FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a heat exchanger which can be used, depending on the methods of use, to cool or heat at least one thermal carrier fluid flowing inside it. By way of a non-restrictive example, the heat exchanger can be used with the function of condensing a thermal carrier fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heat exchangers are known, which comprise a plurality of modular heat exchange elements, each of which has a plurality of circulation elements, that is, a plurality of channels, also referred to as micro-channels or “ports”, which define the passages for at least one thermal carrier fluid.

The modular heat exchange elements usually have an oblong development, a flattened shape and are disposed parallel to each other. Furthermore, heat exchange fins are externally attached between adjacent modular heat exchange elements.

In particular, solutions are known which provide heat exchangers comprising a plurality of modular heat exchange elements with a double flow, that is, having a plurality of channels in which two different thermal carrier fluids flow separately with a respective operating pressure. In these known solutions, the channels are divided into at least two groups, each of which is dedicated to the passage of a corresponding thermal carrier fluid. Furthermore, the groups of channels are usually separated, and therefore distanced, by a solid portion, or internal partition.

These known heat exchangers comprise a first collector, or inlet collector, and a second collector, or outlet collector, which allow to introduce the two thermal carrier fluids inside the corresponding group of channels and, respectively, to collect or recover them once they have passed through the corresponding group of channels. The two collectors are connected to the respective opposite ends of the modular elements. Generally, both the feed collector and also the outlet collector are divided, by means of a dividing wall, into two parts, each dedicated to the circulation of a corresponding thermal carrier fluid. In particular, the dividing wall of the two collectors is coupled and attached to the internal partition of each modular element which separates the two groups of channels, so as to structurally separate the part dedicated to the first thermal carrier fluid and the part dedicated to the second thermal carrier fluid.

In this regard, the thickness of the internal partition of each modular element has to be such as to allow it to be milled in order to create a suitable coupling seating for the dividing wall of each collector. The thickness of the dividing wall also has to be adequately sized, since despite its small size it has to be such as to resist the operating pressures of the two thermal carrier fluids.

More specifically, the attachment between the internal partition and the dividing wall is performed by welding or brazing; this operation is particularly difficult and complex, since the space inside the collectors is very limited and to obtain a perfect watertight seal it is necessary to weld or braze the two parts both externally and also internally.

Moreover, it is clear that the operation to mill the internal partition and the operations to couple and attach the dividing walls and each internal partition have to be performed in a very precise way in order to prevent, in correspondence with the coupling seating between the dividing wall and internal partition, the hermetic seal between the two different groups of channels from failing. Indeed, in this case the two thermal carrier fluids could mix in an unwanted manner, causing malfunctions and/or breakages of the heat exchanger.

Furthermore, another disadvantage of known heat exchangers is that due to the very limited spaces of the collectors, it is also rather complicated to carry out their maintenance, in particular in correspondence with the dividing wall and the internal partition.

There is therefore a need to perfect a heat exchanger which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages, or problems, of the state of the art.

To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of providing a heat exchanger that does not require complex assembly operations to be carried out in order to guarantee, during operation, the correct and effective separation of the circulation circuits dedicated to the two thermal carrier fluids.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger which is simple to make and maintain and which has a high heat exchange efficiency. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger which is versatile, and which allows to obtain optimum heat exchange performance.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea. In accordance with the above purposes, and to resolve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a heat exchanger according to the present invention comprises first recirculation means and second recirculation means which are fluidically connected to a plurality of modular elements which develop along a longitudinal axis, each of which comprises a plurality of circulation elements parallel to each other, in which at least one first thermal carrier fluid flows.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the first recirculation means comprise at least one first feed collector and at least one second feed collector which are fluidically separated from each other, and the second recirculation means comprise at least one first recovery collector and at least one second recovery collector which are fluidically separated from each other. In particular, at least one first group of circulation elements is fluidically connected to the at least one first feed collector and to the at least one first recovery collector, and at least one second group of circulation elements is fluidically connected to the at least one second feed collector and to the at least one second recovery collector, defining respectively a first circulation circuit and a second circulation circuit.

