Commercial refrigeration unit and microchannel evaporator for commercial refrigeration unit

Abstract

A commercial refrigeration unit is disclosed that includes an airflow device adapted to circulate air in an airflow zone, and a microchannel evaporator disposed in the airflow zone and adapted to exchange heat with the circulating air in the airflow zone. The micro-channel evaporator includes a plurality of flow circuits. Each flow circuit includes at least one tube adapted to allow refrigerant fluid to flow therethrough. The micro-channel evaporator also includes a plurality of fin elements adapted to be removably coupled with the plurality of flow circuits. The plurality of fin elements are arranged such that condensate passages are formed between at least some of the fin elements to allow condensate formed in the microchannel evaporator to pass therethrough. The micro-channel evaporator is oriented in the airflow zone such that a passage of condensate is downstream toward a first surface of the micro-channel evaporator in a direction of flow of the circulating air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a commercial refrigeration unit, and more particularly to a microchannel evaporator of a commercial refrigeration unit. Background Art

[0002] A conventional commercial refrigeration unit (CRU) includes an airflow device, such as a fan adapted to circulate air in an airway region adapted to maintain a display area of ​​the CRU within a predefined temperature range. The CRU may be used to store and display food. In order to maintain a low temperature, the CRU is further provided with an evaporator, which is arranged in the airway region and adapted to exchange heat with the circulating air. When heat exchange occurs, condensation and / or frosting may occur on the surface of the evaporator. The accumulation of condensate may reduce the efficiency of the evaporator in exchanging heat with the circulating air.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a refrigeration unit in which there is reduced accumulation of condensate during operation of the refrigeration unit. Summary of the invention

[0004] A commercial refrigeration unit is disclosed herein. The commercial refrigeration unit includes a display area that defines an area suitable for displaying one or more products. The commercial refrigeration unit also includes an airflow device that is suitable for circulating air in the airflow area of ​​the commercial refrigeration unit. The commercial refrigeration unit also includes a microchannel evaporator that is disposed in the airflow area and is suitable for exchanging heat with the circulating air in the airflow area. The microchannel evaporator includes a plurality of flow circuits. Each flow circuit includes at least one tube suitable for allowing a refrigerant fluid to flow therethrough. Each flow circuit also includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The microchannel evaporator also includes a plurality of fin elements that are suitable for removably coupling with the plurality of flow circuits. Each fin element includes at least one fin. In response to coupling of the plurality of fin elements with the plurality of flow circuits, at least one fin of each of the plurality of fin elements is arranged between at least some of the tubes of the plurality of flow circuits. The plurality of flow circuits are arranged so that an air passage is formed between at least some of the tubes to allow circulating air to pass through the air passage. The plurality of flow circuits are arranged so that the corresponding tubes of the plurality of flow circuits are in any one or combination of a parallel configuration and a serpentine configuration. The plurality of fin elements are arranged such that a condensate passage is formed between at least some of the fin elements to allow condensate formed in the microchannel evaporator to pass therethrough. The microchannel evaporator is oriented in the airflow such that the condensate passage allows condensate to pass along the direction of flow of the circulating air toward a first surface of the microchannel evaporator that is positioned downstream relative to the direction of flow of the circulating air.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the microchannel evaporator is oriented in the air flow region such that the first surface is at a first angle relative to a horizontal axis of the commercial refrigeration unit.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the first angle is in the range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the commercial refrigeration unit further comprises at least one inlet header and an outlet header spaced apart from each other. One or more flow circuits of the microchannel evaporator are arranged between the at least one inlet header and the outlet header.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, an inlet header is fluidly coupled to at least one inlet of each flow circuit.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, an outlet header is fluidly coupled to at least one outlet of each flow circuit.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the inlet header and the outlet header each include one or more sections. Each section of the inlet header is fluidly coupled to at least one inlet of the flow circuit. Each section of the outlet header is fluidly coupled to at least one outlet of the flow circuit.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the commercial refrigeration unit further comprises a distributor coupled to at least one inlet of each of the flow circuits. The distributor is adapted to supply refrigerant fluid to the at least one inlet of each of the flow circuits.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the distributor is any one or a combination of a sprinkler type distributor, a splitter type distributor, an orifice hole type distributor, and an extension pipe common header type distributor.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of tubes includes a first rigid section starting from an inlet header and a second rigid section separated from the first rigid section and ending at an outlet header. The first rigid section and the second rigid section are connected by a flexible section.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the microchannel evaporator is adapted to be folded at a portion of the flexible section of the evaporator including the plurality of tubes such that the first rigid section and the second rigid section are parallel with respect to each other.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, at least one tube of each flow circuit is arranged adjacent and in parallel with respect to each other.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, each flow circuit includes a plurality of tubes arranged adjacently and in parallel with respect to each other.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, at least one tube of each flow circuit is a serpentine tube.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, each flow circuit includes a plurality of tubes, and each of the plurality of tubes is a serpentine tube.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the microchannel evaporator is located at the base of a commercial refrigeration unit.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the microchannel evaporator is located at the rear of the commercial refrigeration unit.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the microchannel evaporator is arranged upstream of the airflow device.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the microchannel evaporator is arranged downstream of the air flow device.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the display area includes an at least partially transparent covering that separates an area suitable for displaying one or more products from an external environment.

