TW202403249A - Pre-subcooler for a condenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A condenser of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a shell configured to receive vapor heat transfer fluid and a condensing section. A first plurality of heat exchange tubes is configured to place the vapor heat transfer fluid in a heat exchange relationship with cooling fluid to produce liquid heat transfer fluid. The condenser includes a subcooling section having a second plurality of heat exchange tubes extending within the shell, where the second plurality of heat exchange tubes is configured to place the liquid heat transfer fluid in a heat exchange relationship with cooling fluid to subcool the liquid heat transfer fluid. The condenser includes a pre-subcooler disposed in the condensing section, where the pre-subcooler includes a trough configured to collect a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid and direct the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid to the subcooling section.

Description

Pre-subcooler for condenser

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims the priority and rights of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/351,711, titled "PRE-SUBCOOLER FOR A CONDENSER", filed on June 13, 2022. The application is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The present invention relates to a pre-subcooler for a condenser.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various technical aspects that may be related to the various aspects of the invention described below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to promote a better understanding of the various aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it is understood that these statements should be read in this light and not as an admission of prior art.

Freezer systems or vapor compression systems utilize a working fluid (eg, refrigerant) that changes phase between vapor, liquid, and combinations thereof in response to exposure to different temperatures and pressures within the components of the freezer system. The freezer system may place the working fluid in heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid (eg, water) and may deliver the conditioning fluid to the conditioning equipment and/or to the conditioned environment served by the freezer system. In such applications, the conditioned fluid may pass through downstream equipment, such as air conditioners, to condition other fluids, such as air in a building.

A conventional refrigerator system includes a refrigerant circuit having, for example, a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. In some condensers, one or more tube bundles may be located in the shell or shell of the condenser. Refrigerant vapor can be directed into the housing, and cooling fluid can be circulated through the tubes of the tube bundle, thereby effecting heat transfer from the refrigerant to the cooling fluid. Heat transfer or heat exchange between the refrigerant vapor and the cooling fluid can cause the refrigerant vapor to condense or change into a liquid phase. The refrigerant liquid may be further cooled (e.g., subcooled) by circulating cooling fluid through an additional tube bank, which may be called a subcooler, before being discharged from the condenser. inside the casing to transfer additional heat from the condensing refrigerant liquid to the cooling fluid. Unfortunately, the heat transfer efficiency of existing condenser designs can be limited.

An overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these categories are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief overview of certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of categories that may not be set forth below.

In one embodiment, a condenser for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a shell configured to receive a vapor heat transfer fluid and a condensation section. The first plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured such that the vapor heat transfer fluid and the cooling fluid are in heat exchange relationship, thereby producing a liquid heat transfer fluid. The condenser includes a subcooling section having a second plurality of heat exchange tubes extending within the housing, wherein the second plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured to place the liquid heat transfer fluid in heat exchange relationship with the cooling fluid such that the liquid Heat transfer fluid is too cold. The condenser includes a pre-subcooler disposed in the condensation section, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a tank configured to collect a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid and to direct a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid to the subcooling section.

In another embodiment, a method includes directing a vapor heat transfer fluid through a first plurality of heat exchange tubes of a condensation section of a condenser such that the vapor heat transfer fluid is in contact with the first plurality of heat exchange tubes directed through the first plurality of heat exchange tubes. The cooling fluid of the tube is in a heat exchange relationship. The first plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured to condense the vapor heat transfer fluid to produce a liquid heat transfer fluid. The method includes directing a liquid heat transfer fluid through a second plurality of heat exchange tubes of a subcooling section of a condenser such that the liquid heat transfer fluid is in heat exchange with a cooling fluid directed through the second plurality of heat exchange tubes. Relationship wherein the second plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured to subcool the liquid heat transfer fluid. The method includes collecting a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid condensed by a first tube bundle of a first plurality of heat exchange tubes via a pre-subcooler disposed in the condensation section. The method includes directing a portion of a liquid heat transfer fluid from a pre-subcooler toward a longitudinal end of a second bundle of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes.

In another embodiment, a condenser for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a housing configured to receive a vapor heat transfer fluid. The condenser includes a condensation section having first and second tube bundles extending within the housing, wherein the first and second tube bundles are configured such that a vapor heat transfer fluid and a cooling fluid are in heat exchange relationship to thereby separate the vapor from the vapor. Heat transfer fluid produces a liquid heat transfer fluid. The condenser includes a pre-subcooler disposed between the first and second tube bundles, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a tank configured to collect a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid produced by the first tube bundle. The condenser includes a subcooling section having a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending within the housing, wherein the pre-subcooler is configured to direct a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid to the subcooling section. The plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured such that a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid is in heat exchange relationship with a cooling fluid directed through the plurality of heat exchange tubes, thereby subcooling the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid.

One or more specific embodiments are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It is understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, such constraints May vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it is appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time consuming, but are nevertheless within a routine task of design, processing and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this invention.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there is one of the elements present or more. The terms "comprises," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also have the recited features.

As used herein, the terms "generally," "substantially," and "substantially" are intended to convey that the described attribute value may fall within a relatively small range of the attribute value, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, when an attribute value is described as being "approximately" equal to (or, for example, "substantially similar to") a given value, this is intended to convey that the attribute value can be within +/-5%, +/- Within 4%, within +/-3%, within +/-2%, within +/-1%, or even closer. Similarly, when a given feature is described as "substantially parallel" to another feature, "substantially perpendicular" to another feature, etc., this is intended to convey that the given feature is within +/-5%, +/-4% Within, within +/-3%, within +/-2%, within +/-1%, or even closer to have the described property, such as parallel to another feature, perpendicular to another feature, etc. Mathematical terms, such as "parallel" and "perpendicular," should not be interpreted strictly in the strictly mathematical sense, but should be interpreted as a person familiar with the art would interpret such terms. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that two lines that are substantially parallel to each other are largely parallel, but may deviate slightly from being perfectly parallel.

Embodiments of the invention relate to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems, such as freezer systems. HVAC&R systems may include a vapor compression system (eg, a vapor compression loop) through which a heat transfer fluid (eg, a working fluid), such as a refrigerant, is directed to heat and/or cool the conditioning fluid. As an example, a vapor compression system may include a compressor configured to pressurize a heat transfer fluid and direct the pressurized heat transfer fluid to a condenser configured to cool and condense the pressurized heat transfer fluid. The evaporator of the vapor compression system can receive the cooled and condensed heat transfer fluid and can put the cooled and condensed heat transfer fluid and the regulating fluid into a heat exchange relationship to absorb thermal energy or heat from the regulating fluid, thereby cooling the regulating fluid. The cooled conditioned fluid may then be directed to conditioning equipment, such as air conditioners and/or terminal units, for conditioning air supplied to a building or other conditioned space.

