Heat exchanger and case for the same

Provided is a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a case including a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers having a chamber entry opening to the outside; and a plurality of heat exchange tubes accommodated in the each of the plurality of chambers, where each heat exchange tube includes an inlet portion; an outlet portion; and an intermediate portion connected between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, wherein each heat exchange tube of one of the plurality of chambers is arranged as a mirror image from corresponding heat exchange tube of an adjacent chamber of the one of the plurality of chambers with respect to a wall disposed between the one and the adjacent chambers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0079910, filed on Jul. 8, 2013, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a heat exchanger and a case for the heat exchanger, and more particularly, to a heat exchanger and a case for the heat exchanger with improved heat exchange performance and compact structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

Heat exchangers are used to exchange heat between heat transfer media having different temperatures by directly or indirectly contacting each other, and such heat exchangers are applied to various fluid mechanical systems such as heat engines or cooling systems.

To cool fluids that are used in a fluid mechanical system such as a multi-stage compressor having a plurality of compression stages, a heat exchanger is also designed to have a plurality of heat exchange chambers corresponding to the number of the respective compression stages. However, in a heat exchanger of the related art including a plurality of heat exchange chambers, each chamber having a chamber wall, a distance between adjacent heat exchange chambers is quite long, so the overall size of the heat exchanger is increased.

Furthermore, although each heat exchange chamber has a higher temperature region and a lower temperature region, the heat exchanger of the related art is designed without considering the thermal characteristics of the different regions of the heat exchange chambers, so the heat exchanger of the related art has a limitation on improving heat exchange performance.

The heat exchanger of the related art is also configured such that a passage through which a heat exchange fluid exchanging heat is circulated into a heat exchange chamber projects out from the heat exchange chamber, thereby increasing the overall size of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, since an oil passageway through which oil used for lubrication or other purposes passes is disposed in the heat exchanger without considering thermal characteristics of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger of the related art has a limitation with respect to the heat exchange performance.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiments provide a heat exchanger and a case for the heat exchanger adapted to provide improved heat exchange performance and the heat exchanger having a compact structure and a reduced overall size.

One or more exemplary embodiments provide a heat exchanger and a case for the heat exchanger designed in consideration of thermal characteristics of a plurality of chambers where heat exchange occurs.

According an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided heat exchanger including: a case comprising a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers having a chamber entry opening to the outside; and a plurality of heat exchange tubes accommodated in the each of the plurality of chambers, where each heat exchange tube includes: an inlet portion; an outlet portion; and an intermediate portion connected between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, wherein each heat exchange tube of one of the plurality of chambers is arranged as a mirror image from corresponding heat exchange tube of an adjacent chamber of the one of the plurality of chambers with respect to a wall disposed between the one and the adjacent chambers.

The plurality of chambers may extend in a parallel direction from one another.

The inlet and outlet portions may extend in an extending direction of the plurality of chambers, wherein the inlet portion may be configured to take in an externally introduced heat transfer fluid and the outlet portion may be configured to discharge the heat transfer fluid, and wherein the intermediate portion comprises a bent portion.

The inlet portion of the each heat exchange tube of the one of the plurality of chambers may be arranged as a mirror image from the inlet portion of the each heat exchange tube of the adjacent chamber of the one of the plurality of chambers with respect to the wall disposed between the one and the adjacent chambers, and wherein the outlet portion of the each heat exchange tube of the one of the plurality of chambers may be arranged as a mirror image from the outlet portion of the each heat exchange tube of the adjacent chamber of the one of the plurality of chambers with respect to the wall disposed between the one and the adjacent chambers.

The each of the plurality of chambers may share a single wall with an adjacent chamber of the each of the plurality of chambers.

