EP2706317B1 - Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device provided therewith - Google Patents
Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device provided therewith Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2706317B1 EP2706317B1 EP11865155.3A EP11865155A EP2706317B1 EP 2706317 B1 EP2706317 B1 EP 2706317B1 EP 11865155 A EP11865155 A EP 11865155A EP 2706317 B1 EP2706317 B1 EP 2706317B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- refrigerant
- channels
- communication hole
- hole
- heat exchanger
- Prior art date
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- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 title claims description 49
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 633
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 314
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 11
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 7
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 6
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- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 4
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- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
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- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004781 supercooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000881 Cu alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002528 anti-freeze Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012267 brine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;chloride;hydrate Chemical compound O.[Na+].[Cl-] HPALAKNZSZLMCH-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B7/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with cascade operation, i.e. with two or more circuits, the heat from the condenser of one circuit being absorbed by the evaporator of the next circuit
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F7/00—Elements not covered by group F28F1/00, F28F3/00 or F28F5/00
- F28F7/02—Blocks traversed by passages for heat-exchange media
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/13—Economisers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D7/0008—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one medium being in heat conductive contact with the conduits for the other medium
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F21/00—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials
- F28F21/08—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of metal
- F28F21/081—Heat exchange elements made from metals or metal alloys
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2255/00—Heat exchanger elements made of materials having special features or resulting from particular manufacturing processes
- F28F2255/16—Heat exchanger elements made of materials having special features or resulting from particular manufacturing processes extruded
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a first refrigerant and a second refrigerant and to a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with the heat exchanger.
- Heat exchangers in the conventional art include a first flat pipe having a flat shape and a plurality of through-holes through which a high-temperature refrigerant flows, a second flat pipe having a flat shape and a plurality of through-holes through which a low-temperature refrigerant flows, first headers connected to opposite ends of the first flat pipe, and second headers connected to opposite ends of the second flat pipe.
- the first flat pipe and the second flat pipe longitudinally extend in parallel to each other (i.e., in a refrigerant flowing direction), and the flat surfaces thereof are stacked in contact with each other by, for example brazing, whereby high heat exchanging performance is achieved (e.g., see Patent Literature 1).
- Patent Literature 2 which discloses the preamble of independent claim 1, two manifold blocks are disposed at either end of an intermediate block containing a number of passages. Each intermediate block comprises an inlet and an outlet, wherein one inlet is connected to one outlet, each for channelling a different refrigerant.
- Patent Literature 3 discloses a block-shaped exchanger consisting of at least one block of graphite. Each block of graphite comprising two groups of channels. The block carries two sets of parallel bore, one set of which is closed off at the ends of the block. The bores of this set are interconnected by other bores at right angles that also communicate with the space within the outer shell.
- the entire heat exchanger needs to be controlled to a uniform temperature during the process, the gaps between the headers and the flat pipes suitable for brazing need to be controlled with high precision, and so on. This is a problem in that the manufacturing process of the heat exchanger is complicated and difficult.
- the present invention has been made to solve the aforementioned problems, and a first object thereof is to provide a compact, readily-manufacturable heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with the same.
- a second object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus with enhanced heat exchanging performance.
- the first communication holes and the second communication holes are provided within the heat exchanger, additional header pipes for connecting to the first refrigerant path and the second refrigerant path do not need to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of a heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 of the present invention.
- FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 8
- FIG. 1(b) is a plan view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 1(a)
- FIG. 1(c) is a side view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 1(a) .
- a main body 10 of the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 has a first refrigerant path 1 that extends through the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof and that is formed by arranging a plurality of first refrigerant channels 1a, through which a first refrigerant (e.g., high-temperature refrigerant) flows, in a single row.
- a first refrigerant e.g., high-temperature refrigerant
- a second refrigerant path 2 extending through the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction and formed by arranging a plurality of second refrigerant channels 2a, through which a second refrigerant (e.g., low-temperature refrigerant) flows, in a single row is formed adjacent to the first refrigerant channels 1a of the first refrigerant path 1.
- a second refrigerant e.g., low-temperature refrigerant
- the main body 10 having the first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant path 2 is composed of, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, steel, or a stainless alloy and is manufactured by, for example, extrusion or pultrusion molding.
- One of the opposite ends of the main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction is provided with a first inlet communication hole 3a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1a.
- the other end is provided with a first outlet communication hole 4a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1a.
- the end that is provided with the first outlet communication hole 4a is provided with a second inlet communication hole 5a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- the end that is provided with the first inlet communication hole 3a is provided with a second outlet communication hole 6a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- the first inlet communication hole 3a and the second outlet communication hole 6a are slightly displaced from each other in the refrigerant flowing direction of the first refrigerant channels 1a (or the second refrigerant channels 2a). Moreover, the first outlet communication hole 4a and the second inlet communication hole 5a are slightly displaced from each other in the refrigerant flowing direction of the first refrigerant channels 1a (or the second refrigerant channels 2a).
- the extending direction of the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first outlet communication hole 4a does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the direction of the first refrigerant channels 1a. Moreover, the extending direction of the second inlet communication hole 5a and the second outlet communication hole 6a does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the direction of the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- First ends of the first inlet communication hole 3a, the first outlet communication hole 4a, the second inlet communication hole 5a, and the second outlet communication hole 6a are open and are connected to a first inlet connection pipe 3, a first outlet connection pipe 4, a second inlet connection pipe 5, and a second outlet connection pipe 6, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside.
- Second ends of the first inlet communication hole 3a, the first outlet communication hole 4a, the second inlet communication hole 5a, and the second outlet communication hole 6a are closed by, for example, sealing members.
- the open (or closed) ends of the first inlet communication hole 3a, the first outlet communication hole 4a, the second inlet communication hole 5a, and the second outlet communication hole 6a are all disposed at the same side.
- the configuration is not limited to this; the open (or closed) ends do not need to be disposed at the same side so long as each communication hole has one end that is open and the other end that is closed.
- first refrigerant channels 1a and the second refrigerant channels 2a extending through the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof are sealed by, for example, pinching or by using sealing members (not shown).
- the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first outlet communication hole 4a correspond to “first communication holes” according to the present invention
- the second inlet communication hole 5a and the second outlet communication hole 6a correspond to “second communication holes” according to the present invention.
- the first refrigerant flows into the first inlet communication hole 3a via the first inlet connection pipe 3, flows through the first refrigerant path 1 and the first outlet communication hole 4a in that order, and then flows out from the first outlet connection pipe 4.
- the second refrigerant flows into the second inlet communication hole 5a via the second inlet connection pipe 5, flows through the second refrigerant path 2 and the second outlet communication hole 6a in that order, and then flows out from the second outlet connection pipe 6.
- the first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant path 2 exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the two refrigerant paths.
- the first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant path 2 are integrally formed in the main body 10, thermal resistance occurring at joint surfaces in a case where a pipe through which the first refrigerant flows and a pipe through which the second refrigerant flows are separately provided is suppressed, thereby allowing for enhanced heat exchanging performance.
- first inlet communication hole 3a and the first outlet communication hole 4a are provided within the main body 10 of the heat exchanger 8, no additional header pipe for connecting to the first refrigerant path 1 needs to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger 8 can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified. This similarly applies to the second inlet communication hole 5a and the second outlet communication hole 6a with respect to the second refrigerant path 2.
- first inlet communication hole 3a and the second outlet communication hole 6a are slightly displaced from each other in the refrigerant flowing direction and the first outlet communication hole 4a and the second inlet communication hole 5a are also slightly displaced from each other in the refrigerant flowing direction, the distance between the adjoining first and second refrigerant paths 1 and 2 can be reduced, as compared with a case where such displacement configuration is not used, whereby the heat exchanger 8 can be made compact.
- first refrigerant channels 1a and the second refrigerant channels 2a each have a rectangular shape in cross section, as shown in FIG. 1
- the cross-sectional shape is not limited to this; for example, the cross-sectional shape may be polygonal, circular for increasing pressure resistibility, elongated, or ellipsoidal. In this case, it is needless to say that the cross-sectional shape of the first refrigerant channels 1a and the cross-sectional shape of the second refrigerant channels 2a do not need to be the same.
- the heat transfer area of each refrigerant path may be increased by providing a groove in the inner surface thereof.
- the grooves may be formed simultaneously with the extrusion and pultrusion molding process of the heat exchanger 8 so that the manufacturing process can be simplified.
- first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant path 2 have the same number of refrigerant channels, as shown in FIG. 1 , the configuration is not limited to this. Specifically, the two paths may have a different number of refrigerant channels in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical flow properties of the refrigerants in the heat exchanger 8 so that a favorable heat exchanger with high heat transferability and low pressure loss can be obtained.
- first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant path 2 are integrally formed in the main body 10, as shown in FIG. 1 , the configuration is not limited to this. Specifically, if the first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant path 2 are provided as separate pipes and are joined to each other by, for example, brazing, the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first outlet communication hole 4a may be provided in the pipe of the first refrigerant path 1 so that no additional header pipe for connecting to the refrigerant channels of the first refrigerant path 1 needs to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified. This similarly applies to a case where the second inlet communication hole 5a and the second outlet communication hole 6a are provided in the pipe of the second refrigerant path 2.
- first inlet connection pipe 3 and the first outlet connection pipe 4 may be formed by inserting pipes into the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first outlet communication hole 4a, respectively.
- these inserted pipes have openings, such as slits, opening only in a direction from the first inlet communication hole 3a toward the first outlet communication hole 4a and in a direction from the first outlet communication hole 4a toward the first inlet communication hole 3a.
- the refrigerant channels can be prevented from being narrowed due to excess sealing members entering the refrigerant channels, thereby suppressing variations in production.
- the same effect can be achieved for the second inlet connection pipe 5 and the second outlet connection pipe 6 by applying the same configuration thereto.
- the two refrigerants may alternatively exchange heat by flowing parallel to each other.
- the first refrigerant flow in from the first inlet connection pipe 3 and the second refrigerant flow in from the second outlet connection pipe 6 the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are made to flow parallel to each other.
- a heat exchanger 8a according to Example 2 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of the heat exchanger 8a according to Example 2 of the present invention.
- the first refrigerant path 1 through which the first refrigerant flows is constituted of the plurality of first refrigerant channels 1a arranged in a single row and a plurality of first refrigerant channels 1b that are arranged in a single row adjacent to the first refrigerant channels 1a.
- the second refrigerant path 2 through which the second refrigerant flows is constituted of the plurality of second refrigerant channels 2a arranged in a single row and a plurality of second refrigerant channels 2b that are arranged in a single row adjacent to the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant path 2 are each constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, and the first refrigerant channels 1b in the first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant channels 2a in the second refrigerant path 2 are disposed adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- One of the opposite ends of the main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction is provided with the first inlet communication hole 3a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1a (and the first refrigerant channels 1b) and that communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1a and the first refrigerant channels 1b.
- the other end is provided with the first outlet communication hole 4a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1a (and the first refrigerant channels 1b) and that communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1a and the first refrigerant channels 1b.
- the end that is provided with the first outlet communication hole 4a is provided with the second inlet communication hole 5a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a (and the second refrigerant channels 2b) and that communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2a and the second refrigerant channels 2b.
- the end that is provided with the first inlet communication hole 3a is provided with the second outlet communication hole 6a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a (and the second refrigerant channels 2b) and that communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2a and the second refrigerant channels 2b.
- first refrigerant channels 1a, the first refrigerant channels 1b, the second refrigerant channels 2a, and the second refrigerant channels 2b extending through the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof are sealed by, for example, pinching or by using sealing members (not shown).
- the first refrigerant flows into the first inlet communication hole 3a via the first inlet connection pipe 3, flows through the first refrigerant channels 1a and the first refrigerant channels 1b constituting the first refrigerant path 1, flows through the first outlet communication hole 4a, and then flows out from the first outlet connection pipe 4.
- the second refrigerant flows into the second inlet communication hole 5a via the second inlet connection pipe 5, flows through the second refrigerant channels 2a and the second refrigerant channels 2b constituting the second refrigerant path 2, flows through the second outlet communication hole 6a, and then flows out from the second outlet connection pipe 6.
- the first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant channels 1a and the first refrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant channels 2a and the second refrigerant channels 2b exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the first refrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- the refrigerant paths are each constituted of multiple sets of refrigerant channels, the refrigerant channels are integrally formed. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1, thermal resistance occurring in a case where the refrigerant channels are separately formed is suppressed, thereby allowing for enhanced heat exchanging performance.
- each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels and these refrigerant channels converge on a single communication hole, the number of communication holes can be reduced, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the heat exchanger 8a.
- each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, the heat exchanging capacity can be increased.
- the configuration is not limited to this.
- the number of refrigerant channels may be varied in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical flow properties of the refrigerants in the heat exchanger 8a so that a favorable heat exchanger with high heat transferability and low pressure loss can be obtained.
- each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels (e.g., the first refrigerant path 1 is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, i.e., the first refrigerant channels 1a and the first refrigerant channels 1b), as shown in FIG. 2 , the configuration is not limited to this.
- each refrigerant path may be constituted of three or more sets of refrigerant channels.
- the number of sets of refrigerant channels in the first refrigerant path 1 and the number of sets of refrigerant channels in the second refrigerant path 2 do not need to be the same.
- first inlet communication hole 3a and the second outlet communication hole 6a may be displaced from each other in the flowing direction of the first refrigerant path 1 (or the second refrigerant path 2), as in Example 1. The same applies to the first outlet communication hole 4a and the second inlet communication hole 5a.
