US20070029075A1 - Hybrid evaporator - Google Patents
Hybrid evaporator Download PDFInfo
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- US20070029075A1 US20070029075A1 US11/197,422 US19742205A US2007029075A1 US 20070029075 A1 US20070029075 A1 US 20070029075A1 US 19742205 A US19742205 A US 19742205A US 2007029075 A1 US2007029075 A1 US 2007029075A1
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/03—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits
- F28D1/0308—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other
- F28D1/0325—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having lateral openings therein for circulation of the heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another
- F28D1/0333—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having lateral openings therein for circulation of the heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another the plates having integrated connecting members
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/03—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits
- F28D1/0308—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other
- F28D1/0325—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having lateral openings therein for circulation of the heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another
- F28D1/0333—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having lateral openings therein for circulation of the heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another the plates having integrated connecting members
- F28D1/0341—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having lateral openings therein for circulation of the heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another the plates having integrated connecting members with U-flow or serpentine-flow inside the conduits
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
- F28D2021/0019—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
- F28D2021/0061—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for phase-change applications
- F28D2021/0064—Vaporizers, e.g. evaporators
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S165/00—Heat exchange
- Y10S165/454—Heat exchange having side-by-side conduits structure or conduit section
- Y10S165/464—Conduits formed by joined pairs of matched plates
- Y10S165/465—Manifold space formed in end portions of plates
Definitions
- This invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly, to an evaporator for the climate control system of a motor vehicle.
- Evaporators are well known in the art, and typically include a plurality of tubes having interiors through which refrigerant flows. Thermal energy, or heat, exchange occurs between ambient air flowing outside the tubes and the refrigerant flowing within. To enhance the amount of heat exchanged between the air and refrigerant, multiple fins are disposed between the adjacently positioned tubes. The fins are placed in contact with selected exterior surfaces of the tubes. This increases the surface area available for heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant circulating within the tubes, which in turn cools and dehumidifies the air as it flows across the exterior of the evaporator.
- Heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant is further enhanced by routing the refrigerant to flow through the tubes so that it makes multiple passes through the interior passages of the tubes as air flows across the finned exterior.
- the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant decreases with each additional pass the refrigerant makes.
- the air flowing across those tubes which form the initial passes of refrigerant is cooled to a greater extent and more efficiently than the air which flows across those tubes located further downstream and included in the latter passes.
- This inconsistency in heat exchange between the initial and latter refrigerant passes manifests itself as a non-uniform temperature distribution of the air leaving the evaporator and entering the passenger compartment (referred to as “temperature spreads”).
- the invention provides a laminate-type evaporator having a plurality of first plates stacked together in adjacent pairs.
- Each plate includes first and second tubular projections and a first recess.
- the plates are positioned in abutting engagement with one another such that the first tubular projections define a first tank, the second tubular projections define a second tank, and the first recesses define a plurality of initial passageways interconnecting the first and second tanks in fluid communication therewith.
- the evaporator also includes a plurality of second plates stacked together in adjacent pairs.
- Each of the second plates extend between opposed end edges and include third and fourth tubular projections, as well as a pair of elongate recesses.
- the elongate recesses extend parallel to one another and are interconnected by a return recess disposed adjacent one of the end edges. Adjacent pairs of the second plates are in abutting engagement with one another such that the third tubular projections define a third tank positioned downstream from the second tank, the fourth tubular projections define a fourth tank, and the return and parallel recesses define a plurality of U-shaped passageways.
- the U-shaped passageways interconnect the third and fourth tanks, which permits a fluid refrigerant to enter the first tank and flow in an upstream to downstream direction, through the initial passageways and the second tank, into the third tank, and through the U-shaped passageways prior to exiting the fourth tank.
- Fins are disposed between the adjacent pairs of plates. Those fins disposed between adjacent pairs of the second plates are positioned in overlying relation to the return recesses and extend to the upper edges adjacent thereto for inducing a transfer of thermal energy between an airflow through the fins and the fluid flowing through the return recesses.
- the subject invention overcomes the limitations of the art by providing an evaporator which utilizes U-channel plates in combination with various configurations of dual cup and single cup plates.
- the U-channel plates are utilized to define one or more of the final refrigerant passes in the evaporator, which aids in the distribution of the small quantity of liquid refrigerant that typically remains in those passes as the refrigerant vaporizes and its quality approaches unity.
- the dual and single cup plates are utilized in passes upstream from the U-channel plates to reduce the drop in pressure that would otherwise occur on the refrigerant side if U-channel plates were used throughout the evaporator. Extending the fins to the upper edges of the U-channel plates maximizes the surface area of the plates available for heat exchange in the final refrigerant passes.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dual cup plate utilized in the evaporator shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is another partial cross-sectional view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a U-channel plate utilized in the evaporator shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the separator plates utilized in the first flow separator shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ;
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an evaporator according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a single cup plate utilized in the evaporator shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second flow separator plate utilized in the second flow separator of the evaporator shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first flow separator plate utilized in the second flow separator of the evaporator shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an evaporator according to another alternative embodiment of the invention.
- a laminate-type evaporator is generally shown at 20 in FIGS. 1 through 3 .
- the evaporator 20 includes a plurality of first tube plates 22 (dual cup tube plates) stacked together in adjacent pairs 24 .
- each first plate 22 includes first and second tubular projections 26 , 28 and a first recess 30 .
- the first plate 22 also has an exterior surface 32 .
