HEAT EXCHANGER ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

In an example in accordance with the present disclosure, a heat exchanger assembly is described. The heat exchanger assembly includes a shipping container with an interior cavity. The heat exchanger assembly also includes a heat exchanger core supported by the shipping container. The heat exchanger assembly further includes a fan supported by the shipping container. The fan is to cause air to move into the interior cavity, flow through the heat exchanger core, and exit out of the shipping container.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many systems and devices are used to perform various functions. As part of operating these systems and devices, heat may be generated. For example, heat generation may occur through combustion, electrical processes, mechanical processes, chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are part of the specification. The illustrated examples are given merely for illustration, and do not limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger assembly, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly with a first configuration.

FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly with a second configuration.

FIG. 3A is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly with a third configuration.

FIG. 3B is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly with a fourth configuration.

FIG. 4A is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly with a fifth configuration.

FIG. 4B is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly with a sixth configuration.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a heat exchanger assembly with fluidic interfaces, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger assembly with a plurality of heat exchanger cores, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 7A is a side perspective exterior view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly stacked on top of a second shipping container.

FIG. 7B is a side perspective interior view illustrating an example of the heat exchanger assembly stacked on top of the second shipping container.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present examples relate to heat exchanger assemblies. The heat exchanger assemblies described herein may be used to transfer heat from a fluid to air. For example, the described heat exchanger assemblies may be used to remove heat generated by a system or device. Such heat-generating systems or devices may include electrical devices (e.g., processors, memory devices, circuitry, batteries, etc.), mechanical devices (e.g., combustion engines), nuclear reactors, etc.

In many cases, the heat generated by a system or device should be removed to prevent damage to the system or device, or to enable the system/device to operate efficiently. For example, if a processor overheats, the processor may slow down, or may cause a computing device to crash. The generated heat may result in irreparable damage to the processor or other components of a computing device. In some examples, data loss may occur due to overheating of a computing device.

One approach to removing heat from a system includes the use of a cooling fluid. For example, a liquid coolant may transfer heat away from a system. In some examples, the liquid coolant may interact with the system such that heat generated by the system transfers into the liquid coolant.

A heat exchanger may be used to remove the heat from the liquid coolant in a closed-loop cooling system. The liquid coolant may be pumped through the heat exchanger where heat is transferred to a second fluid (e.g., air). The cooled liquid coolant may exit out of the heat exchanger to provide additional cooling to the system.

The examples described herein provide for a fully modular, containerized heat exchanger assembly where an air-to-liquid heat exchanger core is built into a shipping container. In some examples, the shipping container may be fabricated to specifications (e.g., external dimensions) for a 20-foot intermodal container or a 40-foot intermodal container. One or more heat exchanger cores may be mounted to the sides of the shipping container. One or more fans may blow through the top of the shipping container, which allows air to flow through the heat exchanger cores via the inner cavity of the shipping container. The body of the shipping container acts as the structure and air plenum for the completed heat exchanger assembly.

In some examples, a heat exchanger assembly built in this manner can be part of a turnkey system. For example, because the heat exchanger assembly is containerized, it can be transported, lifted, and set in place as a shipping container. The heat exchanger assembly may then be quickly set up and made operational once it arrives on site. Such a containerized heat exchanger assembly may be utilized in a number of different applications. For example, the described heat exchanger assembly may be used to cool any liquid coolant regardless of the type of system generating the heat. Furthermore, multiple heat exchanger assemblies may be used as modular sections, which can be added together to easily expand cooling capacity. In some examples, the heat exchanger assembly may be mounted on top of another container or set alongside the item(s) that is to be cooled. Because the described heat exchanger assembly conforms to dimensional specifications, multiple containerized heat exchanger assemblies can be easily stacked on each other to meet cooling needs.

The present disclosure describes an example of a heat exchanger assembly. This example heat exchanger assembly includes a shipping container with an interior cavity. A heat exchanger core is supported by the shipping container. A fan is also supported by the shipping container. The fan is to cause air to move into the interior cavity, flow through the heat exchanger core, and exit out of the shipping container.