According to preferred embodiments, the first thermal carrier fluid flows in the first circulation circuit and a second thermal carrier fluid flows in the second circulation circuit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the at least one second feed collector and at least one second recovery collector are disposed internally with respect to the at least one first feed collector and to the at least one first recovery collector, with reference to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second feed collectors are distanced by a first distance, and wherein the first and second recovery collectors are distanced by a second distance. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the at least one second feed collector and at least one second recovery collector are disposed externally with respect to the at least one first feed collector and to the at least one first recovery collector, with reference to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second feed collectors are distanced by a first distance, and wherein the first and second recovery collectors are distanced by a second distance.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each of the modular elements comprises at least one first inlet end and at least one first outlet end both operatively associated with the first group and fluidically connected to the at least one first feed collector and to the at least one first recovery collector, respectively, by means of a same-shape coupling.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each of the modular elements comprises at least one second inlet end and at least one second outlet end both operatively associated with the second group and fluidically connected to the at least one second feed collector and to the at least one second recovery collector, respectively, by means of a same-shape coupling.

Doing so achieves the advantage that, in order to separate the first and second circulation circuits, it is not necessary to perform complicated welding, brazing and/or milling operations, or any other suitable mechanical machining whatsoever that allows to achieve the desired removal of material. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first and second inlet ends and the first and second outlet ends are spatially offset with respect to each other, along a longitudinal axis, by a determinate distance, wherein the distance is variable and has to be such as to take into account the overall sizes and/or the relative positioning of the at least one first and at least one second feed collectors and of the at least one first and at least one second recovery collectors.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the at least one second feed collector and the at least one second recovery collector are shaped in such a way as to have, for each of the modular elements, one or more apertures which are configured to allow the passage to size of a corresponding connection part of a respective modular element, thus defining a same-shape coupling with the latter.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the at least one first feed collector and the at least one first recovery collector are shaped in such a way as to have, for each of the modular elements, one or more apertures which are configured to allow the passage to size of a corresponding connection part of a respective modular element, thus defining a same-shape coupling with the latter.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each of the modular elements has a symmetrical structure with respect to a positioning axis, preferably vertical.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, circulation elements disposed in correspondence with respective external zones of each of the modular elements are separated and, therefore, distanced by means of first separation walls. Moreover, circulation elements disposed in correspondence with a central zone of each of the modular elements are separated and, therefore, distanced by means of second separation walls having a smaller thickness than the first separation walls.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each modular element comprises a first sector defined by an internal element in which the first group of circulation elements is present, and a second sector external with respect to the first sector and defined by a hollow space in which the second group of circulation elements is present.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each modular element comprises the first and second group of circulation elements, which are parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis and disposed alternating with each other, so that circulation elements of the first group are alternated with circulation elements of the second group.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each modular element is shaped in such a way as to define with reciprocal end protrusions and recesses the first group and, respectively, the second group of circulation elements.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first group is defined by all the circulation elements of one modular element, and the second group is defined by all the circulation elements of another modular element. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the modular elements of two different groups of channels are disposed alternating with each other, so that there are modular elements provided with the first group alternating with modular elements provided with the second group. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a schematic and interrupted three-dimensional view of a heat exchanger according to the present invention;

- fig. 2 is a partly sectioned and schematic three-dimensional view of an enlarged detail of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 3 is an enlarged section view of a modular heat exchange element of the heat exchanger of fig. 1 ; - fig. 4 is a partial and schematic top section view of the heat exchanger of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 5 is a lateral section view of the heat exchanger of fig. 1, according to the section line V-V of fig. 4;

- figs, from 6 to 9 are schematic top views of different embodiments of the heat exchanger according to the present invention. - fig. 10 is a section view of a modular element according to a different embodiment;

- fig. 11 is a detailed three-dimensional view of a modular element according to another embodiment;

- fig. 12 is a lateral section view of the heat exchanger, like the one taken along section line V-V of fig. 4, in accordance with another embodiment.