- the first recess 30 extends between the first and second tubular projections 26 , 28 .
- the first and second tubular projections 26 , 28 define respective apertures 34 , 36 through the plate 22 .
- the projections 26 , 28 also extend from the plate 22 in the same direction as the first recess 30 .
- the adjacent pairs 24 are positioned in abutting engagement with one another such that the first tubular projections 26 define a first tank 38 and the second tubular projections 28 define a second tank 40 .
- the first recesses 30 define a plurality of initial passageways 42 .
- the initial passageways 42 interconnect the first and second tanks 38 , 40 and are in fluid communication therewith.
- the evaporator 20 also includes a plurality of second tube plates 44 (U-channel tube plates). Like the first plates 22 , the second plates 44 are stacked together in adjacent pairs 46 . However, as is shown in FIG. 7 , each of the second plates 44 extend between opposed end edges 48 and include third and fourth tubular projections 52 , 54 . The third and fourth projections 52 , 54 are positioned adjacent the lower edge 48 and define respective apertures 56 , 58 . A pair of elongate recesses 60 extends parallel to one another and are interconnected by a return recess 62 positioned adjacent one of the end edges 48 .
- Each elongate recess 60 extends from an upper end 64 to a lower end 66 , with the return recess 62 interconnecting the upper ends 64 .
- Each of the lower ends 66 is in fluid communication with a selected one of the apertures 56 , 58 .
- the adjacent pairs 46 of second plates 44 are positioned in abutting engagement with one another with the third tubular projections 52 defining a third tank 68 .
- the third tank 68 is positioned downstream from the second tank 40 and is in fluid communication therewith.
- the fourth tubular projections 54 define a fourth tank 70
- the elongate and return recesses 60 , 62 define a plurality of U-shaped passageways 72 .
- the passageways 72 interconnect the third and fourth tanks 68 , 70 , which in turn permits a fluid, or fluid stream, 74 to enter the first tank 38 , and then flow in an upstream to downstream direction “D” through the initial passageways 42 and second tank 40 , into the third tank 68 , and through the U-shaped passageways 72 prior to exiting the fourth tank 70 .
- the flow from tank 70 flows t the fifth tank 92 via the separator plates 107 .
- the various plates typically include bumps, dimples, fins, or the like, to project into the flow in the u-shaped passageways to control flow and/or enhance heat transfer. Any combination of such flow control devices may be employed in the subject invention.
- the evaporator 20 also includes a plurality of fins 76 , which are disposed between adjacent pairs 24 , 46 of the plates 22 , 44 .
- each fin 76 is interposed between a selected pair of the first plate pairs 24 or a selected pair of the second plate pairs 46 .
- those fins 76 interposed between adjacent pairs 46 of the second plates 44 are positioned in overlying relation to the return recesses 62 and extend to the upper edges 48 adjacent thereto, which in turn induces a transfer of thermal energy between an airflow 78 flowing through the fins 76 and the fluid stream 74 flowing through the return recesses 62 .
- the airflow 78 travels through the fins 76 from an downstream airside 80 to a upstream airside 79 of the evaporator 20 .
- the surface area on the plates 22 that is actually available for heat exchange is reduced by the presence of the first and second tanks 38 , 40 at the respective ends of the plates 22 .
- the surface area of the fins 76 and passageways 30 is limited to that which is located between the first and second tanks 38 , 40 .
- the third and fourth tanks 68 , 70 are disposed adjacent those end edges 48 located adjacent the lower ends 66 of the elongate recesses 60 on the second plates 44 , which allows the return recesses 62 within the plates 44 and the fins 76 disposed against the exterior thereof to extend to the end edges 48 opposite the tanks 68 , 7 OThis increases the total air side and refrigerant side surface area available for heat transfer in a portion of the heat exchanger where the fluid stream 74 has higher vapor quality than at the inlet of the evaporator and this helps to maximize heat exchange between air and refrigerant.
- each first plate 22 also includes fifth and sixth tubular projections 82 , 84 .
- a second recess 86 extends parallel to the first recess 30 between the fifth and sixth tubular projections 82 , 84 .
- the fifth and sixth tubular projections 82 , 84 define respective apertures 88 , 90 through the plate 22 , and the second recess 86 interconnects and is in fluid communication with the apertures 88 , 90 .
- the fifth tubular projections 82 define a fifth tank 92 positioned downstream from the fourth tank 70 and the sixth tubular projections 84 define a sixth tank 94 .
- the second recesses 86 define a plurality of final passageways 96 that interconnect the fifth and sixth tanks 92 , 94 and are in fluid communication therewith. Furthermore, the fifth tank 92 is in fluid communication with the fourth tank 70 , which allows the fluid stream 74 to flow from the fourth tank 70 into the fifth tank 92 . As is best shown in FIG. 6 , the fluid stream 74 then flows through the final passageways 96 and into the sixth tank 94 .
- the evaporator 20 also includes first and second end plates 98 , 100 .
- Each end plate 98 , 100 has upper and lower edges 101 , 102 .
- the first end plate 98 is disposed against the first plates 22 upstream therefrom and includes an inlet 103 and an outlet 104 that are axially aligned with the first tank 38 and sixth tank 94 , respectively.
- the fluid stream 74 enters the evaporator 20 through the inlet 103 and exits through the outlet 104 .
