U.S. patent application number 15/579026 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-21 for heat exchanger system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Danfoss Micro Channel Heat Exchanger (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yanxing Li, Yubao Liu, Xiangxun Lu, Jing Yang.
Application Number | 20180172364 15/579026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57440085 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180172364 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Yubao ; et al. |
June 21, 2018 |
HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEM
Abstract
A heat exchanger system is disclosed by embodiments of the
present invention. The heat exchanger system comprises an upper
manifold, a middle manifold and a lower manifold arranged
successively from top to bottom, wherein a first heat-exchanging
tube is arranged between the upper manifold and the middle
manifold, and a second heat-exchanging tube is arranged between the
middle manifold and the lower manifold. The middle manifold has a
first chamber and a second chamber separated from each other.
During circulation of refrigerant, the refrigerant in the upper
manifold flows through the first heat-exchanging tube down to the
first chamber, and flows via a first communicating part into the
chamber of the lower manifold, and subsequently the refrigerant
flows through the second heat-exchanging tube up into the second
chamber and then returns via a second communicating part to the
upper manifold.
Inventors: |
Liu; Yubao; (Zhejiang,
CN) ; Lu; Xiangxun; (Zhejiang, CN) ; Yang;
Jing; (Zhejiang, CN) ; Li; Yanxing; (Zhejiang,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Danfoss Micro Channel Heat Exchanger (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd. |
Zhejiang |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
57440085 |
Appl. No.: |
15/579026 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
June 2, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2016/084500 |
371 Date: |
December 1, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 39/00 20130101;
F25B 39/04 20130101; F25B 39/02 20130101; F28F 9/22 20130101; F28D
1/0443 20130101; F28F 2009/224 20130101; F28D 15/0266 20130101;
F28D 1/05375 20130101; F28F 2009/226 20130101; F28F 2210/10
20130101; F28D 15/0275 20130101; F28F 9/0204 20130101; F28D 1/05316
20130101; F28D 1/05325 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02; F28D 15/02 20060101 F28D015/02; F28F 9/22 20060101
F28F009/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 3, 2015 |
CN |
201510303770.8 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger system, comprising an upper manifold, a middle
manifold and a lower manifold arranged successively from top to
bottom, wherein a first heat-exchanging tube is arranged between
the upper manifold and the middle manifold, and a second
heat-exchanging tube is arranged between the middle manifold and
the lower manifold, wherein, the middle manifold has a first
chamber and a second chamber separated from each other; and that
during circulation of refrigerant, the refrigerant in the upper
manifold flows through the first heat-exchanging tube down to the
first chamber, and flows via a first communicating part into a
chamber of the lower manifold, and subsequently the refrigerant
flows through the second heat-exchanging tube up into the second
chamber and then returns via a second communicating part to the
upper manifold.
2. The heat exchanger system of claim 1, wherein the first
communicating part is a communicating or connecting tube with a
communication function.
3. The heat exchanger system of claim 1, wherein the second
communicating part is a communicating or connecting tube with a
communication function.
4. The heat exchanger system of claim 1, wherein the first
communicating part is at least one round or flat tube arranged
between the lower manifold and the middle manifold, and the round
or flat tube and the second heat-exchanging tube are arranged in a
row between the lower manifold and the middle manifold; and/or the
second communicating part is at least one round or flat tube
arranged between the upper manifold and the middle manifold, and
the round or flat tube and the first heat-exchanging tube are
arranged in a row between the upper manifold and the middle
manifold.
5. The heat exchanger system of claim 1, wherein the upper
manifold, the middle manifold and the first heat-exchanging tube
arranged therebetween constitute a first heat exchanger, preferably
a condenser, and the middle manifold, the lower manifold and the
second heat-exchanging tube arranged therebetween constitute a
second heat exchanger, preferably an evaporator.
6. The heat exchanger system of claim 5, wherein the middle
manifold is divided into the first chamber and the second chamber
by a main partition extending obliquely, vertically, curvedly or
windingly from an upper portion to a lower portion of the middle
manifold.
7. The heat exchanger system of claim 5, wherein the middle
manifold is divided into the first chamber and the second chamber
by a main partition extending in a longitudinal direction of the
middle manifold from one of its ends to the other.
8. The heat exchanger system of claim 7, wherein a first opening
and a second opening are provided in the main partition, the
refrigerant coming from the first heat exchanger enters from the
first chamber via the first opening into the second heat exchanger,
and the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger flows
into the second chamber and via the second opening enters into the
first heat exchanger.
9. The heat exchanger system of claim 8, wherein a communicating
flat or round tube in the second heat exchanger, situated between
the middle manifold and the lower manifold, serves as the first
communicating part, one end of the communicating flat or round tube
in the second heat exchanger inserts through the first opening into
the first chamber, and the other end communicates with a chamber of
the lower manifold; and/or a communicating flat or round tube in
the first heat exchanger, situated between the middle manifold and
the upper manifold, serves as the second communicating part, one
end of the communicating flat or round tube in the first heat
exchanger inserts through the second opening into the second
chamber, and the other end communicates with the chamber of the
upper manifold.
10. The heat exchanger system of claim 7, wherein the first
communicating part is a first connecting tube communicating the
chamber of the lower manifold with the first chamber of the middle
manifold, and/or the second communicating part is a second
connecting tube communicating the chamber of the upper manifold
with the second chamber of the middle manifold.
11. The heat exchanger system of claim 10, wherein a liquid
distributing structure for distribution of the fluid coming from
the first connecting tube is provided in the chamber of the lower
manifold.
12. The heat exchanger system of claim 11, wherein the liquid
distributing structure is a fluid guiding tube connected to or
integrally formed with the first connecting tube, on which fluid
guiding tube spaced openings are provided.
13. The heat exchanger system of claim 8, wherein the middle
manifold further comprises at least one auxiliary baffle provided
between the main partition and an upper and/or lower wall of the
middle manifold, so as to divide a chamber of the middle manifold
into at least one communicating chamber with a communication
function, at least one said first chamber and at least one said
second chamber.
