Patent ID: 7389852
Filing Date: 2008-06-24
Classification: F01N,F28D,F28F,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An integrated heat exchanger and muffler unit for transferring heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, and for muffling the noise of the first fluid, the unit comprising: a housing extending along an axis between a first end and a second end, the housing including a first inlet for the first fluid, a first outlet for the first fluid, a second inlet for the second fluid, and a second outlet for the second fluid, the first inlet located in the first end of the housing and configured to direct a flow of the first fluid parallel to the axis, the first outlet located in the second end and configured to direct a flow of the first fluid parallel to the axis; an expansion chamber in the housing and connected to one of the first inlet and outlet for the transfer of the first fluid between the expansion chamber and the one of the first inlet and outlet; a first fluid flow path in the housing and extending parallel to the axis between the first inlet and outlet and connected to the expansion chamber for the transfer of the first fluid between the first fluid flow path and the expansion chamber; a resonator in the housing and connected to the first fluid flow; and a second fluid flow path in the housing and extending between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet in heat transfer relation with the first fluid flow path; wherein the first and second fluid flow paths surround the at least one resonator; wherein the housing further comprises: an outer cylindrical wall; an inner cylindrical wall; and an intermediate cylindrical wall located radially between the inner and outer cylindrical walls, the inner and intermediate cylindrical walls defining the first fluid flow path, and the intermediate and outer cylindrical walls defining the second fluid flow path.