Apparatus and method for equalizing hot fluid exit plane plate temperatures in heat exchangers

Abstract

An apparatus and method for minimizing cold spots on plates of a plate-type fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger averages the plate temperature at a hot-fluid exit plane of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger matrix is constructed to internally vary the flow patterns of opposing hot and cold fluid streams so that the heat transfer coefficient values of one or both fluid streams, designated as h, are optimized so the hot fluid value is a greater value than that of a cold fluid value. Plate variable flow structures are arranged in a manner that allows higher velocity hot fluid flow and possible lower velocity cold fluid flow in areas where the plate temperatures are coolest and the opposite configuration where plate temperatures are hottest.

1 . A method of manufacturing a plate for a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger matrix having minimal deviation in plate temperature at a hot fluid exit plane, the method comprising:
 forming first variable flow structures on a first surface of a plate by stamping a second side of the plate such that the first variable flow structures are arranged to have at least two regions on the first surface, each region having different densities of variable flow structures.   
     
     
         2 . The method of manufacturing the plate for a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger matrix according to  claim 1 , the method further comprising:
 forming second variable flow structures on a second surface of the plate by stamping a first side of the plate such that the second variable flow structures are arranged to have at least two regions on the second surface, each region having different densities of variable flow structures.