WO2019224320A1

WO2019224320A1 - Apparatus, method and system for use in a heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: WO2019224320A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/063363
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dave CUPIT
Original assignee: Veragon Srl
Priority date: 2018-05-23
Filing date: 2019-05-23
Publication date: 2019-11-28
Also published as: GB2575015A; GB201808412D0; GB2575015B

Abstract

A fin (100) for use in a heat exchanger (700), such as in an atmospheric water generator, wherein the fin (100) is substantially planer and defines a first side (101) having a first surface (102), and wherein the first surface (102) comprises a surface modification (103) configured to increase the surface area of the first side.

Description

APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USE IN A HEAT EXCHANGER

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Certain examples of the present disclosure relate to a fin, and method of manufacturing the same, for use in a heat exchanger. Some examples, though without prejudice to the foregoing, relate to a fin, and method of manufacturing the same, for use in an atmospheric water generator. Some examples relate to an atmospheric water generator, a condensation system or a coil condensation unit comprising one or more such fins.

BACKGROUND

In heat exchangers, a fluid is passed over a fin to effect: a change of heat to the fin from the fluid, or a change of heat from the fin to the fluid. Heat exchangers may be used in atmospheric water generators (or‘Air to Water machines’ such as coil condensation units), wherein liquid water may be generated from hot humid air by drawing the hot humid air across an arrangement of cooling fins. The heat exchange and temperature change of the humid air may cause water to condense out of the air for collection, filtration and use, e.g. for drinking water. Cooling fins may also be used in condensation systems, air conditioners and dehumidifiers.

Conventional fins for heat exchangers, condensation systems, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and atmospheric water generators are not always optimal. It is useful to provide fins that may enable improved efficiency, for example enhanced fins for an atmospheric water generator that may generate maximum condensate with the least use of energy.

The listing or discussion of any prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspecfs/examples of the present disclosure may or may no† address one or more of the background issues.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one or more examples of the disclosure there is provided a fin for use in a heat exchanger, wherein the fin is substantially planer and defines a firs† side having a firs† surface, and wherein the firs† surface comprises a surface modification configured†o increase the surface area of the firs† side.

According to one or more examples of the disclosure there is provided: a heat exchanger, an atmospheric water generator, a condensation system or a coil condensation unit comprising one or more of the above fins.

According to one or more examples of the disclosure there is provided a method of manufacturing a substantially planer fin for use in a heat exchanger, the method comprising modifying a firs† surface of a firs† side of the fin so as†o increase its surface area.

According to one or more examples of the disclosure there is provided a fin, for use in heat exchanger, manufactured by the above method.

According to one or more examples of the disclosure there are provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of the present disclosure that are useful for understanding the detailed description and certain embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a fin according to the present disclosure; Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a cross sectional view and plan view of another example of a fin according to the present disclosure;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a plan view of a further example of a fin according to the present disclosure;

Figures 4A, 4B, 5 and 6 schematically illustrate cross sectional views of ye† further examples of fins according to the present disclosure;

Figure 7 schematically illustrates an atmospheric water generator according to the present disclosure; and

Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example of a method of manufacturing a fin according to the present disclosure.

The Figures are no† necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures may be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative†o other elements†o aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the Figures †o designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are no† necessarily displayed in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures schematically illustrate a fin (100) for use in a heat exchanger (700), wherein the fin (100) is substantially planer and defines a firs† side (101 ) having a firs† surface (102), and wherein the firs† surface (102) comprises a surface modification (103) configured†o increase the surface area of the firs† side.

For the purposes of illustration and no† limitation, in some examples the fin may be configured for use with a heat exchanger such as an atmospheric water generator. The increase of the surface area of the fin may increase, in use, the contact area†o humid air passed over the fin, thereby increasing the exposure of the humid air to the fin which may aid heat exchange therebetween. Without limiting the scope of the claims, an advanfage/technical effect of some examples of the present disclosure may be to provide an improved fin that, in use, may improve the efficiency of a heat exchanger such as an atmospheric water generator, aiding the condensation process and hence may increase the amount of condensate/water generated.

