US20140318175A1 - Integral heat exchanger distributor - Google Patents
Integral heat exchanger distributor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140318175A1 US20140318175A1 US13/873,412 US201313873412A US2014318175A1 US 20140318175 A1 US20140318175 A1 US 20140318175A1 US 201313873412 A US201313873412 A US 201313873412A US 2014318175 A1 US2014318175 A1 US 2014318175A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- heat exchanger
- flow
- metering
- plates
- closure bar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 56
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012808 vapor phase Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N alstonine Natural products C1=CC2=C3C=CC=CC3=NC2=C2N1C[C@H]1[C@H](C)OC=C(C(=O)OC)[C@H]1C2 WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009834 vaporization Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/08—Elements constructed for building-up into stacks, e.g. capable of being taken apart for cleaning
-
- 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
- F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
- F28D9/0062—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by spaced plates with inserted elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B39/00—Evaporators; Condensers
- F25B39/02—Evaporators
- F25B39/028—Evaporators having distributing means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
- F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/026—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/026—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits
- F28F9/0282—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits by varying the geometry of conduit ends, e.g. by using inserts or attachments for modifying the pattern of flow at the conduit inlet or outlet
-
- 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
- F28D2021/0021—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for aircrafts or cosmonautics
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F28D2021/0068—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for refrigerant cycles
- F28D2021/0071—Evaporators
-
- 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
- F28D2021/008—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for vehicles
- F28D2021/0085—Evaporators
Definitions
- the described subject matter relates generally to heat exchangers, and more specifically to heat exchangers for use with in various refrigerant systems.
- a heat exchanger comprises a first inlet port, a first outlet port longitudinally spaced apart from the first inlet port, a plurality of substantially parallel parting plates stacked along a no-flow axis, a plurality of first flow spaces, and a plurality of metering plates.
- the plurality of first flow spaces are defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates and provide communication between the first inlet port and the first outlet port.
- the plurality of metering plates are disposed across an upstream end of at least one of the first flow spaces.
- Each of the plurality of metering plates includes at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
- a heat exchanger subassembly comprises a first parting plate, a second parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first parting plate, a third parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first and second parting plates.
- a first flow space is disposed between the first and second parting plates, and a second flow space is disposed between the second and third parting plates.
- a first closure bar is disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between the first and second parting plates. The first closure bar has a plurality of metering apertures in communication with the first flow space.
- a heat exchanger subassembly comprises first, second, and third spaced apart and parallel parting plates.
- a first plurality of fins are disposed in a first flow space between the first and second parting plates.
- a second plurality of fins are arranged transversely to the first plurality of fins, and are disposed in a second flow space between the second and third parting plates.
- a first closure bar is disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between the first and second parting plates, the first closure bar having a plurality of metering apertures in communication with the first flow space between adjacent ones of the first plurality of fins.
- An evaporator comprises a plurality of refrigerant passages in heat exchange relationship with a plurality of air passages.
- a refrigerant inlet header is disposed adjacent to an upstream end of at least one of the plurality of refrigerant passages.
- a first closure bar is disposed between the refrigerant inlet header and the upstream end of the at least one refrigerant passage.
- a metering aperture is formed through the first closure bar and is aligned with the at least one refrigerant passage. The metering aperture provides fluid communication between the refrigerant inlet header and the at least one refrigerant passage.
- FIG. 1 shows an example evaporator-type heat exchanger.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger taken through line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 depicts a heat exchanger subassembly suitable for use in the example evaporator-type heat exchanger of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a counterflow heat exchanger.
- FIG. 5 depicts an alternative heat exchanger subassembly suitable for use in the example counterflow heat exchanger of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 1 depicts crossflow heat exchanger 10 with various portions cut away to illustrate the general location of certain internal features.
- FIG. 1 also shows first fluid 12 , inlet port 14 , housing 16 , inlet chamber 18 , refrigerant passages 20 , first/longitudinal axis 22 , second incoming fluid 24 , air passages 26 , second/transverse axis 28 , third/no-flow axis 29 , outlet chamber 30 , and first outlet port 32 .
- Heat exchanger 10 is described with reference to an example evaporator-type heat exchanger for an aircraft.
- the evaporator can be configured as part of a vapor-cycle air management system (not shown).
- a vapor-cycle air management system not shown.
- crossflow heat exchanger 10 shown here is provided for illustrative purposes, and the described subject matter can be readily adapted to other uses.
- the described subject matter can be adapted to many other heat exchanger configurations in which flow rates of each fluid can be suitably managed.
- a second non-limiting example embodiment of a counterflow heat exchanger is shown in FIG. 4 .
- First incoming fluid 12 is received into inlet port 14 formed in housing 16 .
- First incoming fluid 12 can be, for example, a refrigerant having previously been passed through an expansion valve (not shown).
- Inlet chamber 18 is disposed adjacent to an upstream side of one or more refrigerant passages 20 extending along first or longitudinal axis 22 .
- second incoming fluid 24 e.g., air
- Air passages 26 can be substantially perpendicular to refrigerant passages 20 and can extend along second or transverse axis 28 .
- parting plates can be stacked along third or no-flow axis 29 to define first and second flow spaces (best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
- First flow spaces can provide communication between inlet port 14 and outlet port 32 via refrigerant passages 20
- second flow spaces can provide communication along air passages 26 .
- multiple layers of refrigerant passages 20 and air passages 26 are stacked in alternating first and second flow spaces along third/no-flow axis 29 .
- first incoming fluid 12 is heated and vaporized as it passes through inlet chamber 18 , refrigerant passages 20 , and outlet chamber 30 .
- First outgoing fluid 36 which in this example is vaporized refrigerant, is then discharged from outlet port 32 spaced longitudinally apart from inlet chamber 14 .
- the heat of vaporization chills adjacent/alternating air passages 26 so that second outgoing fluid 34 has a lower temperature than second incoming fluid 24 .
- first incoming fluid 12 e.g., liquid/vapor phase refrigerant
- first flow space(s) can be metered before entering refrigerant passages 20 in the first flow space(s).
- a plurality of metering plates can be disposed across an upstream end of at least one of these first flow spaces.
