LOW PRESSURE DROP INTEGRATED PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER

Abstract

A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of first plates and a plurality of second plates disposed between two end plates. The first plates and the second plates are alternatingly arranged in a stacked relationship. When in the stacked relationship, the arrangement of the first and second plates defines a first flow path for a first fluid and at least one of a second flow path for a second fluid and a third flow path for a third fluid.

Description

FIELD

The disclosure relates to a plate heat exchanger, and more particularly to a low pressure drop integrated plate heat exchanger.

BACKGROUND

Conventional air-conditioning and thermal management systems include a heat exchanger, for example, a plate heat exchanger. Plate type heat exchangers consist of stacked plates in which a refrigerant and/or a coolant flows through intermediate spaces between adjacent plates, wherein the refrigerant flows from a first side of the plate heat exchanger to the opposite second side of the plate heat exchanger, while the coolant flows parallel to the refrigerant or in the opposite direction from the same end but opposite side or the opposite end to the first end of the plate heat exchanger. The length of the flow channels in the plate heat exchanger corresponds here essentially to the length of the plate heat exchanger from the first end to the second end. The outer dimensions of the plate heat exchanger and the position of the connections of the plate heat exchanger are therefore defining the length of the flow channels in the plate heat exchanger.

Typically, the air-conditioning and thermal management systems further include a compressor, a water-cooled condenser, chillers, integrated heat exchanger, and an economizer. The pressure drop resulting from the separate components, particularly on a refrigerant side, limits the operating range of the compressor and affects the efficiency of the system.

It is desirable to provide a system with a compact, integrated plate heat exchanger design as well as an efficient refrigerant circuit for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle.

SUMMARY

The presently described subject matter relates to a plate heat exchanger for a vehicle for cooling a refrigerant or coolant by means of a refrigerant or coolant, having a plurality of heat exchanger plates, which are stacked one on top of the other, and a refrigerant circuit for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle having an electric motor.

An object of the disclosure to provide a working condition that is common to at least two plate heat exchangers and is designed to reduce the pressure drop of at least the first fluid (e.g. a refrigerant). A common refrigerant circuit is shared amongst multiple independent heat exchangers. Two or more additional independent circuits (e.g., refrigerant and/or coolant circuits) can be present and serve different functions. Preferably, the common refrigerant circuit exchanges thermal energy with the independent circuits to perform the functions of a water-cooled condenser, a chiller, an economizer, and a plate integrated heat exchanger.

A construction of a heat exchanger may be of a nested stack plate with refrigerant ports located in a middle of a plate instead of ends thereof. The location of the refrigerant ports may be adjusted to control a performance of each function of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger of the disclosure may further include one or more elements (e.g., fins) formed therein to enhance a transfer of thermal energy.

In concordance and agreement with the presently described subject matter, a plate heat exchanger with a compact design as well as an efficient refrigerant circuit for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, has surprisingly been discovered.

In one embodiment, a heat exchanger, comprises: at least one first plate; and at least one second plate disposed adjacent the at least one first plate, wherein an arrangement of the at least one first plate and the at least one second plate forms a first flow path for a first fluid and at least one of a second flow path for a second fluid and a third flow path for a third fluid.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one first plate is configured to define the first flow path for the first fluid.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one first plate includes a first shaped section formed in a surface along a longitudinal axis of the at least one first plate.

As aspects of some embodiments, the first shaped section of the at least one first plate abuts a surface of the at least one second plate.

As aspects of some embodiments, inlet and outlet openings for the first fluid are located on opposite sides of the first shaped section of the at least one first plate.

As aspects of some embodiments, the first shaped section of the at least one first plate divides the first flow path into a plurality of secondary flow paths for the first fluid.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one first plate includes at least one second shaped section that surrounds at least one of an inlet opening and an outlet opening for at least one of the second fluid and the third fluid.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one second shaped section of the at least one first plate abuts a surface of the at least one second plate to militate against leakage of the second fluid and/or third fluid into the first flow path.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one second plate is configured to define the second flow path and/or the third flow path.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one second plate includes a first shaped section formed in a surface substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one second plate.

As aspects of some embodiments, the first shaped section of the at least one second plate abuts a surface of the at least one first plate to define the second flow path and/or the third flow path.

As aspects of some embodiments, the first shaped section of the at least one second plate surrounds at least one of an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the first fluid.

As aspects of some embodiments, the first shaped section of the at least one second plate abuts a surface of the at least one first plate to militate against leakage of the first fluid into the second flow path and/or the third flow path.

As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one second plate includes at least one second shaped section formed in the surface along the longitudinal axis of the at least one second plate. As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one second shaped section of the at least one second plate abuts a surface of the at least one first plate to form a generally circular second flow path and/or a generally circular third flow path.

