Dual heat exchanger for heat pump system

Abstract

A heat exchanger is provided for use with a heat pump system in an outdoor environment. The heat exchanger includes a first set of tubes arranged in a parallel flow manner between a first manifold and a second manifold, with central straight portions of adjacent tubes disposed along each tube in the first set of tubes between the first manifold and the second manifold with a space between the central straight portions of the adjacent tubes. The second set of tubes is arranged in a parallel flow manner between the third manifold and the fourth manifold, with central straight portions of adjacent tubes in the second set of tubes being at least partially disposed within spaces between adjacent tubes in the first set of tubes. The fluid flowing through the first set of tubes additionally flows through the second set of tubes and then returns to flow through the first set of tubes again.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to heat pump systems configured to allow reversible flow, and in particular to heat pump systems configured to operate in environments where ambient temperatures may be on the order of freezing or below. Summary of the invention

[0002] A first representative embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes an assembly including a first group of tubes arranged in a parallel flow manner between a first manifold and a second manifold, wherein the central straight portions of adjacent tubes in the first group of tubes are arranged along each tube in the first group of tubes between the first manifold and the second manifold, and there is a space between the central straight portions of the adjacent tubes. The assembly includes a second group of tubes arranged in a parallel flow manner between a third manifold and a fourth manifold, wherein the central straight portions of adjacent tubes in the second group of tubes are at least partially arranged in the space between adjacent tubes in the first group of tubes. The fluid flowing through the first group of tubes additionally flows through the second group of tubes, and then the fluid returns to flow through the first group of tubes again.

[0003] Another representative embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. This embodiment includes a heat exchange system. The heat exchange system includes a first heat exchange component, which is configured to be arranged in an outdoor space, and the outdoor space is configured for external air to flow through the outdoor space. The first heat exchange component includes a first group of tubes arranged in a parallel flow manner between a first manifold and a second manifold, wherein the straight portions of adjacent tubes in the first group of tubes are arranged along each tube in the first group of tubes between the first manifold and the second manifold, and there is a space between the straight portions of the adjacent tubes. The first heat exchange component further includes a second group of tubes arranged in a parallel flow manner from a third manifold to a fourth manifold, wherein the straight portions of adjacent tubes in the second group of tubes are at least partially arranged in the space between the straight portions of adjacent tubes in the first group of tubes; wherein the refrigerant flowing through the first group of tubes additionally flows through the second group of tubes, and then the refrigerant returns to flow through the first group of tubes again. A second heat exchanger is disposed in the interior space, wherein an inlet of the second heat exchanger receives the refrigerant having flowed through both the first and second tube groups, and an outlet of the second heat exchanger guides the flow through the first and second tube groups, and then the flow returns to the second heat exchanger again via the inlet. A compressor is disposed in the outdoor space, and an expansion valve is provided.

[0004] The specification as contemplated by applicants can best be understood by reference to the following paragraphs:

[0005] A heat exchanger comprising:

[0006] an assembly comprising a first set of tubes arranged in a parallel flow pattern between a first manifold and a second manifold, wherein a central straight portion of adjacent tubes within the first set of tubes is disposed along each tube of the first set of tubes between the first manifold and the second manifold with a space between the central straight portions of the adjacent tubes;

[0007] The assembly includes a second set of tubes arranged in parallel flow between a third manifold and a fourth manifold, wherein central straight portions of adjacent tubes in the second set of tubes are at least partially disposed within the spaces between adjacent tubes in the first set of tubes;

[0008] The fluid flowing through the first group of tubes additionally flows through the second group of tubes, and then the fluid returns to flow through the first group of tubes again.

[0009] The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the tubes in the first set of tubes are each straight along their length, and each tube in the second set of tubes includes a bend along its length.

[0010] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the third manifold is offset from the first manifold so that a first line passing through a centerline of the first manifold and through a centerline of the third manifold is disposed at an acute angle or a right angle relative to a second line extending between a centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the second manifold.

[0011] A heat exchanger as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first line is arranged at an acute angle relative to the second line.

[0012] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the fourth manifold is offset from the second manifold so that a third line passing through the centerline of the second manifold and through the centerline of the fourth manifold is arranged at an acute angle or a right angle relative to a second line extending between the centerlines of the first manifold and the second manifold.

[0013] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the third line is arranged at an acute angle relative to the second line.

[0014] The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein in a first operating mode of the heat exchanger, refrigerant flows from the first manifold to the second manifold through the first set of tubes, and from the third manifold to the fourth manifold through the second set of tubes.

[0015] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein in a first operating mode of the heat exchanger, refrigerant flows from the first manifold to the second manifold through the first group of tubes, and from the fourth manifold to the third manifold through the second tubes.

[0016] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein each tube in the first group of tubes includes the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the straight portion of each tube in the first group of tubes is fixed to the first manifold and the curved portion of each tube in the first group of tubes is fixed to the second manifold.

[0017] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the third manifold is offset from the first manifold so that a first line passing through a centerline of the first manifold and through a centerline of the third manifold is disposed at an acute angle or a right angle relative to a second line extending between a centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the fourth manifold.

[0018] A heat exchanger as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first line is arranged at an acute angle relative to the second line.

[0019] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the second manifold is offset from the fourth manifold so that a third line passing through the centerline of the second manifold and through the centerline of the fourth manifold is arranged at an acute angle or a right angle relative to a second line extending between the centerlines of the first manifold and the fourth manifold.

[0020] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein each tube in the second group of tubes includes the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the curved portion of each tube in the second group of tubes is secured to the third manifold and the straight portion of each tube in the second group of tubes is secured to the fourth manifold.

[0021] The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein each tube in the first set of tubes and each tube in the second set of tubes are formed with the same geometry and dimensions.

[0022] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the curved portion of each tube in the second group of tubes extends away from the straight portion with vector components in right and left directions that are opposite to the shape of the curved portion extending from the straight portion in each tube in the first group of tubes, wherein the right and left directions face outward from respective right and left sides of the tubes along the straight portions of respective tubes in the first and second groups of tubes.

[0023] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein a plurality of fins are disposed between each tube in the first set of tubes and an adjacent tube in the second set of tubes, and wherein each fin is secured to one tube or to both tubes.

[0024] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes and then through an expansion valve before flowing through the second set of tubes.

[0025] The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the refrigerant flows through the second group of tubes and the first group of tubes in series.

[0026] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs further comprises one or more flow control valves, wherein the one or more flow control valves direct the refrigerant to flow from the first manifold to the second manifold through the first set of tubes, or in another configuration, from the second manifold to the first manifold through the first set of tubes.

[0027] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the one or more flow control valves are operated by a controller to control the operating mode of the heat exchanger from a cooling mode when in the first mode to a heating mode when in the second mode.

[0028] A heat exchanger as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein in one operating mode of the one or more flow control valves, refrigerant exiting the first set of tubes flows through an expansion valve before flowing through the second set of tubes.

[0029] The heat exchanger of one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the assembly is configured to be disposed in an outdoor space configured for outside air to flow through the outdoor space.

[0030] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the straight portion of each of the first and second groups of tubes includes top and bottom walls and right and left sides, the top and bottom walls and the right and left sides are uniform along the straight portion, wherein the right and left sides are wider than the width of the top and bottom walls, wherein a line extends through the straight portion and is parallel to the right and left sides, wherein the bend extends from an end of the straight portion and is shaped so that different portions of the bend extend away from the line in opposite right and left directions.

[0031] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the bend of the first group of tubes is oriented such that: a first portion of the bend extends a maximum distance from the line in the right direction, and a second portion of the bend extends from the first portion in the left direction at approximately the same distance from the line as the first portion extends in the right direction.

[0032] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the end of the bend of each of the tubes fixed to the second manifold extends at a maximum right distance from the line, and the end of the bend of each of the tubes fixed to the fourth manifold extends at a maximum left distance from the line.

[0033] The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the straight portion of each of the tubes is arranged within the assembly such that each straight portion is arranged at substantially the same distance from the straight portion of an adjacent tube.