The present disclosure describes another example of a heat exchanger assembly. In this example, the heat exchanger assembly includes a shipping container with a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces defining an interior cavity of the shipping container. A heat exchanger core is mounted to the side surface in the interior cavity of the shipping container. A fan is mounted to the top surface in the interior cavity of the shipping container. The fan is to cause air to enter the interior cavity, flow through the heat exchanger core, and exit out of the top surface of the shipping container.

The present disclosure describes yet another example of a heat exchanger assembly. In this example, the heat exchanger assembly includes a shipping container with a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces defining an interior cavity of the shipping container. A plurality of heat exchanger cores are mounted in the interior cavity of the shipping container. The plurality of heat exchanger cores are to receive a fluid from source external to the shipping container. A plurality of fans are mounted to the top surface of the shipping container. The plurality of fans are to generate an airflow into the interior cavity of the shipping container through the plurality of heat exchanger cores, the airflow exiting out of the top surface of the shipping container through the plurality of fans.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “a number of” or similar language is meant to be understood broadly as any positive number including 1 to infinity. As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, the term “plurality” is meant to be understood broadly as a number greater than one (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.).

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a heat exchanger assembly (100), according to an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the heat exchanger assembly (100). In this example, the heat exchanger assembly (100) may include a shipping container (102) (also referred to as an intermodal container). In some examples, the shipping container (102) may be fabricated according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. For example, the shipping container (102) may be fabricated to specifications (e.g., ISO standards) for a 20-foot intermodal container or a 40-foot intermodal container. In particular, the shipping container (102) may be fabricated to specifications (e.g., ISO standards) for exterior dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, etc.).

In some examples, the shipping container (102) may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces defining an interior cavity (104) of the shipping container (102). In some examples, the exterior surfaces of the shipping container (102) may form a rectangular box. In some examples, the exterior surfaces of the shipping container (102) may made from metal (e.g., Corten steel). In some examples, at least one side of the shipping container (102) may include a door (not shown) to provide access to the interior cavity (104).

In some examples, the shipping container (102) may be fabricated to be transported. For example, the shipping container (102) may be moved (e.g., with a crane, forklift, etc.) and transported (e.g., via a truck, train, ship, etc.). The shipping container (102) may be stacked on top of and/or below other shipping containers. As seen by this example, the heat exchanger assembly (100) may be fully modular by using a shipping container (102) built according to ISO or other standards. Because the heat exchanger assembly (100) is containerized, the heat exchanger assembly (100) can be transported, lifted, and set in place quickly to set up and have operational once it arrives on site.

The heat exchanger assembly (100) also includes a heat exchanger core (106) supported by the shipping container (102). In this example, a single heat exchanger core (106) is depicted. It should be noted that in other examples, any number of heat exchanger cores (106) may be used in the heat exchanger assembly (100). In some examples, the heat exchanger core (106) may be fastened (e.g., bolted, welded, etc.) to a surface (e.g., the top surface, a side wall) of the shipping container (102).

The heat exchanger core (106) may be configured to perform liquid-to-air heat exchange. For example, the heat exchanger core (106) may receive a heated fluid (e.g., a liquid) from a source external to the shipping container (102). The heated fluid may flow through the heat exchanger core (106). For example, the heat exchanger core (106) may include a tube configured to circulate the fluid. The heat exchanger core (106) may also include a plurality of fins connected to an exterior surface of the tube. The fins facilitate heat transfer from the fluid to the air. Thus, heat may be transferred out of the fluid and into the air. The cooled fluid may then exit out of the heat exchanger core (106) and shipping container (102). Therefore, the heat exchanger core (106) receives the fluid from a source external to the shipping container (102), and provides the fluid back to a reservoir external to the shipping container (102).

In some examples, the heat exchanger core (106) may be used in a closed loop system to cool a heat load. In this application, a heat load (e.g., electronic circuitry, mechanical device, etc.) external to the shipping container (102) may generate heat. A fluid may absorb the generated heat. The fluid may be moved away from the heat source (e.g., via a pump). The fluid may flow into the heat exchanger core (106) where the heat is then transferred into the air within the interior cavity (104) of the shipping container (102).

