U.S. patent application number 15/526160 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-26 for thermosiphon blocks and thermosiphon systems for heat transfer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dantherm Cooling A/S. The applicant listed for this patent is Dantherm Cooling A/S. Invention is credited to Orla Lang Sorensen.
Application Number | 20170307301 15/526160 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55953763 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170307301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sorensen; Orla Lang |
October 26, 2017 |
THERMOSIPHON BLOCKS AND THERMOSIPHON SYSTEMS FOR HEAT TRANSFER
Abstract
The present invention relates to transfer of heat by
thermosiphon blocks, thermosiphons or thermosiphon systems
configured to be used or assembled to transfer heat. Thermosiphon
block configured for a refrigerant to circulate between a first
header and a second header interconnected with a fluid communicator
arrangement comprising multiple MPE-tubes with fins in-between. The
first header may have a receiving volume adapted to receive liquid
refrigerant and to distribute the liquid refrigerant to the second
header via a liquid communicator. The bock may be sealed. The
invention also relates to a thermosiphon system comprising at least
a first thermosiphon block. The first thermosiphon block may be
configured as an evaporator with the receiving volume in the first
header connected to a condenser. The thermodynamic system may have
a piping between the first thermosiphon block and the condenser.
The first thermosiphon block may be configured to be placed inside
of a building, housing or a cabinet.
Inventors: |
Sorensen; Orla Lang; (Skive,
DK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dantherm Cooling A/S |
Skive |
|
DK |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dantherm Cooling A/S
Skive
DK
|
Family ID: |
55953763 |
Appl. No.: |
15/526160 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 11, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK2015/050341 |
371 Date: |
May 11, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 15/025 20130101;
F28D 15/06 20130101; F28D 15/0266 20130101; F28D 15/0233 20130101;
F28D 1/05383 20130101; F28F 27/02 20130101; F28F 1/128
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28D 15/02 20060101
F28D015/02; F28D 15/02 20060101 F28D015/02; F28D 15/02 20060101
F28D015/02; F28D 15/06 20060101 F28D015/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 11, 2014 |
DK |
PA 2014 70684 |
Nov 11, 2014 |
DK |
PA 2014 70685 |
Claims
1. A thermosiphon block (1) configured for a refrigerant (12) to
circulate between a first header (3I) and a second header (3II)
interconnected with a fluid communicator arrangement (4) comprising
multiple MPE-tubes (14) with fins (16) in-between and where the
first header (3I) has a receiving volume adapted to receive liquid
refrigerant (12) and to distribute the liquid refrigerant to the
second header (3II) via a liquid communicator (5).
2. The thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 1, further
comprising a valve (50) in the receiving volume (40) and configured
to control the flow of refrigerant (12) to or from the first header
(3I) through a separator(62), which valve (50) has a close (52) at
a closing set-point (53) and an open (54) at an opening set point
(55) as a function of a pressure in the receiving volume (40).
3. The thermositton block (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
receiving volume (40) is formed as a bellow housing (65) and with a
first header tube part (66) formed as a bellow washer.
4. The thermosiphonThermosiphon block (1) according to claim 1,
wherein a bellow (60) is affixed to the first header part (66) and
is expandable towards the separator (62) as a function of the
pressure in the receiving volume (40).
5. The thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 2, wherein the
valve (50) is integrated in the receiving volume (40).
6. The thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 1, further
comprising a partition plate (8) to install the thermosiphon block
(1) as a vertical thermosiphon (10A) with the first header (31) as
a liquid header (34) and the second header (3II) as a vapour header
(24), which partition plate (8) partitions the vertical
thermosiphon (10) in an evaporator (30) and a condenser (20).
7. The thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 1, further
comprising a partition plate (8) to install the thermosiphon block
(1) as a horizontal thermosiphon (10B) with the first header (3I)
as a liquid header (34) and the second header (3II) as a vapour
header (24), which partition plate (8) partitions the horizontal
thermosiphon (10) in an evaporator (30) with the first header (3I)
having a evaporation section (80) and the second header (3II)
having an evaporation section (84) and a condenser (20) with the
first header (3I) having a condenser section (82) and the second
header (3II) having a condenser section (86).
8. The thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 1, wherein at
least some fins (16) has a width that is substantially half the
width of the width of the MPE-tubes (14).
9. The thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 8, wherein the
half-width fins (16) can be freely installed or adjustable
in-between MPE-tubes (14) at different depths along the width of
the MPE-Tubes (13) according to the section of the MPE-tubes (14)
being an evaporator (20) or a condenser (30).
10. The thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
liquid communicator (5) is demountable and the receiving volume
(40) re-sealable.
11. The thermosiphon (10) comprising at least a first thermosiphon
block (11) according to claims 1, wherein the first thermosiphon
block (1) is configured as an evaporator (30) with the receiving
volume (40) in the first header (3I) connected to a condenser
(20).
12. The thermosphon (10) according to claim 11, wherein the
condenser (20) is a second thermosiphon block (1).
13. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 11, wherein the
condenser (20) is a second thermosiphon block (1II) with the
receiving volume (40) first block (3I) is connected to the
receiving volume (40) of the second block (3II) via a piping
(9).
14. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 11, wherein the first
thermosiphon block (1I) is configured to be installed inside a
wall, the second thermosiphon block (1II) is configured to be
installed outside the wall and the piping (9) configured to
penetrate the wall.
15. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 11, comprising a valve
(50) between the first (1I) and second (1II) thermosiphon
blocks.
16. The thermosiphon (10) wherein the thermosiphon (10) comprises a
condenser (20) and an evaporator (30) with a liquid header (34) and
a vapour header (24) wherein the evaporator (30) is formed as a
first thermosiphon block (1I) according to claim 1 with the first
header (3I) of the first block (1I) forming an evaporator section
(84) of the liquid header (34) and the second header (311) forming
an evaporator section (84) of the vapour header (24).
17. thermosiphon (10) according to claim 16,, wherein the condenser
(20) is formed as a second thermosiphon block (1II) with the first
header (3I) or second header (3II) of the second block (1II)
forming a condenser section (82) the liquid header (34) and the
other second header (3II) or first header (3I) forming an condenser
section (86) of the vapour header (24).
18. The therrnosiphon (10) according to claim 17, comprising a
valve (50) configured to control the flow of the refrigerant (12)
from the condenser (20) to the evaporator (30) and to close (52) at
a closing set-point (53) and to open (54) at an opening set point
(55) as a function of the pressure in the thermosiphon (10) wherein
the valve (55) comprises a bellow (60) configured to act to open
(54) and close (52) a separator (62) separating the condenser (20)
and the evaporator (30) and which bellow (60) is located in a
receiving volume (40) of the liquid header (34) and configured to
receive the refrigerant (12) from the condenser (20).
19. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 18, wherein the valve
(50) is integrated in the receiving volume (40).
20. A thermosiphon block (1) configured for a refrigerant (12) to
circulate between a first header (3I) and a second header (3II)
interconnected with a fluid communicator arrangement (4) comprising
multiple MPE-tubes (14) with fins (16) having substantially the
same width as the width of the MPE-tubes (14) in-between adjacent
MPE-tubes (14) and each MPE-tube (14) connecting the first header
(3I) and the second header (3II), wherein the thermosiphon block
(1) is sealed and contains a refrigerant (12).
21. Thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 20, further
comprising a partition plate (8) to install the thermosiphon block
(1) as a vertical thermosiphon (10A) with the first header (3I) as
a liquid header (34) and the second header (3II) as a vapour header
(24), which partition plate (8) partitions the vertical
thermosiphon (10) in an evaporator (30) and a condenser (20).
22. The thermosiphon block (1) according to claim 20, further
comprising a partition plate (8) to install the thermosiphon block
(1) as a horizontal thermosiphon (10B) with the first header (3I)
as a liquid header (34) and the second header (3II) as a vapour
header (24), which partition plate (8) partitions the horizontal
thermosiphon (10B) in an evaporator (30) with the first header (3I)
having a evaporation section (80) and the second header (3II)
having an evaporation section (84) and a condenser (20) with the
first header (3I) having a condenser section (82) and the second
header (3II) having a condenser section (86).
23. A heat transporter comprising a thermosiphon block (1)
according claim 21, installed with a partition plate (8) mounted in
a wall separating a first volume from a second volume.
24. A thermosiphon (10) configured for a refrigerant (12) to
interact with a condenser (20) and an evaporator (30) that are
interconnected with means for guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant
from the evaporator (22) to the condenser (20), and at lower
gravitational level, means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant
to the evaporator (32), such as a liquid header (34), when the
thermosiphon (10) operates as intended, which thermosiphon (10)
comprises a valve (50) configured to control the flow of the
refrigerant from the condenser (20) to the evaporator (30) and to
close (52) at a closing set-point (53) and to open (54) at an
opening set point (55) as a function of the pressure in the
thermosiphon (10) wherein the valve (55) comprises a bellow (60)
configured to act to open (54) and close (52) a separator (62)
separating the condenser (20) and the evaporator (30) and which
bellow (60) is located in a receiving volume (40) of the means for
guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant (32), such as the liquid
header (34), configured to receive the refrigerant (12) from the
condenser (20) and wherein the valve (50) is integrated in the
header (34) of the evaporator (30).
25. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 24, wherein the means
for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant (12) is formed as a liquid
header (34) with Micro Channel Heat Exchangers entering the liquid
header (34) as multi-port extrusions (MPEs).
26. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 24, wherein the
receiving volume (40) is formed as a bellow housing (65), a header
part (66) is formed as a bellow washer and the bellow (60) is
affixed to the header part (66) and is expandable towards the
separator (62) as a function of the pressure in the thermosiphon
(10).
27. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 24, wherein the valve
parts including at least the bellow (60), the separator (62), and
the header part (66) each are affixable to each other, and made as
brazable, solderable, weldable, and/or glueable materials.
28. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 24, wherein the bellow
(60) comprises a non-condensable gas.
29. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 24, wherein the
condenser (20) and the evaporator (30) are interconnected with a
gas pipe (70) configured to guide a flow of gaseous refrigerant
from the evaporator (30) to the condenser (20) and a liquid pipe
(72) configured to guide liquid refrigerant from the condenser (20)
to the evaporator (30) and into the receiving volume (40).
30. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 29, and configured so
that, during intended operating, the condenser (20) is placed at a
gravitational level that is higher than that of the evaporator (30)
so that the refrigerant by gravity will be directed from the
condenser (20) towards the evaporator (30) in the liquid pipe (72)
and onto the bellow (60).
31. The thermosiphon (10) according to claim 24, wherein the
evaporator and condenser have a common means for guiding a flow of
liquid refrigerant (32) for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant
from the condenser (20) to the evaporator (30) or/and a common
means for guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant (22) for guiding a
flow of gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator (30) to the
condenser (20).
32. The themosiphon (10) according to claim 31, wherein the valve
(50) is located in a receiving volume (40) of the common means for
guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant (32) and wherein the separator
(62) separates the common means for guiding a flow of liquid
refrigerant (32) in a evaporator section (80) and a condenser
section (82).
33. A method (100) of producing a thermosiphon (10) configured for
a refrigerant (12) to interact with a condenser (20) and an
evaporator (30) that are interconnected with means for guiding a
flow of gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator (22) to the
condenser (20), and at lower gravitational level means for guiding
a flow of liquid refrigerant to the evaporator (32) when the
thermosiphon (10) operates as intended, which thermosiphon (10)
comprises a valve (50) configured to control the flow of the
refrigerant from the condenser (20) to the evaporator (30) and to
close (52) at a closing set-point (53) and to open (54) at an
opening set point (55) as a function of the pressure in the
thermosiphon (10); which method (100) comprises actions of:
providing (110) valve parts (51) comprising a bellow (60), which
valve parts (51) are configured to be affixed to the means for
guiding a liquid refrigerant to the evaporator (32), such as liquid
header (34); providing (120) condenser parts (21) configured to be
assembled to be interconnected with an evaporator (30); providing
(130) evaporator parts (31) configured to be assembled to be
interconnected with the condenser (20) and to have the valve parts
(51) affixed in a in a receiving volume (40) of the assembled
evaporator (20); affixing (140) the valve parts (50) to at least
some evaporator parts (31) to form an evaporator with an integrated
valve (50) inside the evaporator (50) when assembled, and
assembling (150) the thermosiphon of the evaporator parts (31) and
condenser parts (21) interconnected with means for guiding gaseous
refrigerant to the condenser (22), such as a vapour header (24),
and means for guiding a liquid refrigerant to the evaporator (32),
such as a liquid header (34); to form a thermosiphon (10) with the
bellow (60) enabled to act to open (54) and close (52) the valve
(50) and which bellow (60) is located in a receiving volume (40) of
a liquid header (34) configured to receive the refrigerant (12)
when operating the thermosiphon (10) as intended.
34. The rnethod according to claim 33, wherein the action of
affixing (140) the valve parts (51) is performed by brazing the
valve parts (51) to the evaporator parts (31) to form an evaporator
(30) with an integrated valve (50).
35. The method (100) according to claim 33, wherein the action of
affixing (140) comprises an act of baking or heating (150) the
evaporator parts (31) with the valve part parts affixed.
36. The method according to claim 33, wherein the actions of
providing condenser parts (120) and providing evaporator parts
(130) involves providing parts (21, 31) to form a evaporator and
condenser that have a common means for guiding a flow of gaseous
refrigerant (22) for guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant from the
evaporator (30) to the condenser (20) and a common means for
guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant (32) for guiding a flow of
liquid refrigerant from the condenser (20) to the evaporator
(30).
37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the act of affixing
(140) involves actions of affixing the valve parts (51) in the
receiving volume (40) of the common means for guiding a flow of
liquid refrigerant (32) that separates the common means for guiding
a flow of liquid refrigerant (32) in a evaporator section (80) and
a condenser section (82).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to transfer of heat. The
transfer of heat may be by thermosiphon blocks, thermosiphons or
thermosiphon systems configured to be used or assembled to transfer
heat. The thermosiphon blocks are configured for a refrigerant to
circulate between a first header and a second header interconnected
with a fluid communicator arrangement comprising multiple MPE-tubes
with fins in-between. The first header may have a receiving volume
adapted to receive liquid refrigerant and to distribute the liquid
refrigerant to the second header via a liquid communicator. The
block may be sealed.
[0002] The invention also relates to a thermosiphon system
comprising at least a first thermosiphon block. The first
thermosiphon block may be configured as an evaporator with the
receiving volume in the first header connected to a condenser. The
thermodynamic system may have a piping between the first
thermosiphon block and the condenser. The first thermosiphon block
may be configured to be placed inside of a building, housing or a
cabinet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Thermosiphons are known to be efficient heat exchangers
including cooling. Generally a thermosiphon has a condenser and an
evaporator that are interconnected by separate pipes for
transferring a refrigerant between the evaporator and the
condenser. There may be a valve in the pipes to control the flow of
the refrigerant. In a configuration the evaporator is inside a
cabinet to be cooled, and the condenser outside a cabinet and the
thermosiphon are configured so that when the temperature in the
cabinet reaches approaches a set point the valve closes, and the
liquid from the condenser cannot enter the evaporator. All
refrigerant will then evaporate from the evaporator into the
condenser and condense inside the condenser. As a consequence the
thermosiphon stops.
[0004] When the temperature in the cabinet rises, the valve will
open again and the refrigerant can again enter the evaporator and
the thermosiphon operates again.
[0005] It is known that the valve can be placed in the pipes. To
operate as intended--or nearly as intended--very complicated valves
have to be designed, precisely manufactured, and tested. To
overcome observed problems and to refine the valves persons skilled
in the art have to focus on designing very refined valves. Design
of such valves may attend details about valve parts such as housing
and a valve lid. Such valves may also include a bellow that
operates in the housing and attention is to a bellow guide, a
bellow washer, a bellow stop, and a bellow filling tube.
[0006] Besides being complicated structures, the valves constructed
from such valve parts have been shown to be expensive.
[0007] Patent application EP 2031332 by ABB Research Ltd describes
a heat exchanger formed as a thermosiphon block. The thermosiphon
block has "half-fins" between the MPE-tubes and with half-fins
towards one side at one header and with half-fins towards the
opposite site at the opposite header to define a circulation of
refrigerant in each MPE having evaporator channels towards the one
side and condenser channels at the other side.
[0008] Patent application US 2012267088 by BJERRISGAARD describes a
heat exchanger formed by a thermosiphon block, which block has a
flat pipe bend as a serpentine configuration with a first header in
one end of the pipe and with a second header in the other end of
the pipe. Each MPE is only connected to an adjacent MPE. If heat is
applied unevenly to a evaporator area (e.g. covering say three out
of five MPEs), then the refrigerant may "boil out" in an area and
"block" in another area and thus bring the working of the
thermosiphon to an halt.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an objective of this invention to overcome one or more
of these problems.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An objective may be achieved by a thermosiphon block
configured for a refrigerant to circulate between a first header
and a second header interconnected with a fluid communicator
arrangement comprising multiple MPE-tubes with fins in-between and
where the first header has a receiving volume adapted to receive
liquid refrigerant and to distribute the liquid refrigerant to the
second header via a liquid communicator.
[0011] Thereby is achieved a block that can be used to assemble a
thermosiphon system. The block may be an essential part of a
thermosiphon system that can be installed and operated at low cost
since it is simple and the block may be produced at large scale and
as a standard element. Such standard blocks will greatly reduce and
eliminate faults.
[0012] The liquid communicator may be a pipe that allows for the
liquid refrigerant to easily flow from the first header to the
second header. The receiving volume or a part of the volume may he
configured to collect and to funnel liquid to the liquid
communicator.
[0013] An objective may be achieved by a thermosiphon system
comprising at least a first thermosiphon block as disclosed. The
first thermosiphon block may be configured as an evaporator with
the receiving volume in the first header connected to a condenser.
The thermodynamic system may have a piping between the first
thermosiphon block and the condenser. The first thermosiphon block
may be configured to be placed inside of a building, housing or a
cabinet. The condenser may be configured to be placed outside. In
between there may be a pipe that can penetrate a wall separating
the outside form the inside. The thermosiphon system may be
arranged or with means for arranging the system so that liquid from
the condenser by gravity easily enters the receiving volume and the
thus the liquid communication.
[0014] Such arrangement allows establishment of a heat transfer
based on identical and passive elements or blocks. One block can be
on a warm side of a wall and another block can be on a cold side of
a wall with only a narrow piping to penetrate the wall.
[0015] In an embodiment of the thermosiphon system the condenser
may be a second thermosiphon block. The second thermosiphon block
may have the liquid communicator installed or de-mounted.
[0016] In an embodiment of the thermosiphon system, the condenser
is a second thermosiphon block. The receiving volume of the first
block may be connected to the receiving volume of the second block
via a piping.
[0017] In an embodiment of the thermosiphon system, the first
thermosiphon block is configured to be installed inside a wall, the
second thermosiphon block is configured to be installed outside the
wall and the piping configured to penetrate the wall.
[0018] In an embodiment, the thermosiphon block may further
comprise a valve in the receiving volume and configured to control
the flow of refrigerant to or from the first header through a
separator, which valve has a close feature at a closing set-point
and an open feature at an opening set point as a function of a
pressure in the receiving volume.
[0019] The valve operation will be disclosed in details alone and
in connection with a particular embodiment. The valve disclosed can
be integrated or implemented in the thermosiphon block in a similar
vein and the thermosiphon system may be built by a block so that it
may be operated more precisely and with a designed mode of
operation according to the set-points.
