TEPZZ¥4 856 A_T

(19)

(11) EP 3 428 562 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.:

16.01.2019 Bulletin 2019/03 F28D 1/053 (2006.01) F28F 1/02 (2006.01)

(21) Application number: 17181358.7

(22) Date of filing: 14.07.2017

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors:

AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB • ALLESØ, Anders
GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO 8700 Horsens (DK)
PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR • BACHMANN, Jonas
Designated Extension States: 8700 Horsens (DK)
BA ME • JENSEN, Jan Ostenfeldt
Designated Validation States: 8700 Horsens (DK)
MA MD
(74) Representative: Hoffmann Dragsted A/S
(71) Applicant: Nissens A/S Rådhuspladsen 16
8700 Horsens (DK) 1550 Copenhagen V (DK)

(54) HEAT EXCHANGER COMPRISING FLUID TUBES HAVING A FIRST AND A SECOND INNER
WALL

(57) A heat exchanger comprising at least one fluid

tube adapted to extend substantially orthogonally to a
wind direction, the fluid tube having a first wall and a
second wall, and the fluid tube comprising: a first tube
section and a second tube section each extending along
the fluid tube, arranged such that each tube section is in
fluid communication with a pair of manifolds and adapted
to contain a cooling fluid, wherein the first tube section
is formed by the first wall, the second wall, a first outer
wall and a first inner wall and the second tube section is
formed by the first wall, the second wall, a second outer
wall and a second inner wall, the first inner wall, the sec-
ond inner wall, the first outer wall and the second outer
wall extending substantially parallel along the fluid tube
in fluid-tight contact with the first wall and the second
wall, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to lead the
cooling fluid in a first direction in the first tube section and
in a second direction in the second tube section, the first
direction being opposite to the second, wherein the cool-
ing fluid is led through the second tube section before
entering the first tube section and the first tube section
is disposed in front of the second tube section in the wind
direction, wherein the first inner wall and the second inner
wall are spaced apart by at least one common area de-
EP 3 428 562 A1

fined by the first inner wall and the second inner wall, the
first inner wall and the second inner wall being disposed
at a distance from each other, and the at least one com-
mon area being arranged between the first tube section
and the second tube section and that the common area
comprises at least one slot.

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)

 1 EP 3 428 562 A1 2

Description - a first tube section and a second tube section each

extending along the fluid tube, arranged such that
Field of the invention each tube section is in fluid communication with a
pair of manifolds and adapted to contain a cooling
[0001] A heat exchanger comprising at least one fluid 5 fluid,
tube adapted to extend substantially orthogonally to a
wind direction, the fluid tube having a first wall and a wherein the first tube section is formed by the first wall,
second wall, and the fluid tube comprising a first tube the second wall, a first outer wall and a first inner wall
section and a second tube section each extending along and the second tube section is formed by the first wall,
the fluid tube, arranged such that each tube section is in 10 the second wall, a second outer wall and a second inner
fluid communication with a pair of manifolds and adapted wall, the first inner wall, the second inner wall, the first
to contain a cooling fluid. outer wall and the second outer wall extending substan-
tially parallel along the fluid tube in fluid-tight contact with
Background art the first wall and the second wall. Thus, the cooling fluid
15 is subjected to more cooling air with the same number
[0002] In order to provide cooled cooling fluid to en- of tubes and/or cooling area, whereby the cooling effi-
gines, generators and other heat generating equipment, ciency of the heat exchanger is significantly increased.
heat exchangers are commonly used in order to reduce Accordingly, a more efficient heat exchanger can be
the working temperature of the heat generating equip- achieved without increasing the dimensions or the
ment. Heat exchangers are usually divided into two 20 number of fluid tubes.
groups: Active and passive heat exchangers. [0008] The heat exchanger may be adapted to lead
[0003] In the field of e.g. wind turbines, passive heat the cooling fluid in a first direction in the first tube section
exchangers are usually preferred due to their lower cost and in a second direction in the second tube section, the
and more robust functionality. A passive heat exchanger first direction being opposite to the second, wherein the
utilises the wind, for example the wind flowing around 25 cooling fluid is led through the second tube section before
the nacelle of the wind turbine, to cool a number of fluid entering the first tube section and the first tube section
tubes through which the cooling fluid is led, thereby de- is disposed in front of the second tube section in the wind
creasing the temperature of the cooling fluid. After the direction. Thereby, the cooling air flowing in the wind di-
temperature of the cooling fluid has been reduced, it is rection cools the cooling fluid with the lowest temperature
led back to the heat generating equipment in order to 30 first, which significantly increases the cooling efficiency
cool it. of the heat exchanger.
[0004] Achieving a desirable cooling effect usually re- [0009] The first inner wall and the second inner wall
quires a large passive heat exchanger with a large may be spaced apart by at least one common area de-
number of fluid tubes defining a large cooling area re- fined by the first inner wall and the second inner wall, the
ceiving the cooling wind. However, the space available 35 first inner wall and the second inner wall being disposed
on the nacelle in question is limited. Furthermore, the at a distance from each other, and the at least one com-
relatively high weight of a larger heat exchanger may mon area being arranged between the first tube section
lead to a number of structural and production challenges. and the second tube section and that the common area
[0005] Accordingly, conventional heat exchangers comprises at least one slot. Thereby, the cooling air en-
have shown not to provide a solution which allows for 40 tering the heat exchanger is further allowed to provide
more efficient cooling and a more compact design. additional cooling effect by passing through the slot(s),
resulting in an increase of cooling efficiency. Further-
Summary of the invention more, the slot(s) disallow(s) heat transfer between the
tube sections ensuring an increased temperature differ-
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to wholly 45 ence between the tube sections. Hence, it is achieved
or partly overcome the above disadvantages and draw- that the coolest air is guided to cool the cooling fluid of
backs of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to the lowest temperature. In this way, a counter flow is
provide an improved heat exchanger which provides a created and hence, a more efficient cooling is achieved.
more efficient cooling. [0010] The distance may be between 1 mm and 20
[0007] The above object, together with numerous other 50 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 15 mm, and
objects, advantages, and features, which will become even more preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm.
evident from the below description, are accomplished by [0011] Moreover, the width of the slot(s) may be 0.25
a solution in accordance with the present invention by a mm to 15 mm or more preferably 0.75 mm to 10 mm or
heat exchanger comprising at least one fluid tube adapt- most preferred 1.25 mm to 5 mm. In this way, it is
ed to extend substantially orthogonally to a wind direc- 55 achieved that the airgap provided by the slot(s) is suffi-
tion, the fluid tube having a first wall and a second wall, cient to stop the heat transfer in the material of the tubes.
and the fluid tube comprising: [0012] Additionally, the first walls of both the first tube
section and the second tube section may be made of one

