阅读说明：本技术 气体除湿设备和具有气体除湿设备的运输工具 (Gas dehumidification device and transport means with gas dehumidification device ) 是由 马库斯·皮斯克 于 2019-06-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及气体除湿设备和具有气体除湿设备的运输工具,气体除湿设备具有：均包括第一流体管线和第二流体管线的第一热交换器和第二热交换器。第一热交换器使第一热交换器的第二流体管线中的流体与第一热交换器的第二流体管线的外侧面上的第一冷却剂热耦合。第二热交换器使第二热交换器的第二流体管线中的流体与第二热交换器的第二流体管线的外侧面上的第二冷却剂热耦合。气体除湿设备进一步包括能够占据两个位置的阀和控制器,在第一位置,与第一冷却剂和/或第二冷却剂相比具有更高温度的流体被引导至第一热交换器的第一流体管线中,在第二位置,流体被引导至第二热交换器的第一流体管线中；控制器被配置成用于将阀选择性地置于第一或第二位置。(The present invention relates to a gas dehumidifying apparatus and a vehicle having the same, the gas dehumidifying apparatus having: a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger each comprising a first fluid line and a second fluid line. The first heat exchanger thermally couples fluid in the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger with a first coolant on an exterior side of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger thermally couples fluid in the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger with a second coolant on an exterior side of the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger. The gas dehumidification plant further comprises a valve and a controller able to occupy two positions, a first position in which a fluid having a higher temperature than the first coolant and/or the second coolant is directed into the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger, and a second position in which the fluid is directed into the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger; the controller is configured to selectively place the valve in the first or second position.)

1. A gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) comprising:

a first heat exchanger (100A) comprising a first fluid line (101) and a second fluid line (102), wherein the second fluid line (102) at least partially surrounds the first fluid line (101); and

a second heat exchanger (100B) comprising a first fluid line (101) and a second fluid line (102), wherein the second fluid line (102) at least partially surrounds the first fluid line (101),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the first heat exchanger (100A) is configured for thermally coupling a fluid in a second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A) with a first coolant on an outer side of the second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A),

the second heat exchanger (100B) is configured for thermally coupling a fluid in a second fluid line (102) of the second heat exchanger (100B) with a second coolant on an outer side of the second fluid line (102) of the second heat exchanger (100B), and

the gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) further comprises:

a valve (210) able to occupy two positions, wherein in a first of said two positions a fluid having a higher temperature than the first and/or second coolant is directed into the first fluid line (101) of the first heat exchanger (100A), and in a second of said two positions said fluid is directed into the first fluid line (101) of the second heat exchanger (100B); and

a controller (200) configured to selectively place the valve (210) in the first position or the second position.

2. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one conveying device (220) for the first coolant and/or the second coolant,

wherein the controller (200) is further configured to: -conveying the first coolant via an outer side of a second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A) when the valve (210) is placed in the second position; -conveying the second coolant via an outer side of a second fluid line (102) of the second heat exchanger (100B) when the valve (210) is placed in the first position.

3. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outlet (104) of a first fluid line (101) of the first heat exchanger (100A) is fluidly coupled with an inlet (105) of a second fluid line (102) of the second heat exchanger (100B).

4. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outlet (104) of a first fluid line (101) of the second heat exchanger (100B) is fluidly coupled with an inlet (105) of a second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A).

5. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outlet (114) of a first fluid line (101) of the first heat exchanger (100A) is fluidly coupled with an inlet (115) of a second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A).

6. The gas dehumidifying device (10) according to claim 5, wherein an end of the first fluid line (101) of the first heat exchanger (100A) forming the outlet (114) of the first fluid line (101) of the first heat exchanger (100A) is completely surrounded by the second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A), and a flow direction of the fluid flowing through the first fluid line (101) is reversed in an area of the second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A) formed by the inlet (115) of the second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A).

7. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 5, wherein an outlet (116) of the second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A) is fluidly coupled with an inlet (117) of the first fluid line (101) of the second heat exchanger (100B).

8. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outlet (126) of the second fluid line (102) of the first heat exchanger (100A) is fluidly coupled with an inlet (115) of the second fluid line (102) of the second heat exchanger (100B).

9. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) of claim 8, wherein an inlet (124) of the first fluid line (101) of the first heat exchanger (100A) is in fluid coupling with an outlet (114) of the first fluid line (101) of the second heat exchanger (100B).

10. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 2, further comprising:

a coolant channel (310) in or on which a delivery device (220) for the first coolant and/or the second coolant is arranged,

wherein the first heat exchanger (100A) and/or the second heat exchanger (100B) are arranged in the coolant channel (310).

11. Gas dehumidification device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the coolant channel (310) is at least in one section composed of an outer cylinder (321) and an inner cylinder (322) concentrically arranged in the outer cylinder (321),

wherein the first heat exchanger (100A) is formed in a spiral manner and/or the second heat exchanger (100B) is formed in a spiral manner, and

wherein the first heat exchanger (100A) and/or the second heat exchanger (100B) are arranged in an annular gap formed by the outer cylinder (321) and the inner cylinder (322).

12. A gas dehumidifying device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the outer cylinder (321) and the inner cylinder (322) are each closed at a corresponding end face (323, 324), and at least the outer cylinder (321) is open at a side opposite to the end face (323, 324), and the annular gap formed by the outer cylinder (321) and the inner cylinder (322) forms a coolant inlet opening (325).

13. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

at least one first sensor (230A) arranged in the first heat exchanger (100A), and/or

At least one second sensor (230B) arranged in the second heat exchanger (100B),

wherein the controller (200) is further configured for receiving signals of the at least one first sensor (230A) and/or the at least one second sensor (230B) and for detecting whether the second fluid line (102) of the associated heat exchanger (100) is iced.

14. The gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

at least one collection vessel (410) for the dehumidified gas, fluidly coupled with an outlet (106, 116, 136) of a second fluid line (102) of at least one of the first heat exchanger (100A) and the second heat exchanger (100B); and/or

At least one collection container (420) for water, fluidly coupled with an outlet (421, 422) for water of at least one of the first and second fluid lines (101, 102) of at least one of the first and second heat exchangers (100A, 100B).

15. A vehicle (11) comprising a gas dehumidifying apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a gas dehumidifying apparatus which selectively supplies a hot fluid into a first heat exchanger or a second heat exchanger; and also to a vehicle having such a gas dehumidifying apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to a gas dehumidification plant in which a hot fluid is directed into a first heat exchanger or a second heat exchanger in order to de-ice an area of the heat exchangers, while the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is used to dehumidify a gas; and to a correspondingly equipped vehicle.

Background

In many applications gases are used which must have a particularly high dryness, i.e. gases having a very low water content (ideally a water content equal to zero). For example, it is necessary to supply the gas (H) to the fuel cell₂And O₂) Dehumidification to achieve high efficiency of the fuel cell.

When drying or dehumidifying the gas, the temperature of the gas drops, so that the temperature is below the dew point of water. In this case, water contained in the gas may be precipitated as condensed water. The lower the temperature drop, the drier the gas. The cooling of the gas is carried out by means of corresponding heat exchangers, which extract thermal energy from the gas.

In order to obtain a high dry quality of the gas, the corresponding gas has to be cooled below the freezing point of water. However, this leads to freezing of the water condensed in the heat exchanger, for example at the cold wall of the heat exchanger or in the form of ice crystals evolving from the gas. Such icing is unavoidable as long as a high drying quality has to be obtained, but it leads to a narrowing of the flow cross-section of the heat exchanger (due to the deposition of ice crystals) and/or to a reduction of the performance of the heat exchanger due to an increasing ice layer at the walls of the heat exchanger.

Deicing from the heat exchanger is in most cases performed by heating the heat exchanger. Thus, for example, the cold air stream can be replaced by a hot air stream, which can heat the walls of the heat exchanger, on which the ice layer has formed, and thereby melt the ice. However, at this stage, the heat exchanger cannot be used to dehumidify the gas.

Disclosure of Invention

The basic object of the invention is therefore: a gas dehumidification apparatus is provided which can achieve continuous drying of a gas stream in an efficient and cost effective manner; and a vehicle having such a gas dehumidifying apparatus.

This object is achieved by a gas dehumidification apparatus having the features according to the first aspect and by a vehicle having the features according to the further aspect.

According to a first aspect, a gas dehumidifying apparatus comprises: a first heat exchanger comprising a first fluid line and a second fluid line, wherein the second fluid line at least partially surrounds the first fluid line; and a second heat exchanger comprising a first fluid line and a second fluid line, wherein the second fluid line at least partially surrounds the first fluid line. In other words, at least one section of the first fluid line is arranged within the second fluid line and a section of the second fluid line surrounds the at least one section of the first fluid line.

The fluid flowing in the first fluid line may be any arbitrary liquid or any arbitrary gas. The fluid is capable of transferring thermal energy and discharging the thermal energy to the fluid in the second fluid line via the material of the first fluid line.

Furthermore, the first heat exchanger may be configured for thermally coupling a fluid in the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger with a first coolant on the outer side of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger. The thermal coupling can be in a simple manner: the first coolant contacts the outer side of the second fluid line and/or flows through the outer side of the second fluid line, so that the coolant can absorb thermal energy from the material of the second fluid line and in this case cool the second fluid line. Correspondingly, the second fluid line absorbs thermal energy from the fluid in the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger, so that a thermal coupling is achieved between the fluid and the coolant.

The fluid flowing in the second fluid line may be any arbitrary gas that has to be dehumidified. The fluid may obviously also be a liquid containing water, which can be crystallized (frozen) by cooling the fluid and can thus be removed from the fluid flowing in the second fluid line. For this purpose, a filter can be provided which filters out the ice crystals; and/or a water separator is provided to separate condensed or melted water.

The second heat exchanger may also be configured for thermally coupling a fluid in the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger with a second coolant on an external side of the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger. The thermal coupling can take place in the same way as in the case of the first heat exchanger.

In a design variant, the first heat exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger comprise fins or other protrusions on the outer side of the respective second fluid line to increase the outer side of the respective second fluid line and thus the contact surface with the respective coolant.

In a further design variant, the first heat exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger comprise fins or other projections on the outer side of the respective first fluid line and/or on the inner side of the respective second fluid line. For example, a spacer plate or a spacer may also be arranged between the outer side of the respective first fluid line and the inner side of the respective second fluid line. These spacer plates or spacers increase the stability of the respective heat exchanger (especially in the case of long fluid lines) and can also be used as mounting aids. These fins, protrusions, spacers and/or spacers create vortices and/or turbulence in the fluid flowing through the respective second fluid lines, thereby improving heat transfer between the respective first fluid lines and the fluid flowing through the respective second fluid lines or between the respective second lines and the fluid flowing through the respective second fluid lines. Alternatively, the fins and/or other projections may be arranged on the respective first fluid line and the respective second fluid line, but in any case only on one of the two fluid lines. In other words, the fins and/or other protrusions of the first fluid line are not connected to the fins and/or other protrusions of the second fluid line. Such a heat exchanger, whether or not having fins, protrusions, spacers and/or spacers arranged on the first or second fluid line or on both fluid lines, can be produced simply and cost-effectively by means of a 3D printing method, for example by means of an ALM method (additive manufacturing). Furthermore, any profile of fluid lines and/or fins, protrusions, spacers and/or spacers may be produced with the ALM method.