- each of the plurality of metering plates can include at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
- the metering plate(s) can take the form of one or more closure bars or other equivalent structure metallurgically bonded to the internal features of the heat exchanger.
- FIG. 2 shows a portion of example crossflow heat exchanger 10 taken across line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 also includes inlet chamber 18 , refrigerant passages 20 , first/longitudinal axis 22 , air passages 26 , second/transverse axis 28 , third/no-flow axis 29 , parting plates 44 , first flow spaces 46 , second flow spaces 48 , first fins 50 , upstream refrigerant passage ends 52 , first closure bar 54 , metering apertures 56 , metering plates 60 , and second fins 62 .
- a plurality of parting plates 44 are stacked along third/no-flow axis 29 of heat exchanger such that pairs of adjacent parting plates 44 define alternating first flow spaces 46 and second flow spaces 48 , therebetween. Portions of first closure bars 56 are cut away to show first flow spaces 46 between parting plates 44 , as well as a first plurality of fins 50 disposed in each first flow space 46 .
- First fins 50 form first fluid passages extending along first/longitudinal axis 22 . In the evaporator example, the first fluid passages correspond to refrigerant passages 20 .
- Inlet chamber 18 is disposed adjacent to respective upstream ends 52 of each refrigerant passage 20 .
- inlet chamber 18 extends outward from the page.
- a plurality of first closure bars 54 are disposed along a first edge of first flow space 46 between inlet chamber 18 and upstream refrigerant passage ends 52 .
- One or more metering apertures 56 can be formed (e.g., by machining) through each first closure bar 54 , effectively creating a plurality of metering plates 60 disposed in or over an upstream portion of upstream refrigerant passage ends 52 .
- Metering plates 60 either individually or in the form of first closure bar(s) 54 , provide fluid communication between inlet chamber 18 and each refrigerant passage 20 .
- First closure bars 54 , and/or individual metering plates 60 can be brazed or otherwise metallurgically bonded to adjacent parting plates 44 defining each first flow space 46 .
- First closure bars 54 and/or individual metering plates 60 can be assembled directly to a heat exchanger plate-and-fin subassembly such as the subassembly shown in FIG. 3 .
- Metering apertures 56 can thus be more closely aligned with each fluid passage (e.g., refrigerant passages 20 ). It also allows inlet chamber 18 to be an open inlet chamber or header common to multiple refrigerant passages 20 .
- This and other related heat exchanger configurations eliminate the need for a separate distributor tube. In certain embodiments, this reduces the required number of individual fluid headers for each refrigerant passage, potentially reducing weight and manufacturing complexity. Manufacturing variation, tolerance stackup, and assembly errors all increase the occurrence of the misalignment of feedholes formed in the distributor tube relative to individual headers for each refrigerant passage.
- Metering apertures 56 can be individually configured to control the pressure and resulting flow rate of first incoming fluid 12 (shown in FIG. 1 ) through each refrigerant passage 20 .
- one or more metering apertures 56 are cylindrical or frustoconical.
- a cross-section of each metering aperture 56 can also be tailored to local or global flow and pressure parameters.
- each metering aperture 56 can also vary according to its location.
- the size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area of each aperture can be configured so as to provide a substantially equivalent pressure drop through each of the refrigerant passages 20 between inlet chamber 18 and outlet chamber 30 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the size, shape and/or cross-sectional area of each metering aperture 56 can be made to vary according to its position along at least one of second/transverse axis 28 and third/no-flow axis 29 .
- a plurality of second fluid passages can extend through one or more of the second flow spaces 48 .
- the second fluid passages correspond to air passages 26 , extending along second/transverse axis 28 substantially perpendicular to first/longitudinal axis 22 and refrigerant passages 20 .
- a second plurality of fins 62 can be disposed in each second flow space 48 to form first fluid passages extending along first/longitudinal axis 22 .
- the second plurality of fins 62 can be disposed transversely to the first plurality of fins 50 .
- FIG. 3 shows plate-and-fin subassembly 110 for a heat exchanger such as an evaporator.
- FIG. 3 also includes first fluid passages 120 , first/longitudinal axis 122 , second fluid passages 126 , second/transverse axis 128 , third/no-flow axis 129 , parting plates 144 A, 144 B, 144 C, first flow space 146 , second flow space 148 , first fins 150 , first closure bar 154 , metering apertures 156 , metering plates 160 , second fins 162 , first edges 166 A, 166 B, second closure bar 168 , and second edges 170 A, 170 B.
- First parting plate 144 A, second parting plate 144 B, and third parting plate 144 C are generally parallel to one another and spaced apart along third/no-flow axis 129 .
- First plurality of fins 150 are disposed in first flow space 146 between first and second parting plates 144 A, 144 B, defining a plurality of first fluid passages 120 extending along first/longitudinal axis 122 .
- Second plurality of fins 162 can be disposed in second flow space 148 between second and third parting plates 144 B, 144 C. In the crossflow configuration, fins 162 can be arranged transversely to fins 150 to define a plurality of second fluid passages 126 extending along second/transverse axis 128 .
- first closure bar 154 is disposed along first edges 166 A, 166 B of first flow space 146 between first and second parting plates 144 A, 144 B.
- First closure bar 154 can include a plurality of metering apertures 156 in communication with first flow space 146 between adjacent ones of fins 150 . This forms effective metering plates 160 disposed at one end of each first fluid passage 120 .
- first closure bar 154 and/or individual metering plates 160 are metallurgically bonded to first and second parting plates 144 A, 144 B.
- second closure bar 168 can be arranged transversely to first closure bar 154 along second edges 170 A, 170 B of first flow space 146 .
- Second closure bar 168 can be free of any metering apertures to prevent leakage or intermingling of fluids passing separately through first and second flow spaces 146 , 148 .
- a longitudinal axis of second closure bar 168 can thus be arranged parallel to the first plurality of fins 150 .
- FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment which includes counterflow heat exchanger 210 .
- Various portions of counterflow heat exchanger 210 are cut away in FIG. 4 to illustrate the general location of certain internal features. Similar to FIG. 1 , which shows an example crossflow heat exchanger 10 , counterflow heat exchanger 210 can also be configured as an evaporator-type heat exchanger. However, counterflow heat exchanger 210 is provided for illustrative purposes, and the described subject matter can be readily adapted to other uses.