[0034] A heat exchange system, comprising a heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs:

[0035] wherein the heat exchanger is configured to be disposed in an outdoor space, the outdoor space being configured for external air to flow through the outdoor space;

[0036] further comprising a second heat exchanger disposed within the interior space, wherein an inlet of the second heat exchanger receives the refrigerant having flowed through both the first and second tube groups, and an outlet of the second heat exchanger guides the flow through the first and second tube groups, and then the flow returns to the second heat exchanger again via the inlet; and

[0037] A compressor and an expansion valve, wherein the compressor is disposed in the outdoor space.

[0038] The heat exchanger of one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein each tube in the first set of tubes includes the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the straight portion of each tube in the first set of tubes is secured to the first manifold and the curved portion of each tube in the first set of tubes is secured to the second manifold, and

[0039] wherein each tube in the second group of tubes comprises the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the curved portion of each tube in the second group of tubes is secured to the third manifold and the straight portion of each tube in the second group of tubes is secured to the fourth manifold.

[0040] The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein each tube in the first set of tubes and each tube in the second set of tubes are formed with the same geometry and dimensions.

[0041] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the curved portion of each tube in the second group of tubes extends away from the straight portion with vector components in right and left directions that are opposite to the shape of the curved portion extending from the straight portion in each tube in the first group of tubes, wherein the right and left directions face outward from respective right and left sides of the tubes along the straight portions of respective tubes in the first and second groups of tubes.

[0042] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the straight portions of each tube within the first group of tubes and the second group of tubes are aligned such that the straight portions of all tubes are arranged with respective upper surfaces facing vector components toward the second manifold and the fourth manifold such that the respective upper surfaces all extend substantially along a single first plane, and respective bottom surfaces facing vector components away from the second manifold and the fourth manifold such that the respective bottom surfaces all extend substantially along a single second plane parallel to the first plane.

[0043] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the third manifold is offset from the first manifold so that a first line passing through a centerline of the first manifold and through a centerline of the third manifold is disposed at an acute angle or a right angle relative to a second line extending between a centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the second manifold.

[0044] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the expansion valve is disposed in the outdoor space and is arranged so that: in a mode in which the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger assembly flows through the first group of tubes and the second group of tubes before reaching the compressor, the refrigerant when initially arriving at the first heat exchanger assembly flows through the first group of tubes and the first manifold and the second manifold, and then flows through the expansion valve before flowing through the second group of tubes and the third manifold and the fourth manifold.

[0045] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the expansion valves are a first expansion valve and a second expansion valve, wherein the first expansion valve is disposed in a flow path between the first group of tubes and the second group of tubes, and the second expansion valve is disposed proximate to an outlet of the second heat exchanger, wherein when the heat exchange system is operated to provide heat input to the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve and does not flow through the second expansion valve, and wherein when the heat exchange system is operated to remove heat from the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows through the second expansion valve and does not flow through the first expansion valve.

[0046] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein a first check valve is provided to establish a flow path bypassing the first expansion valve, and a second check valve is provided to establish a flow path bypassing the second expansion valve, wherein the first check valve and the second check valve are oriented so that: when the refrigerant flow is directed to flow through the corresponding first expansion valve or the second expansion valve, the corresponding check valve prevents the refrigerant flow through the corresponding check valve, and wherein when the refrigerant flow is directed to flow through the corresponding first expansion valve or the second expansion valve in the opposite flow direction, the corresponding check valve allows the refrigerant flow through the corresponding check valve.

[0047] A heat exchanger as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the expansion valve is fluidly connected so that an outlet of the expansion valve flows through a repositionable four-way valve, wherein the repositionable four-way valve has a direct refrigerant connection to the second heat exchanger.

[0048] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first heat exchange component and the second heat exchanger are arranged so that in a first configuration, the second heat exchanger operates as a condenser and the first heat exchange component operates as an evaporator, and the first heat exchange component and the second heat exchanger are arranged so that in a second configuration, the second heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the first heat exchange component operates as a condenser.

[0049] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs comprises a tube body, which defines at least one coolant channel for a coolant or a refrigerant, the tube body having an outer top surface and an outer bottom surface arranged relative to each other with the thickness of the tube body, and having two outer side surfaces arranged relative to each other with the width of the tube body, the outer side surfaces connecting the outer top surface to the outer bottom surface, wherein the tube body has a heat exchange portion extending along an extension direction, wherein the tube body has an angled portion extending along a transverse direction inclined relative to the extension direction, wherein the tube body has a bend connecting the heat exchange portion to the angled portion, wherein the angled portion is arranged at a distance from the heat exchange portion measured in an offset direction perpendicular to both the extension direction and the transverse direction, wherein the bend has: a first end region facing the heat exchange portion, the first end region having a first bend opposite to the offset direction; and a second end region facing the angled portion, the second end region having a second bend in the offset direction.

[0050] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the second bend is a torsional bend.

[0051] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the extension direction follows a straight line.

[0052] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the transverse direction is perpendicular to the extension direction.

[0053] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the distance at which the angled portion is arranged relative to the heat exchange portion is less than a minimum bending radius (R) of the second bend, wherein the minimum bending radius is determined by measuring an internal height (H) of the bend.

[0054] The heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the minimum bending radius of the second bend is 3 to 6 times the thickness of the tube.

[0055] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the tube body defines a number of coolant channels arranged in a row along the width of the tube, wherein directly adjacent coolant channels are separated by partition walls extending along the thickness of the tube body.

[0056] A heat exchanger according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the tube body comprises a homogeneous metallic material.

[0057] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first bend comprises two sub-bends, one of the two sub-bends points opposite to the offset direction, and one of the two sub-bends points in the offset direction, so that the two sub-bends together retract the tube body opposite to the offset direction while moving away from the heat exchange portion in the extension direction, wherein the second bend has a minimum bending radius of 0.70 to 0.95 times the width of the tube body.

[0058] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the bend in a view perpendicular to both the extension direction and the offset direction has an S-shaped or Z-shaped geometry.

[0059] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the bend in a view perpendicular to both the extension direction and the offset direction has a geometry comprising an S or Z shape.

[0060] A heat exchanger, comprising: a first manifold, a second manifold, a third manifold and a fourth manifold; a first flat tube, the first flat tube extending between the first manifold and the second manifold or the third manifold and the fourth manifold, each of the first flat tubes having a tube body, the tube body defining at least one coolant channel for a coolant or a refrigerant, the tube body having an outer top surface and an outer bottom surface arranged opposite to each other with a thickness of the tube body, and having two outer side surfaces arranged opposite to each other with a width of the tube body, the outer side surfaces connecting the outer top surface to the outer bottom surface, wherein the tube body has a heat exchange portion extending along an extension direction, wherein the tube body has an angled portion extending along a transverse direction inclined relative to the extension direction, wherein the tube body has a bent portion connecting the heat exchange portion to the angled portion, wherein the angled portion is arranged to be measured in an offset direction perpendicular to both the extension direction and the transverse direction. at a distance (D) from the heat exchange portion, wherein the bend portion has: a first end region facing the heat exchange portion, the first end region having a first bend opposite to the offset direction; and a second end region facing the angled portion, the second end region having a second bend in the offset direction, wherein a first longitudinal end of the heat exchange portion facing away from the bend is received in an associated first opening of a first collector, and a second longitudinal end of the angled portion facing away from the bend is received in an associated second opening of a second collector; a second flat tube, wherein a first longitudinal end of the second flat tube is received in an associated third opening of a third collector, and a second longitudinal end of the second flat tube arranged opposite to the first longitudinal end is received in an associated fourth opening of the first collector; wherein the first opening and the fourth opening are arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0061] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the bend in a view perpendicular to both the extension direction and the offset direction has a geometry comprising an S or Z shape.

[0062] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first bend comprises two sub-bends, one of the two sub-bends points opposite to the offset direction, and one of the two sub-bends points in the offset direction, so that the two sub-bends together retract the tube body opposite to the offset direction while moving away from the heat exchange portion in the extension direction, wherein the second bend has a minimum bending radius of 0.70 to 0.95 times the width (W) of the tube body.

[0063] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first flat tubes and the second flat tubes are arranged alternately along a stacking direction corresponding to an offset direction of the first flat tubes.

