US20140224460A1 - Microchannel Heat Exchanger - Google Patents
Microchannel Heat Exchanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140224460A1 US20140224460A1 US14/170,139 US201414170139A US2014224460A1 US 20140224460 A1 US20140224460 A1 US 20140224460A1 US 201414170139 A US201414170139 A US 201414170139A US 2014224460 A1 US2014224460 A1 US 2014224460A1
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- Prior art keywords
- microchannel
- heat exchanger
- tubes
- air handling
- handling unit
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
- F28F1/105—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being corrugated elements extending around the tubular elements
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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
- F28D1/04—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 tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—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 tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/0535—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 tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
- F28D1/05366—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
- F28D1/05383—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators with multiple rows of conduits or with multi-channel 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
- 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
- F28D2001/0253—Particular components
- F28D2001/026—Cores
- F28D2001/0266—Particular core assemblies, e.g. having different orientations or having different geometric features
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2260/00—Heat exchangers or heat exchange elements having special size, e.g. microstructures
- F28F2260/02—Heat exchangers or heat exchange elements having special size, e.g. microstructures having microchannels
Definitions
- HVAC Heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning
- Some HVAC systems may generally be used in residential and/or commercial structures to provide heating and/or cooling to climate-controlled areas within these structures.
- Some HVAC systems may comprise a microchannel heat exchanger.
- Some microchannel heat exchangers may comprise a plurality of microchannel tubes and/or fins that are oriented at an angle relative to a primary direction of airflow across the tubes and/or fins. In some cases, the angled orientation may cause an undesirable pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger.
- a microchannel heat exchanger comprising a plurality of microchannel tubes and fins disposed between at least one pair of adjacent microchannel tubes, wherein at least one of a microchannel tube and a fin is oriented substantially parallel to a primary airflow direction of the microchannel heat exchanger.
- an air handling unit comprising a primary airflow direction and a microchannel heat exchanger comprising a plurality of microchannel tubes and fins disposed between at least one pair of adjacent microchannel tubes, wherein at least one of a microchannel tube and a fin is oriented substantially parallel to the primary airflow direction.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the indoor unit of FIG. 1 comprising a microchannel heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the microchannel heat exchanger of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the microchannel heat exchanger of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the microchannel heat exchanger of FIG. 2 with the headers removed;
- FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway oblique view of a plurality of microchannel tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 7 is a top view of a microchannel heat exchanger according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is a front view of the microchannel heat exchanger of FIG. 7 .
- microchannel heat exchangers may comprise microchannel tubes and/or fins that may be oriented relative to a primary direction of airflow in a manner that unnecessarily requires more energy to be consumed to move air through the microchannel heat exchanger.
- Some systems and methods of this disclosure may provide microchannel heat exchangers and/or air handling units comprising microchannel heat exchangers in which the microchannel tubes and/or fins of the microchannel heat exchangers are oriented relative to a primary direction of airflow in a manner selected to minimize a pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger.
- microchannel heat exchangers and/or air handling units comprising microchannel heat exchangers in which the microchannel tubes and/or fins of the microchannel heat exchangers are oriented substantially parallel relative to a primary direction of airflow to minimize a pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger.
- the charge tolerant microchannel heat exchanger may be used in an indoor unit and/or an outdoor unit of an HVAC system, including, but not limited to, a heat pump system.
- HVAC system 100 generally comprises an indoor unit 102 , an outdoor unit 104 , and a system controller 106 .
- the system controller 106 may generally control operation of the indoor unit 102 and/or the outdoor unit 104 .
- the HVAC system 100 is a so-called heat pump system that may be selectively operated to implement one or more substantially closed thermodynamic refrigeration cycles to provide a cooling functionality and/or a heating functionality.
- Indoor unit 102 generally comprises an indoor heat exchanger 108 , an indoor fan 110 , and an indoor metering device 112 .
- Indoor heat exchanger 108 is a plate fin heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal tubing of the indoor heat exchanger 108 and fluids that contact the indoor heat exchanger 108 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant.
- indoor heat exchanger 108 may comprise a spine fin heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger.
- the indoor fan 110 is a centrifugal blower comprising a blower housing, a blower impeller at least partially disposed within the blower housing, and a blower motor configured to selectively rotate the blower impeller.
- the indoor fan 110 may comprise a mixed-flow fan and/or any other suitable type of fan.
- the indoor fan 110 is configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds.
- the indoor fan 110 may be configured as a multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of the indoor fan 110 .
- the indoor fan 110 may be a single speed fan.
- the indoor metering device 112 is an electronically controlled motor driven electronic expansion valve (EEV).
- the indoor metering device 112 may comprise a thermostatic expansion valve, a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device.
- the indoor metering device 112 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of refrigerant flow through the indoor metering device 112 is such that the indoor metering device 112 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through the indoor metering device 112 .
- Outdoor unit 104 generally comprises an outdoor heat exchanger 114 , a compressor 116 , an outdoor fan 118 , an outdoor metering device 120 , and a reversing valve 122 .
- Outdoor heat exchanger 114 is a microchannel heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal passages of the outdoor heat exchanger 114 and fluids that contact the outdoor heat exchanger 114 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant.