14. The heat exchanger system of claim 13, wherein the first
chamber and the second chamber communicate with the at least one
communicating chamber via respectively the first opening and the
second opening in the main partition, and the at least one
communicating chamber communicates with the corresponding first or
second communicating part.
15. The heat exchanger system of claim 5, wherein the first heat
exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger, preferably the first
heat-exchanging tube and/or the second heat-exchanging tube of the
first heat exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger, are bent; or
the first heat-exchanging tube and the second heat-exchanging tube
are inserted respectively into the middle manifold in directions
oblique to each other.
16. A heat exchanger system, comprising an upper manifold, a first
middle manifold, a second middle manifold and a lower manifold
arranged successively from top to bottom, wherein a first
heat-exchanging tube is arranged between the upper manifold and the
first middle manifold, and a second heat-exchanging tube is
arranged between the second middle manifold and the lower manifold,
the first middle manifold is provided with a first partition by
which the first middle manifold is divided into at least one first
chamber and at least one first communicating chamber separated from
each other, and the second middle manifold is provided with a
second partition by which the second middle manifold is divided
into at least one second chamber and at least one second
communicating chamber separated from each other; during circulation
of refrigerant, the refrigerant in the upper manifold flows through
the first heat-exchanging tube down to the first chamber and via a
first connecting tube into the second communicating chamber, and
flows via a first communicating part into a chamber of the lower
manifold; subsequently, the refrigerant flows through the second
heat-exchanging tube up into the second chamber and via a second
connecting tube into the first communicating chamber, and then
returns via a second communicating part to the upper manifold.
17. The heat exchanger system of claim 16, wherein the first
communicating part is a communicating or connecting tube with a
communication function.
18. The heat exchanger system of claim 16, wherein the second
communicating part is a communicating or connecting tube with a
communication function.
19. The heat exchanger system of claim 16, wherein the first
communicating part is at least one round or flat tube arranged
between the lower manifold and the second middle manifold, and the
round or flat tube and the second heat-exchanging tube are arranged
in a row between the lower manifold and the second middle manifold;
and/or the second communicating part is at least one round or flat
tube arranged between the upper manifold and the first middle
manifold, and the round or flat tube and the first heat-exchanging
tube are arranged in a row between the upper manifold and the first
middle manifold.
20. The heat exchanger system claim 16, wherein the upper manifold
and the first middle manifold and the first heat-exchanging tube
arranged therebetween constitute a first heat exchanger, preferably
a condenser, and the second middle manifold and the lower manifold
and the second heat-exchanging tube arranged therebetween
constitute a second heat exchanger, preferably an evaporator.
21. The heat exchanger system of claim 20, wherein the first heat
exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger, preferably the first
heat-exchanging tube and/or the second heat-exchanging tube of the
first heat exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger, are bent; or
the first heat-exchanging tube and the second heat-exchanging tube
are inserted respectively into the first middle manifold and the
second middle manifold in directions oblique to each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a National Stage application of
International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2016/084500, filed on
Jun. 2, 2016 which claims the priority of Chinese Patent
Application No. 201510303770.8 filed on Jun. 3, 2015 with the title
of "Heat Exchanger System", all the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of refrigeration,
in particular to a heat exchanger system to be used for an air
conditioner of a base station.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Energy shortage has become a key factor restricting the
development of national economy, and the energy saving and energy
efficiency promoting represent an important issue in the national
economy. The heat tube technique (in which the heat tube is
activated when the outdoor environment temperature is lower than
the indoor temperature of server room by a certain extent,
approximately above 5.degree. C.) can shorten the running time of
compressor, reach the goal of saving energy and reducing
consumption, and extend the service life of the compressor.
[0004] Currently, a separate-type heat tube exchanger has been
known. In this kind of exchanger, the refrigerant in the
heat-exchanging tube is warmed by the indoor hot air, as a hot
fluid, to become vapour refrigerant. The vapour rises up and is
condensed to form liquid refrigerant in the condenser by exchanging
heat with the outdoor cool air, and the liquid refrigerant enters
into the evaporator to absorb heat. Thus a heat tube cycle is
formed and the effect of refrigeration is achieved.
[0005] However, this kind of separate-type heat tube exchanger has
disadvantages of long connecting tubes between the two heat
exchangers, high costs, high demanding requirement of installation
space due to the placement in an integral unit, and so on.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] Therefore, one of objects of the present invention is to
provide a heat exchanger system which can overcome or at least
alleviate the above-mentioned deficiencies.
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat
exchanger system is provided which comprises an upper manifold, a
middle manifold and a lower manifold arranged successively from top
to bottom, wherein a first heat-exchanging tube is arranged between
the upper manifold and the middle manifold, and a second
heat-exchanging tube is arranged between the middle manifold and
the lower manifold,
[0008] wherein the middle manifold has a first chamber and a second
chamber separated from each other;
[0009] and during circulation of refrigerant, the refrigerant in
the upper manifold flows through the first heat-exchanging tube
down to the first chamber, and flows via a first communicating part
into a chamber of the lower manifold, and subsequently the
refrigerant flows through the second heat-exchanging tube up into
the second chamber and then returns via a second communicating part
to the upper manifold.
[0010] In an example, the first communicating part is a
communicating or connecting tube with a communication function.
[0011] In an example, the second communicating part is a
communicating or connecting tube with a communication function.
[0012] In an example, the first communicating part is at least one
round or flat tube arranged between the lower manifold and the
middle manifold, and the round or flat tube and the second
heat-exchanging tube are arranged in a row between the lower
manifold and the middle manifold; and/or
[0013] the second communicating part is at least one round or flat
tube arranged between the upper manifold and the middle manifold,
and the round or flat tube and the first heat-exchanging tube are
arranged in a row between the upper manifold and the middle
manifold.