- the distance between the adjoining first and second refrigerant paths 1 and 2 i.e., the distance between the first refrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant channels 2a in FIG. 2
- the heat exchanger 8a can be made compact.
- a heat exchanger 8b according to Example 3 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the structure of the heat exchanger 8b according to Example 3 of the present invention.
- FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 8b
- FIG. 3(b) is a plan view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 3(a)
- FIG. 3(c) is a side view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 3(a) .
- the first refrigerant path 1 through which the first refrigerant flows is constituted of the plurality of first refrigerant channels 1a arranged in a single row and the plurality of first refrigerant channels 1b arranged in a single row.
- the second refrigerant path 2 through which the second refrigerant flows is constituted of the plurality of second refrigerant channels 2a arranged in a single row and the plurality of second refrigerant channels 2b arranged in a single row.
- the rows of the refrigerant channels in the first refrigerant path 1 and the rows of the refrigerant channels in the second refrigerant path 2 are alternately arranged. Specifically, as viewed in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 3(a) , the refrigerant channels are arranged in the following order from the top: the first refrigerant channels 1a, the second refrigerant channels 2a, the first refrigerant channels 1b, and the second refrigerant channels 2b.
- One of the opposite ends of the main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction is provided with the first inlet communication hole 3a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1a, and is also provided with a first inlet communication hole 3b that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1b and that communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1b.
- the other end is provided with the first outlet communication hole 4a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1a, and is also provided with a first outlet communication hole 4b that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1b and that communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1b.
- the end that is provided with the first outlet communication hole 4a and the first outlet communication hole 4b is provided with the second inlet communication hole 5a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2a, and is also provided with a second inlet communication hole 5b that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2b and that communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2b.
- the other end is provided with the second outlet communication hole 6a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2a, and is also provided with a second outlet communication hole 6b that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2b and that communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2b.
- the extending direction of the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first outlet communication hole 4a does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the direction of the first refrigerant channels 1a.
- the extending direction of the first inlet communication hole 3b and the first outlet communication hole 4b does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the direction of the first refrigerant channels 1b.
- first inlet communication hole 3a The opposite ends of the first inlet communication hole 3a, the first inlet communication hole 3b, the first outlet communication hole 4a, the first outlet communication hole 4b, the second inlet communication hole 5a, the second inlet communication hole 5b, the second outlet communication hole 6a, and the second outlet communication hole 6b are closed by, for example, sealing members.
- first refrigerant channels 1a, the first refrigerant channels 1b, the second refrigerant channels 2a, and the second refrigerant channels 2b extending through the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof are sealed by, for example, pinching or by using sealing members (not shown).
- a first inlet convergence hole 31 that communicates with both the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first inlet communication hole 3b is formed so as to extend in the direction of arrangement thereof
- a first outlet convergence hole 41 that communicates with both the first outlet communication hole 4a and the first outlet communication hole 4b is formed so as to extend in the direction of arrangement thereof.
- a second inlet convergence hole 51 that communicates with both the second inlet communication hole 5a and the second inlet communication hole 5b is formed so as to extend in the direction of arrangement thereof
- a second outlet convergence hole 61 that communicates with both the second outlet communication hole 6a and the second outlet communication hole 6b is formed so as to extend in the direction of arrangement thereof.
- the first inlet convergence hole 31, the first outlet convergence hole 41, the second inlet convergence hole 51, and the second outlet convergence hole 61 are all formed at the same side (i.e., at the right side in FIG. 3(b) ).
- the configuration is not limited to this.
- the first inlet convergence hole 31 may be formed at any position so long as the position thereof is along the direction of arrangement of the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first inlet communication hole 3b. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3(a) , the extending direction of the first inlet convergence hole 31 does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the extending direction of the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first inlet communication hole 3b. This similarly applies to the first outlet convergence hole 41, the second inlet convergence hole 51, and the second outlet convergence hole 61.
- first ends of the first inlet convergence hole 31, the first outlet convergence hole 41, the second inlet convergence hole 51, and the second outlet convergence hole 61 are open and are connected to the first inlet connection pipe 3, the first outlet connection pipe 4, the second inlet connection pipe 5, and the second outlet connection pipe 6, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside.
- Second ends of the first inlet convergence hole 31, the first outlet convergence hole 41, the second inlet convergence hole 51, and the second outlet convergence hole 61 are closed by, for example, sealing members.
- the open (or closed) ends of the first inlet convergence hole 31, the first outlet convergence hole 41, the second inlet convergence hole 51, and the second outlet convergence hole 61 are all disposed at the same side.
- the configuration is not limited to this; the open (or closed) ends do not need to be disposed at the same side so long as each convergence hole has one end that is open and the other end that is closed.
- the first inlet communication hole 3a, the first inlet communication hole 3b, the first outlet communication hole 4a, and the first outlet communication hole 4b correspond to "first communication holes” according to the present invention
- the second inlet communication hole 5a, the second inlet communication hole 5b, the second outlet communication hole 6a, and the second outlet communication hole 6b correspond to "second communication holes” according to the present invention.
- the first inlet convergence hole 31 and the first outlet convergence hole 41 correspond to “first convergence holes” according to the present invention
- the second inlet convergence hole 51 and the second outlet convergence hole 61 correspond to "second convergence holes” according to the present invention.
- the first refrigerant flows into the first inlet convergence hole 31 via the first inlet connection pipe 3 and then flows into the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first inlet communication hole 3b.
- the first refrigerant flowing into the first inlet communication hole 3a flows through the first refrigerant channels 1a and then flows out to the first outlet communication hole 4a.
- the first refrigerant flowing into the first inlet communication hole 3b flows through the first refrigerant channels 1b and then flows out to the first outlet communication hole 4b. Then, the first refrigerant flowing out to the first outlet communication hole 4a and the first refrigerant flowing out to the first outlet communication hole 4b merge at the first outlet convergence hole 41 before flowing out from the first outlet connection pipe 4.
- the second refrigerant flows into the second inlet convergence hole 51 via the second inlet connection pipe 5 and then flows into the second inlet communication hole 5a and the second inlet communication hole 5b.
- the second refrigerant flowing into the second inlet communication hole 5a flows through the second refrigerant channels 2a and then flows out to the second outlet communication hole 6a.
- the second refrigerant flowing into the second inlet communication hole 5b flows through the second refrigerant channels 2b and then flows out to the second outlet communication hole 6b.
- the first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant channels 1a and the first refrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant channels 2a and the second refrigerant channels 2b exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via partitions between the refrigerant channels.
- the refrigerant paths are each constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, the refrigerant channels are integrally formed. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1, thermal resistance occurring in a case where the refrigerant channels are separately formed is suppressed, thereby allowing for enhanced heat exchanging performance.
- first inlet convergence hole 31 and the first outlet convergence hole 41 are provided within the main body 10 of the heat exchanger 8b, additional header pipes for connecting to the first inlet communication hole 3a, the first inlet communication hole 3b, the first outlet communication hole 4a, and the first outlet communication hole 4b do not need to be provided.
- the heat exchanger 8 can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified. This similarly applies to the second inlet convergence hole 51 and the second outlet convergence hole 61.
- each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels and these refrigerant channels converge on a single communication hole, the number of communication holes can be reduced, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the heat exchanger 8b.
- each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, the heat exchanging capacity can be increased.
- the first refrigerant path 1 constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels and the second refrigerant path 2 constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels are not disposed adjacent to each other in the heat exchanger 8b according to Example 3. Instead, the rows of the refrigerant channels of the first refrigerant path 1 and the rows of the refrigerant channels of the second refrigerant path 2 are alternately arranged.
- the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channels of each set and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channels of another set that is adjacent thereto have different structures, so that the heat exchanging performance is further enhanced, as compared with that of the heat exchanger 8a according to Example 2.
- first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant path 2 are integrally formed in the main body 10, as shown in FIG. 3 , the configuration is not limited to this. Specifically, if the first refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant path 2 are provided as separate pipes and are joined to each other by, for example, brazing, the first inlet communication hole 3a, the first inlet communication hole 3b, the first outlet communication hole 4a, and the first outlet communication hole 4b may be provided in the pipe of the first refrigerant path 1 so that an additional header pipe for connecting to the refrigerant channels of the first refrigerant path 1 does not need to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified.
- each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels (e.g., the first refrigerant path 1 is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, i.e., the first refrigerant channels 1a and the first refrigerant channels 1b), as shown in FIG. 3 , the configuration is not limited to this.
- each refrigerant path may be constituted of three or more sets of refrigerant channels.
- the number of sets of refrigerant channels in the first refrigerant path 1 and the number of sets of refrigerant channels in the second refrigerant path 2 do not need to be the same.
- a heat exchanger 8c according to Embodiment 1 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of the heat exchanger 8c according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
- first inlet communication hole 3aa that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with one or more of the first refrigerant channels 1a (referred to as "first first refrigerant channel group" hereinafter).
- first first refrigerant channel group referred to as "first first refrigerant channel group” hereinafter.
- first inlet communication hole 3ab that communicates with the remaining first refrigerant channel or channels 1a is formed.
- first outlet communication hole 4aa that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels 1a.
- the first outlet communication hole 4aa communicates with all of the first refrigerant channels 1a communicating with the first inlet communication hole 3aa and also communicates with one or more of the first refrigerant channels 1a (referred to as "second first refrigerant channel group" hereinafter) that communicate with the first inlet communication hole 3ab.
- first outlet communication hole 4ab that communicates with the remaining first refrigerant channel or channels 1a (referred to as "third first refrigerant channel group” hereinafter) communicating with the first inlet communication hole 3ab is also formed.
- first second refrigerant channel group a second inlet communication hole 5ab that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with one or more of the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- first second refrigerant channel group a second inlet communication hole 5aa that communicates with the remaining second refrigerant channel or channels 2a is also formed.
- the end that is provided with the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the first inlet communication hole 3ab is provided with a second outlet communication hole 6ab that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- the second outlet communication hole 6ab communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2a communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5ab and also communicates with one or more of the second refrigerant channels 2a (referred to as "second second refrigerant channel group" hereinafter) communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5aa.
- a second outlet communication hole 6aa that communicates with the remaining second refrigerant channel or channels 2a (referred to as "third second refrigerant channel group" hereinafter) communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5aa is also formed.
- first first refrigerant channel group is formed adjacent to the "third second refrigerant channel group”
- second first refrigerant channel group is formed adjacent to the “second second refrigerant channel group”
- third first refrigerant channel group is formed adjacent to the "first second refrigerant channel group”.
- the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the second outlet communication hole 6aa are slightly displaced from each other, and the first inlet communication hole 3ab and the second outlet communication hole 6ab are slightly displaced from each other.
- the first outlet communication hole 4aa and the second inlet communication hole 5aa are slightly displaced from each other, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab and the second inlet communication hole 5ab are slightly displaced from each other,
- the first inlet communication hole 3aa, the first inlet communication hole 3ab, the first outlet communication hole 4aa, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab do not necessarily need to extend orthogonally to the direction of the first refrigerant channels 1a.
- the second inlet communication hole 5aa, the second inlet communication hole 5ab, the second outlet communication hole 6aa, and the second outlet communication hole 6ab do not necessarily need to extend orthogonally to the direction of the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- first inlet communication hole 3aa and the first inlet communication hole 3ab extend in the same direction and are coaxial with each other, as shown in FIG. 4 , the two holes do not necessarily have to extend in the same direction or be coaxial with each other.
- First ends of the first inlet communication hole 3aa, the first outlet communication hole 4ab, the second inlet communication hole 5ab, and the second outlet communication hole 6aa are open and are connected to the first inlet connection pipe 3, the first outlet connection pipe 4, the second inlet connection pipe 5 (not shown in FIG. 4 due to being located behind the first outlet connection pipe 4), and the second outlet connection pipe 6, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside.
- the first inlet communication hole 3aa corresponds to a "first divided-communication-hole inflow section" according to the present invention
- the first inlet communication hole 3ab and the first outlet communication hole 4aa correspond to a "first divided-communication-hole turnaround section” according to the present invention
- the first outlet communication hole 4ab corresponds to a "first divided-communication-hole outflow section” according to the present invention.
- the second inlet communication hole 5ab corresponds to a "second divided-communication-hole inflow section" according to the present invention
- the second inlet communication hole 5aa and the second outlet communication hole 6ab correspond to a "second divided-communication-hole turnaround section” according to the present invention
- the second outlet communication hole 6aa corresponds to a "second divided-communication-hole outflow section” according to the present invention.
- the first refrigerant flows into the first inlet communication hole 3aa via the first inlet connection pipe 3, flows through the first refrigerant channels 1a, the first outlet communication hole 4aa, the first refrigerant channels 1a again, the first inlet communication hole 3ab, the first refrigerant channels 1a again, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab in that order, and then flows out from the first outlet connection pipe 4.
- the second refrigerant flows into the second inlet communication hole 5ab via the second inlet connection pipe 5, flows through the second refrigerant channels 2a, the second outlet communication hole 6ab, the second refrigerant channels 2a again, the second inlet communication hole 5aa, the second refrigerant channels 2a again, and the second outlet communication hole 6aa in that order, and then flows out from the second outlet connection pipe 6.
- the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the two refrigerant paths.
- the refrigerant flow paths can be turned around inside. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1, the heat exchanging performance can be maximized while minimizing the size of the heat exchanger 8c.
- first inlet communication hole 3aa and the like for turning around the refrigerant flow paths are formed within the main body 10 of the heat exchanger 8c, additional pipes do not need to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger 8c can be made compact.
- the configuration is not limited to this.
