U.S. patent application number 13/873412 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for integral heat exchanger distributor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Michael Zager.
Application Number | 20140318175 13/873412 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50588580 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140318175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zager; Michael |
October 30, 2014 |
INTEGRAL HEAT EXCHANGER DISTRIBUTOR
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.
Inventors: |
Zager; Michael; (Windsor,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION |
Windsor Locks |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hamilton Sundstrand
Corporation
Windsor Locks
CT
|
Family ID: |
50588580 |
Appl. No.: |
13/873412 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/515 ;
165/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 9/026 20130101;
F28D 2021/0064 20130101; F25B 39/028 20130101; F28D 2021/0085
20130101; F28F 9/0282 20130101; F28F 3/025 20130101; F28D 9/0062
20130101; F28D 2021/0071 20130101; F28D 2021/0021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/515 ;
165/166 |
International
Class: |
F28F 3/08 20060101
F28F003/08 |
Claims
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.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The described subject matter relates generally to heat
exchangers, and more specifically to heat exchangers for use with
in various refrigerant systems.
[0002] 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.
SUMMARY
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows an example evaporator-type heat exchanger.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger taken
through line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a heat exchanger subassembly suitable for use
in the example evaporator-type heat exchanger of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a counterflow heat
exchanger.
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts an alternative heat exchanger subassembly
suitable for use in the example counterflow heat exchanger of FIG.
4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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 of
crossflow 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 in FIG.
4.
[0014] 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. In the crossflow heat exchange
relationship of FIG. 1, second incoming fluid 24 (e.g., air) flows
transversely through a plurality of air passages 26 in heat
exchange relationship with the one or more refrigerant passages 20.
Air passages 26 can be substantially perpendicular to refrigerant
passages 20 and can extend along second or transverse axis 28.
[0015] In certain embodiments, 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, while second flow spaces can provide
communication along air passages 26. In certain of these
embodiments, 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.
[0016] 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 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.
As first incoming fluid 12 passes through refrigerant passages 20,
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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] Inlet chamber 18 is disposed adjacent to respective upstream
ends 52 of each refrigerant passage 20. In the view of FIG. 2,
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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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. 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.
[0023] 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 between inlet
chamber 18 and outlet chamber 30 (shown in FIG. 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.
[0024] 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 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. In the crossflow heat exchange relationship, the second
plurality of fins 62 can be disposed transversely to the first
plurality of fins 50.
[0025] 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 144A, 144B, 144C, 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 166A, 166B,
second closure bar 168, and second edges 170A, 170B.
[0026] First parting plate 144A, second parting plate 144B, and
third 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 in first flow space 146 between first and second
parting plates 144A, 144B, 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 144B, 144C. 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.
[0027] Similar to FIG. 2, first closure bar 154 is disposed along
first edges 166A, 166B of first flow space 146 between first and
second parting plates 144A, 144B. 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. In certain embodiments, first closure bar 154
and/or individual metering plates 160 are metallurgically bonded to
first and second parting plates 144A, 144B.
[0028] In certain embodiments, second closure bar 168 can be
arranged transversely to first closure bar 154 along second edges
170A, 170B 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] First incoming fluid 212, for example, a liquid/vapor phase
refrigerant mixture, can be received into first inlet port 214A
formed in housing 216. Inlet chamber 218A 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 232A
longitudinally spaced apart from first inlet port 214A.
[0031] Second incoming fluid 224, for example, air, enters via
inlet port 214B, then flows through housing 216 before exiting from
second outlet chamber 230B. Second inlet port 214B is also
longitudinally spaced apart from second outlet port 232B. In a
counterflow design, second inlet port 214B can be disposed at the
same longitudinal end of heat exchanger 210 as first outlet port
232A, while first inlet port 214A can be disposed at the same
longitudinal end of heat exchanger 210 as second outlet port 232B.
It will be appreciated that heat exchanger 210 can be further
adapted to a coflow relationship in which fluid inlets 214A, 214B
are disposed at the same longitudinal end, and are longitudinally
spaced apart from outlet ports 232A, 232B.
[0032] 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. In certain
embodiments, 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 232B.
This is best seen in FIG. 5.
[0033] 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 344A, second parting plate 344B, and third
parting plate 344C 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 344A, 344B, 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 344B, 344C, 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.
[0034] Similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, first closure bar 354 is disposed
along first edges 366A, 366B of first flow space 346 between first
and second parting plates 344A, 344B. 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. In certain embodiments, first closure bar
354 and/or individual metering plates 360 are metallurgically
bonded to first and second parting plates 344A, 344B. In certain
embodiments, second closure bar 368 can be arranged transversely to
first closure bar 354 along second edges 370A, 370B 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.
[0035] 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,
some fins 362 can optionally be recessed from first edges 366B,
366C to allow the fluid in 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 along first edges 366B, 366C to enclose the serpentine
passages and retain the second fluid within second flow space
348.
DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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:
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat
exchangers, wherein the plurality of second fluid passages extend
along a transverse axis.
[0052] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat
exchangers, wherein the plurality of second fluid passages extend
along a longitudinal axis.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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:
[0055] A further embodiment of the foregoing heat exchanger
subassembly, wherein the first closure bar is metallurgically
bonded to the first and second parting plates.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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:
[0063] A further embodiment of the foregoing evaporator, wherein
the at least one refrigerant passage extends along a longitudinal
axis of the evaporator.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators,
wherein the heat exchange relationship includes a crossflow heat
exchange relationship.
[0067] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators,
wherein the heat exchange relationship includes a counterflow heat
exchange relationship.
[0068] 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.
* * * * *