In addition, the gas dehumidification device may comprise a valve which can occupy two positions. In this case, in the first of these two positions of the valve, a fluid having a higher temperature than the first and/or second coolant can be led into the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger; in a second of these two positions of the valve, the fluid may be directed into the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger. For example, the valve may be arranged in a common fluid line and direct fluid flowing in the common fluid line to the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger, and in particular to the respective first fluid line of the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger.

Finally, the gas dehumidification apparatus may include a controller configured to selectively move the valve to the first position or the second position. A fluid having a higher temperature than the first coolant and/or the second coolant can be selectively directed into the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger by a controller and a valve. This makes it possible to heat (heat) the corresponding heat exchanger from the inside. By introducing the hotter fluid into the respective first fluid line of the first or second heat exchanger, the first fluid line outputs thermal energy to the fluid contained in the second fluid line. Ice (crystallized fluid) which may be contained in the second fluid line is thereby melted and the respective heat exchanger may be de-iced. The temperature of the fluid which is conducted into the first fluid line by means of the valve can be a temperature above the freezing point of the fluid in the second fluid line. Rapid deicing of the corresponding heat exchanger can thereby be achieved.

Respective fluid lines are provided between the valve and the first and second heat exchangers. Alternatively, the first and second heat exchangers are arranged such that the valves may be directly connected to the respective first fluid lines of the first and second heat exchangers. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the thermal energy loss of the fluid introduced into the respective first fluid line and to accelerate the de-icing of the respective heat exchanger.

The first and second fluid lines of each of the first and second heat exchangers may include any cross-sectional shape. Thus, the first and second fluid lines may each have a circular cross-section, with the second fluid line having a larger diameter than the first fluid line. The circular cross-section provides maximum stability with respect to the pressure acting on the first and second fluid lines. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first and second fluid lines of at least one of the first and second heat exchangers may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical, rectangular, square, or polygonal. The corresponding cross-sectional shape may be symmetrical or have an arbitrary, asymmetrical shape. By selecting the cross-sectional shape in a corresponding manner, a surface of the respective fluid line may be determined, which surface facilitates de-icing of the respective heat exchanger. For example, a cross-sectional shape of one of these second fluid lines with as few corners as possible (preferably oval or circular) or as few curvature transitions as possible prevents the formation of recesses (niches) which are difficult to reach by the thermal energy of the fluid which is guided into the first fluid line after icing and which are thus difficult to de-ice. On the other hand, the cross-sectional shape of the second fluid line with corners and/or curvature transitions increases the available thermal coupling area with the respective coolant, whereby a better cooling and thus a better dehumidification of the fluid to be dehumidified is possible. Cross-sectional shapes with corners and/or curvature changes are also suitable for the first fluid line in order to improve the thermal coupling of the fluid in the first fluid line with the fluid (ice) in the second fluid line.

Since the second fluid lines of the first and second heat exchangers enclose the first fluid lines, the second fluid lines have a larger surface than the first fluid lines (at least in the area where the second fluid lines enclose the first fluid lines). This ensures that the heat flow between the second fluid line and the coolant is greater than the heat flow between the first fluid line and the fluid flowing in the second fluid line +.

In a design variant, the gas dehumidifying apparatus may further comprise at least one conveying apparatus for the first and/or second coolant. The conveying device can be realized, for example, in the form of a pump, a compressor or a blower. The controller is further configured to: delivering the first coolant via an external side of a second fluid line of the first heat exchanger when the valve is placed in the second position; delivering the second coolant via an outside of a second fluid line of the second heat exchanger when the valve is placed in the first position. In other words, the controller may control the at least one conveying device such that the coolant does not pass through the heat exchanger that has to be de-iced. Thereby, the cooling of the fluid in the second fluid line and thus the progression of icing is interrupted.

Furthermore, the controller may be configured to operate the delivery device in dependence on the temperature of the coolant. Thus, it is possible to switch between free convection (transport device not operating) and forced convection (transport device operating) depending on the temperature of the coolant. In a design variant, the operation of the conveying device can be controlled in such a way that it is operated with the smallest possible output for free convection. In this way, a disturbance-sensitive start-up process of the conveying device is avoided, thereby increasing the reliability of the system.

Depending on the temperature of the coolant and/or the fluid which is guided into the first fluid line by means of a valve, the at least one conveying device can be dispensed with. For example, it is sufficient to de-ice the heat exchanger when the temperature of the fluid conducted into the first fluid line is above the freezing point of a substance (e.g. water) that should be condensed from the fluid flowing in the second fluid line by cooling (e.g. more than 10K, more than 20K or more than 50K above the freezing point of the fluid in the second fluid line). However, if the temperature of the coolant is (to a large extent) below the freezing point of the substances to be condensed in the fluid of the second fluid line, no conveying device may likewise be required. Due to the high temperature difference between the fluid in the second fluid line and the coolant, there is no need for additional removal of the warmed coolant. For example, a conveying device for the coolant can be dispensed with if the temperature of the coolant is less than 10K, less than 20K or less than 50K below the freezing point of the substances to be condensed in the fluid in the second fluid line.