- One of the refrigerants may be made to turn around, whereas the other refrigerant may be made to flow linearly as in Example 1.
- the refrigerant to be made to turn around may be selected in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical properties of the refrigerants in the heat exchanger so that a favorable heat exchanger with high heat transferability and low pressure loss can be obtained.
- first inlet communication hole 3aa, the first inlet communication hole 3ab, the first outlet communication hole 4aa, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab may have the configurations described above, whereas the second inlet communication hole 5aa, the second inlet communication hole 5ab, the second outlet communication hole 6aa, and the second outlet communication hole 6ab may have the following configurations.
- the end provided with the first outlet communication hole 4aa and the first outlet communication hole 4ab is provided with the second inlet communication hole 5aa that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with one or more of the second refrigerant channels 2a (corresponding to the "third second refrigerant channel group" described above).
- the second inlet communication hole 5ab that communicates with the remaining second refrigerant channel or channels 2a is formed.
- the end provided with the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the first inlet communication hole 3ab is provided with the second outlet communication hole 6aa that extends in the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels 2a.
- the second outlet communication hole 6aa communicates with all of the second refrigerant channels 2a communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5aa and also communicates with one or more of the second refrigerant channels 2a (corresponding to the "second second refrigerant channel group" described above) communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5ab.
- the second outlet communication hole 6ab that communicates with the remaining second refrigerant channel or channels 2a (corresponding to the "first first refrigerant channel group" described above) communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5ab is formed.
- first ends of the second inlet communication hole 5aa and the second outlet communication hole 6ab are open and are connected to the second inlet connection pipe 5 and the second outlet connection pipe 6, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside.
- the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant can exchange heat in a countercurrent manner, so that advantages similar to those of the heat exchanger 8c shown in FIG. 4 can be achieved.
- the communication hole corresponding to the first inlet communication hole 3a in the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 is divided into two holes (i.e., the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the first inlet communication hole 3ab) in the heat exchanger 8c according to Embodiment 4 (the same applies to the first outlet communication hole 4aa and the first outlet communication hole 4ab, etc.), as shown in FIG. 4 , the configuration is not limited to this.
- the communication hole may be divided into three or more holes so that the number of times each refrigerant is turned around is increased.
- two first outlet communication holes 4ab would be disposed at one end of the first refrigerant channels 1a in the direction of arrangement thereof, causing the first refrigerant to flow into or out from the holes. Accordingly, the refrigerant flow paths can be made longer while maintaining the current size of the heat exchanger, whereby the heat exchanging performance can be further enhanced.
- turnaround refrigerant-flow-path configuration of the heat exchanger 8c according to Embodiment 1 is also applicable to Example 2 and Example 3.
- a heat exchanger 8d according to Embodiment 2 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of the heat exchanger 8b according to Example 3.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the structure of the heat exchanger 8d according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
- FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 8d
- FIG. 5(b) is a plan view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 5(a)
- FIG. 5(c) is a side view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 5(a) .
- a first convergence hole 31a that communicates with the first inlet communication hole 3a and a first convergence hole 31b that communicates with the first inlet communication hole 3b are formed in the direction of arrangement of the first inlet communication hole 3a and the first inlet communication hole 3b.
- a first intermediate convergence hole 41a that communicates with both the first outlet communication hole 4a and the first outlet communication hole 4b is formed in the direction of arrangement thereof.
- a second intermediate convergence hole 51a that communicates with both the second inlet communication hole 5a and the second inlet communication hole 5b is formed in the direction of arrangement thereof.
- a second convergence hole 61a that communicates with the second outlet communication hole 6a and a second convergence hole 61b that communicates with the second outlet communication hole 6b are formed in the direction of arrangement of the second outlet communication hole 6a and the second outlet communication hole 6b.
- First ends of the first convergence hole 31a, the first convergence hole 31b, the second convergence hole 61a, and the second convergence hole 61b are open and are connected to the first inlet connection pipe 3, the first outlet connection pipe 4, the second outlet connection pipe 6, and the second inlet connection pipe 5, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside.
- first intermediate convergence hole 41a and the second intermediate convergence hole 51a are closed by, for example sealing members. Therefore, the surface of the main body 10 that is opposite the surface thereof connected to the first inlet connection pipe 3 and the second outlet connection pipe 6 is connected to the first outlet connection pipe 4 and the second inlet connection pipe 5.
- the first convergence hole 31a, the first convergence hole 31b, the first intermediate convergence hole 41a, the second intermediate convergence hole 51a, the second convergence hole 61a, and the second convergence hole 61b are all formed at the same side (i.e., at the right side).
- the configuration is not limited to this.
- the first convergence hole 31a may be formed at any position so long as it communicates with the first inlet communication hole 3a and has an opening oriented toward the outside. This similarly applies to the first convergence hole 31b, the second convergence hole 61a, and the second convergence hole 61b.
- the first intermediate convergence hole 41a may be formed at any position so long as the position thereof is parallel to the direction of arrangement of the first outlet communication hole 4a and the first outlet communication hole 4b. This similarly applies to the second intermediate convergence hole 51a.
- the extending direction of the first intermediate convergence hole 41a does not necessarily need to be orthogonal to the extending direction of the first outlet communication hole 4a and the first outlet communication hole 4b. This similarly applies to the second intermediate convergence hole 51a.
- the first convergence hole 31a corresponds to "first-convergence-hole inflow section” according to the present invention
- the first convergence hole 31b corresponds to "first-convergence-hole outflow section” according to the present invention
- the second convergence hole 61b corresponds to "second-convergence-hole inflow section” according to the present invention
- the second convergence hole 61a corresponds to "second-convergence-hole outflow section” according to the present invention.
- the first refrigerant flows into the first convergence hole 31a via the first inlet connection pipe 3 and then flows into the first inlet communication hole 3a.
- the first refrigerant flowing into the first inlet communication hole 3a flows through the first refrigerant channels 1a and then flows out to the first outlet communication hole 4a.
- the first refrigerant flowing out to the first outlet communication hole 4a flows out to the first outlet communication hole 4b via the first intermediate convergence hole 41a.
- the first refrigerant flowing out to the first outlet communication hole 4b flows through the first refrigerant channels 1b and then flows out to the first inlet communication hole 3b.
- the first refrigerant flowing out to the first inlet communication hole 3b travels through the first convergence hole 31b and flows out via the first outlet connection pipe 4.
- the second refrigerant flows into the second convergence hole 61b via the second inlet connection pipe 5 and then flows into the second outlet communication hole 6b.
- the second refrigerant flowing into the second outlet communication hole 6b flows through the second refrigerant channels 2b and then flows out to the second inlet communication hole 5b.
- the second refrigerant flowing out to the second inlet communication hole 5b flows out to the second inlet communication hole 5a via the second intermediate convergence hole 51a.
- the second refrigerant flowing out to the second inlet communication hole 5a flows through the second refrigerant channels 2a and then flows out to the second outlet communication hole 6a.
- the second refrigerant flowing out to the second outlet communication hole 6a travels through the second convergence hole 61a and flows out via the second outlet connection pipe 6.
- the first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant channels 1a and the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant channels 2a exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the refrigerant channels. Furthermore, the first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant channels 2b exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the refrigerant channels.
- first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant channels 2a have a parallel-current relationship, it is needless to say that the two refrigerants exchange heat via a partition between the refrigerant channels.
- the refrigerant flow paths can be turned around inside. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of the heat exchanger 8c according to Example 3, the heat exchanging performance can be maximized while minimizing the size of the heat exchanger 8d.
- first intermediate convergence hole 41a and the like for turning around the refrigerant flow paths are formed within the main body 10 of the heat exchanger 8d, additional pipes do not need to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger 8d can be made compact.
- first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are both made to flow by being turned around in the heat exchanger 8d according to Embodiment 2 the configuration is not limited to this.
- One of the refrigerants may be made to turn around, whereas the other refrigerant may be made to flow linearly as in Embodiment 1.
- the refrigerant to be made to turn around may be selected in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical properties of the refrigerants in the heat exchanger so that a favorable heat exchanger with high heat transferability and low pressure loss can be obtained.
- the heat exchanger according to each of Example 1 to Embodiment 2 described above can be installed in a refrigeration cycle apparatus, such as an air-conditioning apparatus, a hot-water storage apparatus, and a refrigerator.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus such as an air-conditioning apparatus, a hot-water storage apparatus, and a refrigerator.
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 3 is described as being equipped with the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 as an example.
- FIG. 6 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes a first refrigerant circuit formed by connecting a first compressor 230, a first radiator 231, the heat exchanger 8, a first pressure-reducing device 232, and a first cooler 233 in that order by using a refrigerant pipe.
- the first inlet connection pipe 3 is connected to the first radiator 231 by the refrigerant pipe, and the first outlet connection pipe 4 is connected to the first pressure-reducing device 232 by the refrigerant pipe.
- the first refrigerant circuit operates based on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle by causing the first refrigerant, which is a high-temperature refrigerant, to circulate therethrough.
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes a second refrigerant circuit formed by connecting a second compressor 240, a second radiator 241, a second pressure-reducing device 242, and the heat exchanger 8 in that order by using a refrigerant pipe.
- the second inlet connection pipe 5 is connected to the second pressure-reducing device 242 by the refrigerant pipe
- the second outlet connection pipe 6 is connected to the second compressor 240 by the refrigerant pipe.
- the second refrigerant circuit operates based on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle by causing the second refrigerant, which is a low-temperature refrigerant, to circulate therethrough.
- Each of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant used is a refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants.
- a refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants.
- the first refrigerant in a gas state is compressed by the first compressor 230 and is discharged therefrom as a refrigerant in a high-temperature high-pressure supercritical state.
- the first refrigerant in the high-temperature high-pressure supercritical state flows into the first radiator 231 and exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to transfer heat thereto, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a high-pressure supercritical state.
- the first refrigerant in the high-pressure supercritical state flows into the heat exchanger 8 and is cooled by transferring beat to the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant circuit in the heat exchanger 8, and then flows into the first pressure-reducing device 232 where the first refrigerant is reduced in pressure, thereby becoming a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant.
- This low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the first cooler 233 where the refrigerant exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to evaporate, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a low-temperature low-pressure gas state.
- the first refrigerant in the low-temperature low-pressure gas state is suctioned into the first compressor 230 again so as to be compressed.
- the second refrigerant in a gas state is compressed by the second compressor 240 and is discharged therefrom as a refrigerant in a high-temperature high-pressure gas state.
- the second refrigerant in the high-temperature high-pressure gas state flows into the second radiator 241 and exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to condense, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a high-pressure liquid state.
- the second refrigerant in the high-pressure liquid state flows into the second pressure-reducing device 242 where the second refrigerant is reduced in pressure, thereby becoming a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant.
- This low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 8 and evaporates by receiving heat from the first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant circuit in the heat exchanger 8, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a low-temperature low-pressure gas state.
- the second refrigerant in the low-temperature low-pressure gas state is suctioned into the second compressor 240 again so as to be compressed.
- the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is particularly improved when the first refrigerant at a critical point or higher transfers heat to the second refrigerant in the heat exchanger 8.
- the compactness of the heat exchanger 8 contributes to compactness of the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 200.
- the first refrigerant is not limited to carbon dioxide; it is needless to say that a refrigerant, such as an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants may be used.
- a refrigerant such as an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants may be used.
- the heat exchanger 8 is used as a radiator in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 6 , the configuration is not limited to this.
- the heat exchanger 8 may also be used as a cooler by reversing the circulating direction of the first refrigerant by using, for example, a four-way valve.
- the second refrigerant circuit is based on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle in Embodiment 3
- the second refrigerant may alternatively be water or brine (antifreeze), such as an ethylene glycol aqueous solution
- the second compressor 240 may be constituted of a pump.
- the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 is used as an example of a heat exchanger in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 6, as shown in FIG. 6 , the heat exchanger is not limited to the above. It is needless to say that the heat exchanger used may alternatively be any of the heat exchangers 8a to 8d according to Example 2 to Embodiment 2.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus 200a according to Embodiment 4 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 3.
- FIG. 7 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200a is obtained by removing the first radiator 231 from the configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 6 and is configured to make the heat exchanger 8 cool all of the high-temperature high-pressure first refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 230.
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200a shown in FIG. 7 is a so-called secondary-loop refrigeration cycle apparatus.
- the heat exchanger 8 according to Embodiment 4 functions as both the first radiator 231 and the heat exchanger 8 in Embodiment 4.
- the heat exchanging amount required in the heat exchanger 8 is increased, so that the percentage of the volume of the heat exchanger 8 occupying the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 200a is greater than that in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 4 equipped with the first radiator 231.
- the compactness of the heat exchanger 8 contributes to compactness of the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 200a.
- the heat exchanger 8 is used as a radiator in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200a shown in FIG. 7 , the configuration is not limited to this.
- the heat exchanger 8 may also be used as a cooler by reversing the circulating direction of the first refrigerant by using, for example, a four-way valve.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 5 is described as being equipped with the heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 as an example.
- FIG. 8 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus 200b includes a refrigerant circuit formed by connecting a compressor 250, a radiator 251, the heat exchanger 8, a pressure-reducing device 252, and a cooler 253 in that order by using a refrigerant pipe.
- a bypass pipe 255 branching off from the refrigerant pipe between the heat exchanger 8 and the pressure-reducing device 252 is connected to an injection port 256 provided in a compression chamber of the compressor 250, or is connected between the compressor 250 and the cooler 253, although not shown.
