US20230138731A1 - Fabricated heat exchange tube for microchannel heat exchanger - Google Patents
Fabricated heat exchange tube for microchannel heat exchanger Download PDFInfo
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- US20230138731A1 US20230138731A1 US17/976,275 US202217976275A US2023138731A1 US 20230138731 A1 US20230138731 A1 US 20230138731A1 US 202217976275 A US202217976275 A US 202217976275A US 2023138731 A1 US2023138731 A1 US 2023138731A1
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- 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
- F25B39/04—Condensers
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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
- F28F1/02—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular
- F28F1/022—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular with multiple channels
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/03—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits
- F28D1/0391—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits a single plate being bent to form one or more conduits
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- 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
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/40—Fluid line arrangements
- F25B41/42—Arrangements for diverging or converging flows, e.g. branch lines or junctions
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F28D1/05391—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators with multiple rows of conduits or with multi-channel conduits combined with a particular flow pattern, e.g. multi-row multi-stage radiators
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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
- F28F1/02—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular
-
- 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
- F28F9/0202—Header boxes having their inner space divided by partitions
- F28F9/0204—Header boxes having their inner space divided by partitions for elongated header box, e.g. with transversal and longitudinal partitions
- F28F9/0209—Header boxes having their inner space divided by partitions for elongated header box, e.g. with transversal and longitudinal partitions having only transversal partitions
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28B—STEAM OR VAPOUR CONDENSERS
- F28B1/00—Condensers in which the steam or vapour is separate from the cooling medium by walls, e.g. surface condenser
- F28B1/06—Condensers in which the steam or vapour is separate from the cooling medium by walls, e.g. surface condenser using air or other gas as the cooling medium
-
- 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
- F28D1/0233—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 air flow channels
- F28D1/024—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 air flow channels with an air driving element
-
- 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
- F28D2021/007—Condensers
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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
- F28F1/12—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element
- F28F1/126—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element consisting of zig-zag shaped fins
- F28F1/128—Fins with openings, e.g. louvered fins
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of heat exchangers, and more particularly, to a microchannel heat exchanger having folded heat exchange tubes.
- Heat exchange tubes typically used in existing microchannel heat exchangers are extruded. Because the weight and the cost of fabricated heat exchange tubes are reduced compared to extruded heat exchange tubes, fabricated heat exchange tubes are becoming more common in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. However, when fabricated heat exchange tubes are used in place of extruded heat exchange tubes, in certain circumstances, the oil entrained within the refrigerant may accumulate within the heat exchange tubes, thereby reducing the efficiency of the system.
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- a heat exchange tube segment for use in a heat exchange includes a fabricated tube body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels formed therein.
- the fabricated tube body has a length, width, height, and a total tube cross-sectional area measured between the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, and the trailing edge.
- a ratio of the width to the height of the fabricated tube body is between about 10 and 20, and a ratio of the width to a number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1 and 2.5.
- Each of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels forms an open area in a cross-section of the fabricated tube body, and a ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.3 and 0.44.
- the ratio of the width to the number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1.3 and 2.5.
- the ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.36 and 0.40.
- the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels are configured to receive a refrigerant selected from methylene fluoride and difluoromethylene.
- the fabricated tube body includes a single piece of material folded to form the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels.
- a heat exchanger includes a first manifold, aa second manifold, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first manifold and the second manifold. At least one the plurality of heat exchange tube segments further includes a fabricated tube body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels formed therein.
- the fabricated tube body has a length measured parallel to the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels, a width measured between the leading edge and the trailing edge, a height measured between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a total tube cross-sectional area measured between the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, and the trailing edge.
- a ratio of the width to the height of the fabricated tube body is between about 10 and 20, a ratio of the width to a number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1 and 2.5.
- Each of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels forms an open area in a cross-section of the fabricated tube body and a ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.3 and 0.44.
- the heat exchanger has a multi-pass configuration.
- the heat exchanger has a first pass and a second pass, and a number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass is greater than a number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass.
- a ratio of the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass to the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass is between 1 and 3.
- a ratio of the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass to the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass is between 1.2 and 3.
- the ratio of the width to the number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1.3 and 2.5.