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piece of sheet metal. inner wall may be formed by a pair of elongated bars.
[0013] Similarly, the second walls of both the first tube [0026] Moreover, the first inner wall may comprise a
section and the second tube section may be made of one pair of first diverging sections and the second inner wall
piece of sheet metal. may comprise a corresponding pair of second diverging
[0014] Furthermore, the wall and the inner wall and the 5 sections, whereby the first diverging section extends to-
outer walls may be made from one piece of sheet metal. wards the first outer wall and the second diverging section
[0015] Furthermore, the first outer wall and the second extends towards the second outer wall, whereby the first
outer wall may be formed by a pair of sidewalls of the diverging sections are disposed opposite to the respec-
fluid tube. This allows for a more cost-efficient heat ex- tive second diverging sections so as to form the common
changer since it does not require a plurality of inner walls. 10 area.
[0016] Further, the second outer wall may be an addi- [0027] In addition, the inner walls may each have a first
tional inner wall partly forming an additional tube section. end portion and a second end portion, whereby a side
Alternatively, the first outer wall may be an additional surface of the first end portion and the second end portion
inner wall partly forming an additional tube section. of the first tube section is in contact with a corresponding
[0017] Additionally, the at least one slot may be an 15 side surface of the first end portion and the second end
elongated slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the portion of the second tube section. Accordingly, the risk
fluid tube. With this advantage, said longitudinal axis may for any leakage occurring in the connection points be-
be a centerline extending along the length of the fluid tween the manifolds and the fluid tube is decreased.
tube. [0028] Moreover, connection points formed by the side
[0018] Furthermore, the at least one fluid tube may be 20 surfaces may be sealed by means of a sealing paste,
a flat fluid tube. which reduces the risk for leakages between the tube
[0019] Also, each common area may comprise a plu- sections. The sealing paste may be adhesive, a liquid
rality of slots. sealing or an adhering gasket.
[0020] Additionally, turbulators may be disposed inside [0029] Said connection point/joint may also be welded,
the tube sections. The turbulators create a turbulent flow 25 e.g. by means of laser welding.
of cooling fluid through the tube sections. This further [0030] Advantageously, the sealing paste may be a
increases the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger, soldering paste. This allows for a less complex manufac-
since the turbulent flow increases the ability of the cooling turing process and it further allows for the tube sections
fluid to exchange heat with the inner walls of the tube to be formed by punching the slots and soldering the tube
sections. 30 sections together.
[0021] The turbulator may be formed by dimples dis- [0031] The first wall and/or the second wall may com-
posed on the first wall and/or on the second wall of the prise at least one protruding element protruding from the
fluid tube. This allows for a turbulent flow without intro- said first or second wall, whereby said protruding element
ducing any additional components in the heat exchanger, is adapted to retain the first inner wall and the second
making the manufacturing and assembling process fast- 35 inner wall so as to form the common area. The protruding
er, less complex and more cost-efficient. element(s) direct(s) the inner walls during assembly so
[0022] The turbulators may be formed by turbulator in- as to achieve a straight orientation of said inner walls
serts disposed inside the tube sections. Thus, a turbulent along the longitudinal axis of the fluid tube and the pro-
flow may be achieved inside the tube sections in a simple truding element(s) guarantee(s) that the common area
and cost-efficient manner by simply placing tubular in- 40 is achieved and withheld, thus a more robust and efficient
serts on top of one of the walls of the fluid tube during assembly of the heat exchanger is achieved.
assembly. [0032] Advantageously, the fluid tube may comprise a
[0023] The fins may be through going fins/lamellas i.e. plurality of slots and protruding elements along the lon-
fins extending from the very front of the heat exchanger gitudinal axis of the fluid tube, whereby the protruding
to the very back of the heat exchanger seen in the direc- 45 elements are disposed between the slots of the first wall
tion of the wind. and/or the slots of the second wall. This allows for more
[0024] The heat exchanger may thus comprise a plu- air to enter and circulate in the common area between
rality of fluid tubes and lamellas disposed between at the fluid tubes which further decreases the heat transfer
least some of the said fluid tubes so as to extend through through each wall and hence increases the overall cool-
substantially the entire heat exchanger in the wind direc- 50 ing efficiency of the heat exchanger.
tion. In this way, an improved guidance of the wind is [0033] The fluid tube and the inner walls may be made
achieved and hence an improved cooling. The fins/la- of aluminum, which allows for a more efficient heat ex-
mellas may be connected to the walls of either the first changer due to the advantageous heat transfer proper-
or the second tube. The fins/lamellas may be connected ties of aluminum. Furthermore, the relatively low weight
to the walls of both the first and the second tube. In this 55 of aluminum in comparison to e.g. steel, allows for a light-
way, it is possible to control the distribution of heat in the er heat exchanger which is easier to mount to a heat
fins/lamellas. generating equipment.
[0025] Moreover, the first inner wall and the second [0034] Further, the fluid tube may be adapted to extend

