Double-wave fin for heat exchanger

Abstract

Disclosed is a double-wave fin plate for a finned tube heat exchanger, which has: a half plate having a peripheral edge with a notch forming a part of a tube connector; another half plate having another peripheral edge with another notch forming another part of the tube connector; a peripheral edge and another peripheral edge are connected to each other with respect to each notch to form a fin plate and a tube connector; a surface waveform is formed on one half plate; another surface waveform is formed on the other half plate, and the one surface waveform is arranged at an angle with respect to the other surface wave in the fin plate.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 62 / 896,139, filed on September 5, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The disclosed embodiments relate to heat exchangers, and more particularly to fin plates connected to tubes in a heat exchanger. Background art

[0004] In most evaporator and condenser applications of refrigerant - to - air heat transfer devices, the convective resistance of air for heat transfer dominates, accounting for 75% or more of the total thermal resistance. To minimize this resistance, finned surfaces are used. The wavy fin surface is one of such surfaces with relatively high frost resistance. The airflow behind the tubes may separate and cause wakes. Flow separation and wakes result in pressure drop and lower - efficiency heat transfer. Summary of the invention

[0005] Disclosed is a double - wave fin plate for a fin - tube heat exchanger, comprising: one half - plate having a peripheral edge with a cutout forming a part of a tube connector; another half - plate having another peripheral edge with another cutout forming another part of the tube connector; the one peripheral edge and the another peripheral edge are connected to each other with respect to each cutout to form a fin plate and a tube connector; a surface waveform is formed on one half - plate; another surface waveform is formed on the another half - plate, and one surface waveform is disposed at an angle with respect to the another surface waveform in the fin plate.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the aspects disclosed above, or as an alternative, each half - plate is rectangular.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the aspects disclosed above, or as an alternative, each tube connector is circular.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the aspects disclosed above, or as an alternative, one surface waveform is perpendicular to the another surface waveform in the fin plate.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the aspects disclosed above, or as an alternative, each surface waveform is sinusoidal, triangular, trapezoidal or corrugated.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the aspects disclosed above, or as an alternative, a peak or a valley from each surface waveform on each half - plate converges at the center of the tube connector.

[0011] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, each surface waveform is inclined such that each half-plate includes at least two peaks and two troughs.

[0012] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects: the height of each peak and each trough of each surface waveform is the same; and the distance between each peak and each trough in each surface waveform is the same.

[0013] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, a fin seam is formed where one peripheral edge and another peripheral edge are adjacent, and one end of the fin seam forms one of the peaks.

[0014] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, the other end of the fin seam forms one of the troughs.

[0015] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, the peak-side edge of the fin is defined between a pair of corners of the fin adjacent to one end of the fin seam; and the pair of corners is located on one of the peaks.

[0016] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, the trough side of the fin is defined between another pair of corners of the fin adjacent to the other end of the fin seam; and the other pair of corners is on the corresponding one of the troughs.

[0017] A system is disclosed that includes a plurality of fins having one or more of the above-disclosed aspects arranged in a grid.

[0018] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, a plurality of fins are arranged such that the trough-side edge of each fin is closer to one side of the system, and the peak-side edge of each fin is closer to the other side of the system.

[0019] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, a plurality of fins are arranged in a straight-line grid where one of the fins is distributed between a plurality of rows parallel to each other and a plurality of columns parallel to each other, where the plurality of rows and the plurality of columns are perpendicular to each other.

[0020] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, a plurality of fins are arranged on a diagonal grid where one of the fins is distributed between a plurality of rows parallel to each other and a plurality of columns parallel to each other, where the plurality of columns are angled with respect to the plurality of rows.

[0021] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, the fin seam of one fin is aligned with the outer edge of another fin.

[0022] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, the system includes a plurality of tubes distributed between a plurality of fins.

[0023] A method of guiding an air flow over fins around a tube is further disclosed, including guiding the air flow over a plurality of surface waveforms formed on the fins, wherein the plurality of surface waveforms are angled with respect to each other.