In some examples, the fin may have a substantially flat planer form factor and it is the surface thereof which is modified, i.e. provided with an array of micro protrusions/protuberances (as compared to a modification of the bulk underlying/overall shape of the fin/fin substrate). The ability to increase the surface area whilst maintaining a substantially flat planer shaped fin (i.e. as compared to the fin having a convoluted overall shape) may facilitate manufacture of the fins themselves as well as their subsequent assembly in heat exchangers - such as atmospheric water generators. Furthermore, the substantially planer shaped fin with surface modification (as compared to a convoluted and complex bulk shape) may facilitate fluid/air flow along the fins. Yet furthermore, the substantially planer shaped fin may facilitate the application of coatings/finishes to the fins, such as a hydrophobic layer†o encourage condensate run-off from the fin for collection. All such advantages assist in improving the efficiency of a heat exchange device, such as an atmospheric water generator using such fins.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a fin 100, such as a coil fin or cooling fin, according†o the present disclosure for use in a heat exchanger (such as an atmospheric water generator 700 illustrated in Figure 7). The fin 100 is substantially planer, and defines a first side 101 which defines a first major surface 102 (opposite to which there is a second side 101 a defining a second major surface 102a).

The first surface 102 comprises a surface modification 103. The surface modification 103 is configured to increase the surface area of the first side 102. In some examples, the surface modification substantially extends over the entire firs† surface.

The fin 100 is substantially planer, i.e. has a sheet-like form factor. In some examples the substantially planar fin has a shape/form factor of a substantially flat plane. In some examples the substantially planar fin may have a substrate non-fla†/curved shape/form factor.

As used herein, a “fin” may, but need no†, be used †o refer to a heat exchange fin, coil fin, or cooling fin.

As used herein, a“heat exchanger” may, but need no†, be used†o refer to an atmospheric water generator, a condensation system, a coil condensation unit, an air conditioner or a dehumidifier.

Figure 2A schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of another example of a fin 200 according to the present disclosure. The fin 200 defines a firs† side 201 which defines a firs† major surface 202. The firs† surface 202 comprises a surface modification 203 for increasing the surface area of the firs† side 202. In this example, the surface modification 203 comprises an array of a plurality of protrusions 204, such as a plurality of sections of the surface that have a raised surface profile. Such 3D formed shapes may have a varsity of designs and sizes, as well as arrangement of patterns/arrays. The protrusions may be made from the same material as the fin (i.e. the same material as the substantially planer underlying substrate of the fin), for example a thermally conductive material, no† leas† a metal such as: copper, aluminium or stainless steel. Alternatively, in some examples, the protrusions may be made of a material different to that of the fin substrate.

Each of the plurality of protrusions 204 may have a height 210 (i.e. apex height, or maximum height of a raised section of the modified surface profile relative†o a non-raised section) of one or more of: substantially a half of the width of the protrusion, substantially a quarter of the length of the protrusion, between 0.1 and 1 mm, between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm, between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm, less than 1 mm or substantially 0.5 mm.

Each of the plurality of protrusions 204 may have a width 21 1 (also shown in Figure 3 as protrusion width 31 1 ) of one or more of: substantially a half of the length of the protrusion, substantially twice the height of the protrusion, between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, between 0.8 mm and 1 .50 mm, less than 2 mm or substantially 1 mm.

Figure 2B schematically illustrates a plan view of the fin 200 of Figure 2A (albeit a† a differing scale), showing an examples of a paffern/laffice of the arrangement of the array of protrusions 204.

Each of the plurality of protrusions 204 may have a length 212 of one or more of: substantially twice the width of the protrusion, substantially four times the height of the protrusion, between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, between 1 mm and 3 mm, less than 4mm or substantially around 2mm.