The heat exchanger assembly (100) includes a fan (108) supported by the shipping container (102). In this example, a single fan (108) is depicted. It should be noted that in other examples, any number of fans (108) may be used in the heat exchanger assembly (100). In some examples, the fan (108) may be fastened (e.g., bolted, welded, etc.) to a surface (e.g., the top surface, a side wall) of the shipping container (102).

The fan (108) may cause air to move into the interior cavity (104), flow through the heat exchanger core (106), and exit out of the shipping container (102). To facilitate heat transfer from the heat exchanger core (106) to the air within the shipping container (102), the fan (108) may create an airflow through the heat exchanger core (106). The shipping container (102) forms a plenum to contain the air moved by the fan (108) through the heat exchanger core (106). Thus, rather than using ducting to contain air within the shipping container (102), the walls of the shipping container (102) form an enclosed chamber to contain the air.

The heat exchanger core (106) and the fan (108) may be housed within the interior cavity 104 of the shipping container (102). In this manner, the exterior of the shipping container (102) may be kept free of obstructions that would prevent the shipping container (102) from being transported and/or stacked with other shipping containers.

Different arrangements of the heat exchanger core (106) and the fan (108) are described herein. For example, the heat exchanger core (106) may be mounted to a top surface or a side surface of the shipping container (102). The fan (108) may be mounted to a top surface or a side surface of the shipping container. Examples of different configurations of the heat exchanger core (106) and the fan (108) are described in FIGS. 2A-4B.

In some examples, the fan (108) is located at an air outlet of the shipping container (102). In this configuration, the fan (108) is to cause the air to enter the shipping container (102) through the heat exchanger core (106), and exit out of the shipping container (102) through the fan (108). In this manner, the fan (108) pulls air through the heat exchanger core (106).

In some examples, the fan (108) is located at an air inlet of the shipping container (102). In this configuration, the fan (108) is to force air into the shipping container (102) and flow out through the heat exchanger core (106). In this manner, the fan (108) pushes air through the heat exchanger core (106).

FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (100) with a first configuration. In this example, the heat exchanger core (106) is mounted to a side surface (116) of a shipping container (102). A fan (108) is mounted to the top surface (118) of the shipping container (102). The shipping container (102) includes an air inlet (110), which is an opening in the side surface (116) to allow air to enter the interior cavity (104) of the shipping container (102). The shipping container (102) includes an air outlet (112) located at the top surface (118) of the shipping container (102). The air outlet (112) is an opening in the shipping container (102) that allows air drawn by the fan (108) to exit out of the shipping container (102).

The fan (108) generates an airflow (114) through the shipping container (102). The air inlet (110) directs the air through the heat exchanger core (106). In some examples, the air inlet (110) receives atmospheric air that is outside the shipping container (102). As the airflow (114) passes through the heat exchanger core (106), heat is transferred from the heat exchanger core (106) to the airflow (114).

FIG. 2B is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (100) with a second configuration. In this example, the heat exchanger core (106) is mounted to a side surface (116) of a shipping container (102). A fan (108) is mounted to the top surface (118) of the shipping container (102). In this example, the fan (108) draws (e.g., blows) an airflow (114) into the interior cavity (104) of the shipping container (102) through an air inlet (110) located on the top surface (118). The airflow (114) passes through the heat exchanger core (106) and exits out of the shipping container (102) through an air outlet (112).

FIG. 3A is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (100) with a third configuration. In this example, the heat exchanger core (106) is mounted to a first side surface (116a) of a shipping container (102). A fan (108) is mounted to a second side surface (116b) of the shipping container (102). In this example, the fan (108) draws an airflow (114) out of the interior cavity (104) of the shipping container (102) through an air outlet (112) located on the second side surface (116b). The negative pressure in the shipping container (102) generated by the fan (108) causes the airflow (114) to enter the shipping container (102) through the air inlet (110). The airflow (114) passes through the heat exchanger core (106) and enters the interior cavity (104) where it is drawn out of the shipping container (102) through the fan (108). Because the top surface (118) is not used for airflow intake or outlet, this configuration may be used when another container (e.g., a second heat exchanger assembly) is stacked on the heat exchanger assembly (100).

