Interconnected microchannel tube

Abstract

The invention relates to a microchannel tube for use in a heat transfer system. The microchannels have openings in the partitions that separate them from each other, thereby creating many short interconnected passages through which a heat transfer medium will flow in a laminar manner. This permits the liquid and vapor phases of the medium to mix, thereby increasing the efficiency of the system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 303,717, filed Nov. 26, 2002, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an interconnected microchannel tube for use in a heat transfer device such as an automobile or residential or commercial air conditioning heat exchangers. The microchannel tubes are interconnected to facilitate re-mixing of the vapor-liquid phases and improve the efficiency of the heat exchanger. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Microchannel tubes have been used in recent years in automotive air conditioning units and in residential or commercial air-conditioning heat exchangers. In use, a refrigerant flows through the multiple channels inside a float tube. The refrigerant evaporates and condenses as it passes through the tubes, absorbing and releasing heat as it changes phases between liquid and vapor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The invention relates to a heat transfer tube comprising a sheath surrounding a plurality of partitions forming microchannels therein through which a heat transfer medium can flow. The partitions advantageously include sidewalls having a plurality of openings therein, such that the heat transfer medium can flow in a laminar manner between the microchannels thereby permitting mixing of liquid and vapor phases of the heat transfer medium for improved heat transfer of the tube. The fluid passes between the microchannels without encountering obstructions to minimize turbulence in the fluid.

[0012] Another embodiment of the invention relates to an improvement in a heat exchanger that includes a plurality of microchannels therein and through which a heat transfer medium flows. The improvement comprises providing a plurality of openings in the microchannels, such that the heat transfer medium can flow in a laminar manner between the microchannels thereby permitting mixing of liquid and vapor phases of the heat transfer medium for improved heat transfer of the tube. The fluid passes between the microchannels without encountering obstructions to minimize turbulence in the fluid.

Problems solved by technology

This creates a heat transfer imbalance between the front edge of the tube to the leeway side of the tube, in lieu of the flow direction of the external heat transfer medium.

These openings would create undesirably large pressure drops and create turbulent flow in the heat transfer medium.

Thus, construction of the Shimizu et al. tube is relatively complex.

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