Condenser for a chiller

Abstract

A condenser includes: a housing defining an internal volume configured to receive and discharge a refrigerant; a condensing section disposed within the housing, wherein the condensing section includes a plurality of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid; and a subcooler disposed within the housing and configured to receive the refrigerant from the condensing section. The subcooler includes: a first passage having a first set of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid; a second passage having a second set of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid, wherein the second passage is disposed downstream of the first passage relative to the flow of refrigerant through the subcooler; and a separator plate disposed between the first set of tubes and the second set of tubes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a condenser subcooler for use in a freezer. Prior Technology

[0002] This section aims to introduce the reader to various technical categories that relate to the various categories of this disclosure, which are described below. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various categories of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be interpreted accordingly, and not as an endorsement of prior art.

[0003] Refrigeration systems or vapor compression systems utilize a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) that undergoes a phase change between a gaseous phase, a liquid phase, or a combination thereof in response to exposure to different temperatures and pressures within the refrigeration system components. Refrigeration systems can enable heat exchange between the working fluid and a conditioning fluid (e.g., water) and can deliver the conditioning fluid to conditioning equipment and / or to the conditioned environment served by the refrigeration system. In such applications, the conditioning fluid can be used to condition other fluids, such as air in a building, via downstream devices, such as air conditioners.

[0004] Traditional refrigeration systems include a refrigerant circuit comprising, for example, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. In some condensers, one or more tube bundles may be located within the condenser housing or casing. Refrigerant vapor can be directed into the housing, and cooling fluid can circulate through the tubes of the tube bundle to achieve heat transfer from the refrigerant to the cooling fluid. This heat transfer or exchange between the refrigerant vapor and the cooling fluid can cause the refrigerant vapor to condense or change into a liquid phase. Before the liquid refrigerant is discharged from the condenser, it can be further cooled (e.g., subcooled) by circulating cooling fluid through an additional tube bundle, referred to as a subcooler, located within the condenser housing to transfer additional heat from the condensed liquid refrigerant to the cooling fluid. Unfortunately, existing subcooler designs can be complex and / or expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, condensers utilizing existing subcooler designs may require increased levels of refrigerant. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following provides an overview of specific embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these categories are presented only to provide the reader with a brief overview of these specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may encompass many categories that may not be set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, a condenser includes: a housing defining an internal volume configured to receive and discharge refrigerant; a condensing section disposed within the housing, wherein the condensing section includes a plurality of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid; and a subcooler disposed within the housing and configured to receive refrigerant from the condensing section. The subcooler includes: a first passage having a first set of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid; a second passage having a second set of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid, wherein the second passage is disposed downstream of the first passage relative to the flow of refrigerant through the subcooler; and a separator plate disposed between the first and second sets of tubes.

[0007] In another embodiment, a condenser for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a housing configured to receive vapor refrigerant. The condenser also includes a condensing section disposed within the housing, wherein the condensing section has a plurality of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid, and the condensing section is configured to condense the vapor refrigerant to form a liquid refrigerant. The condenser further includes a subcooler disposed within the housing, located downstream of the condensing section relative to the refrigerant flow through the condenser. The subcooler includes: a first passage configured to receive liquid refrigerant from the condensing section; a second passage configured to receive liquid refrigerant from the first passage; and a separator plate extending along the length of the condenser, wherein the separator plate separates the first passage from the second passage, and the separator plate is configured to guide liquid refrigerant along the first passage to the second passage.

[0008] In another embodiment, a condenser for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes: a housing configured to receive and discharge refrigerant; and a plurality of tubes disposed within the housing and configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant and a cooling fluid, the cooling fluid being guided through the plurality of tubes to condense the refrigerant. The condenser also includes a subcooler disposed within the housing, wherein the subcooler includes: a first passage having a first set of tubes disposed below the plurality of tubes and configured to guide the cooling fluid through; a second passage having a second set of tubes disposed below the first set of tubes and configured to guide the cooling fluid through; a separator plate disposed between the first set of tubes and the second set of tubes to separate the first passage from the second passage; and a baffle plate disposed within the second passage, wherein the baffle plate is configured to support the second set of tubes. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] A better understanding of the various categories of this disclosure will be achieved by reading the following embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building within the scope of this disclosure, which may utilize heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC&R) systems in a commercial context;

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vapor compression system according to the scope of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the vapor compression system of Figure 2 according to the scope of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the vapor compression system of Figure 2 according to the scope of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a condenser with a subcooler according to the scope of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a condenser with a subcooler according to the scope of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a condenser with a subcooler according to the scope of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional axial view of an embodiment of a condenser with a subcooler according to the scope of this disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional axial view of an embodiment of a condenser with a subcooler according to the scope of this disclosure. Implementation

[0019] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in this specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but remain routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill who benefit from this disclosure.

[0020] When describing the elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the numerals "a / an" and "the / said" are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in this disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the described features.

[0021] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC&R) system, such as a refrigeration system. The HVAC&R system may include a vapor compression system (e.g., a vapor compression loop) through which a refrigerant (e.g., a working fluid) is directed to heat and / or cool a conditioning fluid. For example, the vapor compression system may include a compressor configured to pressurize the refrigerant and direct the pressurized refrigerant to a condenser configured to cool and condense the pressurized refrigerant. The evaporator of the vapor compression system may receive the cooled, condensed refrigerant and may allow the cooled, condensed refrigerant to exchange heat with the conditioning fluid to absorb heat energy or heat from the conditioning fluid, thereby cooling the conditioning fluid. The cooled conditioning fluid may then be directed to conditioning equipment, such as an air conditioner and / or a terminal unit, for regulating the air supplied to a building or other conditioned space.