FIG. 3B is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (100) with a fourth configuration. In this example, the heat exchanger core (106) is mounted to a first side surface (116a) of a shipping container (102). A fan (108) is mounted to a second side surface (116b) of the shipping container (102). In this example, the fan (108) blows an airflow (114) into the interior cavity (104) of the shipping container (102) through an air inlet (110) located on the second side surface (116b). The airflow (114) passes through the heat exchanger core (106) and exits out of the shipping container (102) through an air outlet (112). As with the example of FIG. 3A, because the top surface (118) is not used for airflow intake or outlet, this configuration may be used when another container (e.g., a second heat exchanger assembly) is stacked on the heat exchanger assembly (100).

FIG. 4A is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (100) with a fifth configuration. In this example, the heat exchanger core (106) is mounted to a top surface (118) of a shipping container (102). A fan (108) is mounted to a side surface (116) of the shipping container (102). In this example, the fan (108) draws an airflow (114) out of the interior cavity (104) of the shipping container (102) through an air outlet (112) located on the side surface (116). The negative pressure in the shipping container (102) generated by the fan (108) causes the airflow (114) to enter the shipping container (102) through the air inlet (110). The airflow (114) passes through the heat exchanger core (106) and enters the interior cavity (104) where the airflow (114) is drawn out of the side surface (116) of the shipping container (102) through the fan (108).

FIG. 4B is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (100) with a sixth configuration. In this example, the heat exchanger core (106) is mounted to a top surface (118) of a shipping container (102). A fan (108) is mounted to a side surface (116) of the shipping container (102). In this example, the fan (108) blows an airflow (114) into the interior cavity (104) of the shipping container (102) through an air inlet (110) located on the side surface (116). The airflow (114) passes through the heat exchanger core (106) and exits out of the top surface (118) of shipping container (102) through an air outlet (112).

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (100) with fluidic interfaces (522a, 522b). The heat exchanger assembly (100) may be implemented as described above. For example, the heat exchanger assembly (100) may include a heat exchanger core (106) mounted on a side surface of a shipping container (102) and a fan (108) mounted on a top surface of the shipping container (102). In some examples, the fan (108) causes air to enter the interior cavity (104), flow through the heat exchanger core (106), and exit out of the top surface of the shipping container (102).

In this example, the heat exchanger assembly (100) includes one or more first fluidic interfaces (522a) located on an exterior surface of the shipping container (102). In the example of FIG. 5, a single first fluidic interface (522a) is depicted. However, any number of first fluidic interfaces (522a) may be used. For instance, the number of first fluidic interfaces (522a) may correspond to the number of heat exchanger cores (106) in the heat exchanger assembly (100), where each heat exchanger core (106) has its own first fluidic interface (522a) to receive the fluid flow (524).

In this example, the first fluidic interface(s) (522a) is located at the bottom surface of the shipping container (102). In other examples, the first fluidic interface(s) (522a) may be located on side surfaces or the top surface of the shipping container (102).

The first fluidic interface(s) (522a) provides a fluid downstream to the heat exchanger core (106). For example, the first fluidic interface(s) (522a) is configured to receive a fluid from a source 526 external to the shipping container (102). The fluid may be used as part of a cooling system to cool a heat load 530. In some examples, the first fluidic interface(s) (522a) may provide a connection mechanism (e.g., a flange, coupling, welded connection, etc.) to connect to the source (526). In some examples, piping may connect the first fluidic interface(s) (522a) to the source (526).

A fluid flow (524) may enter the first fluidic interface(s) (522a). The heated fluid may flow through the heat exchanger core (106). Heat may be transferred from the fluid within the heat exchanger core (106) to air flowing through the heat exchanger core (106).

In this example, the heat exchanger assembly (100) includes one or more second fluidic interfaces (522b) located on the exterior surface of the shipping container (102). In the example of FIG. 5, a single second fluidic interface (522b) is depicted. However, any number of second fluidic interfaces (522b) may be used. For instance, the number of second fluidic interfaces (522b) may correspond to the number of heat exchanger cores (106) in the heat exchanger assembly (100)), where each heat exchanger core (106) has its own second fluidic interface (522b) to discharge the fluid flow (524).