- First incoming fluid 212 for example, a liquid/vapor phase refrigerant mixture, can be received into first inlet port 214 A formed in housing 216 .
- Inlet chamber 218 A is disposed adjacent to an upstream side of one or more first fluid passages 220 , with each passage extending along first/longitudinal axis 222 .
- First fluid 212 then enters outlet chamber 230 , where it is discharged (as first outgoing fluid 236 ) from first outlet port 232 A longitudinally spaced apart from first inlet port 214 A.
- Second incoming fluid 224 enters via inlet port 214 B, then flows through housing 216 before exiting from second outlet chamber 230 B.
- Second inlet port 214 B is also longitudinally spaced apart from second outlet port 232 B.
- second inlet port 214 B can be disposed at the same longitudinal end of heat exchanger 210 as first outlet port 232 A, while first inlet port 214 A can be disposed at the same longitudinal end of heat exchanger 210 as second outlet port 232 B.
- heat exchanger 210 can be further adapted to a coflow relationship in which fluid inlets 214 A, 214 B are disposed at the same longitudinal end, and are longitudinally spaced apart from outlet ports 232 A, 232 B.
- Second fluid 224 flows through heat exchanger 210 via a plurality of longitudinal second fluid passages 226 in heat transfer relationship with the one or more first fluid passages 220 .
- Multiple layers of first fluid passages 220 and second fluid passages 226 can be stacked in an alternating manner between adjacent parting plates along third/no-flow axis 229 .
- passages 226 can be arranged in a serpentine manner through each layer so that second fluid 224 flows back and forth along first axis 222 before exiting via second outlet port 232 B. This is best seen in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 5 shows plate-and-fin subassembly 310 for a heat exchanger such as counterflow heat exchanger 210 shown in FIG. 4 .
- First parting plate 344 A, second parting plate 344 B, and third parting plate 344 C are generally parallel to one another and spaced apart along third/no-flow axis 329 .
- First plurality of fins 350 are disposed in first flow space 346 between first and second parting plates 344 A, 344 B, defining a plurality of first passages 320 extending along first/longitudinal flow axis 322 .
- Second plurality of fins 362 can be disposed in second flow space 348 between second and third parting plates 344 B, 344 C, defining a plurality of second passages 326 also extending along first/longitudinal flow axis 322 . Second fins 362 can thus be arranged parallel to first fins 350 .
- first closure bar 354 is disposed along first edges 366 A, 366 B of first flow space 346 between first and second parting plates 344 A, 344 B.
- First closure bar 354 can include a plurality of metering apertures 356 in communication with first flow space 346 between adjacent ones of first fins 350 . This forms effective metering plates 360 disposed at one end of each first fluid passage 320 .
- first closure bar 354 and/or individual metering plates 360 are metallurgically bonded to first and second parting plates 344 A, 344 B.
- second closure bar 368 can be arranged transversely to first closure bar 354 along second edges 370 A, 370 B of first flow space 346 . Second closure bar 368 can be free of metering apertures to prevent leakage or intermingling of fluids passing through first and second flow spaces 346 , 348 .
- fluid can flow in the same direction along second passages 326 .
- some fins 362 can optionally be recessed from first edges 366 B, 366 C to allow the fluid in second flow space 348 to change direction.
- additional closure bars or plates can be disposed along first edges 366 B, 366 C to enclose the serpentine passages and retain the second fluid within second flow space 348 .
- a heat exchanger comprises a first inlet port, a first outlet port longitudinally spaced apart from the first inlet port, a plurality of substantially parallel parting plates stacked along a no-flow axis, a plurality of first flow spaces, and a plurality of metering plates.
- the plurality of first flow spaces are defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates and provide communication between the first inlet port and the first outlet port.
- the plurality of metering plates are disposed across an upstream end of at least one of the first flow spaces.
- Each of the plurality of metering plates includes at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
- the heat exchanger of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- a further embodiment of the foregoing heat exchanger wherein the plurality of metering plates comprise a first closure bar arranged along a first edge of the at least one first flow space proximate to the first inlet port.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers further comprising a second closure bar arranged transversely to the first closure bar along a second edge of the first flow space, the second closure bar free of any metering apertures.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture varies along at least one of: the no-flow axis, and a transverse axis.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture is configured so as to provide a substantially equivalent pressure drop through each of the plurality of first flow spaces between the first inlet port and the first outlet port.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers further comprising a plurality of first fluid passages extending along a longitudinal axis of the at least one first flow space.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers wherein the plurality of first fluid passages comprises a first plurality of fins disposed in the at least one first flow space.
- each of the plurality of metering apertures includes at least one metering aperture in communication with each of the first fluid passages.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers further comprising an inlet chamber disposed in fluid communication between the inlet port and the plurality of metering apertures.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers further comprising a second inlet port; a second outlet port; and a plurality of second flow spaces providing communication between the second inlet port and the second outlet port; the plurality of second flow spaces defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers further comprising a second plurality of fins disposed in the at least one second flow space, the second plurality of fins defining a plurality of second fluid passages extending through the at least one second flow space.
- a heat exchanger subassembly comprises a first parting plate, a second parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first parting plate, a third parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first and second parting plates.
- a first flow space is disposed between the first and second parting plates, and a second flow space is disposed between the second and third parting plates.
- a first closure bar is disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between the first and second parting plates. The first closure bar has a plurality of metering apertures in communication with the first flow space.
- the heat exchanger subassembly of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies further comprising a first plurality of fins disposed in the first flow space; and a second plurality of fins disposed in the second flow space.
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies further comprising a second closure bar arranged transversely to the first closure bar along a second edge of the first flow space, the second closure bar free of metering apertures.
- An evaporator comprises a plurality of refrigerant passages in heat exchange relationship with a plurality of air passages.
- a refrigerant inlet header is disposed adjacent to an upstream end of at least one of the plurality of refrigerant passages.
- a first closure bar is disposed between the refrigerant inlet header and the upstream end of the at least one refrigerant passage.