[0024] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above-disclosed aspects, the method includes guiding the air flow from a valley-side edge of the fin to a peak-side edge of the fin, wherein the peak-side edge includes three spaced-apart peaks and the valley-side edge includes three spaced-apart valleys. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The following description should not be regarded as limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:

[0026] Figure 1 An air-conditioning system is shown that can be modified to include one or more features of the disclosed embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 A heat exchanger is shown that can be modified to include one or more features of the disclosed embodiments;

[0028] Figure 3 A typical fin for a heat exchanger is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A fin according to one embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figures 5A - 5B A grid of a fin according to one embodiment is shown;

[0031] Figures 6A - 6B Another grid of a fin according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0032] Figure 7 A flowchart is shown that illustrates a method of guiding air over fins according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1FIG. 0 shows a typical air conditioning (AC) system 10. System 10 includes a condenser assembly 20 and an evaporator assembly 30. The evaporator assembly 30, which may also be referred to as an air handler, includes an evaporator coil (coil) 40, a blower 45, a plenum chamber 60, and an evaporator discharge line 70. The coil 40 is disposed above a drip pan 50. The evaporator assembly 30 also includes a housing 80.

[0035] The condenser assembly 20 and the evaporator assembly 30 may each include a heat exchanger 82, which is shown more clearly in Figure 2 . The heat exchanger 82 may include a tube pack 84 configured to carry a heated fluid. The tube pack 84 may include a plurality of tube risers 85 that are interconnected and extend in the Y direction. The tube risers 85 may be distributed in riser rows 87A in the X direction and in riser columns 87B in the Z direction. As a non-limiting example, Figure 2 shows seven riser rows 87A and four riser columns 87B to provide Figure 3 twenty-eight tube risers 85 in. Of course, the configuration of the tube pack 84 is for illustrative purposes only.

[0036] At least one fin 90 may be connected to the tube pack 84 for heat dissipation. Turning to Figure 3 , each fin 90 may be generally rectangular. The fins 90 are configured in rows 94A and columns 94B to accommodate the tube risers 85 of the tube pack 84. As a non-limiting example, Figure 3 shows seven rows in row 94A and four columns in column 94B to accommodate 28 of the tube risers 85 of the tube pack 84.

[0037] With the above-described typical type of fin 90, the airflow around the tube risers 85 can create an airflow wake behind the tube risers 85. This can result in a pressure drop and a reduced heat transfer with the tube risers 85.

[0038] Now turning to Figure 4 , a fin plate 100 for the heat exchanger 82 according to one embodiment is disclosed. The fin plate 100 includes a first half plate 130a that is rectangular and has a first peripheral edge 140a with an arcuate cutout 150a. It includes a second half plate 130b that is rectangular and has a second peripheral edge 140b with another arcuate cutout 150b. The first half plate and the second half plate are generally collectively referred to as the half plates 130, and the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge are generally referred to as 140.

[0039] The peripheral edges 140 are connected to each other around a tube connector 160 to form the fin plate 100. The tube connector 160 may also be provided as half portions that are respectively formed as corresponding half plates.

[0040] A first surface waveform 170a is formed on the first half plate 130a. A second surface waveform 170b is formed on the second half plate 130b. The first surface waveform and the second surface waveform can generally be referred to as the surface waveform 170. The surface waveform 170 can be sinusoidal, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. The surface waveforms 170 are arranged at an angle to each other on the fin plate 100. For example, a trough 175a1 of the first surface waveform 170a can form an angle 176 with another trough 175b1 of the second surface waveform 170b. In one embodiment, the angle 176 is approximately 90 degrees so that the surface waveforms 170 are perpendicular to each other. The troughs from each surface waveform 170 can intersect at the center of the tube connector 160.

