AN ARRANGEMENT FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER

Abstract: Arrangement for a heat exchanger which has mutually parallel fins (3, 4). In the space between the latter air is caused to flow by means of a fan or the like. Characteristic of the invention is the fact that the arrangement comprises a device (5) made of thermally conducting material. This is designed to be fitted in the said space in thermal contact with the fins (3, 4) on either side, and is constructed so that, when thus fitted between the fins (3, 4), it effects the division of the space between them into a plurality of parallel ducts (6a, 6b, ...).

Description: An Arrangement for a Heat Exchanger The present invention relates to an arrangement for a heat exchanger which has at least one internal duct for a flowing fluid and external mutually parallel fins, in the space between which air is caused to flow by means of a fan or the like. In heat exchangers of this kind theaimis to increase the exchange of heat between the fluid and the air by increasing with fans the flow-speed of the air, i.e. the amount of air which flows per unit of time between the fins. Since the flow-speed at the fins is virtuallynil the increased flow speed does not increase the transfer of heat to a corresponding degree. A prime object of the present invention is to in¬ crease the transfer of heat both by increasing the heat- transfer surfaces of a heat exchanger and also " by divid¬ ing the stream of air into a plurality of lesser spaces, with a more uniform flow-speed. According to the inven¬ tion this is achieved in that the arrangement comprises a device which is made from thermally conducting material and is designed to be fitted in the said space in ther¬ mal contact with the fins on either side of the space, and which is constructed so that, when thus fitted be¬ tween the fins, it effects the division of the space between them into at least two parallel ducts. 'Due to the fact that, according to a particular characteristic of the invention, the said device has a zig-zag or wave-shaped cross-section with its apexes adjoining the fins, it is possible for the invention to be of simple design and for the invention to be used with existin heat exchangers as well. Alternatively, according to a further particular characteristic of the invention, the said device may com¬ prise a wall disposed approximately centrally between the fins with flanges projecting from it and with the ^ τ> tips of these flanges adjoining the fins of the heat ex¬ changer. The invention will be explained further in the following with reference to the accompanying drawing, on which Figure 1 shows schematically in cross-section a cylindrical heat exchanger with radially projecting mutually parallel fins between which the dividing device made of an elaεtically defor able material is disposed. - The said device is fixed in the space between two fins by its clamping force. Figure 2 shows schematically in cross-section a dividing device with a zig-zag cross- section, clamped in between two heat exchanger finsvia grooves disposed in the sides of the fins and a projec¬ tion with which the apexes of the dividing device en- gage. Figure 3 shows in cross-section a dividing de¬ vice with a wave-shaped cross-section. On the drawing 1 designates the wall of an inter¬ nal duct 2 for a flowing fluid. Radially pro ectingfins extend from the wall 1; only two fins, designated , are explicitly marked on the drawing. According to the invention, the dividing device 5» which is made of thermally conducting material, is in¬ serted in the spaces between the fins of the heat ex¬ changer and is in thermal contact with them, dividing up the space between the fins 3, - into a plurality ofparal¬ lel ducts 6a, 6b, 6c, etc. According to Figure 1 the dividing device comprises a wall 7 disposed centrallybe¬ tween the fins 3, 4- with flanges 8a, 8b, 8c, etc. ex¬ tending from it, the tips of which adjoin the fins 3 » -. At least insofar as the flanges 8a, 8b, 8c, etc. are con¬ cerned, the dividing device is formed from an elastic material and is designed to be held in the space between the fins 3, 4- by the clamping force of the flanges 8. As can be seen from Figure 2, the dividing device may also be fixed in the space between the fins 3, -by the engagement of the apexes of the zig-zag shaped OMPI - 3 - dividing device with corresponding grooves 9 and pro¬ jections 10. As can be seen from Figure 3, in which the dividing device has a wave-shaped cross-section, the said device may be fixed between the fins 3» - by gluing, soldering, or welding. As mentioned in the introduction, the invention makes it possible to exploit the so-called chanelling effect to increase the transfer of heat by the heat ex- changer. Obviously, it will be appreciated that the invention can be modified by workers skilled in the.art within the framework of the concept of the invention, and the in¬ vention is not therefore regarded as being restricted to the embodiments described above and shown on the drawing. O

Claims: P a t e n t C l a i m s 1. An arrangement for a heat exchanger which has at least one internal duct (2) for a flowing fluid and ex ¬ ternal mutually parallel fins (3, - in the space be¬ tween which air is caused to flow by means of a fan or the like, characterised in that the arrangement com¬ prises a device (5) which is made of thermally conduct¬ ing material and is designed to be fitted.in the said space in thermal contact with the fins (3 » 4-) on either side of the space, and which is constructed so that, when thus fitted between the fins (3 » ^-) » it effectsthe division of the space between the latter into at least two parallel ducts (6a, 6b). 2. An arrangement according to Patent Claim 1, characterised in that the said device (5) is made of an elastically deformable material and is designed to be held in the space between the fins (3, ) by its clamp¬ ing force. 3. An arrangement according to Patent Claim 1, characterised in that the said device (5) has a zig-zag or wave-shaped cross-section the apexes of which adjoin the fins (3, . . An arrangement according to Patent Claim 1, characterised in that the said device (5) comprises a wall (7) disposed approximately centrally between the fins (3, 4-), with flanges (8a, 8b) projecting from it, and with the tips of these flanges adjoining the fins (3 » -) of the heat exchanger.

Inventors: GYLLENSTEN JOERGEN, GYLLENSTEN, JOERGEN
Applicants: ALUTHERM AB
Application year: 1984
Main classification: F28F1
IPC codes: F28F1