lower surface 3b of the first header 3 and the lower surface 2b of the heat exchanger body 2 may be located on the same plane.

The second header 4 is a part that supplies or discharges high-temperature fluid and low-temperature fluid to the heat exchanger body 2. The second header 4 according to this embodiment is configured to discharge high-temperature fluid from the heat exchanger body 2 and supply low-temperature fluid to the heat exchanger body 2. The second header 4 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The height of the second header 4 may be equal to the height of the heat exchanger body 2. In this case, the upper surface 4a of the second header 4 and the upper surface 2a of the heat exchanger body 2 may be located on the same plane, and the lower surface 4b of the second header 4 and the lower surface 2b of the heat exchanger body 2 may be located on the same plane.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are formed in the heat exchanger body 2. The plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 extend in parallel to each other and are configured to allow high-temperature fluid to flow through them. The plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 extend in parallel to each other and are configured to allow low-temperature fluid to flow through them. The high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are parallel to each other. The high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 extend linearly in the Z direction described below.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 form a high-temperature fluid flow path row 11. When viewed in the flow path cross section, the high-temperature fluid flow path row 11 is a row of multiple high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 lined up in the X direction. In one high-temperature fluid flow path row 11, multiple high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 are lined up in a row. The Y-direction positions of the high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 that make up one high-temperature fluid flow path row 11 are the same.

In this embodiment, multiple high-temperature fluid flow path rows 11 are formed in parallel on the flow path cross section. The multiple high-temperature fluid flow path rows 11 are arranged at different positions in the Y direction. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3A, two high-temperature fluid flow path rows 11 are formed on the flow path cross section, but the number of high-temperature fluid flow path rows 11 is arbitrary. The high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 are also arranged in a row in the Y direction.

The term "channel cross section" is used here to mean a cross section perpendicular to the high-temperature fluid channel 10 and the low-temperature fluid channel 20. An example of a channel cross section is the cross section shown in Figures 3A to 3C. As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the X and Y directions are defined along the channel cross section. The X direction is a direction perpendicular to the flow direction in the channel, and corresponds to the horizontal direction in the figure. The Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the X direction, and corresponds to the up-down direction. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction, and corresponds to the horizontal direction in the figure. Note that "horizontal direction" means "the horizontal direction when the bottom surface is placed horizontally."

As shown in FIG. 3A, the low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 form a low-temperature fluid flow path row 21. When viewed in cross section of the flow path, the low-temperature fluid flow path row 21 is a row of multiple low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 aligned in the X direction. In one low-temperature fluid flow path row 21, the multiple low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are aligned in a row. The Y-direction positions of the low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 that form one low-temperature fluid flow path row 21 are the same.

In this embodiment, multiple low-temperature fluid flow path rows 21 are formed in parallel on the flow path cross section. The multiple low-temperature fluid flow path rows 21 are arranged at different positions in the Y direction. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3A, two low-temperature fluid flow path rows 21 are formed on the flow path cross section, but the number of low-temperature fluid flow path rows 21 is arbitrary. The low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are also arranged in a row in the Y direction.

The high-temperature fluid flow path row 11 and the low-temperature fluid flow path row 21 are arranged at different positions in the Y direction. The high-temperature fluid flow path row 11 and the low-temperature fluid flow path row 21 are arranged alternately in the Y direction. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the low-temperature fluid flow path row 21 is arranged in the lowest stage, and the high-temperature fluid flow path row 11 is arranged in the highest stage.

The X-direction pitch p1 of the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 may be equal to the X-direction pitch p2 of the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20. The high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 may be shifted in the X-direction by half the pitch p1 or half the pitch p2. The Y-direction pitch p3 of the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 may be equal to the Y-direction pitch p4 of the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20. The high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 may be shifted in the Y-direction by half the pitch p3 or half the pitch p4.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in this embodiment, when viewed in the flow path cross section, the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 partially enters the first region 16 between two high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 adjacent to each other in the X direction. The high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 partially overlap each other when viewed in the X direction. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 3B, the upper end 20a of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 is located at a higher position than the lower end 10b of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 located above the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. Similarly, when viewed in the flow path cross section, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 partially enters the first region 26 between two low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 adjacent to each other in the X direction. The upper end 10a of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 is located at a higher position than the lower end 20b of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 located above the high-temperature fluid flow path 10.

In this embodiment, when viewed in the flow path cross section, the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 partially enters the second region 17 between two high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 partially overlap each other when viewed in the Y direction. More specifically, referring to FIG. 3B, the right end 20c of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 is disposed to the right of the left end 10d of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 adjacent to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 on the right side. Similarly, when viewed in the flow path cross section, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 partially enters the second region 27 between two low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The right end 10c of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 is disposed to the right of the left end 20d of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 adjacent to the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 on the right side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 may be larger than the maximum Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 described later, and may be larger than the maximum Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid outlet flow path described later. Similarly, the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 may be larger than the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 described later, and may be larger than the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid inlet flow path described later.

As shown in FIG. 3C, when viewed in cross section, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 form a first directional row 30 and a second directional row 40.

The first direction row 30 is a row of high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 arranged alternately in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first direction row 30 is formed by a plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths 20. In one first direction row 30, the plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and the plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are arranged in a row. A plurality of first direction rows 30 are formed in parallel on the cross section of the flow path. Here, the first direction D1 is a direction that runs along the cross section of the flow path and is inclined in the X direction. The first direction D1 is also inclined in the Y direction.