[0022] Generally, a condenser is configured to cool a pressurized refrigerant by exchanging heat between the pressurized refrigerant and a cooling fluid such as air or water. For example, a condenser may have a housing or enclosure defining an internal volume configured to receive pressurized refrigerant from a compressor, and the condenser may include a plurality of tubes (e.g., a tube bundle) disposed within the internal volume of the housing. The plurality of tubes are configured to circulate a cooling fluid (e.g., water) through the plurality of tubes to achieve heat transfer from the pressurized refrigerant to the cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the condenser may include a subcooler (e.g., an integrated subcooler) configured to further cool (e.g., subcool) the refrigerant once it has condensed within the condenser (e.g., through heat exchange with the cooling fluid directed through the plurality of tubes). For example, the condenser may include additional tubes (e.g., additional tube bundles) disposed within the housing and configured to circulate cooling fluid to further cool the refrigerant. Unfortunately, existing subcooler designs can be complex and / or expensive to manufacture. Existing subcooler designs may also require the use of increased amounts or levels of refrigerant.

[0023] Therefore, this embodiment relates to a subcooler for a condenser that is cost-effective in manufacturing and implementation within the condenser, while providing desirable operational efficiency. The disclosed system and technology also enable a reduction in the refrigerant charge used in conjunction with a vapor compression system including a refrigerator. For example, the subcooler according to the present technology includes tubes disposed within the housing of the condenser, the tubes being separated into a first passage and a second passage (e.g., flow across or along the tubes relative to the refrigerant). That is, the first passage of the subcooler may include a first tube bundle (e.g., a first set of tubes), and the second passage of the subcooler may include a second tube bundle (e.g., a second set of tubes). The first and second passages of the subcooler are at least partially separated by a separator plate disposed within the housing of the condenser, wherein the first passage is located above the separator plate and the second passage is located below the separator plate (e.g., relative to gravity).

[0024] The tubes of the subcooler (e.g., the first and second passages or a subset of tubes) are supported within the condenser housing by the tube sheet (e.g., baffles) and / or by the baffles or tube supports of the subcooler. In other words, the tubes of the subcooler may extend through holes or orifices in one or more of the tube sheet and baffles, such that the tubes are suspended within the housing. The tube sheet and baffles may also include additional holes and orifices not occupied by the tubes of the subcooler. Thus, refrigerant flowing through the subcooler may flow through the holes in the tube sheet and / or baffles not occupied by the tubes of the subcooler. In this way, the local flow rate of the refrigerant at the tube sheet and baffles can be increased, which promotes additional heat transfer between the refrigerant and the cooling fluid. The number and configuration of the baffles can be selected to achieve a desired reduction in the volume of refrigerant in the condenser and / or a desired pressure drop in the refrigerant in the condenser. Additional features of the subcooler configuration described herein are discussed below.

[0025] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an environment for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 in a typical commercial setting. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller, a vapor compression loop, a refrigerant loop) that supplies chilled liquid for cooling the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 for supplying warm liquid to heat the building 12, and an air distribution system for circulating air through the building 12. The air distribution system may also include an air return line 18, an air supply line 20, and / or an air conditioner 22. In some embodiments, the air conditioner 22 may include a heat exchanger connected by conduit 24 to the boiler 16 and the vapor compression system 14. Depending on the operating mode of the HVAC&R system 10, the heat exchanger in the air conditioner 22 may receive heated liquid from the boiler 16 or chilled liquid from the vapor compression system 14. The HVAC&R system 10 is shown as having a separate air conditioner 22 on each floor of the building 12, but in other embodiments, the HVAC&R system 10 may include air conditioners 22 and / or other components that can be shared between or among the floors.

[0026] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate embodiments of a vapor compression system 14 that can be used in an HVAC&R system 10. Specifically, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the vapor compression system 14, and Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the vapor compression system 14. The vapor compression system 14 allows refrigerant to circulate through a loop starting from the compressor 32. The loop may also include a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and an evaporator 38. The vapor compression system 14 may further include a control panel 40 having an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, non-volatile memory 46, and / or an interface panel 48.

[0027] Some examples of fluids that can be used as refrigerants in the vapor compression system 14 are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerants, such as R-410A, R-407, R-134a, hydrofluoroolefins (HFO), “natural” refrigerants such as ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, water vapor, or any other suitable refrigerant. In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may be configured to efficiently utilize a refrigerant having a normal boiling point of about 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) at one atmosphere, also known as a low-pressure refrigerant, as opposed to a medium-pressure refrigerant such as R-134a. As used herein, “normal boiling point” may refer to the boiling point temperature measured at one atmosphere.

[0028] In some embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may use one or more of a variable speed drive (VSD) 52, a motor 50, a compressor 32, a condenser 34, an expansion valve or device 36, and / or an evaporator 38. The motor 50 may drive the compressor 32 and may be powered by the VSD 52. The VSD 52 receives AC power with a specific fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an alternating current (AC) power source and supplies power with a variable voltage and frequency to the motor 50. In other embodiments, the motor 50 may be directly powered by an AC or direct current (DC) power source. The motor 50 may include any type of motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly by an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor, or another suitable motor.

[0029] Compressor 32 compresses refrigerant vapor and delivers it to condenser 34 through a discharge passage. In some embodiments, compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered to condenser 34 by compressor 32 may transfer heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., water or air) in condenser 34. The refrigerant vapor may condense into liquid refrigerant in condenser 34 due to heat transfer with the cooling fluid. Liquid refrigerant from condenser 34 may flow to evaporator 38 through expansion device 36. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG3, condenser 34 is water-cooled and includes a tube bundle 54 connected to a cooling tower 56 that supplies cooling fluid to condenser 34.