[0024] Also disclosed herein is a microchannel evaporator for a commercial refrigeration unit, which is disposed in an airflow zone of the commercial refrigeration unit and is suitable for exchanging heat with circulating air in the airflow zone. The microchannel evaporator includes a plurality of flow circuits. Each flow circuit includes at least one tube adapted to allow a refrigerant fluid to flow therethrough. Each flow circuit also includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The microchannel evaporator also includes a plurality of fin elements adapted to be removably coupled to the plurality of flow circuits. Each fin element includes at least one fin. In response to the coupling of the plurality of fin elements to the plurality of flow circuits, at least one fin of each of the plurality of fin elements is arranged between at least some of the tubes of the plurality of flow circuits. The plurality of flow circuits are arranged so that an air passage is formed between at least some of the tubes to allow circulating air to pass through the air passage. The plurality of flow circuits are arranged so that the corresponding tubes of the plurality of flow circuits are in any one or combination of a parallel configuration and a serpentine configuration. The plurality of fin elements are arranged so that a condensate passage is formed between at least some of the fin elements to allow condensate formed in the microchannel evaporator to pass through. The microchannel evaporator is oriented in the airflow zone such that the condensate passage allows condensate to pass along the direction of flow of the circulating air toward a first surface of the microchannel evaporator that is positioned downstream relative to the direction of flow of the circulating air.

[0025] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject disclosure of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the subject disclosure.

[0027] In the drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a second reference number that distinguishes between the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference number, regardless of the second reference number.

[0028] Figure 1A is a schematic representation of a commercial refrigeration unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 1B is a schematic representation of another commercial refrigeration unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2A is a detailed schematic representation of a microchannel evaporator of the commercial refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2B is a detailed schematic representation of another microchannel evaporator of the commercial refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2C is a detailed schematic representation of another microchannel evaporator of the commercial refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2D is another detailed schematic representation of another microchannel evaporator of the commercial refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2E According to one or more embodiments of the present invention Figure 2D Schematic representation of the fin element of a microchannel evaporator;

[0035] Figure 3A is a detailed schematic representation of another microchannel evaporator of the commercial refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3B is a detailed schematic representation of another microchannel evaporator of the commercial refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3C is used for Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B An exemplary schematic representation of a showerhead-type inlet distributor for a microchannel evaporator;

[0038] Figure 3D is used for Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B An exemplary schematic representation of a splitter-type inlet distributor for a microchannel evaporator;

[0039] Figure 3E is used for Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B An exemplary schematic representation of an orifice-type inlet distributor for a microchannel evaporator;

[0040] Figure 3F is used for Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B An exemplary schematic representation of an extended tube common header type inlet distributor for a microchannel evaporator;

[0041] Figure 4A is a detailed schematic representation of another microchannel evaporator of the commercial refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

[0042] Figure 4B According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4A Schematic representation of a commercial refrigeration unit with a microchannel evaporator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following is a detailed description of an embodiment of the present disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are so detailed as to clearly convey the present disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0044] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0045] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between various components, and the spatial orientation of various aspects of the components of the device as depicted in the accompanying drawings. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the subject disclosure, the components of the present invention described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Therefore, the use of terms such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", "first", "second" or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of various aspects of such components should be understood as describing the relative relationship between components or the spatial orientation of various aspects of such components.

[0046] The use of the term "about" with respect to a numerical value includes ±10% of that numerical value, expressly including any narrow ranges within the given numerical range as well as the exact numerical value.