- the ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.36 and 0.40.
- the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels are configured to receive a refrigerant, the refrigerant being one of methylene fluoride and difluoromethylene.
- the fabricated tube body comprises a single piece of material folded to form the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels.
- the heat exchanger is a condenser in a chiller.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary chiller
- FIG. 2 A is a perspective view of an exemplary heat exchanger according to an embodiment
- FIG. 2 B is a side view of another exemplary heat exchanger according to an embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heat exchange tube segment of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heat exchange tube segment according to an embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary heat exchange tube segment according to an embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary heat exchange tube segment according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary heat exchange tube segment according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a chiller or outdoor unit 20 comprising at least one coil unit 22 .
- the chiller 20 may be configured to perform heating, cooling, and air exchange via a vapor compression cycle as is known.
- the chiller 20 includes a plurality of axially aligned or stacked coil units 22 , such as three coil units for example; however, it should be understood that a chiller 20 having any number of coil units 22 including a single coil unit, two coil units, or more than three coil units are within the scope of the disclosure.
- Each of the coil units 22 typically includes a frame 24 having a heat exchanger assembly 26 mounted therein.
- the heat exchanger assembly 26 of a coil unit 22 may, but need not be fluidly coupled with the heat exchanger assembly 26 of at least one other coil unit 22 relative to a flow of refrigerant.
- the refrigerant may be configured to flow through the heat exchanger assemblies 26 in series or in parallel.
- Each coil unit 22 additionally includes a fan assembly 28 having at least one fan configured to move a flow of ambient air across the adjacent heat exchanger assembly 26 .
- a plurality of compressors 30 such as positioned within the frame 24 of one or more of the coil units 22 , are fluidly coupled to the heat exchanger assemblies 26 and are configured to pump refrigerant through a vapor compression cycle.
- the compressors 30 may be arranged in series, or alternatively, may be arranged in parallel relative to the flow of refrigerant.
- three compressors 30 are illustrated as being fluidly coupled to the heat exchanger assemblies 26 of two coil units 22 .
- any number of compressors 30 may be in fluid communication with any number of heat exchanger assemblies 26 .
- the chiller or outdoor unit 20 illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only, and it should be understood that other configurations of the chiller and of the coil units are contemplated herein.
- FIG. 2 A a perspective view of an example of a heat exchanger 40 , such as suitable for use in a coil unit 22 , is illustrated.
- the heat exchanger 40 is suitable for use as a condenser in a vapor compression cycle.
- the heat exchanger 40 includes a first manifold or header 42 , a second manifold or header 44 spaced apart from the first manifold 42 , and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments 46 extending in a spaced parallel relationship between and fluidly connecting the first manifold 42 and the second manifold 44 .
- first manifold 42 and the second manifold 44 are oriented generally vertically, and the heat exchange tube segments 46 extend generally horizontally between the two manifolds 42 , 44 .
- the manifolds 42 , 44 may comprise hollow, closed end cylinders having a circular cross-section.
- manifolds 42 , 44 having other cross-sectional shapes, such as semi-elliptical, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other cross-sections for example, are within the scope of the disclosure.
- the heat exchanger 40 has a multi-pass configuration relative to a secondary fluid A (e.g., air, air having dilute ethylene gas therein, nitrogen, and the like).
- a secondary fluid A e.g., air, air having dilute ethylene gas therein, nitrogen, and the like.
- one or more partition plates 48 are mounted within at least one of the first manifold 42 and the second manifold.
- a partition plate is arranged within the first manifold 42 , thereby separating the first manifold 42 into a first chamber 42 a and a second chamber 42 b .
- refrigerant R is configured to flow from the first manifold 42 to the second manifold 44 through the portion of the heat exchange tube segments 46 fluidly connected to the first chamber 42 a in a first direction. From the second manifold 44 , the flow of refrigerant will be directed in a second direction through the portion of heat exchange tube segments 46 arranged in fluid communication with the second chamber 42 b of the first manifold 42 .
- the refrigerant is selected from a HFC-32 Methylene Fluoride or a difluoromethylene (C H 2F 2 ).