[0014] In an example, the upper manifold, the middle manifold and
the first heat-exchanging tube arranged therebetween constitute a
first heat exchanger, preferably a condenser, and the middle
manifold, the lower manifold and the second heat-exchanging tube
arranged therebetween constitute a second heat exchanger,
preferably an evaporator.
[0015] In an example, the middle manifold is divided into the first
chamber and the second chamber by a main partition extending
obliquely, vertically, curvedly or windingly from an upper portion
to a lower portion of the middle manifold.
[0016] In an example, the middle manifold is divided into the first
chamber and the second chamber by a main partition extending in a
longitudinal direction of the middle manifold from one of its ends
to the other.
[0017] In an example, a first opening and a second opening are
provided in the main partition, the refrigerant coming from the
first heat exchanger enters from the first chamber via the first
opening into the second heat exchanger, and the refrigerant flowing
out of the second heat exchanger flows into the second chamber and
via the second opening enters into the first heat exchanger.
[0018] In an example, a communicating flat or round tube in the
second heat exchanger, situated between the middle manifold and the
lower manifold, serves as the first communicating part, one end of
the communicating flat or round tube in the second heat exchanger
inserts through the first opening into the first chamber, and the
other end communicates with a chamber of the lower manifold;
and/or
[0019] a communicating flat or round tube in the first heat
exchanger, situated between the middle manifold and the upper
manifold, serves as the second communicating part, one end of the
communicating flat or round tube in the first heat exchanger
inserts through the second opening into the second chamber, and the
other end communicates with the chamber of the upper manifold.
[0020] In an example, the first communicating part is a first
connecting tube communicating the chamber of the lower manifold
with the first chamber of the middle manifold, and/or the second
communicating part is a second connecting tube communicating the
chamber of the upper manifold with the second chamber of the middle
manifold.
[0021] In an example, a liquid distributing structure for
distribution of the fluid coming from the first connecting tube is
provided in the chamber of the lower manifold.
[0022] In an example, the liquid distributing structure is a fluid
guiding tube connected to or integrally formed with the first
connecting tube, on which fluid guiding tube spaced openings are
provided.
[0023] In an example, the middle manifold further comprises at
least one auxiliary baffle provided between the main partition and
an upper and/or lower wall of the middle manifold, so as to divide
a chamber of the middle manifold into at least one communicating
chamber with a communication function, at least one said first
chamber and at least one said second chamber.
[0024] In an example, the first chamber and the second chamber
communicate with the at least one communicating chamber via
respectively the first opening and the second opening in the main
partition, and the at least one communicating chamber communicates
with the corresponding first or second communicating part.
[0025] In an example, the first heat exchanger and/or the second
heat exchanger, preferably the first heat-exchanging tube and/or
the second heat-exchanging tube of the first heat exchanger and/or
the second heat exchanger, are bent; or
[0026] the first heat-exchanging tube and the second
heat-exchanging tube are inserted respectively into the middle
manifold in directions oblique to each other.
[0027] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
another heat exchanger system is provided which comprises an upper
manifold, a first middle manifold, a second middle manifold and a
lower manifold arranged successively from top to bottom, wherein a
first heat-exchanging tube is arranged between the upper manifold
and the first middle manifold, and a second heat-exchanging tube is
arranged between the second middle manifold and the lower
manifold,
[0028] the first middle manifold is provided with a first partition
by which the first middle manifold is divided into at least one
first chamber and at least one first communicating chamber
separated from each other, and the second middle manifold is
provided with a second partition by which the second middle
manifold is divided into at least one second chamber and at least
one second communicating chamber separated from each other;
[0029] during circulation of refrigerant, the refrigerant in the
upper manifold flows through the first heat-exchanging tube down to
the first chamber and via a first connecting tube into the second
communicating chamber, and flows via a first communicating part
into a chamber of the lower manifold; subsequently, the refrigerant
flows through the second heat-exchanging tube up into the second
chamber and via a second connecting tube into the first
communicating chamber, and then returns via a second communicating
part to the upper manifold.
[0030] In an example, the first communicating part is a
communicating or connecting tube with a communication function.
[0031] In an example, the second communicating part is a
communicating or connecting tube with a communication function.
[0032] In an example, the first communicating part is at least one
round or flat tube arranged between the lower manifold and the
second middle manifold, and the round or flat tube and the second
heat-exchanging tube are arranged in a row between the lower
manifold and the second middle manifold; and/or
[0033] the second communicating part is at least one round or flat
tube arranged between the upper manifold and the first middle
manifold, and the round or flat tube and the first heat-exchanging
tube are arranged in a row between the upper manifold and the first
middle manifold.
[0034] In an example, the upper manifold and the first middle
manifold and the first heat-exchanging tube arranged therebetween
constitute a first heat exchanger, preferably a condenser, and the
second middle manifold and the lower manifold and the second
heat-exchanging tube arranged therebetween constitute a second heat
exchanger, preferably an evaporator.
[0035] In an example, the first heat exchanger and/or the second
heat exchanger, preferably the first heat-exchanging tube and/or
the second heat-exchanging tube of the first heat exchanger and/or
the second heat exchanger, are bent; or
[0036] the first heat-exchanging tube and the second
heat-exchanging tube are inserted respectively into the first
middle manifold and the second middle manifold in directions
oblique to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] These and other aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become more obvious and understandable from the
following description of the preferred embodiments with reference
to the drawings, wherein:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the structure of a first
heat exchanger system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the structure of a second
heat exchanger system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the structure of a third
heat exchanger system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the structure of a fourth
heat exchanger system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the structure of a fifth
heat exchanger system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the structure of a sixth
heat exchanger system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the structure of a
seventh heat exchanger system according to a first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the structure of the heat
exchanger system according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the structure of the heat
exchanger system according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Technical solutions of the present invention will be
described hereinafter in more detail by the way of embodiment with
reference to the FIGS. 1-9. The same or similar reference numerals
refer to the same or similar elements throughout the description.