- outdoor heat exchanger 114 may comprise a plate fin heat exchanger, a spine fin heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger.
- the compressor 116 is a multiple speed scroll type compressor configured to selectively pump refrigerant at a plurality of mass flow rates.
- the compressor 116 may comprise a modulating compressor capable of operation over one or more speed ranges, a reciprocating type compressor, a single speed compressor, and/or any other suitable refrigerant compressor and/or refrigerant pump.
- the outdoor fan 118 is an axial fan comprising a fan blade assembly and fan motor configured to selectively rotate the fan blade assembly.
- the outdoor fan 118 may comprise a mixed-flow fan, a centrifugal blower, and/or any other suitable type of fan and/or blower.
- the outdoor fan 118 is configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds.
- the outdoor fan 118 may be configured as a multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of the outdoor fan 118 .
- the outdoor fan 118 may be a single speed fan.
- the outdoor metering device 120 is a thermostatic expansion valve.
- the outdoor metering device 120 may comprise an electronically controlled motor driven EEV similar to indoor metering device 112 , a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device.
- the outdoor metering device 120 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of refrigerant flow through the outdoor metering device 120 is such that the outdoor metering device 120 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through the outdoor metering device 120 .
- the reversing valve 122 is a so-called four-way reversing valve.
- the reversing valve 122 may be selectively controlled to alter a flow path of refrigerant in the HVAC system 100 as described in greater detail below.
- the reversing valve 122 may comprise an electrical solenoid or other device configured to selectively move a component of the reversing valve 122 between operational positions.
- the system controller 106 may generally comprise a touchscreen interface for displaying information and for receiving user inputs.
- the system controller 106 may display information related to the operation of the HVAC system 100 and may receive user inputs related to operation of the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may further be operable to display information and receive user inputs tangentially and/or unrelated to operation of the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may not comprise a display and may derive all information from inputs from remote sensors and remote configuration tools.
- the system controller 106 may comprise a temperature sensor and may further be configured to control heating and/or cooling of zones associated with the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may be configured as a thermostat for controlling supply of conditioned air to zones associated with the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may also selectively communicate with an indoor controller 124 of the indoor unit 102 , with an outdoor controller 126 of the outdoor unit 104 , and/or with other components of the HVAC system 100 .
- the system controller 106 may be configured for selective bidirectional communication over a communication bus 128 .
- portions of the communication bus 128 may comprise a three-wire connection suitable for communicating messages between the system controller 106 and one or more of the HVAC system 100 components configured for interfacing with the communication bus 128 .
- the system controller 106 may be configured to selectively communicate with HVAC system 100 components and/or any other device 130 via a communication network 132 .
- the communication network 132 may comprise a telephone network, and the other device 130 may comprise a telephone.
- the communication network 132 may comprise the Internet, and the other device 130 may comprise a smartphone and/or other Internet-enabled mobile telecommunication device.
- the communication network 132 may also comprise a remote server.
- the indoor controller 124 may be carried by the indoor unit 102 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with the system controller 106 , the outdoor controller 126 , and/or any other device 130 via the communication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of communication.
- the indoor controller 124 may be configured to communicate with an indoor personality module 134 that may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of the indoor unit 102 .
- the indoor controller 124 may be configured to receive information related to a speed of the indoor fan 110 , transmit a control output to an electric heat relay, transmit information regarding an indoor fan 110 volumetric flow-rate, communicate with and/or otherwise affect control over an air cleaner 136 , and communicate with an indoor EEV controller 138 .
- the indoor controller 124 may be configured to communicate with an indoor fan controller 142 and/or otherwise affect control over operation of the indoor fan 110 .
- the indoor personality module 134 may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of the indoor unit 102 and/or a position of the outdoor metering device 120 .
- the indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to receive information regarding temperatures and/or pressures of the refrigerant in the indoor unit 102 . More specifically, the indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to receive information regarding temperatures and pressures of refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within the indoor heat exchanger 108 . Further, the indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to communicate with the indoor metering device 112 and/or otherwise affect control over the indoor metering device 112 . The indoor EEV controller 138 may also be configured to communicate with the outdoor metering device 120 and/or otherwise affect control over the outdoor metering device 120 .
- the outdoor controller 126 may be carried by the outdoor unit 104 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with the system controller 106 , the indoor controller 124 , and/or any other device via the communication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of communication.
- the outdoor controller 126 may be configured to communicate with an outdoor personality module 140 that may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of the outdoor unit 104 .
- the outdoor controller 126 may be configured to receive information related to an ambient temperature associated with the outdoor unit 104 , information related to a temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 114 , and/or information related to refrigerant temperatures and/or pressures of refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within the outdoor heat exchanger 114 and/or the compressor 116 .
- the outdoor controller 126 may be configured to transmit information related to monitoring, communicating with, and/or otherwise affecting control over the outdoor fan 118 , a compressor sump heater, a solenoid of the reversing valve 122 , a relay associated with adjusting and/or monitoring a refrigerant charge of the HVAC system 100 , a position of the indoor metering device 112 , and/or a position of the outdoor metering device 120 .
- the outdoor controller 126 may further be configured to communicate with a compressor drive controller 144 that is configured to electrically power and/or control the compressor 116 .