Generally speaking, condensers are configured to cool pressurized heat transfer fluid by placing the pressurized heat transfer fluid in heat exchange relationship with a cooling fluid such as air, water, brine, or other fluids. For example, a condenser may have a casing or outer shell defining an interior volume configured to receive pressurized heat transfer fluid from a compressor, and the condenser may include a plurality of tubes disposed within the interior volume of the casing ( For example, one or more tube bundles, condenser tubes). The plurality of tubes are configured to circulate a cooling fluid (eg, water or brine) through the plurality of tubes to effect heat transfer from the pressurized heat transfer fluid to the cooling fluid.

In some embodiments, the condenser may include a subcooler configured to cool down once the heat transfer fluid has condensed within the condenser (e.g., via heat exchange with a cooling fluid directed through a plurality of tubes) ) to further cool (e.g., subcool) the heat transfer fluid. For example, the condenser may include an additional plurality of tubes (eg, additional tube bundles, subcooled tubes) disposed within the housing and configured to circulate the cooling fluid to further cool the heat transfer fluid. Unfortunately, existing condenser designs can easily lead to inefficiencies. For example, when the vapor heat transfer fluid flows through the condenser tubes in the condenser, the vapor heat transfer fluid can condense into a liquid heat transfer fluid, and a film of the liquid heat transfer fluid can form in one or more of the condenser tubes. superior. The heat transfer efficiency of the condenser may be reduced when a liquid film (eg, heat transfer fluid film, refrigerant film) forms on and/or resides on the tubes. That is, the heat transfer rate between the cooling fluid within the tubes of the condenser and the heat transfer fluid within the condenser may be reduced.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method configured to reduce the formation of a liquid film on a condenser tube of a condenser. This reduction may improve the heat transfer rate and/or heat transfer efficiency of the condenser. In particular, embodiments of the invention include a pre-subcooler positioned within the condensation section of the condenser. The pre-subcooler is configured to collect heat transfer fluid formed from the heat transfer fluid vapor within the condensation section and is configured to direct the liquid heat transfer fluid to the subcooler of the condenser. In this way, the pre-subcooler may prevent the flow of liquid heat transfer fluid to one or more condenser tubes in the condensation section (e.g., downstream of the pre-subcooler relative to the direction of heat transfer fluid flow; relative to the direction of gravity , below the pre-subcooler), thereby preventing the formation or collection of a film of liquid heat transfer fluid on the condensation section. As a result, the condenser tube downstream of the pre-subcooler may benefit from improved heat transfer with the vapor heat transfer fluid directed therethrough.

The pre-subcooler may comprise a slot extending longitudinally along the condenser and within the condensation section. The channel may include a sheet or panel and a flange extending from the sides (eg, edges) of the sheet. The trough may define a basin configured to collect liquid heat transfer fluid formed when the vapor heat transfer fluid condenses within the condensation section. Additionally, one or more tubes within the condensation section, which may be referred to as pre-subcooler tubes, may extend within the tank basin. Thus, the liquid heat transfer fluid collected in the basin can be further cooled or subcooled by the cooling fluid directed through the pre-subcooler tubes. The liquid heat transfer fluid collected within the tank basin may flow toward the longitudinal ends of the tank (eg, via gravity) and may exit the tank toward the condenser's subcooler. The flanges of the groove (eg, the first flange and the second flange of the groove) may retain condensed heat transfer fluid and direct the condensed heat transfer fluid toward the longitudinal end of the pre-subcooler. As described in detail below, the tubes of the condensation section disposed below the pre-subcooler (eg, relative to gravity) may receive a reduced amount of condensed (eg, liquid) heat from the condensation tubes disposed above the pre-subcooler. Transfer fluid. Thus, the contact between the residual heat transfer fluid vapor within the condenser and the condenser tubes disposed below the pre-subcooler can be improved (e.g., due to a reduction in the liquid film forming or residing on the condenser tubes), thereby improving the condenser The heat transfer efficiency. In this way, the pre-subcooler of the present invention improves the efficiency of the condenser and HVAC&R system.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an environment for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 in a typical commercial setting. HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 that supplies refrigerated liquid that may be used to cool building 12 . HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 to supply warm liquid to provide heat to building 12 , and an air distribution system to circulate air through building 12 . The air distribution system may also include air return duct 18 , air supply duct 20 and/or air conditioner 22 . In some embodiments, air conditioner 22 may include a heat exchanger connected to boiler 16 and vapor compression system 14 via piping 24 . Depending on the operating mode of the HVAC&R system 10 , the heat exchanger in the air conditioner 22 may receive heated liquid from the boiler 16 or chilled liquid from the vapor compression system 14 . HVAC&R system 10 is shown with individual air conditioners on each floor of building 12, but in other embodiments, HVAC&R system 10 may include air conditioners 22 and/or other that may be shared between or among floors. components.

2 and 3 illustrate embodiments of a vapor compression system 14 that may be used in an HVAC&R system 10. Vapor compression system 14 may circulate a heat transfer fluid (eg, refrigerant) through a circuit beginning with compressor 32 . The circuit may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and a liquid freezer or evaporator 38. The vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 (eg, a controller) having an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 42 , a microprocessor 44 , non-volatile memory 46 , and/or an interface board 48 .

In some embodiments, vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of variable speed drive (VSD) 52 , motor 50 , compressor 32 , condenser 34 , expansion valve or device 36 , and/or evaporator 38 . Motor 50 may drive compressor 32 and may be powered by variable speed drive (VSD) 52 . VSD 52 receives AC power with a specific fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an alternating current (AC) power source and provides power with variable voltage and frequency to motor 50 . In other embodiments, motor 50 may be powered directly from AC or direct current (DC) power. Motor 50 may include any type of electric motor that may be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

Compressor 32 compresses the heat transfer fluid vapor and delivers the vapor to condenser 34 via a discharge passage. In some embodiments, compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The heat transfer fluid vapor delivered by compressor 32 to condenser 34 may transfer heat to the cooling fluid (eg, water or air) in condenser 34 . The heat transfer fluid vapor may condense into a heat transfer fluid liquid in condenser 34 due to heat transfer with the cooling fluid. Heat transfer fluid liquid from condenser 34 may flow via expansion device 36 to evaporator 38 . In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the condenser 34 is water-cooled and includes a tube bundle 54 connected to a cooling tower 56 that supplies cooling fluid to the condenser.

The heat transfer fluid liquid delivered to evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another cooling fluid, which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in condenser 34 . The heat transfer fluid liquid in evaporator 38 may undergo a phase change from heat transfer fluid liquid to heat transfer fluid vapor. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 having a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to the cooling load 62 . The cooling fluid of evaporator 38 (eg, water, glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable fluid) enters evaporator 38 via return line 60R and exits the evaporator via supply line 60S. 38. The evaporator 38 may reduce the temperature of the cooling fluid in the tube bank 58 via heat transfer with the heat transfer fluid. The tube bundle 58 in the evaporator 38 may include a plurality of tubes and/or a plurality of tube bundles. In any case, the heat transfer fluid vapor exits evaporator 38 and returns to compressor 32 via the suction line to complete the cycle.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the vapor compression system 14, in which an intermediate circuit 64 is provided between the condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate circuit 64 may have an inlet line 68 fluidly connected directly to the condenser 34 . In other embodiments, inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly coupled to condenser 34 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 , the inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 positioned upstream of the intermediate vessel 70 . In some embodiments, the intermediate vessel 70 may be a flash evaporation tank (eg, a flash evaporative intercooler). In other embodiments, intermediate vessel 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or "surface economizer." In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 4, intermediate vessel 70 serves as a flash evaporation tank, and first expansion device 66 is configured to reduce the pressure of the liquid heat transfer fluid received from condenser 34 (e.g., causing the liquid to heat transfer fluid expansion). During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may evaporate, and therefore, the intermediate vessel 70 may be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from the first expansion device 66 .