The description of the embodiment of the present invention with
reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to interpret the
general inventive concept of the present invention, and shall not
be construed as limiting to the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 1 shows schematically the structure of a first heat
exchanger system 110 according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. Specifically, the first heat exchanger system 110
comprises an upper manifold 10, a middle manifold 30 and a lower
manifold 20 arranged successively from top to bottom. A first
heat-exchanging tube 41 is arranged between the upper manifold 10
and the middle manifold 30, and a second heat-exchanging tube 42 is
arranged between the middle manifold 30 and the lower manifold
20.
[0049] As shown in the figure, the middle manifold 30 has a first
chamber 31 and a second chamber 32 separated from each other.
During its circulation (the directions in which the refrigerant
flows are indicated by arrows in FIG. 1, a manner that will be
adopted hereinafter and will not be iterated), the refrigerant in
the upper manifold 10 flows through the first heat-exchanging tube
41 down to the first chamber 31, and flows via a first
communicating part 51 into the chamber of the lower manifold 20,
and subsequently the refrigerant flows through the second
heat-exchanging tube 42 upwardly into the second chamber 32 and
then returns via a second communicating part 52 to the upper
manifold 10.
[0050] It is to be understood here that the first communicating
part 51 and the second communicating part 52 can be a communicating
or connecting tube with a communication function. Preferably, as
shown in FIG. 1, the first communicating part 51 is at least one
round or flat tube arranged between the lower manifold 20 and the
middle manifold 30, and the round or flat tube and the second
heat-exchanging tube 42 are arranged in a row between the lower
manifold 20 and the middle manifold 30. The second communicating
part 52 is at least one round or flat tube arranged between the
upper manifold 10 and the middle manifold 30, and the round or flat
tube and the first heat-exchanging tube 41 are arranged in a row
between the upper manifold 10 and the middle manifold 30.
[0051] The upper manifold 10, the middle manifold 30 and the first
heat-exchanging tube 41 arranged therebetween constitute a first
heat exchanger, and the middle manifold 30, the lower manifold 20
and the second heat-exchanging tube 42 arranged therebetween
constitute a second heat exchanger. For the purpose of illustration
of the present invention, the first heat exchanger is referred to
as condenser and the second heat exchanger is referred to as
evaporator. Of course, the first heat exchanger and the second heat
exchanger can be configured by a person skilled in the art, when
necessary, to be a condenser, an evaporator or a heat exchanger of
any other type, and there is no restriction in this respect within
the scope of the present invention.
[0052] The first heat-exchanging tube 41 and the second
heat-exchanging tube 42 can be a heat-exchanging tube of any type.
Generally, the first heat-exchanging tube 41 and the second
heat-exchanging tube 42 are any one of a round tube and a flat
tube. In the one and same heat exchanger system, the first
heat-exchanging tube 41 and the second heat-exchanging tube 42 are
not necessarily to be configured to be of the same type, such as
exclusively round or flat. Rather, it is possible that one is a
round tube and the other is a flat tube. It is also possible that a
part of the first or second heat-exchanging tube 41, 42 is a round
tube and the other part is a flat tube. That is, the first and the
second heat-exchanging tube 41, 42 can be configured when necessary
to be a practical heat-exchanging tube of any type, and there is no
special restriction in this respect within the scope of the present
invention.
[0053] Furthermore, fins can be provided between two adjacent first
heat-exchanging tubes 41 or two adjacent second heat-exchanging
tubes 42, independent of the type of the heat-exchanging tubes.
[0054] It is to be understood that, if the first heat-exchanging
tube 41 and the second communicating part 52 are both configured to
be for example round tubes and/or flat tubes, the first
heat-exchanging tube 41 and the second communicating part 52 can be
arranged in a row between the upper manifold 10 and the middle
manifold 30, as shown in FIG. 1. Likewise, if the second
heat-exchanging tube 42 and the first communicating part 51 are
both configured to be for example round tubes and/or flat tubes,
the second heat-exchanging tube 42 and the first communicating part
51 can be arranged in a row between the lower manifold 20 and the
middle manifold 30, as shown in FIG. 1. As such, the first heat
exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger can be manufactured in a
simpler and easier process, their thickness can be reduced, and
their aesthetic attraction can be enhanced.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first heat exchanger, a plurality
of first heat-exchanging tubes 41 are arranged in the left side of
the first heat exchanger, and the second communicating part 52 is
arranged in the right side of the first heat exchanger. Beside, in
the second heat exchanger, a plurality of second heat-exchanging
tubes 42 are arranged in the right side of the second heat
exchanger, and the first communicating part 51 is arranged in the
left side of the second heat exchanger. It is to be understood
that, the relative position of the first heat-exchanging tube 41
and the second communicating part 52 can be configured as necessary
by a person skilled in the art, and is not necessarily to be
limited as shown. For example, it is possible that the first
heat-exchanging tube 41 is arranged in the middle and the second
communicating part 52 on both sides of it. The same applied to the
second heat-exchanging tube 42 and the first communicating part 51,
and therefore the detailed description is dispensed with.
[0056] A main partition 61 is provided to divide the middle
manifold 30 into the first chamber 31 and the second chamber 32
separated from each other. It is to be understood that the main
partition 61 can be configured to be of any appropriate form
without limitation to that shown in FIG. 1, insofar as the division
into the first chamber 31 and the second chamber 32 is guaranteed.
For example, the main partition 61 can be configured to extend
obliquely, vertically, curvedly or windingly from the upper portion
to the lower portion of the middle manifold 30.
[0057] It shall also be noted that only a single circulation of
refrigerant is shown in FIG. 1. Of course, the first heat exchanger
system can be configured to have a plurality of circulations of
refrigerant, that is, on the basis of extending the upper manifold
10, the middle manifold 30 and the lower manifold 20 in the
longitudinal direction, repeating the structural unit shown in FIG.
1, as needed, on either side thereof to achieve the above
objective.
[0058] A main partition 61 of a bent form as shown in FIG. 1 is
provided to divide the middle manifold 30 along its longitudinal
direction into two chambers, that is, the first chamber 31 and the
second chamber 32.