[0064] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein, in a view along the stacking direction, the heat exchanging portions of the first flat tubes completely overlap with the second flat tubes, while the angled portions of the first flat tubes do not overlap with the second flat tubes.

[0065] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein intermediate spaces are present between adjacent flat tubes, in which intermediate spaces heat transfer fins are accommodated.

[0066] The heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the second flat tubes are straight.

[0067] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein each of the second flat tubes has a tube body, the tube body defining at least one coolant channel for a coolant or a refrigerant, the tube body having an outer top surface and an outer bottom surface arranged opposite to each other with a thickness (T) of the tube body, and having two outer side surfaces arranged opposite to each other with a width (W) of the tube body, the outer side surfaces connecting the outer top surface to the outer bottom surface, wherein the tube body has a heat exchange portion extending along an extension direction, wherein the tube body has an angled portion extending along a transverse direction inclined relative to the extension direction, wherein the The tube body has a bend connecting the heat exchange portion to the angled portion, wherein the angled portion is arranged at a distance (D) from the heat exchange portion measured in an offset direction perpendicular to both the extension direction and the transverse direction, wherein the bend has: a first end region facing the heat exchange portion, the first end region having a first bend opposite to the offset direction; and a second end region facing the angled portion, the second end region having a second bend in the offset direction, wherein the transverse direction of the first flat tube is different from the transverse direction of the second flat tube.

[0068] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the component is configured to be arranged in an outdoor space, and the outdoor space is configured for external air to flow through the outdoor space, wherein when the refrigerant flows through the first group of tubes before flowing through the expansion valve, the first group of tubes is used to condense the refrigerant flowing through the first group of tubes, and wherein when the refrigerant flows through the second group of tubes after flowing through the expansion valve, the second group of tubes is used to evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the second group of tubes.

[0069] A heat exchanger according to one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first heat exchange component is configured such that: when the refrigerant flows through the first group of tubes before flowing through the expansion valve, the first group of tubes is used to condense the refrigerant flowing through the first group of tubes, and wherein, when the refrigerant flows through the second group of tubes after flowing through the expansion valve, the second group of tubes is used to evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the second group of tubes.

[0070] The advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art through the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the disclosed subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments, and its details are capable of modification in various respects. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchange assembly for use in a heat pump assembly capable of operating in a heating mode and a cooling mode.

[0072] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of another heat exchange assembly for use in a heat pump system capable of operating in a heating mode or a cooling mode, the heat exchange system will include a plurality of additional tubes along the space Z in the figure, the plurality of additional tubes being the same as the tubes 160, 180 depicted in an alternating pattern in the figure.

[0073] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The heat exchange assembly will include a plurality of additional tubes along the space Z in the figure that are identical to the tubes 160, 180 depicted in an alternating pattern in the figure.

[0074] Figure 3 a is used with Figure 2 A partial top view of a tube used with a heat exchange assembly, depicting a bend and a portion of a central portion.

[0075] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The heat exchange assembly will include a plurality of additional tubes along the space Z in the figure that are identical to the tubes 160, 180 depicted in an alternating pattern in the figure.

[0076] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an end cross-sectional view of a heat exchange assembly that would include a plurality of additional tubes along the space Z in the figure that are identical to the tubes 160 , 180 depicted in an alternating pattern in the figure.

[0077] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a heat pump system in heating mode, which uses Figure 1 or Figure 2 heat pump components.

[0078] Figure 7 In cooling mode Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a heat pump system.

[0079] Figure 7 a is Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a heat pump system including alternating flow paths and isolation valves that can be implemented to allow flow through the heat pump system to be parallel flow through all of the first and second sets of tubes, or can be operated in opposite valve positions to have counter flow between the first and second sets of tubes.

[0080] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another heat pump system in heating mode, the other heat pump system using Figure 1 or Figure 2 The heat pump assembly further comprises an intermediate heat exchanger.

[0081] Fig. 9 In cooling mode Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of a heat pump system.

[0082] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of another heat pump system in heating mode, the other heat pump system using Figure 1 or Figure 2 The heat pump assembly further includes an intermediate heat exchanger that is bypassed in the heating mode.

[0083] Fig.11 In cooling mode Fig.10 Schematic diagram of a heat pump system with flow through an intermediate heat exchanger.

[0084] Figure 12a is able to Figure 1 or Figure 2 A top view (view in the transverse direction) of a portion of a curved portion and a straight portion of a tube used in a heat exchanger.

[0085] FIG. 12b is a side view (offset view) of the tube of FIG. 12a .

[0086] Figure 13a is able to Figure 1 or Figure 2 A side view of a portion of a heat exchanger using another tube's curved and straight sections together.

[0087] FIG. 13b is a top view of the tube of FIG. 13a .

[0088] Figure 14a is able to Figure 1 or Figure 2 14a are arranged in an alternating manner with multiple tubes like the tube in FIG. 12a, wherein the bends of the alternating tubes are disposed at opposite ends of the heat exchanger.

[0089] FIG. 14b is a side view of the tube of FIG. 14a .

[0090] Figure 15a is able to Figure 1 or Figure 2 15a is arranged in an alternating manner with multiple tubes like the tube in FIG. 13a, wherein the bends of the alternating tubes are disposed at opposite ends of the heat exchanger.

[0091] FIG. 15b is a top view of the tube of FIG. 15a . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Now go to Figure 1 to Figure 1 5b, a heat exchange system 10 is provided. The heat exchange system 10 is configured to be able to operate in two different configurations (a first configuration and a second configuration), in which the heat exchanger in the indoor environment provides cooling to the indoor environment (either by cooling the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger or by cooling the space within the indoor environment), and in which the heat exchanger in the indoor environment provides heat to the indoor environment (either by heating the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger or by heating the space within the indoor environment). Thus, the system 10 operates with the indoor heat exchanger operating as an evaporator when it is to provide cooling and operating as a condenser when it is to provide heating.

[0093] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The heat exchange system 10 is best understood as Figure 6 and Figure 7 A first representative embodiment of a heat exchange system in a heating mode and a cooling mode is schematically depicted, respectively. The heat exchange system includes a heat exchanger 300 disposed within an indoor space 12 - or in some embodiments, within a space that is desired to be conditioned by the system. In some embodiments, the indoor space 12 may be a space within an enclosed space including one or more barriers between the interior space and external elements.

[0094] A second heat exchanger system 50, 150 is provided and disposed in an outdoor space 14 or a space that is fully or at least partially open to the outside environment. (Different types of heat exchanger systems 50, 150 are discussed in detail below, each of which operates in the same manner as the second heat exchanger system described elsewhere herein). The outdoor space 14 is provided to allow outside air (which is not fully or in some embodiments not subjected to active cooling or heating at all) to be used as a heat source or heat sink (depending on the operating mode of the system 10) for the second heat exchange system 50, 150. The system 10 further includes a compressor 32 and an expansion valve 38, 138, both of which operate to allow continuous heat circulation between the indoor space 20 and the outdoor space 22, as is well known in the art. In some embodiments, the compressor 32 and the expansion valve 38, 183 can be disposed in the outside environment.

[0095] exist Figure 1 A first embodiment of a second heat exchanger system 50 is provided and depicted in Figures 2 to 5 14. A second embodiment of the second heat exchanger 150 is depicted in FIG. In both embodiments, the heat exchanger system 50 / 150 includes a plurality of first tubes 60 / 160 and a plurality of second tubes 80 / 180. The plurality of first tubes 60 / 60 and the plurality of second tubes 80 / 180 are fluidly arranged so that: as the refrigerant fluid flows through the system 10, the refrigerant flows through each of the plurality of first tubes 60 / 160 and the plurality of second tubes 80 / 160 before flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 300 in a cyclic manner. In other words, the refrigerant that flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 300 and reaches the pipes in the outdoor space 14 flows through each of the first group of tubes 60 / 160 and the second group of tubes 80 / 180 before returning to the indoor heat exchanger 300. Because the system 10 is capable of operating in two operating modes (i.e., either supplying heat to the indoor heat exchanger 300 or removing heat from the indoor heat exchanger 300), the flow path through the first tube 60 / 160 and the second tube 80 / 180 varies with the operation of the system, as will be discussed below.