[0041] Each surface waveform 170 is tilted such that each half plate 130 includes at least two troughs and two crests. The troughs in the first half plate 130a are generally referred to as the first troughs 175a, while the troughs in the second half plate are generally referred to as the second troughs 175b. The crests in the first half plate 130a are generally referred to as the first crests 180a, while the crests in the second half plate are generally referred to as the second crests 180b. The heights of the first crests 180a and the second crests 180b and the first troughs 175a and the second troughs 175b of each surface waveform 170 can be the same. The distance 200 between each of the first crests 180a and the second crests 180b and the first troughs 175a and the second troughs 175b in each surface waveform 170 can be the same.

[0042] A fin seam 210 is formed where a peripheral edge 140 abuts. The surface waveform 170 is configured such that, except for the cutout 150, the fin seam 210 is a continuous seam. One end 215a of the fin seam 210 can be along one of the crests, while the other end 215b of the fin seam 210 can be along one of the troughs. That is, one end 215a of the fin seam 210 is higher than the other end 215b of the fin seam 210.

[0043] The peak side edge 230a of the fin 100 is defined between the first pair of corners 235a of the fin 100, which is adjacent to one end 215a of the fin seam 210. The second pair of corners 235b is also located on a corresponding one of the peaks. Accordingly, the peak side edge 230a has three mutually spaced peaks or portions of peaks. The trough side edge 230b of the fin 100 is defined between the second pair of corners 235b of the fin 100, which is adjacent to the other end 215b of the fin seam 210. The second pair of corners 235b is located on a corresponding one of the troughs. Accordingly, the trough side edge 230b has three mutually spaced troughs or portions of troughs. As can be appreciated, when assembled into a tube grid, the first pair of corners 235a on the peak side edge 230a of the fin seam 210 is higher than the second pair of corners 235b on the trough side edge 230b of the fin seam 210.

[0044] The upper fin 100 causes a minimum air flow wake, if any, behind the tube riser 85, in the direction downstream with respect to the air flow. This results in a minimum (if any) pressure drop and more efficient heat transfer with the tube riser 85.

[0045] Turning Figure 5A and 5B further discloses a system 300 that includes a plurality of fins 100 arranged in a grid. Aspects having the same numbers as Figure 4 the same Figure 5A and 5B should be understood in the same way as Figure 4 The plurality of fins 100 are arranged in an in-line grid, where the plurality of fins 100 are distributed between a plurality of rows 310a and a plurality of columns 310b. The plurality of fins 100 are arranged such that the peak side edge 230a of each fin 100 is closer to one side 315a of the system 300, and the trough side edge 230b of each fin 100 is closer to the other side 315b of the system 300.

[0046] Turning Figure 6A and 6B further discloses a system 320 that includes a plurality of fins 100 arranged in a diagonal grid. Aspects having the same numbers as Figure 5A and 5B the same numbered Figure 6A and 6B should be understood in the same way as 5A and 5B. The plurality of fins 100 are distributed between a plurality of rows 310a and angularly offset columns 310c. The result is a staggered grid. The plurality of fins 100 are arranged such that the peak side edge 230a of each fin 100 is closer to one side 325a of the system 320, and the trough side edge 230b of each fin 100 is closer to the other side 325b of the system 320.

[0047] AsFigure 6B As shown, each fin 100 includes opposing outer edges 240 extending between a peak side edge 230a and a valley side edge 230b. A plurality of fins 100 are arranged such that a fin seam 210 of one fin 100 is aligned with one of the outer edges 240 of another fin 100.

[0048] Turning Figure 7 , a method of guiding a gas flow past fins 100 surrounding a tube. As shown in block 510, the method includes guiding a gas (air) past a plurality of surface waveforms 170 formed on the fins 100. The plurality of surface waveforms 170 are angled with respect to each other. As shown in block 520, the method includes guiding the gas flow from the valley side edge 230b of the fin 100 to the peak side edge 230a of the fin 100. The peak side edge 230a includes a first pair of opposing corners 235a disposed on the peaks of the surface waveforms. The valley side edge 230b includes a second pair of opposing corners 235b disposed on the valleys of the surface waveforms.