As aspects of some embodiments, inlet and outlet openings for the second fluid are located on opposite sides of the at least one second shaped section of the at least one second plate. As aspects of some embodiments, the at least one second shaped section of the at least one second plate divides the second flow path into a plurality of secondary flow paths for the second fluid and/or the third flow path into a plurality of secondary flow paths for the third fluid. As aspects of some embodiments, each of the at least one first plate and the at least one second plate includes inlet opening and outlet openings for at least one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, wherein the inlet openings for the first fluid are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold for the first fluid, the inlet openings for the second fluid are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold for the second fluid, and/or the inlet openings for the third fluid are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold for the third fluid, and wherein the outlet openings for the first fluid are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold for the first fluid, the outlet openings for the second fluid are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold for the second fluid, and/or the outlet openings for the third fluid are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold for the third fluid.

In another embodiment, a heat exchanger, comprises: a plurality of plates arranged to define a first flow path for a first fluid, a second flow path for a second fluid, and a third flow path for a third fluid, wherein an inlet opening for the first flow path is disposed in a first region of the first flow path between an inlet opening for the second flow path and an inlet opening for the third flow path, and wherein an outlet opening for the first flow path is disposed in a second region of the first flow path between an outlet opening for the second flow path and an outlet opening for the third flow path.

In yet another embodiment, a fluid-conditioning system, comprises: a heat exchanger fluidly connected to a first circuit having a first fluid flowing therethrough, a second circuit having a second fluid flowing therethrough, and a third circuit having a third fluid flowing therethrough, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates arranged to define a first flow path for the first fluid, a second flow path for the second fluid, and a third flow path for the third fluid, and wherein the first circuit is in thermal exchange relationship with at least one of the second circuit and the third circuit within the heat exchanger.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fluid-conditioning system including a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the presently described subject matter;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a high pressure plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 2, showing a flow path of a high pressure fluid;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the high pressure plate of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the high pressure plate of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a medium/low pressure plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 2. showing a flow path of a low pressure fluid and a flow path of a medium pressure fluid;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the medium/low pressure plate of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the medium/low pressure plate of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 5 taken along section line A-A;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 5 taken along section line B-B;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 5 taken along section line C-C;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 5 taken along section line D-D;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 5 taken along section line E-E; and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 5 taken along section line F-F.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more present disclosures, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific present disclosure claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps may be different in various embodiments. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

As referred to herein, all compositional percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

FIG. 1 depicts a fluid-conditioning system 2 including a heat exchanger 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heat exchanger 10 is described in detail hereinafter. The fluid-conditioning system 2 may comprise more or less components and devices as necessary for operation. For example, the fluid-conditioning system 2 may further include a compressor, an evaporator, and an expansion valve. The fluid-conditioning system 2 may be employed in a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a vehicle having an electric motor, in particular a hybrid vehicle or a pure electric vehicle, with a battery that is to be cooled by the fluid-conditioning system 2. It is understood, however, that the fluid-conditioning system 2 may be used in various applications including, but not limited to, commercial, industrial, automotive, and residential applications.

As illustrated, the heat exchanger 10 may be in fluid communication with a first circuit 12 having a first fluid 14 (e.g., a refrigerant, coolant, etc.) flowing therethrough, a second circuit 16 having a second fluid 18 (e.g. a refrigerant, a coolant, etc.) flowing therethrough, and/or a third circuit 20 having a third fluid 22 (e.g. a refrigerant, a coolant, etc.) flowing therethrough. In preferred embodiments, the first fluid 14 may be a relatively high-pressure fluid, the second fluid 18 may be a relatively medium-pressure fluid, and the third fluid 22 may be a relatively low-pressure fluid. It is understood, however, that the first fluid 14, the second fluid 18, and the third fluid 22 may each have any pressure as desired.

The heat exchanger 10 being integrated into the first circuit 12 and the second circuit 16 and/or the third circuit 20 permits the first fluid 14 to transfer thermal energy between the second fluid 18 and/or the third fluid 22. Accordingly, the first circuit 14 may be in thermal exchange relationship with the second circuit 16 and/or the third circuit 20 within the heat exchanger 10.

In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 10 may function as a condenser, an economizer, and an integrated heat exchanger in at least one of the first circuit 12 and the second circuit 16 of the fluid-conditioning system 2. In preferred embodiments, the heat exchanger 10 permits the first fluid 14 (e.g., the refrigerant) to be cooled by the second fluid 18 (e.g., the refrigerant) and/or the third fluid 22 (e.g., the coolant).