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 5 EP 3 428 562 A1 6

in a vertical direction, whereby the pair of manifolds com- air flow through the heat exchanger of one embodi-
prises a top manifold and a bottom manifold. ment.
[0035] In addition, at least one end portion of the first
wall and/or of the second wall may comprise a recess Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid tube of
adapted to receive the first end portion or the second end 5 the heat exchanger of one embodiment,
portion of the inner walls, so as to retain the first end
portions or the second end portions in a position whereby Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid tube
said first end portions or second end portions are in direct of the heat exchanger of one embodiment,
contact inside the recess. This allows for securing the
tight sealing between the inner walls in a non-complex 10 Fig. 5a-c show cross-sectional views of the fluid tube
and cost-efficient manner. of the heat exchanger of one embodiment,
[0036] Also, the area of the slot(s) may equal to more
than 50% of the common area. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid tube
[0037] Furthermore, the length of the slot or the com- of the heat exchanger of one embodiment,
bined length of the slots along the longitudinal axis of the 15
tube may be more than 50% of the common area, or Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid tube
more than 60% or more preferred more than 70%. In this of the heat exchanger of one embodiment,
way it is achieved that the heat transfer is efficiently
stopped from transferring from the one tube to the other. Fig. 8a shows a perspective view of a stack of fluid
[0038] The fluid tubes may be flat tubes having a sub- 20 tubes having lamellas/fins arranged in-between the
stantially rectangular cross section seen perpendicular fluid tubes according to one embodiment of the in-
to the direction of the flow of the fluid. The inner walls vention,
may be substantially perpendicular to the sides of the
fluid tubes. Fig. 8b shows a cross-sectional view (end view) of
[0039] Further, the outer walls may be formed by a pair 25 a stack of fluid tubes having lamellas/fins arranged
of elongated bars. in-between, and
[0040] The heat exchanger may be a plate and bar
heat exchanger. Fig. 8c shows a perspective view of a single plate
[0041] Also, the heat exchanger may be a block heat for a fluid tube according to one embodiment.
exchanger. 30
[0042] Furthermore, the inner walls may be intercon- [0046] All the figures are highly schematic and not nec-
nected by means of the common area, whereby the com- essarily to scale, and they show only those parts which
mon area is formed by embossing the first wall and/or are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other
embossing the second wall so as to form said inner walls parts being omitted or merely suggested.
and the common area. 35
[0043] The fluid tube may have a first end and a second Detailed description of the invention
end, whereby the inner walls are joined at the ends of
the fluid tube and each end extend into one of the man- [0047] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a heat ex-
ifolds. In this way, it is achieved that the tube does not changer, i.e. a radiator, which may be adapted to be fitted
need a further part to achieve a sealing contact between 40 to e.g. a wind turbine nacelle. The heat exchanger 1 com-
the inner walls of tube and this makes the heat exchanger prises a pair of manifolds 9, 10, connected by means of
more cost-efficient to manufacture and assemble. at least one, but preferably, a plurality of fluid tubes 2
[0044] Finally, the first inner wall and the second inner extending between said manifolds 9, 10. The plurality of
wall may be formed by means of pressing of the first wall fluid tubes 2 defines a cooling area adapted to be orthog-
and the second wall. 45 onally to a wind direction WD, whereby air is allowed to
flow through the heat exchanger 1 between the fluid pipes
Brief description of the drawings in order to cool the cooling fluid inside fluid tubes 2.
[0048] Advantageously, the fluid tube 2 may be a flat
[0045] The invention and its many advantages will be fluid tube 2. Hence, the plurality of fluid tubes 2 forming
described in more detail below with reference to the ac- 50 the cooling area of the heat exchanger 1 may be flat fluid
companying schematic drawings, which for the purpose tubes, whereby the heat exchanger 1 may be a flat fluid
of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and tube heat exchanger.
in which [0049] Said fluid tube comprises a first wall 5 and a
second wall 6 joined together by means of a first outer
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger 55 wall 7 and a second outer wall 8, so as to form a sub-
of one embodiment, stantially rectangular cross-section.
[0050] As shown in Fig. 1, the first outer wall 7 and the
Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the fluid and cooling second outer wall 8 may be formed by a pair of sidewalls