[0030] The liquid refrigerant delivered to evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another cooling fluid (e.g., a regulating fluid), which may or may not be the same cooling fluid circulating through condenser 34. The liquid refrigerant in evaporator 38 may undergo a phase change from liquid refrigerant to refrigerant vapor. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG3, evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 having a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to cooling load 62. Cooling fluid (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable fluid) enters evaporator 38 via return line 60R and exits evaporator 38 via supply line 60S. Evaporator 38 may lower the temperature of the cooling fluid in tube bundle 58 via heat transfer with the refrigerant. Tube bundle 58 in evaporator 38 may include a plurality of tubes and / or a plurality of tube bundles. In any case, the vapor refrigerant leaves the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 via the suction line to complete the cycle of the vapor compression system 14.

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the vapor compression system 14, in which an intermediate loop 64 is incorporated between the condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. The intermediate loop 64 may have an inlet line 68 that is directly fluidly connected to the condenser 34. In other embodiments, the inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly coupled to the condenser 34. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 located upstream of the intermediate container 70. In some embodiments, the intermediate container 70 may be a flash evaporator (e.g., a flash evaporative intercooler). In other embodiments, the intermediate container 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or a "surface heat saver". In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the intermediate container 70 serves as a flash evaporator, and the first expansion device 66 is configured to reduce the pressure of the liquid refrigerant received from the condenser 34 (e.g., to expand the liquid refrigerant). During the expansion process, a portion of the liquid may vaporize, and therefore, the intermediate container 70 can be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from the first expansion device 66.

[0032] Additionally, the intermediate container 70 allows for further expansion of the liquid refrigerant due to the pressure drop experienced upon entering it (e.g., due to a rapid increase in volume upon entry). Vapor in the intermediate container 70 can be drawn by the compressor 32 through its suction line 74. In other embodiments, vapor in the intermediate container may be drawn into an intermediate stage of the compressor 32 (e.g., not the suction stage). The enthalpy of the liquid collected in the intermediate container 70 may be lower than that of the liquid refrigerant leaving the condenser 34, due to expansion occurring in the expansion device 66 and / or the intermediate container 70. The liquid from the intermediate container 70 can then flow through the second expansion device 36 in line 72 to the evaporator 38.

[0033] It should be understood that any feature described herein may be incorporated into vapor compression system 14 or any other suitable HVAC&R system. As mentioned above, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a subcooler that can be used in conjunction with condenser 34 of vapor compression system 14. For example, the subcooler may be integrated within condenser 34. Embodiments of the subcooler disclosed herein may be made using cost-effective components and technologies while providing a desired level of refrigerant subcooling. For example, a subcooler according to this disclosure includes a plurality of tubes divided into a first passage (e.g., a first set of tubes) and a second passage (e.g., a second set of tubes). The first and second passages define two portions (e.g., passages) of the refrigerant flow path through the subcooler. The first and second passages of the tubes are at least partially separated by a separator plate. The separator plate guides and modifies the flow of refrigerant along the first passage, from the first passage to the second passage, and along the second passage through condenser 34 (e.g., the subcooler) to enhance refrigerant subcooling within condenser 34. Additionally, the condenser 34 and / or subcooler include baffles arranged along the first passage and / or the second passage. The baffles may include holes or openings that can be used to support the tubes of the subcooler and / or adjust (e.g., control, modify, etc.) the flow rate of refrigerant through the condenser 34 (e.g., the subcooler), which can improve heat transfer from the cooling fluid to the refrigerant.

[0034] In light of the foregoing, Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a condenser 34 having a subcooler 100 (e.g., a subcooler configuration, an integrated subcooler, etc.) within the scope of this disclosure. The condenser 34 also includes a housing 102 on which a plurality of tubes are configured to circulate a cooling fluid (e.g., water). The housing 102 defines an internal volume and includes an inlet 104 configured to receive pressurized refrigerant (e.g., vapor refrigerant) from the compressor 32, as indicated by arrow 106. The housing 102 also includes an outlet 108 configured to discharge refrigerant (e.g., cooled, condensed refrigerant) toward an expansion device 36, as indicated by arrow 110. As shown, the inlet 104 and outlet 108 may be generally located at the midpoint along the length 111 of the condenser 34.

[0035] Within the condenser 34, pressurized refrigerant is cooled and condensed via heat exchange with cooling fluid (e.g., water) circulating through a plurality of tubes disposed within the housing 102. For example, the condenser 34 may include a condensing section 112 having a tube bundle 114 (e.g., a plurality of tubes, a set of tubes, etc.) extending along the length 111 of the condenser 34 and configured to guide cooling fluid through it. Specifically, as indicated by arrow 116, cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source is directed into the housing 102 of the condenser 102, and at least a portion of the cooling fluid may be directed through the tube bundle 114 of the condensing section 112. The pressurized refrigerant is directed within the housing 102 across (e.g., over) the tube bundle 114 and condenses via heat exchange with the cooling fluid flowing through the tube bundle 114. The warm cooling fluid is discharged from the condenser 34, as indicated by arrow 118, and may be directed back to the cooling fluid source.

[0036] The subcooler 100 of the condenser 34 also receives cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source to exchange heat with the refrigerant within the housing 102. More specifically, the subcooler 100 may include one or more tube bundles (e.g., multiple sets of tubes) separated from the tube bundle 114 of the condenser section 112, and the tube bundles of the subcooler 100 circulate cooling fluid to exchange heat with the refrigerant (e.g., after the refrigerant has exchanged heat with the cooling fluid guided through the tube bundle 114 of the condenser section 112). In the illustrated embodiment, the subcooler 100 includes a first passage 120 (e.g., an open passage, a first refrigerant passage) and a second passage 122 (e.g., a closed passage, a second refrigerant passage). The first passage 120 includes a first tube bundle 124 (e.g., a first set of tubes), and the second passage 122 includes a second tube bundle 126 (e.g., a second set of tubes). It should be noted that tube bundle 114, first tube bundle 124 and second tube bundle 126 are shown schematically for clarity, and it should be understood that each of tube bundle 114, first tube bundle 124 and second tube bundle 126 includes a plurality of tubes that extend through housing 102 and are configured to guide individual cooling fluid flows through them.