- the HVAC system 100 is shown configured for operating in a so-called cooling mode in which heat is absorbed by refrigerant at the indoor heat exchanger 108 and heat is rejected from the refrigerant at the outdoor heat exchanger 114 .
- the compressor 116 may be operated to compress refrigerant and pump the relatively high temperature and high pressure compressed refrigerant from the compressor 116 to the outdoor heat exchanger 114 through the reversing valve 122 and to the outdoor heat exchanger 114 .
- the outdoor fan 118 may be operated to move air into contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 114 , thereby transferring heat from the refrigerant to the air surrounding the outdoor heat exchanger 114 .
- the refrigerant may primarily comprise liquid phase refrigerant and the refrigerant may flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 114 to the indoor metering device 112 through and/or around the outdoor metering device 120 which does not substantially impede flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mode.
- the indoor metering device 112 may meter passage of the refrigerant through the indoor metering device 112 so that the refrigerant downstream of the indoor metering device 112 is at a lower pressure than the refrigerant upstream of the indoor metering device 112 .
- the pressure differential across the indoor metering device 112 allows the refrigerant downstream of the indoor metering device 112 to expand and/or at least partially convert to a two-phase (vapor and gas) mixture.
- the two phase refrigerant may enter the indoor heat exchanger 108 .
- the indoor fan 110 may be operated to move air into contact with the indoor heat exchanger 108 , thereby transferring heat to the refrigerant from the air surrounding the indoor heat exchanger 108 , and causing evaporation of the liquid portion of the two phase mixture.
- the refrigerant may thereafter re-enter the compressor 116 after passing through the reversing valve 122 .
- the reversing valve 122 may be controlled to alter the flow path of the refrigerant, the indoor metering device 112 may be disabled and/or bypassed, and the outdoor metering device 120 may be enabled.
- refrigerant may flow from the compressor 116 to the indoor heat exchanger 108 through the reversing valve 122 , the refrigerant may be substantially unaffected by the indoor metering device 112 , the refrigerant may experience a pressure differential across the outdoor metering device 120 , the refrigerant may pass through the outdoor heat exchanger 114 , and the refrigerant may reenter the compressor 116 after passing through the reversing valve 122 .
- operation of the HVAC system 100 in the heating mode reverses the roles of the indoor heat exchanger 108 and the outdoor heat exchanger 114 as compared to their operation in the cooling mode.
- the indoor unit 102 generally comprises a blower cabinet 202 comprising a blower assembly 110 and a heat exchanger cabinet 206 comprising a microchannel heat exchanger 108 .
- the indoor unit 102 may also comprise a heater cabinet 220 comprising a heater assembly 222 . In some embodiments, however, the heater assembly 222 may be disposed within the heat exchanger cabinet 206 .
- the indoor unit 102 may generally comprise a blow-through type air handling unit comprising the microchannel heat exchanger 108 configured in an A-coil arrangement.
- the indoor unit 102 may be a pull-through type air handling unit in which air is pulled through the microchannel heat exchanger 108 by a blower assembly, such as blower assembly 110 , that is located downstream relative to the microchannel heat exchanger 108 .
- a blower assembly such as blower assembly 110
- the microchannel heat exchanger 108 may alternatively be oriented in a V-coil arrangement.
- the blower assembly 204 generally forces air through the indoor unit 102 and the microchannel heat exchanger 108 in a primary airflow direction 210 .
- the microchannel heat exchanger 108 generally comprises a plurality of tubular headers 212 (not shown in FIG. 5 ) between which microchannel tubes 214 may extend horizontally to join opposing tubular headers 212 in fluid communication with each other via a plurality of microchannels (shown as 224 and in FIG. 6 ) within each of the microchannel tubes 214 .
- the microchannel tubes 214 may generally comprise a flat ribbon shape, and corrugated fins 216 may be joined between adjacent microchannel tubes 214 . In operation, air may be forced between adjacent microchannel tubes 214 and into contact with fins 216 to promote heat exchange between the air moved by the blower assembly 110 and the refrigerant flowing through the microchannels of the microchannel tubes 214 .
- each of the microchannel tubes 214 and associated fins 216 are generally oriented parallel relative to the primary airflow direction 210 . More specifically, the flat surfaces of the microchannel tubes 214 may generally be substantially parallel with respect to the primary airflow direction 210 . As a result, the pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger 108 is minimized. Furthermore, the indoor unit 102 may operate more efficiently at least because less energy is required to move air through the microchannel heat exchanger 108 .
- condensation formed on the microchannel heat exchanger 108 may be less likely to separate from the microchannel heat exchanger 108 and become entrained in the airflow, thereby exiting the microchannel heat exchanger 108 .
- the above-described orientation of the microchannel tubes 214 and fins 216 may be described as oriented to provide a minimum footprint area when viewed along a direction parallel to the primary airflow direction 210 and transverse to a direction of refrigerant flow through the microchannel tubes 214 .
- a lowest microchannel tube 214 is oriented generally to provide, in this case, a maximum footprint area when viewed from the side.
- the above-described orientation of the microchannel tubes 214 and fins 216 may be described as oriented to provide a minimum footprint area when viewed along a direction transverse to the primary airflow direction 210 and parallel to a direction of refrigerant flow through the microchannel tubes 214 . It can also be seen that a significant gap 218 exist between the top located microchannel tubes 214 .