- C H 2F 2 difluoromethylene
- each heat exchange tube segment 46 comprises a leading edge 50 , a trailing edge 52 , a first upper surface 54 , and a second lower surface 56 .
- the leading edge 50 of each heat exchange tube segment 46 is upstream of its respective trailing edge 52 with respect to the flow of the heat transfer fluid A through the heat exchanger 40 .
- the interior flow passage of each heat exchange tube segment 46 may be divided by interior walls 58 into a plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels 60 that extend longitudinally over the length of the heat exchange tube segment 46 and establish fluid communication between the respective first and second manifolds 42 , 44 .
- the discrete flow channels 60 may have a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a trapezoidal cross-section, a triangular cross-section, or another non-circular cross-section (e.g., elliptical, star shaped, closed polygon having straight or curved sides).
- a non-circular cross-section e.g., elliptical, star shaped, closed polygon having straight or curved sides.
- the heat exchange tube segments 46 disclosed herein may further include a plurality of fins 62 .
- each fin 62 is formed of a single continuous strip of fin material tightly folded in a ribbon-like serpentine fashion thereby providing a plurality of closely spaced fins that extend generally orthogonal to the heat exchange tube segments 46 .
- the fin density of the closely spaced fins of each continuous folded fin may be about 16 to 25 fins per inch, but higher or lower fin densities may also be used.
- the heat exchange tube segments 46 are fabricated tube segments, having a tube body formed using one or more generally planar pieces or sheets of material 61 .
- the materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, sheet metal and non-metallic materials, such as polymers, thermally enhanced polymer based composites, or other suitable materials for example.
- a single, flat piece of material 61 is folded such that a single surface of the piece of material defines the leading edge 50 , trailing edge 52 , first surface 54 , and second surface 56 of the heat exchange tube segment 46 .
- a first portion 64 and a second portion 66 of the heat exchange tube segment 46 are formed, each having a single flow channel 60 .
- At least one of the opposing ends of the sheet of material 61 is bent to define a plurality of flow channels 60 within at least one of the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 of the heat exchange tube segment 46 .
- the ends of the sheet of material 61 are illustrated as being bent to form a plurality of similar flow channels 60 having a generally rectangular cross-section, embodiments where the flow channels 60 vary in size, shape, cross-sectional flow area, have varying surface characteristics (e.g., having differing surface roughness or textures, coatings, embossed patterns, and the like), or further include inserts of same or different configuration are also within the scope of the disclosure.
- first portion 64 and the second portion 66 of a heat exchange tube segment 46 are substantially identical.
- embodiments where the first portion 64 and the second portion 66 vary in size and/or configuration, such as number and/or shape of flow channels 60 are also within the scope of the disclosure.
- the heat exchange tube segment 46 may have a two piece design where the flow channels 60 are formed using a corrugation form 68 inserted into an outer shell or sleeve 70 as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the corrugated internal sheet 68 can be a different thickness and material than the outer shell 70 altogether, or can be made of the same or similar materials.
- the fabricated or folded heat exchange tube segments illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only. Further configurations and details for fabricated heat exchange tube segment are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,805,693; 5,491,997; 6,209,202; and 7,657,986, and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/067,009 filed on Jun. 28, 2018, the disclosures of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- a vapor compression cycle includes a plurality of compressors arranged in series relative to the flow of refrigerant
- the total number of compressors used to propel the flow through the cycle may vary based on one or more operating conditions, such as the ambient air temperature or the load on the system. Accordingly, a velocity of the refrigerant in instances where all of the compressors are being used to move the refrigerant through the cycle is greater than the velocity of the refrigerant in instances where only one of the plurality of compressors is operational.
- the heat exchange tube segment 46 has a tube length L that extends parallel to the direction of flow of refrigerant R through the heat exchange tube segment 46 .
- a width W of the heat exchange tube segment 46 is measured parallel to the direction of the secondary fluid A provided to the heat exchanger 40 .
- the height H of the heat exchange tube segment 46 extends perpendicularly or orthogonally to both the length L and the width W of the heat exchange tube segment 46 .
- each heat exchange tube segment 46 within the heat exchanger 40 has a substantially identical length, width W and height H.