4
 7 EP 3 428 562 A1 8

of the fluid tube 2. Said first outer wall 7 and second outer geous in terms of cooling efficiency, since the lowest tem-
wall 8 may be formed by a pair of elongated bars, whereby perature reached in the heat exchanger is effectively re-
the first wall 5 and the second wall 6 may be formed by duced.
a pair of plates. [0058] The leading of the cooling fluid first through the
[0051] Preferably, each of the fluid tubes of the heat 5 second tube section and then through the first tube sec-
exchanger 1 may formed by said pair of plates and bars, tion may, as the skilled person realises, be performed in
whereby the heat exchanger 1 may be a plate and bar any number of ways. E.g., the manifold may comprise
heat exchanger. inner well sections adapted to block the cooling fluid from
[0052] With reference to Fig. 1, the heat exchanger 1 moving/flowing through the manifold and lead it through
may be a top-bottom heat exchanger, or in other words 10 the fluid tubes instead. It may also be achieved by means
a heat exchanger 1 wherein the fluid tubes 2 are adapted of the pressure difference between the manifolds which
to extend in a vertical direction, whereby the pair of man- simply force the cooling fluid along the desired flow path.
ifolds 9, 10 comprises a top manifold 9 and a bottom [0059] Further referring to Fig. 2, the heat exchanger
manifold 10. manifolds 9, 10 may comprise a cooling fluid inlet 98 and
[0053] Yet again referring to Fig. 1, the fluid tube 2 has 15 a cooling fluid outlet 99, each of which are connected to
a first end 21 and a second end 22 each extending into the cooling system of the heat generating equipment.
a manifold of the pair of manifolds 9, 10. The heat ex- Cooling fluid is accordingly led into the heat exchanger
changer 1 may accordingly comprise a plurality of fluid 1 via the inlet in one of the manifolds and led back to the
tubes 2 each having a first end 21 and a second end 22, heat generating equipment after it has been cooled inside
each end extending into a manifold of the pair of mani- 20 the heat exchanger by means of the outlet in one of the
folds. manifolds. The manifold 9 may comprise the inlet 98 and
[0054] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 1 may com- the outlet 99. Said top manifold 9 is separated into two
prise fins 81 adapted to optimise the air flow through said separate compartments by means of a dividing wall 110
heat exchanger 1. The fins 81 may be through going fins extending along the length of the top manifold 9. The inlet
i.e. lamellas extending from the front of the heat exchang- 25 98 is accordingly in fluid communication with one com-
er to the back of the heat exchanger in the wind direction. partment of the top manifold 9 while the outlet 99 is in
Advantageously, said fins 81 extend from the very front fluid communication with the other compartment of the
to the very back of said heat exchanger in the wind di- top manifold 9. The cooling fluid is thus allowed to move
rection. Accordingly, the heat exchanger 1 may comprise from the inlet 98 to the outlet 99 via the fluid tubes and
a plurality of fluid tubes 2 and lamellas 81 disposed be- 30 the manifold 10 according to the advantageous manner
tween at least some of said flat tubes 2 so as to extend described above.
along substantially the entire heat exchanger 1 in the [0060] With the aforementioned measures an efficient
wind direction. back-front counter-flow heat exchanger is achieved.
[0055] Preferably, said heat exchanger 1 comprises a However, the problem with such a heat exchanger is that
plurality of fluid tubes, whereby the fins/lamellas may be 35 the cooling efficiency is very reliant on the temperature
connected to the walls of either a first fluid tube or a sec- difference between back and front of the heat exchanger
ond fluid tube. Alternatively, said fins/lamellas may be and is thus greatly susceptible for any heightening of the
connected to the walls of both the first fluid tube and the minimum cooling fluid temperature in the front of the heat
second fluid tube. Hence, control of the distribution of exchanger. With reference to Fig. 3, an arrangement
heat in the fins/lamellas is enabled. 40 serving to mitigate this drawback will be described.
[0056] Now referring to Fig. 2, to further increase the [0061] Referring to Fig. 3, a cross-section along the
cooling efficiency, the heat exchanger may be adapted length of the fluid tube is shown. Hence, said figure shows
to lead the cooling fluid in a first direction in a first tube the second wall 6 as a bottom surface. As shown, the
section and in a second direction in a second tube sec- heat exchanger comprises at least one fluid tube adapted
tion, the first direction being opposite to the second di- 45 to extend substantially orthogonally to a wind direction,
rection, whereby the cooling fluid is led through the sec- whereby the fluid tube has a first wall 5 (shown in Fig. 1)
ond tube section before entering the first tube section and a second wall 6. The fluid tube comprises a first tube
and the first tube section is disposed in front of the second section 18 and a second tube section 19 extending along
tube section in the wind direction (as depicted with the the fluid tube each in fluid communication with a pair of
arrow and WD). In other words, the first tube section is 50 manifolds 9, 10 and adapted to contain a cooling fluid.
disposed in front of the second tube section so as to The first tube section 18 is formed by the first wall i.e. a
receive the cooling air moving in the wind direction before first sheet plate (not visible), the second wall 6, a first
the second tube section. outer wall 7 and a first inner wall 11 and the second tube
[0057] This allows for the cooling fluid with the lowest section is formed by the first wall 5, the second wall 6, a
temperature, i.e. the cooling fluid which has already been 55 second outer wall 8 and a second inner wall 12. The first
cooled inside the second tube section, to be cooled by outer wall 7 and the second outer wall 8 extending sub-
the coolest air, i.e. the cooling air first entering the heat stantially parallel along the fluid tube in fluid-tight contact
exchanger 1. This has been proven to be very advanta- with the first wall (not visible) and the second wall 6.