- gap 218 may reduce a pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger 108 , because less air may be forced through the microchannel heat exchanger 108 an overall efficiency in transferring heat between the microchannel heat exchanger 108 and the air may be reduced relative to a substantially similar microchannel heat exchanger 108 comprising no gap 218 .
- each microchannel tube 214 may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel microchannels 224 .
- the microchannels 224 may generally connect the opposing tubular headers 212 in fluid communication.
- the microchannel tubes 214 may comprise microchannels 224 that comprise substantially similar diameters.
- the microchannel tubes 214 may also comprise a substantially similar number of microchannels 224 . In embodiments where the microchannel tubes 214 comprise a substantially similar number of microchannels 224 having substantially similar diameters, it will be appreciated that each microchannel tube 214 may comprise substantially similar microchannel 224 volumes in each microchannel tube 214 .
- the microchannel heat exchanger 300 may be substantially similar to the microchannel heat exchanger 108 insofar as it generally comprises a plurality of headers 302 joined together in fluid communication by microchannel tubes 304 . Further, the adjacent microchannel tubes 304 may generally be joined by corrugated fins 306 . However, in this embodiment, the headers 302 extend generally transverse to the primary airflow direction 310 rather than in a direction comprising both a significant directional component parallel to the primary airflow direction 310 and a significant directional component transverse to the primary airflow direction 310 .
- the headers 302 generally extend orthogonally and/or normal relative to the primary airflow direction 310 rather than at a sloped angle as with tubular headers 212 . Further, the uppermost located headers 302 are located substantially in abutment relative to each other thereby eliminating the above-described significant gap 218 present in microchannel heat exchanger 108 . It will be appreciated that the fins 216 , 306 may be formed by corrugating a sheet of fin material and thereafter cutting strips at the suitable angles to yield the arrangements shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 , respectively.
- microchannel heat exchangers i.e. alternative configurations such as single slab, W-shaped, etc.
- a microchannel heat exchanger 108 , 300 may be provided in an indoor unit that forces air in more than one primary airflow direction.
- the microchannel tubes and/or fins of the microchannel heat exchanger may be oriented to accommodate the regional and/or localized primary airflow direction so that, as a whole, an airside pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger may be minimized.
- microchannel heat exchangers 108 , 300 may be used in the indoor unit 102 , in some embodiments, each of the microchannel heat exchangers 108 , 300 may also be configured for use in the outdoor unit 104 of HVAC system 100 . In some embodiments, microchannel heat exchanger 108 and/or microchannel heat exchanger 300 may be substituted for heat exchanger 114 in the outdoor unit 104 of HVAC system 100 .
- R Rl+k*(Ru ⁇ Rl)
- k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent.
- any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed.
Abstract
A microchannel heat exchanger of an HVAC system may include a plurality of microchannel tubes having fins disposed between at least one pair of adjacent microchannel tubes. The pair of adjacent microchannel tubes may connect a header on each end of the microchannel tubes in fluid communication, and at least one of the microchannel tubes and the fins are oriented substantially parallel with respect to a primary airflow direction of an airflow across the microchannel heat exchanger.
Description
- The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/762,759 filed on Feb. 8, 2013 by Means and entitled “Microchannel Heat Exchanger,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- Heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems may generally be used in residential and/or commercial structures to provide heating and/or cooling to climate-controlled areas within these structures. Some HVAC systems may comprise a microchannel heat exchanger. Some microchannel heat exchangers may comprise a plurality of microchannel tubes and/or fins that are oriented at an angle relative to a primary direction of airflow across the tubes and/or fins. In some cases, the angled orientation may cause an undesirable pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger.
- In some embodiments of the disclosure, a microchannel heat exchanger is disclosed as comprising a plurality of microchannel tubes and fins disposed between at least one pair of adjacent microchannel tubes, wherein at least one of a microchannel tube and a fin is oriented substantially parallel to a primary airflow direction of the microchannel heat exchanger.
- In other embodiments of the disclosure, an air handling unit is disclosed as comprising a primary airflow direction and a microchannel heat exchanger comprising a plurality of microchannel tubes and fins disposed between at least one pair of adjacent microchannel tubes, wherein at least one of a microchannel tube and a fin is oriented substantially parallel to the primary airflow direction.