[0020] In an embodiment, the receiving volume may be formed as a
bellow housing and with a first header tube part formed as a bellow
washer.
[0021] In an embodiment, a bellow is affixed to the first header
part and is expandable towards the separator as a function of the
pressure in the receiving volume.
[0022] In an embodiment, the valve is integrated in the receiving
volume.
[0023] In an embodiment, the thermosiphon block may further
comprise a partition plate to install the thermosiphon block as a
vertical thermosiphon with the first header as a liquid header and
the second header as a vapour header, which partition plate
partitions the vertical thermosiphon in an evaporator and a
condenser.
[0024] In an embodiment, the thermosiphon block may further
comprise a partition plate to install the thermosiphon block as a
horizontal thermosiphon with the first header as a liquid header
and the second header as a vapour header, which partition plate
partitions the horizontal thermosiphon in an evaporator with the
first header having an evaporation section and the second header
having an evaporation section and a condenser with the first header
having a condenser section and the second header having a condenser
section.
[0025] In an embodiment at least some fins have a width that is
substantially half the width of the width of the MPE-tubes.
[0026] In an embodiment, the half-width fins can be freely
installed or adjustable in-between MPE-tubes at different depths
along the width of the MPE-Tubes according to the section of the
MPE-tubes being an evaporator or a condenser.
[0027] In an embodiment, the liquid communicator is demountable and
the receiving volume re-sealable.
[0028] An objective is achieved by a thermosiphon block. The
thermosiphon block is configused for a refrigerant to circulate
between a first header and a second header interconnected with a
fluid communicator arrangement comprising multiple MPE-tubes.
In-between the tubes there may be fins. A first header has a
receiving volume adapted to receive liquid refrigerant and to
distribute the liquid refrigerant to the second header via a liquid
communicator. The liquid communicator may be a pipe and arranged in
the header so that the liquid refrigerant by gravity will enter the
liquid communication.
[0029] Thereby is provided an essential part of a thermosiphon
system that can be installed and operated at low cost since it is
simple and the block may be produced in large quantities.
[0030] In an embodiment, the thermosiphon block may comprise a
valve in the receiving volume. The valve may be configured to
control the flow of refrigerant to or from the first header through
a separator, which valve is configured to close at a closing
set-point and to open at an opening set point as a function of a
pressure in the receiving volume. This may be achieved by a bellow
type of valve.
[0031] Thereby the thermosiphon may be operated more precisely and
with a designed mode of operation according to the set-points. The
valve may be a bellow type of valve. The valve may be integrated
into the receiving volume. In an embodiment the valve housing is
integrated into the receiving volume and the bellow itself may be
installed optionally.
[0032] In an embodiment of the thermosiphon block, the liquid
communicator is demountable and the receiving volume re-sealable.
Thereby the same thermosiphon block may be used to assemble a
thermosiphon system based on two identical thermosiphon blocks and
the liquid communicator installed only where necessary.
[0033] An objective may be achieved by a thermosiphon system
comprising at least a first thermosiphon block as disclosed. The
first thermosiphon block may be configured as an evaporator with
the receiving volume in the first header connected to a condenser.
The thermodynamic system may have a piping between the first
thermosiphon block and the condenser. The first thermosiphon block
may be configured to be placed inside of a building, housing or a
cabinet. The condenser may be configured to be placed outside. In
between there may be a pipe that can penetrate a wall separating
the outside form the inside. The thermosiphon system may be
arranged or with means for arranging the system so that liquid from
the condenser by gravity easily enters the receiving volume and
thus the liquid communicator.
[0034] Such arrangement allows establishment of a heat transfer
based on identical and passive elements or blocks. One block can be
on a warm side of a wall and another block can be on a cold side of
a wall with only a narrow piping to penetrate the wall.
[0035] In an embodiment of the thermosiphon system the condenser
may be a second thermosiphon block. The second thermosiphon block
may have the liquid communicator installed or de-mounted.
[0036] In an embodiment of the thermosiphon system, the condenser
is a second thermosiphon block. The receiving volume of the first
block may be connected to the receiving volume of the second block
via a piping.
[0037] In an embodiment of the thermosiphon system, the first
thermosiphon block is configured to be installed inside a wall, the
second thermosiphon block is configured to be installed outside the
wall and the piping configured to penetrate the wall.
[0038] In an embodiment, the thermosiphon system may further
comprise a valve between the first and second thermosiphon
blocks.
[0039] An objective may be achieved by a thermosiphon block
configured for a refrigerant to circulate between a first header
and a second header interconnected with a fluid communicator
arrangement comprising multiple MPE-tubes with fins in-between,
wherein the thermosiphon block is sealed and contains a
refrigerant
[0040] Such thermosiphon block can be mass produced and is easily
modified according to installation. The thermosiphon block requires
no external power source.
[0041] It is noticed that the block is sealed and prefilled with a
refrigerant. The seal may be permanent and as such the thermosiphon
block has an internal volume with a refrigerant that enables it to
transport heat within the thermosiphon block.
[0042] In an embodiment there is a partition plate. The partition
plate is configured to install the thermosiphon block as a vertical
thermosiphon system with the first header as a liquid header and
the second header as a vapour header, which partition plate
partitions the horizontal thermosiphon system in an evaporator and
a condenser. Thereby the transfer of heat is essentially in the
vertical direction.
[0043] In an embodiment of the thermosiphon block, the partition
plate is configured to install the thermosiphon block as a
horizontal thermosiphon system with the first header as a liquid
header and the second header as a vapour header, which partition
plate partitions the horizontal thermosiphon system in an
evaporator with the first header having an evaporation section and
the second header having an evaporation section and a condenser
with the first header having a condenser section and the second
header having a condenser section. Thereby the transfer of heat is
essentially in the horizontal direction.
[0044] An object of the invention may be achieved by a thermosiphon
configured for a refrigerant to interact with a condenser and an
evaporator that are interconnected with means for guiding a flow of
gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser. Such
means may be a vapour header. At a lower gravitational level there
may be means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant to the
evaporator when the thermosiphon operates as intended. The
thermosiphon may comprise a valve configured to control the flow of
the refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator and to close
at a closing set point and to open at an opening set point as a
function of the pressure in the thermosiphon. The valve may
comprise a bellow configured to act control a flow of refrigerant
and or to open and close the flow through a separator separating
the condenser and the evaporator. The bellow may be located in a
receiving volume of the means for guiding a flow of liquid
refrigerant which receives the refrigerant from the condenser. Such
means may be a liquid header.
[0045] By the provision of a receiving volume adapted to house a
bellow an integral valve arrangement is provided. Such integrated
valve comprises fewer valve parts than a valve unit installed
separately.
[0046] Although adjustment or customisation is still needed to make
the valve open at an opening set point and to close at a closing
set point, the disclosed construction involves fewer parts that can
be adjusted and fewer parts that will change with pressure and
temperature variations.
[0047] Furthermore, the integrated valve assembly will be easier to
construct since fewer elements have to be attached or affixed to
each other.
[0048] Although the means for guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant
from the evaporator to the condenser, which may be a vapour header,
and the means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant to the
evaporator, which may be a liquid header, are described to placed
relatively to each in relation to gravitational level this is
understood to be when placed for operation and when the operates as
intended. However for the structural elements and such reference
may not be required.
[0049] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the
thermosiphon disclosed has elements such as the condenser, the
evaporator and the refrigerant that are described with reference to
the intended operation of the thermosiphon. As such the evaporator
and the condenser may be similar structural elements but, they will
have clear and distinctive functions when the thermosiphon is
assembled for operation.
[0050] In an embodiment the thermosiphon may be configured for a
refrigerant to interact with a condenser and an evaporator. The
interaction may be provided by the condenser and evaporator being
interconnected with gas pipe. One pipe may be configured to guide a
flow of gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser.
One pipe may be configured as a liquid pipe configured to guide
liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator. This is
understood to be when the thermosiphon is operating as intended.
Normally a condenser will be placed at a gravitational level that
is higher than that of the evaporator so that the refrigerant by
gravity will be directed from the condenser towards the evaporator
in the liquid pipe. The thermosiphon may comprise a valve
configured to control the flow of the refrigerant and to close at a
closing set point and to open at an opening set point. The valve
may comprise a bellow acting to open and close the valve and which
bellow is located in a receiving volume of a header receiving the
refrigerant from the liquid pipe and which receiving volume is
separated by a valve seat from a distribution volume for
distributing the refrigerant for evaporation.
[0051] In an embodiment the means for guiding a flow of liquid
refrigerant is formed as a liquid header with Micro Channel Heat
Exchangers entering the liquid header as multi-port extrusions
(MPEs).
[0052] The MPEs may in an embodiment not be established from
entering the receiving volume thus further ensure more controlled
environment in the receiving volume and thus more stable and
precise expansion or contraction of the bellow and thus the opening
and closing of the valve.
[0053] In an embodiment the receiving volume is formed as a
bellow-housing and a header part which may be the end of the header
is formed as a bellow washer and the bellow is affixed to the
header part and is expandable towards the separator as a function
of the pressure in the thermosiphon.
[0054] Hence structural elements of the header are used to form the
housing and thus by forming the valve of integral parts of the
thermosiphon, the thermodynamic conditions of refrigerant and or
the majority of the thermosiphon is in closer contact with the
bellow and thus ensures consistent operation as intended.
[0055] In an embodiment the valve is integrated in the header of
the evaporator. The integration may be of different levels of
integration. In an embodiment integration is an encapsulation or
embedding of the valve. In an embodiment integration of the valve
is in the same material and the valve and header is a monolith
structure.
[0056] In an embodiment the valve parts including at least the
bellow, the separator, and the header part each are affixable to
each other. The parts may be made by brazable, solderable,
weldable, and/or glueable materials. Thus, providing for an easy
assembly of the parts and ensuring properties that allow for
effective heat transfer and expansion or contraction that is
similar.