5
 9 EP 3 428 562 A1 10

[0062] Thus, the first tube section 18 and second tube provided with slots allows for a less complex solution for
section 19 each form a fluid-tight compartment inside the achieving an efficient counter-flow heat exchanger which
fluid tube extending along the entire length of the fluid is cheaper to manufacture and more compact since ad-
tube. Accordingly, the entirety of cooling fluid flowing ditional fluid pipes are not required in order to achieve
through the fluid tube may flow through both the first tube 5 the desired counter-flow effect. Instead, the counter-flow
section 18 and through the second tube section 19. may be provided inside each fluid tube.
[0063] This allows for more efficient cooling since the [0070] Said slots may be 0.25 mm to 15 mm wide or
cooling fluid running through the fluid tubes 2 is subjected more preferably 0.75 mm to 10 mm wide or most pre-
to more cooling air on its way through the heat exchanger, ferred 1.25 mm to 5 mm wide. In this way, it is achieved
since the flow path of the cooling fluid through the heat 10 that the air gap provided by the slot is sufficient to stop
exchanger is extended. Accordingly, a more efficient the heat transfer in the material of the tubes.
cooling may be achieved with the same outer proportions [0071] Further referring to Fig. 3, the first inner wall 11
of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the dividing of the comprises a pair of first diverging sections 73 and the
cooling fluid with simple insertion of additional inner walls second inner wall 12 comprises a corresponding pair of
allows for a simple and relatively inexpensive way to in- 15 second diverging sections 74, whereby the first diverging
crease the cooling efficiency. sections 73 extend towards the first outer wall 7 and the
[0064] The fluid tube or the plurality of fluid tubes and second diverging sections 74 extend towards the second
the inner walls 11, 12 may preferably be made of alumi- outer wall 8, whereby the first diverging sections 73 are
num. This is particularly beneficial due to its excellent disposed opposite to the respective second diverging
heat transfer properties and moreover, it allows for a light- 20 sections 74 so as to form the common area 30. The di-
er heat exchanger due to the low weight of the material. verging sections thus form a wider section of the common
[0065] The first inner wall 11 and the second inner wall area with a maximum distance d between the first curved
12 are separated by at least one common area 30 defined section and the second curved section where the slot 31
by the first inner wall 11 and the second inner wall 12, may be disposed. Thus, the slot arrangement which al-
whereby the first inner wall 11 and the second inner wall 25 lows for a more efficient cooling can be provided in a
12 are disposed at a distance d from each other, whereby space-consuming manner since the first inner wall 11
the at least one common area is disposed inside the fluid and the second inner wall 12 may be placed very close
tube and comprises at least one slot 31. This allows air to each other while still enabling the provision of the com-
to enter through the fluid tube through the slot 31 whereby mon area and the slots, i.e. a more compact cooling ar-
the cooling efficiency is further increased since the sur- 30 rangement can be achieved. Each common area 30 may
face area of the tubes receiving the cooling wind is in- comprise a plurality of slots 31.
creased. Accordingly, the slots 31 are adapted to lead [0072] As shown in said Fig. 3, the first inner wall 11
the cooling air through the fluid tubes 2. and the second inner wall 12 may be formed by a pair of
[0066] Moreover, the slot 31 may be an elongated re- elongated bars. Accordingly the inner walls 11, 12 as well
cess extending along a longitudinal axis C extending 35 as the outer walls 7, 8 may be formed by bars, whereby
along the length of the fluid tube. Said longitudinal axis the first wall and the second wall may be formed by plates.
may preferably be a centerline. [0073] Notably, the pair of first diverging sections 73
[0067] As shown in said figure, the distance d may vary and the pair of second diverging sections 74 may be bent
across the longitudinal axis C, whereby the width of the portions of the elongated bars forming the first inner wall
common area 30 may be of any shape. 40 11 and the second inner wall 12. Accordingly, the elon-
[0068] Furthermore, and most importantly, said slots gated bars forming the inner walls 11, 12 extend along
31 provide an insulating effect which prevents heat trans- the longitudinal axis C with a portion being bent so as to
fer between the tube sections and thus ensuring the tem- form the common area 30.
perature difference between said tube sections. Accord- [0074] Said pair of first diverging sections 73 may de-
ingly, the colder temperature of the cooling fluid in the 45 limit a first intermediate section 13 of the first inner wall
first tube section is maintained when the cooling fluid 11, the intermediate section 13 extending substantially
circulates through the fluid tube compartments making along the longitudinal axis C of the fluid tube. Said pair
the cooling more efficient. Hence, the slots provide a so- of second diverging sections 74 may similarly delimit a
lution to the aforementioned problem of providing and second intermediate section 14 of the second inner wall
maintaining the temperature difference between the back 50 12, the second intermediate section 14 extending sub-
and the front of the heat exchanger since the warmer stantially along the longitudinal axis C of the fluid tube.
cooling fluid inside the second tube section and conse- Said intermediate sections are preferably disposed at the
quently the warmer walls of said tube sections, cannot distance d from each other.
affect the temperature of the cooling fluid inside the first [0075] In one embodiment, the length of the slot 31 or
tube section via the walls of said first tube section. This 55 the combined length of the slots along the length of the
has been proven very efficient, leading to an increase of fluid tube is more than 50% of the common area or more
about 2-10% in cooling efficiency. than 60%, or more preferred more than 70%. In this way
[0069] Also, the arrangement with fluid compartments it is achieved that the heat transfer is efficiently stopped