Additionally, the intermediate vessel 70 may provide further expansion of the liquid heat transfer fluid because the liquid heat transfer fluid experiences a pressure drop upon entering the intermediate vessel 70 (eg, due to a rapid volume increase upon entering the intermediate vessel 70 ). The compressor 32 can suck the vapor in the intermediate container 70 through the suction line 74 of the compressor 32 . In other embodiments, the vapor in the intermediate vessel may be pumped into an intermediate section of the compressor 32 (eg, rather than the suction section). Due to expansion in expansion device 66 and/or intermediate vessel 70 , the enthalpy of the liquid collected in intermediate vessel 70 may be lower than the liquid heat transfer fluid leaving condenser 34 . Liquid from intermediate vessel 70 may then flow in line 72 via second expansion device 36 to evaporator 38 .

It should be understood that any of the features described herein may be incorporated with the vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. As mentioned above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a pre-subcooler usable with the condenser 34 of the vapor compression system 14 . The pre-subcooler may be positioned within the condensation section of condenser 34 configured to condense the vapor heat transfer fluid received by condenser 34 . As described in greater detail below, the pre-subcooler may be configured to collect liquid heat transfer fluid formed within the condensation section and direct the liquid heat transfer fluid toward the subcooler of condenser 34 . In some embodiments, the pre-subcooler may also subcool the collected liquid heat transfer fluid. The pre-subcooler enables improved heat transfer between the tubes and the vapor heat transfer fluid in the condensation section by enabling reduced formation of a liquid film (eg, heat transfer fluid liquid film) on the tubes.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of condenser 100 in accordance with the scope of the present invention. Condenser 100 may be an embodiment of condenser 34 of vapor compression system 14 described above. Condenser 100 includes a shell 102 that defines an interior volume 104 and separates the interior volume 104 from an external environment 106 . In some embodiments, housing 102 may be formed from metal and may have a generally cylindrical shape. As indicated by arrow 108 , condenser 100 (eg, housing 102 ) is configured to receive a heat transfer fluid (eg, vapor heat transfer fluid, refrigerant vapor) that circulates through vapor compression system 14 . Condenser 100 may place a heat transfer fluid in heat exchange relationship with a cooling fluid (eg, water, brine). For example, the condenser 100 may include a plurality of heat exchange tubes 110 configured to direct cooling fluid therethrough, and the heat transfer fluid within the condenser 100 may flow through the heat exchange tubes 110 and Transfer heat to cooling fluid. As discussed further below, the heat exchange tubes 110 may be grouped into one or more tube bundles and/or one or more sections. For example, condenser 100 may define a condensation section with corresponding heat exchange tubes 110 configured to condense vapor heat transfer fluid received by condenser 100 to form a liquid heat transfer fluid. The condenser 100 may also define a subcooling section (eg, a subcooler) with corresponding heat exchange tubes 110 configured to further cool or supercool the liquid heat transfer fluid formed in the condenser 100 . cold.

As mentioned above, heat exchange tubes 110 are configured to direct cooling fluid through condenser 100 . In the illustrated embodiment, condenser 100 is a multi-channel heat exchanger and is configured to direct cooling fluid therethrough along multiple channels (eg, configured in series with each other). Specifically, condenser 100 defines a first channel 112 , which may include a first subset of heat exchange tubes 110 , and a second channel 114 , which may include a second subset of heat exchange tubes 110 . Accordingly, at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid may be directed through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second channel 114 and then through the first channel 112 before the heat transfer fluid is discharged from the condenser 100 as indicated by arrow 116 The heat exchange tube 110.

In operation, condenser 100 may receive cooling fluid flow, as indicated by arrow 118 . The cooling fluid may enter the condenser 100 via the first cooling fluid section 120 (eg, cooling fluid tank, water tank). The first cooling fluid section 120 is divided into an inlet section 122 and an outlet section 124 separated (eg, fluidly separated) by a partition plate 126 . The cooling fluid may be directed into the inlet section 122 and may then be directed into the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first channel 112 as indicated by arrow 128 . The heat exchange tubes 110 of the first channel 112 may include condenser tubes and subcooling tubes, as further described below. The cooling fluid may travel through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first passage 112 (eg, along the length 130 of the condenser 100 ) and may be discharged into a second cooling fluid section 132 disposed within the condenser. 100 at the end opposite the first cooling fluid section 120 . The second cooling fluid section 132 may direct cooling fluid (eg, the first cooling fluid flow) into the heat exchange tube 110 associated with the second channel 114 , as indicated by arrow 134 . At least a portion of the heat exchange tubes 110 associated with the second channel 114 may be a condenser tube. Cooling fluid may flow into the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second channel 114 and into the outlet section 124 of the first cooling fluid section 120 , as indicated by arrow 136 , and may then flow from the first cooling fluid section 120 and condenser 100 discharge, as indicated by arrow 138 . Therefore, the cooling fluid can flow through the first channel 112 and the second channel 114 sequentially.

As mentioned above, a vapor heat transfer fluid (eg, a gaseous heat transfer fluid) may be directed into the housing 102 of the condenser 100 . The vapor heat transfer fluid first flows through the heat exchange tube 110 of the second channel 114 . When the vapor heat transfer fluid contacts the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second channel 114, heat is transferred from the cooling fluid in the heat exchange tubes 110 to the vapor heat transfer fluid, which causes the vapor heat transfer fluid to condense and form a liquid heat transfer fluid. In some cases, as the heat transfer fluid continues to flow through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second channel 114 and thereafter through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first channel 112 , the condensed liquid heat transfer fluid may be in (e.g., the second channel 114. A liquid film is formed on one or more of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first channel 112 or both of them. Unfortunately, the formation and/or accumulation of a liquid film (eg, heat transfer fluid liquid film) on the heat exchange tubes 110 may reduce the efficiency of heat transfer between the heat exchange tubes 110 and the heat transfer fluid.