The case may further include fluid entrances, each of the fluid entrances configured to supply a heat exchange fluid to respective one of the plurality of chambers; and fluid exits, each of the fluid exits configured to discharge the heat exchange fluid to the outside from the respective one of the plurality of chambers, wherein the fluid entrance and the fluid exit of the respective one of the plurality of chambers are disposed within outer-most walls of the respective one of the plurality of chambers.

At least one of the fluid entrance and the fluid exit of the respective one of the plurality of chambers may include a quadrangular cross-section.

At least one of the fluid entrance and the fluid exit of the respective one of the plurality of chambers may include an extended portion extending to the adjacent chamber of one of the plurality of chambers.

The case may further include an oil passageway that is disposed between adjacent ones of the chambers.

The oil passageway may be disposed at a lower temperature region, and the lower temperature region may be a region having only an inlet portion of the each of the heat exchange tubes of one of the plurality of chambers and only an inlet portion of the each of the heat exchange tubes of the adjacent chamber of the plurality of chambers.

The oil passageway may extend in an extending direction of the each of the plurality of chambers, and may include an oil entrance for introducing oil; and an oil exit for discharging oil.

The inlet portion and the outlet portion of the each of the heat exchange tubes may be disposed from each other in a direction corresponding to an arranging direction of the plurality of chambers, and a direction in which the inlet and outlet portions of the each of the heat exchange tubes may be arranged in adjacent ones of the chambers is changed alternately.

The inlet portion and the outlet portion of the each of the heat exchange tubes may be disposed from each other corresponding to a direction perpendicular to an arranging direction of the plurality of chambers.

According to an aspect to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a case for a heat exchanger including a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers having a chamber entry opening to the outside, wherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers shares a single wall with an adjacent chamber of the each chamber, and wherein the plurality of chambers extend in a parallel direction from one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A heat exchanger and a case for the heat exchanger according to exemplary embodiments\will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. In this regard, the exemplary embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects of the present description. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view illustrating a coupling relationship between components of a heat exchanger1according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1, the heat exchanger1according to the exemplary embodiment includes a case10having a plurality of chambers13and14, and heat exchange tubes21housed in the respective chambers13and14. The case10accommodates a heat exchange tube assembly20through which a heat transfer fluid transferring heat flows in and discharges out, and includes a plurality of chamber entries11and12opening to the outside from the plurality of chambers13and14, respectively. The case10may be made of a metal having heat transfer characteristics.

The chamber entries11and12not only serve as a passage through the heat exchange tubes21of the heat exchange tube assembly20are inserted when the heat exchange tube assembly20is assembled into the case10but also support a cover41of the heat exchange tube assembly20.

The chambers13and14accommodate the heat exchange tubes21of the heat exchange tube assembly20and define a space in which heat exchange occurs. The chambers13and14include the chamber entries11and12, respectively, and are disposed parallel to each other so as to extend inwardly into the case10.

While the heat exchanger1according to the present exemplary embodiment includes the two chambers13and14, the number of chambers is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the application of the heat exchanger1.

The case10also includes fluid entrances17aand18a, which are disposed and penetrate portions of the chambers13and14to supply a heat exchange fluid to the chambers13and14, and fluid exits17band18bthat are disposed and penetrate other portions of the chambers13and14to discharge the heat exchange fluid to the outside. The heat exchange fluid supplied to the chambers13and14through the fluid entrances17aand18amakes contact with the heat exchange tubes21within the chambers13and14to exchange heat.

When the heat exchanger1supplies a heat exchange fluid cooled by heat exchange to each compression stage in a multi-stage compressor, each of the chambers13and14may serve to cool the heat exchange fluid that is supplied to one of the multiple compression stages. For example, if gas is supplied to one chamber13as a heat exchange fluid through the fluid entrance17ahaving a quadrangular cross-section, the gas cooled by heat exchange within the chamber13may then be fed into one compression stage in the multi-stage compressor through the fluid exit17bhaving a quadrangular cross-section. If gas as a heat exchange fluid is also supplied to another chamber14via the fluid entrance18a, the gas cooled by heat exchange within the chamber14may then be fed into another compression stage through the fluid exit18b.