In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 10 may be an integrated plate heat exchanger 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-9. A plurality of first plates 40 and a plurality of second plates 41 are alternatingly arranged one on top of each other in a stacked relationship between opposing end plates 42, 44. It is understood that one or more of the end plates 42, 44 may be part of a housing of the heat exchanger 10 if desired.

Inlet ports 46, 48, 50 for each of the first, second, and third circuits, 12, 16, 20, respectively, are fluidly coupled to one of the end plates 42, 44. Corresponding outlet ports 56, 58, 60 for each of the first, second, and third circuits, 12, 16, 20, respectively, are also fluidly coupled to one of the end plates 42, 44. In some embodiments, the inlet ports 46, 48, 50 and the outlet ports 56, 58, 60 are formed as a unitary structure and coupled to the end plate 42. It is understood, however, that one or more of the inlet ports 46, 48, 50 and one or more of the outlet ports 56, 58, 60 may be separate and distinct components and/or coupled to the end plate 44.

FIGS. 3A-3C show one of the first plates 40 of the heat exchanger 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first plates 40 may be substantially elongate and rectangular. However, it is understood that the first plates 40 may have various shapes, sizes, and configurations as desired.

Each of the first plates 40 may be configured to define a first flow path (depicted by arrows 61 and dashed lines in FIG. 3A) for the first fluid 14. In the embodiment shown, each of the first plates 40 includes an elongate obround shaped section 62 formed in at least a first surface 64 along a longitudinal axis of the first plate 40. As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 9-11, the shaped section 62 abuts lower surfaces of the end plate 42 and adjacent one of the second plates 41 to form a generally circular flow path. Each of the first plates 40 further includes an inlet opening 72 for the first flow path, which is fluidly connected to the inlet port 46, and an outlet opening 74 for the first flow path, which is fluidly connected to the outlet port 56.

As best seen in FIG. 3A, the inlet opening 72 for the first flow path may be disposed, in a first region 75 of the first flow path, between an inlet opening 86 for a second flow path for the second fluid 18, which is described in greater detail hereinafter, and an inlet opening 90 for a third flow path for the third fluid 22, which is also described in greater detail hereinafter. Similarly, the outlet opening 74 for the first flow path may be disposed, in a second region 77 of the first flow path, between an outlet opening 88 for the second flow path for the second fluid 18, and an outlet opening 92 for the third flow path for the third fluid 22.

In preferred embodiments, the inlet opening 72 and the outlet opening 74 are located on opposite sides of the shaped section 62 such that the shaped section 62 divides the first flow path into a pair of secondary flow paths, one having a generally C-shape and the other a generally inverted C-shape. Accordingly, the first fluid 14 may flow from the inlet opening 72 in opposite directions through the secondary flow paths to the outlet opening 74, thereby a distance from the inlet opening 72 to the outlet opening 74 that the first fluid 14 has to travel is shortened. In some embodiments, a portion of each of the secondary flow paths adjacent the inlet opening 72 and the outlet opening 74 may be further divided by shaped sections 76, 78, 80, 82 surrounding a periphery of the inlet and outlet openings 86, 88 formed in the first plates 40 for the second fluid 18 and the inlet and outlet openings 90, 92 formed in the first plates 40 for the third fluid 22. As depicted in FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 11, the shaped sections, 76, 78, 80, 82 abut the lower surfaces of the end plate 42 and first plates 41 to militate against leakage of the second and third fluids 18, 22, into the first flow path.

One or more thermal energy transfer elements (not depicted), for example, fins, may be disposed in at least a portion of the first flow path, and preferably at least one of the secondary flow paths, to enhance and improve a rate of thermal energy transfer between the first fluid 14 and the second fluid 18 and/or the third fluid 22 within the heat exchanger 10.

FIGS. 4A-4C show one of the second plates 41 of the heat exchanger 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second plates 41 may be substantially elongate and rectangular. However, it is understood that the second plates 40 may have various shapes, sizes, and configurations as desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, each of the second plates 41 may be configured to define a second flow path (depicted by arrows 93 and dashed lines) for the second fluid 18 and a third flow path (depicted by arrows 94 and dashed lines) for the third fluid 22. In the embodiment shown, each of the second plates 41 includes a shaped section 96 formed in at least a first surface 98 substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second plate 41. As depicted in FIGS. 6-8 and 10, the shaped section 96 abuts a lower surface of the adjacent one of the first plates 40 to form a pair of separate and distinct flow paths. Along with abutting the lower surface of the first plates 40, the shaped section 96 surrounds a periphery of inlet and outlet openings 97, 99, respectively, formed in the second plate 41 to militate against leakage of the first fluid 14 into the flow paths formed in the second plate 41.

