Layered core heat exchanger

Abstract

A layered core heat exchanger is provided, and includes first and second fluid flow passages defined by heat exchanger plates stacked one above the other. Fluids passing through the first and second fluid flow passages are in thermal communication with each other through the plates, in order to provide for the exchange of heat between the fluids. A third fluid flow passage is provided adjacent one of the flow paths, and has a lower fluid capacity than the first and second flow passages.

1 . A layered core heat exchanger comprising:
 a first fluid flow passage comprising two or more parallel arranged flow paths;   a second fluid flow passage fluidly separate from the first fluid flow passage and in thermal communication therewith; and   a third fluid flow passage arranged adjacent to a single one of said flow paths.   
     
     
         2 . The layered core heat exchanger of  claim 1 , wherein the first fluid flow passage has a first fluid capacity defined by the internal volume of the first fluid flow passage, the second fluid flow passage has a second fluid capacity defined by the internal volume of the second fluid flow passage, the third fluid flow passage has a third fluid capacity defined by the internal volume of the third fluid flow passage, and the third fluid capacity is substantially smaller than both the first and the second fluid capacities. 
     
     
         3 . The layered core heat exchanger of  claim 1 , wherein the second flow passage comprises two or more parallel arranged flow paths interleaved with the parallel arranged flow paths of the first fluid flow passage. 
     
     
         4 . The layered core heat exchanger of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of plates stacked with respect to one another, the first and second fluid flow passages being arranged between the plurality of plates. 
     
     
         5 . The layered core heat exchanger of  claim 4 , wherein the third fluid flow passage is provided in an embossment of one of the plurality of plates. 
     
     
         6 . A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger, comprising:
 forming a plurality of heat exchanger plates;   embossing one of the plurality of heat exchanger plates to form a space;   forming an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the space; and   stacking the plurality of plates to form a heat exchanger.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising joining the plates to one another through brazing. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising encasing a fin into the space.