Furthermore, the first and/or second heat exchanger may be dimensioned in such a way that the surface of the respective second fluid line and/or the size and arrangement of the optional fins on the respective second fluid line may be dimensioned in such a way that the iced heat exchanger may be de-iced by disconnecting the conveying device. On the other hand, it is possible to achieve a temperature in the fluid in the respective second fluid line (significantly) below the freezing point of the substance to be precipitated by operating the conveying device. In other words, the coolant is moved either by forced convection (transport device is in operation) or by free convection (transport device is not in operation). Of course, the first and/or second heat exchanger may be dimensioned such that the respective heat exchanger is suitable for dehumidifying the fluid flowing in the respective second fluid line and may also be deiced only by the hot fluid flowing through the respective first fluid line, even without a conveying device, by free convection.

In a further design variant, the outlet of the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger can be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger. This allows the fluid introduced into the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger via the valve to be cooled in the second heat exchanger, and in particular in the second fluid line thereof. Thereby, the gas to be dehumidified may be used as a fluid to be introduced into the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger for de-icing said first heat exchanger.

Optionally, the outlet of the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger may be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger, respectively. In this case, the fluid introduced into the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger via the valve is cooled in the first heat exchanger and in particular in the second fluid line thereof. In this case, the fluid may also be the gas to be dehumidified selectively directed by a controller and a valve into the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger or the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger. This arrangement allows: in case the gas to be dehumidified is used simultaneously as a heat source for de-icing a heat exchanger (that is just not used for dehumidification), the first and second heat exchangers are used alternately for dehumidifying the gas. Furthermore, this variant makes it possible to realize a gas dehumidification plant which requires only one (changeover) valve and two of the above-mentioned heat exchangers. The gas dehumidification plant is thereby particularly simple in design, easy to maintain and has a lower weight than conventional gas dehumidification plants, in particular such gas dehumidification plants with additional heating plants.

In a further design variant, the outlet of the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger can be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger. In this connection, the same fluid is successively led through the first fluid line and the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger. For example, the outlet of the first fluid line coincides with the inlet of the second fluid line.

For example, the end of the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger, which end forms the outlet of the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger, may be completely surrounded by the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger. This may enable the direction of flow of the fluid flowing through the first fluid line to be reversed in the region of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger formed by the inlet of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger. After flowing through the first fluid line and turning, the fluid flows through the second fluid line in the opposite direction.

Alternatively or additionally, the end of the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger may be completely surrounded by the second fluid line of the second fluid line, said end forming the outlet of the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger. This likewise makes it possible to achieve a reversal of the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the first fluid line in the region of the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger formed by the inlet of the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger. After flowing through the first fluid line and turning, the fluid flows through the second fluid line in the opposite direction.

The above-described design of the first and/or second heat exchanger makes it possible to achieve a compact construction of the gas dehumidification plant, since the lengths of the first and second fluid lines of the respective heat exchanger can be almost equally large and the length decisively determines the size of the gas dehumidification plant. Possible length differences are only the connection at the opening of the first fluid line, the point of reversal between the first and second fluid lines and/or the connection at the outlet of the second fluid line. The main length of the first fluid line corresponds to the length of the second fluid line, since the two fluid lines overlap in the region.

Also, alternatively or additionally, the outlet of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger may be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger. In other words, the first and second heat exchangers are connected in series.

For example, the first and second heat exchangers may be realized according to the above-described design variant (wherein the outlet of the first fluid line of the same heat exchanger is fluidly coupled with the inlet of the second fluid line) and may be connected in series. Thereby, the gas may be dehumidified in the second heat exchanger, while the gas to be dehumidified de-ices the first heat exchanger (in the flow direction through the series connected heat exchangers). In this connection, the gas which is still hot in the second heat exchanger before dehumidification flows through the first and second fluid lines of the first heat exchanger, whereby a rapid de-icing is achieved. Now, in order to de-ice the second heat exchanger that is frozen during dehumidification, hot gas is introduced into the second heat exchanger (in particular the first fluid line thereof) by switching the valve. The opposite series connection of the first and second heat exchangers may be configured by arranging a second valve which may convert a fluid coupling between the outlet of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger into a fluid coupling between the outlet of the second fluid line and the inlet of the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger. In this connection, the controller can also be designed to selectively control the second valve also in such a way that the two heat exchangers are connected in series in each of the two connection variants of the valves in the manner described above, that is to say are always flowed through from the inside to the outside (i.e. once through the first fluid line, then through the second fluid line of the same heat exchanger).

In a further design variant, the outlet of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger can be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger. This may enable selective use of the first and second heat exchangers for dehumidifying fluid flowing in the respective heat exchanger second fluid lines. In this case, the gas to be dehumidified is first guided through the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger and then dehumidified in the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger. In order to de-ice the latter, the flow direction of the gas to be dehumidified is reversed, i.e. first directed into the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger and then into the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger, where the gas is dehumidified.

During de-icing of a second heat exchanger, fluid is directed into a first fluid line of the second heat exchanger by a valve. Optionally, the volume flow of the coolant flowing on the outer side of the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger is limited or completely stopped. In order to de-ice the first heat exchanger, fluid is directed by means of a valve and by means of a controller into a first fluid line of said first heat exchanger. Optionally, the volume flow of the coolant for cooling the first heat exchanger can also be limited or stopped.