[0096] In both the first and second embodiments, the plurality of first tubes 60 / 160 extend in the same direction and are arranged in a parallel and offset manner relative to each other to extend from the first manifold 92 to the second manifold 94. The first tubes 60 / 160 are positioned relative to each other such that adjacent tubes within the first set of tubes establish a space X therebetween along each tube between the first manifold 92 and the second manifold 94. Other aspects of the plurality of first tubes from each embodiment will be discussed in detail below.

[0097] In both the first and second embodiments, the plurality of second tubes 80 / 180 extend in the same direction and are arranged in a parallel and offset manner relative to each other to extend from the third manifold 96 / 206 to the fourth manifold 98 / 202. The second tubes 80 / 180 are positioned relative to each other so that adjacent tubes within the second set of tubes establish a space Y therebetween along each tube between the third manifold 96 and the fourth manifold 98 / 202. The central portion 81 / 181 of each second tube 80 / 180 is disposed within the space X between adjacent central portions 61 / 161 of adjacent first tubes 60 / 160. Wherein, "each" tube as used herein with respect to both the first set of tubes 60 / 160 and the second set of tubes 80 / 180 is specifically defined herein to mean all corresponding tubes, with the possible exception of the tubes 60 / 160 and / or tubes 80 / 180 that are at the outermost side of the plurality of tubes and establish outer tubes within the heat exchange assembly 50 / 150. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that for the two tubes that establish the outer tube within the heat exchange assembly, there will be no tubes extending adjacent to that tube on the outside of that tube, and therefore the center portion of the outer tube does not extend within the space between adjacent tubes in the other set of tubes. The term "each" includes all tubes extending between two tubes of the opposing set of tubes, and includes the two tubes that establish the outermost tubes of the heating assembly 50 / 150 that are adjacent to the center portion of a tube from the other set of tubes.

[0098] The tubes 60 / 160 and 80 / 180 may be formed with different geometries and different cross-sections. In some embodiments, the tubes are formed with outer walls that establish a single lumen through the outer walls through which the refrigerant flows. In other embodiments, the tubes 60 / 160 and 80 / 180 may include a plurality of parallel lumens 25, 24 ( Figure 5 , also representing the tubes within heat exchanger 50), such that the refrigerant flows in parallel and separate paths through the lengths of tubes 60 / 160 and tubes 80 / 180, which maximizes the surface area of ​​the tubes within the combined tube lumens that can be used to allow heat to be transferred from or to the fluid flowing within the tubes within heat exchange assembly 50 / 150. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon a thorough reading of this specification, the number and cross-sectional area of ​​the lumens through the tubes can be optimized to maximize available heat transfer but minimize flow resistance through the tubes.

[0099] The tubes 60 / 160 and 80 / 180 can be generally rectangular in cross-section, having left and right side surfaces and top and bottom side surfaces. The term "generally rectangular" is used herein to include exact rectangles (having planar sides at right angles to each other) as well as shapes having left and right surfaces (162 / 164, 182 / 184 - the tubes from the heat exchange system 50 are similar) with protrusions facing in the left and right directions, the protrusions facing in the left and right directions being wider than the protrusions facing in the upward (top side surfaces 166, 186) and downward (bottom side surfaces 168, 188) directions, so that the term "generally rectangular" includes shapes in which one, some or all of the side surfaces can have some curvature along their width (where the remaining surfaces are planar), and adjacent surfaces can transition from each other (such as, for example, from the top side surface to the left side surface) with curved transitions rather than edges, where other transitions are formed with edges. In some embodiments, the central portion 61 / 81, 161 / 181 of each tube is arranged so that the first plane 3000 ( Figure 5 ) extends through each upward facing surface (protrusion), and a second plane 3001 parallel to the first plane extends through each downward facing surface (protrusion).

[0100] The plurality of first tubes 60 / 160 and the plurality of second tubes 80 / 180 may be connected to opposing manifolds that help distribute the refrigerant flow so that the first manifold to which the refrigerant arrives is close to a corresponding set of tubes, allowing the flow to separate to flow in parallel through each tube until reaching the opposing manifold, which returns the refrigerant to a single flow to flow out of the manifold to the next portion of the refrigerant circuit. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As best shown in FIG. 1 , two manifolds (92, 93- Figure 1 ; 202, 204, Figure 2 ) are provided with centers which are connected to the plurality of tubes (60 / 80- Figure 1 ; 160 / 180- Figure 2 ) in the center of each tube (61 / 81- Figure 1 ;161 / 181- Figure 2 ) plane 1002 in line, and two other offset manifolds (94, 95- Figure 1 ; 206, 208- Figure 2) are disposed vertically above the two inline manifolds, and in some embodiments are horizontally offset from the two inline manifolds. Specifically, the offset manifold is positioned such that a line 1108 extending through a centerline 1102 of the inline manifolds (e.g., 92, 202) and a centerline 1105 of the offset manifold (e.g., 94, 206) is perpendicular or at an acute angle relative to a plane 1002 passing through the two inline manifolds (92 / 94, 202 / 204) such that at least a portion of the two offset manifolds rest above the plurality of tubes, as will be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] In some variations of one or both of the first embodiment 50 and the second embodiment 150, a plurality of fins 58 (or air centers) are provided, extending from each of the first set of tubes 60 / 160 along the central portion 61 / 161 of each of the first set of tubes. In some variations, the plurality of fins 58 may extend to contact (and in some embodiments may be fixed to) the adjacent second set of tubes 80 / 180. In some other variations of the first embodiment 50 and the second embodiment 150, a plurality of fins 58 are provided, extending from each of the second set of tubes 80 / 180 along the central portion 81 / 181 of each of the second set of tubes. In some variations, the plurality of fins 58 may contact the first set of tubes 60 / 160. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins 58 may be fixed to both the adjacent first tubes 60 / 160 and the second tubes 80 / 180, and may be manufactured as a separate component fixed to the adjacent tubes, for example, by brazing. The fins 58 can be in a variety of shapes that maximize the available surface area for heat transfer from or to the fins 58 (and thus from or to the refrigerant flowing through the tubes) as the outside ambient air passes over the fins (either by one or more fans pushing the air through the fins, or without forced air flow). For example, the fins 58 can be a series of parallel plates, each extending generally perpendicular to a line through each center portion of the tubes, or in other embodiments, the fins can be a plurality of X-shaped fins (when viewed from above or below the center portion) with the tips of the Xs touching adjacent fins or being slightly spaced apart from the adjacent fins that are in contact. Fins 58 suitable for positioning between two adjacent tubes can be mechanically secured to one another for ease of assembly and brazing.

[0102] Turning now to the first embodiment of the second heat exchanger system 50, the first set of tubes 60 each extend from a first inline manifold 92 to a second inline manifold 94, wherein a line between the centers of the first manifolds 92 extends through one tube in the first set of tubes 60. Each tube in the first set of tubes is straight, having a uniform cross-section within the central portion 61 in some embodiments, and having a uniform cross-section along the entire length of each tube 60 in other embodiments.

[0103] The second set of tubes 80 each include a straight central portion 81 and a curved portion 81a, 81b on each opposite end. The curved portions 81a, 81b are fluidly connected to the opposed third manifold 96 and the fourth manifold 98, which are relatively offset adjacent to the respective first in-line manifold 92 and the second in-line manifold 94. In some embodiments, the curved portions 81a, 81b extend from the central portion 81 to join the opposed third manifold 96 and the fourth manifold 98 by making a bend that transitions from a direction facing a vector component V1 to an orientation in which the curved portions 81a, 81b are connected to the respective third manifold 96 and the fourth manifold 98, which extends perpendicularly from the plane 1002 through the combined central portions 61, 81 of the first tube 60 and the second tube 80. In some embodiments, the curved portions also extend with a vector component V2 that is parallel to the plane 1002. In some embodiments, the curved portions 81a, 81b are connected to the respective manifolds through the combined central portions 81, 81 of the first tube 60 and the second tube 80 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane 1002. The term "substantially perpendicular" is specifically defined herein to include an exact perpendicular angle as well as an angle of 15 degrees on either side of perpendicular. The second set of tubes 80 are preferably formed with relatively gentle bends to limit the restriction to the flow within the lumen 25 within the tubes extending within the bends of the tubes 80.