The fluid entrance17aand the fluid exit17bhaving the quadrangular cross-sections may be designed to have areas equal to the fluid entrance18aand the fluid exit18bhaving circular cross-sections, respectively.

Since the fluid entrance17aof the one chamber13and the fluid exit18bof the other chamber14are disposed and penetrate within the chambers13and14, respectively, the fluid entrance17aand the fluid exit18bdoes not project out from the case10. Thus, this arrangement of the fluid entrance17aand the fluid exit18bdoes not increase the overall size of the case10, thereby achieving a compact design.

FIG. 2is a schematic perspective view illustrating a coupling relationship between components of the heat exchange tube assembly20in the heat exchanger1ofFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a rear perspective view illustrating a state in which the components of the heat exchange tube assembly20ofFIG. 2have been assembled together according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange tube assembly20ofFIG. 3according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 2, the heat exchange tube assembly20includes the heat exchange tubes21inserted into the chamber13of the case10, a support plate42disposed at the outside of the case10so as to support the heat exchange tubes21, and a cover41provided on an outer surface of the support plate42to define a space that allows a heat transfer fluid to flow into or out of the heat exchange tubes21.

Each of the heat exchange tubes21has a hollow cylindrical shape so that a heat transfer fluid can flow therein and is connected to the support plate42. Each of the heat exchange tubes21is bent into an approximate U-shape, and may be formed of a metal having heat transfer characteristics.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 4, the cover41includes an entrance41ainto which a heat transfer fluid is introduced and an exit42afrom which the heat transfer fluid is discharged. The cover41includes a barrier rib46that protrude toward the support plate42. The support plate42includes a groove portion47for accommodating an end of the barrier rib46. When the cover41and the support plate42are joined by a bolt51, an inlet space43and an outlet space44are defined by areas between the cover41and the support plate42.

The heat exchange tube21includes an inlet portion21bthat extends along a direction that the chambers13and14of the case10extend and allows an externally introduced heat transfer fluid to pass, a curved portion23connected to the inlet portion21band bent toward the chamber entries11and12of the case10, and an outlet portion22bthat is connected to the curved portion23and extends toward the chamber entries11and12along the direction that the chambers13and14extend. Due to the above-described configuration, the inlet portion21band the outlet portion22bare disposed in a direction that the chamber13extends inside the case10and are disposed parallel to each other within the chamber13.

The inlet portion21bof the heat exchange tube21has an entrance21aopening at an end thereof for introducing the heat transfer fluid therein, and the outlet portion22bhas an exit22aopening at an end thereof for discharging the heat transfer fluid therefrom.

Each of the entrance21aand the exit22aof the heat exchange tube21fits into their corresponding insertion holes48and49, respectively, so that the heat exchange tube21is connected to the inlet space43and the outlet space44, respectively, formed by the cover41and the support plate42.

An upper support panel29aand a lower support panel29bare disposed above and below the heat exchange tube21, respectively. The upper support panel29aand the lower support panel29bare coupled to each other by a support post28so as to surround the heat exchange tubes21. A vertical panel27is also disposed between the upper and lower support panels29aand29bso that the exchange tubes21pass therethrough. The vertical panel27supports the heat exchange tube21.

A heat transfer fluid (refrigerant; not shown) introduced through the entrance41aof the cover41flows through the inlet space43to the entrance21aof the heat exchange tube21. The heat transfer fluid that has passed through the heat exchange tube21is drained from the exit22aof the heat exchange tube21and flows through the outlet space44to the exit42aof the cover41.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of the heat exchanger1ofFIG. 1according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring toFIG. 5, the adjacent chambers13and14share a common wall15therebetween. Although the chamber13has a left wall13aon the left side thereof, and the chamber14has a right wall14aon the right side thereof, only the common wall15is disposed between the chambers13and14.