Accordingly, the present embodiment of the condenser 100 includes a pre-subcooler 140 configured to enable the reduction of liquid films (eg, condensed liquid) formed on the heat exchange tubes 110 within the condenser 100 heat transfer fluid). In the illustrated embodiment, pre-subcooler 140 is positioned at least partially within second channel 114 and/or at least partially positioned between first channel 112 and second channel 114 (eg, vertically between (eg, the area without the heat exchange tube 110). Pre-subcooler 140 includes a tank 144 configured to collect condensed liquid heat transfer fluid formed via heat exchange with heat exchange tubes 110 of second channel 114 . As described further below, the trough 144 may include a sheet or panel (eg, a horizontal sheet) extending along the length 130 of the condenser 100 (eg, along the second channel 114 ) and from the edges of the panel and along the condensation A side or segment (eg, a vertical segment) that extends along the length of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, slot 144 may be formed from a solid (eg, non-perforated) piece of material. The slots 144 may extend substantially horizontally (eg, with respect to gravity) along the length 130 of the condenser 100 and/or along the width of the condenser 100 (eg, a dimension extending transverse to the length 130 ). That is, the plane formed by the panels (eg, the lower panel, relative to the direction of gravity) of the slot 144 may include substantially negligible portions along the length 130 of the condenser 100 and/or along the width of the condenser 100 (eg, Less than 5 degrees, less than 1 degree) slope (e.g., relative to gravity).

Liquid heat transfer fluid collected within tank 144 may flow (eg, via gravity) toward longitudinal end 146 of pre-subcooler 140 , as indicated by arrow 148 . That is, as the liquid heat transfer fluid accumulates within the relatively horizontal basin formed by the grooves 144 , gravity may naturally force the heat transfer fluid toward the longitudinal ends 146 of the grooves 144 . The longitudinal end 146 may enable heat transfer fluid to flow therethrough (eg, via one or more openings formed in the longitudinal end 146 ). Thus, at the longitudinal end 146, the liquid heat transfer fluid may flow out of the slot 144 (eg, in a vertical downward direction) toward the first channel 112 (eg, toward the subcooler of the condenser 100). In this manner, liquid heat transfer fluid collected within tank 144 may not flow through one or more heat exchange tubes 110 of first channel 112 and/or may not flow through a majority of heat exchange tubes 110 of first channel 112 . Therefore, the liquid film may not be formed on the heat exchange tube 110 of the first channel 112, which generally improves the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchange tube 110 of the first channel 112 and the condenser 100.

In some embodiments, longitudinal end 146 may be configured to retain critical levels of heat transfer fluid within slot 144 during operation of condenser 100. For example, longitudinal end 146 may be configured to prevent heat transfer fluid from flowing from the basin of slot 144 to first channel 112 until a threshold amount (eg, a threshold level) of heat transfer fluid has accumulated within slot 144 . Longitudinal end 146 may be configured (e.g., via openings formed therein, by having a design height) to admit heat transfer fluid (e.g., liquid heat transfer) once the level of heat transfer fluid within tank 144 exceeds a threshold amount. Fluid) flows out of the groove 144 (eg, from the groove 144 to the first channel 112). Thus, longitudinal ends 146 ensure that tubes within tank 144 (eg, pre-subcooler tubes) remain submerged (eg, partially submerged, fully submerged) in the heat transfer fluid within tank 144 during operation of condenser 100 to Promote heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid in the groove 144 and make it supercooled.

It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the slot 144 may include a slope configured to direct heat transfer fluid that may accumulate within the slot 144 toward one of the longitudinal ends 146 . In other embodiments, the first portion of the groove 144 may include a first slope configured to direct heat transfer fluid accumulated within the first portion of the groove 144 toward one of the longitudinal ends 146 , and the first portion of the groove 144 The two portions (eg, the remaining portion) may include a second slope configured to direct heat transfer fluid accumulated within the second portion of slot 144 toward the opposite one in longitudinal end 146 .

As described further below, one or more heat exchange tubes 110 of the second channel 114 may extend within the tank 144 (eg, within the basin of the tank 144). Accordingly, the liquid heat transfer fluid collected within the tank 144 may be in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange tubes 110 extending within the tank 144 . In order to achieve subcooling of the liquid heat transfer fluid within the groove 144 , the heat exchange tubes 110 extending within the groove 144 may not receive cooling fluid directed through the remaining heat exchange tubes 110 of the second passage 114 . Instead, the cooling fluid from the inlet section 122 of the first cooling fluid section 120 may be directed to the heat exchange tubes 110 extending within the slot 144 (eg, without first being directed through the first channel 112 or the Second channel 114).

For example, condenser 100 may include conduits 150 (e.g., conduits, Manifolds, nozzles, etc.), these heat exchange tubes may be longer than the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second channel 114 (eg, condensation heat exchange tubes). For example, duct 150 may extend through divider plate 126 . The partition plate 126 and the duct 150 may be coupled to each other in sealing engagement to prevent cooling fluid from flowing directly from the inlet section 122 to the outlet section 124 of the first cooling fluid section 120 . As should be appreciated, the cooling fluid within the inlet section 122 of the first cooling fluid section 120 may be cooler than the cooling fluid in the heat exchange tube 110 directed from the second cooling fluid section 132 to the second channel 114 . Accordingly, the cooling fluid directed from the inlet section 122 of the first cooling fluid section 120 and through the heat exchange tubes 110 extending within the slot 144 can achieve further cooling of the liquid heat transfer fluid collected within the slot 144 and/or Or too cold. The cooling fluid directed through the heat exchange tubes 110 extending within the slots 144 may be discharged into the second cooling fluid section 132 , and the second cooling fluid section 132 may then convey the cooling fluid (eg, the second cooling fluid flow) is directed into the heat exchange tube 110 of the second channel 114 as indicated by arrow 152 . Thus, the flow of cooling fluid discharged from the heat exchange tubes 110 extending within the slot 144 (e.g., indicated by arrow 152 ) may mix with the cooling fluid (e.g., indicated by arrow 134 ) received from the first channel 112 (e.g., , in the second cooling fluid section 132). The configuration of the heat exchange tube 110 in the condenser 100 and the embodiment of the pre-subcooler 140 are described in further detail below.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional axial view of an embodiment of condenser 100 including pre-subcooler 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchange tubes 110 are arranged in the first tube bundle 170 , the second tube bundle 172 and the third tube bundle 174 . The first tube bundle 170 generally defines a second channel 114 configured to direct cooling fluid through the condenser 100 . However, as described below, one or more of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first tube bundle 170 may not be associated with the second channel 114 . The second tube bundle 172 and the third tube bundle 174 define a first channel 112 configured to direct cooling fluid through the condenser 100 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the first tube bundle 170 and the second tube bundle 172 may generally define the condensation section 176 of the condenser 100 . That is, the heat transfer fluid directed through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first and second tube bundles 170 and 172 (eg, along the vertical axis 178) may be a vapor heat transfer fluid that condenses to form a liquid heat transfer fluid. Therefore, the heat transfer fluid flowing to the third tube bundle 174 may be substantially in a liquid phase. Accordingly, the third tube bundle 174 may generally define a subcooling section 180 (eg, a subcooler) of the condenser 100 . The liquid heat transfer fluid flowing along and/or through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the third tube bundle 174 may be further cooled and/or subcooled before the heat transfer fluid is discharged from the condenser 100 . Subcooling section 180 may have any suitable configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the subcooling section 180 can define a plurality of channels (eg, heat transfer fluid channels) whereby the heat transfer fluid can sequentially flow through the heat exchanger tubes in the subcooling section 180 110 of different groups and/or flow along these different groups.