[0104] Now turn to Figure 2-Figure 5 In the second embodiment of the second heat exchanger system 150 depicted in FIG. 1 , the first set of tubes 160 each extend from the first manifold 202 to the opposite offset manifold 208, and the second set of tubes 180 extend from the first offset manifold 206 to the opposite in-line manifold 204. The first set of tubes 160 and the second set of tubes 180 each have a central portion 161, 181 and a curved portion 161a, 181a on a first end thereof, the central portion 161, 181 being arranged as discussed above with respect to the central portion 61, 81 of the embodiment discussed above, the curved portion 161a, 181a extending from the central portion 161, 181 to connect to the respective offset manifold. The opposite ends of the tubes 160, 180 have ends 161b, 181b extending from the central portion 172, 192 in the same geometry and orientation as the central portion 161, 181, the ends 161b, 181b being connected to the respective in-line manifolds 202, 204. As with tubes 60, 80 discussed above, bends 161a, 181a of first and second sets of tubes 160, 180 are formed with relatively gradual bends to allow the orientation of that portion of the tube to be changed by limiting constraints to flow within the lumen extending through the bend.

[0105] In some embodiments, the curved portions (which may be formed with bends or curves or both) 161a, 181a are oriented such that: a portion of the curved portions 161a, 181a extends from the central portion 161, 181 and extends in both the right direction S and the left direction T from a line 1006 that extends through the central portion 161, 181 and is parallel to the right and left side walls of each respective tube (e.g., the walls 164, 162 of the first tube and the walls 184, 182 of the second tube). Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a portion of tube 160 (tube 180 may be the same in some embodiments, or may be exactly opposite in other directions) includes a bend 161a, which may initially include a first bend 161a1 extending in the right direction so that the tube travels on the right side of line 1006, and the bend 161a may then include a second bend 161a2 extending in the left direction so that the tube extends on the left side of line 1006. In some embodiments, bends 161a, 181a may include bends that extend approximately the same distance from the plane in the maximum right direction and the maximum left direction. The term "approximately the same distance" is defined herein to mean exactly the same distance and a distance within a range of plus or minus 20% of the total distance of a reference distance (including all values ​​within the range). In some embodiments, bend 161a1 may initially extend in the right direction (from central portion 161a) and then extend in the left direction, while in other embodiments, the bend may initially extend in the left direction and then extend in the right direction.

[0106] In some embodiments, the tip 161c of the bend 161a (which is connected to the corresponding offset manifold (206, 208)) (tube 180 can have the same characteristics) extends a maximum right or left distance from line 1006, where the bend 161a previously extended a maximum opposite left or right distance before reaching the tip 161c. In some embodiments, the maximum right and left distances traveled by the bend can be substantially the same distance. Substantially the same distance is defined herein to mean exactly the same distance and a range of plus or minus 20% of the total distance of a reference distance (including all values ​​within that range).

[0107] The bend 161a, 181a also transitions the tube 160, 180 so that it extends in the direction that the upper wall 166, 186 faces to allow the tube to contact and flow into the offset manifold 206, 208 located above the upper wall 166, 186 of the tube 160, 180. In some embodiments, one or both of the right extension 161a1 and the left extension 161a2 may also include an upward extension. Alternatively, the right bend 161a1 and the left bend 161a2 may be in series with the upward bend, so that the upward bend occurs in different sections of the tube that bend in the left and right directions.

[0108] In other embodiments, the bend may include only a left bend or a right bend (as defined above), and may include an upward bend together with one of the left bend or the right bend. A person skilled in the art who has read this specification in its entirety will understand that the terms "right", "left", "upward", and "downward" refer to those directions that appear within a given coordinate system set relative to the heat exchange system 50, 150, and that these directional terms do not limit the actual orientation of the heat exchange system when in use or when manufactured relative to a typical orientation on the earth or relative to gravity. For example, the heat exchange system 50, 150 can be positioned in an orientation in use or when assembled or manufactured so that the surface of the tube designated as the "upper" surface faces downward (directly or with a vector component toward the earth) or in a fully or partially lateral direction.

[0109] Exemplary embodiments of tubes that can be used as tubes 60 / 80 and tubes 160 / 180 are described herein and depicted in FIGS. 12a-15b.

[0110] Fig. 12A An example of a tube 800 that can be used as the tube 160 / 180 according to the present invention is shown in a view along the transverse direction 510 (top view). The tube 800 can be modified to include a bend 811 on both ends of the tube to allow the tube to be used as the above-mentioned Figure 1 The tube 80 in the embodiment. Fig. 12B In the view along the offset direction 512, it is shown Fig. 12A For example, Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It will be seen that the tube 800 has a tube body 802 that defines at least one coolant passage 24 through which a coolant or refrigerant can flow. Fig. 12A In the example of the embodiment, the tube body 802 defines a plurality of coolant channels 24, which are arranged in a row along the width W of the tube 800. A partition wall 817 extending along the thickness T of the tube body 802 exists between two directly adjacent coolant channels 24. For example, the tube body 802 has a uniform material or is composed of such a uniform material. The material of the tube body 802 is, for example, metal.

[0111] Fig.13A A further example of a flat tube 800 according to the invention is shown in the view along the deflection direction 512 (left-hand view). Fig. 13B In the view opposite to the transverse direction 510 (top view), Fig.13A In other words, Fig.13A The perspective view corresponds to Fig. 12B perspective view, and Fig. 13B The perspective view is similar to Fig. 12A perspective view.

[0112] As from Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A and Fig. 13B It will be seen that the tube body 802 has a first outer side 882 and a second outer side 884, which are arranged opposite to each other at the thickness T of the tube body 802. The tube body 802 also has opposite top surfaces 886 and bottom surfaces 888, which are arranged opposite to each other at the width W of the tube body 802. The top surface and the bottom surface connect the side surfaces 882, 884. The tube body 802 has a central portion 807, which serves as the main heat exchange portion (and corresponds to the central portion 61 / 81, 161 / 181 of the embodiments discussed above), which extends substantially along the extension direction 508. The tube body 802 has an angled portion 809, which extends substantially along the transverse direction 510 inclined relative to the extension direction 508. The tube body 802 has a bend 811 connecting the heat exchange portion 807 to the inclined portion 809. The combination of the bend 811 and the angled portion 809 corresponds to the bend in the embodiments discussed above.

[0113] from Fig. 12A and Fig. 13BIt will be seen that the angled portion 809 is arranged at a distance D from the heat exchange portion 807, which distance D will be measured in the offset direction 12. The offset direction 12 is substantially perpendicular to both the extension direction 508 and the transverse direction 510. The curved portion 811 has a first curved portion 814, which is present in a first end region 813 of the curved portion 811 facing the heat exchange portion 807. As depicted in the embodiments of Figures 12 and 13, the first end region can generally travel away from the heat exchange portion in the direction ZZ. The first curved portion 814 of the curved portion 811 is bent opposite to the offset direction 512. In addition, the curved portion 811 has a second curved portion 816, which is present in a second end region 815 facing the angled portion 809. The second curved portion 816 is bent in the offset direction 512 (YY). In other words, in the first end region 813, due to the first bend 814, the tube body 802 retreats opposite to the offset direction 512 from the heat exchange portion 807. Therefore, in the second end region 815, the tube body 802 protrudes from the heat exchange portion 807 and the first end region 813 in the offset direction 512 due to the second bend 816. The bend 811 has, for example, an S-shaped or Z-shaped geometry 19, which means that the bend has several bends extending in different directions relative to the offset direction (512), that is, the bend includes a bend having vector components extending in the ZZ direction and the YY direction (Figure 12a). There can be a step bend 822 between the first bend 814 and the second bend 816 (see Fig.13A and Fig. 13B ). The first bend 814 can have an S-shaped or Z-shaped shape consisting of two sub-bends, one of which points opposite to the offset direction and one of which points in the offset direction, wherein both sub-bends together cause the tube 802 to withdraw opposite to the offset direction 512 (direction ZZ) while away from the heat exchange portion 807 in the extension direction 808. When the first bend 814 includes two sub-bends (the two sub-bends together have an S-shaped or Z-shaped shape), the second bend 816 can be stably added to the S-shaped or Z-shaped geometry to form the S-shaped or Z-shaped geometry 819 of the bend 811.