[0057] Thereby, allowing the parts to be connected or assembled in
an easy fashion. Also by using parts that are brazable results in a
structure that, besides being easier to manufacture also, allows
the valve to reflect and act on the thermodynamic conditions of the
thermosiphon and thus to operate consistently as intended.
[0058] In an embodiment the bellow comprises a non-condensable gas.
The non-condensable gas may be designed so that it is
non-condensable in the operation temperature level for which the
thermosiphon is intended to operate. The bellow with a
non-condensable gas may be used and the bellow will provide a
highly efficient component that will also respond to changing
temperatures. The non-condensable gas may have a pressure near the
boiling temperature/pressure of the operating refrigerant in the
thermosiphon.
[0059] Thus, it is only a matter of selecting the pressure to
define the operating temperature of the valve that is to be used
inside the bellow. Alternatively refrigerants or a mixture of
several refrigerants could be used instead of a gas or a
non-condensable gas. By using a gas mixture is should be possible
to adjust the boiling point rather precisely in a way so that
boiling will occur over a temperature range. The internal pressure
and bellow may make it possible also to use springs, maybe a spring
that operates against the opening direction of the bellow, so that
as soon as the pressure in the thermosiphon is reduced the spring
contributes to opening the valve and vice versa.
[0060] The operating refrigerant is outside the bellow and the
pressure of this is acting on the bellow. When the
temperature/pressure of the saturated operating refrigerant is
higher than the non-condensable gas inside the bellow the valve is
open. When the saturation temperature/pressure inside the
thermosiphon falls below the non-condensable pressure inside the
bellow plus the force from the bellow spring times the area, the
bellow begins to close.
[0061] The operational band of the bellow may be defined by the
pressure differentials of the bellow and/or the spring
characteristics.
[0062] The bellow may have spring characteristics. It should also
be possible to use a bimetal spring which bimetal spring
automatically changes its length independently of the temperature.
The valve piston could be fixed through one end of the bimetal
spring, and the other end could be fixed in relation to the
tubing.
[0063] In an embodiment the condenser and the evaporator are
interconnected with a gas pipe configured to guide a flow of
gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser and a
liquid pipe configured to guide liquid refrigerant from the
condenser to the evaporator and into the receiving volume.
[0064] In an embodiment the thermosiphon is configured so that
during intended operating the condenser is placed at a
gravitational level that is higher than that of the evaporator, so
that the refrigerant by gravity will be directed from the condenser
towards the evaporator in the liquid pipe and onto the bellow.
[0065] In an embodiment the evaporator and condenser have a common
means for guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant for guiding a flow
of gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser and a
common means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant denser to the
evaporator.
[0066] The common vapour header may constitute a substantial part
of the common means for guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant for
guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator to the
condenser.
[0067] In an embodiment the valve is located in a receiving volume
of the common means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant which
may be a common liquid header, and wherein the separator separates
the common means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant, which
may be a common liquid header, in an evaporator section and a
condenser section.
[0068] An object of the invention is achieved by a method of
producing a thermosiphon. The thermosiphon may be configured for a
refrigerant to interact with a condenser and an evaporator that are
interconnected with means for guiding a flow of gaseous
refrigerant, which may be a vapour header, from the evaporator to
the condenser, and at lower gravitational level means for guiding a
flow of liquid refrigerant to the evaporator when the thermosiphon
operates as intended, which thermosiphon comprises a valve
configured to control the flow of the refrigerant from the
condenser to the evaporator and to close at a closing set point and
to open at an opening set point as a function of the pressure in
the thermosiphon. The method may comprise actions of:
[0069] Providing valve parts comprising a bellow, which valve parts
are configured to be affixed to the means for guiding a liquid
refrigerant to the evaporator, which may be a liquid header.
[0070] Providing condenser parts configured to be assembled to be
interconnected with an evaporator.
[0071] Providing evaporator parts configured to be assembled to be
interconnected with the condenser and to have the valve parts
affixed in a in a receiving volume of the assembled evaporator.
[0072] Affixing the valve parts to at least some evaporator parts
or to the condenser to form an evaporator with an integrated valve
inside the evaporator when assembled.
[0073] Assembling the thermosiphon of the evaporator parts and
condenser parts interconnected with means for guiding gaseous
refrigerant to the condenser, which may be a vapour header, and
means for guiding a liquid refrigerant to the evaporator, which may
be a liquid header.
[0074] Thereby, the actions form a thermosiphon with the bellow
enabled to act to open and close the valve and which bellow is
located in a receiving volume of a liquid header configured to
receive the refrigerant when operating the thermosiphon as
intended.
[0075] In an embodiment the action of affixing the valve parts is
performed by brazing the valve parts to the evaporator parts to
form an evaporator with an integrated valve.
[0076] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that brazing may
be part of a process of melting, heating or alike may be used
interchangeably. And in an embodiment the action of affixing
comprises an act of baking or heating the evaporator parts with the
valve part parts affixed.
[0077] In an embodiment the actions of providing condenser parts
and providing evaporator parts involves providing parts to form a
evaporator and condenser that have a common means for guiding a
flow of gaseous refrigerant, which may be common vapour header for
guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator to the
condenser and a common means for guiding a flow of liquid
refrigerant, which may be a common liquid header for guiding a flow
of liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator.
[0078] In either embodiments of the header the single or the
common, the valve parts may be integrated into the header as part
of the process or actions of establishing the header. As such the
actions of establishing the evaporator and/or the condenser may
include sub actions of establishing the header with the valve.
[0079] Thus, an even simpler process of making a thermosiphon is
accounted for.
[0080] In an embodiment the act of affixing involves actions of
affixing the valve parts in the receiving volume of the common
means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant, which may be common
liquid header that separates the common means for guiding a flow of
liquid refrigerant, which may be a common liquid header in a
evaporator section and a condenser section.
[0081] On objective of the invention may be achieved by a
thermosiphon including an evaporator section and a condenser
section, the sections containing a fluid occurring in gas form as
well as in liquid form, the evaporator section including MPE tubes
for conducting the fluid in its gas form in the micro-channels of
the MPE tube, and also including Zipper fins projecting from at
least one surface of the MPE tubes, the condenser section including
MPE tubes for conducting the fluid in its liquid form in the
micro-channels of the MPE tube and also including Zipper fins
projecting from at least one surface of the MPE tubes of the
condenser section.
[0082] The invention also concerns a method for temperature
regulation of an ambient medium by a thermosiphon according to the
invention, wherein hot air is supplied to the evaporator section
and cold air is supplied to the condenser section. The invention
further concerns use of the thermosiphon and the method.
[0083] The principle of a thermosiphon comprises evacuation of a
hermetically sealed enclosure and then filling it with a suitable
fluid supplied with heat in an evaporator section of the
thermosiphon and evaporates, and then condenses in a condenser
section of the thermosiphon, thereby giving off heat. The condensed
liquid is returned to the evaporator section. The thermal
conduction by this evaporation and condensation process is
significantly greater than the thermal conductivity of e.g. metals,
and the thermosiphon principle is therefore suited for heat
exchange and cooling purposes.
[0084] The fluid in the thermosiphon may consist of a single
chemical species or it may consist of a mixture of several chemical
species, e.g. in the form of an azeotropic or near azeotropic
mixture.
[0085] The thermosiphon has an internal geometry including an
internal closed circuit enabling performing the mentioned two-phase
cycle. Since a thermosiphon is a hermetically closed, two-phase
system, and only pure liquid and gas are present in the internal
hermetically sealed enclosure, the fluid will remain saturated as
long as the operational conditions for the thermosiphon is between
the triple point of the fluid and its critical point.
[0086] Originally developed for the automobile industry,
conventional heat exchangers based on the thermosiphon principle
have achieved wide commercial distribution for cooling of
electronics. The principle has the unquestionable advantage that
the cycle can be run without need of movable parts.
[0087] This type of heat exchangers are constructed with exchanger
sections of a number of flat tubes arranged in parallel, with ducts
in which the fluid flows, and equipped with corrugated fins (Zipper
fins) of the Louver type for heat exchange with the ambient
surroundings. The flat tubes are all connected to several so-called
headers which are hollow pipes. The entire construction is
typically made of aluminium and can be soldered in a conveyor oven
in a single process. Conventional heat exchangers typically consist
of two (or more) such exchanger sections of which at least one
section operates as evaporator section and at least one section
operates as condenser section, and where the two or more sections
are connected by means of at least one gas-conducting pipe and at
least one liquid-conducting pipe and the mentioned headers.
[0088] The prior art has several disadvantages: Thermodynamically,
the design with a separate evaporator section and a condenser
section connected to each other by various pipe connections entail
that parts of the heat exchanger cannot be utilised sufficiently
effectively in connection with heat absorption as well as heat
emission. In particular by cooling of hotspots there is thus a
considerable risk that the sectionalised structure of the heat
exchanger implies an inexpedient and inefficient cooling, e.g.
because the parts of the heat exchanger receiving the greatest heat
flux, and therefore with the greatest need for cooling, are poorly
cooled.
[0089] With regard to construction or design, the prior art has
furthermore the drawback that a plurality of headers are to be
interconnected by means of connecting pipes in order to enable the
liquid and gas flow in the heat exchanger. These connecting pipes,
which typically can be both long and tortuous, reduce the cooling
capacity in at least two areas: The connecting pipes increase the
volume of the heat exchanger without contributing to the cooling
capacity, and this capacity is further reduced by limiting the
airflow around the heat exchanger.
[0090] Besides, the increased internal volume increases the demand
for the amount of fluid in the heat exchanger, resulting in
cost-related as well as environmental disadvantages.
[0091] It is thus the purpose of the present invention to provide a
system which does not have the mentioned drawbacks, or which at
least will provide a useful alternative to the prior art.