[0037] Similar to the tube bundle 114 of condenser section 112, the first tube bundle 124 and the second tube bundle 126 of subcooler 100 also extend along the length 111 of condenser 34 and are configured to guide cooling fluid through it. It should be noted that while the illustrated embodiment includes tube bundles 114, 124, and 126 that guide cooling fluid through condenser 34 in a single pass, other embodiments of condenser 34 may include tube bundles configured to guide cooling fluid (e.g., individually or collaboratively) multiple passes along condenser 34. In other words, the tube bundles of condenser section 112, first passage 120, and / or second passage 122 may individually or collaboratively guide cooling fluid multiple times (e.g., multiple passes) along the length 111 of condenser 34, rather than guiding cooling fluid in a single pass (e.g., a single pass) along the length 111 of condenser 34, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0038] As shown, the first passage 120 and the second passage 122 of the subcooler 100 are at least partially separated by a separator 128 disposed within the housing 102. The separator 128 may be a solid plate (e.g., a metal plate) that extends along the length 111 of the condenser 34 and at least partially defines the flow path of refrigerant within the housing 102 along the first passage 120, from the first passage 120 to the second passage 122, and along the second passage 122 to the outlet 108 of the condenser 34. In other words, the first passage 120 is disposed downstream of the condensing section 112, and the second passage 122 is disposed downstream of the first passage 120, relative to the direction of refrigerant flow through the condenser 34. For example, condensed refrigerant from the condensing section 112 may travel to the first passage 120 of the subcooler 100, as indicated by arrow 130. The condensed refrigerant can then contact the separator 128 and be guided to flow along the first passage 120 (e.g., along the first tube bundle 124) toward the axial or longitudinal end 131 of the condenser 34, as indicated by arrow 132. As the refrigerant flows along the first passage 120 and the separator 128, the temperature of the refrigerant can be further reduced (e.g., subcooled) through heat exchange with the cooling fluid flowing through the first tube bundle 124.

[0039] At the longitudinal end 133 of the separator 128, refrigerant can flow to the second passage 122 of the subcooler 100, as indicated by arrow 134. In other words, the separator 128 may not extend along the entire length 111 of the condenser 34, such that the longitudinal end 133 of the separator 128 is offset from the longitudinal end of the condenser 34 (e.g., housing 102). In this way, the condenser 34 (e.g., subcooler 100) allows refrigerant to flow from the first passage 120 to the second passage 122 near the longitudinal end 131 of the condenser 34. Thereafter, the refrigerant can flow through the second passage 122 and along the second tube bundle 126 (e.g., between the separator 128 and housing 102), as indicated by arrow 136, until the refrigerant reaches the outlet 108 (e.g., at or near the midpoint of the length 111 of the condenser 34) and is discharged from the condenser 34. As the refrigerant flows through the second passage 122, the refrigerant can be further cooled (e.g., supercooled) by heat exchange with the cooling fluid flowing through the second tube bundle 126.

[0040] As mentioned above, the first passage 120 of the subcooler 100 is positioned above the separator plate 128 (e.g., relative to gravity). Therefore, the first passage 120 is "open" and exposed to the condenser section 112. In other words, the flow path of the refrigerant from the condenser section 112 to the first passage 120 is "open," allowing the refrigerant to flow freely and unimpeded from the condenser section 112 to the first passage 120. Thus, the first passage 120 (e.g., the first tube bundle 124) can receive refrigerant from (e.g., directly from) the condenser section 112 by gravity. In some embodiments, the refrigerant charge or level of the condenser 34 can be selected or controlled such that the refrigerant flowing from the first passage 120 to the second passage 122 is a completely or substantially completely condensed liquid. In this way, all tubes of the second tube bundle 126 can be immersed in liquid refrigerant, which can be attributed to the increased contact between the liquid refrigerant and each tube of the second tube bundle 126 in the second passage 122, thereby improving the supercooling of the liquid refrigerant.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first tube bundle 124 may also be immersed in condensed (e.g., liquid) refrigerant flowing along the first passage 120, thereby further improving the subcooling of the refrigerant within the condenser 34. The number of tubes in the first tube bundle 124 may be selected based on the desired or anticipated refrigerant volume within the condenser 34 and / or the amount of subcooling provided by the condenser 34 to the refrigerant. In some embodiments, the number of tubes in the second tube bundle 126 of the second passage 122 may be selected based on the desired amount of refrigerant pressure drop in the condenser 34 (e.g., in the second passage 122). Additionally, in certain embodiments, the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 and / or the tubes of the second tube bundle 126 may be "bare" tubes (e.g., tubes without fins). In some embodiments, a minimal or virtually no space may exist between the first passage 120 and the condensing section 112 (e.g., in the generally vertical direction of FIG. 5) to reduce the overall size of the condenser 34 (e.g., to provide a more compact configuration of the tube bundle 114 and the first tube bundle 124). In other words, the tube bundle 114 of the condensing section 112 may be positioned closer than the first tube bundle 124 of the first passage 120 compared to a conventional condenser with a subcooler. The amount of space between the first passage 120 and the condensing section 112 may additionally or alternatively be based on the refrigerant charge and / or the refrigerant level selected for the condenser 34.