- a metering aperture is formed through the first closure bar and is aligned with the at least one refrigerant passage. The metering aperture provides fluid communication between the refrigerant inlet header and the at least one refrigerant passage.
- the evaporator of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators further comprising a plurality of parting plates spaced apart along a no-flow axis of the heat exchanger; wherein the plurality of refrigerant passages and the plurality of air passages are stacked in an alternating manner between adjacent ones of the parting plates.
- thermoelectric relationship includes a crossflow heat exchange relationship
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geometry (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Abstract
A heat exchanger comprises a first inlet port, a first outlet port longitudinally spaced apart from the first inlet port, a plurality of substantially parallel parting plates stacked along a no-flow axis, a plurality of first flow spaces, and a plurality of metering plates. The plurality of first flow spaces are defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates and provide communication between the first inlet port and the first outlet port. The plurality of metering plates are disposed across an upstream end of at least one of the first flow spaces. Each of the plurality of metering plates includes at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
Description
- The described subject matter relates generally to heat exchangers, and more specifically to heat exchangers for use with in various refrigerant systems.
- The current method of distributing a liquid/vapor mixture to the inlet face of an evaporator-type heat exchanger is through a distributor tube. An attempt is made to position holes of the distributor tube at optimum locations and to line them up with each fin passage of a plate fin heat exchanger. Due to tolerance accumulation and manufacturing variation, however, these holes feeding the liquid/vapor mixture do not readily line up with their respective passages. Thus there is often uneven distribution of the liquid/vapor mixture which reduces efficiency of thermal transfer.
- A heat exchanger comprises a first inlet port, a first outlet port longitudinally spaced apart from the first inlet port, a plurality of substantially parallel parting plates stacked along a no-flow axis, a plurality of first flow spaces, and a plurality of metering plates. The plurality of first flow spaces are defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates and provide communication between the first inlet port and the first outlet port. The plurality of metering plates are disposed across an upstream end of at least one of the first flow spaces. Each of the plurality of metering plates includes at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
- A heat exchanger subassembly comprises a first parting plate, a second parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first parting plate, a third parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first and second parting plates. A first flow space is disposed between the first and second parting plates, and a second flow space is disposed between the second and third parting plates. A first closure bar is disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between the first and second parting plates. The first closure bar has a plurality of metering apertures in communication with the first flow space.
- A heat exchanger subassembly comprises first, second, and third spaced apart and parallel parting plates. A first plurality of fins are disposed in a first flow space between the first and second parting plates. A second plurality of fins are arranged transversely to the first plurality of fins, and are disposed in a second flow space between the second and third parting plates. A first closure bar is disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between the first and second parting plates, the first closure bar having a plurality of metering apertures in communication with the first flow space between adjacent ones of the first plurality of fins.
- An evaporator comprises a plurality of refrigerant passages in heat exchange relationship with a plurality of air passages. A refrigerant inlet header is disposed adjacent to an upstream end of at least one of the plurality of refrigerant passages. A first closure bar is disposed between the refrigerant inlet header and the upstream end of the at least one refrigerant passage. A metering aperture is formed through the first closure bar and is aligned with the at least one refrigerant passage. The metering aperture provides fluid communication between the refrigerant inlet header and the at least one refrigerant passage.
-
FIG. 1 shows an example evaporator-type heat exchanger. -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger taken through line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 depicts a heat exchanger subassembly suitable for use in the example evaporator-type heat exchanger ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a counterflow heat exchanger. -
FIG. 5 depicts an alternative heat exchanger subassembly suitable for use in the example counterflow heat exchanger ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 1 depictscrossflow heat exchanger 10 with various portions cut away to illustrate the general location of certain internal features.FIG. 1 also showsfirst fluid 12,inlet port 14,housing 16,inlet chamber 18,refrigerant passages 20, first/longitudinal axis 22, secondincoming fluid 24,air passages 26, second/transverse axis 28, third/no-flow axis 29,outlet chamber 30, andfirst outlet port 32. -
Heat exchanger 10 is described with reference to an example evaporator-type heat exchanger for an aircraft. The evaporator can be configured as part of a vapor-cycle air management system (not shown). However, it will be appreciated that the configuration ofcrossflow heat exchanger 10 shown here is provided for illustrative purposes, and the described subject matter can be readily adapted to other uses. For example, though shown as a crossflow evaporator-type heat exchanger, the described subject matter can be adapted to many other heat exchanger configurations in which flow rates of each fluid can be suitably managed. A second non-limiting example embodiment of a counterflow heat exchanger is shown inFIG. 4 . - First
incoming fluid 12 is received intoinlet port 14 formed inhousing 16. Firstincoming fluid 12 can be, for example, a refrigerant having previously been passed through an expansion valve (not shown).Inlet chamber 18 is disposed adjacent to an upstream side of one or morerefrigerant passages 20 extending along first orlongitudinal axis 22. In the crossflow heat exchange relationship ofFIG. 1 , second incoming fluid 24 (e.g., air) flows transversely through a plurality ofair passages 26 in heat exchange relationship with the one or morerefrigerant passages 20.Air passages 26 can be substantially perpendicular to refrigerantpassages 20 and can extend along second ortransverse axis 28. - In certain embodiments, parting plates can be stacked along third or no-
flow axis 29 to define first and second flow spaces (best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ). First flow spaces can provide communication betweeninlet port 14 andoutlet port 32 viarefrigerant passages 20, while second flow spaces can provide communication alongair passages 26. In certain of these embodiments, multiple layers ofrefrigerant passages 20 andair passages 26 are stacked in alternating first and second flow spaces along third/no-flow axis 29. - In a heat exchange relationship for an evaporator, the mixed liquid/vapor phase of first