[0059] Upon performing refrigeration the working principle of the
first heat exchanger system according to the present invention is
to be explained by an example in which the first heat exchanger is
a condenser and the second heat exchanger is an evaporator and the
heat-exchanging tubes are flat ones. Specifically, the refrigerant
in the condenser in the form of vapour condenses to liquid
refrigerant by heat releasing, and flows downward under the action
of gravity along the flat tube for heat release (the first
heat-exchanging tube 41). After it flows into the evaporator, the
refrigerant absorbs heat there so as to be converted into the form
of vapour and flows upward along the flat tube for heat absorption
(the second heat-exchanging tube 42), finally into the condenser.
The circulation proceeds in this way to obtain the effect of
refrigeration.
[0060] It shall be noted here that the second to seventh heat
exchanger systems according to the first embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIGS. 2-7 are all variations of the first heat
exchanger system, and thus the structural configurations or
description with respect to the first heat exchanger system are all
applicable to these variations. Therefore, the aspects common to
them will not be detailed herein and only the differences between
them will be emphasised.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the structure of a second heat
exchanger system 120 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention is schematically shown. By comparing FIG. 2 with
FIG. 1, it is apparent that the second heat exchanger system 120 is
identical to the first heat exchanger system 110 with the only
exception of the way of partitioning the chamber of the middle
manifold 30.
[0062] Specifically, the chamber of the middle manifold 30 is
divided into the first chamber 31, the second chamber 32 and two
communicating chambers 33 and 34 by the main partition 621
extending along the longitudinal direction of the middle manifold
30 from the left end to the right end of the middle manifold 30 and
by at least onen auxiliary baffle 622, 623 provided between the
main partition 621 and the upper and/or lower wall of the middle
manifold.
[0063] It shall be noted here that the auxiliary baffles 622, 623
can be so configured as to extend obliquely, vertically, curvedly
or windingly from the upper or lower portion of the middle manifold
to the main partition 621. There is no restriction in this respect
within the scope of the present invention, insofar as a first
chamber and a second chamber arise by division.
[0064] In the present example, the first chamber 31 and the second
chamber 32 communicate with the associated communicating chambers
33, 34 through respectively the first opening 71 and the second
opening 72 correspondingly provided in the main partition 621.
[0065] During the circulation of refrigerant in the second heat
exchanger system 120, the refrigerant in the upper manifold 10
flows through the first heat-exchanging tube 41 down to the first
chamber 31, and flows via the first opening 71 into the
communicating chamber 33. The refrigerant in the communicating
chamber 33 flows through the first communicating part 51 to the
chamber of the lower manifold 30, and then flows through the second
heat-exchanging tube 42 up to the second chamber 32. The
refrigerant in the second chamber 32 flows through the second
opening 72 into the other communicating chamber 34, and then
returns through the second communicating part 52 up to the upper
manifold 10.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, the structure of a third heat exchanger
system 130 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention is schematically shown. By comparing FIG. 3 with FIG. 2,
it is apparent that the third heat exchanger system 130 is
identical to the second heat exchanger system 120 with the only
exception of the way of partitioning the chamber of the middle
manifold 30 and the way of arranging the first and the second
communicating parts.
[0067] In the present example, the first communicating part 51 and
the second communicating part 52 are configured as a plurality of
flat tubes. The view on the lower portion of FIG. 3 is a top view
showing the holes for flat tube, provided in the main partition 60
for receiving the flat tubes.
[0068] The middle manifold 30 is divided by the main partition 60
extending along its longitudinal direction into two upper and lower
chambers, that is, the first chamber 31 and the second chamber 32.
A first opening 71 and a second opening 72 (specifically, a
plurality of holes for flat tube in the present example) are
provided in the main partition 60, in the positions corresponding
to the flat tubes of the first and the second communicating parts
51 and 52. One end of each flat tube of the first and the second
communicating parts 51 and 52 inserts through each corresponding
hole 71, 72 for flat tube into the first chamber 31 or the second
chamber 32, so as to form a loop for the refrigerant. It is to be
understood that the number of the flat tubes of the first and the
second communicating parts 51 and 52 can be set as needed, without
limitation to that shown in the figure. To reduce the pressure
drop, it is generally preferred that the communicating flat tubes
are those with inner flow channels in larger size or number, which
probably means larger (broader, taller) flat tubes, and thus the
size of the connectors matching with the flat tubes varies
depending on the size of the selected flat tubes. Therefore, it is
possible that the first opening 71 and/or the second opening 72,
i.e. the holes for flat tube for connecting the communicating flat
tubes, have a larger size or a larger width or height.
[0069] During the circulation of refrigerant in the third heat
exchanger system 130, the refrigerant in the upper manifold 10
flows through the first heat-exchanging tube 41 down to the first
chamber 31, and then flows via the flat tubes of the first
communicating part 51 into the chamber of the lower manifold 30.
Subsequently, the refrigerant flows through the second
heat-exchanging tube 42 up to the second chamber 32, and then
returns via the flat tubes of the second communicating part 52 to
the upper manifold 10.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, the structure of a fourth heat
exchanger system 140 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention is schematically shown. By comparing FIG. 4 with
FIG. 3, it is apparent that the fourth heat exchanger system 140 is
identical to the third heat exchanger system 130 with the only
exception of using, instead of flat tubes, round tubes with the
equivalent diameter as the first communicating part 51 and the
second communicating part 52. As such, the heat-exchanging area of
a single row of heat exchanger can be maximized in a limited
installing room. Thus, at least one first opening 71 and a second
opening 72 for receiving the round tubes, specifically the round
holes 71 and 72, are formed in the main partition 60.