We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

With reference to fig. 1, the present invention concerns a heat exchanger, indicated as a whole with reference number 10. The heat exchanger 10 comprises first recirculation means 11 and second recirculation means 12 which are fluidically connected to a plurality of modular elements 13.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the first recirculation means 11 comprise at least one first feed collector 15 and one second feed collector 16, while the second recirculation means 12 comprise at least one first recovery collector 17 and one second recovery collector 19.

In particular, the first and second feed collectors 15 and 16 are separated and distanced from each other by a first distance DI. Likewise, the first and second recovery collectors 17 and 19 are separated and distanced from each other by a second distance D2. By way of example, the first and second distance DI and D2 can be equal (fig. 1).

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, in the direction of longitudinal development of the modular elements 13, that is, along the longitudinal axis Z, the second feed collector 16 and the second recovery collector 19 are disposed internally with respect to the first feed collector 15 and to the first recovery collector 17.

The first and second feed collectors 15 and 16 and the first and second recovery collectors 17 and 19 can have any cross section whatsoever. In the example given here, the first feed collector 15 and the first recovery collector 17 have a cross section which, seen from above, is substantially D-shaped, while the second feed collector 16 and the second recovery collector 19 have a circular cross section (figs.

1 , 2 and 4 and from 6 to 9).

The modular elements 13 have an oblong development which extends along a longitudinal axis Z (fig. 2) and are placed on reciprocally parallel planes. Specifically, the modular elements 13 are disposed in series along a preferably vertical positioning plane X (figs. 3 and 4), and are separated from each other by a plurality of fins 20. These fins 20 are externally attached to the modular elements 13 and are configured to increase the heat exchange surface thereof.

In accordance with a preferential embodiment of the present invention, the modular elements 13 have a substantially flat cross section, that is, in which the width L is much greater than the thickness S, as can be seen in fig. 3.

In the examples given here, each modular element 13 has an upper wall 21 and a lower wall 22 (fig. 3), both preferably but not necessarily flat, to which the fins 20 can be attached, and opposite lateral walls 23 and 25 which preferably have a semicircular shape.

Moreover, each modular element 13 comprises, along its longitudinal development, a plurality of circulation elements, or channels, 26 (figs, from 2 to 5) parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis Z, which are disposed in succession along a transverse axis Y (fig. 3), and which extend longitudinally one beside the other along the longitudinal axis Z.

According to possible embodiments, the structure of each modular element 13 is advantageously symmetrical with respect to the positioning axis X; that is, the channels 26 are preferably disposed symmetrically with respect to the latter. In particular, the outermost channels 26, that is, those disposed in correspondence with respective external zones ZE of the modular element 13, are separated and therefore distanced by means of first separation walls 27, while the innermost channels, that is, those disposed in correspondence with a central zone ZC of the modular element 13, are separated and therefore distanced by means of second separation walls having a smaller thickness than the first separation walls 27.

Please note that, in the embodiments shown here, all the channels 26 have the same cross section, but in other embodiments the channels 26 can have different cross sections from each other.

Either a first thermal carrier fluid Fl or a second thermal carrier fluid F2 can flow inside each channel 26.

According to embodiments visible in figs, from 1 to 5, a first group 29 of channels 26 is dedicated to the circulation of the first thermal carrier fluid Fl, and a second group 30 of channels 26 is dedicated to the circulation of the second thermal carrier fluid F2. In particular, according to this example, the first group 29 of channels 26 is fluidically connected to the first feed collector 15 and to the first recovery collector 17, and the second group 30 of channels 26 is fluidically connected to the second feed collector 16 and to the second recovery collector 19. In this way, the assembly formed by the first feed collector 15, the first group

29 of channels 26 and the first recovery collector 17 defines a first circulation circuit, and the assembly formed by the second feed collector 16, the second group

30 of channels 26 and the second recovery collector 19 defines a second circulation circuit. Preferably, the first thermal carrier fluid F 1 flows inside the first circulation circuit and the second thermal carrier fluid F2 flows inside the second circulation circuit.