[0047] As used herein, the term "fluid" refers to any liquid, gas, liquid-gas mixture, and any solid mixture of a liquid, gas, or liquid-gas mixture that has fluid properties such as flowability, or has appreciable fluidity.

[0048] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a commercial refrigeration unit (CRU) 100. The CRU 100 includes a display area 190 defining an area suitable for displaying one or more products (not shown). In some embodiments, the display area 190 includes an at least partially transparent covering that separates the area suitable for displaying one or more products from the external environment.

[0049] One or more of the products may be food that requires refrigeration. The CRU 100 also includes an airflow device 102 adapted to circulate air in an airflow region 180 of the CRU 100. The airflow device 102 may include a fan. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , the airflow device 102 is located at the base of the CRU 100. However, in some other embodiments, the airflow device 102 may be located at the rear of the CRU 100. The airflow device 102 may circulate the air in the airflow region 180 along a direction 182.

[0050] The CRU 100 further includes a microchannel evaporator 104 disposed in the airflow region 180. The microchannel evaporator 104 is adapted to exchange heat with the circulating air in the airflow region 180. Typically, the microchannel evaporator 104 is adapted to cool the circulating air in the airflow region 180. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the microchannel evaporator 104 is located at the base of the CRU 100. However, in some other embodiments, the microchannel evaporator 104 may be located at the rear of the CRU 100. Figure 1AIn the illustrated embodiment, the microchannel evaporator 104 is arranged downstream of the airflow device 102. Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , the microchannel evaporator 104 is arranged upstream of the airflow device 102 .

[0051] Conventionally, CRUs may use round tube and plate fin (RTPF) heat exchangers. RTPF heat exchangers have relatively large internal volumes, resulting in relatively large refrigerant fluid charges required to operate them efficiently.

[0052] On the other hand, microchannel heat exchangers typically have significantly lower internal volumes, resulting in significantly lower refrigerant fluid charges required for their effective operation. In addition, when using flammable refrigerants, it is preferred to use lower charges for environmental reasons as well as for safety reasons.

[0053] refer to Figure 2A , showing a detailed schematic representation of the microchannel evaporator 104. The microchannel evaporator 104 includes a plurality of flow circuits 202. Each flow circuit 202 includes at least one tube 204 adapted to allow a refrigerant fluid (not shown) to flow therethrough. The plurality of flow circuits 202 are arranged such that an air passage is formed between at least some of the tubes 204 to allow circulating air to pass through the air passage. Furthermore, the plurality of flow circuits 202 are arranged such that the corresponding tubes 204 of the plurality of flow circuits 202 are in any one or combination of a parallel configuration and a serpentine configuration. Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, at least one tube 204 of each flow circuit 204 is arranged adjacent and parallel to each other. In some embodiments, each flow circuit 202 includes a plurality of tubes 204 arranged adjacent and parallel to each other. Each flow circuit 202 also includes at least one inlet 210 and at least one outlet 220. Now referring to Figures 1A to 2A In some embodiments, the CRU 100 further includes at least one inlet header 212 and one outlet header 222 that are spaced apart from each other and disposed opposite to each other. A plurality of flow circuits 202 are arranged between the inlet header 212 and the outlet header 222. In some embodiments, the inlet header 212 is fluidly coupled to at least one inlet 210 of each flow circuit 202. Refrigerant fluid may flow from the inlet header 212 into each of the flow circuits 202 through the inlet 210 of the corresponding flow circuit 202. Similarly, in some embodiments, the outlet header 222 is fluidly coupled to at least one outlet 220 of each flow circuit 204. The circulating refrigerant fluid may exit the flow circuit 204 via the outlet 220 into the outlet header 222.

[0054] refer to Figure 2B , showing a detailed schematic representation of another microchannel evaporator 104-A. Now referring to Figures 1A to 2BIn some embodiments, the CRU 100 further includes at least one first header 212-A and one second header 222-A spaced apart from each other and disposed opposite to each other. In addition, the first header 212-A and the second header 222-A each include one or more sections 214, 224. Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first header 212-A includes sections 214-1, 214-2, and the second header 222-A includes sections 224-1, 224-2. Sections 214-1 and 224-1 may be inlet headers, and sections 214-2, 224-2 may be outlet headers. Each inlet header section 214-1, 224-1 is fluidly coupled to at least one inlet 210 of the flow circuit 202. Each outlet header section 214-2, 224-2 is fluidly coupled to at least one outlet 220 of the flow circuit 202. Figure 2B The microchannel evaporator 104-A may have a multi-circuit configuration including more than one inlet header (214-1, 224-2) and corresponding more than one outlet header (214-2, 224-2).