The condenser 100 also includes a pre-subcooler 140 having a slot 144 . Trough 144 is disposed within condensation section 176 and is disposed at least partially extending between first tube bundle 170 and second tube bundle 172 (e.g., vertically between the first tube bundle 170 and the second tube bundle 172 relative to vertical axis 178 (extended) within area 142. In some embodiments, slot 144 may be positioned entirely within region 142 . In particular, the sheet 182 of the slot 144 (eg, a horizontal sheet relative to gravity) extends within the zone 142 (eg, along the lateral axis 184 or the horizontal axis). Channel 144 also includes lateral segments 186 (eg, vertical segments, flanges) extending from lateral edges or sides of sheet 182 . That is, the lateral segments 186 may extend laterally from the lateral edges or sides of the sheet 182 . In some embodiments, a single piece of material (eg, sheet metal) may be utilized (eg, bent) to form slot 144 with sheet 182 and lateral segments 186 . In other embodiments, sheet 182 and lateral segments 186 may be separate components that are mechanically fastened to each other (eg, via welding, bolts, rivets, etc.). Sheet 182, lateral segment 186, or both may be a solid (eg, non-porous, non-perforated) piece of material. That is, sheet 182 , lateral segments 186 , or both may not include perforations (eg, pores) formed therein such that fluid flow through the thickness of sheet 182 , through the thickness of lateral segments 186 , or Both of them.

The sheet 182 and lateral segments 186 cooperatively define a basin 188 (eg, reservoir, volume) of the tank 144 . As the vapor heat transfer fluid is directed through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first tube bundle 170 , some of the vapor heat transfer fluid may condense to form a liquid heat transfer fluid, and the liquid heat transfer fluid may be trapped within the basin 188 of the tank 144 . That is, the liquid heat transfer fluid that may be formed on at least a portion 189 of the first tube bundle 170 may flow (eg, drip) from the portion 189 of the first tube bundle 170 into the basin 188 . Portion 189 may include some or all of the tubes included in first tube bundle 170 .

The liquid heat transfer fluid within basin 188 may be directed (eg, via gravity) to longitudinal end 146 of slot 144 . From the longitudinal end 146 , the liquid heat transfer fluid may flow downward (eg, along the vertical axis 178 ) through the longitudinal ends of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second tube bundle 172 . In some embodiments, the longitudinal ends of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second tube bundle 172 may include specified portions of the length of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second tube bundle 172 . For example, the specified portion may be a percentage (eg, 5 percent, 10 percent) of the length of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second tube bundle 172 extending from the corresponding distal end of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second tube bundle 172 . Additionally or alternatively, the liquid heat transfer fluid may be directed to the subcooling section 180 (eg, after contacting the longitudinal ends of the tubes of the second tube bundle 172 without contacting the tubes of the second tube bundle 172 ), where the liquid The liquid heat transfer fluid may be further cooled and/or subcooled before the heat transfer fluid is discharged from the condenser 100 . In this manner, the liquid heat transfer fluid collected within tank 144 does not contact the majority of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second tube bundle 172 , which reduces the formation of a liquid film on the majority of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second tube bundle 172 and The heat transfer of the remaining vapor heat transfer fluid through the second tube bundle 172 is thereby improved. That is, vapor heat transfer fluid that does not condense and collect within tank 144 as liquid heat transfer fluid may continue to flow through first tube bundle 170 and subsequently through second tube bundle 172 via a channel disposed below tank 144 (e.g., opposite The heat exchange tubes 110 of the first tube bundle 170 and the second tube bundle 172 along the vertical axis 178 ) experience more efficient heat transfer.

As mentioned above, one or more heat exchange tubes 110 may be disposed within the basin 188 defined by the slot 144 . For example, heat exchange tubes 110 disposed within basin 188 may be referred to as pre-subcooler tubes 190 . In some embodiments, lateral segments 186 may project vertically beyond (eg, along axis 178 ) pre-subcooler tubes 190 such that pre-subcooler tubes 190 may be fully seated in basin 188 relative to vertical axis 178 within. In other embodiments, a portion of the pre-subcooler tube 190 may protrude beyond (eg, above relative to the direction of gravity) the basin 188 .

Although pre-subcooler tubes 190 may be configured with and/or adjacent to heat exchange tubes 110 of first tube bundle 170 , in some embodiments, pre-subcooler tubes 190 may not receive heat exchange tubes from first tube bundle 170 110 receives the same cooling fluid flow. For example, as described above, cooling fluid from the inlet section 122 of the first cooling fluid section 120 may be directed (eg, directly into) the pre-subcooler tube 190 via conduit 150 . Therefore, the pre-subcooler tube 190 may define a pre-subcooler channel of the condenser 100 , and the cooling fluid directed through the pre-subcooler tube 190 may bypass the heat exchange tube 110 of the first channel 112 . However, in other embodiments, the pre-subcooler tubes 190 may receive cooling fluid from the second cooling fluid section 132 , similar to the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first tube bundle 170 .

As the liquid heat transfer fluid flows within basin 188 toward longitudinal end 146 of pre-subcooler 140 , the liquid heat transfer fluid may be further cooled (eg, pre-subcooled) via heat exchange with pre-subcooler tubes 190 and/or Or too cold. Indeed, in some embodiments, pre-subcooler tubes 190 may be at least partially submerged in liquid heat transfer fluid collected within tank 144 . Therefore, the pre-subcooler tubes 190 can effectively further cool the liquid heat transfer fluid before it is discharged from the tank 144 .

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, pre-subcooler 140 includes a width 192 , which may be a dimension that extends between lateral segments 186 of slot 144 . In other words, width 192 may be the dimension of sheet 182 extending along lateral axis 184 . The magnitude of width 192 may vary for different embodiments of pre-subcooler 140 . As should be appreciated, the width 192 of the pre-subcooler 140 (eg, slot 144 ) may affect the pressure drop of the vapor heat transfer fluid flowing through the condenser 100 . Therefore, the magnitude of width 192 can be selected to achieve a desired pressure drop of the vapor heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, the magnitude of width 192 may be determined or selected based on the location of pre-subcooler 140 within housing 102 (eg, the vertical location of slot 144 within condenser 100 along vertical axis 178 ). . Indeed, the amount of remaining vapor heat transfer fluid (eg, vapor heat transfer fluid that condenses into liquid heat transfer fluid collected within tank 144 ) flowing through heat exchange tubes 110 disposed below tank 144 may depend on housing 102 The vertical position of the pre-subcooler 140 inside. In some embodiments, a higher position of pre-subcooler 140 within housing 102 (eg, along vertical axis 178 relative to gravity) may correspond to a reduced magnitude of width 192 .