According to other possible embodiments of the present invention, the same type of thermal carrier fluid flows both in the first as well as in the second circulation circuit, for example only the first thermal carrier fluid Fl, or alternatively only the second thermal carrier fluid F2. These embodiments can be used advantageously when a partialized operation of the heat exchanger is provided, in which it is provided to activate only a part of the flow of the thermal carrier fluid inside some channels 26, without any fluid flowing in the remaining channels.

By way of example, without any limit to generality, the first thermal carrier fluid Fl can be a refrigerant fluid having a first operating temperature, for example comprised between 20°C and 250°C. The second thermal carrier fluid F2 can be water in combination with glycol, or another suitable liquid, having a second operating temperature substantially lower than the first temperature, for example comprised between -40°C and 105°C.

According to this embodiment, each modular element 13 comprises the first group 29 and the second group 30 of channels 26. In particular, each modular element 13 comprises at least one first inlet end 31 and at least one first outlet end 32, both operatively associated with the first group 29 of channels 26 and fluidically connected to the first feed collector 15 and, respectively, to the first recovery collector 17 by means of a same-shape coupling (figs. 2, and from 4 to 9). Moreover, each modular element 13 comprises at least one second inlet end 33 and at least one second outlet end 35, both operatively associated with the second group 30 of channels 26 and fluidically connected to the second feed collector 16 and, respectively, to the second recovery collector 19 by means of a same-shape coupling.

In this way, there is the advantage that particular and complex welding or brazing operations are not required, as usually occurs in the state of the art.

As can be better seen in figs. 4 and 5, in order to guarantee the fluidic connection of the first and second group 29, 30 of channels 26 with the respective feed collectors 15 and 16 and recovery collectors 17 and 19, the first and the second inlet end 31, 33 and the first and second outlet end 32, 35 of each modular element 13 are spatially offset from each other, along the longitudinal axis Z, by a determinate distance D. This determinate distance D is variable and has to be such as to take into account the overall sizes and/or the relative positioning of the feed collectors 15 and 16 and of the recovery collectors 17 and 19, as well as the spaces available in the environment in which the heat exchanger 10 has to be installed.

The second feed collector 16 and the second recovery collector 19 are shaped in such a way as to have, for each modular element 13, at least one respective inlet aperture 37 and one respective outlet aperture 39, which are configured to allow the passage to size of a corresponding connection part 40 of the modular element 13, thus defining a same-shape coupling with the latter.

The inlet aperture 37 and the outlet aperture 39 are made by means of suitable machining, of a type known in the state of the art, for example punching or milling.

In particular, in the embodiments shown in figs. 2 and 4, the two connection parts 40 comprise both a first portion cooperating with the inlet aperture 37, having a respective width equal to the width L and in correspondence with which the second inlet end 33 or outlet end 35 flow, as well as a second portion comprising the first group 29 of channels 26 which continues in order to reach the first feed collector 15 or the first recovery collector 17, respectively. Furthermore, the second portion has a respective width smaller than the width L of the first portion; therefore, the inlet aperture 37 will have a larger size than the outlet aperture 39.

With reference to figs, from 6 to 12, we will now describe, by way of example, other embodiments of the present invention, in which the parts of the heat exchanger 10 in common with the embodiment described above will not be described again, and in which, unless otherwise indicated, elements that are the same as those already described above correspond to the same numbers.

Also in all these embodiments, preferably the first thermal carrier fluid F 1 flows in the first circuit and the second thermal carrier fluid F2 flows in the second heat transfer circuit. Alternatively, also in the embodiments of figs. 6-12 operating modes can be provided in which only one type of thermal carrier fluid flows in the channels 26, for example only the first thermal carrier fluid Fl or the second thermal carrier fluid F2. In accordance with the embodiment of fig. 6, taking the longitudinal axis Z as a reference, the second feed collector 16 and the second recovery collector 19 are misaligned with respect to the first feed collector 15 and the first recovery collector 17, which instead are centered and aligned along the longitudinal axis Z. In this case, the misalignment of the second feed collector 16 and of the second recovery collector 19 is greater than that of the embodiment of figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5. Moreover, the connection parts 40 comprise a lateral perimeter portion of the modular element 13, in which the second inlet end 33 or outlet end 35 is present. Therefore, the second feed collector 16 and the second recovery collector 19 comprise respective lateral apertures 38 which are configured to allow the passage to size of a corresponding connection part 40 of the modular element 13, thus defining a sameshape coupling with the latter. The lateral apertures 38, similarly to the inlet aperture 37 and to the outlet aperture 39, are also made by means of suitable mechanical machining, of a type known in the state of the art, for example punching or milling. In accordance with the embodiment of fig. 7, the feed collectors 15 and 16 and the recovery collectors 17 and 19 are centered with respect to the longitudinal axis Z.