[0055] refer to Figure 2C , showing a detailed schematic representation of another microchannel evaporator 104-B. Now referring to Figures 1A to 2C In some embodiments, the CRU 100 further includes an inlet header 212-B and an outlet header 222-B disposed adjacent to each other. The inlet header 212-B is fluidly coupled to at least one inlet 210 of the flow circuit 202, and the outlet header 222-B is fluidly coupled to at least one outlet 220 of the flow circuit 202. The microchannel evaporator 104-B may have a multi-pass configuration, in which the circulating refrigerant fluid may circulate from a first end of the microchannel evaporator 104-B toward an opposite end, and then return to the first end.

[0056] refer to Figure 2D , another detailed schematic representation of the microchannel evaporator 104 is shown. Now referring to Figures 1A to 2D, the microchannel evaporator 104 includes a plurality of fin elements 230 adapted to be removably coupled to a plurality of flow circuits 202. In other words, the plurality of fin elements 230 may be removable attachments that may be removably assembled to the microchannel evaporator 104. Each fin element 230 includes at least one fin 232. In response to the coupling of the plurality of fin elements 230 to the plurality of flow circuits 202, at least one fin 232 of each of the plurality of fin elements 230 is arranged between at least some of the tubes 204 of the plurality of flow circuits 202. In other words, the tubes 204 and the fin elements 230 may form a cross pattern. In some examples, the plurality of fin elements 230 may be oriented orthogonally relative to at least some of the tubes 204 of the plurality of flow circuits 202. In addition, the plurality of fin elements 230 are arranged such that a condensate passage is formed between at least some of the fin elements 230 to allow the condensate formed in the microchannel evaporator 104 to pass through. In some embodiments, the passageway may include the body 234 of the fin element 230, such as Figure 2E As shown in .

[0057] When the microchannel evaporator 104 exchanges heat with the circulating air in the airflow area 180, condensate may form on the tubes 204 of the microchannel evaporator 104. It is important that the condensate has a passage so that it can flow out of the microchannel evaporator 104, otherwise excess condensate accumulated on the tubes 204 may reduce the efficiency of the microchannel evaporator 104. When the circulating air circulates in the direction 182, the condensate may flow along the direction 182 with the assistance of the flow of the circulating air. The condensate passage formed by the fin elements 230 allows the condensate to flow along the direction 182 and flow out of the microchannel evaporator 104.

[0058] Furthermore, the microchannel evaporator 104 may be oriented in the airflow region 180 such that the condensate passage allows condensate to pass along a direction 182 of the flow of the circulating air toward a first surface 106 of the microchannel evaporator 104 that is positioned downstream relative to the direction 182 of the flow of the circulating air. In other words, due to the direction 182 of the flow of the circulating air, the condensate may flow along a direction 184 that includes at least a component along the same direction as the direction 182 of the circulating air.

[0059] Additionally, the microchannel evaporator 104 may be oriented in the airflow region 180 such that the first surface 106 is at a first angle A1 relative to the horizontal axis 195 of the CRU 100. In some embodiments, the first angle A1 may be from 10 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0060] Since the microchannel evaporator 104 is oriented at the first angle A1, the direction 184 of the flow of the condensate may include at least one component in a downward direction, specifically in a direction accelerated by gravity. As a result, the condensate may flow along the first surface 106 along a direction 186 with the assistance of gravity. The combination of the flow of the condensate initially along the direction 184 and subsequently along the direction 186 due to gravity and the flow of the circulating air, respectively, allows for optimal discharge of the condensate from the microchannel evaporator 104, thereby improving the efficiency of the microchannel evaporator 104.

[0061] refer to Figure 3A , another detailed schematic representation of the microchannel evaporator 104 is shown. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and Figure 3A In some embodiments, each flow circuit 204 includes a plurality of tubes 202, and each of the plurality of tubes 204 is a serpentine tube. In some embodiments, the CRU 100 further includes an inlet distributor 302 coupled to at least one inlet 210 of each of the flow circuits 202. The inlet distributor 302 is adapted to supply refrigerant fluid to at least one inlet 210 of each of the flow circuits 202.