incoming fluid 12 is heated and vaporized as it passes throughinlet chamber 18,refrigerant passages 20, andoutlet chamber 30. Firstoutgoing fluid 36, which in this example is vaporized refrigerant, is then discharged fromoutlet port 32 spaced longitudinally apart frominlet chamber 14. As firstincoming fluid 12 passes throughrefrigerant passages 20, the heat of vaporization chills adjacent/alternating air passages 26 so that secondoutgoing fluid 34 has a lower temperature than secondincoming fluid 24. - To optimize heat transfer and fluid flow rates, the flow of first incoming fluid 12 (e.g., liquid/vapor phase refrigerant) can be metered before entering
refrigerant passages 20 in the first flow space(s). Thus a plurality of metering plates can be disposed across an upstream end of at least one of these first flow spaces. As will be seen in subsequent figures, each of the plurality of metering plates can include at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space. In certain embodiments, the metering plate(s) can take the form of one or more closure bars or other equivalent structure metallurgically bonded to the internal features of the heat exchanger. -
FIG. 2 shows a portion of examplecrossflow heat exchanger 10 taken across line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 2 also includesinlet chamber 18,refrigerant passages 20, first/longitudinal axis 22,air passages 26, second/transverse axis 28, third/no-flow axis 29,parting plates 44,first flow spaces 46,second flow spaces 48, firstfins 50, upstreamrefrigerant passage ends 52,first closure bar 54, metering apertures 56, metering plates 60, andsecond fins 62. - A plurality of
parting plates 44 are stacked along third/no-flow axis 29 of heat exchanger such that pairs ofadjacent parting plates 44 define alternatingfirst flow spaces 46 andsecond flow spaces 48, therebetween. Portions of first closure bars 56 are cut away to showfirst flow spaces 46 betweenparting plates 44, as well as a first plurality offins 50 disposed in eachfirst flow space 46. First fins 50 form first fluid passages extending along first/longitudinal axis 22. In the evaporator example, the first fluid passages correspond torefrigerant passages 20. -
Inlet chamber 18 is disposed adjacent to respectiveupstream ends 52 of eachrefrigerant passage 20. In the view ofFIG. 2 ,inlet chamber 18 extends outward from the page. A plurality offirst closure bars 54 are disposed along a first edge offirst flow space 46 betweeninlet chamber 18 and upstreamrefrigerant passage ends 52. One or more metering apertures 56 can be formed (e.g., by machining) through eachfirst closure bar 54, effectively creating a plurality of metering plates 60 disposed in or over an upstream portion of upstreamrefrigerant passage ends 52. Metering plates 60, either individually or in the form of first closure bar(s) 54, provide fluid communication betweeninlet chamber 18 and eachrefrigerant passage 20.First closure bars 54, and/or individual metering plates 60 can be brazed or otherwise metallurgically bonded toadjacent parting plates 44 defining eachfirst flow space 46. First closure bars 54 and/or individual metering plates 60 can be assembled directly to a heat exchanger plate-and-fin subassembly such as the subassembly shown inFIG. 3 . Metering apertures 56 can thus be more closely aligned with each fluid passage (e.g., refrigerant passages 20). It also allowsinlet chamber 18 to be an open inlet chamber or header common to multiplerefrigerant passages 20. - This and other related heat exchanger configurations eliminate the need for a separate distributor tube. In certain embodiments, this reduces the required number of individual fluid headers for each refrigerant passage, potentially reducing weight and manufacturing complexity. Manufacturing variation, tolerance stackup, and assembly errors all increase the occurrence of the misalignment of feedholes formed in the distributor tube relative to individual headers for each refrigerant passage.
- Metering apertures 56 can be individually configured to control the pressure and resulting flow rate of first incoming fluid 12 (shown in
FIG. 1 ) through eachrefrigerant passage 20. In certain embodiments, one or more metering apertures 56 are cylindrical or frustoconical. A cross-section of each metering aperture 56 can also be tailored to local or global flow and pressure parameters. - The cross-sectional area of each metering aperture 56 can also vary according to its location. In certain embodiments, the size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area of each aperture can be configured so as to provide a substantially equivalent pressure drop through each of the
refrigerant passages 20 betweeninlet chamber 18 and outlet chamber 30 (shown inFIG. 1 ). In certain embodiments, the size, shape and/or cross-sectional area of each metering aperture 56 can be made to vary according to its position along at least one of second/transverse axis 28 and third/no-flow axis 29. - To further enhance heat transfer relationships, a plurality of second fluid passages can extend through one or more of the
second flow spaces 48. In the evaporator example, the second fluid passages correspond to airpassages 26, extending along second/transverse axis 28 substantially perpendicular to first/longitudinal axis 22 andrefrigerant passages 20. A second plurality offins 62 can be disposed in eachsecond flow space 48 to form first fluid passages extending along first/longitudinal axis 22. In the crossflow heat exchange relationship, the second plurality offins 62 can be disposed transversely to the first plurality offins 50. -
FIG. 3 shows plate-and-fin subassembly 110 for a heat exchanger such as an evaporator.FIG. 3 also includes firstfluid passages 120, first/longitudinal axis 122, secondfluid passages 126, second/transverse axis 128, third/no-flow axis 129,parting plates first flow space 146,second flow space 148, first fins 150,first closure bar 154,metering apertures 156, metering plates 160,second fins 162,first edges second closure bar 168, andsecond edges -
First parting plate 144A,second parting plate 144B, andthird parting plate 144C are generally parallel to one another and spaced apart along third/no-flow axis 129. First plurality of fins 150 are disposed infirst flow space 146 between first andsecond parting plates fluid passages 120 extending along first/longitudinal axis 122. Second plurality offins 162 can be disposed insecond flow space 148 between second andthird parting plates fins 162 can be arranged transversely to fins 150 to define a plurality of secondfluid passages 126 extending along second/transverse axis 128. - Similar to
FIG. 2 ,first closure bar 154 is disposed alongfirst edges first flow space 146 between first andsecond parting plates First closure bar 154 can include a plurality ofmetering apertures 156 in communication withfirst flow space 146 between adjacent ones of fins 150. This forms effective metering plates 160 disposed at one end of eachfirst fluid passage 120. In certain embodiments,first closure bar 154 and/or individual metering plates 160 are metallurgically bonded to first andsecond parting plates - In certain embodiments,
second closure bar 168 can be arranged transversely tofirst closure bar 154 alongsecond edges first flow space 146.Second closure bar 168 can be free of any metering apertures to prevent leakage or intermingling of fluids passing separately through first andsecond flow spaces second closure bar 168 can thus be arranged parallel to the first plurality of fins 150. -
FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment which includescounterflow heat exchanger 210. Various portions ofcounterflow heat exchanger 210 are cut away inFIG. 4 to illustrate the general location of certain internal features. Similar toFIG. 1 , which shows an examplecrossflow heat exchanger 10,counterflow heat exchanger 210 can also be configured as an evaporator-type heat exchanger. However,counterflow heat exchanger 210 is provided for illustrative purposes, and the described subject matter can be readily adapted to other uses. - First