[0092] This is achieved by a thermosiphon of the kind indicated in
the introduction, wherein the thermosiphon also includes a first
header and a second header, and where the MPE tubes of the
evaporator section are connected to the first header such that the
first header and the micro-channels are in liquid communication
with each other, and where the MPE tubes of the condenser section
are connected to the second header such that the second header and
the micro-channels in the MPE tubes belonging to the condenser
section are in gaseous communication with each other, the first
header and the second header communicating fluidly directly with
each other by the micro-channels from the MPE tubes of the
evaporator section as well as the MPE tubes of the condenser
section.
[0093] Hereby is provided a closed circuit without use of
connecting pipes and where the number of headers is further reduced
as only two headers are needed. The header is a conventional
header, i.e. a pipe with a fluid conducting internal volume. Liquid
as well as gas are conducted in part in the same pipe--MPE tube
and/or header--in a cycle as the two media relate to each other
such that the liquid will place itself at one end of the tube and
the gas at the other end, whereby any exchange will not occur
between the two media.
[0094] The thermosiphon can hereby be designed such that it
comprises a single surface as opposed to the prior art
thermosiphons that include at least two separate sections connected
by various connecting pipes to header of the other part. By the
invention is therefore achieved a compact thermosiphon that takes
up very little space compared with the prior art. The two sections
can be freely chosen to be placed side by side, i.e. as a flat
component, or disposed above each other and thus also here
constituting a flat component. In this connection, by flat
component is meant that the thermosiphon is an assembled, compact
construction where the two sections are not separated from each
other but appear as a rectangular surface without air gap between
the two sections, and thus without connecting pipes.
[0095] By its design, the heat exchanger/thermosiphon according to
the invention thus allows that the need for the above mentioned
system of connecting pipes is eliminated with consequently reduced
volume and reduced demand for fluid. A higher specific cooling
capacity and a reduced environmental load are hereby achieved. The
heat exchanger/thermosiphon can be designed with optional height
and width, and with an inner geometry allowing for the
circulation.
[0096] The geometry thus includes an evaporator section where the
fluid is evaporated while absorbing heat. The fluid is conducted
from the first header, where the fluid is in liquid form, up into
the micro-channels of the MPE tubes where it changes into gas, and
further on to the condenser section where the gas is condensed. The
gas is conducted via the second header to the MPE tubes where it is
condensed and where the MPE tube micro-channels belonging to the
condenser section act as a drop channel. The fluid is returned
under action of gravity to the first header of the lower evaporator
section. By a direct fluid connection between the two headers via
the micro-channels from evaporator section as well as condenser
section is meant that no connecting pipes are interposed in order
to ensure the closed circuit.
[0097] The heat conduction occurs by metallic thermal conduction.
The heat exchange with the ambient surroundings can thus occur by
conduction, convection, radiation, or a combination thereof.
[0098] The fluid in the heat exchanger/thermosiphon according to
the invention is preferably hydrocarbons, fluorinated hydrocarbons,
water, ammonium, alcohols or acetone, or azeotropic or
near-azeotropic mixtures thereof.
[0099] The thermosiphon can be made of an aluminium-based material
which is cheap and easy to work. The thermosiphon can
advantageously be made of an Al-Si-cladding material which is cheap
and easy to work, or be made by means of silflux or composite alloy
flux technology.
[0100] In a further suitable embodiment according to claim 2,
between the Zipper fins located in the condenser section and the
Zipper fins located in the evaporator section there is provided an
area without any Zipper fins and only comprising MPE tubes. It is
hereby possible to place a partition plate in the area concerned
without interfering with the fins.
[0101] In a further suitable embodiment according to claim 3, the
MPE tubes of the evaporator section are in direct fluid
communication with the MPE tubes of the condenser section whereby
the condenser section of the thermosiphon is disposed above the
evaporator section. Hereby is achieved a simple construction where
the MPE tubes lie uninterrupted between the two sections. This
makes it simple to produce a thermosiphon.
[0102] In a further suitable embodiment according to claim 4, the
Zipper fins of the evaporator section and the Zipper fins of the
condenser section have substantially the same width as that of the
MPE tubes. It this connection, by width is meant the width of the
outer surface of the MPE tubes measured perpendicularly to the
micro-channels of the MPE tubes. There is achieved a thermosiphon
by which it is possible to place a possible ventilator optionally
at one of the sides of the thermosiphon in the evaporator section.
A possible ventilator in the condenser section is then disposed at
the opposite side of the thermosiphon.
[0103] In a further suitable embodiment according to claim 5, the
Zipper fins of the evaporator section and the Zipper fins of the
condenser section have a width that is substantially half of the
width of the MPE tubes, and the Zipper fins of the condenser
section are offset in relation to the Zipper fins of the evaporator
section in direction perpendicularly to the micro-channels of the
MPE tubes. Hereby is achieved a design where there is direct
communication from the Zipper fins in the evaporator section to the
part of the MPE tubes where the liquid evaporates and rises up
towards the condenser section, whereas there is no direct
communication between the Zipper fins of the evaporator section and
the part of the MPE tubes where the condensed liquid runs down.
Correspondingly is achieved a direct communication from the Zipper
fins in the condenser section to the part of the MPE tubes where
the condensing liquid runs down, whereas there is no direct
communication between the Zipper fins of the condenser section and
the part of the MPE tubes where the gas is rising.
[0104] In a further suitable embodiment according to claim 6, the
circumscribed circumference of the thermosiphon is a box-shaped
body with a width substantially corresponding to the length of the
first or the second header, and a height substantially
corresponding to a distance measured between the outer sides of the
first header and the second header, and a thickness substantially
corresponding to the diameter of the first header or the second
header. By the design is achieved a compact unit. By outer sides of
the first header and the second header is meant the surfaces on
respective headers being farthest away from the opposing
header.
[0105] In a further suitable embodiment according to claim 7, the
thermosiphon comprises several MPE tubes in the condenser section
as well as in the evaporator section, and the thermosiphon is
terminated in width at each side by a plate piece ending against
the most laterally positioned Zipper fins. The Zipper fins are
provided between the MPE tubes and soldered/welded or in other
heat-conducting ways fastened to the outer sides of the MPE tubes.
However, the outermost Zipper fins will, as indicated, be fastened
to the end plates by one long side thereof such that the
thermosiphon appear compact. The number of MPE tubes in the two
sections can be the same or be different depending on the
application of the thermosiphon. When the condenser section and the
evaporator section are disposed above each other, the number of MPE
tubes is the same.
[0106] In a further suitable embodiment according to claim 8, the
thermosiphon comprises an IP-plate, which IP-plate is located in
the area between Zipper fins of the condenser section and Zipper
fins of the evaporator section. The plate can be mounted such that
the surface distribution of the plate is perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of the micro-channels of the MPE tubes,
which will be the case when the evaporator section is located
immediately under the condenser section. In case where the
condenser section is disposed at the side of the evaporator
section, the distributor plate will also be disposed between the
two sections but with a surface distribution parallel with the
longitudinal direction of the micro-channels of the MPE tubes.
[0107] The invention also concerns a method as indicated in the
introduction, wherein the liquid from the first header is heated in
the evaporator section, rises in the MPE tube belonging to the
evaporator section, and reaches the second header in gas form, and
wherein the gas is condensed into liquid in the condenser section
of the thermosiphon, preferably from the side from where air is
entering, and thus drops from an(?) area exiting the second header
down into the first header via the MPE tubes belonging to the
condenser section.
[0108] The invention also concerns use of a thermosiphon as
indicated above and a method as indicated above for heat recycling
in housing and for cooling, preferably for cooling electronic
components.
[0109] In a further suitable embodiment, all the MPE tubes conduct
the fluid in gas form as well as in liquid form.
[0110] In a further suitable embodiment, the thermosiphon is made
of a heat-conducting metal, preferably of an aluminium alloy.
[0111] In a further suitable embodiment, Zipper fins in the
evaporator section as well as in the condenser section are designed
with Louver fins.
[0112] In a further suitable embodiment, the MPE tubes in the
condenser section function as drop channel for the
condensed/condensing fluid.