As mentioned above, the slot 144 (eg, the sheet 182 ) may be positioned between the first tube bundle 170 and the second tube bundle 172 (eg, vertically positioned between the first channel 112 and the second channel 114 ). Within zone 142, the heat exchange tubes 110 are not located in this zone. Therefore, in some embodiments, pre-subcooler 140 may be integrated with condenser 100 without modifying the number of heat exchange tubes 110 (eg, relative to embodiments of condenser 100 without pre-subcooler 140 ), which may This further contributes to improving the heat transfer efficiency of the condenser 100 having the pre-subcooler 140 . However, it should be understood that the pre-subcooler 140 may be placed in any suitable location within the condenser 100 based on operating condition considerations, including but not limited to heat transfer fluid pressure drop, the number of total heat exchange tubes 110 , the number of pre-subcooler tubes 190, the number of channels (eg, cooling fluid channels), etc.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional axial view of an embodiment of condenser 100 including pre-subcooler 140. In the illustrated embodiment, pre-subcooler 140 includes two separate tanks 144 . Therefore, the condenser 100 may be described as including two pre-subcoolers 140 (eg, a first pre-subcooler 200 and a second pre-subcooler 202 ). Each slot 144 includes the sheet 182 and lateral segments 186 discussed above. As in the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 6 , the slot 144 may be disposed in the region 142 between the first tube bundle 170 and the second tube bundle 172 . The respective sheets 182 of the first pre-subcooler 200 and the second pre-subcooler 202 may be aligned with each other along the lateral axis 184 or may be vertically offset from each other along the vertical axis 178 . Each slot 144 is configured to receive and collect liquid heat transfer fluid condensed through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second channel 114 (eg, the first tube bundle 170 ). However, in other embodiments, the slots 144 may be vertically offset from each other and may receive liquid heat transfer fluid condensed via different heat exchange tubes 110 and/or different tube bundles within the condenser 100 .

Respective pre-subcooler tubes 190 disposed within respective slots 144 may each receive cooling fluid from the inlet section 122 of the first cooling fluid section 120 , and the respective pre-subcooler tubes 190 may receive cooling fluid from the inlet section 122 of the condenser 100 Different parts receive cooling fluid. Additionally, the pre-subcoolers 140 each include a width 192, which may or may not be the same as one another and may be selected based on the factors discussed above. In some embodiments, the condenser 100 having the first pre-subcooler 200 and the second pre-subcooler 202 may enable the pressure drop of the vapor heat transfer fluid within the condenser 100 to be reduced (e.g., compared to having An embodiment of the condenser 100 of a pre-subcooler 140). The first pre-subcooler 200 and the second pre-subcooler 202 are also configured to operate in a manner similar to that described above. In other embodiments, pre-subcooler 202 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more than 5 individual tanks 144 positioned along various locations and/or in various orientations within condenser 100 .

8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of condenser 100 including pre-subcooler 140 and the flow of liquid heat transfer fluid through condenser 100 . As described above, pre-subcooler 140 includes a slot 144 positioned at least partially between first and second tube bundles 170 , 172 that cooperatively define a condensation section 176 of condenser 100 . The condenser also includes a subcooling section 180 with a third tube bundle 174 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the subcooling section 180 (eg, subcooler) is a two-pass subcooler. That is, the subcooling section 180 defines two channels (eg, first channel 220 and second channel 222 ) that cooperatively define a heat transfer fluid flow path through the subcooling section 180 . The heat exchange tubes 110 of the third tube bundle 174 may be divided into a first group of heat exchange tubes 110 associated with a first channel 220 (eg, a first subcooler channel) and a first group of heat exchange tubes 110 associated with a second channel 222 (eg, a second subcooler channel). The second group of heat exchange tubes 110 associated with the subcooler channel). The subcooling section 180 also includes a separation plate 224 extending between the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first channel 220 and the heat exchange tubes 110 of the second channel 222 (eg, relative to the vertical axis 178 ). The separation plate 224 extends generally along the longitudinal axis 226 of the condenser 100 . In some embodiments, the separation plate 224 may be a solid piece of material (eg, a non-perforated piece of material) that does not include apertures formed therein.

The first channel 220 of the subcooling section 180 may be described as an open channel (eg, an open subcooler section) configured, for example, to receive heat directly from the second tube bundle 172 (eg, the condensation section 176 ). Transfer fluid. That is, the heat transfer fluid (eg, liquid heat transfer fluid) may flow directly from the second tube bundle 172 to the heat exchange tubes 110 of the third tube bundle 174 associated with the first channel 220 of the subcooling section 180 , as indicated by the arrow. 228 as directed. The heat transfer fluid may then be directed by the separation plate 224 (eg, via gravity) to flow along the heat exchange tubes 110 of the first channel 220 toward the longitudinal end 230 of the separation plate 224 , as indicated by arrow 232 . At the longitudinal end 230, the heat transfer fluid may flow from the first channel 220 to the second channel 222 of the subcooling section 180 and be directed along the heat exchange tube 110 of the second channel 222, as indicated by arrow 234, to flows toward the outlet 236 of the condenser 100. The second channel 222 may be described as an enclosed channel of the subcooling section 180 . When a heat transfer fluid (eg, a liquid heat transfer fluid) flows along the first channel 220 and the second channel 222 , the heat transfer fluid may pass through the cooling fluid that is directed through the heat exchange tubes 110 of the subcooling section 180 Heat transfer for further cooling and/or subcooling.

As discussed above, tank 144 of pre-subcooler 140 is configured to collect liquid condensate formed via heat exchange with first tube bundle 170 . Liquid condensate may be trapped within the basin 188 of the groove 144 defined by the sheet 182 and the lateral segments 186 . The trough 144 is configured to direct liquid condensate to the longitudinal end 146 of the trough 144 . At longitudinal end 146 , liquid condensate may flow out of slot 144 and downward (eg, along vertical axis 178 ), as indicated by arrow 238 . As mentioned above, the liquid heat transfer fluid discharged from the tank 144 may flow through the longitudinal ends 223 of the heat exchange tubes 110 in the second tube bundle 172 . Thus, the formation and/or accumulation of liquid heat transfer fluid on a majority of the heat exchange tubes 110 (eg, central portion 225 ) in the second tube bank 172 is avoided, and the modified second tube bank 172 is consistent with the flow from the first tube bank 170 to Heat transfer between the vapor heat transfer fluid of the second tube bundle 172 . That is, slot 144 may be configured to direct liquid heat transfer fluid onto longitudinal end 223 of second tube bundle 172 and prevent liquid heat transfer fluid from flowing from slot 144 (eg, from first tube bundle 170 ) to the second tube bundle The central part of 172 is 225. In some embodiments, the central portion 225 may correspond to a majority of the length of the second tube bundle 172 (eg, 50 percent of the length of the second tube bundle 172 , 60 percent of the length of the second tube bundle 172 , 50 percent of the length of the second tube bundle 172 70 percent), and the longitudinal end 223 may correspond to the remainder of the length of the second tube bundle 172 .

In some embodiments, the liquid heat transfer fluid discharged from the tank 144 can flow through the longitudinal end 227 of the heat exchange tube 110 in the first channel 220 of the subcooling section 180, thereby bypassing the connection with the first channel 220. Most of the heat exchange tubes 110 (eg, center portion 229) are in contact. That is, the slot 144 may be configured to direct liquid heat transfer fluid toward the longitudinal end 227 of the first channel 220 (eg, the first subcooler channel) and to prevent liquid heat transfer fluid from the slot 144 toward the first channel. 220 (e.g., the first subcooler passage) flows in the central portion 229 . As a result, the temperature difference between the heat transfer fluid directed along the first channel 220 (eg, received from the second tube bundle 172 ) and the cooling fluid directed through the heat exchange tubes 110 in the first channel 220 may be smaller. Large, this can improve the heat transfer efficiency within the condenser 100.