[0071] Since the structural arrangement and the operation principle
of the fourth heat exchanger system 140 are the same as those of
the third exchanger system 130, they are not described in detail
herein.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 5, the structure of a fifth heat exchanger
system 150 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention is schematically shown. By comparing FIG. 5 with FIG. 1,
it is apparent that the fifth heat exchanger system 150 differs
from the first heat exchanger system 110 in that the first
communicating part 51 and the second communicating part 52 are
connecting tubes arranged outside of the cavities of the
corresponding manifolds, and that the middle manifold 30 is divided
by the main partition 60 arranged along the longitudinal direction
of the middle manifold 30 into upper and lower two chambers, i.e.
the first chamber 31 and the second chamber 32.
[0073] Specifically, the first communicating part 51 and the second
communicating part 52 are configured to be respectively a first
connecting tube and a second connecting tube with equivalent
diameter. It is not necessary for the main partition to undergo any
further processing, such as the machining of the openings, the
arrangement of auxiliary baffles etc. The two ends of the first
connecting tube 51 are inserted through the corresponding openings
into respectively the first chamber 31 and the chamber of the lower
manifold 20, and the two ends of the second connecting tube 52 are
inserted through the corresponding openings into respectively the
second chamber 32 and the chamber of the upper manifold 10.
[0074] During the circulation of refrigerant in the fifth heat
exchanger system, the refrigerant in the upper manifold 10 flows
through the first heat-exchanging tube 41 down to the first chamber
31, and then flows via the first connecting tube 51 into the
chamber of the lower manifold 30. Subsequently, the refrigerant
flows through the second heat-exchanging tube 42 up to the second
chamber 32, and then returns via the second connecting tube 52 to
the upper manifold 10.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 6, the structure of a sixth heat exchanger
system 160 according to the first embodiment of the present
invention is schematically shown. By comparing FIG. 6 with FIG. 5,
it is apparent that the sixth heat exchanger system 160 is
identical to the fifth heat exchanger system 150 with the only
exception that a liquid distributing structure 80 for the
distribution of the fluid coming from the first connecting tube 51
is provided in the chamber of the lower manifold 20. The liquid
distributing structure 80 can be a fluid guiding tube connected to
or monolithically formed with the first connecting tube 51, on
which fluid guiding tube spaced openings are provided.
[0076] For a heat exchanger with long manifolds, its
heat-exchanging area will be more efficiently utilized if a liquid
distributing structure is added in the manifold on the side of
evaporator.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 7, the structure of a seventh heat
exchanger system 170 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention is schematically shown. By comparing FIG. 7 with
FIG. 2, it is apparent that the seventh heat exchanger system 170
differs from the second heat exchanger system 120 in that in the
former more auxiliary baffles are provided. By providing more
auxiliary baffles, the relative position of the first
heat-exchanging tube and the second heat-exchanging tube in the
first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can be so
adjusted that the tubes are not necessarily in an exact
left-and-right arrangement (as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6). The first
heat-exchanging tube and the second heat-exchanging tube with
mainly a heat-exchanging function can thereby be arranged,
depending on the wind field distribution of the heat exchanger, in
positions with highest wind speed to increase the heat exchange
amount.
[0078] Specifically, the chamber of the middle manifold 30 is
divided into two first chambers 31, a second chamber 32 and three
communicating chambers 33 and 34 by the main partition 621
extending along the longitudinal direction of the middle manifold
30 from the left end to the right end of the middle manifold 30 and
by two auxiliary baffles 622 provided between the main partition
621 and the upper wall of the middle manifold and two auxiliary
baffles 623 provided between the main partition 621 and the lower
wall of the middle manifold.
[0079] It shall be noted here that the auxiliary baffles 622, 623
can be so configured as to extend obliquely, vertically, curvedly
or windingly from the upper or lower portion of the middle manifold
to the main partition 621. There is no restriction in this respect
within the scope of the present invention, insofar as a first
chamber and a second chamber arise by division.
[0080] In the present example, the first chamber 31 and the second
chamber 32 communicate with the associated communicating chambers
33, 34 through respectively the first opening 71 and the second
opening 72 correspondingly provided in the main partition 621.
[0081] During the circulation of refrigerant in the seventh heat
exchanger system, the refrigerant in the upper manifold 10 flows
through the first heat-exchanging tube 41 on the left and right
sides down to the corresponding first chamber 31, and then flows
via the first opening 71 into the corresponding communicating
chamber 33. The refrigerant in the communicating chamber 33 flows
through the two first communicating parts 51 respectively down to
the chamber of the lower manifold 30, and then flows through the
second heat-exchanging tube 42 up to the second chamber 32. The
refrigerant in the second chamber 32 flows through the second
opening 72 into the communicating chamber 34, and then returns
through the second communicating part 52 up to the upper manifold
10.
[0082] That is, a plurality of circulation loops for refrigerant
can be formed when necessary between the first and the second heat
exchangers by for example providing auxiliary baffles or providing
openings in the main partition. Although most of the first to the
seventh heat exchanger systems illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 have
only one circulation loop for refrigerant, a person skilled in the
art can, when necessary, repeats the shown structural arrangements
or otherwise changes the structural arrangements in the heat
exchangers to realize more circulation loops for refrigerant. All
of these substitutions or variations fall within the protection
scope of the present invention.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 8, a heat exchanger system 200 according
to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The heat
exchanger system 200 comprises an upper manifold 210, a first
middle manifold 230, a second middle manifold 240 and a lower
manifold 220 arranged successively from top to bottom. A first
heat-exchanging tube 241 is arranged between the upper manifold 210
and the first middle manifold 230, and a second heat-exchanging
tube 242 is arranged between the second middle manifold 240 and the
lower manifold 220.
[0084] The first middle manifold 230 is provided with a first
partition 261 by which the first middle manifold 230 is divided
into at least one first chamber 231 and at least one first
communicating chamber 234 separated from each other. The second
middle manifold 240 is provided with a second partition 262 by
which the second middle manifold 240 is divided into at least one
second chamber 232 and at least one second communicating chamber
233 separated from each other.