In this example, the second fluidic interface(s) (522b) is located at the bottom surface of the shipping container (102). In other examples, the second fluidic interface(s) (522b) may be located on side surfaces or the top surface of the shipping container (102). In some examples, the second fluidic interface(s) (522b) may be located on an exterior surface of the shipping container (102) that differs from the location of the first fluidic interface(s) (522a). For example, the first fluidic interface(s) (522a) may be located on a first side surface and the second fluidic interface(s) (522b) may be located on a second side surface.

The second fluidic interface(s) (522b) allows the fluid to exit from the shipping container (102) after passing through the heat exchanger core (106). For example, the fluid flow (524) may exit the heat exchanger core (106) via the second fluidic interface(s) (522b). The fluid flow (524) may be provided to a reservoir (528) that is external to the shipping container (102). The reservoir (528) may provide the cooled fluid to the heat load (530). In some examples, the second fluidic interface(s) (522b) may provide a connection mechanism (e.g., a flange, coupling, welded connection, etc.) to connect the fluid flow (524) to the reservoir (528). In some examples, piping may connect the second fluidic interface(s) (522b) to the reservoir (528).

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (600) with a plurality of heat exchanger cores (606a-f). In this example, the heat exchanger assembly (600) includes a shipping container (602) with a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces defining an interior cavity of the shipping container (602).

The heat exchanger assembly (600) includes a plurality of heat exchanger cores (606a-f) mounted in the interior cavity of the shipping container (602). The plurality of heat exchanger cores (606a-f) are to receive a fluid from a source external to the shipping container (602). For example, a heated fluid may be received at a one or more fluid interfaces located at an exterior surface of the shipping container (602).

The fluid may be distributed to the heat exchanger cores (606a-f). Different configurations may be used to distribute the fluid to the heat exchanger cores (606a-f). In an example, multiple (e.g., three) pipes carrying fluid may merge into a single pipe, which is then split into two pipes that feeds two heat exchanger cores in parallel. The outlet of the two heat exchanger cores merges into a single pipe and then is again split into multiple (e.g., three) pipes to provide the return fluid flow to multiple (e.g., three) tanks. The junction point(s) for the fluid flow may be inside or outside the heat exchanger assembly (600). For instance, the fluid flow may split from three pipes into one and then one back into three pipes outside the shipping container (602) of the heat exchanger assembly (600). In another example, the fluid flow may split and merge within the shipping container (602) of the heat exchanger assembly (600). Thus, in one configuration, multiple fluidic interfaces may be connected to a single heat exchanger core. In another configuration, a single fluid interface may be connected to multiple heat exchanger cores. In another configuration, connecting to multiple heat exchanger cores may be done in parallel (e.g., where one pipe splits to supply multiple heat exchanger cores at the same time). In yet another configuration, connecting to multiple heat exchanger cores may be done serially (e.g., where the fluid flow enters and exits a first heat exchanger core, then enters and exits a second heat exchanger core, and so forth until the fluid exits out of the shipping container (602) of the heat exchanger assembly (600)).

Upon flowing through the heat exchanger cores (606a-f), the fluid may exit the shipping container (602). For example, the cooled fluid may exit the shipping container (602) to return to a reservoir for a cooling system.

In this example, a first set (601) of heat exchanger cores (606a-c) are mounted on a first side (605) of the shipping container (602). A second set (603) of heat exchanger cores (606d-f) are mounted on a second side (607) of the shipping container (602). In this example, the first set (601) and the second set (603) each include three heat exchanger cores. In other examples, the first set (601) and the second set (603) may include different numbers of heat exchanger cores.

The heat exchanger assembly (600) may include a plurality of fans (608a-c). For example, the plurality of fans (608a-c) may be mounted to the top surface of the shipping container (602). The plurality of fans (608a-c) are to generate an airflow into the interior cavity of the shipping container (602) through the plurality of heat exchanger cores (606a-f). The airflow generated by the plurality of fans (608a-c) may exit out of the top surface of the shipping container (602) through the plurality of fans (608a-c). Thus, the fans (608a-c) may create a negative pressure within the shipping container (602). This negative pressure causes outside air to flow into the shipping container (602) through the heat exchanger cores (606a-f). It should be noted that in this example, three fans (608a-c) are depicted. In other examples, any number of fans may be used.