- the second end plate 100 is disposed against the second plates 44 downstream from the third tank 68 , and directs the fluid stream 74 to flow from the third tank 68 , through the U-shaped passageways 72 and into the fourth tank 70 .
- the evaporator 20 also has a first flow separator 106 .
- the separator 106 is disposed between the first and second plates 22 , 44 for directing the fluid stream 74 to flow from the first plates 22 to the second plates 44 .
- the first flow separator 106 is fabricated from a pair of first separator plates 107 .
- Each separator plate 107 has an exterior surface 108 disposed in a back-to-back relationship relative to the exterior surface 108 of the other separator plate 107 .
- a fin 109 is disposed between the exterior surfaces 108 , and is fabricated from the same materials as the fins 76 .
- the separator plate 107 has opposed end edges 110 and elongate side edges 111 .
- a first pair of projections 112 extends from the first separator plate 107 adjacent one of the end edges 110 .
- a second pair of projections 113 extends from the plate 107 adjacent the other end edge 110 .
- Recessed portions 114 extend parallel to one another between the first and second pairs of projections 112 and 113 .
- the portions 114 are recessed relative to the end edges 110 and side edges 111 , and protrude from the exterior surface 108 in the same direction as the first and second pairs of projections 112 , 113 .
- Each of the second pair of projections 113 includes an aperture 115 ; however, only one of the first pair of projections 112 has an aperture 115 .
- the other projection 112 has a cylindrical sidewall 116 that extends to an upper edge 117 .
- a planar face 118 likewise extends to the upper edge 117 .
- the first pairs of projections 112 engage one another so that the planar face 118 on each separator plate 107 covers the aperture 115 defined by the projection 112 extending from the other plate 107 .
- the fluid stream 74 then exits through the aperture 115 on the downstream airside 79 of the evaporator 20 and flows into the third tank 68 and through the second plates 44 .
- the fluid stream 74 flows through the fifth tank 92 and the final passageways 96 , encounters the end plate 98 , and is directed to flow into the sixth tank 94 prior to exiting the evaporator 20 through the outlet 104 .
- the planar face 118 positioned on the flow separator 106 on the upstream airside 80 prevents the fluid stream 74 in tank 94 from flowing beyond the flow separator 106 and back into the flow passages 72 of the plates 44 .
- the evaporator 120 includes first plates 122 , second plates 144 , fins 176 , 209 and a first flow separator 206 which are fabricated from the same materials, include the same components and are interconnected in the same manner as the first plates 22 , second plates 44 , fins 76 , 109 and first flow separator 106 , respectively, of the evaporator 20 .
- the evaporator 120 also includes a plurality of third plates 222 stacked together in adjacent pairs 224 .
- a fluid outlet 227 is positioned downstream from the sixth tank 194 and is in fluid communication therewith
- the third plate 222 includes upper and lower tubular projections 226 , 228 and an elongate recessed portion 230 .
- the first tubular projections 226 define a pair of upper apertures 234
- the second tubular projections 228 define a pair of lower apertures 236 .
- the elongate recessed portion 230 extends between the upper and lower tubular projections 226 , 228 .
- the recessed portion 230 and upper and lower tubular projections 226 , 228 extend in the same direction from an exterior surface 231 of the third plate 222 .
- first tubular projections 226 define at least one, or as shown, two upper tanks 238 and the second tubular projections 228 define at least one, or as shown, two lower tanks 240 .
- the upper and lower tanks 238 , 240 are positioned upstream from the first tank 138 .
- the elongate recessed portions 230 define a plurality of fluid passageways 246 that interconnect the upper and lower tanks 238 , 240 .
- the passageways 246 are in fluid communication with the upper and lower tanks 238 , 240 , which allows the fluid stream 174 to flow through the fluid passageways 246 between the upper and lower tanks 238 , 240 prior to entering the first tank 138 and flowing through the evaporator 120 along a fluid pathway identical to that which is described above regarding the fluid stream 74 which flows through the evaporator 20 .
- the first flow separator 206 of the evaporator 120 is disposed intermediate the first and second plates 122 , 144 for directing the fluid stream 174 to flow from the first plates 122 to the second plates 144 .
- a second flow separator 248 is interposed between the first and third plates 122 , 222 for directing the fluid stream 174 to flow from the upper tanks 242 in the third plates 270 into the first tank 138 .
- the second flow separator 248 is formed from a first separator plate 207 and a second separator plate 250 .
- the second separator plate 250 has interior and exterior surfaces 252 , 254 and opposed end edges 256 interconnected by elongate side edges 258 .
- Projections 260 extend from the exterior surface 254 .
- Each projection 260 is positioned adjacent a selected one of the end edges 256 .
- An elongate recessed portion 262 extends between the projections 260 .
- the recessed portion 262 is recessed relative to the interior surface 252 and extends from the exterior surface 254 in the same direction as the projections 260 .
- one of the projections 260 has an upper surface 264 defining a pair of apertures 266 .
- the other projection 260 has an upper surface 264 defining a single aperture 266 located adjacent a planar area 268 .
- the first separator plate 207 is shown. With the exception of one of the second pair of projections 213 including a second planar face 219 instead of an aperture 215 , the first separator plate 207 is identical to the first separator plate 107 described above with reference to FIG. 8 .
- the second flow separator 248 includes a lower diverting portion 270 , which is disposed in the lower tanks 244 for directing the fluid stream 274 to flow therefrom into the upper tanks 242 , and an upper diverting portion 272 , which is disposed in the upper tank 242 intermediate the first and third plates 122 , 222 for directing the fluid stream 174 to flow from the third plates 222 into the first tank 138 .