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 11 EP 3 428 562 A1 12

from transferring from one tube to the other. cess serves to bend and retain the bars so as to achieve
[0076] The distance d may accordingly be between 1 the direct contact between said bars. Accordingly, the
mm and 20 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 15 mounting of the heat exchanger is made more efficient
mm, and even more preferably between 3 mm and 10 and simpler since the bars are kept in positon by said
mm. However, as previously stated it may vary along the 5 recess.
length of the fluid tube. [0083] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger may
[0077] Referring to Fig. 3, to achieve a sealing effect comprise a plurality of common areas 30 each formed
between the inner walls, the inner walls may be joined by sections of the first inner wall 11 and the second inner
at the first end as well as at the second end of the fluid wall 12 being in direct contact and a plurality of pairs of
tube, whereby the first end and the second end may ex- 10 diverging sections 73,74 adapted to form a plurality of
tend into the manifolds. Accordingly, it is not required common areas 30. Preferably, the diverging sections are
with a further part to close the gap between the tubes, interconnected by intermediate sections extending
which makes for a more cost-efficient manufacturing straight along the longitudinal axis C of the fluid tube.
process. [0084] In some other embodiments, the first inner wall
[0078] This is achieved by means of the tube inner 15 11 and the second wall 12 may be formed by means of
walls 11, 12 each having a first end portion 43, 44 and a pressing of the first wall 5 and the second wall 6. Accord-
second end portion 41, 42, whereby a side surface 63, ingly, the fluid tubes may comprise two U-profiles being
61 of the first end portion 43 and the second end portion pressed together along the edges along the length of the
41 of the first tube section 18 is in contact with a corre- fluid tube, so as to form a first wall 5, a second wall 6, a
sponding side surface 62, 64 of the first end portion 42 20 first outer wall 7 and a second outer wall 8. The common
and the second end portion 44 of the second tube section area 30 may thus be formed by punching of the center
19. Hence, the risk for leakage in the connection between of the fluid tube along said fluid tube, whereby the slots
the fluid tube and the manifolds 9, 10 is reduced. This 31 may be formed by punching of the achieved common
sealing effect may be further increased by means of a area 30.
sealing paste. Accordingly, the joining points formed by 25 [0085] Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the fluid tube
the side surfaces 61, 63 and side surfaces 62, 64 may where the inner walls and the first wall have been re-
be sealed by means of a sealing paste. For example, the moved. Referring to said figure, the first wall (not shown)
sealing paste may be an adhesive, a liquid sealing or an and/or the second wall 6 comprise(s) at least one pro-
adhering gasket. truding element 51 protruding from the said first or second
[0079] The sealing paste may also be a soldering 30 wall, whereby said protruding element 51 is adapted to
paste. This allows for a less complex manufacturing proc- retain the first inner wall and the second inner wall so as
ess, since it allows for the tube sections to be formed by to form the common area. The protruding element 51
punching the slots and soldering the tube sections to- directs the inner walls along the longitudinal axis C of the
gether. fluid tube when the inner walls are positioned on top of
[0080] With advantage the ends of the fluid tube may 35 one of the walls 5 or 6. Hence, a simple manner to align
extend into the manifolds of the heat exchanger. Thus, the inner walls is achieved, whereby the assembling of
it is enabled for the first end portions and the second end the heat exchanger is made less complex resulting in a
portions to be in direct contact only inside the respective lower general production cost. Hence, the protruding el-
manifold, whereby the sealing is provided without any ement(s) serve(s) to hold the inner walls in place and
risk for heat transfer between the inner walls 11, 12 due 40 thereby in a simple manner it is ensured that the common
to the direct contact. area is achieved and withheld by means of the inner
[0081] In one embodiment, the aforementioned side walls.
surfaces may be joined by welding, i.e. laser welding. [0086] As presented in Fig. 4, the fluid tube may com-
Thus a simple and reliable sealing may be achieved, prise a plurality of slots 31 and protruding elements 51,
while the joining is more robust compared to for example 45 the slots 31 and the protruding elements 51 extend along
side surfaces joined by means of soldering. the longitudinal axis C of the fluid tube, whereby the pro-
[0082] Further, at least one end portion of the first wall truding elements 51 are disposed between the slots 31
5 and/or the second wall 6 comprises a recess 78 adapt- of the first wall 5 (shown in Fig. 1) and/or the second wall
ed to receive the first end portions 41, 43 or the second 6. Thus, even more cooling air is allowed to enter through
end portions 42, 44 of the inner walls 11, 12 so as to 50 the fluid tube via the slots 31, whereby an even more
retain the first end portions 41, 43 or the second end efficient cooling is achieved. Furthermore, the plurality
portions 42, 44 in a position whereby said first end por- of protruding elements 51 allows for a more stable mount-
tions 41, 43 or second end portions 42, 44 are in direct ing of the inner walls.
contact inside the recess 78. This allows for securing the [0087] Turning to Figs. 5a-c, turbulators may be dis-
tight sealing between the inner walls in a non-complex 55 posed inside the tube sections 18, 19. Turbulators are,
and cost-efficient manner. This is particularly advanta- as recognisable by the skilled person, flow-guiding ele-
geous if the first inner wall 11 and the second inner wall ments adapted to direct the flow of cooling fluid so as to
12 are formed by a pair of elongated bars, since the re- create a turbulent flow. The turbulent flow achieved by