In some examples, the first set (601) and the second set (603) of heat exchanger cores form a passageway (609) within the interior cavity of the shipping container (602) to allow access to each of the heat exchanger cores (606a-f). For example, the passageway (609) may permit a human to pass within the interior cavity of the shipping container (602) to access each of the heat exchanger cores (606a-f). In this manner, a given heat exchanger core may be maintained or replaced without disassembling other heat exchanger cores.

In some examples, the shipping container (602) may provide a storage area within the airflow of the interior cavity. For example, in addition to acting as the plenum for air flowing through the heat exchanger cores (606a-f), the shipping container (602) may also be used to store materials (e.g., extra cooling fluid containers, maintenance parts, ramps, ladders) or to house other equipment for the system that the heat exchanger assembly (600) is a part of, such as pumps, piping, fluid reservoirs, electrical panels, control panels, and/or system wiring. In some examples, the storage area may be incorporated into the passageway (609). In some examples, the storage area may be separate from the passageway (609).

FIG. 7A is a side perspective exterior view illustrating an example of a heat exchanger assembly (700) stacked on top of a second shipping container (740). The heat exchanger assembly (700) may be implemented as described in FIGS. 1-6. For example, the heat exchanger assembly (700) may include a shipping container (702) that houses a plurality of heat exchanger cores (706a-d). A plurality of fans (708a-f) are configured to create an airflow through the plurality of heat exchanger cores (706a-d). It should be noted that in the view of FIG. 7, four heat exchanger cores (706a-d) are visible. However, additional heat exchanger cores (not shown) may be included in the heat exchanger assembly (700).

The heat exchanger assembly (700) may be configured to be transported, lifted, and placed in an installed location. For example, the shipping container (702) may be configured to be transported (e.g., via truck, rail, ship, etc.). The shipping container (702) may be fabricated to allow for lifting (e.g., via crane, forklift, etc.) the shipping container (702) to an installed location. Once in the installed location, the fans (708a-f) of the heat exchanger assembly (700) may be connected to an electrical source, and the heat exchanger cores (706a-d) may be connected to an external source (i.e., input) and reservoir (i.e., output) for a cooling fluid. In this example, the heat exchanger assembly (700) is a modular unit that can be incorporated into system to perform heat transfer for the system.

In some examples, the heat exchanger assembly (700) is configured to mount on another shipping container (740). For instance, the shipping container (740) may house equipment that generates a heat load. For example, the shipping container (740) may house electrical equipment that generates heat during operation. In this case, a fluid may be used to cool the heat load. The heated fluid may be transported (e.g., pumped) to the heat exchanger cores (706a-d) of the heat exchanger assembly (700) to cool the fluid as described above. In this case, the heat exchanger assembly (700) is stacked on a shipping container (740) that contains the source of the fluid that is to be cooled by the heat exchanger assembly (700).

In some examples, the heat exchanger assembly (700) is configured to stack on a second heat exchanger assembly. In this case, the shipping container (740) may be a second heat exchanger assembly implemented as described herein. In this case, the first heat exchanger assembly (700) and the second heat exchanger assembly (e.g., shipping container (740)) may be combined to provide additional cooling to a heat load. As seen in this example, one or more heat exchanger assemblies (700) may be added to provide cooling to a system in a modular manner.

FIG. 7B is a side perspective interior view illustrating an example of the heat exchanger assembly (700) stacked on top of the second shipping container (740). In the example of FIG. 7B, the shipping containers (702, 740) are depicted as dashed lines in order to illustrate the interior components of the heat exchanger assembly (700).

In this example, the second shipping container (740) includes equipment that generates heat. Piping carries cooling fluid from the second shipping container (740) to the heat exchanger cores (706a-e) housed in shipping container (702). The fans (708a-f) of the heat exchanger assembly (700) generate airflow through the heat exchanger cores (706a-e) to facilitate cooling of the cooling fluid. Upon exiting the heat exchanger cores (706a-e), the cooling fluid is pumped back to the second shipping container (740) for further cooling.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

For purposes of explanation, specific details set forth herein are to provide an understanding of the disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the disclosure can be practiced without these details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that examples of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of ways, such as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, or a method on a tangible computer-readable medium.

