Laminated header for microchannel heat exchanger

Abstract

A laminated header for a microchannel heat exchanger includes: a first plate including a first bore; a second plate comprising a first cutout section wherein the volume of the first cutout section decreases in a direction away from the first bore along the length; a third plate including a plurality of second drill holes; a fourth plate including a plurality of second cutout sections; and a fifth plate including a plurality of grooves. The second plate is parallel to and between the first and third plates, and the fourth plate is parallel to and between the third and fifth plates. A first cutout section fluidly connects the first bore to each of the second bores, and a second cutout section fluidly connects the second bore to the second slot. The stacked headers are configured to fluidly connect the first bores to the microchannel tubes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 563,529, filed on March 11, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The subject disclosure relates to the field of heat exchangers, and more particularly to laminate headers for microchannel heat exchangers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A laminated header for a microchannel heat exchanger is described herein. The header includes a first plate including a first bore formed therein; a second plate including a first cutout section of a first shape extending along a length of the second plate, wherein the first cutout section decreases in volume along the length in a direction away from the first bore; a third plate including a plurality of second bores formed therein and spaced apart a distance therebetween; a fourth plate including a plurality of second cutout sections of a second shape; and a fifth plate including a plurality of slots, wherein the second plate is stacked in parallel between the first and third plates, and the fourth plate is stacked in parallel in the same orientation between the third and fifth plates to form a stacked header, wherein the first cutout section fluidically connects the first bore to each of the second bores, and the plurality of second cutout sections fluidly connects the plurality of second bores to the plurality of second slots, and wherein the stacked header is configured to receive and secure ends of a plurality of microchannel tubes associated with the heat exchanger within the plurality of slots, thereby fluidly connecting the first bore to the plurality of microchannel tubes.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the first plate, the second plate, the third plate, the fourth plate, and the fifth plate are stacked in parallel and brazed together to form a laminate header, and wherein ends of a plurality of microchannel tubes associated with the heat exchanger are inserted into a plurality of slots of the laminate header and further brazed to the laminate header to create a leak-proof connection between the laminate header and the microchannel tubes.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the manifold forms a fluid passage that extends from the first bore toward the plurality of slots while extending in a first direction along the length of the second plate between the top end and the bottom end, and further extends from the first cutout section through the plurality of second bores into the second cutout section and each of the plurality of slots in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and extending toward the plurality of slots or microchannel tubes.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the first bore is at a bottom end portion of the first plate, and wherein an area or volume of the first cutout section decreases from the bottom end portion toward the top end portion of the second plate.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the first cutout section has a trapezoidal shape, wherein a volume decreases from a bottom end portion toward a top end portion of the second plate.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the first bore is at a substantially middle portion of the first plate, and wherein a volume of the first cutout section decreases from the middle portion toward the bottom end and the top end of the second plate.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the first bore is at a top end portion of the first plate, and wherein a volume of the first cutout section decreases from the top end portion toward the bottom end portion of the second plate.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second boreholes associated with the third plate increase in size or radius in a direction away from the first boreholes.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first borehole is at a bottom end portion of the first plate, and wherein the plurality of second boreholes increase in size or radius from the bottom end portion toward the top end portion of the third plate.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first borehole is at a substantially middle portion of the first plate, and wherein the plurality of second boreholes increase in size or radius from the middle portion toward the bottom and top ends of the third plate.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the first borehole is at a top end portion of the first plate, and wherein the plurality of second boreholes increase in size or radius from the top end portion toward the bottom end portion of the third plate.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second cutout segments associated with the fourth plate have a substantially rectangular or square profile.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the size or length of the plurality of second cutout segments increases in a direction away from the first bore.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the second plate has a thickness greater than that of the first plate and the third plate.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the header is configured to receive fluid via the first bore of the first plate and further allow the received fluid to flow in a first direction within the first cutout section of the second plate along a length between the top and bottom ends of the second plate.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the manifold is further configured to allow fluid to flow uniformly from the first cutout section to each of the second cutout sections of the fourth plate via the plurality of second bores of the third plate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and extending toward the plurality of microchannel tubes, and wherein the manifold further allows fluid to flow uniformly from the plurality of second cutout sections to one or more ports associated with each of the microchannel tubes via the slots of the fifth plate.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, adjacent second cutout sections associated with the fourth plate are separated by baffles extending along a width of the fourth plate in a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a first borehole is formed at the center of the width of the first plate; a plurality of second boreholes are formed at the center of the width of the third plate; and a plurality of slots are formed at the center of the width of the fifth plate.

