Device and method for diagnosing obstructions in channels of a micro heat exchanger

Abstract

In order to diagnose obstructions in channels of a micro heat exchanger, at least one temperature sensor is externally placed on the micro heat exchanger and an evaluating device is connected to this sensor. Said evaluating device diagnoses an obstruction based on changes in the measured temperature in the event of unchanged entry parameters of the fluids involved in the heat exchange.

1 .- 4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . A device for diagnosing obstructions in channels of a micro heat exchanger, comprising: 
 at least one temperature sensor arranged on an outside of the micro heat exchanger; and    an evaluation unit connected to the at least one temperature sensor, wherein    the evaluation unit diagnoses an obstruction on the basis of changes of a measured temperature, wherein    entry parameters of fluids involved in the heat exchange are unchanged.    
   
   
       6 . The device according  claim 5 , wherein the device is a detachable arrangement.  
   
   
       7 . The device according  claim 5 , wherein the outside is an outer surface of the micro heat exchanger.  
   
   
       8 . A device for diagnosing obstructions in channels of a micro heat exchanger, comprising: 
 at least one temperature sensor arranged on an outside of the micro heat exchanger; and    a closed-loop control device connected to the at least one temperature sensor, wherein    the closed-loop control device regulates a mass flow of fluids involved in the heat exchange in the sense of keeping the measured temperature constant, and wherein    the closed-loop control device diagnoses an obstruction on the basis of changes in the mass flow.    
   
   
       9 . The device according  claim 8 , wherein the device is a detachable arrangement.  
   
   
       10 . The device according  claim 8 , wherein the outside is an outer surface of the micro heat exchanger.  
   
   
       11 . A method for diagnosing obstructions in channels of a micro heat exchanger, comprising: 
 measuring a temperature of the micro heat exchanger at an outside of the micro heat exchanger; and    diagnosing an obstruction on the basis of changes of the measured temperature, wherein entry parameters of the fluids involved in the exchange of heat remain unchanged.    
   
   
       12 . The method according  claim 11 , wherein the measuring of the temperature is accomplished at at least one point on the outside of the micro heat exchanger.  
   
   
       13 . The method according  claim 11 , wherein the outside is an outer surface of the micro heat exchanger.  
   
   
       14 . A method for diagnosing obstructions in channels of a micro heat exchange, comprising: 
 measuring a temperature of the micro heat exchanger at an outside of the micro heat exchanger;    regulating a mass flow of one of the fluids involved in the heat exchange such that the measured temperature is constant; and    diagnosing an obstruction on the basis of changes of the mass flow.    
   
   
       15 . The method according  claim 14 , wherein the measuring of the temperature is accomplished at at least one point on the outside of the micro heat exchanger  
   
   
       16 . The method according  claim 14 , wherein more than one mass flows are regulated.  
   
   
       17 . The method according  claim 14 , wherein the outside is an outer surface of the micro heat exchanger.