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the turbulators allows for an increased cooling efficiency [0093] Referring to Fig. 7, the end portions 41, 42 of
due to the absence of the insulating boundary layer oc- the inner walls 11, 12, which may be a pair of elongated
curring in the contact between the cooling fluid and the bars forming said inner walls may be connected by a
walls of the fluid tube when the cooling fluid has a laminar cross-bar 49. Preferably, the cross-bar 49 is joined to-
flow pattern. Instead, the random movement of the fluid 5 gether with said inner walls 11, 12 by means of welding,
molecules, due to the turbulators breaking up the bound- i.e. laser welding.
ary layer, increases the heat exchanging capability of the [0094] The cross-bar allows for a less complex and
cooling fluid. tolerance susceptible manufacturing process since no
[0088] In Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, cross sections of the fluid bending is required in order to provide both sufficient
tube 2 are depicted. In these embodiments, the turbula- 10 sealing at the ends of the fluid tubes and the common
tors disposed inside the tube sections 18, 19 are formed area allowing the desirable cooling.
by turbulator inserts 32. By placing turbulator inserts in- [0095] As depicted in said figure, the flat tube may ex-
side the fluid section a simple and cost-efficient manner tend into the manifold. This is particularly advantageous
to achieve a turbulent flow inside fluid tube is achieved. since the inner walls 11, 12 are joined together. With the
[0089] Referring to Fig. 5c, an embodiment is shown 15 flat tube extending into the manifold, the second end por-
where the turbulators 24 disposed in the tube sections tions 41, 42 of the inner walls are disposed inside said
are dimples disposed on the first wall and/or the second manifold 9. However, if the joined end portions are dis-
wall of the fluid tube. The dimples re-direct the cooling posed inside the manifolds where no heat exchanging
fluid to achieve the turbulent cooling flow. This further takes place this problem is mitigated while the desired
enables the dimples to be stamped onto the first wall 20 sealing between said tube sections is achieved.
and/or onto the second wall 6. The stamping of the dim- [0096] As is obvious for the skilled person, both the
ples is a fairly cost-efficient process, whereby a more first end portions as well as the second end portions of
cost-efficient way to achieve the turbulent flow is the inner walls may extend into manifolds by means of
achieved. Furthermore, the number of components in the the flat tube extending into said manifolds.
heat exchanger is reduced which makes the production 25 [0097] Turning to Figs. 8a-b, a plurality of fluid tubes 2
process less complex and further lowers the production are shown. The tubes which are flat tubes are in fluid
cost. communication with a pair of manifolds. The fluid tubes
[0090] Turning to Fig. 6, the second outer wall may be 2 are separated by means of lamellas 81 extending from
an additional inner wall 93 partly forming an additional the very front to the very back of said heat exchanger in
tube section. A fluid tube is depicted in which the first 30 the wind direction WD. Accordingly, the heat exchanger
tube section 18 is formed by the first wall, the second comprises a plurality of fluid tubes 2 and lamellas 81 dis-
wall, a first outer wall 7 and a first inner wall 11. The posed between at least some of said flat tubes 2 so as
second tube section 19 is formed by the first wall, the to extend along substantially the entire heat exchanger
second wall, a second outer wall 93 and a second inner in the wind direction.
wall 12, the first inner wall 11, second inner wall 12, the 35 [0098] As depicted in said figures, the fluid tubes 2 may
first outer wall 7 and the second outer wall 93 extending rest on each other only separated by means of the la-
substantially parallel along the fluid tube in fluid-tight con- mellas 81. Accordingly, said fluid tubes 2 may be ar-
tact with the first wall and the second wall. ranged in a block heat exchanger manner whereby each
[0091] The second outer wall 93 is thus an additional fluid tube is separated by the next by means of the la-
inner wall which forms an additional tube section 20 to- 40 mellas 81 and gaskets. Thus, the heat exchanger may
gether with the outer wall 8 of the fluid tube. Further, the be a block heat exchanger.
second outer wall 93 may together with an additional in- [0099] The inner walls 11,12 are interconnected by
ner wall 94 form an additional common area 30 provided means of the common area 30, whereby the common
with slots 31, i.e. comprising slots 31. The flow of the area 30 is formed by embossing the first wall 5 and/or
cooling fluid is depicted as the arrows FD. Accordingly, 45 the second wall 6 so as to form said inner walls 11, 12
the heat exchanger is adapted to lead the cooling fluid and common area 30. As seen in the aforementioned
through the additional tube section 20 via the second figures, the outer sidewalls 7, 8 may be formed by folding
tube section 19 and the manifold 10 to the manifold 9 joints extending along the length of the fluid tubes 2.
and the first tube section 18. The first tube section 18 is [0100] In said Figs. 8a-b both the first wall 5 and the
preferably disposed in front of the other tube sections in 50 second wall 6 has been embossed, however as is clear
the wind direction WD, i.e. the first tube section is dis- to the skilled person the common area 30 as well as the
posed so as to receive the cooling air before the other first inner wall 11 and the second inner wall 12 may be
tube sections. achieved solely by embossing the first wall 5 or the sec-
[0092] As is easily recognisable for the skilled person, ond wall 6.
the fluid tube may comprise any number of inner walls 55 [0101] With this design, the entire fluid tube may be
forming separate tube sections extending along the fluid manufactured by folding and embossing of a single metal
tube. Furthermore, each of said tube sections may be sheet and thereafter welding i.e. laser welding the re-
separated by common areas provided with slots. maining joint, i.e. one of the outer sidewalls 7, 8. It may