- bypass pressure-reducing device 254 and the heat exchanger 8 are disposed in that order from a branch point of the refrigerant pipe between the heat exchanger 8 and the pressure-reducing device 252.
- the first inlet connection pipe 3 is connected to the radiator 251 by the refrigerant pipe, and the first outlet connection pipe 4 is connected to the pressure-reducing device 252 by the refrigerant pipe.
- the second inlet connection pipe 5 is connected to the bypass pressure-reducing device 254 by the refrigerant pipe, and the second outlet connection pipe 6 is connected to the injection port 256 of the compressor 250 by the refrigerant pipe, or is connected between the compressor 250 and the cooler 253, although not shown.
- a gas refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 250 and is discharged therefrom as a high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant.
- This high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the radiator 251 and exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to transfer heat thereto. Then, the high-pressure refrigerant (high-temperature refrigerant) flowing out from the radiator 251 flows into the heat exchanger 8.
- the high-pressure refrigerant (high-temperature refrigerant) flowing into the heat exchanger 8 is cooled by transferring heat to a low-temperature refrigerant flowing out from the bypass pressure-reducing device 254, and then flows into the pressure-reducing device 252 so as to be reduced in pressure, thereby becoming a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant.
- This low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the cooler 253 and exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to evaporate, thereby becoming a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant.
- This low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant is suctioned into the compressor 250 again so as to be compressed.
- a portion of the refrigerant flowing out from the heat exchanger 8 diverges and flows into the bypass pipe 255.
- the refrigerant flowing into the bypass pipe 255 is reduced in pressure by the bypass pressure-reducing device 254 so as to become a low-temperature two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant (low-temperature refrigerant), which then flows into the heat exchanger 8.
- the low-temperature two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant (low-temperature refrigerant) flowing into the heat exchanger 8 is heated by receiving heat from the high-temperature refrigerant, and is injected into the compression chamber via the injection port 256 of the compressor 250.
- the refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200b is a refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants.
- a refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants.
- the low-temperature refrigerant to be injected into the compression chamber of the compressor 250 via the injection port 256 can be maintained at a higher temperature, whereby high efficiency of the first compressor 230 can be ensured.
- the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the cooler 253 can be reduced without lowering the refrigeration effect, as compared with a case where the heat exchanger 8 is not used.
- the pipe between the compressor 250 and the cooler 253 is long, performance deterioration caused by an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.
- the compactness of the heat exchanger 8 contributes to compactness of the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 200b.
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- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a first refrigerant and a second refrigerant and to a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with the heat exchanger.
- Heat exchangers in the conventional art include a first flat pipe having a flat shape and a plurality of through-holes through which a high-temperature refrigerant flows, a second flat pipe having a flat shape and a plurality of through-holes through which a low-temperature refrigerant flows, first headers connected to opposite ends of the first flat pipe, and second headers connected to opposite ends of the second flat pipe.
- The first flat pipe and the second flat pipe longitudinally extend in parallel to each other (i.e., in a refrigerant flowing direction), and the flat surfaces thereof are stacked in contact with each other by, for example brazing, whereby high heat exchanging performance is achieved (e.g., see Patent Literature 1).
- In
Patent Literature 2, which discloses the preamble ofindependent claim 1, two manifold blocks are disposed at either end of an intermediate block containing a number of passages. Each intermediate block comprises an inlet and an outlet, wherein one inlet is connected to one outlet, each for channelling a different refrigerant. -
Patent Literature 3 discloses a block-shaped exchanger consisting of at least one block of graphite. Each block of graphite comprising two groups of channels. The block carries two sets of parallel bore, one set of which is closed off at the ends of the block. The bores of this set are interconnected by other bores at right angles that also communicate with the space within the outer shell. -
- Patent Literature 1:
- Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication
JP-A-2002-340 485 page 8,FIG. 1 ) - Patent Literature 2:
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FR 1 331 710 A - Patent Literature 3:
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FR 2 181 845 A1 - However, because the flat pipes are joined to each other in the heat exchanger described above, the joint surfaces act as thermal resistance, which is a problem in that the heat exchanging performance deteriorates.
- Moreover, when the joining process is performed by brazing, for example, voids tend to form between the joint surfaces, which may problematically lead to deterioration in the heat exchanging performance.
- Furthermore, when the joining process between the headers and the flat pipes and the joining process between the two flat pipes are to be performed simultaneously by brazing, the entire heat exchanger needs to be controlled to a uniform temperature during the process, the gaps between the headers and the flat pipes suitable for brazing need to be controlled with high precision, and so on. This is a problem in that the manufacturing process of the heat exchanger is complicated and difficult.
- In addition, if multiple layers are to be stacked for increasing the heat exchanging capacity, there is a problem in terms of, for example, interference of the headers.
- The present invention has been made to solve the aforementioned problems, and a first object thereof is to provide a compact, readily-manufacturable heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with the same.
- A second object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus with enhanced heat exchanging performance.
- According to the invention, the problem is solved by means of a heat exchanger as defined in
independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the heat exchanger according to the invention are set forth in the subclaims. - According to the present invention, since the first communication holes and the second communication holes are provided within the heat exchanger, additional header pipes for connecting to the first refrigerant path and the second refrigerant path do not need to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified.
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- FIG. 1
- illustrates the structure of a
heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1, which is not part of the invention. - FIG. 2
- illustrates the structure of a
heat exchanger 8a according to Example 2, which is not part of the invention. - FIG. 3
- illustrates the structure of a
heat exchanger 8b according to Example 3, which is not part of the invention. - FIG. 4
- illustrates the structure of a
heat exchanger 8c according toEmbodiment 1 of the present invention. - FIG.
- 5 illustrates the structure of a
heat exchanger 8d according toEmbodiment 2 of the present invention. - FIG.
- 6 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 3 of the present invention. - FIG.
- 7 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 4 of the present invention. - FIG.
- 8 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 5 of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of aheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of theheat exchanger 8,FIG. 1(b) is a plan view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow A inFIG. 1(a), and FIG. 1(c) is a side view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow B inFIG. 1(a) . - As shown in
FIG. 1 , amain body 10 of theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 has afirst refrigerant path 1 that extends through themain body 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof and that is formed by arranging a plurality offirst refrigerant channels 1a, through which a first refrigerant (e.g., high-temperature refrigerant) flows, in a single row.
Moreover, asecond refrigerant path 2 extending through themain body 10 in the longitudinal direction and formed by arranging a plurality ofsecond refrigerant channels 2a, through which a second refrigerant (e.g., low-temperature refrigerant) flows, in a single row is formed adjacent to thefirst refrigerant channels 1a of thefirst refrigerant path 1. - Therefore, the
first refrigerant path 1 and thesecond refrigerant path 2 are integrally formed in themain body 10. Themain body 10 having thefirst refrigerant path 1 and thesecond refrigerant path 2 is composed of, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, steel, or a stainless alloy and is manufactured by, for example, extrusion or pultrusion molding. - One of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction is provided with a firstinlet communication hole 3a that extends in the direction of arrangement of thefirst refrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with all of thefirst refrigerant channels 1a. The other end is provided with a firstoutlet communication hole 4a that extends in the direction of arrangement of thefirst refrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with all of thefirst refrigerant channels 1a. - Furthermore, of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end that is provided with the firstoutlet communication hole 4a is provided with a secondinlet communication hole 5a that extends in the direction of arrangement of thesecond refrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with all of thesecond refrigerant channels 2a. - Of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end that is provided with the firstinlet communication hole 3a is provided with a secondoutlet communication hole 6a that extends in the direction of arrangement of thesecond refrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with all of thesecond refrigerant channels 2a. - The first
inlet communication hole 3a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a are slightly displaced from each other in the refrigerant flowing direction of thefirst refrigerant channels 1a (or thesecond refrigerant channels 2a). Moreover, the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the secondinlet communication hole 5a are slightly displaced from each other in the refrigerant flowing direction of thefirst refrigerant channels 1a (or thesecond refrigerant channels 2a). - The extending direction of the first
inlet communication hole 3a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4a does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the direction of thefirst refrigerant channels 1a. Moreover, the extending direction of the secondinlet communication hole 5a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the direction of thesecond refrigerant channels 2a. - First ends of the first
inlet communication hole 3a, the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, the secondinlet communication hole 5a, and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a are open and are connected to a firstinlet connection pipe 3, a firstoutlet connection pipe 4, a secondinlet connection pipe 5, and a secondoutlet connection pipe 6, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside. Second ends of the firstinlet communication hole 3a, the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, the secondinlet communication hole 5a, and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a are closed by, for example, sealing members. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the open (or closed) ends of the firstinlet communication hole 3a, the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, the secondinlet communication hole 5a, and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a are all disposed at the same side. However, the configuration is not limited to this; the open (or closed) ends do not need to be disposed at the same side so long as each communication hole has one end that is open and the other end that is closed. - The opposite ends of the first
refrigerant channels 1a and the secondrefrigerant channels 2a extending through themain body 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof are sealed by, for example, pinching or by using sealing members (not shown). - The first
inlet communication hole 3a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4a correspond to "first communication holes" according to the present invention, and the secondinlet communication hole 5a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a correspond to "second communication holes" according to the present invention. - Next, a heat exchanging operation between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant in the
heat exchanger 8 will be described with reference toFIG. 1 . - The first refrigerant flows into the first
inlet communication hole 3a via the firstinlet connection pipe 3, flows through the firstrefrigerant path 1 and the firstoutlet communication hole 4a in that order, and then flows out from the firstoutlet connection pipe 4. The second refrigerant flows into the secondinlet communication hole 5a via the secondinlet connection pipe 5, flows through the secondrefrigerant path 2 and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a in that order, and then flows out from the secondoutlet connection pipe 6. During that time, the first refrigerant flowing through the firstrefrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant flowing through the secondrefrigerant path 2 exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the two refrigerant paths. - In the
heat exchanger 8 having the above-described configuration, since the firstrefrigerant path 1 and the secondrefrigerant path 2 are integrally formed in themain body 10, thermal resistance occurring at joint surfaces in a case where a pipe through which the first refrigerant flows and a pipe through which the second refrigerant flows are separately provided is suppressed, thereby allowing for enhanced heat exchanging performance. - Furthermore, because the first
inlet communication hole 3a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4a are provided within themain body 10 of theheat exchanger 8, no additional header pipe for connecting to the firstrefrigerant path 1 needs to be provided, whereby theheat exchanger 8 can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified. This similarly applies to the secondinlet communication hole 5a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a with respect to the secondrefrigerant path 2. - Furthermore, because the first
inlet communication hole 3a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a are slightly displaced from each other in the refrigerant flowing direction and the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the secondinlet communication hole 5a are also slightly displaced from each other in the refrigerant flowing direction, the distance between the adjoining first and secondrefrigerant paths heat exchanger 8 can be made compact. - Although the first
refrigerant channels 1a and the secondrefrigerant channels 2a each have a rectangular shape in cross section, as shown inFIG. 1 , the cross-sectional shape is not limited to this; for example, the cross-sectional shape may be polygonal, circular for increasing pressure resistibility, elongated, or ellipsoidal. In this case, it is needless to say that the cross-sectional shape of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and the cross-sectional shape of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a do not need to be the same. - Moreover, in order to enhance heat transferability, the heat transfer area of each refrigerant path may be increased by providing a groove in the inner surface thereof. In this case, the grooves may be formed simultaneously with the extrusion and pultrusion molding process of the
heat exchanger 8 so that the manufacturing process can be simplified. - Furthermore, although the first
refrigerant path 1 and the secondrefrigerant path 2 have the same number of refrigerant channels, as shown inFIG. 1 , the configuration is not limited to this. Specifically, the two paths may have a different number of refrigerant channels in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical flow properties of the refrigerants in theheat exchanger 8 so that a favorable heat exchanger with high heat transferability and low pressure loss can be obtained. - Furthermore, although the first
refrigerant path 1 and the secondrefrigerant path 2 are integrally formed in themain body 10, as shown inFIG. 1 , the configuration is not limited to this. Specifically, if the firstrefrigerant path 1 and the secondrefrigerant path 2 are provided as separate pipes and are joined to each other by, for example, brazing, the firstinlet communication hole 3a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4a may be provided in the pipe of the firstrefrigerant path 1 so that no additional header pipe for connecting to the refrigerant channels of the firstrefrigerant path 1 needs to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified. This similarly applies to a case where the secondinlet communication hole 5a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a are provided in the pipe of the secondrefrigerant path 2. - Furthermore, the first
inlet connection pipe 3 and the firstoutlet connection pipe 4 may be formed by inserting pipes into the firstinlet communication hole 3a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, respectively. Specifically, these inserted pipes have openings, such as slits, opening only in a direction from the firstinlet communication hole 3a toward the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and in a direction from the firstoutlet communication hole 4a toward the firstinlet communication hole 3a. - Thus, when the opposite ends of the first
refrigerant channels 1a and the secondrefrigerant channels 2a are to be sealed by, for example, brazing using sealing members, the refrigerant channels can be prevented from being narrowed due to excess sealing members entering the refrigerant channels, thereby suppressing variations in production. The same effect can be achieved
for the secondinlet connection pipe 5 and the secondoutlet connection pipe 6 by applying the same configuration thereto. - Although the first refrigerant flowing through the first
refrigerant path 1 and the second refrigerant flowing through the secondrefrigerant path 2 exchange heat in a countercurrent manner, the two refrigerants may alternatively exchange heat by flowing parallel to each other. For example, by making the first refrigerant flow in from the firstinlet connection pipe 3 and the second refrigerant flow in from the secondoutlet connection pipe 6, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are made to flow parallel to each other. - A
heat exchanger 8a according to Example 2 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of theheat exchanger 8a according to Example 2 of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , in themain body 10 of theheat exchanger 8a according to Example 2, the firstrefrigerant path 1 through which the first refrigerant flows is constituted of the plurality of firstrefrigerant channels 1a arranged in a single row and a plurality of firstrefrigerant channels 1b that are arranged in a single row adjacent to the firstrefrigerant channels 1a. The secondrefrigerant path 2 through which the second refrigerant flows is constituted of the plurality of secondrefrigerant channels 2a arranged in a single row and a plurality of secondrefrigerant channels 2b that are arranged in a single row adjacent to the secondrefrigerant channels 2a. - In other words, the first
refrigerant path 1 and the secondrefrigerant path 2 are each constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b in the firstrefrigerant path 1 and the secondrefrigerant channels 2a in the secondrefrigerant path 2 are disposed adjacent to each other, as shown inFIG. 2 . - One of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction is provided with the firstinlet communication hole 3a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a (and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b) and that communicates with all of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b. - The other end is provided with the first
outlet communication hole 4a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a (and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b) and that communicates with all of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b. - Furthermore, of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end that is provided with the firstoutlet communication hole 4a is provided with the secondinlet communication hole 5a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a (and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b) and that communicates with all of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b. - Of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end that is provided with the firstinlet communication hole 3a is provided with the secondoutlet communication hole 6a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a (and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b) and that communicates with all of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b. - The opposite ends of the first
refrigerant channels 1a, the firstrefrigerant channels 1b, the secondrefrigerant channels 2a, and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b extending through themain body 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof are sealed by, for example, pinching or by using sealing members (not shown). - Next, a heat exchanging operation between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant in the
heat exchanger 8a will be described with reference toFIG. 2 . - The first refrigerant flows into the first
inlet communication hole 3a via the firstinlet connection pipe 3, flows through the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b constituting the firstrefrigerant path 1, flows through the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, and then flows out from the firstoutlet connection pipe 4. The second refrigerant flows into the secondinlet communication hole 5a via the secondinlet connection pipe 5, flows through the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b constituting the secondrefrigerant path 2, flows through the secondoutlet communication hole 6a, and then flows out from the secondoutlet connection pipe 6. - During that time, the first refrigerant flowing through the first
refrigerant channels 1a and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant flowing through the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and the secondrefrigerant channels 2a. - In the
heat exchanger 8a described above, even though the refrigerant paths are each constituted of multiple sets of refrigerant channels, the refrigerant channels are integrally formed. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1, thermal resistance occurring in a case where the refrigerant channels are separately formed is suppressed, thereby allowing for enhanced heat exchanging performance. - Furthermore, since each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels and these refrigerant channels converge on a single communication hole, the number of communication holes can be reduced, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the
heat exchanger 8a. - Since a single communication hole is formed for converging two sets of refrigerant channels, the distance between the two sets of refrigerant channels of each refrigerant path can be reduced, whereby the
heat exchanger 8a can be made compact. - Furthermore, since each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, the heat exchanging capacity can be increased.