The liquid heat transfer fluid discharged from the tank 144 may flow from the longitudinal ends of the heat exchange tubes 110 in the first channel 220 to the second channel 222 and may be directed along the second channel 222 toward the outlet 236 of the condenser 100 (e.g., , thereby further cooling and/or supercooling). To this end, the slot 144 (eg, the sheet 182 ) may have a length 240 extending along the longitudinal axis 226 that is greater than the length 242 of the separation plate 224 extending along the longitudinal axis 226 . In this manner, contact between the liquid heat transfer fluid discharged from the groove 144 and the heat exchange tubes 110 in the first channel 220 is limited. In some embodiments, groove 144 (eg, sheet 182 , lateral segment 186 ) may include one or more openings formed therein (eg, at longitudinal end 146 ) to enable liquid heat transfer fluid to flow from groove 144 To be discharged.

In some embodiments, condenser 100 may include additional or alternative features that facilitate the incorporation of pre-subcooler 140 . For example, one or more baffles or sheets may be utilized to support pre-subcooler tubes 190 extending through slots 144 . In some embodiments, the tube sheet 244 implemented to support the first tube bundle 170 , the second tube bundle 172 and/or the third tube bundle 174 may also be configured to support the pre-subcooler tubes 190 . The tube sheet 244 may also support the slot 144 within the housing 102 . For example, slot 144 may be welded, fastened, or otherwise secured to tubesheet 244 . The tube sheet 244 implemented to support the first tube bundle 170 , the second tube bundle 172 and/or the third tube bundle 174 may additionally or alternatively be configured to act as baffles that enable liquid heat transfer fluid within the basin 188 of the desired flow (e.g., toward longitudinal end 146). In some embodiments, additional tube sheets 244 may be incorporated into the condenser 100 to support the pre-subcooler tubes 190 and/or to facilitate the flow of liquid heat transfer fluid through the slots 144 . In some embodiments, additional baffles 246 may be included within the pre-subcooler 140 to support the pre-subcooler tubes 190 and/or to facilitate the flow of liquid heat transfer fluid through the slots 144 . For example, additional baffle 246 may be disposed within basin 188 and may be secured to slot 144 (eg, sheet 182).

Embodiments of pre-subcooler 140 may also be combined with other embodiments of condenser 100, such as embodiments of condenser 100 having three channels (eg, first channel 112, second channel 114, and additional channels). . In this embodiment, the pre-subcooler 140 may be vertically disposed between the second channel 114 and an additional (eg, third) channel that is vertically disposed within the second channel 114 within the housing 102 above. In another embodiment, the pre-subcooler 140 may be implemented with the condenser 100 having a cooling fluid passage.

In accordance with the present technology, pre-subcooler 140 enables improved cooling fluid and heat conduction through condenser 100 by reducing the formation and/or accumulation of liquid heat transfer fluid film on heat exchange tubes 110 of condenser 100 Heat transfer between transfer fluids. In some embodiments, the incorporation of pre-subcooler 140 may enable a reduction in the size of subcooling section 180 (eg, fewer heat exchange tubes 110 in subcooling section 180 ), which may increase the subcooling area. Available pressure drop of section 180. Additionally, pre-subcooler 140 may be incorporated in a cost-effective manner, may reduce costs associated with subcooling section 180 , and may be implemented without reducing the number of heat exchange tubes 110 otherwise included in condenser 100 .

Although only certain features and embodiments are shown and described, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, such as the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various components, and parameter (such as temperature and pressure) values. , installation configuration, material use, color, orientation, etc., without substantially departing from the novel teaching content and advantages of the subject matter described in the patent application scope. The order or sequence of any procedures or method steps may be varied or resequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the illustrative embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described, such as those that are not related to the best mode presently contemplated or that are unrelated to implementation. It should be understood that in developing any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made. This development effort may be complex and time consuming, but is nevertheless a routine task of design, processing and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this invention.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and specific examples that specifically improve the technical field and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical in nature. In addition, if any technical solution appended to the end of this specification contains a component specified as "means for [performing] [function]..." or "step for [performing] [function]..." or elements, then such elements are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any solution containing elements specified in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

10: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems 12:Buildings 14: Vapor compression system 16: Boiler 18:Air return pipe 20:Air supply pipe 22:Air conditioner 24:Pipeline 32:Compressor 34:Condenser 36: Expansion valve or device/second expansion device 38: Liquid freezer or evaporator 40:Control Panel 42: Analog to Digital (A/D) Converter 44:Microprocessor 46:Non-volatile memory 48:Interface panel 50: Motor 52: Variable speed drive (VSD) 54:Discipline 56:Cooling tower 58:Discipline 60S: Supply pipeline 60R:Return pipe 62: Cooling load 64: Intermediate loop 66:First expansion device 68:Inlet pipe 70:Intermediate container 72:Pipeline 74:Suction line 100:Condenser 102: Shell 104:Internal volume 106:External environment 108:Arrow 110:Heat exchange tube 112:First channel 114:Second channel 116:arrow 118:arrow 120: First cooling fluid section 122: Entrance section 124: Exit section 126:Divider 128:Arrow 130:Length 132: Second cooling fluid section 134:Arrow 136:arrow 138:Arrow 140:Pre-subcooler 142:District 144:Slot 146:Longitudinal end 148:Arrow 150:Pipeline 152:arrow 170:First Discipline 172:Second Discipline 174:Third Discipline 176: Condensation section 178:Vertical axis 180: Supercooling section 182:Sheet 184:Lateral axis 186: Side clip 188: basin 189:Part 190: Pre-subcooler tube 192:Width 200: First pre-subcooler 202: Second pre-subcooler 220: First channel 222: Second channel 223:Longitudinal end 224:Separation plate 225:Center part 226: Longitudinal axis 227: Longitudinal end 228:Arrow 229:Center part 230:Longitudinal end 232:arrow 234:Arrow 236:Export 238:Arrow 240:Length 242:Length 244:Tubesheet 246:Extra baffle

The various aspects of the invention may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, in which:

1 is a perspective view of a building that may utilize an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system in a commercial context in accordance with the scope of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system in accordance with the scope of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to the scope of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to the scope of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a condenser including a pre-subcooler in accordance with the scope of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional axial view of an embodiment of a condenser including a pre-subcooler in accordance with the scope of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional axial view of an embodiment of a condenser including a pre-subcooler in accordance with the scope of the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a condenser including a pre-subcooler in accordance with the scope of the present invention.