- a final diverting portion 274 is disposed in the upper tank 242 adjacent the sixth tank 194 for directing the fluid stream 174 to flow from the sixth tank 194 into the fluid outlet 227 .
- the lower, upper and final diverting portions 270 , 272 , 274 of the second flow separator 206 are formed by disposing the first separator plate 207 against the second separator plate 250 so that the exterior surfaces 208 , 254 are in a back-to-back relationship relative to one another.
- the planar face 219 on the first separator plate 207 covers the single aperture 266 on the second separator plate 250 and the planar area 268 is disposed over the aperture 215 located adjacent the planar face 219 to define the lower diverting portion 270 .
- the upper and final diverting portions 272 , 274 are formed by positioning the planar face 218 of the first separator plate 207 over one of the apertures 266 located adjacent the end edge 256 on the second separator plate 250 .
- the evaporator 120 also includes an upstream flow separator 276 .
- the upstream flow separator 276 is disposed between two of the adjacent pairs 224 of third plates 222 for directing the fluid stream 174 to flow from the upper tanks 242 to the lower tanks 244 .
- the separator 276 is formed using a pair of the second separator plates 250 .
- the second separator plates 250 are disposed with the exterior surfaces 254 positioned in a back-to-back relationship with one another so that the planar area 268 on each plate 250 covers the single aperture 266 on the other plate 250 .
- the upstream flow separator 276 is then positioned between the selected adjacent pairs 224 of third plates 222 and oriented so that the planar areas 268 are disposed within the upper tanks 242 , which in turn diverts the fluid stream 174 into the lower tanks 244 .
- the evaporator 320 includes a plurality of first plates 322 stacked together in adjacent pairs 324 .
- the first plates 322 are fabricated in the same manner and include the same components as the third plates 222 of the evaporator 120 and described above with reference to FIG. 10 .
- the third plates 222 which are used in combination with the first and second plates 122 , 144 in the evaporator 120
- the first plates 322 are combined solely with the second plates 344 in the evaporator 320 .
- the evaporator 320 also includes a plurality of second plates 344 which are likewise stacked together in adjacent pairs 346 .
- the second plates 344 include the same components as the second plates 44 , 144 , the second plates 344 are oriented within the evaporator 320 in a different manner than that of the second plates 44 , 144 .
- the evaporator 320 features a first end plate 398 identical in structure and function to the first end plate 198 utilized in the evaporator 120 .
- the second end plate 400 includes an outlet 404 and is disposed against the second plates 344 downstream from the upstream tank 368 , with the outlet 404 aligned with the downstream tank 370 to permit the vaporized fluid stream 374 to exit therethrough.
- the second plates 344 are positioned so that the third 368 and fourth 370 tanks are disposed adjacent the upper edge 401 of the end plate 400 and the return recesses 362 are disposed adjacent the lower edge 402 . This differs from the second plates 44 , 144 , which are oriented within the evaporators 20 , 120 so that the third and fourth tanks 68 , 70 , 168 , 170 are adjacent the lower edge 102 , 202 , and the return recesses 62 , 162 are adjacent the upper edge 101 , 201 .
- the projections 352 , 354 define respective upstream and downstream tanks 368 , 370 which are in fluid communication with the lower ends 364 of the elongate recesses 360 .
- the return recesses 362 interconnect the upper ends 366 , which in turn defines a plurality of U-shaped passageways 372 .
- the passageways 372 interconnect the upstream and downstream tanks 368 , 370 , which in turn permits the fluid stream 374 to enter the upstream tank 368 , and flow through the U-shaped passageways 372 prior to exiting the downstream tank 370 .
- Orienting the second plates 344 in this manner permits the U-shaped passageways 372 to be utilized in the final refrigerant pass without requiring that the fluid stream 374 be directed back toward the first plates 322 prior to exiting the evaporator 320 .
- the evaporator 320 also includes a plurality of fins 376 disposed between the adjacent plate pairs 324 , 346 . Those fins 376 which are disposed between the adjacent pairs 346 of second plates 344 extend to the lower edges 348 .
- the increased surface area of the fins 376 provides the same advantages as that of the fins 76 described above with reference to FIG. 3 . Specifically, the increased surface area permits a thermal energy exchange between the airflow 378 flowing through the fins 376 and the fluid stream 374 as it flows through the return recesses 362 . This maximizes heat transfer from the airflow 378 to the fluid stream 374 and improves the discharge air temperature uniformity of the evaporator 320 .
- a downstream flow separator 448 is interposed between the first and second plates 322 , 344 for directing the fluid stream 374 to flow from the upper tanks 342 into the upstream tank 368 .
- the downstream flow separator 448 is formed from a pair of separator plates 450 (line one shown in FIG. 11 but without the apertures 266 i.e., blocked) having projections 460 disposed against one another to define lower, upper and final diverting portions 470 , 472 , 474 that function in a manner identical to that of the slow separators described above.
- the respective flow paths defined by the second flow separator 248 and downstream flow separator 448 are identical.
- An upstream flow separator 476 is disposed between two of the adjacent pairs 324 of first plates 322 .
- the upstream flow separator 476 is fabricated using the same components and functions in the same manner as the upstream flow separator 276 utilized in the evaporator 120 and described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11 .
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly, to an evaporator for the climate control system of a motor vehicle.