[0062] refer to Figure 3B , another detailed schematic representation of the microchannel evaporator 104 is shown. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and Figure 3B In some embodiments, at least one tube 204 of each flow circuit 202 is a serpentine tube. In some embodiments, the CRU 100 further includes an inlet distributor 302 coupled to at least one inlet 210 of each of the flow circuits 202. The inlet distributor 302 is adapted to supply refrigerant fluid to at least one inlet 210 of each of the flow circuits 202.

[0063] Reference now Figure 3A and Figure 3B In some embodiments, the inlet distributor 302 is any one or a combination of a nozzle type distributor, a splitter type distributor, a throttle orifice type distributor, and an extension pipe common header type distributor.

[0064] refer to Figure 3C , a schematic representation of a spray head type distributor 320 is shown. The spray head type distributor 320 includes an inlet 322 where a refrigerant fluid can be supplied. The supplied refrigerant fluid can be distributed between a plurality of outlets 324, which can be distributed at various inlet distributors 302 (in Figure 3A and Figure 3B Based on the length and / or diameter of the outlet 324, the flow rate of the refrigerant fluid may vary.

[0065] refer to Figure 3D, a schematic representation of a splitter type distributor 330 is shown. The splitter type distributor 330 includes an inlet 332 where a refrigerant fluid can be supplied. The supplied refrigerant fluid can be distributed between a plurality of outlets 334, which can be distributed between various inlet distributors 302 (in Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) as shown in the figure.

[0066] refer to Figure 3E , a schematic representation of an orifice type distributor 340 is shown. The orifice type distributor 340 includes an inlet 342 where a refrigerant fluid may be supplied. The supplied refrigerant fluid may be distributed between a plurality of outlets 344, which may be distributed at various inlet distributors 302 (in Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) as shown in the figure.

[0067] refer to Figure 3F , a schematic representation of an extension tube common header type distributor 350 is shown. The extension tube common header type distributor 350 includes an inlet 352 where a refrigerant fluid can be supplied. The supplied refrigerant fluid can be distributed between a plurality of outlets 354, which can be distributed between various inlet distributors 302 (in Figure 3A and Figure 3B Based on the length and / or diameter of outlet 354, the flow rate of the refrigerant fluid may vary.

[0068] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , respectively showing the microchannel evaporator 104 and the Figure 4A Another detailed schematic representation of a CRU 100 of a microchannel evaporator 104 is shown. Figure 4B The CRU 100 of FIG. 1 is substantially similar to the CRU 100 of FIG. 1 . Figure 4B Common components between the CRUs 100 are denoted using the same reference numerals.

[0069] exist Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of tubes 204 includes a first rigid section 402 starting from the inlet header 212, and a second rigid section 404 that is separated from the first rigid section 402 and ends at the outlet header 222. The first rigid section 402 and the second rigid section 404 are connected by a flexible section 406. In some embodiments, the microchannel evaporator 104 is adapted to be folded at a portion of the evaporator 104 including the flexible section 406 of the plurality of tubes 204, so that the first rigid section 402 and the second rigid section 404 are oriented at a fourth angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, the fourth angle may be from about 15 degrees to about 50 degrees.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather that the present invention includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0071] In interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, parts or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, parts or steps may be present, utilized or combined with other elements, parts or steps not explicitly referenced. In the case where the specification claims refer to at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, rather than A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A commercial refrigeration unit comprising: a display area defining an area suitable for displaying one or more products; an air flow device adapted to circulate air in an air flow zone of the commercial refrigeration unit; and A microchannel evaporator, the microchannel evaporator being arranged in the airflow zone and being adapted to exchange heat with the circulating air in the airflow zone, the microchannel evaporator comprising: a plurality of flow circuits, each flow circuit comprising at least one tube adapted to allow a refrigerant fluid to flow therethrough, wherein each flow circuit further comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a plurality of fin elements adapted to be removably coupled to the plurality of flow circuits, each fin element comprising at least one fin, wherein, in response to coupling the plurality of fin elements to the plurality of flow circuits, the at least one fin of each of the plurality of fin elements is disposed between at least some of the tubes of the plurality of flow circuits, wherein the plurality of flow circuits are arranged such that air passages are formed between at least some of the tubes to allow the circulating air to pass through the air passages, wherein the plurality of flow circuits are arranged such that the corresponding tubes of the plurality of flow circuits are in any one or a combination of a parallel configuration and a serpentine configuration, and wherein the plurality of fin elements are arranged such that condensate passages are formed between at least some of the fin elements to allow condensate formed in the microchannel evaporator to pass therethrough, and The microchannel evaporator is oriented in the airflow zone so that the condensate passage allows condensate to pass along the direction of the circulating air flow toward a first surface of the microchannel evaporator, the first surface being positioned downstream relative to the direction of the circulating air flow.