- For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the indoor unit ofFIG. 1 comprising a microchannel heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the microchannel heat exchanger ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the microchannel heat exchanger ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the microchannel heat exchanger ofFIG. 2 with the headers removed; -
FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway oblique view of a plurality of microchannel tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of a microchannel heat exchanger according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure; and -
FIG. 8 is a front view of the microchannel heat exchanger ofFIG. 7 . - In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a microchannel heat exchanger in a heating, ventilation, and/or air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Some microchannel heat exchangers may comprise microchannel tubes and/or fins that may be oriented relative to a primary direction of airflow in a manner that unnecessarily requires more energy to be consumed to move air through the microchannel heat exchanger. Some systems and methods of this disclosure may provide microchannel heat exchangers and/or air handling units comprising microchannel heat exchangers in which the microchannel tubes and/or fins of the microchannel heat exchangers are oriented relative to a primary direction of airflow in a manner selected to minimize a pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger. This disclosure further contemplates microchannel heat exchangers and/or air handling units comprising microchannel heat exchangers in which the microchannel tubes and/or fins of the microchannel heat exchangers are oriented substantially parallel relative to a primary direction of airflow to minimize a pressure drop across the microchannel heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the charge tolerant microchannel heat exchanger may be used in an indoor unit and/or an outdoor unit of an HVAC system, including, but not limited to, a heat pump system.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of anHVAC system 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure.HVAC system 100 generally comprises anindoor unit 102, anoutdoor unit 104, and asystem controller 106. Thesystem controller 106 may generally control operation of theindoor unit 102 and/or theoutdoor unit 104. As shown, theHVAC system 100 is a so-called heat pump system that may be selectively operated to implement one or more substantially closed thermodynamic refrigeration cycles to provide a cooling functionality and/or a heating functionality. -
Indoor unit 102 generally comprises anindoor heat exchanger 108, anindoor fan 110, and anindoor metering device 112.Indoor heat exchanger 108 is a plate fin heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal tubing of theindoor heat exchanger 108 and fluids that contact theindoor heat exchanger 108 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant. In other embodiments,indoor heat exchanger 108 may comprise a spine fin heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger. - The
indoor fan 110 is a centrifugal blower comprising a blower housing, a blower impeller at least partially disposed within the blower housing, and a blower motor configured to selectively rotate the blower impeller. In other embodiments, theindoor fan 110 may comprise a mixed-flow fan and/or any other suitable type of fan. Theindoor fan 110 is configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds. In other embodiments, theindoor fan 110 may be configured as a multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of theindoor fan 110. In yet other embodiments, theindoor fan 110 may be a single speed fan. - The
indoor metering device 112 is an electronically controlled motor driven electronic expansion valve (EEV). In alternative embodiments, theindoor metering device 112 may comprise a thermostatic expansion valve, a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device. Theindoor metering device 112 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of refrigerant flow through theindoor metering device 112 is such that theindoor metering device 112 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through theindoor metering device 112. -
Outdoor unit 104 generally comprises anoutdoor heat exchanger 114, acompressor 116, anoutdoor fan 118, anoutdoor metering device 120, and areversing valve 122.Outdoor heat exchanger 114 is a microchannel heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal passages of theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 and fluids that contact theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant. In other embodiments,outdoor heat exchanger 114 may comprise a plate fin heat exchanger, a spine fin heat exchanger, or any other suitable type of heat exchanger. - The
compressor 116 is a multiple speed scroll type compressor configured to selectively pump refrigerant at a plurality of mass flow rates. In alternative embodiments, thecompressor 116 may comprise a modulating compressor capable of operation over one or more speed ranges, a reciprocating type compressor, a single speed compressor, and/or any other suitable refrigerant compressor and/or refrigerant pump. - The
outdoor fan 118 is an axial fan comprising a fan blade assembly and fan motor configured to selectively rotate the fan blade assembly. In other embodiments, theoutdoor fan 118 may comprise a mixed-flow fan, a centrifugal blower, and/or any other suitable type of fan and/or blower. Theoutdoor fan 118 is configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds. In other embodiments, theoutdoor fan 118 may be configured as a multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of theoutdoor fan 118. In yet other embodiments, theoutdoor fan 118 may be a single speed fan. - The
outdoor metering device 120 is a thermostatic expansion valve. In alternative embodiments, theoutdoor metering device 120 may comprise an electronically controlled motor driven EEV similar toindoor metering device 112, a capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device. Theoutdoor metering device 120 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of refrigerant flow through theoutdoor metering device 120 is such that theoutdoor metering device 120 is not intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through theoutdoor metering device 120. - The reversing
valve 122 is a so-called four-way reversing valve. The reversingvalve 122 may be selectively controlled to alter a flow path of refrigerant in theHVAC system 100 as described in greater detail below. The reversingvalve 122 may comprise an electrical solenoid or other device configured to selectively move a component of the reversingvalve 122 between operational positions. - The
system controller 106 may generally comprise a touchscreen interface for displaying information and for receiving user inputs. Thesystem controller 106 may display information related to the operation of theHVAC system 100 and may receive user inputs related to operation of theHVAC system 100. However, thesystem controller 106 may further be operable to display information and receive user inputs tangentially and/or unrelated to operation of theHVAC system 100. In some embodiments, thesystem controller 106 may not comprise a display and may derive all information from inputs from remote sensors and remote configuration tools. In some embodiments, thesystem controller 106 may comprise a temperature sensor and may further be configured to control heating and/or cooling of zones associated with theHVAC system 100. In some embodiments, thesystem controller 106 may be configured as a thermostat for controlling supply of conditioned air to zones associated with theHVAC system 100. - In some embodiments, the