The paffern/array of protrusions may have a spacing 207, e.g. minimum separation distance between protrusions 204, of one or more of: substantially a third the width of the protrusion, substantially six times the height of the protrusion, between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm, less than 0.5 mm or substantially around 0.3 mm.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a plan view of a further example of a fin 300 according to the present disclosure, wherein the plurality of protrusions 304 are arranged in a grid pattern. The grid patter may comprise a regular/uniform/ordered arrangement or lattice of the surface protrusions in parallel rows 306 and columns 306.

Spaces 307 between adjacent protrusions may define, in use, flow channels 308, e.g. for condensate and/or other fluid/gas such as refrigerant/coolant. For example when the fin is used in an atmospheric wafer generator. The array/pa††ern of the plurality of protrusions may be configured so as †o provide flow channels comprising a substantially straight pathway 308 that may substantially extends across a side of the fin 300. The provision of such spacings 307 and flow channels 308 may aids the movement direction and flow of condensate, thereby facilitating its collection, particularly when the fin is used in an atmospheric water generator.

Figure 3 illustrates the protrusions 304 as having an elongate shape, namely an elongate oval shape. It is to be appreciated that any shape could be used, not least for example: diamond, triangular, oval, rectangle, square or circle. However, advantageously, where an elongate shape is used, this, may aid guiding condensate flow along the surface of the fin and facilitate condensate collection particularly when the fin is used in an atmospheric water generator.

The substantially straight pathways of flow channels 308 may be configured and aligned so as to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the lengthwise axis 309 of the elongate shapes of the plurality of protrusions 304. Again, this may and facilitate condensate collection particularly when the fin is used in an atmospheric water generator.

Figure 4A schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of a fin 400A that might be formed wherein a substrate / base material 413A which forms the fin (for example a flat planer sheet of e.g. a metal, not least such as: copper, aluminium or stainless steel) is stamped or rolled to as to effect the surface modification and impart an array of protrusions 404A on a first surface of the fin (the protrusions 404A having: a height 410A, a width 41 1 A, a length [not shown] and a spacing 410A as previously described).

In some examples, protrusions provided on a first side’s surface could increase the surface area by up to 40% on the first (upstanding) surface. Depending on fin material thickness, there may be a lesser % increase of surface area on the reverse side of the fin when the protrusions are applied by a stamp or roll process.

Figure 4B schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of a fin 400B that might be formed wherein the surface modification is effected by 3D printing or some other additive process to form/add an array of protrusions 404A on a first surface of the fin. Again, the protrusions 404B having: a heigh† 410B, a width 41 1 B, a length [not shown] and a spacing 410B as previously described.

In some examples, providing protrusions on both first and second sides’ surface (e.g. via 2D printing) could increase the overall surfaces’ surface area by up to 80%.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of a fin 500, wherein the fin has a second side 501 a (opposite the first side 501 ), defining a second surface 502a (opposite the first surface 502), wherein the second surface comprises a surface modification 503a configured to increase the surface area of the second side. The surface modification 503a may comprise an array of protrusions 504, similar†o the array of protrusions 503 on the first side.

Such a dual sided surface modification may be effected by 3D printing or some other additive process to form/add an array of protrusions on each side (which would otherwise not be possible/be difficult were a stamping or rolling process to be used). The fin may be formed in its entirety from 3D printing, of the protrusions may be 3d printed on a pre-formed planer substrate 513.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of a system 600 comprising two fins 600a and 600b. The two fins are disposed adjacent one another (e.g. welded together so as to be laterally spaced apart from one another) thereby defining an internal space 614 therebetween which may be configured to provide a flow path passageway for a fluid 615 to pass therethrough. In some examples, the fluid may be a refrigerant, or coolant†o cool the fins which may assist the fins in condensing water from humid air 616 passed along the outer surfaces of the fins. This system offers a further increase in the surface area and cooling / heat exchange efficiency, i.e. by significantly increasing the fin surface area in direct contact with the refrigerant (as compared to the fin surface area in indirect contact via e.g. copper/aluminium/stainless steel tubes containing the refrigerant) .