100:Condenser

102: Shell

104:Internal volume

106:External environment

108:Arrow

110:Heat exchange tube

112:First channel

114:Second channel

116:arrow

118:arrow

120: First cooling fluid section

122: Entrance section

124: Exit section

126:Divider

128:Arrow

130:Length

132: Second cooling fluid section

134:Arrow

136:arrow

138:Arrow

140: Pre-subcooler

142:District

144:Slot

146:Longitudinal end

148:Arrow

150:Pipeline

152:arrow

Claims (20)

A condenser for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system that includes: a housing configured to receive a vapor heat transfer fluid; A condensation section including a first plurality of heat exchange tubes extending within the housing, wherein the first plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured to direct the vapor heat transfer fluid through the first plurality of heat exchange tubes. The cooling fluid of the heat exchange tube is in a heat exchange relationship such that a liquid heat transfer fluid is produced from the vapor heat transfer fluid; A subcooling section including a second plurality of heat exchange tubes extending within the housing, wherein the second plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured to direct the liquid heat transfer fluid through the second plurality of heat exchange tubes. The cooling fluid of the heat exchange tubes is in a heat exchange relationship such that the liquid heat transfer fluid is subcooled; and A pre-subcooler disposed in the condensation section, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a component configured to collect a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid and direct the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid to the subcooling A slot in the section. The condenser of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of heat exchange tubes includes a first tube bundle and a second tube bundle vertically offset from the first tube bundle, wherein the groove is vertically disposed on the first tube bundle. between the tube bundle and the second tube bundle. The condenser of claim 2, wherein the condenser is configured to direct a first cooling fluid flow from a first cooling fluid section into and through a first channel of the heat exchange tube , wherein the first channel of heat exchange tubes includes the second plurality of heat exchange tubes and the second tube bundle. The condenser of claim 3, wherein the condenser is configured to direct the first cooling fluid flow from the first channel of the heat exchange tube to a second channel of the heat exchange tube, wherein the first channel of the heat exchange tube The second channel contains the first tube bundle. The condenser of claim 4, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a pre-subcooler heat exchange tube extending within a basin of the tank, and the condenser is configured to flow a second cooling fluid from the first A section of cooling fluid is directed to the pre-subcooler heat exchange tubes. The condenser of claim 5, wherein the condenser is configured to direct the second cooling fluid flow from the pre-subcooler heat exchange tubes to the second channel of the heat exchange tubes. The condenser of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of heat exchange tubes includes a first tube bundle and a second tube bundle, the slot is disposed between the first tube bundle and the second tube bundle, and the slot is configured The portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid is directed toward the longitudinal end of the second tube bundle and the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid is prevented from flowing toward a central portion of the second tube bundle. The condenser of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of heat exchange tubes includes a first subcooler channel and a second subcooler channel, and the condenser includes a first subcooler channel and a second subcooler channel. A separation plate between the two subcooler channels, the first plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured to direct the liquid heat transfer fluid to the first subcooler channel, and the separation plate is configured to direct the liquid heat transfer fluid to the first subcooler channel. The liquid heat transfer fluid is directed from the first subcooler channel to the second subcooler channel. The condenser of claim 8, wherein the slot is configured to direct the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid toward a longitudinal end of the first subcooler channel. The condenser of claim 8, wherein the separation plate is a solid piece of material, and the solid piece of material does not include pores formed therein. A method that contains: Directing a vapor heat transfer fluid through a first plurality of heat exchange tubes in a condensation section of a condenser such that the vapor heat transfer fluid and a cooling fluid directed through the first plurality of heat exchange tubes are in a thermal state an exchange relationship wherein the first plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured to condense the vapor heat transfer fluid to produce a liquid heat transfer fluid; The liquid heat transfer fluid is directed through a second plurality of heat exchange tubes of a subcooling section of the condenser such that the liquid heat transfer fluid is in contact with the cooling fluid directed through the second plurality of heat exchange tubes. a heat exchange relationship wherein the second plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured to subcool the liquid heat transfer fluid; collecting a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid condensed by a first tube bundle of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes via a pre-subcooler disposed in the condensation section; and The portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid is directed from the pre-subcooler towards the longitudinal end of a second bundle of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes. The method of claim 11, comprising preventing the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid condensed by the first tube bundle of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes from flowing to the first plurality of heat exchange tubes via the pre-subcooler on a central portion of the second bundle. For example, the method of request item 11 includes: subcooling the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid condensed by the first tube bundle of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes via the pre-subcooler tubes to produce a subcooled liquid heat transfer fluid; and The subcooled liquid heat transfer fluid is directed toward the subcooling section. For example, the method of request item 11 includes: A cooling fluid flow is directed from a first cooling fluid section to a second cooling fluid section via the second plurality of heat exchange tubes and the second tube bundle of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes, wherein the The second tube bundle includes a group of heat exchange tubes in the first plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned vertically below the pre-subcooler with respect to a direction of gravity; and The cooling fluid flow is directed from the second cooling fluid section into and through the first tube bundle of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes, wherein the first tube bundle includes vertical tubes with respect to the direction of gravity. An additional group of heat exchange tubes in the first plurality of heat exchange tubes located directly above the pre-subcooler. For example, the method of request item 14 includes: An additional cooling fluid flow is directed from the first cooling fluid section through the pre-subcooler tubes of the pre-subcooler and into the second cooling fluid section to mix the cooling fluid flow with the additional cooling fluid flow; and The cooling fluid flow and the additional cooling fluid flow are directed from the second cooling fluid section into and through the first tube bundle of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes. A condenser for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system that includes: a housing configured to receive a vapor heat transfer fluid; A condensation section including a first tube bundle and a second tube bundle extending within the housing, wherein the first tube bundle and the second tube bundle are configured such that the vapor heat transfer fluid and the cooling fluid are in a heat exchange relationship whereby a liquid heat transfer fluid is produced from the vapor heat transfer fluid; A pre-subcooler disposed between the first tube bank and the second tube bank, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a tank configured to collect a portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid produced by the first tube bank ;and a subcooling section including a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending within the housing, wherein the pre-subcooler is configured to direct the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid to the subcooling section, and wherein The plurality of heat exchange tubes are configured such that the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid is in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling fluid directed through the plurality of heat exchange tubes such that the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid passes through the plurality of heat exchange tubes. cold. The condenser of claim 16, wherein the pre-subcooler is configured to direct the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid onto the longitudinal end of the second tube bank and prevent the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid from exiting the second tube bank. The first tube bundle flows onto a central portion of the second tube bundle. The condenser of claim 16, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a basin and pre-subcooler heat exchange tubes extending within the basin, and wherein the condenser is configured to direct cooling fluid through the pre-subcooler. The cooler heat exchange tubes thereby pre-subcool the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid. The condenser of claim 16, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a trough configured to collect the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid, wherein the trough includes a sheet and lateral segments extending transversely from the sheet To form a basin of the trough, wherein the sheet is a solid piece of material that does not include pores formed therein. The condenser of claim 16, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a first tank configured to collect the portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid, wherein the pre-subcooler includes a first tank configured to collect the liquid heat transfer fluid an additional portion of the fluid and directing the additional portion of the liquid heat transfer fluid to a second trough of the subcooling section, and the first trough and the second trough along a lateral axis of the condenser Aimed at each other.