- the ratio of the width W of the heat exchange tube segment 46 to the height H of the heat exchange tube segment 46 is between 10 and 20, and in some embodiments is between 12 and 20, 14 and 20, or 16 and 20. Further, in an embodiment, a ratio of the width W of the heat exchange tube segment 46 to the total number of flow channels 60 formed in the heat exchange tube segment 46 is between 1.3 and 2.5. The ratio of the width W to the total number of flow channels 60 may further be between 1.5 and 2.5, between 1.7 and 2.5, or between 2.0 and 2.5.
- a fabricated heat exchange tube segment 46 typically requires less material than an extruded heat exchange tube segment. Because of this, the open area defined by the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels 60 occupies a greater percentage of the area of the heat exchange tube segment 46 . This percentage of the open area may be described as porosity. In an embodiment, a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the open areas of a heat exchange tube segment 46 , such as formed by the flow channels 60 for example, to the total tube cross-sectional area of a heat exchange the tube segment 46 is between about 0.30 and 0.44.
- the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the open areas of the heat exchange tube segment 46 to the total tube cross-sectional area of a heat exchange tube segment 46 may be between about 0.34 and 0.44, between about 0.30 and 0.40, between about 0.36 and 0.44, between about 0.36 and 0.40, such as 0.38 for example.
- the number of heat exchange tube segments 46 associated with each pass may vary.
- the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass may be greater than the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass.
- the ratio of the heat exchange tube segments 46 associated with the first pass to the heat exchange tube segments 46 associated with the second pass is between 1 and 3.
- the ratio of the heat exchange tube segments 46 associated with the first pass to the ratio of heat exchange tube segments 46 associated with the second pass may be between 1.2 and 3, between 1 and 2.5, or between 1.2 and 2.5.
- the velocity of the refrigerant R may be improved, thereby mitigating the oil accumulation within the flow channels 60 of the heat exchange tube segments 46 .
- the use of fabricated heat exchange tube segments as described herein provides a low-cost solution relative to an oil separator. It should be appreciated that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system described herein may be devoid of an oil separator, in certain instances.
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Abstract
A heat exchange tube segment for use in a heat exchange includes a fabricated tube body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels formed therein. The fabricated tube body has a length, width, height, and a total tube cross-sectional area measured between the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, and the trailing edge. A ratio of the width to the height of the fabricated tube body is between about 10 and 20 and a ratio of the width to a number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1 and 2.5. Each of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels forms an open area in a cross-section of the fabricated tube body, and a ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.3 and 0.44.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/274,719, filed Nov. 2, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of heat exchangers, and more particularly, to a microchannel heat exchanger having folded heat exchange tubes.
- Heat exchange tubes typically used in existing microchannel heat exchangers are extruded. Because the weight and the cost of fabricated heat exchange tubes are reduced compared to extruded heat exchange tubes, fabricated heat exchange tubes are becoming more common in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. However, when fabricated heat exchange tubes are used in place of extruded heat exchange tubes, in certain circumstances, the oil entrained within the refrigerant may accumulate within the heat exchange tubes, thereby reducing the efficiency of the system.
- According to an embodiment, a heat exchange tube segment for use in a heat exchange includes a fabricated tube body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels formed therein. The fabricated tube body has a length, width, height, and a total tube cross-sectional area measured between the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, and the trailing edge. A ratio of the width to the height of the fabricated tube body is between about 10 and 20, and a ratio of the width to a number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1 and 2.5. Each of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels forms an open area in a cross-section of the fabricated tube body, and a ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.3 and 0.44.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the ratio of the width to the number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1.3 and 2.5.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.36 and 0.40.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels are configured to receive a refrigerant selected from methylene fluoride and difluoromethylene.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the fabricated tube body includes a single piece of material folded to form the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels.