In a further design variant, the outlet of the first fluid line of the first heat exchanger can be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the first fluid line of the second heat exchanger. Whereby the fluid of the respective first fluid line of the first or second heat exchanger flows into the first fluid line of the respective other heat exchanger after flowing through the associated heat exchanger. During the deicing of the respective heat exchanger, the fluid absorbs thermal energy in the respective first fluid line, so that the fluid causes only a small or no heating of the gas in the associated second fluid line in the first line of the further heat exchanger through which it flows next. In this way, the dehumidification process which takes place there is no or only very little interference. In particular, the smaller surface of the first fluid line in the second fluid line surrounding the first fluid line compared to the larger surface of the second fluid line ensures that the gas is sufficiently cooled for dehumidification, relative to the coolant.

The fluid flowing through the first fluid line may be any arbitrary fluid as long as the fluid has a temperature required for deicing. For example, a liquid or a gas may be used. Of course, it is also possible to use the gas to be dehumidified before it is dehumidified or under a different pressure condition (where the gas has a higher temperature than before dehumidification).

In a further design variant, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can be regarded as a unit, wherein the above-mentioned unit is connected in series with a correspondingly identically designed unit of the two heat exchangers. For example, the outlet of the second fluid line of the second heat exchanger may be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the first fluid line of the third heat exchanger of the (second unit), and the outlet of the first fluid line of the third heat exchanger may be fluidly coupled with the inlet of the second fluid line of the first heat exchanger. Thereby, the flow direction of the gas and/or fluid through the first and second fluid lines of the first and second heat exchangers does not have to be changed.

According to a design variant, the gas dehumidification plant may comprise a coolant channel. In this case, a first heat exchanger and/or a second heat exchanger may also be arranged in the coolant channel. The coolant channel may be a ram air channel or a further coolant channel through which coolant flows without a conveying device associated with the gas dehumidifying device. Alternatively, a conveying device for the first coolant and/or the second coolant may be arranged in or at the coolant channel.

In a further embodiment, the coolant channel can be composed at least in one section of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder arranged concentrically in the outer cylinder. In this case, the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder form an annular gap, which forms the coolant channel portion. The annular gap may be connected to another part of the coolant channel, which for example comprises the conveying device.

Furthermore, the first heat exchanger may be formed in a spiral manner and/or the second heat exchanger may be formed in a spiral manner. Thus, the first heat exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger may be arranged in an annular gap formed by the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. This allows the gas dehumidifying apparatus to be designed in a very compact manner.

According to another variant, the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder may each be closed at the corresponding end faces. In this case, the end face of the outer cylinder may be spaced from the corresponding end face of the inner cylinder. Thereby, another part of the coolant channel will be formed between these two end faces. Furthermore, the outer cylinder may be open at least at the side opposite the end face, and an annular gap formed by the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder may form a coolant inlet opening. Thus, the coolant can be guided through the heat exchanger/exchangers from the inlet opening through the annular gap, wherein the gas dehumidifying apparatus is compact and at the same time robust.

In a further design variant, the gas dehumidification plant may further comprise: at least one first sensor disposed in the first heat exchanger; and/or at least one second sensor arranged in the second heat exchanger. The sensor/sensors may be temperature sensors, pressure sensors, infrared sensors, image sensors, etc., whereby the state, in particular the icing state, in the heat exchanger can be determined. Correspondingly, the controller may be further configured for receiving signals of the at least one first sensor and/or the at least one second sensor and for determining whether the second fluid line of the associated heat exchanger is iced.

In another design variant, the gas dehumidification plant may further comprise at least one collection vessel for the dehumidified gas, the at least one collection vessel being fluidly coupled with the outlet of the second fluid line of at least one of the first and second heat exchangers. Alternatively or additionally, the gas dehumidifying apparatus may comprise at least one collecting container for water, which is fluidly coupled with an outlet for water of at least one of the first and second fluid lines of at least one of the first and second heat exchangers. The outlet for water (independent of which fluid line is) may be a separate valve or another outlet point in the associated fluid line. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet for water may also be integrated into the corresponding fluid line at the inlet for fluid.

Alternatively, the outlet for water may be arranged at a position which forms the lowest point in the gas dehumidifying apparatus in a state where a heat exchanger is later installed, so that water (melted ice from the first fluid line and/or the second fluid line) flows to the outlet for water due to gravitation.

In a further embodiment, the gas dehumidification plant is designed such that the water produced during the defrosting flows out of the heat exchanger by gravity. In other words, the first and/or second fluid lines are arranged such that they comprise a slope, whereby melted ice is lost due to gravity. For example, in the case of a helically shaped heat exchanger, the helix may have a gradient that may cause molten water to drain.

According to another aspect, a vehicle comprises a gas dehumidifying apparatus according to the first aspect and/or the associated variant.

Furthermore, the design alternatives, variations and aspects described herein can be combined arbitrarily, thereby including other design alternatives not explicitly described.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of the figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a gas dehumidifying plant,

figure 2 shows a schematic view of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger according to a design variant,

figure 3 shows a schematic view of a heat exchanger according to another design variant,

figure 4 shows a schematic view of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger according to a further design variant,

figure 5 shows an overview schematic of another gas dehumidifying plant,

figure 6 shows a schematic view of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger according to another design variant,

figure 7 shows a schematic view of a heat exchanger according to yet another design variant,

figure 8 shows a schematic view of a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger according to another design variant,

FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a coolant channel in which a heat exchanger is arranged by way of example, and

fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a vehicle with a gas dehumidifying apparatus.