- Although the number of refrigerant channels is the same among the first
refrigerant channels 1a, the firstrefrigerant channels 1b, the secondrefrigerant channels 2a, and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b as shown inFIG. 2 , the configuration is not limited to this. - Specifically, the number of refrigerant channels may be varied in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical flow properties of the refrigerants in the
heat exchanger 8a so that a favorable heat exchanger with high heat transferability and low pressure loss can be obtained. - Furthermore, although each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels (e.g., the first
refrigerant path 1 is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, i.e., the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b), as shown inFIG. 2 , the configuration is not limited to this. - Specifically, for example, if the heat exchanging capacity is to be increased or if the pressure loss is to be reduced by increasing the channel area, each refrigerant path may be constituted of three or more sets of refrigerant channels. Moreover, the number of sets of refrigerant channels in
the firstrefrigerant path 1 and the number of sets of refrigerant channels in the secondrefrigerant path 2 do not need to be the same. - Furthermore, the first
inlet communication hole 3a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6a may be displaced from each other in the flowing direction of the first refrigerant path 1 (or the second refrigerant path 2), as in Example 1. The same applies to the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the secondinlet communication hole 5a. - Accordingly, the distance between the adjoining first and second
refrigerant paths 1 and 2 (i.e., the distance between the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and the secondrefrigerant channels 2a inFIG. 2 ) can be reduced, whereby theheat exchanger 8a can be made compact. - A
heat exchanger 8b according to Example 3 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1. -
FIG. 3 illustrates the structure of theheat exchanger 8b according to Example 3 of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view of theheat exchanger 8b,FIG. 3(b) is a plan view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow A inFIG. 3(a), and FIG. 3(c) is a side view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow B inFIG. 3(a) . - As shown in
FIG. 3 , in themain body 10 of theheat exchanger 8b according to Example 3, the firstrefrigerant path 1 through which the first refrigerant flows is constituted of the plurality of firstrefrigerant channels 1a arranged in a single row and the plurality of firstrefrigerant channels 1b arranged in a single row. The secondrefrigerant path 2 through which the second refrigerant flows is constituted of the plurality of secondrefrigerant channels 2a arranged in a single row and the plurality of secondrefrigerant channels 2b arranged in a single row. - Moreover, the rows of the refrigerant channels in the first
refrigerant path 1 and the rows of the refrigerant channels in the secondrefrigerant path 2 are alternately arranged. Specifically, as viewed in the direction of the arrow B inFIG. 3(a) , the refrigerant channels are arranged in the following order from the top: the firstrefrigerant channels 1a, the secondrefrigerant channels 2a, the firstrefrigerant channels 1b, and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b. - One of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction is provided with the firstinlet communication hole 3a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with all of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a, and is also provided with a firstinlet communication hole 3b that extends in the direction of arrangement of the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and that communicates with all of the firstrefrigerant channels 1b. - The other end is provided with the first
outlet communication hole 4a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with all of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a, and is also provided with a firstoutlet communication hole 4b that extends in the direction of arrangement of the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and that communicates with all of the firstrefrigerant channels 1b. - Moreover, of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end that is provided with the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b is provided with the secondinlet communication hole 5a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with all of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a, and is also provided with a secondinlet communication hole 5b that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2b and that communicates with all of the secondrefrigerant channels 2b. - The other end is provided with the second
outlet communication hole 6a that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with all of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a, and is also provided with a secondoutlet communication hole 6b that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2b and that communicates with all of the secondrefrigerant channels 2b. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the extending direction of the firstinlet communication hole 3a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4a does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the direction of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a. Moreover, the extending direction of the firstinlet communication hole 3b and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the direction of the firstrefrigerant channels 1b. - This similarly applies to the extending direction of the second
inlet communication hole 5a and the secondinlet communication hole 5b as well as the secondoutlet communication hole 6a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6b. - The opposite ends of the first
inlet communication hole 3a, the firstinlet communication hole 3b, the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, the firstoutlet communication hole 4b, the secondinlet communication hole 5a, the secondinlet communication hole 5b, the secondoutlet communication hole 6a, and the secondoutlet communication hole 6b are closed by, for example, sealing members. - Furthermore, the opposite ends of the first
refrigerant channels 1a, the firstrefrigerant channels 1b, the secondrefrigerant channels 2a, and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b extending through themain body 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof are sealed by, for example, pinching or by using sealing members (not shown). - Furthermore, a first
inlet convergence hole 31 that communicates with both the firstinlet communication hole 3a and the firstinlet communication hole 3b is formed so as to extend in the direction of arrangement thereof, and a firstoutlet convergence hole 41 that communicates with both the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b is formed so as to extend in the direction of arrangement thereof. - Moreover, a second
inlet convergence hole 51 that communicates with both the secondinlet communication hole 5a and the secondinlet communication hole 5b is formed so as to extend in the direction of arrangement thereof, and a secondoutlet convergence hole 61 that communicates with both the secondoutlet communication hole 6a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6b is formed so as to extend in the direction of arrangement thereof. - When viewed in the direction of the arrow A (plan view) in
FIG. 3(a) , the firstinlet convergence hole 31, the firstoutlet convergence hole 41, the secondinlet convergence hole 51, and the secondoutlet convergence hole 61 are all formed at the same side (i.e., at the right side inFIG. 3(b) ). However, the configuration is not limited to this. - Specifically, for example, the first
inlet convergence hole 31 may be formed at any position so long as the position thereof is along the direction of arrangement of the firstinlet communication hole 3a and the firstinlet communication hole 3b. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 3(a) , the extending direction of the firstinlet convergence hole 31 does not necessary need to be orthogonal to the extending direction of the firstinlet communication hole 3a and the firstinlet communication hole 3b. This similarly applies to the firstoutlet convergence hole 41, the secondinlet convergence hole 51, and the secondoutlet convergence hole 61. - Furthermore, first ends of the first
inlet convergence hole 31, the firstoutlet convergence hole 41, the secondinlet convergence hole 51, and the secondoutlet convergence hole 61 are open and are connected to the firstinlet connection pipe 3, the firstoutlet connection pipe 4, the secondinlet connection pipe 5, and the secondoutlet connection pipe 6, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside. Second ends of the firstinlet convergence hole 31, the firstoutlet convergence hole 41, the secondinlet convergence hole 51, and the secondoutlet convergence hole 61 are closed by, for example, sealing members. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the open (or closed) ends of the firstinlet convergence hole 31, the firstoutlet convergence hole 41, the secondinlet convergence hole 51, and the secondoutlet convergence hole 61 are all disposed at the same side. However, the configuration is not limited to this; the open (or closed) ends do not need to be disposed at the same side so long as each convergence hole has one end that is open and the other end that is closed. - The first
inlet communication hole 3a, the firstinlet communication hole 3b, the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b correspond to "first communication holes" according to the present invention, and the secondinlet communication hole 5a, the secondinlet communication hole 5b, the secondoutlet communication hole 6a, and the secondoutlet communication hole 6b correspond to "second communication holes" according to the present invention. - The first
inlet convergence hole 31 and the firstoutlet convergence hole 41 correspond to "first convergence holes" according to the present invention, and the secondinlet convergence hole 51 and the secondoutlet convergence hole 61 correspond to "second convergence holes" according to the present invention. - Next, a heat exchanging operation between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant in the
heat exchanger 8b will be described with reference toFIG. 3 . - The first refrigerant flows into the first
inlet convergence hole 31 via the firstinlet connection pipe 3 and then flows into the firstinlet communication hole 3a and the firstinlet communication hole 3b. The first refrigerant flowing into the firstinlet communication hole 3a flows through the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and then flows out to the firstoutlet communication hole 4a. - The first refrigerant flowing into the first
inlet communication hole 3b flows through the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and then flows out to the first
outlet communication hole 4b. Then, the first refrigerant flowing out to the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the first refrigerant flowing out to the firstoutlet communication hole 4b merge at the firstoutlet convergence hole 41 before flowing out from the firstoutlet connection pipe 4. - The second refrigerant flows into the second
inlet convergence hole 51 via the secondinlet connection pipe 5 and then flows into the secondinlet communication hole 5a and the secondinlet communication hole 5b. The second refrigerant flowing into the secondinlet communication hole 5a flows through the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and then flows out to the secondoutlet communication hole 6a. The second refrigerant flowing into the secondinlet communication hole 5b flows through the secondrefrigerant channels 2b and then flows out to the secondoutlet communication hole 6b. - The second refrigerant flowing out to the second
outlet communication hole 6a and the second refrigerant flowing out to the secondoutlet communication hole 6b merge at the secondoutlet convergence hole 61 before flowing out from the secondoutlet connection pipe 6. - The first refrigerant flowing through the first
refrigerant channels 1a and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant flowing through the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and the secondrefrigerant channels 2b exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via partitions between the refrigerant channels. - In the
heat exchanger 8b described above, even though the refrigerant paths are each constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, the refrigerant channels are integrally formed. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1, thermal resistance occurring in a case where the refrigerant channels are separately formed is suppressed, thereby allowing for enhanced heat exchanging performance. - Furthermore, because the first
inlet convergence hole 31 and the firstoutlet convergence hole 41 are provided within themain body 10 of theheat exchanger 8b, additional header pipes for connecting to the firstinlet communication hole 3a, the firstinlet communication hole 3b, the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b do not need to be provided. Thus, theheat exchanger 8 can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified. This similarly applies to the secondinlet convergence hole 51 and the secondoutlet convergence hole 61. - Furthermore, since each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels and these refrigerant channels converge on a single communication hole, the number of communication holes can be reduced, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the
heat exchanger 8b. - Moreover, since each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, the heat exchanging capacity can be increased.