[0042] Furthermore, the embodiments of the subcooler 100 disclosed herein are configured to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. For example, the components of the subcooler 100 can be manufactured relatively inexpensively and / or assembled with reduced complexity. As previously discussed, the subcooler 100 includes a first tube bundle 124, a second tube bundle 126, and a separator plate 128 disposed therebetween. Additional components used with the subcooler 100 include a tube sheet 138 of the condenser 34. It will be understood that the tube sheet 138 is configured to support the tubes of the tube bundle 114 of the condensing section 112, such that the tube bundle 114 is suspended within the housing 102 of the condenser 34 (e.g., above the subcooler 100). More specifically, the tube sheet 138 is arranged or spaced along the length 111 of the condenser 34 and includes holes or orifices through which the tubes of the tube bundle 114 extend. Tube sheet 138 may also support the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 and / or the second tube bundle 126 of the subcooler 100 via holes or orifices in tube sheet 138. Tube sheet 138 may further include additional holes or orifices that do not support the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 and / or the second tube bundle 126 of the subcooler 100. That is, tube sheet 138 may have one or more holes or orifices disposed along the first passage 120 and / or the second passage 122 of the subcooler 100, but not occupied by the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 and / or the second tube bundle 126 of the subcooler 100. Alternatively, the unoccupied holes in tube sheet 138 can be used to improve the flow of refrigerant along the first passage 120 and / or the second passage 122, for example by increasing the local velocity of the refrigerant, improving the longitudinal flow of the refrigerant in the subcooler 100 (e.g., along directions 132 and / or 134), and / or reducing the pressure loss of the refrigerant in the condenser 34 (e.g., the subcooler 100).

[0043] The subcooler 100 also includes baffles 140 (e.g., tube supports) arranged along the length 111 of the condenser 34. As shown, the baffles 140 are arranged along the length 111 of the condenser 34 and can be positioned alternately with the tube sheet 138 (e.g., along the length 111). The baffles 140 are configured to support tubes of the first tube bundle 124 and / or tubes of the second tube bundle 126. For example, each baffle 140 may support approximately half of the tubes in the first tube bundle 124, half of the tubes in the second tube bundle 126, or both. The baffles 140 may also be configured to increase the local velocity of the refrigerant in the condenser 34 and / or reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant. Specifically, as similarly described above, the baffles 140 include holes or orifices that can support one tube of the first tube bundle 124 or the second tube bundle 126. Baffle 140 may also include orifices or openings not occupied by the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 or the second tube bundle 126, and such orifices or openings are instead used to improve the flow of refrigerant through the subcooler 100, such as by increasing the local velocity of the refrigerant and / or by improving the longitudinal flow of the refrigerant along the length 111 of the condenser 34. In some embodiments, the number of baffles 140 included in the subcooler 100 may be selected to achieve a desired pressure drop of the refrigerant in the first passage 120, the second passage 122, or both. Additional details of the baffle 140 are described below.

[0044] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a condenser 34 having a subcooler 100. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 includes elements and element numbers similar to those shown in Figure 5. Additionally, the illustrated embodiment of the condenser 34 (e.g., subcooler 100) includes a terminal plate 150 (e.g., end plate, quarter plate, etc.) disposed at a longitudinal end 131 of the condenser 34. In some embodiments, the terminal plate 150 may be coupled to an axial end (e.g., axial end surface, axial terminal plate, etc.) 152 of the housing 102, but in other embodiments, the terminal plate 150 may be offset from the axial end 152. The terminal plate 150 extends from the axial end 152 of the housing 102 and along the length 111 of the condenser toward the center of the condenser 34. In some embodiments, the terminal plate 150 may improve the toughness and / or structural rigidity of the condenser 34. The terminal plate 150 is typically disposed above the first passage 120 (e.g., the first tube bundle 124) of the subcooler 100 (e.g., relative to gravity). The terminal plate 150 may also be positioned below the condenser section 112 (e.g., tube bundle 114) (e.g., relative to gravity). For example, as shown in FIG6, each terminal plate 150 extends from an axial end 152 to a tube sheet 138 of the condenser 34 and / or may be adjacent to a tube sheet 138. However, in other embodiments, the terminal plate 150 may not contact or be adjacent to the tube sheet 138.

[0045] The terminal plate 150 can further improve the subcooling of the refrigerant flowing through the subcooler 100 (e.g., along the first passage 120). For example, the terminal plate 150 can separate the cooled or partially subcooled refrigerant flow from the unsubcooled refrigerant flow, such as by restricting the flow of unsubcooled refrigerant toward the end of the separation plate 128 (e.g., the longitudinal end 133). In this way, the axial end of the first tube bundle 124 can be more completely submerged in refrigerant, which further improves the subcooling of the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant can flow across or over the tube bundle 114 of the condenser section 112 and toward the first tube bundle 124 of the first passage 120 of the subcooler 100. While some refrigerant may flow from the condenser section 112 to contact the separator plate 128 (e.g., directly from the condenser section 112 to the first passage 120), some refrigerant (e.g., near the longitudinal end 131 of the condenser 34) may flow from the condenser section 112 to contact a terminal plate 150. The terminal plate 150 may direct the refrigerant toward the center of the length 111 of the condenser 34, thereby directing the refrigerant onto the separator plate 128 and into the first passage 120 of the subcooler 100 away from the longitudinal end 131 of the condenser 34. Thereafter, the refrigerant may flow along the first passage 120 (e.g., in direction 132, between the terminal plate 150 and the separator plate 128). In this way, the terminal plate 150 can prevent refrigerant (e.g., uncooled refrigerant) from bypassing or substantially bypassing the first passage 120 of the supercooler 100 at the longitudinal end 131 of the condenser 34, which can further improve the supercooling of the refrigerant (e.g., via the first passage 120 of the supercooler 100). The terminal plate 150 can also achieve a more uniform distribution of refrigerant flow across or along the length 111 of the condenser 34.

[0046] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a condenser 34 having a subcooler 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 of the condenser 34 is not shown for clarity. As described above, the tube sheet 138 of the condenser 34 supports the tubes of the tube bundle 114 of the condensing section 112. The tube sheet 138 may also support the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 of the first passage 120 of the subcooler 100. For example, each tube sheet 138 includes a main portion 160 having a hole 162 (e.g., an opening, orifice) configured to support the individual tubes of the tube bundle 114 in the condensing section 112. The tube sheet 138 also includes a baffle portion 164 extending from the main portion 160 toward a separation plate 128. The baffle portion 164 also includes a hole 166 (e.g., an opening, orifice). Each orifice 166 may support one tube in the first tube bundle 124, or may remain unoccupied and alternatively adjust the flow of refrigerant along the first passage 120 of the subcooler 100 in the manner described above. Each tube sheet 138 also includes a base extension 168 that extends into and is disposed along the second passage 122 of the subcooler 100. For example, the base extension 168 may extend through a base portion (e.g., a groove) 170 of the subcooler 100, such as through a slot formed in the base portion 170. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, which are further discussed below, the base extension 168 also includes orifices or openings configured to receive and support tubes of the second tube bundle 126. However, some orifices or openings of the base extension 168 may remain unoccupied and alternatively be used to adjust the flow of refrigerant along the second passage 122 in the manner described above.

[0047] The illustrated embodiment also shows a baffle 140 of the supercooler 100. The baffle 140 is partially disposed along the first passage 120 of the supercooler 100 and partially disposed along the second passage 122 of the supercooler 100. That is, the baffle 140 extends partially within both the first passage 120 and the second passage 122. For this purpose, the baffle 140 extends through a separator plate 128 of the supercooler 100, such as through a slot formed in the separator plate 128. For example, each baffle 140 includes a baffle extension 172 that extends through the separator plate 128 and into the first passage 120 of the supercooler 100. Each baffle extension 172 includes a hole 174 (e.g., an opening, orifice) that can accommodate a tube of the first tube bundle 124 or remain unoccupied to adjust the flow of refrigerant along the first passage 120, such as by increasing the local velocity of the refrigerant flowing through the first passage 120. The baffle 140 also includes a base portion disposed along the second passage 122 of the supercooler, which is further discussed below with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0048] In certain embodiments, tube sheet 138, baffle 140, separator 128, and / or base portion 170 may be secured to housing 102 of condenser 34 and / or secured to each other. For example, one or more of tube sheet 138, baffle 140, separator 128, and / or base portion 170 may be secured to housing 102 by welding, brazing, adhesive, or other suitable mechanical fastening techniques. Each of tube sheet 138, baffle 140, separator 128, and / or base portion 170 may be formed from any suitable material such as sheet metal to include desired geometry or other features (e.g., holes 162, 166). In some embodiments, tube sheet 138, baffle 140, separator 128, and / or base portion 170 may be formed using cutting, forming, stamping, bending, or other processes.

[0049] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional axial view of an embodiment of a condenser 34 including a subcooler 100, illustrating the arrangement of a tube sheet 138 and a baffle 140 disposed along the first passage 120 and the second passage 122 of the subcooler 100. The baffle portion 164 of the tube sheet 138 and the baffle extension 172 of the baffle 140 are disposed within and / or along the first passage 120 of the subcooler 100. Specifically, the baffle portion 164 and the baffle extension 172 are arranged alternately relative to the width 180 of the condenser 34. The holes 166 of the baffle portion 164 and the holes 174 of the baffle extension 172 can support the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 or remain unoccupied for adjusting the flow of refrigerant along the first passage 120. In a particular embodiment, some holes 166 and 174 may accommodate and support the tubes of the first tube bundle 124, while other holes 166 and 174 may remain unoccupied by tubes. In other embodiments, the baffle 140 may not include a baffle extension 172 disposed within the first passage 120. Alternatively, the first tube bundle 124 within the first passage 120 may be supported by baffle portions 164 of the tube sheet 138, and the flow of refrigerant through the first passage 120 may be controlled or adjusted via the space formed between adjacent baffle portions 164 (e.g., rather than via unoccupied holes 166 and / or 174).

[0050] The number of tubes, the number of holes 166 and 174, and / or the shape of holes 166 and 174 can be selected to achieve one or more desired operating parameters of the condenser 34, such as a target refrigerant liquid volume within the condenser 34, a target refrigerant charge within the condenser 34, a target subcooling of the refrigerant, a target pressure loss of the refrigerant, another target operating parameter, or any combination thereof. In practice, the first tube bundle 124 may include any suitable number of tubes, the baffle portion 164 and the baffle extension 172 may each include any suitable number of occupied and unoccupied holes 166 and 174, and the holes 166 and 174 may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the holes 166 and 174 that receive and support the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 may have a first shape, and the holes 166 and 174 that remain unoccupied by the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 may have a second shape different from the first shape. For example, the shapes of the unoccupied orifices 166 and 174 used to regulate the flow of refrigerant along the first passage 120 may be selected to allow for desired regulation of the refrigerant flow as it is directed through the unoccupied orifices 166 and 174. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shapes of the baffle portions 164 and baffle extensions 172 may be selected such that the baffle portions 164 and baffle extensions 172 can achieve a desired configuration relative to each other and / or that the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 can achieve a desired configuration (e.g., a desired position or height of the first tube bundle 124 within the condenser 34, a desired spacing between the tubes of the first tube bundle 124 relative to each other, a desired spacing between adjacent baffle portions 164 and baffle extensions 172, etc.). For example, the baffle portions 164 and baffle extensions 172 may be designed and configured to position the first tube bundle 124 at a lower height within the condenser 34 than in conventional designs. In this way, the liquid "dead" volume of the condenser 34 (e.g., supercooler 100) can be reduced.

[0051] The configuration of the second passage 122 of the supercooler 100 can be chosen based on similar considerations. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 140 includes a base portion 190 configured to receive a first column of tubes of the second tube bundle 126 of the second passage 122. A base extension 168 of the tube sheet 138 disposed within the second passage 122 is configured to receive a second column of tubes of the second tube bundle 126. As mentioned above, the base extension 168 may extend into the second passage 122 via a slot formed in the base portion 170 of the supercooler 100. The base portion 170 and the separator 128 may be configured (e.g., coupled to each other) to define a volume or channel in which the second tube bundle 126 is disposed, and through which refrigerant can flow through the second passage 122 of the supercooler 100. In order to allow the refrigerant to be discharged from the second passage 122 and from the condenser 34, an opening or hole may be formed in the base portion 170 of the subcooler 100 near the outlet 108 of the condenser 34 (e.g., near the midpoint along the length 111 of the condenser 34).

[0052] The base portion 190 of the baffle 140 may include any suitable number of holes 192 (e.g., openings, orifices) occupied by the tubes of the second tube bundle 126 and any suitable number of holes 192 not occupied by tubes. Similarly, the base extension 168 of the tube sheet 138 may include any suitable number of holes 194 (e.g., openings, orifices) occupied by the tubes of the second tube bundle 126 and any suitable number of holes 194 not occupied by tubes. Based on the factors and design considerations discussed above, the holes 192 and 194 may have any suitable shape.

[0053] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional axial view of an embodiment of a condenser 34 including a subcooler 100, illustrating another configuration of tube sheet 138 and baffle 140 disposed along the first passage 120 and second passage 122 of the subcooler 100. The embodiment of Figure 9 includes elements and element numbers similar to those shown in Figure 8. Baffle portion 164 of tube sheet 138 and baffle extension 172 of baffle 140 are disposed within and / or along the first passage 120 of the subcooler 100, and base portion 190 of baffle 140 and base extension 168 of tube sheet 138 are disposed within and / or along the second passage 122. In the illustrated embodiment, baffle portion 164 of tube sheet 138 and baffle extension 172 of baffle 140 are also disposed in an alternating configuration relative to the width 180 of the condenser 34. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG8, the baffle portion 164 includes holes 166 arranged in an alternating or offset configuration (e.g., equally spaced), and the baffle extension 172 includes holes 174 arranged in an alternating or offset configuration. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG9, the holes 166 of each baffle portion 164 and the holes 174 of each baffle extension 172 are arranged linearly (e.g., vertically). In fact, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG9, the baffle portion 164 and the baffle extension 172 each have a generally vertical or linear configuration, and the baffle portion 164 and the baffle extension 172 are alternately arranged along the width 180 of the condenser 34. In other embodiments, the baffle portion 164 and the baffle extension 172 may each extend at an angle relative to a vertical axis.

[0054] The subcooler embodiments and configurations described herein can be manufactured, assembled, and otherwise produced in a cost-effective manner while enabling the refrigerant to achieve desired subcooling in the condenser. For example, tube sheets, baffles, separators, and other components can be readily made from materials such as sheet metal, and their assembly can be more convenient and efficient than existing subcooler designs, while still enabling efficient subcooling of the refrigerant in the condenser. As described above, the subcooler includes a first passage configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser section and a second passage configured to receive refrigerant from the first passage. The arrangement of the tube sheet and baffles can improve the flow of refrigerant through the first and second passages, and also improve the subcooling of the refrigerant therein. In this way, the subcooler configuration disclosed herein can reduce the refrigerant load in the condenser and improve subcooling by increasing the contact between the cooling fluid pipes and the condensed liquid refrigerant in the condenser and subcooler.

[0055] Although only specific features and embodiments are illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will conceive of various modifications and variations, such as changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various components, parameter values ​​such as temperature and pressure, installation configurations, material usage, color, orientation, etc., without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be altered or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0056] Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of illustrative embodiments, not all features of actual implementations may be described, such as those unrelated to the currently conceived best mode or those irrelevant to implementation. It should be understood that numerous implementation-specific decisions can be made when developing any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but remain routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill who benefit from this disclosure, without requiring excessive experimentation.

[0057] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced to and applicable to practical objects and concrete examples, which explicitly improve upon the technical field and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as "a component for [performing]...[function]" or "a step for [performing]...[function]", such elements are intended to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are intended not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

[0058] 10: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Cooling (HVAC&R) Systems 12: Buildings 14: Vapor compression system 16: Boiler 18: Air return line 20: Air supply duct 22: Air conditioner 24: Pipeline 32: Compressor 34: Condenser 36: Expansion valve or device 38: Evaporator 40: Control Panel 42: Analog-to-Digital (A / D) Converter 44: Microprocessor 46: Non-volatile memory 48: Interface panel 50: Motor 52: Variable Speed ​​Drive (VSD) 54: Tubes 56: Cooling Tower 58: Tubes 60R: Return pipeline 60S: Supply Line 62: Cooling load 64: Intermediate circuit 66: First expansion device 68: Inlet Pipeline 70: Intermediate container 72: Pipeline 74: Suction line 100: Subcooler 102: Shell 104: Entrance 106: Arrow 108: Exports 110: Arrow 111: Length 112: Condensation section 114: Tubes 116: Arrow 118: Arrow 120: First Pathway 122: Second Pathway 124: First tube bundle 126: Second tube bundle 128: Separation plate 130: Arrow 131: Axial or longitudinal end 132: Arrow 133: Longitudinal end 134: Arrow 136: Arrow 138: Tube Sheet 140: baffle 150: Terminal board 152: Axial end 160: Main Part 162: Kong 164: Baffle section 166: Kong 168: Base extension 170: Base portion 172: Baffle extension 174: Kong 180: Width 190: Basement 192: Kong 194: Kong

Claims

1. A condenser comprising: a housing defining an internal volume configured to receive and discharge a refrigerant; a condensing section disposed within the housing, wherein the condensing section includes a plurality of tubes configured to circulate a cooling fluid; a subcooler disposed within the housing and configured to receive the refrigerant from the condensing section, the subcooler comprising: a first passage including a first set of tubes configured to circulate a cooling fluid; a second passage including a second set of tubes configured to circulate a cooling fluid, wherein the second passage is disposed downstream of the first passage relative to the flow of the refrigerant through the subcooler; a separator plate disposed between the first set of tubes and the second set of tubes; and a baffle disposed within the housing, wherein the baffle includes: A base portion disposed within the second passage and configured to support the second set of tubes; and baffle extensions extending from the base portion, wherein the baffle extensions are disposed within the first passage and configured to support the first set of tubes.

2. The condenser of claim 1, wherein the baffle extensions include a first plurality of orifices configured to receive the first set of tubes, and wherein at least one of the first plurality of orifices is not occupied by the first set of tubes.

3. The condenser of claim 2, wherein the base portion includes a second plurality of orifices configured to receive the second set of tubes, and wherein at least one of the second plurality of orifices is not occupied by the second set of tubes.

4. The condenser of claim 1, wherein the baffle extensions extend from the base portion, through the separator plate and into the first passage.

5. The condenser of claim 1, comprising a tube sheet disposed within the housing, wherein the tube sheet includes a main portion configured to support the plurality of tubes, and the tube sheet includes baffle portions extending from the main portion, wherein the baffle portions are disposed within the first passage.

6. The condenser of claim 5, wherein the baffle portions are configured to support the first set of tubes.

7. The condenser of claim 6, wherein the baffle portion includes a plurality of orifices configured to receive the first set of tubes, and wherein at least one of the plurality of orifices is not occupied by the first set of tubes.

8. The condenser of claim 5, wherein the tube sheet includes a base extension extending from the main portion, wherein the base extension is disposed within the second passage and configured to support the second set of tubes.

9. The condenser of claim 8, wherein the base extension includes a plurality of orifices configured to receive the second set of tubes, and wherein at least one of the plurality of orifices is not occupied by the second set of tubes.

10. A condenser for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: a housing configured to receive vapor refrigerant; a condensing section disposed within the housing, wherein the condensing section includes a plurality of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid, and the condensing section is configured to condense the vapor refrigerant to form a liquid refrigerant; and a subcooler disposed within the housing downstream of the condensing section relative to the flow of refrigerant through the condenser, wherein the subcooler includes: a first passage having a first set of tubes configured to circulate cooling fluid, wherein the first passage is configured to receive the liquid refrigerant from the condensing section; A second passage having a second set of pipes configured to circulate cooling fluid through it, wherein the second passage is configured to receive the liquid refrigerant from the first passage; and a separator plate extending along a length of the condenser, wherein the separator plate separates the first passage from the second passage, and the separator plate is configured to guide the liquid refrigerant along the first passage to the second passage; and one or more terminal plates disposed within the housing, wherein... Each of the one or more terminal plates extends from a separate longitudinal end of the housing and along the length of the condenser, wherein the one or more terminal plates are positioned relative to gravity below the plurality of tubes and above the first set of tubes of the subcooler.

11. The condenser of claim 10, wherein the first passage is exposed in the condensation section.

12. The condenser of claim 10, wherein the separator plate extends between the first set of tubes and the second set of tubes.

13. The condenser of claim 12, wherein the subcooler includes a baffle, and the baffle includes: a base portion disposed within the second passage and configured to support the second set of tubes; and baffle extensions extending from the base portion and disposed within the first passage, wherein the baffle extensions extend through the separator plate and are configured to support the first set of tubes.

14. The condenser of claim 13, wherein the base portion includes a first orifice not occupied by the second set of tubes, and the baffle extensions include a second orifice not occupied by the first set of tubes, or both.

15. The condenser of claim 10, comprising a tube sheet disposed within the housing, wherein the tube sheet comprises: a main portion disposed within the condensing section and configured to support the plurality of tubes; and baffle portions extending from the main portion, wherein the baffle portions are disposed within the first passage and configured to support the first set of tubes.

16. A condenser for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system, comprising: a housing configured to receive and discharge a refrigerant; a plurality of tubes disposed within the housing and configured to allow the refrigerant to exchange heat with cooling fluid directed through the plurality of tubes to cause the refrigerant to condense; and a subcooler disposed within the housing, wherein the subcooler comprises: a first passage including a first set of tubes disposed below the plurality of tubes and configured to guide cooling fluid through; a second passage including a second set of tubes disposed below the first set of tubes and configured to guide cooling fluid through; a separator plate disposed between the first set of tubes and the second set of tubes to separate the first passage from the second passage; and a baffle plate disposed within the second passage, wherein the baffle plate is configured to support the second set of tubes, and the baffle plate includes: A base portion disposed within the second passage and configured to support the second set of tubes; and baffle extensions extending from the base portion, wherein the baffle extensions extend through the separation plate, the baffle extensions are disposed within the first passage, and the baffle extensions are configured to support the first set of tubes.

17. The condenser of claim 16, comprising a tube sheet disposed within the housing, wherein the tube sheet comprises: a main portion configured to support the plurality of tubes; and baffle portions extending from the main portion, wherein the baffle portions are disposed within the first passage, the baffle portions being configured to support the first set of tubes, and the baffle portions and the baffle extensions are disposed in an alternating configuration relative to a width of the condenser.

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