- According to an embodiment, a heat exchanger includes a first manifold, aa second manifold, and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first manifold and the second manifold. At least one the plurality of heat exchange tube segments further includes a fabricated tube body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels formed therein. The fabricated tube body has a length measured parallel to the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels, a width measured between the leading edge and the trailing edge, a height measured between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a total tube cross-sectional area measured between the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, and the trailing edge. A ratio of the width to the height of the fabricated tube body is between about 10 and 20, a ratio of the width to a number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1 and 2.5. Each of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels forms an open area in a cross-section of the fabricated tube body and a ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.3 and 0.44.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the heat exchanger has a multi-pass configuration.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the heat exchanger has a first pass and a second pass, and a number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass is greater than a number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments a ratio of the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass to the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass is between 1 and 3.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments a ratio of the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass to the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass is between 1.2 and 3.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the ratio of the width to the number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1.3 and 2.5.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.36 and 0.40.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels are configured to receive a refrigerant, the refrigerant being one of methylene fluoride and difluoromethylene.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the fabricated tube body comprises a single piece of material folded to form the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels.
- In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments the heat exchanger is a condenser in a chiller.
- The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary chiller; -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary heat exchanger according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 2B is a side view of another exemplary heat exchanger according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heat exchange tube segment of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heat exchange tube segment according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary heat exchange tube segment according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary heat exchange tube segment according to an embodiment; and -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary heat exchange tube segment according to an embodiment. - A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.
-
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a chiller oroutdoor unit 20 comprising at least onecoil unit 22. Thechiller 20 may be configured to perform heating, cooling, and air exchange via a vapor compression cycle as is known. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, thechiller 20 includes a plurality of axially aligned or stackedcoil units 22, such as three coil units for example; however, it should be understood that achiller 20 having any number ofcoil units 22 including a single coil unit, two coil units, or more than three coil units are within the scope of the disclosure. Each of thecoil units 22 typically includes aframe 24 having aheat exchanger assembly 26 mounted therein. In embodiments of thechiller 20 including a plurality ofcoil units 22, theheat exchanger assembly 26 of acoil unit 22 may, but need not be fluidly coupled with theheat exchanger assembly 26 of at least oneother coil unit 22 relative to a flow of refrigerant. The refrigerant may be configured to flow through the heat exchanger assemblies 26 in series or in parallel. - Each
coil unit 22 additionally includes afan assembly 28 having at least one fan configured to move a flow of ambient air across the adjacentheat exchanger assembly 26. A plurality ofcompressors 30, such as positioned within theframe 24 of one or more of thecoil units 22, are fluidly coupled to theheat exchanger assemblies 26 and are configured to pump refrigerant through a vapor compression cycle. Thecompressors 30 may be arranged in series, or alternatively, may be arranged in parallel relative to the flow of refrigerant. For example, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, threecompressors 30 are illustrated as being fluidly coupled to theheat exchanger assemblies 26 of twocoil units 22. However, any number ofcompressors 30 may be in fluid communication with any number ofheat exchanger assemblies 26. The chiller oroutdoor unit 20 illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only, and it should be understood that other configurations of the chiller and of the coil units are contemplated herein. - Referring now to