- Unlike the
heat exchanger 8a according to Example 2, the firstrefrigerant path 1 constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels and the secondrefrigerant path 2 constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels are not disposed adjacent to each other in theheat exchanger 8b according to Example 3. Instead, the rows of the refrigerant channels of the firstrefrigerant path 1 and the rows of the refrigerant channels of the secondrefrigerant path 2 are alternately arranged. - Thus, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channels of each set and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channels of another set that is adjacent thereto have different structures, so that the heat exchanging performance is further enhanced, as compared with that of the
heat exchanger 8a according to Example 2. - Although the first
refrigerant path 1 and the secondrefrigerant path 2 are integrally formed in themain body 10, as shown inFIG. 3 , the configuration is not limited to this. Specifically, if the firstrefrigerant path 1 and the secondrefrigerant path 2 are provided as separate pipes and are joined to each other by, for example, brazing, the firstinlet communication hole 3a, the firstinlet communication hole 3b, the firstoutlet communication hole 4a, and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b may be provided in the pipe of the firstrefrigerant path 1 so that an additional header pipe for connecting to the refrigerant channels of the firstrefrigerant path 1 does not need to be provided, whereby the heat exchanger can be made compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified. - This similarly applies to a case where the second
inlet communication hole 5a, the secondinlet communication hole 5b, the secondoutlet communication hole 6a, and the secondoutlet communication hole 6b are provided in the pipe of the secondrefrigerant path 2. - Furthermore, although each refrigerant path is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels (e.g., the first
refrigerant path 1 is constituted of two sets of refrigerant channels, i.e., the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and the firstrefrigerant channels 1b), as shown inFIG. 3 , the configuration is not limited to this. - Specifically, for example, if the heat exchanging capacity is to be increased or if the pressure loss is to be reduced by increasing the channel area, each refrigerant path may be constituted of three or more sets of refrigerant channels. Moreover, the number of sets of refrigerant channels in the first
refrigerant path 1 and the number of sets of refrigerant channels in the secondrefrigerant path 2 do not need to be the same. - A
heat exchanger 8c according toEmbodiment 1 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1. -
FIG. 4 illustrates the structure of theheat exchanger 8c according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , in theheat exchanger 8c according to Embodiment 1, one of the opposite ends of themain body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction is provided with a first inlet communication hole 3aa that extends in the direction of arrangement of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and that communicates with one or more of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a (referred to as "first first refrigerant channel group" hereinafter). Moreover, a first inlet communication hole 3ab that communicates with the remaining first refrigerant channel orchannels 1a is formed. - The other end is provided with a first outlet communication hole 4aa that extends in the direction of arrangement of the first
refrigerant channels 1a. Among the firstrefrigerant channels 1a, the first outlet communication hole 4aa communicates with all of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a communicating with the first inlet communication hole 3aa and also communicates with one or more of the firstrefrigerant channels 1a (referred to as "second first refrigerant channel group" hereinafter) that communicate with the first inlet communication hole 3ab. - Moreover, a first outlet communication hole 4ab that communicates with the remaining first refrigerant channel or
channels 1a (referred to as "third first refrigerant channel group" hereinafter) communicating with the first inlet communication hole 3ab is also formed. - Furthermore, of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end that is provided with the first outlet communication hole 4aa and the first outlet communication hole 4ab is provided with a second inlet communication hole 5ab that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with one or more of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a (referred to as "first second refrigerant channel group" hereinafter). Moreover, a second inlet communication hole 5aa that communicates with the remaining second refrigerant channel orchannels 2a is also formed. - Furthermore, of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end that is provided with the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the first inlet communication hole 3ab is provided with a second outlet communication hole 6ab that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a. - Among the second
refrigerant channels 2a, the second outlet communication hole 6ab communicates with all of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5ab and also communicates with one or more of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a (referred to as "second second refrigerant channel group" hereinafter) communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5aa. - Moreover, a second outlet communication hole 6aa that communicates with the remaining second refrigerant channel or
channels 2a (referred to as "third second refrigerant channel group" hereinafter) communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5aa is also formed. - The "first first refrigerant channel group" is formed adjacent to the "third second refrigerant channel group", the "second first refrigerant channel group" is formed adjacent to the "second second refrigerant channel group", and the "third first refrigerant channel group" is formed adjacent to the "first second refrigerant channel group".
- In the refrigerant flowing direction of the first
refrigerant channels 1a (or the secondrefrigerant channels 2a), the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the second outlet communication hole 6aa are slightly displaced from each other, and the first inlet communication hole 3ab and the second outlet communication hole 6ab are slightly displaced from each other. - Moreover, in the refrigerant flowing direction of the first
refrigerant channels 1a (or the secondrefrigerant channels 2a), the first outlet communication hole 4aa and the second inlet communication hole 5aa are slightly displaced from each other, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab and the second inlet communication hole 5ab are slightly displaced from each other, - The first inlet communication hole 3aa, the first inlet communication hole 3ab, the first outlet communication hole 4aa, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab do not necessarily need to extend orthogonally to the direction of the first
refrigerant channels 1a. Likewise, the second inlet communication hole 5aa, the second inlet communication hole 5ab, the second outlet communication hole 6aa, and the second outlet communication hole 6ab do not necessarily need to extend orthogonally to the direction of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a. - Furthermore, although the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the first inlet communication hole 3ab extend in the same direction and are coaxial with each other, as shown in
FIG. 4 , the two holes do not necessarily have to extend in the same direction or be coaxial with each other. - This similarly applies to the first outlet communication hole 4aa and the first outlet communication hole 4ab, the second inlet communication hole 5aa and the second inlet communication hole 5ab, and the second outlet communication hole 6aa and the second outlet communication hole 6ab.
- First ends of the first inlet communication hole 3aa, the first outlet communication hole 4ab, the second inlet communication hole 5ab, and the second outlet communication hole 6aa are open and are connected to the first
inlet connection pipe 3, the firstoutlet connection pipe 4, the second inlet connection pipe 5 (not shown inFIG. 4 due to being located behind the first outlet connection pipe 4), and the secondoutlet connection pipe 6, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside. - The first inlet communication hole 3aa corresponds to a "first divided-communication-hole inflow section" according to the present invention, the first inlet communication hole 3ab and the first outlet communication hole 4aa correspond to a "first divided-communication-hole turnaround section" according to the present invention, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab corresponds to a "first divided-communication-hole outflow section" according to the present invention.
- The second inlet communication hole 5ab corresponds to a "second divided-communication-hole inflow section" according to the present invention, the second inlet communication hole 5aa and the second outlet communication hole 6ab correspond to a "second divided-communication-hole turnaround section" according to the present invention, and the second outlet communication hole 6aa corresponds to a "second divided-communication-hole outflow section" according to the present invention.
- Next, a heat exchanging operation between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant in the
heat exchanger 8c will be described with reference toFIG. 4 . - The first refrigerant flows into the first inlet communication hole 3aa via the first
inlet connection pipe 3, flows through the firstrefrigerant channels 1a, the first outlet communication hole 4aa, the firstrefrigerant channels 1a again, the first inlet communication hole 3ab, the firstrefrigerant channels 1a again, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab in that order, and then flows out from the firstoutlet connection pipe 4. - The second refrigerant flows into the second inlet communication hole 5ab via the second
inlet connection pipe 5, flows through the secondrefrigerant channels 2a, the second outlet communication hole 6ab, the secondrefrigerant channels 2a again, the second inlet communication hole 5aa, the secondrefrigerant channels 2a again, and the second outlet communication hole 6aa in that order, and then flows out from the secondoutlet connection pipe 6. During that time, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the two refrigerant paths. - In the
heat exchanger 8c described above, if the sectional area of the channels is to be reduced and the refrigerant flow paths are to be extended for maximizing the heat exchanging performance in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical properties of the refrigerants, the refrigerant flow paths can be turned around inside. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1, the heat exchanging performance can be maximized while minimizing the size of theheat exchanger 8c. - Furthermore, since the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the like for turning around the refrigerant flow paths are formed within the
main body 10 of theheat exchanger 8c, additional pipes do not need to be provided, whereby theheat exchanger 8c can be made compact. - Although the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are both made to flow by being turned around in the
heat exchanger 8c according toEmbodiment 1 the configuration is not limited to this. One of the refrigerants may be made to turn around, whereas the other refrigerant may be made to flow linearly as in Example 1. - In this case, the refrigerant to be made to turn around may be selected in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical properties of the refrigerants in the heat exchanger so that a favorable heat exchanger with high heat transferability and low pressure loss can be obtained.
- Furthermore, the first inlet communication hole 3aa, the first inlet communication hole 3ab, the first outlet communication hole 4aa, and the first outlet communication hole 4ab may have the configurations described above, whereas the second inlet communication hole 5aa, the second inlet communication hole 5ab, the second outlet communication hole 6aa, and the second outlet communication hole 6ab may have the following configurations.
- However, the positional relationship between the first inlet communication holes 3aa and 3ab and the second outlet communication holes 6aa and 6ab as well as the positional relationship between the second outlet communication holes 4aa and 4ab and the second inlet communication holes 5aa and 5ab are the same as those shown in
FIG. 4 . - Specifically, of the opposite ends of the
main body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end provided with the first outlet communication hole 4aa and the first outlet communication hole 4ab is provided with the second inlet communication hole 5aa that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and that communicates with one or more of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a (corresponding to the "third second refrigerant channel group" described above). - Moreover, the second inlet communication hole 5ab that communicates with the remaining second refrigerant channel or
channels 2a is formed. Of the opposite ends of themain body 10 in the refrigerant flowing direction, the end provided with the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the first inlet communication hole 3ab is provided with the second outlet communication hole 6aa that extends in the direction of arrangement of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a. - Among the second
refrigerant channels 2a, the second outlet communication hole 6aa communicates with all of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5aa and also communicates with one or more of the secondrefrigerant channels 2a (corresponding to the "second second refrigerant channel group" described above) communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5ab. - Moreover, the second outlet communication hole 6ab that communicates with the remaining second refrigerant channel or
channels 2a (corresponding to the "first first refrigerant channel group" described above) communicating with the second inlet communication hole 5ab is formed. In this case, first ends of the second inlet communication hole 5aa and the second outlet communication hole 6ab are open and are connected to the secondinlet connection pipe 5 and the secondoutlet connection pipe 6, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside. - Even with the above configuration, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant can exchange heat in a countercurrent manner, so that advantages similar to those of the
heat exchanger 8c shown inFIG. 4 can be achieved. - Furthermore, although the communication hole corresponding to the first
inlet communication hole 3a in theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 is divided into two holes (i.e., the first inlet communication hole 3aa and the first inlet communication hole 3ab) in theheat exchanger 8c according to Embodiment 4 (the same applies to the first outlet communication hole 4aa and the first outlet communication hole 4ab, etc.), as shown inFIG. 4 , the configuration is not limited to this. - Specifically, the communication hole may be divided into three or more holes so that the number of times each refrigerant is turned around is increased. In this case, depending on the divided configuration, two first outlet communication holes 4ab would be disposed at one end of the first
refrigerant channels 1a in the direction of arrangement thereof, causing the first refrigerant to flow into or out from the holes. Accordingly, the refrigerant flow paths can be made longer while maintaining the current size of the heat exchanger, whereby the heat exchanging performance can be further enhanced. - Furthermore, the turnaround refrigerant-flow-path configuration of the
heat exchanger 8c according toEmbodiment 1 is also applicable to Example 2 and Example 3. - A
heat exchanger 8d according toEmbodiment 2 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of theheat exchanger 8b according to Example 3. -
FIG. 5 illustrates the structure of theheat exchanger 8d according toEmbodiment 2 of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of theheat exchanger 8d,FIG. 5(b) is a plan view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow A inFIG. 5(a), and FIG. 5(c) is a side view as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow B inFIG. 5(a) . - As shown in
FIG. 5 , afirst convergence hole 31a that communicates with the firstinlet communication hole 3a and afirst convergence hole 31b that communicates with the firstinlet communication hole 3b are formed in the direction of arrangement of the firstinlet communication hole 3a and the firstinlet communication hole 3b. Moreover, a firstintermediate convergence hole 41a that communicates with both the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b is formed in the direction of arrangement thereof. - Furthermore, a second
intermediate convergence hole 51a that communicates with both the secondinlet communication hole 5a and the secondinlet communication hole 5b is formed in the direction of arrangement thereof. Moreover, asecond convergence hole 61a that communicates with the secondoutlet communication hole 6a and asecond convergence hole 61b that communicates with the secondoutlet communication hole 6b are formed in the direction of arrangement of the secondoutlet communication hole 6a and the secondoutlet communication hole 6b. - First ends of the
first convergence hole 31a, thefirst convergence hole 31b, thesecond convergence hole 61a, and thesecond convergence hole 61b are open and are connected to the firstinlet connection pipe 3, the firstoutlet connection pipe 4, the secondoutlet connection pipe 6, and the secondinlet connection pipe 5, respectively, so as to communicate with the outside. - The opposite ends of the first
intermediate convergence hole 41a and the secondintermediate convergence hole 51a are closed by, for example sealing members. Therefore, the surface of themain body 10 that is opposite the surface thereof connected to the firstinlet connection pipe 3 and the secondoutlet connection pipe 6 is connected to the firstoutlet connection pipe 4 and the secondinlet connection pipe 5. - When viewed in the direction of the arrow A (plan view) in
FIG. 5 , thefirst convergence hole 31a, thefirst convergence hole 31b, the firstintermediate convergence hole 41a, the secondintermediate convergence hole 51a, thesecond convergence hole 61a, and thesecond convergence hole 61b are all formed at the same side (i.e., at the right side). - However, the configuration is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, the
first convergence hole 31a may be formed at any position so long as it communicates with the firstinlet communication hole 3a and has an opening oriented toward the outside. This similarly applies to thefirst convergence hole 31b, thesecond convergence hole 61a, and thesecond convergence hole 61b. - The first
intermediate convergence hole 41a may be formed at any position so long as the position thereof is parallel to the direction of arrangement of the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b. This similarly applies to the secondintermediate convergence hole 51a. - Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 5 , the extending direction of the firstintermediate convergence hole 41a does not necessarily need to be orthogonal to the extending direction of the firstoutlet communication hole 4a and the firstoutlet communication hole 4b. This similarly applies to the secondintermediate convergence hole 51a. - The
first convergence hole 31a corresponds to "first-convergence-hole inflow section" according to the present invention, and thefirst convergence hole 31b corresponds to "first-convergence-hole outflow section" according to the present invention. Thesecond convergence hole 61b corresponds to "second-convergence-hole inflow section" according to the present invention, and thesecond convergence hole 61a corresponds to "second-convergence-hole outflow section" according to the present invention. - Next, a heat exchanging operation between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant in the
heat exchanger 8d will be described with reference toFIG. 5 . - The first refrigerant flows into the
first convergence hole 31a via the firstinlet connection pipe 3 and then flows into the firstinlet communication hole 3a. The first refrigerant flowing into the firstinlet communication hole 3a flows through the firstrefrigerant channels 1a and then flows out to the firstoutlet communication hole 4a. The first refrigerant flowing out to the firstoutlet communication hole 4a flows out to the firstoutlet communication hole 4b via the firstintermediate convergence hole 41a. - The first refrigerant flowing out to the first
outlet communication hole 4b flows through the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and then flows out to the firstinlet communication hole 3b. The first refrigerant flowing out to the firstinlet communication hole 3b travels through thefirst convergence hole 31b and flows out via the firstoutlet connection pipe 4. - The second refrigerant flows into the
second convergence hole 61b via the secondinlet connection pipe 5 and then flows into the secondoutlet communication hole 6b. The second refrigerant flowing into the secondoutlet communication hole 6b flows through the secondrefrigerant channels 2b and then flows out to the secondinlet communication hole 5b. The second refrigerant flowing out to the secondinlet communication hole 5b flows out to the secondinlet communication hole 5a via the secondintermediate convergence hole 51a. - The second refrigerant flowing out to the second
inlet communication hole 5a flows through the secondrefrigerant channels 2a and then flows out to the secondoutlet communication hole 6a. The second refrigerant flowing out to the secondoutlet communication hole 6a travels through thesecond convergence hole 61a and flows out via the secondoutlet connection pipe 6. - The first refrigerant flowing through the first
refrigerant channels 1a and the second refrigerant flowing through the secondrefrigerant channels 2a exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the refrigerant channels. Furthermore, the first refrigerant flowing through the firstrefrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant flowing through the secondrefrigerant channels 2b exchange heat in a countercurrent manner via a partition between the refrigerant channels. - Although the first refrigerant flowing through the first
refrigerant channels 1b and the second refrigerant flowing through the secondrefrigerant channels 2a have a parallel-current relationship, it is needless to say that the two refrigerants exchange heat via a partition between the refrigerant channels. - In the
heat exchanger 8d described above, if the sectional area of the channels is to be reduced and the refrigerant flow paths are to be extended for maximizing the heat exchanging performance in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical properties of the refrigerants, the refrigerant flow paths can be turned around inside. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of theheat exchanger 8c according to Example 3, the heat exchanging performance can be maximized while minimizing the size of theheat exchanger 8d. - Furthermore, since the first
intermediate convergence hole 41a and the like for turning around the refrigerant flow paths are formed within themain body 10 of theheat exchanger 8d, additional pipes do not need to be provided, whereby theheat exchanger 8d can be made compact. - Although the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are both made to flow by being turned around in the
heat exchanger 8d according toEmbodiment 2 the configuration is not limited to this. One of the refrigerants may be made to turn around, whereas the other refrigerant may be made to flow linearly as inEmbodiment 1. - In this case, the refrigerant to be made to turn around may be selected in accordance with the operating conditions and the physical properties of the refrigerants in the heat exchanger so that a favorable heat exchanger with high heat transferability and low pressure loss can be obtained.