One skilled in the art shall recognize: (1) that certain fabrication steps may optionally be performed; (2) that steps may not be limited to the specific order set forth herein; and (3) that certain steps may be performed in different orders, including being done contemporaneously.

Elements/components shown in diagrams are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are meant to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Reference in the specification to “one example,” “preferred example,” “an example,” or “examples” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the disclosure and may be in more than one example. The appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” or “in examples” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example or examples. The terms “include,” “including,” “comprise,” and “comprising” are understood to be open terms and any lists are examples and not meant to be limited to the listed items. Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and shall not be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. Furthermore, the use of certain terms in various places in the specification is for illustration and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger assembly, comprising:

a shipping container comprising an interior cavity;

a heat exchanger core supported by the shipping container; and

a fan supported by the shipping container, the fan to cause air to move into the interior cavity, flow through the heat exchanger core, and exit out of the shipping container.

2. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger core and the fan are housed within the interior cavity of the shipping container.

3. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger core is configured to perform liquid-to-air heat exchange.

4. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the fan is located at an air outlet of the shipping container, and wherein the fan is to cause the air to enter the shipping container through the heat exchanger core, and exit out of the shipping container through the fan.

5. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the fan is located at an air inlet of the shipping container, and wherein the fan is to force air into the shipping container and flow out through the heat exchanger core.

6. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger core is mounted to a top surface or a side surface of the shipping container.

7. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the fan is mounted to a top surface or a side surface of the shipping container.

8. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the shipping container forms a plenum to contain the air moved by the fan through the heat exchanger core.

9. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger core is to receive a fluid from a source external to the shipping container, and provide the fluid back to a reservoir external to the shipping container.

10. A heat exchanger assembly, comprising:

a shipping container, comprising: a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces defining an interior cavity of the shipping container;

a heat exchanger core mounted to the side surface in the interior cavity of the shipping container; and

a fan mounted to the top surface in the interior cavity of the shipping container, the fan to cause air to enter the interior cavity, flow through the heat exchanger core, and exit out of the top surface of the shipping container.

11. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 10, wherein the top surface of the shipping container comprises an air outlet to allow the air drawn by the fan to exit out of the shipping container.

12. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 10, further comprising an air inlet located on the top surface or a side surface of the shipping container, the air inlet to direct the air through the heat exchanger core, the air inlet to receive atmospheric air that is outside the shipping container.

13. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

one or more first fluidic interfaces located on an exterior surface of the shipping container, the first fluidic interfaces to provide a fluid downstream to the heat exchanger core; and

one or more second fluidic interfaces located on the exterior surface of the shipping container, the second fluidic interfaces to allow the fluid to exit from the shipping container after passing through the heat exchanger core.

14. A heat exchanger assembly, comprising:

a shipping container, comprising: a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces defining an interior cavity of the shipping container;

a plurality of heat exchanger cores mounted in the interior cavity of the shipping container, the plurality of heat exchanger cores to receive a fluid from a source external to the shipping container; and

a plurality of fans mounted to the top surface of the shipping container, the plurality of fans to generate an airflow into the interior cavity of the shipping container through the plurality of heat exchanger cores, the airflow exiting out of the top surface of the shipping container through the plurality of fans.

15. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 14, wherein a first set of heat exchanger cores are mounted on a first side of the shipping container, and a second set of heat exchanger cores are mounted on a second side of the shipping container, the first set and second set of heat exchanger cores forming a passageway within the interior cavity of the shipping container to allow access to each of the heat exchanger cores.

16. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 14, wherein the shipping container is to provide a storage area within the airflow of the interior cavity.

17. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 14, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is configured to be transported, lifted, and placed in an installed location.

18. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 14, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is a modular unit.

19. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 14, wherein the heat exchanger assembly is configured to mount on another shipping container or to stack on a second heat exchanger assembly.

20. The heat exchanger assembly of claim 14, wherein the shipping container is fabricated to specifications for a 20-foot intermodal container or a 40-foot intermodal container.