In a standard coil heat exchanger design, a temperature of the uni† is controlled using a refrigerant gas passing through tube, e.g. of copper or other metal, thereby transferring†empera†ure/hea† to the fins themselves. However, using the fin configuration of Figure 5 may give rise to the following benefits:

1 - Improved heat transfer and dispersion across the fins

2- Improved refrigerant gas flow across the fins

3- Avoid the need for the tubes, e.g. of copper or other metal, which carry the refrigerant gas

4- Significant overall efficiency increase

5- Reduction of manufacture cost (removal of copper tubes)

The fins as described in the various figures above are configured for use in a heat exchanger. Such a heat exchanger may be used in, not least for example: a condensation system, a coil condensation uni†, an air conditioner or a dehumidifier. In certain examples of the disclosure, the fins are configured for use in an atmospheric water generator.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates an atmospheric water generator 700 according†o the present disclosure. The atmospheric water generator 700 comprises a plurality of substantially planer fins 700n (in the illustrated Figure, the plane of each fin is vertically aligned and aligned into the page). The fins are (directly or indirectly) coupled to coils 717, i.e. so as to be in thermal communication/contact therewith. In use, the coolant/refrigeran† is passed through the coils to cool them/lower their and the fins’ temperature below that of the ambient air temperature. Humid ambient air is passed between the fins (i.e. in a direction perpendicular†o the plane of the fine, e.g. a direction out of the page) over the modified surfaces of the fins. Water condenses out of the humid air onto the fins which may drip down from the fins (e.g. along the channels of Figure 3) to be collected as schematically illustrated as 718. The atmospheric wafer generator 700 may further comprise a filtration for filtering the wafer.

Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example of a method 800 of manufacturing a fin according to the present disclosure.

In block 801 , a surface of a side of a fin is modified so as†o increase its surface area. As illustrated in block 802, such modification of the surface comprises applying an array of a plurality of protrusions to the firs† surface.

As illustrated in block 803a the application of the array of a plurality of protrusions†o the surface may comprise applying the array via stamping.

As illustrated in block 803b the application of the array of a plurality of protrusions†o the surface may comprise applying the array via rolling.

As illustrated in block 803b the application of the array of a plurality of protrusions†o the surface may comprise applying the array via 3D printing.

The method may further comprise modifying a second surface, opposite the firs† surface, by applying an array of a plurality of protrusions†o the second surface, i.e. via one of: stamping, rolling or 3D printing.

Accordingly, the blocks support: combinations of means for performing the specified functions; combinations of actions for performing the specified functions; and computer program instructions/algorithm for performing the specified functions (i.e. for controlling a machine†o perform the specified functions). I† will also be understood that each block, and combinations of blocks, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or actions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer program instructions.

The fins may be provided in a module. As used here‘module’ refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts/components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user.

The fins may be provided in a heat exchange device/system, not least for example: an atmospheric water generator device/system, a condensation system, a coil condensation unit, an air conditioner or a dehumidifier.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. Accordingly, features described in relation to one example/aspect of the disclosure may include any or all of the features described in relation to another example/aspect of the disclosure, and vice versa, to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent. Although various examples of the present disclosure have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the claims.

The term‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to“comprising only one ..." or by using“consisting”. In this description, the wording‘connect’,‘couple’ and‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connec†ed/coupled/in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components).

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation†o an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or‘for example’ or‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some or all other examples. Thus ‘example’,‘for example’ or‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class.

In this description, references to“a/an/†he” [feature, element, component, means ...] are to be interpreted as “at least one” [feature, element, component, means ...] unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification†o draw attention†o those features of examples of the present disclosure believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

The examples of the present disclosure and the accompanying claims may be suitably combined in any manner apparent†o one of ordinary skill in the art. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention. Further, while the claims herein are provided as comprising specific dependencies, if is contemplated that any claims may depend from any other claims and that†o the extent that any alternative embodiments may result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the various claims and/or changing dependencies of claims, any such alternative embodiments and their equivalents are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A fin for use in a heaf exchanger, wherein fhe fin is substantially planer and defines a firs† side having a firs† surface, and wherein fhe firs† surface comprises a surface modification configured†o increase fhe surface area of fhe firs† side.