As described above, the chambers13and14are formed in the case10to have the common wall15therebetween. This configuration allows heat exchange between the adjacent chambers13and14and reduces the overall size of the case10.

Referring toFIG. 5, heat exchange tubes21and21′ are disposed in the adjacent chambers13and14, respectively. The heat exchange tubes21and21′ are arranged in consideration of thermal characteristics due to heat exchange in the heat exchange tubes21and21′. In other words, since a direction that an inlet portion21band an outlet portion22bof the heat exchange tube21arranged in the first chamber13and an inlet portion21b′ and an outlet portion22b′ of the heat exchange tube21′ arranged in the second chamber14is arranged in a mirror image with respect to the common wall15, the inlet portions21band21b′ in the heat exchange tubes21and21′ face each other in the adjacent chambers13and14as shown inFIG. 5. That is, the orientation of the inlet portion21band the outlet portion22bof the heat exchange tube21in the first chamber13are changed alternately with respect to the inlet portion21b′ and the outlet portion22b′ of the heat exchange tube21′.

More specifically, in the heat exchange tube21disposed in the chamber14, an externally introduced heat transfer fluid passes through the inlet portion21bdisposed in a left space14cof the chamber14so as to transfer heat and is then discharged through the outlet portion22bin a right space14hthereof.

Since heat exchange starts at the left space14cwithin the chamber14as the heat transfer fluid passes therethrough, the left space14cforms a low temperature region compared to the right space14hwhen the heat transfer fluid is a low temperature refrigerant. On the other hand, since the heat transfer fluid passes through the right space14hin the chamber14after heat exchange occurs to some extent, the right space14hforms a high temperature region.

Meanwhile, in the heat exchange tube21′ disposed in the chamber13, an externally introduced heat transfer fluid passes through an inlet portion21b′ disposed in a right space13cof the chamber13so as to transfer heat and is then discharged through an outlet portion22b′ in a left space13hthereof.

Since heat exchange starts at the right space13cwithin the chamber13as the heat transfer fluid passes therethrough, the right space13cforms a low temperature region compared to the left space13hwhen the heat transfer fluid is a low temperature refrigerant. On the other hand, since the heat transfer fluid passes through the left space13hin the chamber13after heat exchange occurs to some extent, the left space13hforms a high temperature region.

According to the above arrangement of the chambers13and14and the heat exchange tubes21and21′, the right space13cthat is a low temperature region of the chamber13and the left space14cthat is a low temperature region of the chamber14are provided adjacent to each other having the common wall15in between. That is, moving from a left wall13aof the first chamber13to a right wall14aof the second chamber14, the case10has a first high temperature region, a first low temperature region, a second low temperature region and a second high temperature region.

Due to this structure, the chambers13and14in the case10of the heat exchanger1is configured so that the first and second low temperature regions (corresponding to the right space13cand the left space14c) are located densely in the central portion of the overall structure of the chamber13and14. The first and second low temperature regions of the chambers13and14are arranged to be placed adjacent to each other having the common wall15in between, thereby enhancing heat exchange characteristics of the heat exchanger.

While the heat exchange tubes21and21′ are arranged in the chambers13and14so that the inlet portions21band21b′ arranged in mirror images with each other with respect to the common wall15and disposed closer to the common wall15than the outlet portions22band22b′, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the outlet portions22band22b′ may be arranged in a mirror image with each other and provided closer to the common wall15than the inlet portions21band21b′ so that the high temperature regions (corresponding to the right space14hand the left space13h) face each other.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 5, the fluid exit17bof the first chamber13may extend toward the second chamber14adjacent thereto while the fluid entrance18aof the second chamber14may extend toward the first chamber13. As shown inFIG. 5, the fluid exit17bincludes an extended portion17b_1as part of the common wall15where the extended portion17b_1curved toward the other chamber14. Due to the configuration of the fluid exit17b, it is possible to supply a sufficient flow rate of heat transfer fluid without increasing the overall size of the case10. Similarly, the fluid entrance18aof the second chamber14may extend toward the first chamber13. Due to the configuration of the fluid exit18a, it is also possible to supply a sufficient flow rate of heat transfer fluid without increasing the overall size of the case10.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 5, the case10further includes an oil passageway19disposed at a portion where the inlet portions21band21b′ face each other, i.e., where the low temperature regions are located.