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also be achieved by means of having two separate metal first wall (5), the second wall (6), a first outer wall (7)
sheets being independently embossed and welded to- and a first inner wall (11) and the second tube section
gether along their length at the outer sidewalls 7, 8. As (19) is formed by the first wall (5), the second wall
seen in the aforementioned figures, the outer sidewalls (6), a second outer wall (8, 93) and a second inner
7, 8 are formed by folding joints extending along the 5 wall (12), the first inner wall (11), the second inner
length of the fluid tubes 2. wall (12), the first outer wall (7) and the second outer
[0102] These production techniques are more cost-ef- wall (8, 93) extending substantially parallel along the
ficient in comparison to other conventional manners to fluid tube (2) in fluid-tight contact with the first wall
achieve tube sections. Furthermore, no additional bars (5) and the second wall (6), wherein the heat ex-
are required to achieve said sections. The absence of 10 changer (1) is adapted to lead the cooling fluid in a
any solid bars makes the heat exchanger lighter and thus first direction in the first tube section (18) and in a
easier to fit on a heat generating equipment. second direction in the second tube section (19), the
[0103] The heat exchanger may be a block heat ex- first direction being opposite to the second, wherein
changer, whereby the fins/lamellas 81 are required in the cooling fluid is led through the second tube sec-
order to create a distance between the fluid tubes allow- 15 tion (19) before entering the first tube section (18)
ing for the cooling air to pass through the heat exchanger and the first tube section (18) is disposed in front of
between the fluid tubes 2. the second tube section (19) in the wind direction,
[0104] Referring to Fig. 8c, a cross-section of the fluid wherein the first inner wall (11) and the second inner
tube is depicted. The fluid preferably extends into the wall (12) are spaced apart by at least one common
manifolds, whereby the end 22 of the fluid tube conse- 20 area (30) defined by the first inner wall (11) and the
quentially extends into one of the manifolds. second inner wall (12), the first inner wall (11) and
[0105] To achieve a sealing effect between the inner the second inner wall (12) being disposed at a dis-
walls, the inner walls may be joined at the first end as tance (d) from each other, and the at least one com-
well as at the second end 22 of the fluid tube, whereby mon area (30) being arranged between the first tube
the first end and the second end may extend into the 25 section (18) and the second tube section (19) and
manifolds. Accordingly, it is not required with a further that the common area (30) comprises at least one
part to close the gap between the tubes, which makes slot (31).
for a more cost-efficient manufacturing process.
[0106] This is achieved by means of disposing the slots 2. A heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein
31 so as to extend all the way to the ends of the fluid 30 the first outer wall (7) and the second outer wall (8)
tube, whereby the inner walls are directly joined by means are formed by a pair of sidewalls of the fluid tube (2).
of the common area 30.
[0107] Although the invention has been described in 3. A heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein
the above in connection with preferred embodiments of the at least one slot (31) is an elongated slot extend-
the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the 35 ing along a longitudinal axis (C) of the fluid tube (2).
art that several modifications are conceivable without de-
parting from the invention as defined by the following 4. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of the pre-
claims. ceding claims, wherein the at least one fluid tube (2)
is a flat fluid tube.
40
Claims 5. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of the pre-
ceding claims, wherein turbulators (24, 32) are dis-
1. A heat exchanger (1) comprising: posed inside the tube sections (18, 19).

- at least one fluid tube (2) adapted to extend 45 6. A heat exchanger (1) according to claim 5, wherein
substantially orthogonally to a wind direction, the turbulator (24) is formed by dimples disposed on
the fluid tube (2) having a first wall (5) and a the first wall (5) and/or on the second wall (6) of the
second wall (6), and the fluid tube (2) compris- fluid tube (2).
ing:
50 7. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of the pre-
- a first tube section (18) and a second tube ceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger compris-
section (19) each extending along the fluid es a plurality of fluid tubes (2) and lamellas disposed
tube (2), arranged such that each tube sec- between at least some of the said fluid tubes (2) so
tion is in fluid communication with a pair of as to extend through substantially the entire heat ex-
manifolds (9, 10) and adapted to contain a 55 changer (1) in the wind direction.
cooling fluid,
8. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of the pre-
wherein the first tube section (18) is formed by the ceding claims, wherein the first inner wall (11) and

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the second inner wall (12) are formed by a pair of

elongated bars.

9. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of the pre-

ceding claims, wherein the first inner wall (11) com- 5
prises a pair of first diverging sections (73) and the
second inner wall (12) comprises a corresponding
pair of second diverging sections (14), whereby the
first diverging section (73) extends towards the first
outer wall (7) and the second diverging section (74) 10
extends towards the second outer wall (8, 93),
whereby the first diverging sections (73) are dis-
posed opposite to the respective second diverging
sections (74) so as to form the common area (30).
15
10. A heat exchanger (1) according to claim 8 or 9,
wherein the first wall (5) and/or the second wall (6)
comprise(s) at least one protruding element (51) pro-
truding from the said first or second wall, whereby
said protruding element (51) is adapted to retain the 20
first inner wall (11) and the second inner wall (12) so
as to form the common area (30).

11. A heat exchanger (1) according to according to any

of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid tube (2) 25
comprises a plurality of slots (31) and protruding el-
ements (51) along the longitudinal axis (C) of the
fluid tube (2), whereby the protruding elements (51)
are disposed between the slots (31) of the first wall
(5) and/or the slots (31) of the second wall (6). 30

12. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of the pre-

ceding claims, wherein the fluid tube (2) is adapted
to extend in a vertical direction, whereby the pair of
manifolds (9, 10) comprises a top manifold (9) and 35
a bottom manifold (10).

13. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of claims 1-12,

wherein the heat exchanger (1) is a block heat ex-
changer. 40

14. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of claims 1-7

or 12-13, wherein the inner walls (11,12) are inter-
connected by means of the common area (30),
whereby the common area (30) is formed by em- 45
bossing the first wall (5) and/or embossing the sec-
ond wall (6) so as to form said inner walls (11, 12)
and the common area (30).

15. A heat exchanger (1) according to any of the pre- 50

ceding claims, wherein the fluid tube (2) has a first
end (21) and a second end (22), whereby the inner
walls (11, 12) are joined at the ends (21, 22) of the
fluid tube (2) and each end (21, 22) extend into one
of the manifolds (9, 10). 55

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