[0114] in addition, Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A and Fig. 13B It is shown that the extension direction 808 substantially follows a straight line. Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The transverse direction 510 in the example is substantially perpendicular to the extension direction 808. It goes without saying that, as an alternative, Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B, Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Compared to a right angle to the extension direction 808, the transverse direction 510 can be inclined at different angles opposite to the extension direction 808. The transverse direction 10 can follow a straight line or a curve. The distance D at which the angled portion 809 is arranged relative to the heat exchange portion 807 is less than the minimum bending radius R of the second bend 816. The minimum bending radius R of the second bend 816 is, for example, 3 to 6 times the tube thickness T of the tube body 802. The minimum bending radius R can be 0.70 to 0.95 times the tube width W. These minimum bending radii have been determined to prevent constraints on various flow lumens 24 through the tube, which may occur with tighter bending radii due to local expansion and contraction at the opposite side of the wall forming the flow lumen during bending. The minimum bending radius R can be determined by the internal height H of the bend 811 measured along the offset direction 512. When gradually moving away from the heat exchange portion 807, the bend 811 first retreats in the opposite direction of the offset direction 512 through the first bend 814, and then the bend 811 begins to rise in the offset direction 512 through its second bend 816 so as to intersect with the plane containing the heat exchange portion 807, and finally transfers to the angled portion 809 in the offset direction 510.

[0115] according to Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B , Fig.13A and Fig. 13B , the second bend 816 is a torsional bend 818. The second bend 818 generally extends in the YY direction and the direction 510 (when viewing Fig. 12A and Fig. 13B 809 and the heat exchange section 807 is bridged and on the other hand exactly the same surface area of ​​the tube 802 (which in the heat exchange section 807 represents the top surface 884) abruptly changes to the bottom surface 882 in the region of the angled section 809. Thus, the tube 802 can be twisted 180 degrees in the second bend 816.

[0116] exist FIG. 14A to FIG. 15B In other embodiments depicted in FIG. 14 , alternative tube 800a may be formed with an exactly opposite configuration with respect to bends extending with vector components in directions ZZ and YY. Tube 800a includes all of the features of tube 800 discussed above, but the first end region generally travels away from the heat exchange portion in direction YY (i.e., in offset direction 512), and the second bend generally extends in the ZZ direction (opposite to offset direction 512) as well as in direction 510 (off the page when viewing FIGS. 14a and 15b ). The structure of alternative tube 800a is identical to tube 800, except for the portions extending with vector components in directions ZZ and YY, and FIG. 14A to FIG. 15B Features depicted in are designated as "element number + a" (e.g., 800a corresponds to element 800 of the embodiment of Figures 12a to 13b, 802a corresponds to element 802, etc.), corresponding to structures designated with the same element number (without the "a" in Figures 12a to 13b). The alternative tube 800a can be used in the same heat exchange system 150 as tube 800, where a plurality of tubes 800 (for example) are used as a first group of tubes 160 and a plurality of tubes 800a are used as a second group of tubes 180. In an embodiment of the constructed system 50, the tubes having a bend can be formed with opposite ends such that one end of the tube is formed with a non-straight portion as in tube 800 (e.g., to connect to manifold 96) and the opposite end is formed with a non-straight portion as in tube 800a (e.g., to connect to manifold 98). Alternatively, the tube with the bend may be formed with both ends of the bend being the tube 800 , or with both ends of the bend being the tube 800 a - either way to be connected to the opposing manifolds 96 , 98 .

[0117] As discussed above, the second heat exchanger assembly 50 / 150 is disposed in a closed heat exchange system 10, which includes the second heat exchanger system 50 / 150 disposed in an outdoor environment and the first heat exchanger 300 disposed in an indoor environment. The two heat exchangers are combined with the compressor 32 and the expansion valve 38 to form a closed heat pump loop. The typical operation of a conventional heat pump loop is well understood. The heat exchange system 10 can be operated in a closed environment such as Figure 6 , so as to cause the first heat exchanger 300 to receive heat to allow the temperature of the space in which the first heat exchanger is located to be increased, or to provide heat to the fluid flowing relative to the first heat exchanger. The heat pump circuit of the system 10 can make the refrigerant flow in the first direction as depicted in Figure 7 , to cause the first heat exchanger 300 to add heat to the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger 300, thereby causing the first heat exchanger 300 to cool the space in which it is located or cool the fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger 300. The system 10 is arranged so that: during the cycle of refrigerant flow through the system, the refrigerant flows through both sets of tubes 60 / 80, 160 / 180 within the second heat exchanger assembly 50 / 150 before flowing through the first heat exchanger 300 (or depending on the position within the single refrigerant flow loop that is considered the "start" of the flow, the refrigerant leaving the first heat exchanger 300 flows through both the first set of tubes 60 / 80 and the second set of tubes 160 / 180 before returning to the first heat exchanger 300).

[0118] Reference depicts the flow of refrigerant when the circuit is in heating mode. Figure 6, the flow of the refrigerant is as follows: the refrigerant leaves the first heat exchanger 300 (the indoor heat exchanger, operating as a condenser) via the first fluid connection 304 and travels through the piping to the outdoor environment 14. The refrigerant first encounters a parallel piping having an expansion valve 38 and a check valve 39, which is adjusted so that the flow does not flow through the expansion valve 38, but the refrigerant flows through the check valve 39 (i.e., the check valve 39 is piped to allow flow from right to left (from Figure 6 The refrigerant next flows to the second heat exchanger system 50 / 150 (operating as an evaporator) and encounters one of the two sets of tubes (60 / 80, 160 / 180). Figure 6 180, and the flow will be described in this manner, but one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the second heat exchanger system 50 / 150 can be flipped so that the refrigerant flows through tubes 60, 160 first). Upon leaving tubes 80, 180, the refrigerant flow reaches a parallel pipe having another expansion valve 138 and a check valve 139. The check valve 139 is piped to prevent the refrigerant from being blown away when approaching from the left (from the Figure 6The refrigerant flows through the check valve 139 (from the perspective of the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 ), so that the refrigerant flows through the expansion valve 138 and expands. The refrigerant then flows through another set of tubes 60, 160 and then flows to the four-way valve 42. The four-way valve 42 connects the refrigerant flow port to the inlet of the compressor 32, and the compressor 32 compresses the refrigerant. The refrigerant fluid leaving the compressor 32 flows through the four-way valve 42 again and is then directed to the first heat exchanger 300, and the fluid enters the first heat exchanger 300 in the indoor space 12 via the second fluid connection 302. The refrigerant (during system operation) operates continuously in this manner, thereby continuously providing relatively warm refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 300, so that the heat can be used in the indoor space as needed. Therefore, when in the heating mode, the refrigerant flows through one of the sets of tubes 80, 180, then flows through the expansion valve 138, then flows through another set of tubes 60, 160, and then flows to other components in the system. In heating mode, the first set of tubes 80, 180 encountered by the refrigerant acts as a condenser during the first pass through the heat exchanger, wherein the condenser performs a subcooling function in the external heat exchanger, rather than performing a subcooling function in the indoor space as in a conventional heat pump system in heating mode. Subcooling in the outdoor space occurs before the refrigerant flows to the expansion valve 138. After flowing through the expansion valve 138, the refrigerant flows through another set of tubes 60, 160 that acts as an evaporator. The heat transfer between the (pre-expansion) refrigerant flowing through the tubes 80, 180 and the expanded refrigerant flowing through the tubes 60, 160 causes an increase in the condenser inlet pressure and an increase in superheat of the refrigerant entering the internal heat exchanger 300 via port 302, which results in additional warming of the internal space / liquid during heating mode. This also has the benefit of slowing down the accumulation of ice on the external second heat exchanger system 50 / 150 during operation during a cold external air environment-thereby reducing the frequency at which the system needs to operate to defrost the external heat exchanger system 50 / 150.