incoming fluid 212, for example, a liquid/vapor phase refrigerant mixture, can be received intofirst inlet port 214A formed inhousing 216. Inlet chamber 218A is disposed adjacent to an upstream side of one or more firstfluid passages 220, with each passage extending along first/longitudinal axis 222.First fluid 212 then entersoutlet chamber 230, where it is discharged (as first outgoing fluid 236) fromfirst outlet port 232A longitudinally spaced apart fromfirst inlet port 214A. - Second
incoming fluid 224, for example, air, enters viainlet port 214B, then flows throughhousing 216 before exiting from second outlet chamber 230B.Second inlet port 214B is also longitudinally spaced apart fromsecond outlet port 232B. In a counterflow design,second inlet port 214B can be disposed at the same longitudinal end ofheat exchanger 210 asfirst outlet port 232A, whilefirst inlet port 214A can be disposed at the same longitudinal end ofheat exchanger 210 assecond outlet port 232B. It will be appreciated thatheat exchanger 210 can be further adapted to a coflow relationship in whichfluid inlets outlet ports -
Second fluid 224 flows throughheat exchanger 210 via a plurality of longitudinal secondfluid passages 226 in heat transfer relationship with the one or more firstfluid passages 220. Multiple layers of firstfluid passages 220 and secondfluid passages 226 can be stacked in an alternating manner between adjacent parting plates along third/no-flow axis 229. In certain embodiments,passages 226 can be arranged in a serpentine manner through each layer so thatsecond fluid 224 flows back and forth along first axis 222 before exiting viasecond outlet port 232B. This is best seen inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 5 shows plate-and-fin subassembly 310 for a heat exchanger such ascounterflow heat exchanger 210 shown inFIG. 4 .First parting plate 344A,second parting plate 344B, andthird parting plate 344C are generally parallel to one another and spaced apart along third/no-flow axis 329. First plurality offins 350 are disposed infirst flow space 346 between first andsecond parting plates first passages 320 extending along first/longitudinal flow axis 322. Second plurality offins 362 can be disposed insecond flow space 348 between second andthird parting plates longitudinal flow axis 322.Second fins 362 can thus be arranged parallel tofirst fins 350. - Similar to
FIGS. 2 and 3 ,first closure bar 354 is disposed alongfirst edges first flow space 346 between first andsecond parting plates First closure bar 354 can include a plurality ofmetering apertures 356 in communication withfirst flow space 346 between adjacent ones offirst fins 350. This forms effective metering plates 360 disposed at one end of eachfirst fluid passage 320. In certain embodiments,first closure bar 354 and/or individual metering plates 360 are metallurgically bonded to first andsecond parting plates second closure bar 368 can be arranged transversely tofirst closure bar 354 alongsecond edges first flow space 346.Second closure bar 368 can be free of metering apertures to prevent leakage or intermingling of fluids passing through first andsecond flow spaces - In certain embodiments of a counterflow heat exchanger, fluid can flow in the same direction along second passages 326. However, to allow for serpentine flow in
second flow space 348, somefins 362 can optionally be recessed fromfirst edges second flow space 348 to change direction. It will be appreciated that, in these embodiments, additional closure bars or plates (not shown for clarity) can be disposed alongfirst edges second flow space 348. - The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.
- A heat exchanger comprises a first inlet port, a first outlet port longitudinally spaced apart from the first inlet port, a plurality of substantially parallel parting plates stacked along a no-flow axis, a plurality of first flow spaces, and a plurality of metering plates. The plurality of first flow spaces are defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates and provide communication between the first inlet port and the first outlet port. The plurality of metering plates are disposed across an upstream end of at least one of the first flow spaces. Each of the plurality of metering plates includes at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
- The heat exchanger of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- A further embodiment of the foregoing heat exchanger, wherein the plurality of metering plates comprise a first closure bar arranged along a first edge of the at least one first flow space proximate to the first inlet port.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the first closure bar is metallurgically bonded to adjacent ones of the parting plates defining the one of the first flow spaces.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising a second closure bar arranged transversely to the first closure bar along a second edge of the first flow space, the second closure bar free of any metering apertures.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture varies along at least one of: the no-flow axis, and a transverse axis.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture is configured so as to provide a substantially equivalent pressure drop through each of the plurality of first flow spaces between the first inlet port and the first outlet port.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising a plurality of first fluid passages extending along a longitudinal axis of the at least one first flow space.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the plurality of first fluid passages comprises a first plurality of fins disposed in the at least one first flow space.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein each of the plurality of metering apertures includes at least one metering aperture in communication with each of the first fluid passages.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising an inlet chamber disposed in fluid communication between the inlet port and the plurality of metering apertures.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising a second inlet port; a second outlet port; and a plurality of second flow spaces providing communication between the second inlet port and the second outlet port; the plurality of second flow spaces defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the plurality of parting plates define alternating ones of the first plurality of flow spaces and the second plurality of second flow spaces.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising a second plurality of fins disposed in the at least one second flow space, the second plurality of fins defining a plurality of second fluid passages extending through the at least one second flow space.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the plurality of second fluid passages extend along a transverse axis.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the plurality of second fluid passages extend along a longitudinal axis.
- A heat exchanger subassembly comprises a first parting plate, a second parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first parting plate, a third parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first and second parting plates. A first flow space is disposed between the first and second parting plates, and a second flow space is disposed between the second and third parting plates. A first closure bar is disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between the first and second parting plates. The first closure bar has a plurality of metering apertures in communication with the first flow space.
