Modular heat pipe heat exchanger

摘要

A heat pipe heat exchanger (12, 12') for transferring heat from a hot gas to a cold gas comprises a housing with a first chamber (14) for feeding a hot gas therethrough; a second chamber (20) for feeding a cold gas therethrough; and a plurality of heat pipes (26) extending between the first chamber (14) and the second chamber (20) for transferring heat from the hot gas to the cold gas. The heat pipe heat exchanger (12, 12') further comprises one or more heat pipe cartridges (36) removably arranged in the housing. Each heat pipe cartridge (36) comprises a frame (38) with a support panel (40) for supporting a plurality of heat pipes (26); the support panel (40) being arranged such that, when the heat pipe cartridge (36) is arranged in the housing, the support panel (40) cooperates with a separation wall (32) between the first chamber (14) and the second chamber (20) to form a gas-tight partition between the first and second chambers (14, 20). The heat pipes (26) traverse the support panel (40) and are secured thereto in a gas-tight manner.