- The heat exchanger according to each of Example 1 to
Embodiment 2 described above can be installed in a refrigeration cycle apparatus, such as an air-conditioning apparatus, a hot-water storage apparatus, and a refrigerator. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 is described as being equipped with theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 as an example. -
FIG. 6 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , arefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes a first refrigerant circuit formed by connecting afirst compressor 230, afirst radiator 231, theheat exchanger 8, a first pressure-reducingdevice 232, and afirst cooler 233 in that order by using a refrigerant pipe. - In the
heat exchanger 8, the firstinlet connection pipe 3 is connected to thefirst radiator 231 by the refrigerant pipe, and the firstoutlet connection pipe 4 is connected to the first pressure-reducingdevice 232 by the refrigerant pipe. The first refrigerant circuit operates based on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle by causing the first refrigerant, which is a high-temperature refrigerant, to circulate therethrough. - Moreover, the
refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes a second refrigerant circuit formed by connecting asecond compressor 240, asecond radiator 241, a second pressure-reducingdevice 242, and theheat exchanger 8 in that order by using a refrigerant pipe. In theheat exchanger 8, the secondinlet connection pipe 5 is connected to the second pressure-reducingdevice 242 by the refrigerant pipe, and the secondoutlet connection pipe 6 is connected to thesecond compressor 240 by the refrigerant pipe. The second refrigerant circuit operates based on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle by causing the second refrigerant, which is a low-temperature refrigerant, to circulate therethrough. - Each of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant used is a refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants. The following description of Embodiments will be directed to a case where carbon dioxide is used as the first refrigerant.
- The first refrigerant in a gas state is compressed by the
first compressor 230 and is discharged therefrom as a refrigerant in a high-temperature high-pressure supercritical state. The first refrigerant in the high-temperature high-pressure supercritical state flows into thefirst radiator 231 and exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to transfer heat thereto, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a high-pressure supercritical state. - The first refrigerant in the high-pressure supercritical state flows into the
heat exchanger 8 and is cooled by transferring beat to the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant circuit in theheat exchanger 8, and then flows into the first pressure-reducingdevice 232 where the first refrigerant is reduced in pressure, thereby becoming a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. - This low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the
first cooler 233 where the refrigerant exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to evaporate, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a low-temperature low-pressure gas state. The first refrigerant in the low-temperature low-pressure gas state is suctioned into thefirst compressor 230 again so as to be compressed. - The second refrigerant in a gas state is compressed by the
second compressor 240 and is discharged therefrom as a refrigerant in a high-temperature high-pressure gas state. The second refrigerant in the high-temperature high-pressure gas state flows into thesecond radiator 241 and exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to condense, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a high-pressure liquid state. The second refrigerant in the high-pressure liquid state flows into the second pressure-reducingdevice 242 where the second refrigerant is reduced in pressure, thereby becoming a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. - This low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the
heat exchanger 8 and evaporates by receiving heat from the first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant circuit in theheat exchanger 8, thereby becoming a refrigerant in a low-temperature low-pressure gas state. The second refrigerant in the low-temperature low-pressure gas state is suctioned into thesecond compressor 240 again so as to be compressed. - In the
refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 having the above-described configuration, a high degree of supercooling of the first refrigerant flowing out from thefirst radiator 231 can be ensured, so that the efficiency of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 can be significantly improved. In particular, because carbon dioxide is used as the first refrigerant in the above-described example, the efficiency of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is particularly improved when the first refrigerant at a critical point or higher transfers heat to the second refrigerant in theheat exchanger 8. - Furthermore, the compactness of the
heat exchanger 8 contributes to compactness of the entirerefrigeration cycle apparatus 200. - Although carbon dioxide is used as an example of the first refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant circuit in the above description, the first refrigerant is not limited to carbon dioxide; it is needless to say that a refrigerant, such as an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants may be used.
- Even in that case, a high degree of supercooling of the first refrigerant flowing out from the
first radiator 231 can be ensured, so that the efficiency of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 can be improved. - Although the
heat exchanger 8 is used as a radiator in therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 shown inFIG. 6 , the configuration is not limited to this. Theheat exchanger 8 may also be used as a cooler by reversing the circulating direction of the first refrigerant by using, for example, a four-way valve. - Although the second refrigerant circuit is based on a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle in
Embodiment 3, the second refrigerant may alternatively be water or brine (antifreeze), such as an ethylene glycol aqueous solution, and thesecond compressor 240 may be constituted of a pump. - Although the
heat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 is used as an example of a heat exchanger in therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according toEmbodiment 6, as shown inFIG. 6 , the heat exchanger is not limited to the above. It is needless to say that the heat exchanger used may alternatively be any of theheat exchangers 8a to 8d according to Example 2 toEmbodiment 2. - A
refrigeration cycle apparatus 200a according toEmbodiment 4 will now be described by focusing mainly on differences from the configuration and the operation of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according toEmbodiment 3. -
FIG. 7 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 4 of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200a is obtained by removing thefirst radiator 231 from the configuration of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according toEmbodiment 3 shown inFIG. 6 and is configured to make theheat exchanger 8 cool all of the high-temperature high-pressure first refrigerant discharged from thefirst compressor 230. - Specifically, the
refrigeration cycle apparatus 200a shown inFIG. 7 is a so-called secondary-loop refrigeration cycle apparatus. In this case, theheat exchanger 8 according toEmbodiment 4 functions as both thefirst radiator 231 and theheat exchanger 8 inEmbodiment 4. - With the above-described configuration, the heat exchanging amount required in the
heat exchanger 8 is increased, so that the percentage of the volume of theheat exchanger 8 occupying the entirerefrigeration cycle apparatus 200a is greater than that in therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according toEmbodiment 4 equipped with thefirst radiator 231. In this case, the compactness of theheat exchanger 8 contributes to compactness of the entirerefrigeration cycle apparatus 200a. - Although the
heat exchanger 8 is used as a radiator in therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200a shown inFIG. 7 , the configuration is not limited to this. Theheat exchanger 8 may also be used as a cooler by reversing the circulating direction of the first refrigerant by using, for example, a four-way valve. - A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 5 is described as being equipped with theheat exchanger 8 according to Example 1 as an example. -
FIG. 8 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according toEmbodiment 5 of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , arefrigeration cycle apparatus 200b includes a refrigerant circuit formed by connecting acompressor 250, aradiator 251, theheat exchanger 8, a pressure-reducingdevice 252, and a cooler 253 in that order by using a refrigerant pipe. - Furthermore, a
bypass pipe 255 branching off from the refrigerant pipe between theheat exchanger 8 and the pressure-reducingdevice 252 is connected to aninjection port 256 provided in a compression chamber of thecompressor 250, or is connected between thecompressor 250 and the cooler 253, although not shown. - In the
bypass pipe 255, a bypass pressure-reducingdevice 254 and theheat exchanger 8 are disposed in that order from a branch point of the refrigerant pipe between theheat exchanger 8 and the pressure-reducingdevice 252. - In the
heat exchanger 8, the firstinlet connection pipe 3 is connected to theradiator 251 by the refrigerant pipe, and the firstoutlet connection pipe 4 is connected to the pressure-reducingdevice 252 by the refrigerant pipe. Furthermore, in theheat exchanger 8, the secondinlet connection pipe 5 is connected to the bypass pressure-reducingdevice 254 by the refrigerant pipe, and the secondoutlet connection pipe 6 is connected to theinjection port 256 of thecompressor 250 by the refrigerant pipe, or is connected between thecompressor 250 and the cooler 253, although not shown. - A gas refrigerant is compressed by the
compressor 250 and is discharged therefrom as a high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant. This high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into theradiator 251 and exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to transfer heat thereto. Then, the high-pressure refrigerant (high-temperature refrigerant) flowing out from theradiator 251 flows into theheat exchanger 8. - The high-pressure refrigerant (high-temperature refrigerant) flowing into the
heat exchanger 8 is cooled by transferring heat to a low-temperature refrigerant flowing out from the bypass pressure-reducingdevice 254, and then flows into the pressure-reducingdevice 252 so as to be reduced in pressure, thereby becoming a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. - This low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows into the cooler 253 and exchanges heat with, for example, air so as to evaporate, thereby becoming a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant. This low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant is suctioned into the
compressor 250 again so as to be compressed. - Before flowing into the pressure-reducing
device 252, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out from theheat exchanger 8 diverges and flows into thebypass pipe 255. The refrigerant flowing into thebypass pipe 255 is reduced in pressure by the bypass pressure-reducingdevice 254 so as to become a low-temperature two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant (low-temperature refrigerant), which then flows into theheat exchanger 8. - The low-temperature two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant (low-temperature refrigerant) flowing into the
heat exchanger 8 is heated by receiving heat from the high-temperature refrigerant, and is injected into the compression chamber via theinjection port 256 of thecompressor 250. - The refrigerant circulating through the
refrigeration cycle apparatus 200b is a refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, an HFC-based refrigerant, an HC-based refrigerant, an HFO-based refrigerant, or ammonia, or a refrigerant mixture containing these refrigerants. - In the
refrigeration cycle apparatus 200b having the above-described configuration, a high degree of supercooling of the refrigerant flowing out from theradiator 251 can be ensured, so that the efficiency of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 200b can be significantly improved. - Furthermore, in the
refrigeration cycle apparatus 200b shown inFIG. 8 , the higher the saturation temperature (gas-liquid equilibrium temperature) of the low-temperature refrigerant flowing into theinjection port 256 from theheat exchanger 8, the higher the efficiency of thecompressor 250, whereby the required power can be reduced. - Furthermore, as shown in
FIG. 8 , when the high-temperature refrigerant flowing out from theradiator 251 is cooled by theheat exchanger 8, if the temperature of the high-temperature refrigerant flowing out from theradiator 251 is relatively high particularly due to a high outside air temperature, a sufficiently large temperature difference between the high-temperature refrigerant and the low-temperature refrigerant can be ensured in theheat exchanger 8. - Therefore, the low-temperature refrigerant to be injected into the compression chamber of the
compressor 250 via theinjection port 256 can be maintained at a higher temperature, whereby high efficiency of thefirst compressor 230 can be ensured. - In a case where the other end of the
bypass pipe 255 is connected between thecompressor 250 and the cooler 253, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the cooler 253 can be reduced without lowering the refrigeration effect, as compared with a case where theheat exchanger 8 is not used. In particular, when the pipe between thecompressor 250 and the cooler 253 is long, performance deterioration caused by an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed. - Furthermore, the compactness of the
heat exchanger 8 contributes to compactness of the entirerefrigeration cycle apparatus 200b. -
- 1
- first refrigerant path
- 1a, 1b
- first refrigerant channel
- 2
- second refrigerant path
- 2a, 2b
- second refrigerant channel
- 3
- first inlet connection pipe
- 3a, 3aa, 3ab, 3b
- first inlet communication hole
- 4
- first outlet connection pipe
- 4a, 4aa, 4ab, 4b
- first outlet communication hole
- 5
- second inlet connection pipe
- 5a, 5aa, 5ab, 5b
- second inlet communication hole
- 6
- second outlet connection pipe
- 6a, 6aa, 6ab, 6b
- second outlet communication hole
- 8, 8a to 8d
- heat exchanger
- 10
- main body
- 31
- first inlet convergence hole
- 31a, 31b
- first convergence hole
- 41
- first outlet convergence hole
- 41a
- first intermediate convergence hole
- 51
- second inlet convergence hole
- 51a
- second intermediate convergence hole
- 61
- second outlet convergence hole
- 61a, 61b
- second convergence hole
- 200, 200a, 200b
- refrigeration cycle apparatus
- 230
- first compressor
- 231
- first radiator
- 232
- first pressure-reducing device
- 233
- first cooler
- 240
- second compressor
- 241
- second radiator
- 242
- second pressure-reducing device
- 250
- compressor
- 251
- radiator
- 252
- pressure-reducing device
- 253
- cooler
- 254
- bypass pressure-reducing device
- 255
- bypass pipe
- 256
- injection port
Claims (11)