The second direction row 40 is a row of high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 arranged alternately in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the second direction row 40 is formed by a plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths 20. In one second direction row 40, the plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and the plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are arranged in a row. A plurality of second direction rows 40 are formed in parallel on the cross section of the flow path. Here, the second direction D2 is a direction that is aligned with the cross section of the flow path and is inclined in the X direction. The second direction D2 is also inclined in the Y direction.

In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 intersect at 45° with the X direction and the Y direction, respectively.

3C, the heat exchanger body 2 includes a first partition wall 5 and a second partition wall 6. The first partition wall 5 is formed between two adjacent first direction rows 30. The first partition wall 5 extends in the first direction D1. The first partition wall 5 according to this embodiment is defined by a first flow path edge 10e of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and a first flow path edge 20e of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20, which are adjacent to each other in the first direction rows 30. The second partition wall 6 according to this embodiment is formed between two adjacent second direction rows 40. The second partition wall 6 extends in the second direction D2. The second partition wall 6 is defined by a second flow path edge 10f of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and a second flow path edge 20f of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20, which are adjacent to each other in the second direction rows 40.

The high-temperature fluid flow path 10 may include two first flow path edges 10e and two second flow path edges 10f. The low-temperature fluid flow path 20 may include two first flow path edges 20e and two second flow path edges 20f. The first flow path edges 10e, 20e extend in a first direction D1. The first flow path edges 10e, 20e may extend linearly along the first direction D1. The first flow path edges 10e and the first flow path edges 20e define a first partition wall 5 having a thickness t1. The thickness t1 of the first partition wall 5 may be constant. The second flow path edges 10f, 20f extend in a second direction D2. The second flow path edges 10f, 20f may extend linearly along the second direction D2. The second flow path edges 10f and the second flow path edges 20f define a second partition wall 6 having a thickness t2. The thickness 52 of the second partition wall 6 may be constant. The thickness t1 and the thickness t2 may be equal, or may be different. In this embodiment, the first flow path edges 10e, 20e and the second flow path edges 10f, 20f are perpendicular. The cross-sectional shape of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 may be rectangular, triangular, or square as shown in Figures 3A to 3C. The same is true for the low-temperature fluid flow path 20.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the heat exchanger body 2 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the flow path cross section. A high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and a low-temperature fluid flow path 20 having the same cross-sectional shape are formed in this flow path cross section. In the area of this flow path cross section where the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 are not formed, a high-temperature fluid flow path or a low-temperature fluid flow path having a different cross-sectional shape, such as a triangle, may be formed. In this case, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. Alternatively, the area of the flow path cross section, such as a corner where the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 are not formed, may be cut out. In this case, the weight of the heat exchanger 1 can be reduced.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 and a low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 are provided in the first header 3 described above. The high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 is an example of a high-temperature fluid supply/discharge flow path that supplies or discharges high-temperature fluid to one high-temperature fluid flow path row 11. The low-temperature fluid inlet flow path and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 are an example of a low-temperature fluid supply/discharge flow path that supplies or discharges low-temperature fluid to one low-temperature fluid flow path row 21.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 extends in the X direction and supplies high-temperature fluid to the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 constituting a corresponding high-temperature fluid flow passage row 11. In this embodiment, multiple high-temperature fluid inlet flow passages 12 are formed in the first header 3 and are arranged at different positions in the Y direction. The number of high-temperature fluid inlet flow passages 12 is equal to the number of high-temperature fluid flow passage rows 11. When viewed in the X direction, the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 extends linearly in the Z direction. The center position in the Y direction of each high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 may be the same as the center position in the Y direction of the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow passage row 11.

As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed in the Y direction, the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 may be formed to expand in the X direction from the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 described later to the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13 described later. This allows connection to multiple high-temperature fluid flow passages 10 via the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passages 13. The high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 may be smaller than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10. The maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 may be constant from the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 to the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13. When the cross section of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 is formed in a rectangular shape along the X direction and the Y direction as shown in FIG. 4, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 corresponds to the height dimension of the flow passage. The maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 located at the top may be larger than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the other high-temperature fluid inlet flow passages 12. In addition, a partition wall or a pillar may be formed in the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 for the purpose of improving mechanical strength or rectifying the flow.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 extends in the X direction and discharges low-temperature fluid from the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 that constitutes a corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage row 21. In this embodiment, multiple low-temperature fluid outlet flow passages 22 are formed in the first header 3 and are arranged at different positions in the Y direction. The number of low-temperature fluid outlet flow passages 22 is equal to the number of low-temperature fluid flow passage rows 21. When viewed in the X direction, the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passages 22 extend linearly in the Z direction. The Y-direction center position of each low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 may be the same as the Y-direction center position of the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage row 21.

As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed in the Y direction, the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 may be formed to expand in the X direction from the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 described later to the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 described later. This allows connection to multiple low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 via the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23. The low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape when viewed in the Y direction.

2, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 may be smaller than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. The maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 may be constant from the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 to the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23. When the cross section of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 is formed in a rectangular shape along the X direction and the Y direction as shown in FIG. 4, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 corresponds to the height dimension of the flow path. The maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 located at the bottom may be larger than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the other low-temperature fluid outlet flow paths 22. In addition, a partition or a pillar may be formed in the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 for the purpose of improving mechanical strength or rectifying the flow.