The oil passageway19extends along a direction in which the chambers13and14extend, and includes an oil entrance19afor introducing oil, an oil exit19cfor discharging oil, and a path19bfor connecting the oil entrance19aand the oil exit19c.

Referring toFIG. 1, the oil passageway19extends slightly obliquely along the low temperature regions between the chambers13and14according to an exemplary embodiment. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and the oil passageway19may be disposed parallel to the extending direction of the chambers13and14.

Due to the above arrangement of the oil passageway19, oil flows through between the low temperature regions of the case10as it passes through the oil passageway19of the case10, thereby maximizing the effect of cooling the oil.

For example, the oil passageway19, the chambers13and14, the fluid entrances17aand18a, and the fluid exits17band18bin the case10may be manufactured in a single casting process. In this case, it is not necessary to manufacture the oil passageway19separately from the case10and attach the oil passageway19thereto. Furthermore, the effect of cooling oil using the case10may be achieved.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger20according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6, in the heat exchanger20according to the present exemplary embodiment, a case210includes three (3) chambers113,114,115. The first chamber113shares a single wall113awith the second chamber114, and the second chamber114shares a single wall113bwith the third chamber115. Thus, the overall size of the case210may be minimized.

Heat exchange tubes120″,120′, and120are disposed in the three (3) chambers113,114, and115, respectively. The heat exchange tubes120″ and120′ are arranged so that outlet portions122b″ and122b′ face each other while the heat exchange tubes120′ and120are arranged so that inlet portions121b′ and121bface each other. To form such a structure, a direction in which the heat exchange tubes120″,120′, and120are arranged in the three (3) chambers113and114, and115is changed alternately.

When a heat transfer fluid is a low temperature refrigerant, a region on the left side of the first chamber113having an inlet portion121b″ therein is a low temperature region113cwhile a region on the right side having the outlet portion122b″ therein is a high temperature region113h. Similarly, in the second chamber114, a region on the right side having the inlet portion121b′ therein is a low temperature region114c, and a region on the left side having an outlet portion122b′ is a high temperature region114h. In addition, in the third chamber115, a region on the left side having the inlet portion121btherein is a low temperature region115c, and a region on the right side having an outlet portion122btherein is a high temperature region115h.

Due to the above arrangement of the heat exchange tubes120″,120′, and120, the high temperature regions113hand114hare oriented toward each other between the first and second adjacent chambers113and114. The low temperature regions114cand115care oriented toward each other between the second and third adjacent chambers114and115. Thus, the overall heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger20may be significantly increased.

The case210further includes an oil passageway119through which oil passes. Since the oil passageway119extends along the low temperature regions114cand115c, oil cooling effect may be achieved.

FIG. 7is a plan view of a heat exchanger30according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 7, in the heat exchanger30according to the present exemplary embodiment, a case310includes first through third chambers313through315. The first chamber313shares a single wall313ahaving a thickness of H2 with the second chamber314. The second chamber314also shares a single wall314ahaving a thickness of H3 with the third chamber315.

Due to the structure in which the three (3) adjacent chambers313,314,315share the walls313aand314awith each other, the overall size H1 of the case310may be minimized. Furthermore, the structure may achieve an effect of heat transfer between the three (3) adjacent chambers313,314,315through the walls313aand314atherebetween, thereby enhancing the overall heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger30.

FIG. 8is a plan view of a heat exchanger40according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 8, in the heat exchanger40according to the present exemplary embodiment, a case410includes three (3) chambers413,414,415. The first chamber413shares a single wall413ahaving a thickness of T3 with the second chamber414. The second chamber414also shares a single wall414ahaving a thickness of T2 with the third chamber415.

The three (3) chambers413,414,415include fluid entrances417a,418a, and419afor supplying a heat exchange fluid thereto, respectively. The three (3) chambers413,414,415also include fluid exits417b,418b, and419bfor discharging the heat exchange fluid to the outside, respectively. An oil passageway420is disposed along a low temperature region between the first and second adjacent chambers413and414in such a way as to extend parallel to a direction that the first and second chambers413and414extend.

The fluid entrance417aand the fluid exit419bare disposed and penetrate within the first chamber413and the third chamber415, respectively. Thus, the fluid entrance417aand the fluid exit419bmay supply a sufficient flow rate of heat exchange fluid without protruding out from the case410.

Due to the above-described structure, an overall length T1 of the case410may be minimized, thereby achieving compact designs for the case410and the heat exchanger40.

FIG. 9is a plan view of a heat exchanger according to an example of the related art andFIG. 10is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger ofFIG. 9according to the related art.

FIGS. 9 and 10illustrate the heat exchanger500manufactured for comparison with the heat exchangers according to the exemplary embodiments. Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, in a case510of the heat exchanger500, a first chamber513has a wall with a thickness of H5, and a second chamber514has a wall with a thickness of H6. The first and second chambers513and514are separated from each other by a distance of H7.

The second chamber514also has a wall with a thickness of H8, and a third chamber515has a wall with a thickness of H9. The second and third chambers514and515are separated from each other by a distance of H10.

Furthermore, since portions of the fluid entrance517aof the first chamber513and the fluid entrance519aof the third chamber515protrude outward from the case510, an overall size H4 of the case510may be increased.

FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to another example of the related art.

Referring toFIG. 11, a case610of the heat exchanger600includes two chambers613and614adjacent to each other. To increase the size of a fluid entrance614aof the chamber614on the right side by V1, a wall613bof the chamber613on the left side has to be separated from a wall614bof the chamber614by a large distance Q. This structure may hinder heat exchange between the chambers613and614.

FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger70according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 12, in the heat exchanger70according to the present exemplary embodiment, a case710includes three (3) chambers713,714,715. The first chamber713shares a single wall713awith the second chamber714, and the second chamber714shares a single wall714bwith the third chamber715. Thus, the overall size of the case710may be minimized.

Heat exchange tubes720″,720′, and720are disposed in the three (3) chambers713,714, and715, respectively. The heat exchange tubes720″,720′, and720are arranged so that outlet portions722b″ and722b′ face each other between the first and second chambers713and714and outlet portions722b′ and722bface each other between the second and third chambers714and715. The heat exchange tubes720″,720′, and720are also arranged so that inlet portions721b″ and721b′ face each other between the first and second chambers713and714and inlet portions721b′ and721bface each another between the second and third chambers714and715.

To form the above-described structure, the outlet portions722b″,722b′, and722bare separated from the inlet portions721b″,721b′, and721b, respectively, in a vertical direction intersecting a horizontal direction in which the first through third chambers713,714, and715are arranged. A direction in which the heat exchange tubes720″,720′, and720are arranged in the adjacent chambers713through715remains the same.

When a heat transfer fluid is a low temperature refrigerant, lower regions in the first through chambers713through715where the inlet portions721b″,721b′, and721bface one another are low temperature regions713c,714c, and715c. Upper regions where the outlet portions722b″,722b′, and722bface one another are high temperature regions713h,714h, and715h.

Due to the above arrangement of the heat exchange tubes720″,720′, and720, the low temperature regions713c,714c, and715care directed toward one another, and the high temperature regions713h,714h, and715hare directed toward one another, among the first through third chambers713,714, and715, thereby significantly improving overall heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.

It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described therein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.