In a variant not shown, the central axes of the feed collectors 15 and 16 and of the recovery collectors 17 and 19 do not intersect the longitudinal axis Z, and the latter is not an axis of symmetry for these collectors.

The channels 26 are divided into a first group, a second group and a third group, wherein the first group of channels 26 is fluidically connected to the first feed collector 15 and to the first recovery collector 17, thus defining the first circulation circuit in which, for example, the first thermal carrier fluid Fl circulates, and wherein the second and third group of channels 26 are fluidically connected to the second feed collector 16 and to the second recovery collector 19, thus defining the second circulation circuit in which, for example, the second thermal carrier fluid F2, or alternatively still the first thermal carrier fluid Fl, circulates. In particular, the first group of channels 26 is disposed centrally and the second and third group of channels 26 are disposed in correspondence with the external zones ZE of the corresponding modular element 13.

Please note that the inlet 37 and outlet 39 apertures of the second feed collector 16 and of the second recovery collector 19 are specially sized for the passage to size of the connection part 40 of each modular element 13, in order to guarantee a suitable same-shape coupling.

In accordance with the embodiment of fig. 8, the first recirculation means 11 comprise a first feed collector 15 and a first recovery collector 17, both aligned along the longitudinal axis Z, while the second recirculation means 12 comprise a pair of second feed collectors 16a and 16b and a pair of second recovery collectors 19a and 19b which are disposed symmetrically to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis Z. As for the embodiment of fig. 7, the channels 26 are divided into a first group, a second group and a third group, wherein the first group of channels 26 is fluidically connected to the first feed collector 15 and to the first recovery collector 17, thus defining the first circulation circuit of the first thermal carrier fluid Fl, and wherein the second and third group of channels 26 are fluidically connected to the respective second feed collectors 16a and 16b and to the respective second recovery collectors 19a and 19b, thus defining the second circulation circuit of the second thermal carrier fluid F2.

Please note that each second feed collector 16a, 16b and second recovery collector 19a, 19b comprises respective lateral apertures 38 which are specially sized for the passage to size of the connection parts 40 of each modular element 13, in order to guarantee a suitable same-shape coupling.

In accordance with the embodiment of fig. 9, the first recirculation means 11 comprise a first feed collector 15 and a first recovery collector 17, both aligned along the longitudinal axis Z and having a circular cross section, while the second recirculation means 12 comprise a pair of second feed collectors 16a and 16b and a pair of second recovery collectors 19a and 19b which are disposed symmetrically to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis Z. As for the embodiment of fig. 8, the channels 26 are divided into a first group, a second group and a third group, wherein the first group of channels 26 is fluidically connected to the first feed collector 15 and to the first recovery collector 17, thus defining the first circulation circuit of the first thermal carrier fluid Fl for example, and wherein the second and third group of channels 26 are fluidically connected to the respective second feed collectors 16a and 16b and to the respective second recovery collectors 19a and 19b, thus defining the second circulation circuit, for example for the second thermal carrier fluid F2. In particular, along the longitudinal axis Z, the second feed collectors 16a and 16b and the second recovery collectors 19a and 19b are disposed externally with respect to the first feed collector 15 and to the first recovery collector 17. Therefore, the portions of the modular element 13 comprising the second and third group of channels 26 on one part protrude beyond the first inlet end 31 and on the other part protrude beyond the first outlet end 32.