FIG. 2A , a perspective view of an example of aheat exchanger 40, such as suitable for use in acoil unit 22, is illustrated. In an embodiment, theheat exchanger 40 is suitable for use as a condenser in a vapor compression cycle. As shown, theheat exchanger 40 includes a first manifold orheader 42, a second manifold orheader 44 spaced apart from thefirst manifold 42, and a plurality of heatexchange tube segments 46 extending in a spaced parallel relationship between and fluidly connecting thefirst manifold 42 and thesecond manifold 44. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiments, thefirst manifold 42 and thesecond manifold 44 are oriented generally vertically, and the heatexchange tube segments 46 extend generally horizontally between the twomanifolds manifolds manifolds - In an embodiment, best shown in
FIG. 2B , theheat exchanger 40 has a multi-pass configuration relative to a secondary fluid A (e.g., air, air having dilute ethylene gas therein, nitrogen, and the like). To achieve a multi-pass configuration, one or more partition plates 48 are mounted within at least one of thefirst manifold 42 and the second manifold. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a partition plate is arranged within thefirst manifold 42, thereby separating thefirst manifold 42 into afirst chamber 42 a and asecond chamber 42 b. In operation, refrigerant R is configured to flow from thefirst manifold 42 to thesecond manifold 44 through the portion of the heatexchange tube segments 46 fluidly connected to thefirst chamber 42 a in a first direction. From thesecond manifold 44, the flow of refrigerant will be directed in a second direction through the portion of heatexchange tube segments 46 arranged in fluid communication with thesecond chamber 42 b of thefirst manifold 42. In an embodiment, the refrigerant is selected from a HFC-32 Methylene Fluoride or a difluoromethylene (CH2F2). However, embodiments where the refrigerant is another suitable fluid are also within the scope of the disclosure. - With reference now to
FIG. 3 , each heatexchange tube segment 46 comprises aleading edge 50, a trailingedge 52, a firstupper surface 54, and a secondlower surface 56. The leadingedge 50 of each heatexchange tube segment 46 is upstream of itsrespective trailing edge 52 with respect to the flow of the heat transfer fluid A through theheat exchanger 40. The interior flow passage of each heatexchange tube segment 46 may be divided byinterior walls 58 into a plurality of fluidlydistinct flow channels 60 that extend longitudinally over the length of the heatexchange tube segment 46 and establish fluid communication between the respective first andsecond manifolds discrete flow channels 60 may have a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a trapezoidal cross-section, a triangular cross-section, or another non-circular cross-section (e.g., elliptical, star shaped, closed polygon having straight or curved sides). - The heat
exchange tube segments 46 disclosed herein may further include a plurality offins 62. In an embodiment, eachfin 62 is formed of a single continuous strip of fin material tightly folded in a ribbon-like serpentine fashion thereby providing a plurality of closely spaced fins that extend generally orthogonal to the heatexchange tube segments 46. Typically, the fin density of the closely spaced fins of each continuous folded fin may be about 16 to 25 fins per inch, but higher or lower fin densities may also be used. Heat exchange between the refrigerant flow, R, and air flow, A, occurs through the outside surfaces 54, 56, respectively, of the heatexchange tube segments 46, collectively forming a primary heat exchange surface, and also through the heat exchange surface of thefins 62, which forms the secondary heat exchange surface. - With reference now to
FIGS. 4-6 , in an embodiment, the heatexchange tube segments 46 are fabricated tube segments, having a tube body formed using one or more generally planar pieces or sheets ofmaterial 61. The materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, sheet metal and non-metallic materials, such as polymers, thermally enhanced polymer based composites, or other suitable materials for example. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment ofFIG. 4 , a single, flat piece ofmaterial 61 is folded such that a single surface of the piece of material defines the leadingedge 50, trailingedge 52,first surface 54, andsecond surface 56 of the heatexchange tube segment 46. By folding opposing edges of the sheet of material to extend between the first andsecond surfaces exchange tube segment 46, afirst portion 64 and asecond portion 66 of the heatexchange tube segment 46 are formed, each having asingle flow channel 60. - In another embodiment, illustrated in
FIG. 5 , at least one of the opposing ends of the sheet ofmaterial 61 is bent to define a plurality offlow channels 60 within at least one of thefirst portion 64 and thesecond portion 66 of the heatexchange tube segment 46. Although the ends of the sheet ofmaterial 61 are illustrated as being bent to form a plurality ofsimilar flow channels 60 having a generally rectangular cross-section, embodiments where theflow channels 60 vary in size, shape, cross-sectional flow area, have varying surface characteristics (e.g., having differing surface roughness or textures, coatings, embossed patterns, and the like), or further include inserts of same or different configuration are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, in the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, thefirst portion 64 and thesecond portion 66 of a heatexchange tube segment 46 are substantially identical. However, embodiments where thefirst portion 64 and thesecond portion 66 vary in size and/or configuration, such as number and/or shape offlow channels 60, are also within the scope of the disclosure. - Alternatively, the heat