[0021] Also described herein is a heat exchanger comprising one or more laminated headers; wherein the one or more headers are coaxially and sequentially stacked in a longitudinal direction to form a vertical header having one or more compartments, wherein a plurality of microchannel tubes associated with the heat exchanger are fluidly connected to a plurality of tanks associated with the one or more headers.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger includes an external distributor comprising an inlet configured to be fluidly connected to a supply pipe and one or more outlets each configured to be fluidly connected to a first bore associated with one of the headers via a feed pipe or short pipe.

[0023] 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 subject disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject disclosure 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.

[0025] In the drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference number. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a second reference 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.

[0026] Figure 1A An exemplary side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a laminated vertical header is illustrated, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1B Illustration of one or more embodiments according to the present subject disclosure Figure 1A illustrative front view of a plate associated with a header.

[0028] Figure 2A An exemplary side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a laminated vertical header is illustrated, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2B Illustration of one or more embodiments according to the present subject disclosure Figure 2A illustrative front view of a plate associated with a header.

[0030] Figure 3 An exemplary side cross-sectional view depicting a plurality of laminated vertical headers stacked together and connected to form a single external fluid distributor is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4A Illustration of one or more embodiments according to the present subject disclosure Figure 1A and Figure 2A FIG. 1 is an exemplary front view of a first plate and a second plate associated with a header, wherein a first bore is located in a middle portion of the first plate.

[0032] Figure 4B Illustration of one or more embodiments according to the present subject disclosure Figure 1A and Figure 2A FIG. 1 is an exemplary front view of a first plate and a second plate associated with a header, wherein a first bore is at a top end portion of the first plate.

[0033] Figure 5 An exemplary front view of a plate associated with yet another embodiment of a laminated vertical header is illustrated, wherein a portion of a first cutout section of a second plate between a first borehole and a second borehole adjacent to the first borehole has a significantly narrow passage or area, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 An exemplary front view of a plate associated with another embodiment of a laminated vertical header according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is illustrated, wherein a first bore is at a mid-portion of the first plate and a portion of a first cutout section between the first bore and a second bore adjacent to the first bore has a significantly narrow passage or area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following is a detailed description of an embodiment of the subject disclosure, as depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiment is detailed enough to clearly convey the subject disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiment; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In the description, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components, as well as to the spatial orientations 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 reading this subject disclosure in its entirety, the components described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "first," "second," or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationships between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe the relative relationships between the components described herein or the spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, which may be oriented in any desired direction.

[0038] Microchannel heat exchangers (MCHXs) are widely used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems due to their compact size, high heat transfer efficiency, and improved energy efficiency. However, the effectiveness of heat transfer within an MCHX can impact the overall efficiency of the HVAC system. One of the challenges facing MCHXs is maldistribution of the two-phase flow at the inlet of the heat exchange tubes associated with the MCHX. Maldistribution occurs when there is uneven distribution of refrigerant between the tubes, resulting in local variations in heat transfer rates. In particular, maldistribution within the vertical headers of an MCHX presents a significant obstacle, as gravity acts against maintaining consistent mixing of the liquid and vapor along the height of the header. Therefore, there is a need for an improved vertical header for an MCHX that enables uniform supply of fluid (refrigerant) to the ports of the heat exchange tubes connected to the vertical header while limiting the separation of the liquid phase within the header due to gravity.

