Method for Manufacturing a Heat-Exchanger and a System for Performing the Method

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a heat-exchanger and in particular a heat-exchanger suitable for energy transfer between a plate and a fluid circuit. A sheet metal plate and a predetermined length of continuous metal tubing are prepared. The length of metal tubing is successively applied to the sheet metal plate. The successive application includes bringing the metal tubing into close contact with the sheet metal plate and affixing the metal tubing to the sheet metal plate.

1 . A method for manufacturing a heat-exchanger and in particular a heat-exchanger suitable for energy transfer between a plate and a fluid circuit, the method comprising: 
 preparing a sheet metal plate;    preparing a predetermined length of continuous metal tubing;    successively applying said length of metal tubing to said sheet metal plate, said successive application comprising bringing said metal tubing into close contact with said sheet metal plate and affixing said metal tubing to said sheet metal plate,    wherein said metal tubing is successively applied and affixed to said sheet metal plate to form a predetermined circuit pattern upon said sheet metal plate;    wherein said metal tubing during said successive application to said sheet metal plate is provided with bends for forming said predetermined circuit pattern;    wherein said tube bends are formed using bending rolls;    wherein said bending rolls for forming said tube bends comprise a pair of bending rolls arranged to be positioned with one bending roll on each side of said metal tubing and arranged to force said tubing to form said bends through said pair of bending rolls being continuously repositioned with respect to said sheet metal plate during said successive application of said tubing.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said affixing comprises welding said metal tubing to said sheet metal plate.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said affixing through welding comprises laser welding.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said close contact between said metal tubing and said sheet metal plate comprises pressing said metal tubing towards said sheet metal plate using at least one guide wheel.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein preparing said sheet metal plate comprises placing said sheet metal plate on a plane surface and affixing it thereto.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein preparing said predetermined length of continuous metal tubing comprises cutting said metal tubing to said predetermined length and winding said predetermined length of metal tubing upon a spool.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein a tubing section preceding an intended bend is affixed to said sheet metal plate and said bending rolls are part of a tubing application unit adapted to be carried by a robotic system such that said intended bend is provided as the robotic system turns the tubing application unit in order to apply tubing in a new direction.  
   
   
       8 . A system for manufacturing a heat-exchanger, wherein the system is arranged to perform the method according to  claim 1.