exchange tube segment 46 may have a two piece design where theflow channels 60 are formed using acorrugation form 68 inserted into an outer shell orsleeve 70 as shown inFIG. 6 . The corrugatedinternal sheet 68 can be a different thickness and material than theouter shell 70 altogether, or can be made of the same or similar materials. The fabricated or folded heat exchange tube segments illustrated and described herein are intended as an example only. Further configurations and details for fabricated heat exchange tube segment are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,805,693; 5,491,997; 6,209,202; and 7,657,986, and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/067,009 filed on Jun. 28, 2018, the disclosures of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - In embodiments where a vapor compression cycle includes a plurality of compressors arranged in series relative to the flow of refrigerant, the total number of compressors used to propel the flow through the cycle may vary based on one or more operating conditions, such as the ambient air temperature or the load on the system. Accordingly, a velocity of the refrigerant in instances where all of the compressors are being used to move the refrigerant through the cycle is greater than the velocity of the refrigerant in instances where only one of the plurality of compressors is operational. When the refrigerant at this lower velocity associated with operation of only a portion of the compressors flows through a
heat exchanger 40 having fabricated heatexchange tube segments 46, excessive oil mixed with the refrigerant may accumulate within one or more of theflow channels 60 of a heatexchange tube segments 46. Accordingly, one or more parameters of the fabricated heat exchange tube segment may be controlled to minimize the accumulation of oil within the flow channels. - With reference now to
FIG. 7 , an example of a fabricated heatexchange tube segment 46 configured to limit oil build-up therein is illustrated. As shown, the heatexchange tube segment 46 has a tube length L that extends parallel to the direction of flow of refrigerant R through the heatexchange tube segment 46. A width W of the heatexchange tube segment 46 is measured parallel to the direction of the secondary fluid A provided to theheat exchanger 40. The height H of the heatexchange tube segment 46 extends perpendicularly or orthogonally to both the length L and the width W of the heatexchange tube segment 46. In an embodiment, each heatexchange tube segment 46 within theheat exchanger 40 has a substantially identical length, width W and height H. - In an embodiment, the ratio of the width W of the heat
exchange tube segment 46 to the height H of the heatexchange tube segment 46 is between 10 and 20, and in some embodiments is between 12 and 20, 14 and 20, or 16 and 20. Further, in an embodiment, a ratio of the width W of the heatexchange tube segment 46 to the total number offlow channels 60 formed in the heatexchange tube segment 46 is between 1.3 and 2.5. The ratio of the width W to the total number offlow channels 60 may further be between 1.5 and 2.5, between 1.7 and 2.5, or between 2.0 and 2.5. - Further, a fabricated heat
exchange tube segment 46 typically requires less material than an extruded heat exchange tube segment. Because of this, the open area defined by the plurality of fluidlydistinct flow channels 60 occupies a greater percentage of the area of the heatexchange tube segment 46. This percentage of the open area may be described as porosity. In an embodiment, a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the open areas of a heatexchange tube segment 46, such as formed by theflow channels 60 for example, to the total tube cross-sectional area of a heat exchange thetube segment 46 is between about 0.30 and 0.44. For example, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the open areas of the heatexchange tube segment 46 to the total tube cross-sectional area of a heatexchange tube segment 46 may be between about 0.34 and 0.44, between about 0.30 and 0.40, between about 0.36 and 0.44, between about 0.36 and 0.40, such as 0.38 for example. - With continued reference to
FIG. 7 and further reference toFIG. 2B , in embodiments where theheat exchanger 40 having a plurality of fabricated heatexchange tube segments 46 has a multi-pass configuration, such as a two-pass configuration for example, the number of heatexchange tube segments 46 associated with each pass may vary. For example, the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass may be greater than the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass. In an embodiment, the ratio of the heatexchange tube segments 46 associated with the first pass to the heatexchange tube segments 46 associated with the second pass is between 1 and 3. Further, the ratio of the heatexchange tube segments 46 associated with the first pass to the ratio of heatexchange tube segments 46 associated with the second pass may be between 1.2 and 3, between 1 and 2.5, or between 1.2 and 2.5. - By customizing the configuration of the fabricated heat
exchange tube segments 46 and theheat exchanger 40, the velocity of the refrigerant R may be improved, thereby mitigating the oil accumulation within theflow channels 60 of the heatexchange tube segments 46. Further, the use of fabricated heat exchange tube segments as described herein provides a low-cost solution relative to an oil separator. It should be appreciated that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system described herein may be devoid of an oil separator, in certain instances. - The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof.