[0039] refer to Figures 1A to 2B, discloses a laminated header 100 for a heat exchanger (hereinafter referred to as header 100). The header 100 may include a first plate 102 (also referred to herein as an inlet plate 102), the first plate 102 further comprising a first borehole 102-1 formed therein. Furthermore, the header 100 may include a second plate 104 (also referred to herein as a sandwich plate), the second plate 104 comprising a first cutout section 104-1 of a first shape extending along the length of the second plate 104. The header 100 may also include a third plate 106 (also referred to herein as an orifice plate), the third plate 106 comprising a plurality of second boreholes 106-1 formed therein, with a distance spaced between the plurality of second boreholes 106-1. Furthermore, the header 100 may include a fourth plate 108 (also referred to herein as a section plate), the fourth plate 108 comprising a plurality of second cutout sections 108-1 of a second shape. Furthermore, the header 100 may include a fifth plate 110 (also referred to herein as a tube plate) including a plurality of slots S. Figure 1B and Figure 2B The detailed shape and construction of these plates are explained.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the second plate 104 can be stacked in parallel between the first plate 102 and the third plate 106, and the fourth plate 108 can be stacked in parallel between the third plate 106 and the fifth plate 110 in the same orientation to form the stacked header 100, such that the first cutout section 104-1 fluidically connects the first borehole 102-1 to each of the second boreholes 106-1, and the second cutout section 108-1 fluidically connects the second borehole 106-1 to the slots S. Furthermore, the (stacked) header 100 can be configured to receive and secure the ends of a plurality of microchannel tubes 112 associated with the heat exchanger within the plurality of slots S, thereby fluidly connecting the first borehole 102-1 to the microchannel tubes 112. The dimensions of the slots S can be based on the dimensions of the individual microchannel tubes 112, such that the ends of the microchannel tubes 112 can fit securely in the corresponding slots S.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the first plate 102, the second plate 104, the third plate 106, the fourth plate 108, and the fifth plate 110 can be stacked in parallel and brazed together to form the laminated header 100. In addition, the ends of the microchannel tubes 112 can be inserted into the slots S of the laminated header 100 and further brazed to the laminated header 100 to create a leak-proof connection between the laminated header 100 and the microchannel tubes 112. Thus, the (stacked) header 100 forms a fluid passage that extends from the first borehole 102-1 of the first plate 102 toward the plurality of slots S of the third plate 106, while extending in a first direction (A) along the length between the top and bottom ends of the second plate 104, and further extending in a second direction (B) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (A) from the first cutout section 104-1 through the plurality of second boreholes 106-1 to the microchannel tubes 112 or the second cutout section 108-1 and each of the plurality of slots S. Furthermore, the first bore of the first plate 102 may be fluidly connected to a supply pipe 114 associated with a heat exchanger, which may be configured to supply a two-phase refrigerant (fluid) into the header 100 .

[0042] In one or more embodiments, Figure 1B and Figure 2B As shown in FIG, the first borehole 102-1 may be formed at the center of the width of the first plate 102. The second borehole 106-1 may be formed at the center of the width of the third plate 106, with a space between the second boreholes 106-1. In addition, a slot S may be formed at the center of the width of the fifth plate 110, and each of the slots S may be separated by a partition wall. In one or more embodiments, the second plate 104 may have the same or different thickness than the first plate 102 and the third plate 106 to facilitate fluid flow with minimal back pressure. However, in some embodiments, the first, second, and third plates 106 may also have the same thickness without limitation.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the volume or area defined by the first cutout section 104-1 may decrease along its length in a direction away from the first borehole 102-1. This configuration may maintain the same mass flow rate at the entrance of all second boreholes 106-1 in the third plate 106 and further into the ports of the microchannel tubes 112.

[0044] refer to Figure 1BIn one or more embodiments, the first bore 102-1 of the first plate 102 may be located at the bottom end of the first plate 102. Consequently, the area or volume of the first cutout section 104-1 may decrease along the bottom end toward the top end of the second plate 104. As illustrated, the first cutout section 104-1 may have a trapezoidal shape / profile, wherein the volume / width decreases from the bottom end toward the top end of the second plate 104. When a portion of the two-phase mixture is fed through the hole 106-1, the reduced volume may help ensure equal fluid flow rates in the flow channel.

[0045] refer to Figure 4A In one or more embodiments, the first bore 102-1 of the first plate 102 may be located substantially in the middle portion of the first plate 102. Thus, the area or volume of the first cutout section 104-1 may decrease from the middle portion toward the bottom end and / or the top end of the second plate 104. In such embodiments, the first cutout section 104-1 may have a shape / profile similar to a stretched hexagon or diamond.

[0046] refer to Figure 4B In one or more embodiments, the first bore 102-1 of the first plate 102 may be at a top end of the first plate 102. Thus, an area or volume of the first cutout section 104-1 may decrease from a top end toward a bottom end of the second plate 104.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the size or radius of the second boreholes 106-1 associated with the third plate 106 may increase in a direction away from the first borehole 102-1. In such an embodiment, the volume of the first cutout section 104-1 may be equal or uniform along its length. The first cutout section 104-1 may have a substantially rectangular or square profile. This configuration may maintain a consistent or uniform mass flow rate at the outlet of all second boreholes 106-1 in the third plate 106 and further into the ports of the microchannel tubes 112.