[0113] A person skilled in the art will appreciate the equivalences
of the systems and methods disclosed herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0114] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the
figures, whereon:
[0115] The invention is described by example only and with
reference to the drawings, whereon:
[0116] FIG. 1 illustrates a thermosiphon with a condenser at a
gravitational level higher than the evaporator;
[0117] FIG. 2 illustrates a thermosiphon with a valve placed in an
interconnecting pipe between the condenser and the evaporator;
[0118] FIG. 3 illustrates a thermosiphon where the valve is located
in a receiving volume in a liquid header and a close-up of the
receiving volume;
[0119] FIG. 4 illustrates A) a valve that is closed and B) a valve
that is open;
[0120] FIG. 5 illustrates a thermosiphon with a common means for
guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant here a common liquid header,
for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the
evaporator and an evaporator and condenser have a common means for
guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant here common vapour
header;
[0121] FIG. 6 illustrates a thermosiphon with a common liquid
header with a valve a in a receiving volume;
[0122] FIG. 7 illustrates actions of producing a thermosiphon with
an integrated valve;
[0123] FIG. 8 shows a first embodiment of a thermosiphon according
to the invention;
[0124] FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of a thermosiphon according
to the invention;
[0125] FIG. 10 shows the thermosiphon of FIG. 1 or 2 placed in a
shelter;
[0126] FIG. 11 shows Zipper fins including Louver fins for use in a
thermosiphon according to the invention;
[0127] FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment of a thermosiphon according
to the invention;
[0128] FIG. 13 shows in continuation of FIG. 12 an embodiment with
a valve;
[0129] FIG. 14 illustrates a thermosiphon block and vertical and
horizontal installations;
[0130] FIG. 15 illustrates a thermosiphon block;
[0131] FIG. 16 illustrates a split thermosiphon system comprising a
thermosiphon block as an evaporator and a thermosiphon block as a
condenser;
[0132] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative split thermosiphon system
configuration;
[0133] FIG. 18 illustrates a split thermosiphon system with a
valve;
[0134] FIG. 19 illustrates a split thermosiphon system with a valve
in a piping between a thermosiphon block as an evaporator and a
thermosiphon block as a condenser; and
TABLE-US-00001 Detailed Description of the Invention Item no Item 1
Thermosiphon block 3 Header - Fist (3I) and Second (3II) 4 Fluid
communicator arrangement 5 Liquid communicator 8 Partition plate 9
Piping 10 Thermosiphon/Thermosiphon system 12 Refrigerant 14 MPE 16
Fins 20 Condenser 21 Condenser parts 22 Means for guiding gaseous
refrigerant to the condenser 24 Vapor header 30 Evaporator 31
Evaporator parts 32 Means for guiding a liquid refrigerant to the
evaporator 34 Liquid Header 40 Receiving volume 50 Valve 51 Valve
parts 52 Closed 53 Closing set-point 54 Open 55 Open set-point 60
Bellow 62 Separator 65 Bellow housing 66 Bellow washer/header part
67 Affixed 70 Gas pipe 72 Liquid pipe 80 Evaporator section of
liquid header 82 Condenser section of liquid header 84 Evaporator
section of vapour header 86 Condenser section of vapour header 100
Method of producing 110 Providing valve parts 120 Providing
condenser parts 130 Providing evaporator parts 140 Affixing the
valve parts to the evaporator parts 150 Assembling the
thermosiphon
[0135] FIG. 1 illustrates a thermosiphon 10 configured to circulate
a refrigerant 12 between a condenser 20 and an evaporator 30. As
the refrigerant 12 is circulated and distributed in MPEs 14 with
fins 16 to cover a large area as possible to efficiently convert
heat between the refrigerant 12 and the surroundings.
[0136] The condenser 20 is made of condenser parts 21. There are
means for guiding gaseous refrigerant to the condenser 20. Those
means 22 may include a vapour header 24. The evaporator 30 is made
of evaporator parts 31. There are means for guiding a liquid
refrigerant to the evaporator 32. Those means 32 may include a
liquid header 34.
[0137] In the shown embodiment of the thermosiphon 10, the
condenser 20 is placed at a gravitational level above the
evaporator 30 and the means for guiding gaseous refrigerant to the
condenser 22 with the vapour header 24 fed with a gaseous
refrigerant 12 via a gas pipe 70 from the evaporator 30. On the
return side the evaporator 30 is placed at a gravitational level
below the condenser 20 and the means for guiding a liquid
refrigerant to the evaporator 32 with the liquid header 34 fed with
a liquid refrigerant 12 via a liquid pipe 72 from the condenser
20.
[0138] In continuation of FIG. 1 FIG. 2 illustrates a similar
configuration of a thermosiphon 10 in which there is a valve 50
inserted in the liquid pipe 72.
[0139] The valve 50 comprises valve parts 51 and is configured to
close 52 at a closing set point 53 and to open 54 at an open set
point 55.
[0140] The opening 54 and closing 52 of the valve 50 may be as a
function of the pressure in the thermosiphon 10. A person skilled
in the art will be able to work between temperature and pressure
for different refrigerants 12.
[0141] FIG. 3 illustrates a thermosiphon 10 with a condenser 20 and
an evaporator 30 and configured with a liquid pipe 72 connecting
the condenser 20 and the evaporator 30. The means for guiding a
liquid refrigerant to the evaporator 32 includes the liquid header
34 that is configured with a receiving volume 40 receiving the
liquid refrigerant 12 from the liquid pipe 72.
[0142] The receiving volume 40 includes a separator 63 that
separates the condenser 20 and at least a substantial part of the
evaporator 30.
[0143] The receiving volume 40 is configured with or as a valve 50.
In this embodiment the valve 50 function is an integral part of the
receiving volume 40 with the separator 62 configured with a hole or
a passage from the receiving volume 40 to liquid header 34 or
generally the means for guiding a liquid refrigerant to the
evaporator 32.
[0144] The valve 50 is configured with a bellow 60 and the
receiving volume 40 is configured as a bellow housing 65 enclosing
the bellow 60. Opposite to the separator 62 there is valve part 51
with the function of a bellow washer in a standard bellow valve. In
this embodiment the bellow washer 66 is a header. The bellow 60 is
affixed 67 to the bellow washer 66.
[0145] Further illustrated is the MPE 14 entering the liquid header
34 of the evaporator 30, extending to the condenser 20 as well as
the fins 16.
[0146] FIG. 4 illustrates a valve 50 configured to A) close 52 the
opening in the separator 62 and to B) open 54 the opening in the
separator as the bellow 60 expands or contracts as a function of
the pressure in the thermosiphon 10 or the receiving volume 40.
[0147] The bellow 60 may comprise or contain a non-condensable gas
designed to contribute to open 54 and close 52 at given closing 53
and opening 55 set points.
[0148] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative configuration of a
thermosiphon 10 according the invention. There is a condenser 20
and an evaporator 30 configured to circulate a refrigerant 12 by
means for guiding gaseous refrigerant to the condenser 22 here
configured as a vapour header 24 and by means for guiding a liquid
refrigerant to the evaporator 32 here configured as a liquid header
34. Some elements will be recognisable from previous figures.
[0149] The evaporator 20 and the condenser 30 share a common liquid
header 34 having an evaporator section of the liquid header 80 and
a condenser section of the liquid header 82.
[0150] In this embodiment the evaporator 20 and the condenser 30
share a common vapour header 24 having an evaporator section of the
vapour header 84 and a condenser section of the vapour header
86.
[0151] There is a receiving volume 40 with a valve 50 in the
evaporator section 80 of the liquid header 34.
[0152] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a thermosiphon
10 from FIG. 5 where FIG. 6A illustrates the valve 50 closed 52 and
FIG. 6B illustrates the valve 50 open 54.
[0153] The receiving volume 40 is adapted as a bellow housing 65
where the bellow 60 is affixed 67 to a bellow washer 66 and
configured to expand towards a separator 62 formed to separate the
liquid header 34 in a evaporator section 80 and a condenser section
82.
[0154] The bellow 60 with a non-condensable gas will expand and
contract as a function of the pressure in the liquid header and
expand towards the separator 62 to close the connection between the
evaporator section 80 and the condenser section 82.
[0155] In this configuration there is a gas filling pipe extending
from the exterior of the thermosiphon 10 along the liquid header
and into the bellow 60.
[0156] This gas filling pipe may be configured to adjust the design
or composition of the gas inside the bellow to alter or tune the
opening and closing of the valve 50. The gas filling pipe may also
be configured to adjust the pressure inside the valve thereby
allowing for adjusting or tuning of the opening and closing of the
valve. The adjustment may be mechanically by a screw.
[0157] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 100 of producing a thermosiphon
as disclosed in the previous FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0158] The method 100 comprises of actions that will be disclosed
in the following and which action a person skilled in the art will
know can be performed in different sequences.
[0159] One action is providing 110 valve parts. The valve parts 51
may comprise or include a bellow 60 and the valve parts 51 are
configured to be affixed to the means for guiding a liquid
refrigerant to the evaporator 34 that may be the liquid header
34.
[0160] One action is providing 120 the condenser parts 21 that are
configured to be assembled to be interconnected with an evaporator
30.
[0161] One action is providing 130 the evaporator parts 31 that are
configured to be assembled to be interconnected with the condenser
20 and to have the valve parts 51 affixed in a receiving volume 40
of the assembled evaporator 20.
[0162] One action is affixing 140 the valve parts 50 to at least
some evaporator parts 31 or the condenser to form an evaporator
with an integrated valve 50 inside the evaporator 50 when
assembled.
[0163] One action is assembling 150 the thermosiphon of the
evaporator parts 31 and condenser parts 21 interconnected with
means for guiding gaseous refrigerant to the condenser 22, which
may be the vapour header 24, and means for guiding a liquid
refrigerant to the evaporator 32, which may be the liquid header
34.
[0164] Such actions will form a thermosiphon 10 with the bellow 60
enabled to act to open 54 and close 52 the valve 50. The bellow 60
will be located in a receiving volume 40 of a liquid header 34
configured to receive the refrigerant 12 when operating the
thermosiphon 10 as intended.
[0165] FIGS. 8 to 13 represent embodiment with features listed in
the previous table and features that are equivalents or identical
to the previous figures, but are described with equivalent or
identical terms, but different numerals. To maintain the same
numerals, but to distinguish the numbers, the terms in FIGS. 8 to
13 starts with an X.
TABLE-US-00002 no X no FIGS. Hem no 1 X1 thermosiphon 10 2 X2
evaporator section 30 3 X3 condenser section 20 4 X4 fluid 12 5 X5
evaporator section MPE tubes 31 6 X6 evaporator section
micro-channels of the MPE tube 7 X7 evaporator section Zipper fins
16 8 X8 filling opening 9 X9 condenser section MPE tubes 21 10 X10
condenser section micro-channels of the MPE tube 11 X11 condenser
section Zipper fins 16 12 X12 first header 3I 13 X13 second header
3II 14 X14 area without Zipper fins 15 X15 IP plate 8 16 X16 Louver
fins 16 17 X17 end plates 18 X18 one end edge of MPE tubes 19 X19
other end edge of MPE tubes 20 X20 hot air arrow 21 X21 cold air
arrow 22 X22 shelter 23 X23 fluid movement 24 X24 first position 25
X25 second position
[0166] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a first and a second example embodiment,
respectively, of a thermosiphon 1 according to the invention which
will be explained with reference to these two figures.