[0119] Reference is made to a diagram depicting the flow of refrigerant when the circuit is in cooling mode. Figure 7 , the refrigerant flows through the pipes and components in the opposite direction to the heating mode as discussed above. The flow of the refrigerant when in the cooling mode is as follows: the refrigerant leaves the first heat exchanger 300 (operating as an evaporator) through the second fluid connection 302 and flows to the four-way valve 42. The four-way valve 42 is ported in the cooling mode to allow the refrigerant to flow through the compressor 32, and then the compressed refrigerant flows through the four-way valve 42 again and is ported to one of the sets of pipes of the second heat exchange system 50 / 150 (operating as a condenser), specifically pipes 60, 160. The fluid leaving pipes 60 / 160 reaches a parallel pipe having a check valve 139 and an expansion valve 138. As discussed above, the check valve 139 is adjusted to allow refrigerant to flow from the left (from the schematic) Figure 7The refrigerant flows through the check valve 139 and then to the other set of tubes 80, 180. The fluid leaving the second set of tubes 80, 180 flows to other parallel tubes including the check valve 39 and the expansion valve 38. The check valve 39 is adjusted to prevent the refrigerant from flowing when it is from the left (from the schematic diagram). Figure 7 The refrigerant flows through the check valve 39 when approaching (from the perspective of the indoor heat exchanger 300), and the refrigerant flows through the expansion valve 38, thereby cooling the refrigerant due to expansion. The cooled refrigerant flows into the indoor space 12 via the fluid connection 304 and flows into the first heat exchanger 300. The refrigerant (during system operation) operates continuously in this way, thereby continuously providing a relatively cold gaseous refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 300, which is configured to remove heat from the indoor space. Therefore, when in cooling mode, the refrigerant flows through one group of tubes 60, 160, then flows through another group of tubes 80, 180, and then flows to other components within the system. In cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 300 acts as an evaporator, and the second heat exchange system 50 / 150 acts as a condenser. In cooling mode, the refrigerant flows from the compressor 32 and then flows to the tubes 60, 160. The refrigerant exiting the tube 60 , 160 flows through the check valve 139 (without flowing through the expansion valve) and then flows directly through the tube 80 , 180 to further superheat the refrigerant flowing through the tube 80 , 180 .

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the manifolds of the heat exchange system are arranged so that when in cooling mode, the flows through the first set of tubes 60 / 160 and the second set of tubes 80 / 180 are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the flows when in heating mode will also be parallel to each other. Figure 7 In a preferred embodiment depicted in a, the piping in the system can include a set of isolation valves 980, 981 (which can be remotely operable valves capable of being operated by a controller, or can be manual valves) and a second set of tubes 990, 991 which allow the direction of flow through one of the first set of tubes or the second set of tubes to be changed so as to allow flow through the first set of tubes 60 / 160 and the second set of tubes 80 / 180 to be in reverse directions on the heat exchanger when in heating mode, but can also be operated to different positions when in cooling mode to allow flow to be parallel in the same direction in the first set of tubes and the second set of tubes - this greatly improves the efficiency of the system, in which the external heat exchange system 50 / 150 acts as an evaporator.

[0121] Thus, the system 10 is arranged so that operation between a heating mode and a cooling mode is established due to the operation of the four-way valve 42. In the cooling mode, the refrigerant leaving the internal heat exchanger 300 (via port 302) first reaches the first tube 60 / 160 (and specifically the second manifold 94 / 204), and leaves the first tube via the first manifold 92 / 202. The flow then flows through the check valve 139 (bypassing the expansion valve 139) and flows into the second tube 80 / 180 via the third manifold 96 / 206, and leaves the second tube 80 / 180 via the fourth manifold 98 / 206. Alternatively, in the heating mode, the four-way valve 42 is readjusted, thereby causing a refrigerant flow in the opposite direction. The flow leaving the internal heat exchanger 300 (via port 304) first reaches the second tube 80 / 180 via the fourth manifold 98 / 208, and leaves the second tube 80 / 180 via the third manifold 96 / 206. The refrigerant then flows through the expansion valve 138, then enters the first tube 60 / 160 via the first manifold 92 / 202, and exits the first tube via the second manifold 94 / 204. The refrigerant then flows to the four-way valve 42, where the refrigerant then flows through the compressor 32, then returns to the four-way valve 42, where the flow is ported via port 302 to return to the internal heat exchanger 300. In other embodiments, the flow may be controlled by multiple isolation valves that may be piped to cause flow through the various components of the system in the order specified above without using a four-way valve. In some embodiments, the four-way valve (or multiple valves that collectively direct the flow as directed by the four-way valve) may be an automatic valve that is appropriately positioned by the controller 5000 for the desired operating mode, while in other embodiments, the valve may be a manual valve that is appropriately positioned by the user to establish the desired flow path. In an embodiment where a controller 5000 is provided, the controller 5000 can operate the compressor 32 and expansion valve 38 / 138 as needed for appropriate heat output of the internal heat exchanger 300 given the known or expected heat load, the ambient temperature surrounding the second heat exchange assembly 50, 150, and other factors.

[0122] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An alternative system is depicted with an intermediate heat exchanger 110 (flows in heating mode and cooling mode are depicted separately), the alternative system including an intermediate heat exchanger 110 positioned primarily to assist in cooling mode ( Fig. 9 ), where some heat is added to the refrigerant before it is compressed via compressor 32, which minimizes superheating of the refrigerant before it is compressed, and thus minimizes subcooling of the refrigerant as it flows to the first set of tubes. By removing some heat from the refrigerant before it is expanded by expansion valve 38 before it flows into the internal heat exchanger 300 via inlet 304, heat will be provided for the intermediate heat exchanger. In heating mode ( Figure 8 ) including an intermediate heat exchanger 110 is not a preferred design.

[0123] Fig.10 and Fig.11 is an improved design with an intermediate heat exchanger 110, which achieves the benefits discussed above with respect to the intermediate heat exchanger 110 in cooling mode by introducing a refrigerant path W which allows the intermediate heat exchanger 110 to be used in heating mode ( Fig.10 ) in the cooling mode, refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger 300 via port 304 bypasses the intermediate heat exchanger, but refrigerant leaving the heat exchange assembly 50 / 150 is allowed to flow through the intermediate heat exchanger 110 in the cooling mode. In this embodiment, the refrigerant path W includes parallel flow paths, namely a first path with a check valve 239, which allows refrigerant to flow upward from the internal heat exchanger 300 (from the schematic diagram). Fig.10 and Fig.11 from the perspective of the schematic diagram) to the second heat exchange assembly 50 / 150, but prevents flow downward from the second heat exchange assembly 50 / 150 (from the schematic diagram) Fig.10 and Fig.11 A second flow path is provided from the intermediate heat exchanger 110 to the expansion valve 38 via the second check valve 339. The second check valve 339 allows flow in the downward direction (from Fig.10 and Fig.11 Schematic perspective of ) flow from the intermediate heat exchanger 110 to the expansion valve 38, but does not allow flow in the opposite direction. Therefore, in the heating mode, the refrigerant leaving the internal heat exchanger 300 bypasses the intermediate heat exchanger via a line with a check valve 239 and flows to the plurality of tubes 80, 180. In the cooling mode, the refrigerant leaving the plurality of tubes 80, 180 flows through the intermediate heat exchanger 110 (via flow ports 116, 118), flows through the second check valve 339 and flows to the expansion valve 38. Before the refrigerant flow through the intermediate heat exchanger 110 via ports 112, 114 reaches the compressor 32, the refrigerant flow through the intermediate heat exchanger 110 via ports 116, 118 provides some heat to the refrigerant flow through the intermediate heat exchanger 110 via ports 112, 114. In other embodiments, Fig.10 , Fig.11 The embodiments may be modified by including flow control valves (such as solenoid valves) in portion W (rather than check valves) that would selectively open and close to allow flow through the intermediate heat exchanger 110 as discussed above.

[0124] The term "approximately" is specifically defined herein to include a range including a reference value and a range of plus or minus 5% of the reference value. When the widths of the end surfaces of the holes are all within the above range, the term "substantially the same" is satisfied.