[0085] During the circulation of refrigerant, the refrigerant in
the upper manifold 210 flows through the first heat-exchanging tube
241 down to the first chamber 231 and via a first connecting tube
281 into the second communicating chamber 233, and flows via a
first communicating part 251 into the chamber of the lower manifold
220; subsequently, the refrigerant flows through the second
heat-exchanging tube 242 up into the second chamber 232 and via a
second connecting tube 282 into the first communicating chamber
234, and then returns via a second communicating part 252 to the
upper manifold 210.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, the first middle manifold 230 is divided
by the provided first partition 261 into the first chamber 231 and
the first communicating chamber 234, and the second middle manifold
240 is divided by the provided second partition 262 into the second
chamber 232 and the second communicating chamber 233. Apparently,
more partitions 261, 262 can be provided, when necessary, by a
person skilled in the art in the first and the second middle
manifolds 230, 240 respectively to form more circulation loops for
refrigerant. It will not be illustrated and described in detail
here the way to form more circulation loops for refrigerant, which
can be configured by a skilled person when required.
[0087] Furthermore, openings for the first connecting tube 281 and
the second connecting tube 282 can be, where necessary, arranged by
a skilled person in the appropriate positions on the first and the
second middle manifolds 230, 240, without being limited to the
situation shown in FIG. 8 where two openings are arranged in the
lower portion of the first middle manifold 230 and two
corresponding openings are arranged in the upper portion of the
second middle manifold 240.
[0088] It shall be noted here that the first communicating part 251
and the second communicating part 252 can be a communicating or
connecting tube with a communication function. Preferably, as shown
in FIG. 8, the first communicating part 251 is at least one round
or flat tube arranged between the lower manifold 220 and the second
middle manifold 230, and the round or flat tube and the second
heat-exchanging tube 242 are arranged in a row between the lower
manifold 220 and the second middle manifold 240. The second
communicating part 252 is at least one round or flat tube arranged
between the upper manifold 210 and the first middle manifold 230,
and the round or flat tube and the first heat-exchanging tube 241
are arranged in a row between the upper manifold 210 and the first
middle manifold 230.
[0089] The upper manifold 210 and the first middle manifold 230 and
the first heat-exchanging tube 241 arranged therebetween constitute
a first heat exchanger, and the second middle manifold 240 and the
lower manifold 220 and the second heat-exchanging tube 242 arranged
therebetween constitute a second heat exchanger. For the purpose of
illustration of the present invention, the first heat exchanger is
referred to as condenser and the second heat exchanger is referred
to as evaporator. Of course, the first heat exchanger and the
second heat exchanger can be configured by a person skilled in the
art, when necessary, to be a condenser, an evaporator or a heat
exchanger of any other type, and there is no restriction in this
respect within the scope of the present invention.
[0090] The first heat-exchanging tube 241 and the second
heat-exchanging tube 242 can be a heat-exchanging tube of any type.
Generally, the first heat-exchanging tube 241 and the second
heat-exchanging tube 242 are any one selected from the group of a
round tube and a flat tube. In the one and same heat exchanger
system, the first heat-exchanging tube 241 and the second
heat-exchanging tube 242 are not necessarily to be configured as of
the same type, such as exclusively round or flat. Rather, it is
possible that one is a round tube and the other is a flat tube. It
is also possible that one part of the first or second
heat-exchanging tube 241, 242 is a round tube and the other part is
a flat tube. That is, the first and the second heat-exchanging tube
241, 242 can be configured when necessary to be a practical
heat-exchanging tube of any type, and there is no special
restriction in this respect within the scope of the present
invention.
[0091] Furthermore, fins can be provided between two adjacent first
heat-exchanging tubes 241 or two adjacent second heat-exchanging
tubes 242, independent of the type of the heat-exchanging
tubes.
[0092] It is to be understood that, if the first heat-exchanging
tube 241 and the second communicating part 252 are both configured
to be for example round tubes and/or flat tubes, the first
heat-exchanging tube 241 and the second communicating part 252 can
be arranged in a row between the upper manifold 210 and the first
middle manifold 230, as shown in FIG. 8. Likewise, if the second
heat-exchanging tube 242 and the first communicating part 251 are
both configured to be for example round tubes and/or flat tubes,
the second heat-exchanging tube 242 and the first communicating
part 251 can be arranged in a row between the lower manifold 220
and the second middle manifold 240, as shown in FIG. 8. As such,
the first heat exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger can be
manufactured in a simpler and easier process, and their thickness
can be reduced.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 8, in the first heat exchanger, a plurality
of first heat-exchanging tubes 241 are arranged in the left side of
the first heat exchanger, and the second communicating part 252 is
arranged in the right side of the first heat exchanger. Beside, in
the second heat exchanger, a plurality of second heat-exchanging
tubes 242 are arranged in the right side of the second heat
exchanger, and the first communicating part 251 is arranged in the
left side of the second heat exchanger. It is to be understood
that, the relative position of the first heat-exchanging tube 241
and the second communicating part 252 can be configured as
necessary by a person skilled in the art, and is not necessarily to
be limited as shown. For example, it is possible that the first
heat-exchanging tube 241 is arranged in the middle and the second
communicating part 252 on both sides of it. The same applied to the
second heat-exchanging tube 242 and the first communicating part
251, and therefore the detailed description is dispensed with.
[0094] A first partition 261 and a second partition 262 are
provided to divide the first and the second middle manifolds 230,
240 into the first chamber 231 and the second chamber 232 separated
from each other and the corresponding communicating chambers 233,
234. It is to be understood that the first and the second
partitions 261, 262 can be configured to be of any appropriate form
without limitation to that shown in FIG. 8, insofar as the division
into the first chamber 231 and the second chamber 232 is
guaranteed. For example, the first and the second partitions 261,
262 can be configured to extend obliquely, vertically, curvedly or
windingly from the upper wall to the lower wall of the first middle
manifold 230 or the second middle manifold 240.
[0095] It shall also be noted that only a single circulation of
refrigerant is shown in FIG. 8. Of course, the heat exchanger
system can be configured to have a plurality of circulations of
refrigerant, that is, by extending for this purpose the upper
manifold 210, the first middle manifold 230, the second middle
manifold 240 and the lower manifold 220 in the longitudinal
direction and repeating the structural unit shown in FIG. 8, as
necessary, on either side of itself.