- A heat exchanger (8, 8a-8d), comprising:a main body (10) includinga first refrigerant path (1) in which a plurality of first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b) through which a first refrigerant flows are arranged in a single row;a second refrigerant path (2) in which a plurality of second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b) through which a second refrigerant flows are arranged in a single row, the first refrigerant path (1) and the second refrigerant path (2) being formed integrally in the main body (10), the main body (10) comprising;first communication holes (3a, 4a) that are formed at opposite ends of the first refrigerant path (1), as holes extending through the main body (10) in a direction of arrangement of the plurality of first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b), and communicate with the plurality of first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b); andsecond communication holes that are formed at opposite ends of the second refrigerant path (2), as holes extending through the main body (10) in a direction of arrangement of the plurality of second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b), and communicate with the plurality of second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b),such that the first refrigerant can flow into one of the first communication holes (3a, 4a) formed at the opposite ends of the first refrigerant path (1), flow through the first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b), and flow outside via the other first communication hole (3a, 4a),such that the second refrigerant can flow into one of the second communication holes (5a, 6a) formed at the opposite ends of the second refrigerant path (2), flow through the second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b), and flow outside via the other second communication hole (5a, 6a),wherein the first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b) and the second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b) extend in parallel to each other and are disposed adjacent to each other, such that the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant can exchange heat via a partition at adjacent surfaces of the first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b) and the second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b),wherein at least one of the first communication holes (3a, 4a) formed at the opposite ends of the first refrigerant path (1) is divided into multiple sections, and characterized in that the multiple sections include one first divided-communication-hole inflow section (3aa) into which the first refrigerant can flow from outside and that is adapted to make the first refrigerant flow to one or more of the plurality of first refrigerant channels (1a), at least one first divided-communication-hole turnaround section (4aa, 3ab) that is adapted to cause the first refrigerant flowing from the one or more of the first refrigerant channels (1a) to turn around and flow to a different one or more of the first refrigerant channels (1a) other than the one or more of the first refrigerant channels (1a), and one first divided-communication-hole outflow section (4ab) that is adapted to cause the first refrigerant flowing from the first divided-communication-hole turnaround section (4aa, 3ab) through the different one or more of the first refrigerant channels (1a) to flow outside, so that the first refrigerant can flow through the first refrigerant path (1) by being turned around therein.
- The heat exchanger (8, 8a-8d) of claim 1,
wherein, of the first communication holes (3a, 4a) formed at the opposite ends of the first refrigerant path (1) and the second communication holes (5a, 6a) formed at the opposite ends of the second refrigerant path (2), the first communication hole (3a, 4a) and the second communication hole (5a, 6a) located at a same side are displaced from each other by a predetermined amount in a channel-extending direction of the first refrigerant path (1) or the second refrigerant path (2). - The heat exchanger (8, 8a-8d) of claim 1 or 2,
wherein the first refrigerant path (1) has a plurality of first refrigerant channel groups, each of which is a set of a plurality of the first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b), and
wherein the second refrigerant path (2) has a plurality of second refrigerant channel groups, each of which is a set of a plurality of the second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b). - The heat exchanger (8, 8a-8d) of claim 3,
wherein the plurality of first refrigerant channel groups in the first refrigerant path (1) are disposed adjacent to each other and are arranged such that directions of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b) are parallel to one another, and
wherein the plurality of second refrigerant channel groups in the second refrigerant path (2) are disposed adjacent to each other and are arranged such that directions of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b) are parallel to one another,
wherein a first refrigerant channel group located at one end of the plurality of first refrigerant channel groups disposed adjacent to each other is disposed adjacent to the a second refrigerant channel group located at one end of the plurality of second refrigerant channel groups disposed adjacent to each other, and the direction of arrangement of the first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b) in the first refrigerant channel group is parallel to the direction of arrangement of the second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b) in the second refrigerant channel group,
wherein the first communication holes (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) communicate with all of the first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b) constituting the plurality of first refrigerant channel groups, and
wherein the second communication holes communicate with all of the second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b) constituting the plurality of second refrigerant channel groups. - The heat exchanger (8a) of any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein, in an extending direction of each first communication hole (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), the first communication hole (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) has one end that is closed and another end that is open such that the first refrigerant flows into and out from the open end thereof, and
wherein, in an extending direction of each second communication hole (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b), the second communication hole has one end that is open and another end that is closed such that the second refrigerant flows into and out from the open end thereof. - The heat exchanger (8) of claim 4,
wherein the first refrigerant channel groups in the first refrigerant path (1) and the second refrigerant channel groups in the second refrigerant path (2) are alternately arranged adjacent to each other, and the directions of arrangement in all of the groups of refrigerant channels are parallel to one another,
wherein the first communication holes (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) are formed at opposite ends of each first refrigerant channel group, and opposite ends of each first communication hole (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) in an extending direction thereof are closed, and
wherein the second communication holes (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) are formed at opposite ends of each second refrigerant channel group, and opposite ends of each second communication hole (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) in an extending direction thereof are closed. - The heat exchanger (8) of claim 6,
wherein the main body (10) further comprises first convergence holes extending through the main body (10) in a direction of arrangement of the plurality of first communication holes (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) and communicating with the plurality of first communication holes (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b); and second convergence holes through the main body (10) in a direction of arrangement of the plurality of second communication holes (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) and communicating with the plurality of second communication holes (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b),
such that the first refrigerant can flow into one of the first convergence holes formed at the opposite ends of the first refrigerant path (1), flow through the first refrigerant channels (1a, 1b), and flow outside via the other first convergence hole, and
such that the second refrigerant can flow into one of the second convergence holes formed at the opposite ends of the second refrigerant path (2), flow through the second refrigerant channels (2a, 2b), and flow outside via the other second convergence hole. - The heat exchanger (8b) of claim 7,
wherein, in an extending direction of each first convergence hole of the plurality of the first convergence holes, the first convergence hole has one end that is closed and another end that is open such that the first refrigerant can flow into and out from the open ends thereof, and
wherein, in an extending direction of each second convergence hole, the second convergence hole has one end that is closed and another end that is open such that the second refrigerant can flow into and out from the open ends thereof. - The heat exchanger (8c) of any one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein at least one of the second communication holes formed at the opposite ends of the second refrigerant path (2) is divided into multiple sections, and
wherein the multiple sections include one second divided-communication-hole inflow section (5ab) into which the second refrigerant can flow from outside and that is adapted to make the second refrigerant flow to one or more of the plurality of second refrigerant channels (2a), at least one second divided-communication-hole turnaround section (6ab, 5aa) that is adapted to cause the second refrigerant flowing from the one or more of the second refrigerant channels to turn around and flow to a different one or more of the second refrigerant channels (2a) other than the one or more of the second refrigerant channels (2a), and one second divided-communication-hole outflow section (6aa) that is adapted to cause the second refrigerant flowing from the second divided-communication-hole turnaround section through the different one or more of the second refrigerant channels (2a) to flow outside, so that the second refrigerant can flow through the second refrigerant path (2) by being turned around therein. - The heat exchanger (8, 8a-8d) of any one of claims 1 to 9,
wherein the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flow in directions for forming a countercurrent in at least one or more of the refrigerant channels. - A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising:
the heat exchanger (8, 8a-8d) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2011/002550 WO2012153360A1 (en) | 2011-05-06 | 2011-05-06 | Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device provided therewith |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2706317A1 EP2706317A1 (en) | 2014-03-12 |
EP2706317A4 EP2706317A4 (en) | 2014-11-19 |
EP2706317B1 true EP2706317B1 (en) | 2018-06-20 |
Family
ID=47138863
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP11865155.3A Active EP2706317B1 (en) | 2011-05-06 | 2011-05-06 | Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device provided therewith |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20140144611A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2706317B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5758991B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103502762B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012153360A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN105509513A (en) * | 2014-09-22 | 2016-04-20 | 苏州皓璟兄弟照明设计工程有限公司 | Dividing wall type heat exchanger |
WO2016117069A1 (en) * | 2015-01-22 | 2016-07-28 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Plate heat exchanger and heat-pump-type outdoor device |
GB2552899A (en) * | 2015-03-02 | 2018-02-14 | Univ Texas | Systems and methods for thermally actuated flow control |
KR101837046B1 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2018-04-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Heat exchanger |
WO2017022244A1 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2017-02-09 | 日軽熱交株式会社 | Cooler |
JP6778851B2 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2020-11-04 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Heat exchanger and refrigeration system using it |
US10670346B2 (en) * | 2018-01-04 | 2020-06-02 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Curved heat exchanger |
US11306979B2 (en) * | 2018-12-05 | 2022-04-19 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Heat exchanger riblet and turbulator features for improved manufacturability and performance |
US20210278147A1 (en) * | 2020-03-05 | 2021-09-09 | Uchicago Argonne, Llc | Additively Manufactured Modular Heat Exchanger Accommodating High Pressure, High Temperature and Corrosive Fluids |
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DE2220670A1 (en) * | 1972-04-27 | 1973-11-08 | Sigri Elektrographit Gmbh | BLOCK HEAT EXCHANGER |
SE503322C2 (en) * | 1995-03-17 | 1996-05-28 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Cooling system for electronics |
JP3861183B2 (en) * | 1995-07-14 | 2006-12-20 | アクトロニクス株式会社 | Manufacturing method of small diameter tunnel plate heat pipe |
JP2001050685A (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2001-02-23 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Heat exchanger |
JP2002098424A (en) * | 2000-09-25 | 2002-04-05 | Zexel Valeo Climate Control Corp | Refrigerating cycle |
JP2002340485A (en) | 2001-05-15 | 2002-11-27 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Heat exchanger for vehicle |
JP3826791B2 (en) * | 2002-01-07 | 2006-09-27 | 株式会社デンソー | Heat exchanger |
JP2005030659A (en) * | 2003-07-11 | 2005-02-03 | Hitachi Home & Life Solutions Inc | Heat pump type water heater |
JP4196774B2 (en) * | 2003-07-29 | 2008-12-17 | 株式会社デンソー | Internal heat exchanger |
JP4179092B2 (en) * | 2003-07-30 | 2008-11-12 | 株式会社デンソー | Heat exchanger |
JP4561305B2 (en) * | 2004-10-18 | 2010-10-13 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Heat exchanger |
DE102005041732A1 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2007-03-15 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Internal combustion engine e.g. reciprocating piston type diesel engine, for passenger car, has exhaust gas cooling system with cooler stage having wall that completely or partially contacts coolant on side that opposite to exhaust gas flow |
JP2007127398A (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-05-24 | Seiko Epson Corp | Heat exchanger, method of manufacturing heat exchanger, liquid cooling system, light source device, projector, electronic device unit, and electronic apparatus |
ITVI20080106A1 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2009-11-10 | Refcomp Spa | COOLING PLATE FOR A FREQUENCY CONVERTER AND COMPRESSOR USING SUCH A COOLING PLATE |
-
2011
- 2011-05-06 US US14/115,995 patent/US20140144611A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-05-06 WO PCT/JP2011/002550 patent/WO2012153360A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-05-06 JP JP2013513821A patent/JP5758991B2/en active Active
- 2011-05-06 CN CN201180070664.XA patent/CN103502762B/en active Active
- 2011-05-06 EP EP11865155.3A patent/EP2706317B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103502762A (en) | 2014-01-08 |
JPWO2012153360A1 (en) | 2014-07-28 |
WO2012153360A1 (en) | 2012-11-15 |
EP2706317A4 (en) | 2014-11-19 |
JP5758991B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 |
EP2706317A1 (en) | 2014-03-12 |
CN103502762B (en) | 2016-05-11 |
US20140144611A1 (en) | 2014-05-29 |
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