- Evaporators are well known in the art, and typically include a plurality of tubes having interiors through which refrigerant flows. Thermal energy, or heat, exchange occurs between ambient air flowing outside the tubes and the refrigerant flowing within. To enhance the amount of heat exchanged between the air and refrigerant, multiple fins are disposed between the adjacently positioned tubes. The fins are placed in contact with selected exterior surfaces of the tubes. This increases the surface area available for heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant circulating within the tubes, which in turn cools and dehumidifies the air as it flows across the exterior of the evaporator.
- Heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant is further enhanced by routing the refrigerant to flow through the tubes so that it makes multiple passes through the interior passages of the tubes as air flows across the finned exterior. Unfortunately, because the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, the cooling capacity of the refrigerant decreases with each additional pass the refrigerant makes. Thus, the air flowing across those tubes which form the initial passes of refrigerant is cooled to a greater extent and more efficiently than the air which flows across those tubes located further downstream and included in the latter passes. This inconsistency in heat exchange between the initial and latter refrigerant passes manifests itself as a non-uniform temperature distribution of the air leaving the evaporator and entering the passenger compartment (referred to as “temperature spreads”).
- The problem of non-uniform temperature of the discharge air is further exacerbated by the manner in which an evaporator core is designed. For example, in those evaporators fabricated from single cup, full plate tube plates only, high cooling capacity is achieved at the expense of large temperature spreads under certain operating conditions. For instance, non-uniform air temperature distribution occurs in such evaporators when a vehicle in which the evaporator is installed accelerates from rest. In this situation, the compressor of the climate control system quickly draws refrigerant out of the evaporator, causing high refrigerant superheats to occur within the last passes of the evaporator. Evaporators formed from U-channel tubes achieve temperature spreads which are more uniform than those achieved by single cup, full plates. However, the cooling capacity of such tubes is compromised by the increased pressure drop that occurs on the refrigerant side of the tubes, which is caused by the reduced cross-sectional area of the tubes available for refrigerant flow.
- Although evaporators that utilize dual cup tubes to effectively create two cores through which the refrigerant flows in series first through one core and then the other achieve improved temperature spreads and greater cooling capacity than evaporators formed from U-channel tubes, increasing movement towards evaporator cores with smaller depths, necessitated by space constraints, has eroded these benefits. The smaller the core depth, the narrower the cross-sectional area of the tubes through which the refrigerant must flow, and the greater the refrigerant pressure drop, which has a negative impact on the cooling capacity of the evaporator core.
- The invention provides a laminate-type evaporator having a plurality of first plates stacked together in adjacent pairs. Each plate includes first and second tubular projections and a first recess. The plates are positioned in abutting engagement with one another such that the first tubular projections define a first tank, the second tubular projections define a second tank, and the first recesses define a plurality of initial passageways interconnecting the first and second tanks in fluid communication therewith.
- The evaporator also includes a plurality of second plates stacked together in adjacent pairs. Each of the second plates extend between opposed end edges and include third and fourth tubular projections, as well as a pair of elongate recesses. The elongate recesses extend parallel to one another and are interconnected by a return recess disposed adjacent one of the end edges. Adjacent pairs of the second plates are in abutting engagement with one another such that the third tubular projections define a third tank positioned downstream from the second tank, the fourth tubular projections define a fourth tank, and the return and parallel recesses define a plurality of U-shaped passageways. The U-shaped passageways interconnect the third and fourth tanks, which permits a fluid refrigerant to enter the first tank and flow in an upstream to downstream direction, through the initial passageways and the second tank, into the third tank, and through the U-shaped passageways prior to exiting the fourth tank.
- Fins are disposed between the adjacent pairs of plates. Those fins disposed between adjacent pairs of the second plates are positioned in overlying relation to the return recesses and extend to the upper edges adjacent thereto for inducing a transfer of thermal energy between an airflow through the fins and the fluid flowing through the return recesses.
- The subject invention overcomes the limitations of the art by providing an evaporator which utilizes U-channel plates in combination with various configurations of dual cup and single cup plates. The U-channel plates are utilized to define one or more of the final refrigerant passes in the evaporator, which aids in the distribution of the small quantity of liquid refrigerant that typically remains in those passes as the refrigerant vaporizes and its quality approaches unity. The dual and single cup plates are utilized in passes upstream from the U-channel plates to reduce the drop in pressure that would otherwise occur on the refrigerant side if U-channel plates were used throughout the evaporator. Extending the fins to the upper edges of the U-channel plates maximizes the surface area of the plates available for heat exchange in the final refrigerant passes.
- Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an evaporator according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the evaporator shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the evaporator shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dual cup plate utilized in the evaporator shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the evaporator shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is another partial cross-sectional view of the evaporator shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a U-channel plate utilized in the evaporator shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the separator plates utilized in the first flow separator shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ; -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an evaporator according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a single cup plate utilized in the evaporator shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second flow separator plate utilized in the second flow separator of the evaporator shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first flow separator plate utilized in the second flow separator of the evaporator shown inFIG. 9 ; and -
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an evaporator according to another alternative embodiment of the invention. - Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a laminate-type evaporator is generally shown at 20 in
FIGS. 1 through 3 . Theevaporator 20 includes a plurality of first tube plates 22 (dual cup tube plates) stacked together inadjacent pairs 24. As is best shown inFIG. 4 , eachfirst plate 22 includes first and secondtubular projections first recess 30. Thefirst plate 22 also has anexterior surface 32. Thefirst recess 30 extends between the first and secondtubular projections tubular projections respective apertures plate 22. Theprojections plate 22 in the same direction as thefirst recess 30. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theadjacent pairs 24 are positioned in abutting engagement with one another such that the firsttubular projections 26 define afirst tank 38 and the secondtubular projections 28 define asecond tank 40. As is shown inFIG. 5 , thefirst recesses 30 define a plurality ofinitial passageways 42. Theinitial passageways 42 interconnect the first andsecond tanks - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , theevaporator 20 also includes a plurality of second tube plates 44 (U-channel tube plates). Like thefirst plates 22, thesecond plates 44 are stacked together inadjacent pairs 46. However, as is shown inFIG. 7 , each of thesecond plates 44 extend betweenopposed end edges 48 and include third and fourthtubular projections fourth projections lower edge 48 and definerespective apertures elongate recesses 60 extends parallel to one another and are interconnected by areturn recess 62 positioned adjacent one of the end edges 48. Eachelongate recess 60 extends from anupper end 64 to alower end 66, with thereturn recess 62 interconnecting the upper ends 64. Each of the lower ends 66 is in fluid communication with a selected one of theapertures - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , theadjacent pairs 46 ofsecond plates 44 are positioned in abutting engagement with one another with the thirdtubular projections 52 defining athird tank 68. Thethird tank 68 is positioned downstream from thesecond tank 40 and is in fluid communication therewith. The fourthtubular projections 54 define afourth tank 70, and the elongate and returnrecesses U-shaped passageways 72. Thepassageways 72 interconnect the third andfourth tanks first tank 38, and then flow in an upstream to downstream direction “D” through theinitial passageways 42 andsecond tank 40, into thethird tank 68, and through theU-shaped passageways 72 prior to exiting thefourth tank 70. The flow fromtank 70, as more fully described herein after, flows t thefifth tank 92 via theseparator plates 107. - Although not shown for clarity the various plates typically include bumps, dimples, fins, or the like, to project into the flow in the u-shaped passageways to control flow and/or enhance heat transfer. Any combination of such flow control devices may be employed in the subject invention.
- Referring again to
FIG. 1 , theevaporator 20 also includes a plurality offins 76, which are disposed betweenadjacent pairs plates fin 76 is interposed between a selected pair of the first plate pairs 24 or a selected pair of the second plate pairs 46. As is best shown inFIG. 3 , thosefins 76 interposed betweenadjacent pairs 46 of thesecond plates 44 are positioned in overlying relation to the return recesses 62 and extend to theupper edges 48 adjacent thereto, which in turn induces a transfer of thermal energy between anairflow 78 flowing through thefins 76 and thefluid stream 74 flowing through the return recesses 62. Theairflow 78 travels through thefins 76 from andownstream airside 80 to aupstream airside 79 of theevaporator 20. - Although those
fins 76 that are interposed between theadjacent pairs 24 offirst plates 22 are capable of inducing a transfer of thermal energy between theairflow 78 passing through thefins 76 and thefluid stream 74 as it flows through theinitial passageways 30, the surface area on theplates 22 that is actually available for heat exchange is reduced by the presence of the first andsecond tanks plates 22. As is shown inFIG. 1 , the surface area of thefins 76 andpassageways 30 is limited to that which is located between the first andsecond tanks fourth tanks second plates 44, which allows the return recesses 62 within theplates 44 and thefins 76 disposed against the exterior thereof to extend to the end edges 48 opposite thetanks 68, 7OThis increases the total air side and refrigerant side surface area available for heat transfer in a portion of the heat exchanger where thefluid stream 74 has higher vapor quality than at the inlet of the evaporator and this helps to maximize heat exchange between air and refrigerant. - Referring again to
FIG. 4 , eachfirst plate 22 also includes fifth and sixthtubular projections second recess 86 extends parallel to thefirst recess 30 between the fifth and sixthtubular projections tubular projections respective apertures plate 22, and thesecond recess 86 interconnects and is in fluid communication with theapertures FIG. 2 , the fifthtubular projections 82 define afifth tank 92 positioned downstream from thefourth tank 70 and the sixthtubular projections 84 define asixth tank 94. The second recesses 86 define a plurality offinal passageways 96 that interconnect the fifth andsixth tanks fifth tank 92 is in fluid communication with thefourth tank 70, which allows thefluid stream 74 to flow from thefourth tank 70 into thefifth tank 92. As is best shown inFIG. 6 , thefluid stream 74 then flows through thefinal passageways 96 and into thesixth tank 94. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , theevaporator 20 also includes first andsecond end plates end plate lower edges first end plate 98 is disposed against thefirst plates 22 upstream therefrom and includes aninlet 103 and anoutlet 104 that are axially aligned with thefirst tank 38 andsixth tank 94, respectively. As is shown inFIG. 3 , thefluid stream 74 enters theevaporator 20 through theinlet 103 and exits through theoutlet 104. Thesecond end plate 100 is disposed against thesecond plates 44 downstream from thethird tank 68, and directs thefluid stream 74 to flow from thethird tank 68, through theU-shaped passageways 72 and into thefourth tank 70. - The