2. The fin as claimed in any one or more of fhe previous claims, wherein fhe surface modification comprises an array of a plurality of protrusions.

3. The fin as claimed in any one or more of fhe previous claims, wherein fhe plurality of protrusions are arranged in a grid pattern.

4. The fin as claimed in any one or more of fhe previous claims, wherein each of fhe plurality of protrusions has an elongate shape.

5. The fin as claimed in any one or more of fhe previous claims, wherein spaces between adjacent protrusions define one or more flow path channels.

6. The fin as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of fhe one or more flow path channels comprises a substantially straight pathway that substantially extends across a side of fhe fin.

7. The fin as claimed in claim 6 when dependent upon claim 4, wherein fhe substantially straight pathways of fhe flow channels extend in a direction substantially parallel†o fhe lengthwise axis of fhe elongate shapes of fhe plurality of protrusions.

8. The fin as claimed in any one or more of fhe previous claims, wherein each of fhe plurality of protrusions has a heigh† of one or more of: substantially a half of fhe width of fhe protrusion, substantially a quarter of fhe length of fhe protrusion, between 0.1 and 1 mm, between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm, between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm, less than 1 mm or substantially 0.5 mm.

9. The fin as claimed in any one or more of the previous claims, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions has a width of one or more of: substantially a half of the length of the protrusion, substantially twice the height of the protrusion, between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, between 0.8 mm and 1.50 mm, less than 2 mm or substantially 1 mm.

10. The fin as claimed in any one or more of the previous claims, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions has a length of one or more of: substantially twice the width of the protrusion, substantially four times the height of the protrusion, between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, between 1 mm and 3 mm, less than 4mm or substantially around 2mm.

1 1. The fin as claimed in any one or more of the previous claims, wherein a separation distance between protrusions of the plurality of protrusions is one or more of: substantially a third the width of the protrusion, substantially six times the height of the protrusion, between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm, less than 0.5 mm or substantially around 0.3 mm.

12. The fin as claimed in any one or more of the previous claims, wherein the fin has a second side, opposite the firs† side, defining a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises a surface modification configured†o increase the surface area of the second side.

13. A system comprising:

a firs† fin as claimed in any one or more of previous claims 1 - 12; and a second fin as claimed in any one or more of previous claims 1 - 12; wherein the firs† and second fins are disposed adjacent one another thereby defining a space therebetween for providing a passageway for a fluid†o pass therethrough.

14. A heat exchanger comprising the fin as claimed in any one or more of the previous claims.

15. An atmospheric wafer generator comprising the fin as claimed in any one or more of the previous claims.

16. A condensation system, a coil condensation unit, an air conditioner or a dehumidifier comprising the fin as claimed in any one or more of the previous claims.

17. A method of manufacturing a substantially planer fin for use in a heat exchanger, the method comprising modifying a first surface of a firs† side of the fin so as†o increase its surface area.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein modifying the firs† surface comprises applying an array of a plurality of protrusions†o the firs† surface.

19. The method of any one or more of claims 17 - 18, wherein applying the array of a plurality of protrusions†o the surface comprises applying the array via stamping.

20. The method of any one or more of claims 17 - 19, wherein applying the array of a plurality of protrusions†o the surface comprises applying the array via rolling.

21. The method of any one or more of claims 17 - 20, wherein applying the array of a plurality of protrusions†o the surface comprises applying the array via 3D printing.

22. The method of any one or more of claims 17 - 21 , further comprising modifying a second surface, opposite the firs† surface, by applying an array of a plurality of protrusions†o the second surface.

23. A fin, for use in a heaf exchanger, manufactured by the method of any one or more of claims 17 - 22.