system controller 106 may also selectively communicate with anindoor controller 124 of theindoor unit 102, with anoutdoor controller 126 of theoutdoor unit 104, and/or with other components of theHVAC system 100. In some embodiments, thesystem controller 106 may be configured for selective bidirectional communication over acommunication bus 128. In some embodiments, portions of thecommunication bus 128 may comprise a three-wire connection suitable for communicating messages between thesystem controller 106 and one or more of theHVAC system 100 components configured for interfacing with thecommunication bus 128. Still further, thesystem controller 106 may be configured to selectively communicate withHVAC system 100 components and/or anyother device 130 via acommunication network 132. In some embodiments, thecommunication network 132 may comprise a telephone network, and theother device 130 may comprise a telephone. In some embodiments, thecommunication network 132 may comprise the Internet, and theother device 130 may comprise a smartphone and/or other Internet-enabled mobile telecommunication device. In other embodiments, thecommunication network 132 may also comprise a remote server. - The
indoor controller 124 may be carried by theindoor unit 102 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with thesystem controller 106, theoutdoor controller 126, and/or anyother device 130 via thecommunication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of communication. In some embodiments, theindoor controller 124 may be configured to communicate with anindoor personality module 134 that may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of theindoor unit 102. In some embodiments, theindoor controller 124 may be configured to receive information related to a speed of theindoor fan 110, transmit a control output to an electric heat relay, transmit information regarding anindoor fan 110 volumetric flow-rate, communicate with and/or otherwise affect control over anair cleaner 136, and communicate with anindoor EEV controller 138. In some embodiments, theindoor controller 124 may be configured to communicate with anindoor fan controller 142 and/or otherwise affect control over operation of theindoor fan 110. In some embodiments, theindoor personality module 134 may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of theindoor unit 102 and/or a position of theoutdoor metering device 120. - In some embodiments, the
indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to receive information regarding temperatures and/or pressures of the refrigerant in theindoor unit 102. More specifically, theindoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to receive information regarding temperatures and pressures of refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within theindoor heat exchanger 108. Further, theindoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to communicate with theindoor metering device 112 and/or otherwise affect control over theindoor metering device 112. Theindoor EEV controller 138 may also be configured to communicate with theoutdoor metering device 120 and/or otherwise affect control over theoutdoor metering device 120. - The
outdoor controller 126 may be carried by theoutdoor unit 104 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with thesystem controller 106, theindoor controller 124, and/or any other device via thecommunication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of communication. In some embodiments, theoutdoor controller 126 may be configured to communicate with anoutdoor personality module 140 that may comprise information related to the identification and/or operation of theoutdoor unit 104. In some embodiments, theoutdoor controller 126 may be configured to receive information related to an ambient temperature associated with theoutdoor unit 104, information related to a temperature of theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, and/or information related to refrigerant temperatures and/or pressures of refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 and/or thecompressor 116. In some embodiments, theoutdoor controller 126 may be configured to transmit information related to monitoring, communicating with, and/or otherwise affecting control over theoutdoor fan 118, a compressor sump heater, a solenoid of the reversingvalve 122, a relay associated with adjusting and/or monitoring a refrigerant charge of theHVAC system 100, a position of theindoor metering device 112, and/or a position of theoutdoor metering device 120. Theoutdoor controller 126 may further be configured to communicate with acompressor drive controller 144 that is configured to electrically power and/or control thecompressor 116. - The
HVAC system 100 is shown configured for operating in a so-called cooling mode in which heat is absorbed by refrigerant at theindoor heat exchanger 108 and heat is rejected from the refrigerant at theoutdoor heat exchanger 114. In some embodiments, thecompressor 116 may be operated to compress refrigerant and pump the relatively high temperature and high pressure compressed refrigerant from thecompressor 116 to theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 through the reversingvalve 122 and to theoutdoor heat exchanger 114. As the refrigerant is passed through theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, theoutdoor fan 118 may be operated to move air into contact with theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, thereby transferring heat from the refrigerant to the air surrounding theoutdoor heat exchanger 114. The refrigerant may primarily comprise liquid phase refrigerant and the refrigerant may flow from theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 to theindoor metering device 112 through and/or around theoutdoor metering device 120 which does not substantially impede flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mode. Theindoor metering device 112 may meter passage of the refrigerant through theindoor metering device 112 so that the refrigerant downstream of theindoor metering device 112 is at a lower pressure than the refrigerant upstream of theindoor metering device 112. The pressure differential across theindoor metering device 112 allows the refrigerant downstream of theindoor metering device 112 to expand and/or at least partially convert to a two-phase (vapor and gas) mixture. The two phase refrigerant may enter theindoor heat exchanger 108. As the refrigerant is passed through theindoor heat exchanger 108, theindoor fan 110 may be operated to move air into contact with theindoor heat exchanger 108, thereby transferring heat to the refrigerant from the air surrounding theindoor heat exchanger 108, and causing evaporation of the liquid portion of the two phase mixture. The refrigerant may thereafter re-enter thecompressor 116 after passing through the reversingvalve 122. - To operate the