Detailed Description

According to the present invention, a gas dehumidification plant is described which selectively supplies a hot fluid into a first heat exchanger or a second heat exchanger; and a vehicle having such a gas dehumidifying apparatus is also described.

Fig. 1 shows an overview schematic of a gas dehumidification apparatus 10 comprising a first heat exchanger 100A and a second heat exchanger 100B. In this case, the gas to be dehumidified is directed from the source 205 to the valve 210 of the gas dehumidification apparatus 10. The valve 210 may occupy two positions, wherein in a first position of the valve 210, the gas to be dehumidified (or any further fluid) is directed to the first heat exchanger 100A; and in the second position of the valve 210 the gas to be dehumidified is directed to the second heat exchanger 100B. After passing through the first heat exchanger 100A or the second heat exchanger 100B, the fluid flows to the respective other heat exchanger 100A, 100B and from there into a collecting container 410 for the dehumidified gas.

Each of the first and second heat exchangers 100A, 100B is connected to a collection vessel (420A, 420B) for water by a corresponding connection BW, CW. Of course, a single, common collecting container 420 for water may also be provided. The collection container 420 for water is intended to contain the water condensed in the respective heat exchanger 100A, 100B from the gas to be dehumidified.

Furthermore, each heat exchanger 100A, 100B can be equipped with a conveying device 220A, 220B for conveying the coolant. The conveying device 220 may enable the associated heat exchanger 100 to be flowed through by a coolant (not separately shown) which may enable cooling of the gas to be dehumidified within the respective heat exchanger 100. Of course, it is also possible to provide a separate delivery device 220 and to direct the volume flow of coolant to one of the two heat exchangers 100 by another device (for example a valve or the like).

At least the valve 210 and optionally also the delivery devices 220A, 220B or each of these delivery devices 220 may be actuated by the controller 200. Thus, the controller 200 may bring the valve 210 to a first or second of two positions in order to create a fluid flow (gas flow) from the source 205 to one of the heat exchangers 100. Correspondingly, the controller 200 may adjust the volumetric flow of coolant (including the cessation of coolant) through one of the delivery devices 220. To this end, the controller 200 may optionally be connected to sensors 230A, 230B, the sensors 230A, 230B being arranged in the respective heat exchangers 100A, 100B and providing signals to the controller 200, whereby the controller 200 may determine whether fluid lines in the respective heat exchangers 100 are frozen.

Fig. 2 shows a more detailed schematic of the first heat exchanger 100A and the second heat exchanger 100B according to one design. Each of these heat exchangers 100A, 100B comprises a first fluid line 101 and a second fluid line 102. In this case, the second fluid line 102 at least partially surrounds the first fluid line 101. For example, the first fluid line 101 and the second fluid line 102 may be two concentrically arranged lines. The first heat exchanger 100A is configured for thermally coupling the fluid in the second fluid line 102 with the first coolant on the outer side of the second fluid line 102. Correspondingly, the second heat exchanger 100B is also configured for thermally coupling the fluid in the second fluid line 102 with the coolant on its outer side. For this purpose, the corresponding heat exchanger 100A, 100B may be equipped with fins 103 or another object that increases the surface of the outer side of the second fluid line 102.

The heat exchangers 100A, 100B and their connections C1, C2 or B1, B2 correspond to the arrangement of fig. 1. Thus, the gas to be dehumidified can be introduced by means of the valve 210 either into the inlet C1 of the first fluid line 101 of the first heat exchanger 100A or into the inlet B1 of the first fluid line 101 of the second heat exchanger 100B.

In the design according to fig. 2, after passing through the first fluid line 101, the gas to be dehumidified reaches the inlet 105 of the second fluid line 102 of the other heat exchanger 100 via the outlet 104 of the first fluid line 101 of the respective heat exchanger 100. In other words, the outlet 104 is fluidly coupled with the inlet 105. This fluid coupling may be via a length of fluid line, or may be achieved by a direct transition from the outlet 104 to the inlet 105.

The gas is dehumidified in the second fluid line 102 of the following heat exchanger 100 (after introduction of the gas to be dehumidified, for example at C1, the gas enters the inlet 105 of the second heat exchanger 100B and flows to the outlet C2). This is done by cooling the gas in the second fluid line 102 of the second heat exchanger 100B by means of a coolant present at the outer side of the fluid line 102. The heat sink 103 accelerates cooling. To obtain a high drying efficiency, the gas is cooled to below the freezing point of water. In this case, ice may form within the second fluid line 102. This increasingly leads to ice formation, in particular at the inner side of the second fluid line 102 cooled by the coolant. In order to prevent the cross section of the second fluid line 102 of the second heat exchanger 100B from completely freezing and thus failing to dehumidify, the valve 210 is switched (e.g. due to actuation by the controller 200). The gas to be dehumidified is introduced into the first fluid line 101 of the second heat exchanger 100B at the entry point B1 of the second heat exchanger 100B. The still hot fluid (gas) heats up the first fluid line 101 of the second heat exchanger 100B and de-icing of the second fluid line 102 of the second heat exchanger 100B may be achieved. After leaving the outlet 104 of the first fluid line 101, the gas to be dehumidified is directed into the second fluid line 102 at the inlet 105 of the second fluid line 102 of the first heat exchanger 100A. Where the gas can be cooled and thereby dehumidified by means of the cooling fins 103 and the coolant against the outer side. The gas to be dehumidified exits the first heat exchanger 100A at the outlet 106 of the second fluid line 102 (see outlet point B2). After the first heat exchanger 100A freezes, the valve 210 is again switched and the first process described above is repeated, wherein the gas is dehumidified in the second heat exchanger 100B.

