Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger

Power electronic cooling applications require heat exchangers to transfer the heat from the cooling circuit to air or another media. Water-to-air heat exchangers can be used if the heat produced by losses can be transferred to outside air. If that is not the case water-to-water heat exchangers come into the picture. In case of water-to-water heat exchanger, the heat losses from the hot power electronics cooling circuit water are transferred through heat exchanger to colder technical or raw water circuit. Despite of the name, water-to-water heat exchangers can be used with various fluids and in most power electronics cooling applications either propylene or ethylene glycol is mixed with water in order to prevent freezing of the cooling media.

Main principle in water-to-water heat exchangers is to provide large heat transfer surface for two liquid circuits while keeping both liquids apart from mixing into each other. This is achieved with assembling heat transferring metal plates next to each other with narrow space between the plates to provide path for the liquids on each side of the plates. Edges of the plates are sealed in order to prevent liquids from mixing into each other or leaking out from the circuits. The liquids are directed into right space between the plates through inlet and outlet of each liquid circuit.

There are two main types of water-to-water heat exchangers commonly used for power electronics cooling applications – brazed heat exchangers and gasketed heat exchangers. Brazed heat exchangers are permanently sealed heat exchangers that consist of heat exchange plates brazed together. There are different materials used for the brazing as well as for the plates for different application and fluids. In gasketed type heat exchangers the plates are assembled with elastomeric gaskets between the plates and pressed together with cover plates at each end holding the stack together with tightening bolts and nuts.

Brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs) are compact, efficient, and versatile devices that are used to transfer heat from one fluid to another. Here are some of the common applications and uses of brazed plate heat exchangers:

HVAC: BPHEs are used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to transfer heat between the hot and cold sides of the system. They are particularly useful for cooling applications, such as air conditioning, as they can handle high temperature differentials and provide good thermal efficiency.

Industrial processes: BPHEs are used in a variety of industrial processes that require heat transfer. They are particularly useful in applications that involve corrosive or viscous fluids, as they can withstand the high pressures and temperatures associated with these processes.

Refrigeration: BPHEs are used in refrigeration systems to transfer heat between the refrigerant and the cooling medium. They are particularly useful in compact refrigeration systems, such as those used in small appliances or automotive air conditioning.

Renewable energy: BPHEs are used in a variety of renewable energy systems, such as solar hot water systems and geothermal heat pumps, to transfer heat between the energy source and the heat storage or distribution system.

Food and beverage processing: BPHEs are used in the food and beverage industry to heat or cool liquids during the manufacturing process. They are particularly useful for heating or cooling viscous liquids, such as milk or syrup, as they can provide a large surface area for heat transfer.

Brazed plate heat exchangers play an important role in various industrial systems, but due to their complex operating mechanisms and working environments, they are often accompanied by high energy consumption. Therefore, how to reduce their energy consumption and improve energy utilization efficiency has become an urgent problem to be solved.

Optimizing the flow rate and flow velocity of the fluid is an effective means to reduce energy consumption. By rationally designing pipes and valves to ensure that the fluid maintains an appropriate flow velocity and flow rate inside the heat exchanger, it can not only improve the heat transfer efficiency, but also reduce energy consumption. At the same time, regular inspection and cleaning of pipes to prevent blockage and fouling are also the key to maintaining smooth flow of fluids.

Selecting high-efficiency and energy-saving materials is also an important way to reduce energy consumption. High-quality materials can not only improve the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger, but also extend its service life. When selecting materials, factors such as thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength should be comprehensively considered to ensure that the heat exchanger can still operate stably under harsh environments such as high temperature and high pressure.

Optimizing the operation mode is also the key to reducing energy consumption. Operators should be familiar with the performance characteristics and operating rules of the heat exchanger, adjust the operating parameters according to actual needs, and avoid unnecessary energy consumption. At the same time, a scientific maintenance system is established to regularly inspect and repair the heat exchanger to ensure that it is in the best working condition.

Our factory covers an extensive area and is equipped with advanced production equipment, including 14 flat vulcanizing machines, and the maximum heating plate size can be adapted to various production requirements. The company has more than 750 sets of molds of various models, which can meet the specifications of most heat exchanger brands in the market.