In this embodiment, the first feed collector 15 and the first recovery collector 17 are shaped in such a way as to have, for each modular element 13, a respective inlet aperture 41 and two outlet apertures 42, which are configured to allow the passage to size of a corresponding connection part 43 of a respective modular element 13, thus defining a same-shape coupling with the latter. The connection part 43 comprises both a first portion cooperating with the inlet aperture 41 , having a respective width equal to the width L and comprising the first inlet end 31 or outlet end 32, and two second portions cooperating with the corresponding outlet apertures 42 and comprising the second and third group of channels 26, respectively.

Please note that the first separation walls 27 have a thickness such that, on the basis of the project specifications, the modular elements 13 can easily be adapted in the formation, or division, of the two or three groups of channels, which can each have a number of channels 26 that is customized on the basis of the specific operating needs. This has the advantage that different configurations of the modular elements 13 and, consequently, of the heat exchangers 10 can be created, for example such as those shown in figs, from 6 to 9.

In accordance with the embodiment of fig. 10, the disposition of the circulation elements 26 is preferably concentric. In particular, each modular element 13 comprises a first sector 45 defined by an internal element provided with circulation elements 26 which in turn define the first group 29 and inside which, for example, the first thermal carrier fluid Fl flows, and a second sector 46 external with respect to the first sector 45 and defined by a hollow space inside which, for example, the second thermal carrier fluid F2 flows. The second sector 46 can be provided with one or more centering ribs 47 to block the position of the internal element that defines the first sector 45 and which separate the hollow space into several channels 26 which define the second group 30. Please note that in this case the channels 26 of the first and second group 29, 30 have different shapes and sizes, but in any case, they perform the main function of allowing the circulation of the first and/or second thermal carrier fluid Fl, F2.

In accordance with the embodiment of fig. 11, each modular element 13 comprises both the first group 29 and also the second group 30 of channels 26, wherein the channels 26 of the first and second group 29, 30 are parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis Z and are disposed alternating with each other. In particular, each modular element 13 is shaped in such a way as to define with reciprocal end protrusions and recesses the first group 29 and, respectively, the second group 30 of channels 26. According to another embodiment shown in fig. 12, the first group 29 is defined, or comprises, all the channels 26 of one modular element 13, and the second group 30 is defined, or comprises, all the channels 26 of another modular element 13. Therefore, each modular element 13 will be dedicated to the circulation of a single thermal carrier fluid Fl, F2; specifically, the modular element 13 comprising the channels 26 that define the first group 29 is dedicated to the circulation of the first thermal carrier fluid Fl and the modular element 13 comprising the channels 26 that define the second group 30 is dedicated to the circulation of the second thermal carrier fluid F2.

Preferably, the modular elements 13 of two different groups of channels 26 are disposed alternating with each other, that is, placed at different heights, in such a way that there are no modular elements 13 of the first group 29 of channels 26 disposed one adjacent to the other.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection parts 40 relate only to the modular elements 13 of the first group 29 of channels 26 and are made in such a way as to have the same width L along the entire cross section. Therefore, the inlet

37 and outlet 39 apertures of the second feed collector 16 and the second recovery collector 19 will be made in a manner that conforms to this connection part 40, in order to define a suitable same-shape coupling. According to another embodiment, not shown and which can be combined with all the other embodiments previously described with reference to the attached drawings, the first feed collector 15 and the second feed collector 17 can be adjacent, for example sharing a longitudinal wall. For example, in this embodiment, if seen in a top plan view, the first feed collector 15 and the second feed collector 17 can define a section shaped as an “8”. In this embodiment, the first and the second recovery collector 17, 19 can also be adjacent and share a same longitudinal wall, also defining, in a top plan view, a section shaped as an “8”. In this embodiment, it is evident that the first distance DI and the second distance D2 are equal to zero.

Furthermore, the embodiments described here with reference to the attached drawings can be combined with each other in order to create other embodiments, further increasing the versatility of the heat exchanger 10 of the present invention. For example, based on the volumes and geometries available in the space in which the heat exchanger 10 is to be installed, it could comprise first recirculation means 11 configured as shown in fig. 6 and second recirculation means configured as shown in fig. 7, or vice versa.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the heat exchanger 10 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of heat exchangers, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the same claims.