evaporator 20 also has afirst flow separator 106. Theseparator 106 is disposed between the first andsecond plates fluid stream 74 to flow from thefirst plates 22 to thesecond plates 44. As is best shown inFIG. 2 , thefirst flow separator 106 is fabricated from a pair offirst separator plates 107. Eachseparator plate 107 has anexterior surface 108 disposed in a back-to-back relationship relative to theexterior surface 108 of theother separator plate 107. Afin 109 is disposed between theexterior surfaces 108, and is fabricated from the same materials as thefins 76. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , one of thefirst separator plates 107 is shown. Theseparator plate 107 has opposed end edges 110 and elongate side edges 111. A first pair ofprojections 112 extends from thefirst separator plate 107 adjacent one of the end edges 110. A second pair ofprojections 113 extends from theplate 107 adjacent theother end edge 110. Recessedportions 114 extend parallel to one another between the first and second pairs ofprojections portions 114 are recessed relative to the end edges 110 and side edges 111, and protrude from theexterior surface 108 in the same direction as the first and second pairs ofprojections - Each of the second pair of
projections 113 includes anaperture 115; however, only one of the first pair ofprojections 112 has anaperture 115. Theother projection 112 has acylindrical sidewall 116 that extends to anupper edge 117. Aplanar face 118 likewise extends to theupper edge 117. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , when theexterior surfaces 108 are disposed back-to-back relative to one another, the first pairs ofprojections 112 engage one another so that theplanar face 118 on eachseparator plate 107 covers theaperture 115 defined by theprojection 112 extending from theother plate 107. This prevents thefluid stream 74 from flowing downstream past thefirst flow separator 106 as thestream 74 exits thefirst tank 38, and instead diverts thefluid stream 74 through theinitial passageways 42 into thesecond tank 40. Thefluid stream 74 then exits through theaperture 115 on thedownstream airside 79 of theevaporator 20 and flows into thethird tank 68 and through thesecond plates 44. Upon returning from thefourth tank 70 through theaperture 115 on theupstream airside 80, thefluid stream 74 flows through thefifth tank 92 and thefinal passageways 96, encounters theend plate 98, and is directed to flow into thesixth tank 94 prior to exiting theevaporator 20 through theoutlet 104. Theplanar face 118 positioned on theflow separator 106 on theupstream airside 80 prevents thefluid stream 74 intank 94 from flowing beyond theflow separator 106 and back into theflow passages 72 of theplates 44. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , a laminate-type evaporator according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is generally shown at 120. Theevaporator 120 includesfirst plates 122,second plates 144,fins first flow separator 206 which are fabricated from the same materials, include the same components and are interconnected in the same manner as thefirst plates 22,second plates 44,fins first flow separator 106, respectively, of theevaporator 20. However, unlike theevaporator 20, theevaporator 120 also includes a plurality ofthird plates 222 stacked together inadjacent pairs 224. In addition, instead of having an outlet formed in thefirst end plate 198, afluid outlet 227 is positioned downstream from thesixth tank 194 and is in fluid communication therewith - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , one of thethird plates 222 is shown. Thethird plate 222 includes upper and lowertubular projections portion 230. The firsttubular projections 226 define a pair ofupper apertures 234, and the secondtubular projections 228 define a pair oflower apertures 236. The elongate recessedportion 230 extends between the upper and lowertubular projections FIG. 10 , the recessedportion 230 and upper and lowertubular projections exterior surface 231 of thethird plate 222. - Referring again to
FIG. 9 ,adjacent pairs 224 of thethird plates 222 are in abutting engagement with one another. The firsttubular projections 226 define at least one, or as shown, twoupper tanks 238 and the secondtubular projections 228 define at least one, or as shown, twolower tanks 240. The upper andlower tanks first tank 138. - The elongate recessed
portions 230 define a plurality offluid passageways 246 that interconnect the upper andlower tanks passageways 246 are in fluid communication with the upper andlower tanks fluid stream 174 to flow through thefluid passageways 246 between the upper andlower tanks first tank 138 and flowing through theevaporator 120 along a fluid pathway identical to that which is described above regarding thefluid stream 74 which flows through theevaporator 20. - Like the
first flow separator 106 of theevaporator 20, thefirst flow separator 206 of theevaporator 120 is disposed intermediate the first andsecond plates fluid stream 174 to flow from thefirst plates 122 to thesecond plates 144. Asecond flow separator 248 is interposed between the first andthird plates fluid stream 174 to flow from theupper tanks 242 in thethird plates 270 into thefirst tank 138. - Unlike the
first flow separator 206, which is formed from a pair offirst separator plates 207 identical to thefirst separator plates 107 described above with reference toFIG. 8 , thesecond flow separator 248 is formed from afirst separator plate 207 and asecond separator plate 250. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , thesecond separator plate 250 has interior andexterior surfaces Projections 260 extend from theexterior surface 254. Eachprojection 260 is positioned adjacent a selected one of the end edges 256. An elongate recessedportion 262 extends between theprojections 260. The recessedportion 262 is recessed relative to theinterior surface 252 and extends from theexterior surface 254 in the same direction as theprojections 260. - Like the upper