[0167] The thermosiphon X1 comprises an upper part which is a
condenser section X3, and a lower part which is an evaporator
section X2. The evaporator section X2 includes a first header X12
being a hollow tube in which is provided a filling opening X8 for
supplying fluid X4 to the thermosiphon. The filling opening X8 may
well be provided at other points, such as in a second header X13
belonging to the condenser section X3. From the first header X12 is
provided communication/fluid connection with MPE tubes X5 that
extend perpendicularly from the first header X12 and
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the latter. The MPE
tubes X5 is an abbreviation of Multi-Port Extrusion (MPE) tubes,
also termed "micro-channel tubes". With their large internal
surface area they provide efficient heat transmission and are
therefore ideal for a thermosiphon.
[0168] Zipper fins X7 are fastened between the MPE tubes to the
adjacent outer walls of the MPE tubes X5.
[0169] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of Zipper fins X7, X11 that
are metal lamellae laid in a corrugated pattern, being a commonly
known term within the technical field. Each lamella is equipped
with Louver fins X16 which in principle are lamellae projecting
from the surface of one of the lamellae of a Zipper fin and with an
opening in the Zipper fin where the Louver fin directs the airflow
down through the opening. Louver fin is also a well-known technical
term within the technical area.
[0170] Referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the laterally outermost
positioned Zipper fins X7, X11 are covered on their lateral side
with a plate X17 which is removed at one side for showing the
geometry of the Zipper fins X7, X11.
[0171] The condenser section X3 is constructed in the same way as
the evaporator section, thus including MPE tubes X9 that are a
continuation of the MPE tubes X5 provided in the evaporator section
X2. The MPE tubes open op in the second header X13.
[0172] The difference between FIGS. 8 and 9 is the dimension of the
Zipper fins. In FIG. 8, the width of the Zipper fins X7, X11 is
substantially identical to the width of the MPE tubes X9, and the
Zipper fins X7, X11 in the condenser section X3 and the evaporator
section X2 are geometrically identical and disposed in the same way
in relation to the MPE tubes X5, X9. In order that the thermosiphon
X1 can operate, the hot air supplied to the evaporator section X2
can optionally be supplied to one side of the Zipper fins, and the
cold air be supplied to the condenser section X3 opposite the side
from where the hot air comes.
[0173] In FIG. 9, the Zipper fins X7, X11 in both sections have
substantially half the width of the MPE tubes X5, X9, and they are
disposed mutually offset such that Zipper fins X7 in the evaporator
section X2 can be placed so that their outer end edge is flush with
one end edge X18 of the MPE tubes. Zipper fins X11 in the condenser
section X3 are then placed with their outer end edge flush with the
other end edge X19 of the MPE tubes. In this case, the hot
air--shown by arrow X20--is to be fed to evaporator section X2 to
the surface where Zipper fins are flush with the end edge X18 of
the MPE tubes, and the cold air--shown by arrow X21--is fed in the
condenser section 3 to the opposite surface of the thermosiphon X1.
The movement of the fluid inside the thermosiphon is shown by arrow
X23. There is an area X14 without any Zipper fins between Zipper
fins in the condenser section X3 and evaporator section X2. An IP
plate X15 can be inserted here, as shown on FIG. 10. This is a
partition plate separating the two sections.
[0174] The thermosiphon X1 therefore operates by hot air being
supplied to the evaporator section X2. The liquid in the evaporator
section X2 will hereby be heated and transformed into gas, rising
from the lower part of the evaporator section 2 of the thermosiphon
and up into the MPE tubes X5 in the part of the micro-channels
lying against the heated outer surface. For this reason it is
important that the hot air is supplied to the proper side in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 9. The gas reaches the second header X13,
is cooled in the MPE tubes X9 and transformed into liquid. The
liquid will by the action of gravity drop down through the MPE
tubes X5, X9 at the side opposite the part of the micro-channels at
which the gas rose up. The liquid is collected in the first header
X12, and a new cycle can be initiated.
[0175] As mentioned, FIG. 10 shows a thermosiphon XI as shown in
FIG. 8 or 9 provided in a shelter X22. It may suitably be
supplemented with ventilators that are provided at position X24 in
the evaporator section X2 and at position X25 in the condenser
section X3, and therefore at each their side of the
thermosiphon.
[0176] FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment of a thermosiphon X1
according to the invention where the two sections, condenser
section X3 and evaporator section X2, are disposed side by side.
The first header X12 thus communicates with the MPE tubes X5, X9 in
the condenser section X3 as well as in the evaporator section X2,
and the second header X13 is communicating with the MPE tubes X5,
X9 in the condenser section X3 as well as in the evaporator section
X2. This is in contrast to the two previous examples where the
first header X12 is in fluid communication with the MPE tubes X5
belonging to the evaporator section X2, and the second header X13
is communicating with the MPE tubes X9 belonging to the condenser
section X3. The principle in the operation is the same for the
thermosiphon X1 shown in FIG. X5 as for the previously described
examples as heat is supplied to the evaporator section X2 and cold
is supplied to the condenser section X3. The liquid rises up in the
MPE tubes in the evaporator section from the first header X12 to
the second header X13 and is transformed into gas under way to the
second header X13, and from here the gas seeks towards the cold
area in the second header X13. The gas condenses in the condenser
section X3 and drops by the action of gravity down through the MPE
tubes belonging to the condenser section X3 and down into the first
header X12.
[0177] The remaining reference numbers indicated on the figure
represent the same technical components as indicated above.
[0178] FIG. 13 shows in continuation of FIG. 12 an alternative
embodiment with a filling opening X8 at the end of the first header
X12 and a valve 50. The valve is shown as closed 52 and as open 54.
The valve 50 is a bellow 60 type of valve with the bellow 60
mounted on a bellow washer 66 and operating against a separator 62.
The bellow washer 66 may be an integrated part of the header and
the separator may be an integrated part of the header.
[0179] FIG. 14A shows a thermosiphon block 1 configured for a
refrigerant 12 to circulate between a first header 3I and a second
header 3II interconnected with a fluid communicator arrangement 4
comprising multiple MPE-tubes 14 with fins 16 in-between where the
thermosiphon block 1 is sealed and contains a refrigerant 12.
[0180] FIG. 14B shows a thermosiphon block 1 with a partition plate
8 installed between the first and second headers 3I,3II and
essentially parallel. The shown embodiment is a vertical
thermosiphon system 10A where the transfer of heat is essentially
in the vertical direction.
[0181] FIG. 14C shows a thermosiphon block 1 with a partition plate
8 installed to divide the headers 3I,3II and essentially being
parallel with the MPE-tubes in the communicator arrangement 4. The
shown embodiment is a horizontal thermosiphon system 10B where the
transfer of heat is essentially in the horizontal direction.
[0182] FIG. 15A shows a thermosiphon block 1 configured for a
refrigerant 12 to circulate between a first header 3I and a second
header 3II interconnected with a fluid communicator arrangement 4
comprising multiple MPE-tubes 14 with fins 16 in-between. The
thermosiphon block 1 has a receiving volume 40 in the first header
3I and a communicator 5 between the receiving volume 40 and the
second header 3II.
[0183] FIG. 15B shows cross section of a thermosiphon block I with
only the MPE-tubes 14 shown. The receiving volume 40 is part of an
extension of the first header 3I. The liquid communicator 5 is seen
to enter the first header 3I in the receiving volume 40 so that
refrigerant in the liquid phase can run through the communicator 5
or pipe directly into the second header 3II.
[0184] FIG. 16 illustrates a split thermosiphon system 10
comprising thermosiphon block 1 as an evaporator 30 and a condenser
20. The condenser 20 may be thermosiphon block 20 which in this
embodiment is shown without the liquid communicator 5.
[0185] FIG. 16 also illustrates the thermosiphon system 10
installed in a housing with a first thermosiphon block 1I as an
evaporator 30 and a second thermosiphon block 1II as a condenser
20. This system only requires a relatively small hole in the
wall.
[0186] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative configuration of a split
thermosiphon system 10 with additional piping 9. The piping 9 may
be bent as shown to allow for the first and second thermosiphon 1I,
1II facing the wall taking up less space away from the wall. In his
embodiment the evaporator 30 is a first thermosiphon block 1I with
the first header 3I via the piping 9 connected to the second header
3II of a second thermosiphon 1II forming the condenser 20.
[0187] FIG. 18 illustrates a split thermosiphon system 10 in
continuation of FIG. 3 and with a valve. The valve 50 may be
installed in the receiving volume 40 of the first thermosiphon
block as the evaporator. The valve 50 may be a bellow type of valve
50 configured to operate as a function of the temperature/pressure
in the receiving volume 40.
[0188] FIG. 19 illustrates a split thermosiphon system 10 in
continuation of FIGS. 3 and 4 with a valve 50 in a piping 9 between
a first thermosiphon block 1I as an evaporator 30 and a second
thermosiphon block 1II as a condenser 20. Here the valve 50 is
configured to operate as a function of the pressure/temperature in
the pipe 9. The pipe 9 with the valve 50 may be a common volume
with the receiving volume 40.
[0189] Certain specific aspects of the invention may be expressed
in terms of the following ITEMS.
[0190] Item 1: A thermosiphon X1 including an evaporator section X2
and a condenser section X3, the sections X2, X3 containing a fluid
X4 occurring in gas form as well as in liquid form, the evaporator
section X2 including MPE tubes X5 for conducting the fluid X4 in
its gas form in the micro-channels of the MPE tube X5, and also
including Zipper fins X7 projecting from at least one surface of
the MPE tubes X5, the condenser section X3 including MPE tubes X9
for conducting the fluid X4 in its liquid form in the
micro-channels of the MPE tube X9 and also including Zipper fins
X11 projecting from at least one surface of the MPE tubes X9 of the
condenser section X3, characterised in that the thermosiphon XI
includes a first header X12 and a second header X13, and that the
MPE tubes X5 of the evaporator section X2 are connected to the
first header X12 such that the first header X12 and the
micro-channels are in liquid communication with each other, and
that the MPE tubes X9 of the condenser section X3 are connected to
the second header X13 such that the second header X13 and the
micro-channels in the MPE tubes X9 belonging to the condenser
section X3 are in gaseous communication with each other, the first
header X12 and the second header X13 communicating fluidly directly
with each other by the micro-channels from the MPE tubes X5 of the
evaporator section X2 as well as the MPE tubes X9 of the condenser
section X3.
[0191] Item 2: A thermosiphon X1 according to item 1, characterised
in that between the Zipper fins X11 located in the condenser
section X3 and the Zipper fins X7 located in the evaporator section
2X there is provided an area X14 without any Zipper fins X7, 11X
and only comprising MPE tubes X5, X9.
[0192] Item 3: A thermosiphon X1 according to item 1 or item 2,
characterised in that the MPE tubes X5 of the evaporator section X2
are in direct fluid communication with the MPE tubes X9 of the
condenser section X3, by which the condenser section 3 of the
thermosiphon is disposed above the evaporator section X2.
[0193] Item 4: A thermosiphon X1 according to any preceding items,
characterised in that the Zipper fins X7 of the evaporator section
X2 and the Zipper fins X11 of the condenser section X3 have
substantially the same width as the width of the MPE tubes X5,
X9.
[0194] Item 5: A thermosiphon X1 according to item 1, item 2 or
item 3, characterised in that the Zipper fins X7 of the evaporator
section X2 and the Zipper fins X11 of the condenser section X3 have
a width that is substantially half of the width of the MPE tubes
X5, X9, and that the Zipper fins X11 of the condenser section X3
are offset in relation to the Zipper fins X7 of the evaporator
section X2 in direction perpendicularly to the micro-channels of
the MPE tubes X5, X9.
[0195] Item 6: A thermosiphon X1 according to any preceding item,
characterised in that the circumscribed circumference of the
thermosiphon X1 is a box-shaped body with a width substantially
corresponding to the length of the first X12 or the second X13
header, and a height substantially corresponding to a distance
measured between the outer sides of the first header X12 and the
second header X13, and a thickness substantially corresponding to
the diameter of the first header X12 or the second header X13.
[0196] Item 7: A thermosiphon X1 according to any preceding item,
characterised by comprising several MPE tubes X5, X9 in the
condenser section X3 as well as in the evaporator section X2, and
that the thermosiphon X1 is terminated in width at each side by a
plate piece X17 ending against the most laterally positioned Zipper
fins X7, X11.
[0197] Item 8: A thermosiphon X1 according to any preceding item,
characterised in that it comprises an IP-plate X15, which IP-plate
X15 is located in the area between Zipper fins X7, X11 of the
condenser section X3 and Zipper fins of the evaporator section
X2.
[0198] Item 9: A method for temperature regulation of an ambient
medium by a thermosiphon XI according to any preceding items,
wherein hot air is supplied to the evaporator section X2 and cold
air is supplied to the condenser section X3, characterised in that
the liquid from the first header X12 is heated in the evaporator
section X2, rises in the MPE tube X5 belonging to the evaporator
section X2, and reaches the second header X13 in gas form, and that
the gas is condensed into liquid in the condenser section X3 of the
thermosiphon, preferably from the side from where air is entering,
and thus drops from an area exiting the second header X13 down into
the first header X12 via the MPE tubes X9 belonging to the
condenser section X3.
[0199] Item 10: Use of a thermosiphon X1 according to any of item 1
to 8 and the method according to item 9 for recycling heat in
housing and for cooling, preferably cooling of electronic
components.
[0200] Item 11: Thermosiphon or system 10 configured for a
refrigerant 12 to interact with a condenser 20 and an evaporator 30
that are interconnected with means for guiding a flow of gaseous
refrigerant from the evaporator 22 to the condenser 20, and at
lower gravitational level, means for guiding a flow of liquid
refrigerant to the evaporator 32, such as a liquid header 34, when
the thermosiphon 10 operates as intended, which thermosiphon 10
comprises a valve 50 configured to control the flow of the
refrigerant from the condenser 20 to the evaporator 30 and to close
52 at a closing set-point 53 and to open 54 at an opening set point
55 as a function of the pressure in the thermosiphon 10 wherein the
valve 55 comprises a bellow 60 configured to act to open 54 and
close 52 a separator 62 separating the condenser 20 and the
evaporator 30 and which bellow 60 is located in a receiving volume
40 of the means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant 32, such
as the liquid header 34, configured to receive the refrigerant 12
from the condenser 20.
[0201] Item 12: Thermosiphon 10 according to item 11, wherein the
means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant 12 is formed as a
liquid header 34 with Micro Channel Heat Ex-changers entering the
liquid header 34 as multi-port extrusions (MPEs).
[0202] Item 13: Thermosiphon 10 according to item 11 or 12 wherein
the receiving volume 40 is formed as a bellow housing 65, a header
part 66 is formed as a bellow washer and the bellow 60 is affixed
to the header part 66 and is expandable towards the separator 62 as
a function of the pressure in the thermosiphon 10.
[0203] Item 14: Thermosiphon 10 according to item 11 or 12 wherein
the valve 50 is integrated in the header 34 of the evaporator
30.
[0204] Item 15: Thermosiphon 10 according to any of item 11 to 15
wherein the valve parts including at least the bellow 60, the
separator 62, and the header part 66 each are affixable to each
other, and made as brazable, solderable, weldable, and/or glueable
materials.
[0205] Item 16: Thermosiphon 10 according to any of item 11 to 16
wherein the bellow 60 comprises a non-condensable gas.
[0206] Item 17: Thermosiphon 10 according to any of item 11 to 16,
wherein the condenser 20 and the evaporator 30 are interconnected
with a gas pipe 70 configured to guide a flow of gaseous
refrigerant from the evaporator 30 to the condenser 20 and a liquid
pipe 72 configured to guide liquid refrigerant from the condenser
20 to the evaporator 30 and into the receiving volume 40.
[0207] Item 18: Thermosiphon 10 according to item 17 and configured
so that, during intended operating, the condenser 20 is placed at a
gravitational level that is higher than that of the evaporator 30
so that the refrigerant by gravity will be directed from the
condenser 20 towards the evaporator 30 in the liquid pipe 72 and
onto the bellow 60.
[0208] Item 19: Thermosiphon 10 according to any of item 11 to 16,
wherein the evaporator and condenser have a common means for
guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant 32 for guiding a flow of
liquid refrigerant from the condenser 20 to the evaporator 30
or/and a common means for guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant 22
for guiding a flow of gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator 30 to
the condenser 20.
[0209] Item 20: Thermosiphon 10 according to item 19, wherein the
valve 50 is located in a receiving volume 40 of the common means
for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant 32 and wherein the
separator 62 separates the common means for guiding a flow of
liquid refrigerant 32 in a evaporator section 80 and a condenser
section 82.
[0210] Item 21: Method 100 of producing a thermosiphon 10
configured for a refrigerant 12 to interact with a condenser 20 and
an evaporator 30 that are interconnected with means for guiding a
flow of gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator 22 to the condenser
20, and at lower gravitational level means for guiding a flow of
liquid refrigerant to the evaporator 32 when the thermosiphon 10
operates as intended, which thermosiphon 10 comprises a valve 50
configured to control the flow of the refrigerant from the
condenser 20 to the evaporator 30 and to close 52 at a closing
set-point 53 and to open 54 at an opening set point 55 as a
function of the pressure in the thermosiphon 10; which method 100
comprises actions of: [0211] providing 110 valve parts 51
comprising a bellow 60, which valve parts 51 are configured to be
affixed to the means for guiding a liquid refrigerant to the
evaporator 32, such as liquid header 34; [0212] providing 120
condenser parts 21 configured to be assembled to be interconnected
with an evaporator 30; [0213] providing 130 evaporator parts 31
configured to be assembled to be interconnected with the condenser
20 and to have the valve parts 51 affixed in a in a receiving
volume 40 of the assembled evaporator 20; [0214] affixing 140 the
valve parts 50 to at least some evaporator parts 31 to form an
evaporator with an integrated valve 50 inside the evaporator 50
when assembled, and [0215] assembling 150 the thermosiphon of the
evaporator parts 31 and condenser parts 21 interconnected with
means for guiding gaseous refrigerant to the condenser 22 , such as
a vapour header 24, and means for guiding a liquid refrigerant to
the evaporator 32, such as a liquid header 34;
[0216] to form a thermosiphon 10 with the bellow 60 enabled to act
to open 54 and close 52 the valve 50 and which bellow 60 is located
in a receiving volume 40 of a liquid header 34 configured to
receive the refrigerant 12 when operating the thermosiphon 10 as
intended.
[0217] Item 22: Method according to item 21 wherein the action of
affixing 140 the valve parts 51 is performed by brazing the valve
parts 51 to the evaporator parts 31 to form an evaporator 30 with
an integrated valve 50.
[0218] Item 23: Method 100 according to item 21 or 22 wherein the
action of affixing 140 comprises an act of baking or heating 150
the evaporator parts 31 with the valve part parts affixed.
[0219] Item 24: Method according to any of item 21 to 23, wherein
the actions of providing condenser parts 120 and providing
evaporator parts 130 involves providing parts 21, 31 to form a
evaporator and condenser that have a common means for guiding a
flow of gaseous refrigerant 22 for guiding a flow of gaseous
refrigerant from the evaporator 30 to the condenser 20 and a common
means for guiding a flow of liquid refrigerant 32 for guiding a
flow of liquid refrigerant from the condenser 20 to the evaporator
30.
[0220] Item 25: Method according to item 24 wherein the act of
affixing 140 involves actions of affixing the valve parts 51 in the
receiving volume 40 of the common means for guiding a flow of
liquid refrigerant 32 that separates the common means for guiding a
flow of liquid refrigerant 32 in a evaporator section 80 and a
condenser section 82.
* * * * *