In the embodiment shown, each of the second plates 41 includes elongate shaped sections 101, 103 formed in at least the first surface 98 along a longitudinal axis of the second plate 41. As best seen in FIGS. 7, 9, and 11, each of the shaped section 101, 103 abuts the lower surface of the adjacent one of the first plates 40 to form generally circular second and third flow paths. Each of the second plates 41 further includes an inlet opening 102 for the second flow path for the second fluid 18, which is fluidly connected to the inlet port 48, and an outlet opening 104 for the second flow path for the second fluid 18, which is fluidly connected to the outlet port 58. Each of the second plates 41 may further include an inlet opening 106 for the third flow path for the third fluid 22, which is fluidly connected to the inlet port 50, and an outlet opening 108 for the third flow path for the third fluid 22, which is fluidly connected to the outlet port 60. As best seen in FIG. 4A, the inlet opening 97 for the first flow path may be disposed between the inlet opening 102 for the second flow path for the second fluid 18, and the inlet opening 106 for the third flow path for the third fluid 22. Similarly, the outlet opening 99 for the first flow path may be disposed between the outlet opening 104 for the second flow path for the second fluid 18, and the outlet opening 108 for the third flow path for the third fluid 22.

In preferred embodiments, the inlet opening 102 and the outlet opening 104 are located on opposite sides of the shaped section 101 such that the shaped section 101 divides the second flow path into a pair of secondary flow paths, one having a generally C-shape and the other a generally inverted C-shape. Accordingly, the second fluid 18 may flow from the inlet opening 102 in opposite directions through the secondary flow paths to the outlet opening 104, thereby a distance from the inlet opening 102 to the outlet opening 104 that the second fluid 18 has to travel is shortened. Additionally, the inlet opening 106 and the outlet opening 108 are located on opposite sides of the shaped section 103 such that the shaped section 103 divides the third flow path into a pair of secondary flow paths, one having a generally C-shape and the other a generally inverted C-shape. Accordingly, the third fluid 22 may flow from the inlet opening 106 in opposite directions through the secondary flow paths to the outlet opening 108, thereby a distance from the inlet opening 106 to the outlet opening 108 that the third fluid 22 has to travel is shortened.

One or more thermal energy transfer elements (not depicted), for example, fins, may be disposed in at least a portion of at least one of the second and third flow paths to enhance and improve a rate of thermal energy transfer between the first fluid 14 and at least one of the second and third fluids 18, 22 within the heat exchanger 10.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-11, the first flow path and the second and third flow paths are formed alternately between the plates 40, 41 and the end plates 42, 44. As best seen in FIG. 10, the inlet openings 72, 97 of the plates 40, 41, respectively, are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold 110 for the first fluid 14, which is fluidly coupled to the inlet port 46, and the outlet openings 74, 99 of the plates 40, 41, respectively, are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold 112 for the first fluid 14, which is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 56. As such, the first fluid 14 of the first circuit 12 flows into the inlet port 46, through the inlet manifold 110 and the associated first flow paths defined by the first plates 40 where an exchange of thermal energy occurs between the first fluid 14 and the second and/or third fluids 18, 22, respectively, through the outlet manifold 112, and from the outlet port 56 back into the first circuit 12.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the inlet openings 86, 102 of the plates 40, 41, respectively, are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold 114 for the second fluid 18, which is fluidly coupled to the inlet port 48, and the outlet openings 88, 104 of the plates 40, 41, respectively, are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold 116 for the second fluid 18, which is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 58. As such, the second fluid 18 of the second circuit 16 flows into the inlet port 48, through the inlet manifold 114 and the associated second flow paths defined by the second plates 41 where an exchange of thermal energy occurs between the first fluid 14 and the second fluid 18, through the outlet manifold 116, and from the outlet port 58 back into the second circuit 16.

Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 11, the inlet openings 90, 106 of the plates 40, 41, respectively, are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold 118 for the third fluid 22, which is fluidly coupled to the inlet port 50, and the outlet openings 92, 108 of the plates 40, 41, respectively, are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold 120 for the third fluid 22, which is fluidly coupled to the outlet port 60. As such, the third fluid 22 of the third circuit 20 flows into the inlet port 50, through the inlet manifold 118 and the associated third flow paths defined by the second plates 41 where an exchange of thermal energy occurs between the first fluid 14 and the third fluid 22, through the outlet manifold 120, and from the outlet port 60 back into the third circuit 20.