[0049] In summary, the foregoing disclosure provides a plurality of waves on either side of the tube, and these waves are angled, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the gas (air) flow. This configuration of the waves facilitates the radial flow of air to the tube, which is the primary heat transfer area. This directed flow reduces the potential wake area of the tube. Accordingly, the pressure drop is reduced and the heat transfer capacity can be enhanced. The configurations of the embodiments are applicable to condenser and evaporator applications. Note that evaporators tend to operate under frosting conditions, and the disclosed embodiments are relatively frost resistant.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components is specified, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0051] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A double-wave fin plate for a finned tube heat exchanger, comprising: One half plate having a peripheral edge with a cutout forming part of a tube connection; The other half plate having another peripheral edge with another cutout forming the other part of the tube connection; The one peripheral edge and the other peripheral edge are connected to each other about each cutout to form the fin plate and the tube connection; A surface waveform is formed on the one half plate; Another surface waveform is formed on the other half plate, and In the fin plate, the one surface waveform and the other surface waveform are arranged at an angle; Wherein: Each surface waveform on each half plate defines a peak or a valley that converges at the center of the tube connection; and A fin plate seam is formed where the one peripheral edge and the other peripheral edge are adjacent, and one end of the fin plate seam forms the peak and the other end of the fin plate seam forms the valley.

2. The fin according to claim 1, wherein Each half plate is rectangular.

3. The fin plate according to claim 1, wherein, Each tube connection is circular.

4. The fin according to claim 1, wherein, The one surface waveform is perpendicular to the other surface waveform in the fin plate.

5. The fin according to claim 1, wherein, Each surface waveform is sinusoidal, triangular, trapezoidal or corrugated.

6. The fin according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the surface waveforms is inclined such that each half plate defines a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys.

7. The fin plate according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the peaks and each of the valleys of each surface waveform have the same height; and The distance between each of the peaks and each of the valleys in each surface waveform is the same.

8. The fin plate according to claim 6, wherein: The peak side edge of the fin plate is defined between a pair of corners adjacent to one end of the fin plate seam; and The pair of corners is located on one of the plurality of peaks.

9. The fin plate according to claim 8, wherein: The valley side of the fin plate is defined between another pair of corners adjacent to the other end of the fin plate seam; and The other pair of corners is on a corresponding one of the plurality of valleys.

10. A fin plate grid system for a heat exchanger, comprising a plurality of fin plates according to claim 9 arranged in a grid.

11. The fin grid system according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of fin plates are arranged such that the valley side edge of each fin plate is closer to one side of the system, and the peak side edge of each fin plate is closer to the other side of the system.

12. The fin plate grid system according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of fin plates are arranged in an in-line grid, wherein one of the fin plates is distributed between a plurality of mutually parallel rows and a plurality of mutually parallel columns, and the plurality of rows and the plurality of columns are perpendicular to each other.

13. The fin grid system according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of fin plates are arranged on a diagonal grid, wherein one of the fin plates is distributed between a plurality of mutually parallel rows and a plurality of mutually parallel columns, and the plurality of columns are angled with respect to the plurality of rows.

14. The fin grid system according to claim 10, wherein, The fin plate seam of one fin plate is aligned with the outer edge of another fin plate.

15. The fin plate grid system according to claim 10, comprising a plurality of tubes distributed among the plurality of fin plates.

16. A method of guiding an air flow on a double-wave fin according to claim 1, the double-wave fin surrounding a tube, the method comprising: Guiding the air flow on a plurality of surface waveforms formed on the fin, wherein the plurality of surface waveforms are arranged at the angle to each other.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising: Guiding the air flow from a valley side edge of the fin to a peak side edge of the fin, wherein the peak side edge includes a plurality of peaks, and the valley side edge includes a plurality of valleys.

Images