2. The commercial refrigeration unit according to claim 1, wherein: The microchannel evaporator is oriented in the air flow region such that the first surface is at a first angle relative to a horizontal axis of the commercial refrigeration unit.

3. The commercial refrigeration unit of claim 2, wherein: The first angle is in the range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees.

4. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one inlet header and an outlet header spaced apart from each other, wherein The one or more flow circuits of the microchannel evaporator are arranged between the at least one inlet header and the outlet header.

5. The commercial refrigeration unit of claim 4, wherein: The inlet header is fluidly coupled to the at least one inlet of each flow circuit.

6. A commercial refrigeration unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The outlet header is fluidly coupled to the at least one outlet of each flow circuit.

7. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The inlet header and the outlet header each include one or more segments, wherein each segment of the inlet header is fluidly coupled to the at least one inlet of a flow circuit, and wherein each segment of the outlet header is fluidly coupled to the at least one outlet of a flow circuit.

8. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a distributor coupled to the at least one inlet of each of the flow circuits, the distributor being adapted to supply the refrigerant fluid to the at least one inlet of each of the flow circuits.

9. The commercial refrigeration unit of claim 8, wherein: The distributor is any one or a combination of a nozzle type distributor, a diverter type distributor, a throttle hole type distributor and an extension pipe common header type distributor.

10. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the plurality of tubes includes a first rigid section starting from the inlet header and a second rigid section separate from the first rigid section, the second rigid section ending at the outlet header, and wherein the first rigid section and the second rigid section are coupled by a flexible section.

11. The commercial refrigeration unit of claim 10, wherein: The microchannel evaporator is adapted to be folded at a portion of the flexible section of the evaporator including the plurality of tubes such that the first rigid section and the second rigid section are parallel relative to each other.

12. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one tube of each flow circuit is arranged adjacent and in parallel with respect to each other.

13. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each flow circuit includes a plurality of tubes arranged adjacently and in parallel with respect to one another.

14. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one tube of each flow circuit is a serpentine tube.

15. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each flow circuit includes a plurality of tubes, and wherein each of the plurality of tubes is a serpentine tube.

16. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The microchannel evaporator is located at the base of the commercial refrigeration unit.

17. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The microchannel evaporator is located at the rear of the commercial refrigeration unit.

18. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The microchannel evaporator is arranged upstream of the airflow device.

19. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The microchannel evaporator is arranged downstream of the air flow device.

20. A commercial refrigeration unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The display area includes an at least partially transparent covering that separates the area suitable for displaying the one or more products from an external environment.

21. A microchannel evaporator for a commercial refrigeration unit, the microchannel evaporator being disposed in an airflow region of the commercial refrigeration unit and being adapted to exchange heat with circulating air in the airflow region, the microchannel evaporator comprising: a plurality of flow circuits, each flow circuit comprising at least one tube adapted to allow a refrigerant fluid to flow therethrough, wherein each flow circuit further comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a plurality of fin elements adapted to be removably coupled to the plurality of flow circuits, each fin element comprising at least one fin, wherein, in response to coupling the plurality of fin elements to the plurality of flow circuits, the at least one fin of each of the plurality of fin elements is arranged between at least some of the tubes of the plurality of flow circuits, wherein the plurality of flow circuits are arranged such that air passages are formed between at least some of the tubes to allow the circulating air to pass through the air passages, wherein the plurality of flow circuits are arranged such that the corresponding tubes of the plurality of flow circuits are in any one or a combination of a parallel configuration and a serpentine configuration, wherein the plurality of fin elements are arranged such that condensate passages are formed between at least some of the fin elements to allow condensate formed in the microchannel evaporator to pass therethrough, and The microchannel evaporator is oriented in the airflow zone so that the condensate passage allows condensate to pass along the direction of the circulating air flow toward a first surface of the microchannel evaporator, the first surface being positioned downstream relative to the direction of the circulating air flow.

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