[0125] Although the disclosed preferred embodiments have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited and modifications may be made without departing from the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all devices (literally or equivalently) within the meaning of the claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising: An assembly comprising a first set of tubes arranged in a parallel flow pattern between a first manifold and a second manifold, wherein a central straight portion of adjacent tubes in the first set of tubes is disposed along each tube in the first set of tubes between the first manifold and the second manifold with a space between the central straight portions of the adjacent tubes; The assembly includes a second set of tubes arranged in parallel flow between a third manifold and a fourth manifold, wherein central straight portions of adjacent tubes in the second set of tubes are at least partially disposed within the spaces between adjacent tubes in the first set of tubes; wherein the fluid flowing through the first set of tubes additionally flows through the second set of tubes, and then the fluid returns to flow through the first set of tubes again, wherein each tube in the first set of tubes comprises the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the straight portion of each tube in the first set of tubes is secured to the first manifold and the curved portion of each tube in the first set of tubes is secured to the second manifold, and wherein each tube in the second group of tubes comprises the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the curved portion of each tube in the second group of tubes is secured to the third manifold and the straight portion of each tube in the second group of tubes is secured to the fourth manifold.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The third manifold is offset from the first manifold such that a first line passing through a centerline of the first manifold and passing through a centerline of the third manifold is disposed at an acute angle relative to a second line extending between a centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the fourth manifold, and wherein the second manifold is offset from the fourth manifold such that a third line passing through a centerline of the second manifold and through a centerline of the fourth manifold is disposed at an acute angle relative to a second line extending between a centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the fourth manifold.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: Each tube in the first set of tubes and each tube in the second set of tubes are formed with the same geometry and dimensions.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The curved portion of each tube in the second group of tubes extends away from the straight portion with vector components in right and left directions that are opposite to the shape of the curved portion extending from the straight portion in each tube in the first group of tubes, wherein the right and left directions are outward from the respective right and left sides of the tubes along the straight portions of the respective tubes in the first and second groups of tubes.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of fins are disposed between each tube in the first set of tubes and an adjacent tube in the second set of tubes, and wherein each fin is secured to one or both tubes.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: Refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes and then through an expansion valve before flowing through the second set of tubes.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: Refrigerant flows through the first group of tubes and the second group of tubes connected in series.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The assembly is configured to be disposed in an outdoor space configured for external air to flow through the outdoor space.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The straight portion of each of the first and second tubes includes top and bottom walls and right and left side walls, the top and bottom walls and the right and left side walls are uniform along the straight portion, wherein the right and left side walls are wider than the width of the top and bottom walls, wherein a line extends through the straight portion and is parallel to the right and left side walls, wherein the curved portion extends from an end of the straight portion and is shaped so that different portions of the curved portion extend away from the line in opposite right and left directions.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The bends of the first set of tubes are oriented such that a first portion of the bend extends a maximum distance from the line in the right direction, and a second portion of the bend extends from the first portion in the left direction at approximately the same distance from the line as the first portion in the right direction.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein: The straight portion of each of the tubes is arranged within the assembly such that each straight portion is arranged at substantially the same distance from the straight portion of an adjacent tube.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein: The assembly is configured to be disposed in an outdoor space configured for allowing outside air to flow through the outdoor space, wherein when the refrigerant flows through the first group of tubes before flowing through the expansion valve, the first group of tubes is used to condense the refrigerant flowing through the first group of tubes, and wherein when the refrigerant flows through the second group of tubes after flowing through the expansion valve, the second group of tubes is used to evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the second group of tubes.

13. A heat exchange system, comprising: A first heat exchange assembly, the first heat exchange assembly being configured to be disposed in an outdoor space, the outdoor space being configured to allow external air to flow through the outdoor space, the first heat exchange assembly comprising: a first set of tubes arranged in parallel flow between a first manifold and a second manifold, wherein straight portions of adjacent tubes within the first set of tubes are disposed along each tube in the first set of tubes between the first manifold and the second manifold with spaces between the straight portions of the adjacent tubes; a second group of tubes arranged in parallel flow between the third manifold and the fourth manifold, wherein the straight portions of adjacent tubes in the second group of tubes are at least partially disposed in the spaces between the straight portions of adjacent tubes in the first group of tubes; wherein the refrigerant flowing through the first group of tubes additionally flows through the second group of tubes and then the refrigerant returns to flow through the first group of tubes again; a second heat exchanger disposed in the interior space, wherein an inlet of the second heat exchanger receives the refrigerant having flowed through both the first and second tube groups, and an outlet of the second heat exchanger guides the flow through the first and second tube groups, and then the flow returns to the second heat exchanger again via the inlet, wherein each tube in the first set of tubes comprises the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the straight portion of each tube in the first set of tubes is secured to the first manifold and the curved portion of each tube in the first set of tubes is secured to the second manifold, and wherein each tube in the second set of tubes includes the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the curved portion of each tube in the second set of tubes is secured to the third manifold and the straight portion of each tube in the second set of tubes is secured to the fourth manifold; A compressor and an expansion valve, wherein the compressor is disposed in the outdoor space.

14. The heat exchange system according to claim 13, wherein: Each tube in the first set of tubes and each tube in the second set of tubes are formed with the same geometry and dimensions.

15. The heat exchange system according to claim 13, wherein: The curved portion of each tube in the second group of tubes extends away from the straight portion with vector components in right and left directions that are opposite to the shape of the curved portion extending from the straight portion in each tube in the first group of tubes, wherein the right and left directions are outward from the respective right and left sides of the tubes along the straight portions of the respective tubes in the first and second groups of tubes.

16. The heat exchange system according to claim 15, wherein: The third manifold is offset from the first manifold such that a first line passing through a centerline of the first manifold and through a centerline of the third manifold is disposed at an acute or right angle relative to a second line extending between a centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the second manifold.

17. The heat exchange system according to claim 13, wherein: The expansion valve is disposed in the outdoor space and is arranged so that: in a mode in which the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger assembly flows through the first group of tubes and the second group of tubes before reaching the compressor, the refrigerant when initially reaching the first heat exchanger assembly flows through the first group of tubes and the first and second manifolds, and then flows through the expansion valve before flowing through the second group of tubes and the third and fourth manifolds.

18. The heat exchange system according to claim 17, wherein: The first heat exchange assembly is configured such that: when the refrigerant flows through the first group of tubes before flowing through the expansion valve, the first group of tubes is used to condense the refrigerant flowing through the first group of tubes, and wherein, when the refrigerant flows through the second group of tubes after flowing through the expansion valve, the second group of tubes is used to evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the second group of tubes.

19. The heat exchange system according to claim 13, wherein: The expansion valves are a first expansion valve and a second expansion valve, wherein the first expansion valve is disposed in and between the flow path between the first group of tubes and the second group of tubes, and the second expansion valve is disposed proximate to an outlet of the second heat exchanger, wherein when the heat exchange system is operated to provide heat input to the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve without flowing through the second expansion valve, and wherein when the heat exchange system is operated to remove heat from the second heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows through the second expansion valve without flowing through the first expansion valve.

20. The heat exchange system according to claim 19, wherein: A first check valve is set to establish a flow path bypassing the first expansion valve, and a second check valve is set to establish a flow path bypassing the second expansion valve, wherein the first check valve and the second check valve are oriented so that: when the refrigerant flow is directed to flow through the corresponding first expansion valve or the second expansion valve, the corresponding check valve prevents the refrigerant flow through the corresponding check valve, and wherein, when the refrigerant flow is directed to flow through the corresponding first expansion valve or the second expansion valve in the opposite flow direction, the corresponding check valve allows the refrigerant flow through the corresponding check valve.

21. The heat exchange system according to claim 17, wherein: The expansion valve is fluidly connected such that an outlet of the expansion valve flows through a repositionable four-way valve, wherein the repositionable four-way valve has a direct refrigerant connection to the second heat exchanger.

22. The heat exchange system according to claim 13, wherein: The first heat exchange assembly and the second heat exchanger are arranged so that in a first configuration, the second heat exchanger operates as a condenser and the first heat exchange assembly operates as an evaporator, and the first heat exchange assembly and the second heat exchanger are arranged so that in a second configuration, the second heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the first heat exchange assembly operates as a condenser.

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