HVAC system 100 in the so-called heating mode, the reversingvalve 122 may be controlled to alter the flow path of the refrigerant, theindoor metering device 112 may be disabled and/or bypassed, and theoutdoor metering device 120 may be enabled. In the heating mode, refrigerant may flow from thecompressor 116 to theindoor heat exchanger 108 through the reversingvalve 122, the refrigerant may be substantially unaffected by theindoor metering device 112, the refrigerant may experience a pressure differential across theoutdoor metering device 120, the refrigerant may pass through theoutdoor heat exchanger 114, and the refrigerant may reenter thecompressor 116 after passing through the reversingvalve 122. Most generally, operation of theHVAC system 100 in the heating mode reverses the roles of theindoor heat exchanger 108 and theoutdoor heat exchanger 114 as compared to their operation in the cooling mode. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a schematic front view of theindoor unit 102 ofFIG. 1 comprising amicrochannel heat exchanger 108 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Theindoor unit 102 generally comprises ablower cabinet 202 comprising ablower assembly 110 and aheat exchanger cabinet 206 comprising amicrochannel heat exchanger 108. In some embodiments, theindoor unit 102 may also comprise aheater cabinet 220 comprising aheater assembly 222. In some embodiments, however, theheater assembly 222 may be disposed within theheat exchanger cabinet 206. Theindoor unit 102 may generally comprise a blow-through type air handling unit comprising themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 configured in an A-coil arrangement. However, in alternative embodiments, theindoor unit 102 may be a pull-through type air handling unit in which air is pulled through themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 by a blower assembly, such asblower assembly 110, that is located downstream relative to themicrochannel heat exchanger 108. Further, themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 may alternatively be oriented in a V-coil arrangement. In this embodiment, the blower assembly 204 generally forces air through theindoor unit 102 and themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 in aprimary airflow direction 210. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3-5 , top, side, and front views of themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 are shown, respectively. Themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 generally comprises a plurality of tubular headers 212 (not shown inFIG. 5 ) between whichmicrochannel tubes 214 may extend horizontally to join opposingtubular headers 212 in fluid communication with each other via a plurality of microchannels (shown as 224 and inFIG. 6 ) within each of themicrochannel tubes 214. Themicrochannel tubes 214 may generally comprise a flat ribbon shape, andcorrugated fins 216 may be joined betweenadjacent microchannel tubes 214. In operation, air may be forced betweenadjacent microchannel tubes 214 and into contact withfins 216 to promote heat exchange between the air moved by theblower assembly 110 and the refrigerant flowing through the microchannels of themicrochannel tubes 214. - As viewed from above in
FIG. 3 , it can be seen that each of themicrochannel tubes 214 and associatedfins 216 are generally oriented parallel relative to theprimary airflow direction 210. More specifically, the flat surfaces of themicrochannel tubes 214 may generally be substantially parallel with respect to theprimary airflow direction 210. As a result, the pressure drop across themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 is minimized. Furthermore, theindoor unit 102 may operate more efficiently at least because less energy is required to move air through themicrochannel heat exchanger 108. Still further, as a result of the orientation of themicrochannel tubes 214 and/orfins 216 relative to theprimary airflow direction 210, condensation formed on themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 may be less likely to separate from themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 and become entrained in the airflow, thereby exiting themicrochannel heat exchanger 108. In some cases, the above-described orientation of themicrochannel tubes 214 andfins 216 may be described as oriented to provide a minimum footprint area when viewed along a direction parallel to theprimary airflow direction 210 and transverse to a direction of refrigerant flow through themicrochannel tubes 214. - As viewed from the side in
FIG. 4 , it can be seen that alowest microchannel tube 214 is oriented generally to provide, in this case, a maximum footprint area when viewed from the side. As viewed from the front inFIG. 5 , it can be seen that the above-described orientation of themicrochannel tubes 214 andfins 216 may be described as oriented to provide a minimum footprint area when viewed along a direction transverse to theprimary airflow direction 210 and parallel to a direction of refrigerant flow through themicrochannel tubes 214. It can also be seen that asignificant gap 218 exist between the top locatedmicrochannel tubes 214. In some cases, while thegap 218 may reduce a pressure drop across themicrochannel heat exchanger 108, because less air may be forced through themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 an overall efficiency in transferring heat between themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 and the air may be reduced relative to a substantially similarmicrochannel heat exchanger 108 comprising nogap 218. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , a partial cutaway oblique view of amicrochannel tube 214 of themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, eachmicrochannel tube 214 may comprise a plurality of substantiallyparallel microchannels 224. Themicrochannels 224 may generally connect the opposingtubular headers 212 in fluid communication. In some embodiments, themicrochannel tubes 214 may comprisemicrochannels 224 that comprise substantially similar diameters. In some embodiments, themicrochannel tubes 214 may also comprise a substantially similar number ofmicrochannels 224. In embodiments where themicrochannel tubes 214 comprise a substantially similar number ofmicrochannels 224 having substantially similar diameters, it will be appreciated that eachmicrochannel tube 214 may comprise substantiallysimilar microchannel 224 volumes in eachmicrochannel tube 214. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , top and side views of amicrochannel heat exchanger 300 are shown, respectively according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. Themicrochannel heat exchanger 300 may be substantially similar to themicrochannel heat exchanger 108 insofar as it generally comprises a plurality ofheaders 302 joined together in fluid communication bymicrochannel tubes 304. Further, theadjacent microchannel tubes 304 may generally be joined bycorrugated fins 306. However, in this embodiment, theheaders 302 extend generally transverse to theprimary airflow direction 310 rather than in a direction comprising both a significant directional component parallel to theprimary airflow direction 310 and a significant directional component transverse to theprimary airflow direction 310. In other words, theheaders 302 generally extend orthogonally and/or normal relative to theprimary airflow direction 310 rather than at a sloped angle as withtubular headers 212. Further, the uppermost locatedheaders 302 are located substantially in abutment relative to each other thereby eliminating the above-describedsignificant gap 218 present inmicrochannel heat exchanger 108. It will be appreciated that thefins FIGS. 3 and 7 , respectively. - This disclosure contemplates a variety of alternative embodiments of microchannel heat exchangers (i.e. alternative configurations such as single slab, W-shaped, etc.) in which at least one of the microchannel tubes and the associated fins are oriented to minimize resistance to an airflow therethrough. In some embodiments, a
microchannel heat exchanger microchannel heat exchangers indoor unit 102, in some embodiments, each of themicrochannel heat exchangers outdoor unit 104 ofHVAC system 100. In some embodiments,microchannel heat exchanger 108 and/ormicrochannel heat exchanger 300 may be substituted forheat exchanger 114 in theoutdoor unit 104 ofHVAC system 100. - At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations, and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of the embodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, Rl, and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=Rl+k*(Ru−Rl), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention.