[0096] The refrigeration working principle of the heat exchanger
system according to the present invention shown in FIG. 8 is to be
explained by an example in which the first heat exchanger is a
condenser and the second heat exchanger is an evaporator and the
heat-exchanging tubes are flat ones. Specifically, the refrigerant
in the condenser in the form of vapour condenses to liquid
refrigerant by heat releasing, and flows downward under the action
of gravity along the flat tube for heat release (the first
heat-exchanging tube 241). After it flows into the evaporator, the
refrigerant absorbs heat therein so as to be converted into the
form of vapour and flows upward along the flat tube for absorbing
heat (the second heat-exchanging tube 242), finally into the
condenser. The circulation proceeds in this way to obtain the
effect of refrigeration.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 9, a heat exchanger system 300 according
to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The heat
exchanger system 300 comprises an upper manifold 310, a middle
manifold 330 and a lower manifold 320. A first heat-exchanging tube
341 is arranged between the upper manifold 310 and the middle
manifold 330, and a second heat-exchanging tube 342 is arranged
between the middle manifold 330 and the lower manifold 320.
[0098] The upper manifold 310 and the middle manifold 330 and the
first heat-exchanging tube 341 arranged therebetween constitute a
first heat exchanger, preferably a condenser, and the middle
manifold 330 and the lower manifold 320 and the second
heat-exchanging tube 342 arranged therebetween constitute a second
heat exchanger, preferably an evaporator.
[0099] The heat exchanger system 300 according to the third
embodiment of the present invention can have a structure similar to
that of the first to seventh heat exchanger system according to the
first embodiment of the present invention, with the exception that
a part of the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger is
bent, enabling an installation in a more compact room. That is to
say, in the heat exchanger system according to the third embodiment
of the present invention, the upper manifold 310, the middle
manifold 330 and the lower manifold 320 are not arranged
successively from top to bottom (or generally within a same
vertical plane), but at an angle to each other. The specific angle
to each other can be set as necessary. As shown in FIG. 9, for
example, the upper manifold 310 can be configured to form an angle
of 45.degree. with the middle manifold 330, whereas the middle
manifold 330 and the lower manifold 320 are configured to lie in
generally the same horizontal plane.
[0100] Specifically, the first heat-exchanging tube 341 or the
second heat-exchanging tube 342 in the first heat exchanger or the
second heat exchanger can be bent so as to achieve the purpose of
bending the heat exchanger.
[0101] Also, the first heat-exchanging tube 341 and the second
heat-exchanging tube 342 can are inserted into the middle manifold
330 in directions oblique to each other (for example, installation
holes in the middle manifold 330 are not aligned directly to each
other, but inclined to one another at an angle) so as to achieve
the purpose of bending the heat exchanger.
[0102] Of course, the above conception to arrange the first heat
exchanger and the second heat exchanger to be oblique to each other
also applies to the heat exchanger system according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. For example, the first
heat-exchanging tube 241 or the second heat-exchanging tube 242 in
the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger can be bent
so as to achieve the purpose of bending the heat exchanger.
[0103] Also, the first heat-exchanging tube 241 and the second
heat-exchanging tube 242 can are inserted into the corresponding
first and second middle manifolds in directions oblique to each
other (for example, installation holes in the first middle manifold
and the second middle manifold are not aligned directly to each
other, but inclined to one another at an angle) so that the first
heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are inclined to one
another.
[0104] In the third embodiment, by bending of the first heat
exchanger and/or the second heat exchanger or the inclined
arrangement thereof relative to each other, it is enabled to
further facilitate the installation and arrangement of ventilator
or air duct in case where the system has a demanding requirement on
the installation space.
[0105] It shall be noted that, in all of the heat exchanger systems
shown according to the first to third embodiments of the present
invention, a single-row heat exchanger is taken as example to
illustrate how to arrange the evaporator and condenser. However, a
skilled person can configure the evaporator and/or the condenser to
be a multiple-row heat exchanger, and there is no limitation in
this respect within the scope of the present invention.
Furthermore, although in all of the heat exchanger systems shown
according to the first to third embodiments of the present
invention, it suffices to realize the circulation of refrigerant if
the heat exchanger system includes a condenser and an evaporator in
communication with each other, it is possible to add a compressor
in the circulation loop of refrigerant to increase the cycle
efficiency of refrigerant.
[0106] It is also to be understood that, in the first to third
embodiments of the present invention, the first communicating part
and the second communicating part can be identical or different,
and the way by which the first communicating part communicates with
the first chamber and the way by which the second communicating
part communicates with the second chamber can be identical or
different. In other words, in the light of those shown in FIGS. 1
to 8 according to the present invention, a person skilled in the
art can select or appropriately combine, where necessary, the first
communicating part, the second communicating part, the way by which
the first communicating part communicates with the first chamber,
and the way by which the second communicating part communicates
with the second chamber.
[0107] As can be seen from the forgoing description, the heat
exchanger systems according to the first to the third embodiments
of the present invention have at least one of the following
advantages:
[0108] 1. high processability;
[0109] 2. low costs;
[0110] 3. low risk of system safety failure;
[0111] 4. low demand on the installation space;
[0112] 5. efficient utilization of the heat-exchanging area in case
of a heat exchanger with long manifolds by providing a liquid
distributing structure;
[0113] 6. the possibility to flexibly arrange the heat-exchanging
tubes depending on the wind field distribution, so as to increase
the heat exchange amount;
[0114] 7. the possibility to more conveniently arrange ventilator
and air duct so as to meet various installation requirements, by
bending the evaporator and/or the condenser or by arranging the
evaporator and/or the condenser obliquely to each other.
[0115] All of the forgoing are only some embodiments of the present
invention. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing
from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept of
the disclosure. The scope of present invention is defined in the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *