Patent attributes
An internal heat exchanger (IHX) assembly for use in a vehicle includes at least three plates joined together to form two or more separate compartments or channels and at least one flat structure on an external surface of the IHX assembly. One compartment or channel contains a high pressure fluid and the other compartment or channel contains a low pressure fluid. The compartment or channel containing the high pressure fluid is in thermal communication with the compartment or channel containing the low pressure fluid, such that heat is transferred from the high pressure fluid to the low pressure fluid. The IHX assembly acts as a structural member in the vehicle upon which one or more refrigerant components are mounted onto the flat structure.