Claims (20)
1. A microchannel heat exchanger, comprising:
a plurality of microchannel tubes; and
fins disposed between at least one pair of adjacent microchannel tubes;
wherein at least one of a microchannel tube and a fin is oriented substantially parallel to a primary airflow direction of the microchannel heat exchanger.
2. The microchannel heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the microchannel tubes is substantially flat.
3. The microchannel heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the fins is substantially corrugated.
4. The microchannel heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the microchannel tubes is oriented to carry refrigerant in a direction generally transverse relative to the primary airflow direction and further oriented to present a minimal footprint area when viewed in a direction parallel to the primary airflow direction while maintaining the orientation of refrigerant travel.
5. The microchannel heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein a footprint of the microchannel tubes is maximized when viewed in a direction substantially transverse relative to the primary airflow direction.
6. The microchannel heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein a footprint of the microchannel tubes is minimized when viewed in direction parallel to a direction in which the microchannel tubes carry refrigerant.
7. The microchannel heat exchanger of claim 1 , further comprising headers that extend generally orthogonal relative to the primary airflow direction.
8. The microchannel heat exchanger of claim 1 , further comprising a gap between two headers located furthest in the direction of the primary airflow direction.
9. The microchannel heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein no gap exists between to headers located furthest in the direction of the primary airflow direction.
10. An air handling unit, comprising:
a primary airflow direction; and
a microchannel heat exchanger, comprising:
a plurality of microchannel tubes; and
fins disposed between at least one pair of adjacent microchannel tubes;
wherein at least one of a microchannel tube and a fin is oriented substantially parallel to the primary airflow direction.
11. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein the air handling unit is a blow-through type air handling unit.
12. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein the air handling unit is a pull-through type air handling unit.
13. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein the microchannel heat exchanger is oriented as an A-coil.
14. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein the microchannel heat exchanger is oriented as a V-coil.
15. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein the microchannel heat exchanger further comprises a header extending generally orthogonal relative to the primary airflow direction.
16. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein the microchannel heat exchanger further comprises a header extending generally at angle between orthogonal and parallel relative to the primary airflow direction.
17. The air handling unit of claim 10 , both the microchannel tubes and the fins are oriented substantially parallel to the primary airflow direction.
18. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the microchannel tubes is oriented to carry refrigerant in a direction generally transverse relative to the primary airflow direction and further oriented to present a minimal footprint area when viewed in a direction parallel to the primary airflow direction while maintaining the orientation of refrigerant travel.
19. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein a footprint of the microchannel tubes is maximized when viewed in a direction substantially transverse relative to the primary airflow direction.
20. The air handling unit of claim 10 , wherein a footprint of the microchannel tubes is minimized when viewed in direction parallel to a direction in which the microchannel tubes carry refrigerant.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/170,139 US20140224460A1 (en) | 2013-02-08 | 2014-01-31 | Microchannel Heat Exchanger |
CN201480007899.8A CN104981674B (en) | 2013-02-08 | 2014-02-07 | Micro channel heat exchanger |
PCT/US2014/015389 WO2014124312A1 (en) | 2013-02-08 | 2014-02-07 | Microchannel heat exchanger |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361762759P | 2013-02-08 | 2013-02-08 | |
US14/170,139 US20140224460A1 (en) | 2013-02-08 | 2014-01-31 | Microchannel Heat Exchanger |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140224460A1 true US20140224460A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/170,139 Abandoned US20140224460A1 (en) | 2013-02-08 | 2014-01-31 | Microchannel Heat Exchanger |
Country Status (3)
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US (1) | US20140224460A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104981674B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014124312A1 (en) |
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CN113167541A (en) * | 2018-12-06 | 2021-07-23 | 江森自控科技公司 | Microchannel heat exchanger with varying fin density |
CN112539664A (en) * | 2019-09-20 | 2021-03-23 | 浙江盾安热工科技有限公司 | Heat exchanger |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2014124312A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
CN104981674A (en) | 2015-10-14 |
CN104981674B (en) | 2018-11-09 |
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