tubular projections 226 on thethird plates 222, one of theprojections 260 has anupper surface 264 defining a pair ofapertures 266. In contrast, theother projection 260 has anupper surface 264 defining asingle aperture 266 located adjacent aplanar area 268. - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , thefirst separator plate 207 is shown. With the exception of one of the second pair ofprojections 213 including a secondplanar face 219 instead of anaperture 215, thefirst separator plate 207 is identical to thefirst separator plate 107 described above with reference toFIG. 8 . - Referring again to
FIG. 9 , thesecond flow separator 248 includes a lower divertingportion 270, which is disposed in thelower tanks 244 for directing thefluid stream 274 to flow therefrom into theupper tanks 242, and an upper divertingportion 272, which is disposed in theupper tank 242 intermediate the first andthird plates fluid stream 174 to flow from thethird plates 222 into thefirst tank 138. In addition, a final divertingportion 274 is disposed in theupper tank 242 adjacent thesixth tank 194 for directing thefluid stream 174 to flow from thesixth tank 194 into thefluid outlet 227. - The lower, upper and final diverting
portions second flow separator 206 are formed by disposing thefirst separator plate 207 against thesecond separator plate 250 so that theexterior surfaces 208, 254 are in a back-to-back relationship relative to one another. Theplanar face 219 on thefirst separator plate 207 covers thesingle aperture 266 on thesecond separator plate 250 and theplanar area 268 is disposed over theaperture 215 located adjacent theplanar face 219 to define the lower divertingportion 270. The upper and final divertingportions planar face 218 of thefirst separator plate 207 over one of theapertures 266 located adjacent theend edge 256 on thesecond separator plate 250. - Although not required, the
evaporator 120 also includes anupstream flow separator 276. As is shown inFIG. 9 , theupstream flow separator 276 is disposed between two of theadjacent pairs 224 ofthird plates 222 for directing thefluid stream 174 to flow from theupper tanks 242 to thelower tanks 244. Theseparator 276 is formed using a pair of thesecond separator plates 250. Thesecond separator plates 250 are disposed with theexterior surfaces 254 positioned in a back-to-back relationship with one another so that theplanar area 268 on eachplate 250 covers thesingle aperture 266 on theother plate 250. Theupstream flow separator 276 is then positioned between the selectedadjacent pairs 224 ofthird plates 222 and oriented so that theplanar areas 268 are disposed within theupper tanks 242, which in turn diverts thefluid stream 174 into thelower tanks 244. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , an evaporator according to another alternative embodiment of the invention is generally shown at 320. Theevaporator 320 includes a plurality offirst plates 322 stacked together inadjacent pairs 324. Thefirst plates 322 are fabricated in the same manner and include the same components as thethird plates 222 of theevaporator 120 and described above with reference toFIG. 10 . However, in contrast to thethird plates 222, which are used in combination with the first andsecond plates evaporator 120, thefirst plates 322 are combined solely with thesecond plates 344 in theevaporator 320. - The
evaporator 320 also includes a plurality ofsecond plates 344 which are likewise stacked together inadjacent pairs 346. Although thesecond plates 344 include the same components as thesecond plates second plates 344 are oriented within theevaporator 320 in a different manner than that of thesecond plates FIG. 13 , theevaporator 320 features afirst end plate 398 identical in structure and function to thefirst end plate 198 utilized in theevaporator 120. However, unlike thesecond end plate 200 of theevaporator 120, thesecond end plate 400 includes anoutlet 404 and is disposed against thesecond plates 344 downstream from theupstream tank 368, with theoutlet 404 aligned with thedownstream tank 370 to permit the vaporizedfluid stream 374 to exit therethrough. - The
second plates 344 are positioned so that the third 368 and fourth 370 tanks are disposed adjacent theupper edge 401 of theend plate 400 and the return recesses 362 are disposed adjacent thelower edge 402. This differs from thesecond plates evaporators fourth tanks lower edge upper edge - As is shown in
FIG. 13 , theprojections downstream tanks downstream tanks fluid stream 374 to enter theupstream tank 368, and flow through the U-shaped passageways 372 prior to exiting thedownstream tank 370. Orienting thesecond plates 344 in this manner permits the U-shaped passageways 372 to be utilized in the final refrigerant pass without requiring that thefluid stream 374 be directed back toward thefirst plates 322 prior to exiting theevaporator 320. - The
evaporator 320 also includes a plurality offins 376 disposed between the adjacent plate pairs 324, 346. Thosefins 376 which are disposed between theadjacent pairs 346 ofsecond plates 344 extend to the lower edges 348. The increased surface area of thefins 376 provides the same advantages as that of thefins 76 described above with reference toFIG. 3 . Specifically, the increased surface area permits a thermal energy exchange between theairflow 378 flowing through thefins 376 and thefluid stream 374 as it flows through the return recesses 362. This maximizes heat transfer from theairflow 378 to thefluid stream 374 and improves the discharge air temperature uniformity of theevaporator 320. - A
downstream flow separator 448 is interposed between the first andsecond plates fluid stream 374 to flow from theupper tanks 342 into theupstream tank 368. Thedownstream flow separator 448 is formed from a pair of separator plates 450 (line one shown inFIG. 11 but without theapertures 266 i.e., blocked) havingprojections 460 disposed against one another to define lower, upper and final divertingportions second flow separator 248 anddownstream flow separator 448 are identical. Anupstream flow separator 476 is disposed between two of theadjacent pairs 324 offirst plates 322. Theupstream flow separator 476 is fabricated using the same components and functions in the same manner as theupstream flow separator 276 utilized in theevaporator 120 and described above with reference toFIGS. 9 and 11 . - While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
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US11/197,422 US7178585B1 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2005-08-04 | Hybrid evaporator |
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US11/197,422 US7178585B1 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2005-08-04 | Hybrid evaporator |
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US7178585B1 US7178585B1 (en) | 2007-02-20 |
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