- The heat exchanger subassembly of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- A further embodiment of the foregoing heat exchanger subassembly, wherein the first closure bar is metallurgically bonded to the first and second parting plates.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, further comprising a first plurality of fins disposed in the first flow space; and a second plurality of fins disposed in the second flow space.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, wherein the second plurality of fins define a plurality of second flow passages arranged transversely to a plurality of first flow passages defined by the first plurality of fins.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, wherein the second plurality of fins define a plurality of second flow passages arranged parallel to a plurality of first flow passages defined by the first plurality of fins.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture varies along a length of the first closure bar.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, further comprising a second closure bar arranged transversely to the first closure bar along a second edge of the first flow space, the second closure bar free of metering apertures.
- An evaporator comprises a plurality of refrigerant passages in heat exchange relationship with a plurality of air passages. A refrigerant inlet header is disposed adjacent to an upstream end of at least one of the plurality of refrigerant passages. A first closure bar is disposed between the refrigerant inlet header and the upstream end of the at least one refrigerant passage. A metering aperture is formed through the first closure bar and is aligned with the at least one refrigerant passage. The metering aperture provides fluid communication between the refrigerant inlet header and the at least one refrigerant passage.
- The evaporator of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
- A further embodiment of the foregoing evaporator, wherein the at least one refrigerant passage extends along a longitudinal axis of the evaporator.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators, further comprising a plurality of parting plates spaced apart along a no-flow axis of the heat exchanger; wherein the plurality of refrigerant passages and the plurality of air passages are stacked in an alternating manner between adjacent ones of the parting plates.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators, wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture varies along a length of the first closure bar.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators, wherein the heat exchange relationship includes a crossflow heat exchange relationship.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators, wherein the heat exchange relationship includes a counterflow heat exchange relationship.
- While described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), 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(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (28)
1. A heat exchanger comprising:
a first inlet port;
a first outlet port longitudinally spaced apart from the first inlet port;
a plurality of substantially parallel parting plates stacked along a no-flow axis;
a plurality of first flow spaces providing communication between the first inlet port and the first outlet port; the plurality of first flow spaces defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates; and
a plurality of metering plates disposed across an upstream end of at least one of the first flow spaces, each of the plurality of metering plates including at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
2. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of metering plates comprise a first closure bar arranged along a first edge of the at least one first flow space proximate to the first inlet port.
3. The heat exchanger of claim 2 , wherein the first closure bar is metallurgically bonded to adjacent ones of the parting plates defining the one of the first flow spaces.
4. The heat exchanger of claim 3 , further comprising:
a second closure bar arranged transversely to the first closure bar along a second edge of the first flow space, the second closure bar free of any metering apertures.
5. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture varies along at least one of: the no-flow axis, and a transverse axis.
6. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture is configured so as to provide a substantially equivalent pressure drop through each of the plurality of first flow spaces between the first inlet port and the first outlet port.
7. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , further comprising:
a plurality of first fluid passages extending along a longitudinal axis of the at least one first flow space.
8. The heat exchanger of claim 7 , wherein the plurality of first fluid passages comprises:
a first plurality of fins disposed in the at least one first flow space.
9. The heat exchanger of claim 7 , wherein each of the plurality of metering apertures includes at least one metering aperture in communication with each of the first fluid passages.
10. The heat exchanger of claim 7 , further comprising an inlet chamber disposed in fluid communication between the inlet port and the plurality of metering apertures.
11. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , further comprising:
a second inlet port;
a second outlet port; and
a plurality of second flow spaces providing communication between the second inlet port and the second outlet port; the plurality of second flow spaces defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates.
12. The heat exchanger of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of parting plates define alternating ones of the first plurality of flow spaces and the second plurality of second flow spaces.
13. The heat exchanger of claim 11 , further comprising:
a second plurality of fins disposed in the at least one second flow space, the second plurality of fins defining a plurality of second fluid passages extending through the at least one second flow space.
14. The heat exchanger of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of second fluid passages extend along a transverse axis.
15. The heat exchanger of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of second fluid passages extend along a longitudinal axis.
16. A heat exchanger subassembly comprising:
a first parting plate;
a second parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first parting plate;
a third parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first and second parting plates;
a first flow space between the first and second parting plates;
a second flow space between the second and third parting plates; and
a first closure bar disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between the first and second parting plates, the first closure bar having a plurality of metering apertures in communication with the first flow space.
17. The heat exchanger subassembly of claim 16 , wherein the first closure bar is metallurgically bonded to the first and second parting plates.
18. The heat exchanger subassembly of claim 16 , further comprising:
a first plurality of fins disposed in the first flow space; and
a second plurality of fins disposed in the second flow space.
19. The heat exchanger subassembly of claim 18 , wherein the second plurality of fins define a plurality of second flow passages arranged transversely to a plurality of first flow passages defined by the first plurality of fins.
20. The heat exchanger subassembly of claim 18 , wherein the second plurality of fins define a plurality of second flow passages arranged parallel to a plurality of first flow passages defined by the first plurality of fins.
21. The heat exchanger subassembly of claim 16 , wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture varies along a length of the first closure bar.
22. The heat exchanger subassembly of claim 16 , further comprising:
a second closure bar arranged transversely to the first closure bar along a second edge of the first flow space, the second closure bar free of metering apertures.
23. An evaporator comprising:
a plurality of refrigerant passages in heat exchange relationship with a plurality of air passages;
a refrigerant inlet header disposed adjacent to an upstream end of at least one of the plurality of refrigerant passages;
a first closure bar disposed between the refrigerant inlet header and the upstream end of the at least one refrigerant passage; and
a metering aperture formed through the first closure bar and aligned with the at least one refrigerant passage, the metering aperture providing fluid communication between the refrigerant inlet header and the at least one refrigerant passage.
24. The evaporator of claim 23 , wherein the at least one refrigerant passage extends along a longitudinal axis of the evaporator.
25. The evaporator of claim 23 , further comprising:
a plurality of parting plates spaced apart along a no-flow axis of the heat exchanger;
wherein the plurality of refrigerant passages and the plurality of air passages are stacked in an alternating manner between adjacent ones of the parting plates.
26. The evaporator of claim 25 , wherein a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture varies along a length of the first closure bar.