In order to remove condensed water from the respective heat exchanger 100A, 100B, a first water outlet 421A and a second water outlet 421B are provided, for example, at the inlet 105 of the respective second fluid line 102. These water outlets may be connected to a water collection vessel 420 as shown in fig. 1.

The design variant of the gas dehumidification plant 10 shown in fig. 2 allows a first mode of operation in which the two heat exchangers 100A, 100B operate alternately. In other words, one heat exchanger 100A is used to dehumidify the gas, while the other heat exchanger 100B is de-iced by the gas flowing in the first fluid line 101. Thus, gas always flows through only one path through the two heat exchangers 100A, 100B, i.e., either path B1-B2 or path C1-C2, as already described with reference to FIG. 1. The deicing of the corresponding heat exchanger 100 can be assisted by controlling the delivery device 220 for the coolant, for example by reducing or shutting off the volume flow of the coolant.

In a second operating mode, the two heat exchangers 100A, 100B are operated simultaneously, wherein the deicing process is carried out in particular by controlling the delivery device 220 for the coolant. In this regard, the same gas or two different gases may be dehumidified simultaneously. In this case neither the switch nor the valve 210 as already described with reference to fig. 1 is necessary.

In the design variant shown in fig. 3, the outlet 114 of the first fluid line 101 of the heat exchanger 100 is fluidly coupled with the inlet 105 of the second fluid line 102 of the same heat exchanger. In other words, the gas to be dehumidified flows from the inlet 117 of the first fluid line 101 through the first fluid line 101 and then flows from the inlet 115 of the second fluid line 102 to the outlet 116 of the second fluid line 102 after the flow direction is reversed (see outlet point B2). Here, it can be observed that: exit point B2 does not correspond to exit point B2 shown in fig. 1, as the exit points are arranged on the same heat exchanger 100.

In the case of the variant shown in fig. 3, a single heat exchanger 100 may be used, which alternately dehumidifies the gas and then de-ices. In this case, the deicing process is carried out by reducing or shutting off the coolant volume flow. This corresponds to the above-described second mode of operation with only one heat exchanger 100 and one gas to be dehumidified. Thereby, a very simple design of the gas dehumidifying apparatus is achieved. However, the temperature difference between the coolant and the gas to be dehumidified is significantly limited in order to robustly perform condensation and de-icing.

As an alternative, the two heat exchangers shown in fig. 3 can be connected in series and the gas to be dehumidified is always first conducted in its hot state into the heat exchanger 100 which must be deiced. After exiting the heat exchanger 100 at the outlet 116 of the second fluid line 102, the gas is directed into another (e.g., second) heat exchanger 100. To this end, the outlet 116 of the second fluid line 102 is fluidly coupled with the inlet 117 of the first fluid line 101 of the further heat exchanger 100. The gas flowing in the other heat exchanger 100, although still hot in the first fluid line 101, has already been cooled in the previous heat exchanger 100 by a deicing process. Thereby, the gas can be dehumidified well in the second heat exchanger 100. In this design variant, a further valve is required which fluidically couples the outlet 116 of the second fluid line 102 to the inlet 117 of the first fluid line 101 of the further heat exchanger 100 or to the collection container 410 for the dehumidified gas. This valve may also be controlled by controller 200 (fig. 1).

To remove the condensed water, the heat exchanger 100 includes a water outlet 421.

Fig. 4 shows a further design variant in which the gas to be dehumidified either flows only in the first fluid line 101 of the first heat exchanger 100A and the second heat exchanger 100B and is dehumidified, or flows in the second fluid line 102 of both heat exchangers 100A, 100B and is dehumidified. Since the connection points B1, B2 and C1, C2 correspond to the connection points in fig. 1, the gas to be dehumidified will always flow in only one of the two fluid lines 101, 102 of the two heat exchangers 100. Here, the gas to be dehumidified may also be first deiced on one heat exchanger 100 and dehumidified in the other heat exchanger 100.

Because condensed water is present in the two fluid lines 101, 102, each of the two fluid lines 101, 102 is also provided with a water outlet 421, 422. Alternatively, the fluid flowing through the respective first fluid line 101 via the connection points B1 and B2 may also be a different fluid (liquid or gas) than the gas to be dehumidified. Thus, the water outlet 422 may be omitted in the bottom region 124 of the first fluid line 101 of the first heat exchanger 100A. In this case, however, the gas to be dehumidified is dehumidified between the connection points C1 and C2 only when the deicing process is finished by the fluid between the connection points B1 and B2. This makes it impossible to continuously dehumidify the gas. However, a greater heat flow from the respective first fluid line 101 into the respective second fluid line 102 can be achieved using the liquid flowing through the respective first fluid line 101, whereby the de-icing process can be accelerated to a large extent with respect to the variant in which gas flows through the respective first fluid line 101.