- While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, 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 present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims (15)
1. A heat exchange tube segment for use in a heat exchanger, the heat exchange tube segment comprising:
a fabricated tube body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels formed therein;
wherein the fabricated tube body has a length measured parallel to the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels, a width measured between the leading edge and the trailing edge, a height measured between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a total tube cross-sectional area measured between the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, and the trailing edge;
wherein a ratio of the width to the height of the fabricated tube body is between about 10 and 20, a ratio of the width to a number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1 and 2.5; and
wherein each of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels forms an open area in a cross-section of the fabricated tube body, and a ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.30 and 0.44.
2. The heat exchange tube segment of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the width to the number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1.3 and 2.5.
3. The heat exchange tube segment of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.36 and 0.40.
4. The heat exchange tube segment of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels are configured to receive a refrigerant, the refrigerant is selected from methylene fluoride and difluoromethylene.
5. The heat exchange tube segment of claim 1 , wherein the fabricated tube body comprises a single piece of material folded to form the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels.
6. A heat exchanger comprising:
a first manifold;
a second manifold;
a plurality of heat exchange tube segments extending between and fluidly coupling the first manifold and the second manifold, wherein at least one the plurality of heat exchange tube segments further comprises:
a fabricated tube body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels formed therein;
wherein the fabricated tube body has a length measured parallel to the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels, a width measured between the leading edge and the trailing edge, a height measured between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a total tube cross-sectional area measured between the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, and the trailing edge;
wherein a ratio of the width to the height of the fabricated tube body is between about 10 and 20, and a ratio of the width to a number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1 and 2.5; and
wherein each of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels forms an open area in a cross-section of the fabricated tube body, and a ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.30 and 0.44.
7. The heat exchanger of claim 6 , wherein the heat exchanger has a multi-pass configuration.
8. The heat exchanger of claim 7 , wherein the heat exchanger has a first pass and a second pass, and a number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass is greater than a number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass.
9. The heat exchanger of claim 8 , wherein a ratio of the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass to the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass is between 1 and 3.
10. The heat exchanger of claim 8 , wherein a ratio of the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the first pass to the number of heat exchange tube segments associated with the second pass is between 1.2 and 3.
11. The heat exchanger of claim 6 , wherein the ratio of the width to the number of the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels is between 1.3 and 2.5.
12. The heat exchanger of claim 6 , wherein the ratio of the open area to the total tube cross-sectional area is between 0.36 and 0.40.
13. The heat exchanger of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels are configured to receive a refrigerant, the refrigerant being one of methylene fluoride and difluoromethylene.
14. The heat exchanger of claim 6 , wherein the fabricated tube body comprises a single piece of material folded to form the upper surface, the lower surface, the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the plurality of fluidly distinct flow channels.
15. The heat exchanger of claim 6 , wherein the heat exchanger is a condenser in a chiller.
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US17/976,275 US20230138731A1 (en) | 2021-11-02 | 2022-10-28 | Fabricated heat exchange tube for microchannel heat exchanger |
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US202163274719P | 2021-11-02 | 2021-11-02 | |
US17/976,275 US20230138731A1 (en) | 2021-11-02 | 2022-10-28 | Fabricated heat exchange tube for microchannel heat exchanger |
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US4805693A (en) | 1986-11-20 | 1989-02-21 | Modine Manufacturing | Multiple piece tube assembly for use in heat exchangers |
JP3405997B2 (en) | 1991-10-23 | 2003-05-12 | 株式会社デンソー | Inner fin and manufacturing method thereof |
US6209202B1 (en) | 1999-08-02 | 2001-04-03 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Folded tube for a heat exchanger and method of making same |
AU2002221036A1 (en) * | 2000-11-24 | 2002-06-03 | Showa Denko K K | Heat exchanger tube and heat exchanger |
WO2004031676A1 (en) * | 2002-10-02 | 2004-04-15 | Showa Denko K.K. | Heat exchanging tube and heat exchanger |
DE112005003260T5 (en) * | 2004-12-24 | 2008-01-03 | Showa Denko K.K. | heat exchangers |
US7657986B2 (en) | 2007-01-04 | 2010-02-09 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Method of making a folded condenser tube |
EP3397914B1 (en) * | 2015-12-28 | 2020-09-23 | Carrier Corporation | Folded conduit for heat exchanger applications |
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