Free-draining finned surface architecture for a heat exchanger

Abstract

A free-draining heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange tube, a second heat exchange tube spaced from and generally parallel to the first heat exchange tube, and a fin contacting the first and second heat exchange tubes. The fin includes a louver and at least one drainage enhancement feature for promoting removal of liquid from external surfaces of the heat exchanger. A free-draining fin structure includes an array of fins disposed between adjacent heat exchange tubes for improving water drainage by reducing liquid surface tension. Each fin in the array includes an opening and a louver for directing airflow through the opening and around the fin and at least one drainage enhancement feature.

Description

Background technique [0001] Aluminum microchannel heat exchangers bring several advantages over the once conventional copper-aluminum or copper-copper round tube-plate-fin heat exchangers and are used in a large number of applications. However, aluminum microchannel heat exchangers also present new challenges, effective condensate drainage being one of them. Condensate that forms on the heat exchanger surfaces during operation or water that collects during shutdown can remain in the aluminum core of a finned tube heat exchanger for a long time. This problem is exacerbated when heat exchangers are used outdoors in industrial, coastal or marine environments, especially where they are exposed to high humidity levels, frequent rainfall and wind brought sea / ocean water. Water trapped on heat exchanger aluminum surfaces can lead to accelerated corrosion of the surface and eventually perforation of critical components such as heat transfer tubes and manifolds, as well as damage to j...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Aluminum microchannel condensers can also become flooded due to accumulation of ambient water or condensation during shutdown, resulting in prolonged exposure to water

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