The high-temperature fluid inlet flow passages 12 and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passages 22 may be arranged alternately in the Y direction. The Y-direction pitch p6 between the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passages 12 and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passages 22 may be equal to the Y-direction pitch p5 between the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow passage rows 11 and the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage rows 21. The Y-direction pitch p5 is the Y-direction pitch between the high-temperature fluid flow passage rows 11 connected to the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passages 12 and the low-temperature fluid flow passage rows 21 connected to the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passages 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, a high-temperature fluid inlet connection passage 13 and a low-temperature fluid outlet connection passage 23 are provided in the heat exchanger body 2 described above. The high-temperature fluid inlet connection passage 13 is an example of a high-temperature fluid connection passage that connects the high-temperature fluid inlet passage 12 to the high-temperature fluid passage 10 of the corresponding high-temperature fluid passage row 11. The low-temperature fluid outlet connection passage 23 is an example of a low-temperature fluid connection passage that connects the low-temperature fluid outlet passage 22 to the low-temperature fluid passage 20 of the corresponding low-temperature fluid passage row 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 may be gradually increased from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 to the high-temperature fluid flow path 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional shape of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 may be a shape in which the upper end 10a and the lower end 10b of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 are notched. As in the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 shown in FIG. 2, the amount of notch may be gradually reduced from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 to the high-temperature fluid flow path 10. However, this is not limited to this, and the maximum Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 may be increased in stages from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 to the high-temperature fluid flow path 10. The Y-direction dimension of the inlet side end of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 may be equal to the Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12, but may be smaller than the Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12. The maximum X-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 may be constant from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 to the high-temperature fluid flow path 10, but may vary. The maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13 located at the top may be larger than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the other high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passages 13. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13 located at the top may be such that the lower end 10b of the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 is notched, but the upper end 10a is notched.

As shown in FIG. 2, the Y-direction center position of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13 may be constant from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 to the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10. In this case, the pressure loss of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13 can be reduced. The Y-direction center position of the uppermost high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13 does not have to be constant.

2, the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be gradually increased from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional shape of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be a shape in which the upper end 20a and the lower end 20b of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 are notched. As in the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 shown in FIG. 2, the amount of notch may be gradually reduced from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. However, this is not limited to this, and the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be increased in stages from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. The Y-direction dimension of the outlet side end of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be equal to the Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22, or may be smaller than the Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22. The maximum X-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be constant from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20, or may vary. The maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow passage 23 located at the bottom may be larger than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the other low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow passages 23. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow passage 23 located at the bottom may be such that the upper end 20a of the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 is notched, but the lower end 20b is notched.

As shown in FIG. 2, the Y-direction center position of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be constant from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. In this case, the pressure loss in the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 can be reduced. The Y-direction center position of the lowest low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 does not have to be constant.

The second header 4 described above has a high-temperature fluid outlet flow path and a low-temperature fluid inlet flow path (not shown). The high-temperature fluid outlet flow path is an example of a high-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow path, and discharges high-temperature fluid from the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 that constitutes one high-temperature fluid flow path row 11. The high-temperature fluid outlet flow path can be configured in the same way as the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12, so a description of the high-temperature fluid outlet flow path is omitted. The low-temperature fluid inlet flow path is an example of a low-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow path, and supplies low-temperature fluid to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 that constitutes one low-temperature fluid flow path row 21. The low-temperature fluid inlet flow path can be configured in the same way as the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22, so a description of the low-temperature fluid inlet flow path is omitted.

The heat exchanger body 2 described above is provided with a high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path and a low-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path (not shown). The high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path is an example of a high-temperature fluid connection flow path, and connects the high-temperature fluid outlet flow path described above to the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 of the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow path row 11. The high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path can be configured in the same manner as the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13, so a description of the high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path is omitted. The low-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path is an example of a low-temperature fluid connection flow path, and is an example of a low-temperature fluid connection flow path that connects the low-temperature fluid inlet flow path described above to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 of the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow path row 21. The low-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path can be configured in the same manner as the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23, so a description of the low-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path is omitted.

The first header 3 is provided with a high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 and a low-temperature fluid outlet header 24.

The high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 is connected to each of the high-temperature fluid inlet passages 12 and supplies high-temperature fluid to each of the high-temperature fluid inlet passages 12. The high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 extends in the Y direction and is connected to each of the high-temperature fluid inlet passages 12. High-temperature fluid is supplied to the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 from other equipment located outside the heat exchanger 1.

The cold fluid outlet header 24 is connected to each cold fluid outlet flow path 22 and discharges the cold fluid from each cold fluid outlet flow path 22. The cold fluid outlet header 24 extends in the Y direction and is connected to each cold fluid outlet flow path 22. The cold fluid discharged from the cold fluid outlet header 24 is supplied to other equipment located outside the heat exchanger 1.

The second header 4 is provided with a high-temperature fluid outlet header 15 and a low-temperature fluid inlet header 25.

The high-temperature fluid outlet header 15 is connected to each high-temperature fluid outlet flow path (not shown) and discharges high-temperature fluid from each high-temperature fluid outlet flow path. The high-temperature fluid outlet header 15 extends in the Y direction and is connected to each high-temperature fluid outlet flow path. The high-temperature fluid discharged from the high-temperature fluid outlet header 15 is supplied to other equipment located outside the heat exchanger 1.

The cold fluid inlet header 25 is connected to each cold fluid inlet flow path (not shown) and supplies cold fluid to each cold fluid inlet flow path. The cold fluid inlet header 25 extends in the Y direction and is connected to each cold fluid inlet flow path. Cold fluid is supplied to the cold fluid inlet header 25 from other equipment located outside the heat exchanger 1.

Next, a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned heat exchanger 1 will be described. The method for manufacturing the heat exchanger 1 according to this embodiment is not particularly limited and may be any method. For example, the heat exchanger 1 may be manufactured using additive manufacturing technology or diffusion bonding technology.

For example, the heat exchanger body 2 described above may be manufactured by a 3D printer using additive manufacturing technology. In this case, the heat exchanger body 2 can be easily formed seamlessly. In addition, each flow path such as the above-mentioned high-temperature fluid flow path 10 can also be formed by a 3D printer, and the heat exchanger body 2 can be easily manufactured. For example, the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13, the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23, the high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path and the low-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path, whose cross-sectional shapes gradually change, can be easily formed. The heat exchanger body 2 may be manufactured by a 3D printer integrally with the above-mentioned first header 3 and second header 4. In this case, the heat exchanger body 2, the first header 3 and the second header 4 can be seamlessly formed as one block. In addition, each flow path such as the above-mentioned high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12, the fluid inlet header such as the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14, and the fluid outlet header such as the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 can also be easily formed by additive manufacturing technology. Therefore, the heat exchanger 1 can be easily manufactured.

For example, the heat exchanger body 2 described above may be manufactured using a diffusion bonding technique. In this case, the heat exchanger body 2 can be easily formed. When using the diffusion bonding technique, multiple plate materials each having a shape that allows the above-mentioned flow path to be obtained may be prepared, and the plate materials may be stacked and diffusion bonded.

Next, we will explain the operation of this embodiment with such a configuration.

The high-temperature fluid supplied to the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 is split and flows into each of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow paths 12. It is further split from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 and flows through the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 into each of the high-temperature fluid flow paths 10.

Meanwhile, the cold fluid supplied to the cold fluid inlet header 25 is split and flows into each cold fluid inlet flow path (not shown). It is further split from the cold fluid inlet flow path, passes through a cold fluid inlet connection flow path (not shown), and flows into each cold fluid flow path 20.

The high-temperature fluid flowing through the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 exchanges heat with the low-temperature fluid flowing through the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. The high-temperature fluid and the low-temperature fluid flow through each flow path in countercurrents, improving the heat exchange efficiency.

In the heat exchanger 1 according to this embodiment, the first flow edge 10e of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 faces the first flow edge 20e of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20, and the second flow edge 10f of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 faces the second flow edge 20f of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. In the flow path cross section, four low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are arranged around the high-temperature fluid flow path 10, and four high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 are arranged around the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. This increases the heat transfer area involved in the heat transfer between the high-temperature fluid flowing through the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flowing through the low-temperature fluid flow path 20, and increases the amount of heat exchange between the high-temperature fluid and the low-temperature fluid. This improves the heat exchange efficiency.

The high-temperature fluid that has passed through the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 passes through a high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path (not shown) and flows into a high-temperature fluid outlet flow path (not shown). In the high-temperature fluid outlet flow path, the high-temperature fluids that have flowed in from each high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path join together. The high-temperature fluid flows from the high-temperature fluid outlet flow path into the high-temperature fluid outlet header 15, where they join together, and is discharged from the high-temperature fluid outlet flow path.

Meanwhile, the low-temperature fluid that has passed through the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 passes through the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 and flows into the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22. In the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22, the low-temperature fluids that have flowed in from each low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 join together. The low-temperature fluid flows from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 into the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24, where they join together, and is discharged from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22.

Thus, according to this embodiment, in the first direction row 30, the high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are alternately arranged with the second partition wall 6 interposed therebetween, and in the second direction row 40, the high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 are alternately arranged with the first partition wall 5 interposed therebetween. This allows one high-temperature fluid flow path 10 to face four low-temperature fluid flow paths 20, and the heat transfer area involved in the heat transfer between the high-temperature fluid and the low-temperature fluid can be increased. Similarly, one low-temperature fluid flow path 20 can face four high-temperature fluid flow paths 10, and the heat transfer area involved in the heat transfer between the high-temperature fluid and the low-temperature fluid can be increased. This prevents the structure from becoming complicated and improves the heat exchange efficiency.

In addition, according to this embodiment, a plurality of high-temperature fluid flow passage rows 11 formed by a plurality of high-temperature fluid flow passages 10 arranged in the X direction are formed in parallel, and a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow passage rows 21 formed by a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow passages 20 arranged in the X direction are formed in parallel, and the high-temperature fluid flow passage rows 11 and the low-temperature fluid flow passage rows 21 are arranged alternately in the Y direction. The high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 extends in the X direction and supplies high-temperature fluid to the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 of the corresponding one high-temperature fluid flow passage row 11. The low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 extends in the X direction and supplies low-temperature fluid to the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 of the corresponding one low-temperature fluid flow passage row 21. This simplifies the connection structure between the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 and each high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 constituting the corresponding one high-temperature fluid flow passage row 11. For example, it is possible to prevent the shape of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13 connecting the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 and the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 from becoming complicated. This prevents the connection structure from the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 to the heat exchanger body 2 from becoming complicated. Similarly, the connection structure between the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 and each low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 constituting the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage row 21 can be simplified. For example, the shape of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow passage 23 connecting the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 and the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 can be prevented from becoming complicated. This makes it possible to prevent the connection structure from the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 to the heat exchanger body 2 from becoming complicated. Similarly, the connection structure between the high-temperature fluid outlet flow passage (not shown) and each high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 constituting the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow passage row 11 can be simplified. For example, the shape of the high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow passage (not shown) connecting the high-temperature fluid outlet flow passage and the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 can be prevented from becoming complicated. This makes it possible to prevent the connection structure from the high-temperature fluid outlet header 15 to the heat exchanger body 2 from becoming complicated. Similarly, the connection structure between the low-temperature fluid inlet flow passage (not shown) and each low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 constituting the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage row 21 can be simplified. For example, the shape of the low-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path (not shown) that connects the low-temperature fluid inlet flow path and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 can be prevented from becoming complicated. This prevents the connection structure from the low-temperature fluid inlet header 25 to the heat exchanger body 2 from becoming complicated. This prevents the structure of the heat exchanger 1 from becoming complicated. Conventionally, when an attempt was made to improve the heat exchange efficiency by improving the flow path structure of the heat exchanger body 2, the connection structures from each of the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14, the high-temperature fluid outlet header 15, the low-temperature fluid inlet header 25, and the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 to the heat exchanger body 2 tended to become complicated, but according to this embodiment, this can be prevented from becoming complicated.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 each include a first flow path edge 10e, 20e extending in the first direction D1 and a second flow path edge 10f, 20f extending in the second direction D2. The first flow path edges 10e, 20e define the first partition wall 5, and the second flow path edges 10f, 20f define the second partition wall 6. This allows the first flow path edge 10e of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 to face the first flow path edge 20e of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20, and the second flow path edge 10f of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 to face the second flow path edge 20f of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. This improves the heat exchange efficiency.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. This allows the first partition wall 5 and the second partition wall 6 to be perpendicular to each other. As a result, the first partition wall 5 and the second partition wall 6 are formed in a cross lattice shape, which improves the mechanical strength of the heat exchanger body 2 and improves the pressure resistance of the heat exchanger 1.

In addition, according to this embodiment, when viewed in cross section, the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 penetrates into the regions 16, 17 between two adjacent high-temperature fluid flow paths 10, and the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 penetrates into the regions 26, 27 between two adjacent low-temperature fluid flow paths 20. This makes it possible to increase the heat transfer area involved in the heat transfer between the high-temperature fluid and the low-temperature fluid. In addition, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 can be brought closer together. This improves the heat exchange efficiency.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 is larger than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12. This makes it possible to increase the heat transfer area of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10. This makes it possible to improve the heat exchange efficiency.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 that connects the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 and the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 gradually increases from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 to the high-temperature fluid flow path 10. This makes it possible to reduce the pressure loss of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13. In addition, the mechanical strength of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 can be improved, and the pressure resistance of the heat exchanger 1 can be improved.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 is larger than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22. This makes it possible to increase the heat transfer area of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. This makes it possible to improve the heat exchange efficiency.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 that connects the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 gradually increases from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. This makes it possible to reduce the pressure loss in the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23. In addition, the mechanical strength of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 can be improved, and the pressure resistance of the heat exchanger 1 can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 is rectangular. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 may be any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon other than a rectangle. Even if the cross-sectional shape is circular or elliptical, the first partition 5 can extend in the first direction D1, and the second partition 6 can extend in the second direction D2. In this case, the thickness t1 of the first partition 5 and the thickness t2 of the second partition 6 do not have to be constant. For example, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 may be formed in an octagon so as to include the above-mentioned first flow path edge 10e and the second flow path edge 10f. In addition, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 may have a mixture of multiple cross-sectional shapes. The cross-sectional shape of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 is also arbitrary.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. However, this is not limited to the above. For example, the second direction D2 does not have to be perpendicular to the first direction D1. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the cross-sectional shape of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 may be diamond-shaped.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 and the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 are formed in the first header 3, and the high-temperature fluid outlet header 15 and the low-temperature fluid inlet header 25 are formed in the second header 4. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the low-temperature fluid inlet header 25 may be formed in the first header 3, and the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 may be formed in the second header 4. In this case, the flow direction of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 changes, and the high-temperature fluid and the low-temperature fluid exchange heat in a parallel flow state.

Second Embodiment
Next, a heat exchanger and a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

The second embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 10 differs mainly in that the Y-direction pitch between the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passages and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passages is greater than the Y-direction pitch between the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow passage rows and the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage rows. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6. Note that in Figures 7 to 10, the same parts as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the Y-direction pitch p6 (see Figure 10) between the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 is greater than the Y-direction pitch p5 (see Figure 9) between the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow passage row 11 and the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage row 21. In this case, the height of the first header 3 may be greater than the height of the heat exchanger body 2. The upper surface 3a of the first header 3 may be located at a position higher than the upper surface 2a of the heat exchanger body 2. The lower surface 3b of the first header 3 and the lower surface 2b of the heat exchanger body 2 may be located on the same plane, but they do not have to be located on the same plane.

The maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet passage 12 may be equal to the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid passage 10. The maximum dimension in the Y direction of each high-temperature fluid inlet passage 12, including the high-temperature fluid inlet passage 12 located at the top, may be equal.

As shown in FIG. 8, the Y-direction center position of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 may be gradually displaced. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the Y-direction center position of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 is gradually displaced upward from the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 to the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12. Such a high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 can be easily formed by additive manufacturing technology or diffusion bonding technology.

The maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection passage 13 may be constant from the high-temperature fluid inlet passage 12 to the high-temperature fluid passage 10. The cross-sectional shape of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection passage 13 may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the high-temperature fluid passage 10.

Similarly, the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 may be equal to the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20. The maximum Y-direction dimensions of each low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22, including the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 located at the bottom, may be equal.

The Y-direction center position of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be gradually displaced. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the Y-direction center position of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 is gradually displaced upward from the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 to the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22. Such a low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 can be easily formed by additive manufacturing technology or diffusion bonding technology. Note that the Y-direction center position of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 located at the bottom may be constant without displacement.

The maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be constant from the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 to the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. The cross-sectional shape of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20.

The high-temperature fluid outlet flow path and the low-temperature fluid inlet flow path can be configured similarly to the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22. The high-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path and the low-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path can be configured similarly to the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 and the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23.

In this manner, according to this embodiment, the Y-direction pitch p6 between the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 is larger than the Y-direction pitch p5 between the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow passage row 11 and the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage row 21. This makes it possible to make the maximum Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13 that connects the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 and the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 constant. This makes it possible to reduce the pressure loss of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow passage 13.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the Y-direction position of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 and the Y-direction position of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23 are gradually displaced. This makes it possible to reduce the pressure loss of the high-temperature fluid inlet connection flow path 13 and to reduce the pressure loss of the low-temperature fluid outlet connection flow path 23.

Third Embodiment
Next, a heat exchanger and a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The third embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 14 differs mainly in that, when viewed in cross section, the low-temperature fluid flow path does not extend into the area between adjacent high-temperature fluid flow paths, and the high-temperature fluid flow path does not extend into the area between two adjacent low-temperature fluid flow paths. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6. Note that in Figures 11 to 14, the same parts as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the heat exchanger 1 according to this embodiment includes a heat exchanger body 2, a first header 3, and a second header 4. The height of the first header 3 may be equal to the height of the heat exchanger body 2. The height of the second header 4 may be equal to the height of the heat exchanger body 2.

As shown in FIG. 13A, in this embodiment, when viewed in the flow path cross section, the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 does not enter the first region 16 between two high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 adjacent to each other in the X direction. The high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 do not overlap when viewed in the X direction. To explain more specifically with reference to FIG. 13A, the upper end 20a of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 is located at a lower position than the lower end 10b of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 located above the low-temperature fluid flow path 20. Similarly, when viewed in the flow path cross section, the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 does not enter the second region 17 between two high-temperature fluid flow paths 10 adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 do not overlap when viewed in the Y direction.

Similarly, when viewed in cross section of the flow path, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 does not extend into the first region 26 between two adjacent low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 in the X direction. The upper end 10a of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 is positioned lower than the lower end 20b of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 located above the high-temperature fluid flow path 10. Also, when viewed in cross section of the flow path, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 does not extend into the second region 27 between two adjacent low-temperature fluid flow paths 20 in the Y direction.

As described above, the arrangement of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 increases the thickness of the first partition 5 and the thickness of the second partition 6. For example, the thickness t3 of the first partition 5 and the thickness t4 of the second partition 6 shown in FIG. 13B are thicker than the thickness t1 of the first partition 5 and the thickness t2 of the second partition 6 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. The thicknesses t3 and t4 may be equal to each other, or may be different from each other.

11 and 12, in this embodiment, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 may be equal to the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12. The maximum dimensions in the Y direction of each high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12, including the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 located at the top, may be equal. Similarly, the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 may be equal to the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22. The maximum dimensions in the Y direction of each low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22, including the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 located at the bottom, may be equal. Note that, as shown in FIG. 14, the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 may not be formed in the area where the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 does not exist when viewed in the Z direction. Similarly, the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 may not be formed in the area where the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 does not exist when viewed in the Z direction.

The Y-direction pitch p6 between the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22 may be equal to the Y-direction pitch p5 between the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow passage row 11 and the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow passage row 21. In this case, the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 may be directly connected to the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12. The low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 may be directly connected to the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22. Since the Y-direction position of the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10 is constant, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pressure loss in the high-temperature fluid flowing from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow passage 12 to the high-temperature fluid flow passage 10. Similarly, since the Y-direction position of the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 is constant, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pressure loss in the low-temperature fluid flowing from the low-temperature fluid flow passage 20 to the low-temperature fluid outlet flow passage 22.

The hot fluid outlet flow path and the cold fluid inlet flow path can be configured similarly to the hot fluid inlet flow path 12 and the cold fluid outlet flow path 22.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when viewed in the flow path cross section, the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 does not extend into the regions 16, 17 between two adjacent high-temperature fluid flow paths 10. Similarly, the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 does not extend into the regions 26, 27 between two adjacent low-temperature fluid flow paths 20. This makes it possible to increase the thickness of the first partition wall 5 and the second partition wall 6. This makes it possible to improve the mechanical strength of the heat exchanger body 2 and the pressure resistance of the heat exchanger 1.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the maximum Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 is equal to the maximum Y-direction dimension of the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12, and the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 is equal to the maximum Y-direction dimension of the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22. In addition, the Y-direction pitch p6 between the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 and the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 is equal to the Y-direction pitch p5 between the corresponding high-temperature fluid flow path row 11 and the corresponding low-temperature fluid flow path row 21. This allows the high-temperature fluid flow path 10 to be directly connected to the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12, and the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 to be directly connected to the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pressure loss in the high-temperature fluid flowing from the high-temperature fluid inlet flow path 12 to the high-temperature fluid flow path 10, and to suppress the occurrence of pressure loss in the low-temperature fluid flowing from the low-temperature fluid flow path 20 to the low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a heat exchanger and a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The fourth embodiment shown in Figure 15 differs mainly in that it does not have a low-temperature fluid outlet header. The rest of the configuration is substantially the same as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6. Note that in Figure 15, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the first header 3 is not provided with a low-temperature fluid outlet header 24. In this case, the portion of the first header 3 where the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 was located is removed, and the first header 3 has a shape as shown in FIG. 15. The low-temperature fluid outlet flow path 22 includes an outlet opening 22a that opens to the outside of the first header 3, and the low-temperature fluid is directly discharged from the outlet opening 22a to the outside of the heat exchanger 1.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first header 3 is not provided with a low-temperature fluid outlet header 24. This allows the first header 3 to be made smaller, and the heat exchanger 1 to be made lighter.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the low-temperature fluid outlet header 24 is not provided in the first header 3 has been described. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the high-temperature fluid outlet header 15 may not be provided in the second header 4. For example, if the low-temperature fluid can be directly discharged from the high-temperature fluid outlet passage (not shown) to the outside of the heat exchanger 1, the high-temperature fluid outlet header 15 may not be provided in the second header 4. Alternatively, the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 may not be provided in the first header 3. For example, if the high-temperature fluid can be directly supplied to the high-temperature fluid inlet passage 12 from the outside of the heat exchanger 1, the high-temperature fluid inlet header 14 may not be provided in the first header 3. Alternatively, the low-temperature fluid inlet header 25 may not be provided in the second header 4. For example, if the low-temperature fluid can be directly supplied to the low-temperature fluid inlet passage from the outside of the heat exchanger 1, the low-temperature fluid inlet header 25 may not be provided in the second header 4.

The above-described embodiment can prevent the flow path structure from becoming complicated and improve heat exchange efficiency.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Naturally, these embodiments can also be partially combined as appropriate within the gist of the invention.

1: heat exchanger, 2: heat exchanger body, 5: first partition, 6: second partition, 10: high temperature fluid flow path, 10e: first flow path edge, 10f: second flow path edge, 11: high temperature fluid flow path row, 12: high temperature fluid inlet flow path, 13: high temperature fluid inlet connection flow path, 16: first region, 17: second region, 20: low temperature fluid flow path, 20e: first flow path edge, 20f: second flow path edge, 21: low temperature fluid flow path row, 22: low temperature fluid outlet flow path, 23: low temperature fluid outlet connection flow path, 26: first region, 27: second region, 30: first direction row, 40: second direction row, D1: first direction, D2: second direction

Claims (11)

1. A heat exchanger comprising:
A heat exchanger body;
A plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths provided in parallel in the heat exchanger body, through which a high-temperature fluid flows;
a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths provided in parallel within the heat exchanger body, extending in parallel with the high-temperature fluid flow paths, through which a low-temperature fluid flows;
A plurality of high-temperature fluid supply and discharge paths;
A plurality of low-temperature fluid supply and discharge paths;
An X direction and a Y direction are defined along a flow passage cross section perpendicular to the high temperature fluid flow passage and the low temperature fluid flow passage;
When viewed from the flow path cross section, a plurality of high temperature fluid flow path rows formed by a plurality of the high temperature fluid flow paths aligned in the X direction are formed in parallel, and a plurality of low temperature fluid flow path rows formed by a plurality of the low temperature fluid flow paths aligned in the X direction are formed in parallel, and the high temperature fluid flow path rows and the low temperature fluid flow path rows are alternately arranged in the Y direction,
The high-temperature fluid supply/discharge flow passage extends in the X-direction and supplies or discharges the high-temperature fluid to or from the high-temperature fluid flow passage of a corresponding one of the high-temperature fluid flow passage rows;
The cryogenic fluid supply/discharge flow passage extends in the X direction and supplies or discharges the cryogenic fluid to or from the cryogenic fluid flow passage of a corresponding one of the cryogenic fluid flow passage rows;
When viewed from the flow path cross section, a plurality of first direction rows formed by the high temperature fluid flow paths and the low temperature fluid flow paths alternately arranged in a first direction inclined to the X direction are formed in parallel, and a plurality of second direction rows formed by the high temperature fluid flow paths and the low temperature fluid flow paths alternately arranged in a second direction inclined to the X direction and intersecting the first direction are formed in parallel,
The heat exchanger body includes a first partition wall formed between two adjacent first direction rows and a second partition wall formed between two adjacent second direction rows,
The first partition extends in the first direction,
The second partition extends in the second direction,
a maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid flow passage is larger than a maximum dimension in the Y direction of the high-temperature fluid supply/discharge flow passage,
the heat exchanger includes a plurality of high-temperature fluid connection passages connecting the high-temperature fluid supply/discharge passages to the high-temperature fluid passages of the corresponding high-temperature fluid passage rows;
A heat exchanger, wherein the maximum dimension in a Y direction of the high-temperature fluid connection passage gradually increases from the high-temperature fluid supply/discharge passage to the high-temperature fluid passage. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid flow path is greater than the maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid supply/discharge flow path. a plurality of cryo-fluid connection passages connecting the cryo-fluid supply/discharge passages to the cryo-fluid passages of the corresponding cryo-fluid passages of the cryo-fluid passage rows;
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein a maximum dimension in a Y direction of the low-temperature fluid connection passage gradually increases from the low-temperature fluid supply/discharge passage to the low-temperature fluid passage. 1. A heat exchanger comprising:
A heat exchanger body;
A plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths provided in parallel in the heat exchanger body, through which a high-temperature fluid flows;
a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths provided in parallel within the heat exchanger body, extending in parallel with the high-temperature fluid flow paths, through which a low-temperature fluid flows;
A plurality of high-temperature fluid supply and discharge paths;
A plurality of low-temperature fluid supply and discharge paths;
An X direction and a Y direction are defined along a flow passage cross section perpendicular to the high temperature fluid flow passage and the low temperature fluid flow passage;
When viewed from the flow path cross section, a plurality of high temperature fluid flow path rows formed by a plurality of the high temperature fluid flow paths aligned in the X direction are formed in parallel, and a plurality of low temperature fluid flow path rows formed by a plurality of the low temperature fluid flow paths aligned in the X direction are formed in parallel, and the high temperature fluid flow path rows and the low temperature fluid flow path rows are alternately arranged in the Y direction,
The high-temperature fluid supply/discharge flow passage extends in the X-direction and supplies or discharges the high-temperature fluid to or from the high-temperature fluid flow passage of a corresponding one of the high-temperature fluid flow passage rows;
The cryogenic fluid supply/discharge flow passage extends in the X direction and supplies or discharges the cryogenic fluid to or from the cryogenic fluid flow passage of a corresponding one of the cryogenic fluid flow passage rows;
When viewed from the flow path cross section, a plurality of first direction rows formed by the high temperature fluid flow paths and the low temperature fluid flow paths alternately arranged in a first direction inclined to the X direction are formed in parallel, and a plurality of second direction rows formed by the high temperature fluid flow paths and the low temperature fluid flow paths alternately arranged in a second direction inclined to the X direction and intersecting the first direction are formed in parallel,
The heat exchanger body includes a first partition wall formed between two adjacent first direction rows and a second partition wall formed between two adjacent second direction rows,
The first partition extends in the first direction,
The second partition extends in the second direction,
a maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid flow path is greater than a maximum dimension in the Y direction of the low-temperature fluid supply/discharge flow path;
the heat exchanger includes a plurality of cryogenic fluid connection passages connecting the cryogenic fluid supply/discharge passages to the cryogenic fluid passages of the corresponding cryogenic fluid passages of the cryogenic fluid passage rows;
A heat exchanger, wherein a maximum dimension in a Y direction of the low-temperature fluid connection passage gradually increases from the low-temperature fluid supply/discharge passage to the low-temperature fluid passage. 1. A heat exchanger comprising:
A heat exchanger body;
A plurality of high-temperature fluid flow paths provided in parallel in the heat exchanger body, through which a high-temperature fluid flows;
a plurality of low-temperature fluid flow paths provided in parallel within the heat exchanger body, extending in parallel with the high-temperature fluid flow paths, through which a low-temperature fluid flows;
A plurality of high-temperature fluid supply and discharge paths;
A plurality of low-temperature fluid supply and discharge paths;
An X direction and a Y direction are defined along a flow passage cross section perpendicular to the high temperature fluid flow passage and the low temperature fluid flow passage;
When viewed from the flow path cross section, a plurality of high temperature fluid flow path rows formed by a plurality of the high temperature fluid flow paths aligned in the X direction are formed in parallel, and a plurality of low temperature fluid flow path rows formed by a plurality of the low temperature fluid flow paths aligned in the X direction are formed in parallel, and the high temperature fluid flow path rows and the low temperature fluid flow path rows are alternately arranged in the Y direction,
The high-temperature fluid supply/discharge flow passage extends in the X-direction and supplies or discharges the high-temperature fluid to or from the high-temperature fluid flow passage of a corresponding one of the high-temperature fluid flow passage rows;
The cryogenic fluid supply/discharge flow passage extends in the X direction and supplies or discharges the cryogenic fluid to or from the cryogenic fluid flow passage of a corresponding one of the cryogenic fluid flow passage rows;
When viewed from the flow path cross section, a plurality of first direction rows formed by the high temperature fluid flow paths and the low temperature fluid flow paths alternately arranged in a first direction inclined to the X direction are formed in parallel, and a plurality of second direction rows formed by the high temperature fluid flow paths and the low temperature fluid flow paths alternately arranged in a second direction inclined to the X direction and intersecting the first direction are formed in parallel,
The heat exchanger body includes a first partition wall formed between two adjacent first direction rows and a second partition wall formed between two adjacent second direction rows,
The first partition extends in the first direction,
The second partition extends in the second direction,
a Y-direction pitch between the high-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow passage and the low-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow passage is greater than a Y-direction pitch between the high-temperature fluid flow passage row corresponding to the high-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow passage and the low-temperature fluid flow passage row corresponding to the low-temperature fluid supply and discharge flow passage. a plurality of high-temperature fluid connection passages connecting the high-temperature fluid supply/discharge passages to the high-temperature fluid passages of the corresponding high-temperature fluid passage rows;
a plurality of cryogenic fluid connection flow paths connecting the cryogenic fluid supply/discharge flow paths to the cryogenic fluid flow paths of the corresponding cryogenic fluid flow paths of the cryogenic fluid flow path rows;
The heat exchanger according to claim 5 , wherein a center position in the Y direction of the high temperature fluid connecting passage and a center position in the Y direction of the low temperature fluid connecting passage are gradually displaced from each other. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the high-temperature fluid flow path and the low-temperature fluid flow path each include a first flow path edge that defines the first partition wall and extends in the first direction, and a second flow path edge that defines the second partition wall and extends in the second direction. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, when viewed in the flow path cross section, the low-temperature fluid flow path partially enters the region between two of the high-temperature fluid flow paths adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the high-temperature fluid flow path partially enters the region between two of the low-temperature fluid flow paths adjacent to each other in the X direction. A method for manufacturing the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of:
A manufacturing method for heat exchangers using additive manufacturing technology. A method for manufacturing the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , comprising the steps of:
A method for manufacturing heat exchangers using diffusion bonding technology.

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