27. The evaporator of claim 23 , wherein the heat exchange relationship includes a crossflow heat exchange relationship.
28. The evaporator of claim 23 , wherein the heat exchange relationship includes a counterflow heat exchange relationship.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/873,412 US20140318175A1 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2013-04-30 | Integral heat exchanger distributor |
EP14166550.5A EP2816307B1 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2014-04-30 | Integral heat exchanger distributor |
EP18204667.2A EP3462119B1 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2014-04-30 | Integral heat exchanger distributor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/873,412 US20140318175A1 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2013-04-30 | Integral heat exchanger distributor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140318175A1 true US20140318175A1 (en) | 2014-10-30 |
Family
ID=50588580
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/873,412 Abandoned US20140318175A1 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2013-04-30 | Integral heat exchanger distributor |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140318175A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP3462119B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3462119B1 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2021-03-31 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Integral heat exchanger distributor |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3359616A (en) * | 1965-06-28 | 1967-12-26 | Trane Co | Method of constructing a plate type heat exchanger |
US4844151A (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1989-07-04 | Sundstrand Corporation | Heat exchanger apparatus |
US5029640A (en) * | 1989-05-01 | 1991-07-09 | Sundstrand Corporation | Gas-liquid impingement plate type heat exchanger |
US20010047862A1 (en) * | 1995-04-13 | 2001-12-06 | Anderson Alexander F. | Carbon/carbon heat exchanger and manufacturing method |
US20040159121A1 (en) * | 2001-06-18 | 2004-08-19 | Hirofumi Horiuchi | Evaporator, manufacturing method of the same, header for evaporator and refrigeration system |
US9279626B2 (en) * | 2012-01-23 | 2016-03-08 | Honeywell International Inc. | Plate-fin heat exchanger with a porous blocker bar |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3380517A (en) | 1966-09-26 | 1968-04-30 | Trane Co | Plate type heat exchangers |
GB1216306A (en) | 1967-03-31 | 1970-12-16 | Marston Excelsior Limiited | Plate-type heat exchangers |
US3612494A (en) | 1968-09-11 | 1971-10-12 | Kobe Steel Ltd | Gas-liquid contact apparatus |
NL6918069A (en) * | 1969-03-03 | 1970-09-07 | ||
US4249595A (en) | 1979-09-07 | 1981-02-10 | The Trane Company | Plate type heat exchanger with bar means for flow control and structural support |
US4450903A (en) | 1982-09-20 | 1984-05-29 | The Trane Company | Plate type heat exchanger with transverse hollow slotted bar |
FR2547898B1 (en) | 1983-06-24 | 1985-11-29 | Air Liquide | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VAPORIZING A LIQUID BY HEAT EXCHANGE WITH A SECOND FLUID, AND THEIR APPLICATION TO AN AIR DISTILLATION INSTALLATION |
US20090100854A1 (en) * | 2007-10-18 | 2009-04-23 | Ilya Reyzin | Evaporatively cooled condenser |
HUE038076T2 (en) * | 2011-07-28 | 2018-09-28 | Nestec Sa | Methods and devices for heating or cooling viscous materials |
US20140318175A1 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2014-10-30 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Integral heat exchanger distributor |
-
2013
- 2013-04-30 US US13/873,412 patent/US20140318175A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2014
- 2014-04-30 EP EP18204667.2A patent/EP3462119B1/en not_active Revoked
- 2014-04-30 EP EP14166550.5A patent/EP2816307B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3359616A (en) * | 1965-06-28 | 1967-12-26 | Trane Co | Method of constructing a plate type heat exchanger |
US4844151A (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1989-07-04 | Sundstrand Corporation | Heat exchanger apparatus |
US5029640A (en) * | 1989-05-01 | 1991-07-09 | Sundstrand Corporation | Gas-liquid impingement plate type heat exchanger |
US20010047862A1 (en) * | 1995-04-13 | 2001-12-06 | Anderson Alexander F. | Carbon/carbon heat exchanger and manufacturing method |
US20040159121A1 (en) * | 2001-06-18 | 2004-08-19 | Hirofumi Horiuchi | Evaporator, manufacturing method of the same, header for evaporator and refrigeration system |
US9279626B2 (en) * | 2012-01-23 | 2016-03-08 | Honeywell International Inc. | Plate-fin heat exchanger with a porous blocker bar |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3462119B1 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2021-03-31 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Integral heat exchanger distributor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2816307A3 (en) | 2015-01-14 |
EP2816307B1 (en) | 2018-11-07 |
EP2816307A2 (en) | 2014-12-24 |
EP3462119B1 (en) | 2021-03-31 |
EP3462119A1 (en) | 2019-04-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8485248B2 (en) | Flow distributor for a heat exchanger assembly | |
EP3228971B1 (en) | Spiral tube heat exchanger | |
US8550153B2 (en) | Heat exchanger and method of operating the same | |
US8113270B2 (en) | Tube insert and bi-flow arrangement for a header of a heat pump | |
US10161686B2 (en) | Microchanel heat exchanger evaporator | |
CN106574808B (en) | Low refrigerant charge microchannel heat exchanger | |
US20140060789A1 (en) | Heat exchanger and method of operating the same | |
EP3059542B1 (en) | Laminated header, heat exchanger, and air-conditioner | |
US10619936B2 (en) | High pressure counterflow heat exchanger | |
US20140231056A1 (en) | Heat exchanger | |
CN103890532A (en) | Flattened tube finned heat exchanger and fabrication method | |
EP3779346B1 (en) | Distributor and heat exchanger | |
JP5818397B2 (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
US20110139421A1 (en) | Flow distributor for a heat exchanger assembly | |
JP2015014429A (en) | Lamination type heat exchanger | |
EP2816307B1 (en) | Integral heat exchanger distributor | |
JP6267954B2 (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
WO2018131597A1 (en) | Water heat exchanger | |
JP5933605B2 (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
JP5818396B2 (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
JP2018132298A (en) | Water heat exchanger | |
JP5918904B2 (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
US20150323247A1 (en) | Heat exchanger assembly and system for a cryogenic air separation unit | |
JPWO2014155837A1 (en) | Plate heat exchanger | |
WO2018131596A1 (en) | Water heat exchanger |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZAGER, MICHAEL;REEL/FRAME:030315/0184 Effective date: 20130429 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |