Corrugated Micro Tube Heat Exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger device having a plurality of substantially parallel tubes. Each tube has an outer diameter which is less than or equal to one millimeter and further includes a first end portion and a second end portion. A first manifold forms an inlet for the first fluid and further forms a plurality of first openings, whereby each of the first end portions of the parallel tubes is attached in a sealed manner to the first manifold so that each tube is in fluid communication with a respective one of the first openings. A second manifold spaced from and opposing the first manifold forms an outlet for the first fluid and further forms a plurality of second openings, whereby each of the second end portions of the parallel tubes is attached in a sealed manner to the second manifold so that each tube is in fluid communication with a respective one of the second openings. The plurality of substantially parallel tubes are laterally disposed relative to one another so that they form at least one corrugated pattern when viewed in an imaginary plane which intersects and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tubes.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 019,911, filed Jan. 9, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to a heat exchanger device comprising corrugated micro tubes.BACKGROUND[0003]Heat exchangers transfer energy from one fluid to another. Heat exchangers are typically characterized by heat transfer rates and corresponding pressure drops of the fluid(s) across the heat exchanger. In many cases though, volume constraints are provided and, in these cases, heat exchanger performance may be characterized by heat transfer / flow area and corresponding pressure drops. For example, in the case of a liquid-gas heat exchanger, a typical design challenge is to minimize the face area associated with the gas side duct, while simultaneously meeting given specifications relating to allowable pressure drop of the gas across the heat exchanger, and, of course,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention provides an efficient, simple, and cost-effective device and/or methodo

Problems solved by technology

For example, in the case of a liquid-gas heat exchanger, a typical design challenge is to minimize the face area associated with the gas side duct, while simultaneously meeting given specifications relating to allowable pressure drop of the gas across the heat exchanger, and, of course, heat transfer requirements.

Upon

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