Performance of the heat exchanger 10 may be optimized in various ways. For example, the heat exchanger 10 may be optimized by adjusting locations of at least one of the inlet ports 46, 48, 50; at least one of the outlet ports 56, 58, 60; at least one of the inlet openings 72, 86, 90, 97, 102, 106; and/or at least one of the outlet openings 74, 88, 92, 99, 104, 108; by providing different flow resistance (i.e., more of less heat transfer elements disposed in the flow paths); and/or by varying a cross-sectional flow area of at least one of the flow paths.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising: at least one first plate; andat least one second plate disposed adjacent the at least one first plate, wherein an arrangement of the at least one first plate and the at least one second plate forms a first flow path for a first fluid and at least one of a second flow path for a second fluid and a third flow path for a third fluid.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the at least one first plate is configured to define the first flow path for the first fluid.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the at least one first plate includes a first shaped section formed in a surface along a longitudinal axis of the at least one first plate.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 3, wherein the first shaped section of the at least one first plate abuts a surface of the at least one second plate.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 3, wherein inlet and outlet openings for first flow path for the first fluid are located on opposite sides of the first shaped section of the at least one first plate.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 3, wherein the first shaped section of the at least one first plate divides the first flow path into a plurality of secondary flow paths for the first fluid.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 3, wherein the at least one first plate includes at least one second shaped section that surrounds at least one of an inlet opening and an outlet opening for at least one of the second flow path for the second fluid and the third flow path for the third fluid.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 7, wherein the at least one second shaped section of the at least one first plate abuts a surface of the at least one second plate to militate against leakage of the second fluid and/or third fluid into the first flow path.

9. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the at least one second plate is configured to define the second flow path and/or the third flow path.

10. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the at least one second plate includes a first shaped section formed in a surface substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the at least one second plate.

11. The heat exchanger of claim 10, wherein the first shaped section of the at least one second plate abuts a surface of the at least one first plate to define the second flow path and/or the third flow path.

12. The heat exchanger of claim 10, wherein the first shaped section of the at least one second plate surrounds at least one of an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the first flow path for the first fluid.

13. The heat exchanger of claim 10, wherein the first shaped section of the at least one second plate abuts a surface of the at least one first plate to militate against leakage of the first fluid into the second flow path and/or the third flow path.

14. The heat exchanger of claim 10, wherein the at least one second plate includes at least one second shaped section formed in the surface along the longitudinal axis of the at least one second plate.

15. The heat exchanger of claim 14, wherein the at least one second shaped section of the at least one second plate abuts a surface of the at least one first plate to form a generally circular second flow path and/or a generally circular third flow path.

16. The heat exchanger of claim 14, wherein inlet and outlet openings for the second flow path for the second fluid are located on opposite sides of the at least one second shaped section of the at least one second plate.

17. The heat exchanger of claim 14, wherein the at least one second shaped section of the at least one second plate divides the second flow path into a plurality of secondary flow paths for the second fluid and/or the third flow path into a plurality of secondary flow paths for the third fluid.

18. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one first plate and the at least one second plate includes inlet opening and outlet openings for at least one of the first flow path for the first fluid, the second flow path for the second fluid, and the third flow path for the third fluid, wherein the inlet openings for the first flow path for the first fluid are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold for the first fluid, the inlet openings for the second flow path for the second fluid are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold for the second fluid, and/or the inlet openings for the third flow path for the third fluid are fluidly connected to form an inlet manifold for the third fluid, and wherein the outlet openings for the first flow path for the first fluid are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold for the first fluid, the outlet openings for the second flow path for the second fluid are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold for the second fluid, and/or the outlet openings for the third flow path for the third fluid are fluidly connected to form an outlet manifold for the third fluid.

19. A heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of plates arranged to define a first flow path for a first fluid, a second flow path for a second fluid, and a third flow path for a third fluid, wherein an inlet opening for the first flow path is disposed in a first region of the first flow path between an inlet opening for the second flow path and an inlet opening for the third flow path, and wherein an outlet opening for the first flow path is disposed in a second region of the first flow path between an outlet opening for the second flow path and an outlet opening for the third flow path.

20. The heat exchanger of claim 19, wherein an elongate obround shaped section divides the first flow path into a pair of secondary flow paths, and wherein the inlet and outlet openings for the first flow path are located on opposite sides of the shaped section.

21. A fluid-conditioning system, comprising: a heat exchanger fluidly connected to a first circuit having a first fluid flowing therethrough, a second circuit having a second fluid flowing therethrough, and a third circuit having a third fluid flowing therethrough, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates arranged to define a first flow path for the first fluid, a second flow path for the second fluid, and a third flow path for the third fluid, and wherein the first circuit is in thermal exchange relationship with at least one of the second circuit and the third circuit within the heat exchanger.