Alternatively, it is also possible to double the unit shown in fig. 4 (without the water outlet 422(BW)) and thus connect it in series with the heat exchanger unit shown in fig. 4. In other words, once through the first fluid line (connection point B2), a fluid coupling will be made with the entry point of the second fluid line (connection point C1). Thus, the connection points B1, B2 and C1, C2 at the respective ends of the heat exchanger units connected in series will correspond to the connection points in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows an overview schematic of another gas dehumidification apparatus 10. This gas dehumidifying apparatus 10 largely corresponds to the gas dehumidifying apparatus 10 of fig. 1. Therefore, the same elements are provided with the same reference numerals and the description thereof is not repeated here. In order to make fig. 5 clearer, certain components, such as the controller 200, the delivery device 220, and the sensor 230, are also not shown, although these components may be optional portions of the gas dehumidification device 10 shown in fig. 5.

Each heat exchanger 100A, 100B may be provided with at least one drain connection for condensed or melted water. In fig. 5, two drainage connections for condensed or melted water are shown, respectively, which are combined into one pipeline. This is illustrated in fig. 5 by the rounded engagement elements. The thus assembled discharge connections lead to the second valve 211, where they are connected to valve connections P1, P2, P3 or P4, respectively. The valve 211 is configured to open only one discharge line path in each case. In other words, only one discharge line is always fluidly coupled to the collection container 420 for water by the valve 211.

The valve 211 may be controlled by the controller 200 (see fig. 1) such that the controller 200 implements the fluid coupling of the valve connection P1, P2, P3, or P4 (i.e., the valve connection of the discharge line path) with the collection vessel 420. Alternatively, the valves 211 may be controlled independently. For example, the valves may be continuously rotated such that each valve connection P1, P2, P3 or P4 is open one after the other for a defined time window, i.e. is in fluid connection with the collection container 420 for water.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a first heat exchanger 100A and a second heat exchanger 100B according to a further design variant. This design variant of fig. 6 largely corresponds to the design variant of fig. 2. Therefore, the same elements are provided with the same reference numerals and the description thereof is not repeated here.

The difference from the design variant of fig. 2 is that in the design variant shown in fig. 6 the heat exchangers 100A, 100B are arranged so that connections B1, B2, C1 and C2 are at the bottom. Particularly in a state of having been mounted in the gas dehumidifying apparatus 10, the connections B1, B2, C1 and C2 are located at the bottom. Thereby, the condensed or melted water is guided to the fluid connections B1, B2, C1 and C2 due to gravity and can be discharged there. Thereby, a separate water outlet 421 (see fig. 2) may be omitted and the design of the heat exchangers 100A, 100B and the entire gas dehumidifying apparatus 10 is simplified. In this case, the water discharge may be performed as one of the gas dehumidifying apparatuses 10 shown in fig. 1 and 5.

Fig. 7 shows a heat exchanger 100 according to a further design variant. The heat exchanger 100 of fig. 7 corresponds largely to the heat exchanger 100 of fig. 3. Here, the same elements are provided with the same reference numerals and are not described again to avoid repetition. Here, however, the fluid connections B1, B2 are arranged so that they are at the bottom, whereby condensed or melted water can be discharged due to gravity. In particular, condensed or melted water appears at the connection B2 and may be discharged there.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a first heat exchanger 100A and a second heat exchanger 100B according to a further design variant. This arrangement largely corresponds to the arrangement of fig. 4, wherein like elements are labeled with like reference numerals and are not described again to avoid repetition. The fluid connections B1, B2, C1 and C2 are at the bottom so that condensed or melted water can be drained due to gravity. Here, the design of the heat exchanger 100 and thus of the gas dehumidifying apparatus 10 is also simplified. In particular, no water connections 421, 422 (see fig. 4) are required.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a coolant channel 310 in which a heat exchanger 100 is arranged by way of example. The coolant channel 310 is formed at least in part by an outer cylinder 321 and an inner cylinder 322. These concentrically arranged cylinders 321, 322 form an annular gap in which the heat exchanger 100 can be arranged. For example, the first fluid line 101 and the second fluid line 102 of the heat exchanger 100 are helical, wherein the helix comprises a diameter corresponding to the average diameter of the air gap (annular gap).

Of course, a second heat exchanger 100 may also be arranged in the annular gap. In this case, the gradient of the spirals of the heat exchanger may be increased so that the two spirals formed by the two heat exchangers can be arranged in each other. Thus, in the cross-sectional view shown in fig. 9, for example, the respective cross-sections of the first and second fluid lines 101, 102 would be alternately distributed to the first and second heat exchangers 100A, 100B.

The outer cylinder 321 may be closed on its end face 323. The inner cylinder 322 may also be closed at the corresponding end face 324, the two end faces 323, 324 being spaced apart from each other to form a flow channel for the coolant. At least the outer cylinder 321 may be open on the opposite side, so that the annular gap has a coolant inlet opening 325. Another part of the coolant channel 310, in which the delivery device 220 is arranged, for example, can in principle be connected to the closed end faces 323, 324.

Alternatively, the outer cylinder 321 may be open on both sides. Thereby, the coolant can move by free convection, i.e. without the aid of the conveying device 220. This simplifies the design of the gas dehumidification apparatus 10 and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Even though the first fluid line 101 and the second fluid line 102 of the heat exchanger 100 are shown with circular (tubular) cross-sections, these fluid lines may also comprise any cross-section. Thus, the second fluid line 102 may also have a rectangular cross section, which is arranged on both sides of the likewise rectangular cross section of the first fluid line. In other words, two (separate) second fluid lines 102 form a sandwich structure with the first fluid line 101.

Fig. 10 shows a vehicle 11 with a gas dehumidification device. Although the vehicle is shown as an aircraft, it may also be a satellite or other human and/or cargo conveyance, such as a bus, train, aircraft, ship, or the like.

The variations, designs, and exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative of the claimed teachings and are not limiting.