[0048] refer to Figure 2B In one or more embodiments, the first borehole 102-1 may be at the bottom end of the first plate 102. Therefore, the size or radius of each of the second boreholes 106-1 may increase from the bottom end toward the top end of the third plate 106. For example, the second borehole 106-1 at or near the bottom end of the third plate 106 may have a smaller size / diameter than the second borehole 106-1 at or near the top end of the third plate 106. The second boreholes 106-1 may be arranged in order of increasing size / diameter from the bottom end to the top end of the third plate 106.

[0049] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments (e.g. Figure 4A), the first borehole 102-1 may be located substantially in the middle portion of the first plate 102. Thus, the size or radius of the plurality of second boreholes 106-1 may increase from the middle portion toward the bottom and top ends of the third plate 106. In such an embodiment, the second borehole 106-1 located at or near the center of the third plate 106 may have the smallest radius or size of all the second boreholes 106-1, and each successive second borehole 106-1 defined from the center / middle to the top and / or bottom ends of the third plate 106 may have a larger size or radius than the previous second borehole.

[0050] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments (e.g. Figure 4B ), the first bore 102-1 may be at the top end of the first plate 102. Therefore, the size or radius of the plurality of second bores 106-1 may increase from the top end toward the bottom end of the third plate 106.

[0051] Re-reference Figure 1B and Figure 2B In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second cutout sections 108-1 associated with the fourth plate 108 may have a substantially rectangular or square profile. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments (not shown), the size or length of the plurality of second cutout sections 108-1 may increase in a direction away from the first borehole 102-1. For example, the second cutout sections 108-1 may be arranged in increasing order of size from the top end to the bottom end of the fourth plate 108 (when the first borehole 102-1 is defined on the bottom end of the first plate 102), or in increasing order of size from the bottom end to the top end of the fourth plate 108 (when the first borehole 102-1 is defined on the top end of the first plate 102). However, in some embodiments, the size or length of each of the second cutout sections 108-1 may be equal and uniform.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the adjacent second cutout section 108-1 associated with the fourth plate 108 may be formed by a baffle 108-2 extending along the width of the fourth plate 108 in a direction (C) orthogonal to the first direction (A) and the second direction (B). Figure 1B and Figure 2B shown in ).

[0053] Therefore, reference Figure 1A and Figure 2AThe (stacked) manifold 100 may be configured to receive fluid via the first borehole 102-1 of the first plate 102 and further allow the received fluid to flow in a first direction (A) within the first cutout section 104-1 of the second plate 104 along the length between the top and bottom ends of the second plate 104. The manifold 100 may also be configured to allow fluid to flow uniformly from the first cutout section 104-1 via the second borehole 106-1 of the third plate 106 to each of the second cutout sections 108-1 of the fourth plate 108 in a second direction (B) perpendicular to the first direction (A) and extending toward the plurality of microchannel tubes 112. Furthermore, the manifold 100 may allow fluid to flow uniformly from the plurality of second cutout sections 108-1 via the slots S of the fifth plate 110 to one or more ports associated with each of the microchannel tubes 112.

[0054] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one or more embodiments, a constriction or narrow passage or area (also referred to herein as a constriction) is defined on the first cutout section 104-1 of the second plate 104 between the first borehole 102-1 and the second borehole 106-1 adjacent to the first borehole 102-1. Figure 5 As illustrated in FIG, in one or more embodiments, when the first borehole 102-1 is at the bottom end of the first plate 102, a portion P at the bottom end of the first cutout section 104-1 between the first borehole 102-1 and the bottommost second borehole 106-1 (adjacent to the first borehole 102-1) may define a constriction, i.e., a significantly narrow passage or region (C). Figure 6 As illustrated in FIG, in one or more embodiments, when the first borehole 102-1 is in the middle of the first plate 102, portions P1 and P2 of the first cutout section 104-1 between the first borehole 102-1 and the second borehole 106-1 (above and below the first borehole 102-1) may define a constriction, i.e., a significantly narrow passage or region (C). In such embodiments, the first cutout section 104-1 may have two narrowed portions P1 and P2 adjacent to opposite ends of the first borehole 102-1.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 In one or more embodiments, the disclosure includes Figure 1A and / or Figure 2A The heat exchanger is a heat exchanger having one or more laminated headers 100. As shown, the headers 100-1 to 100-N can be coaxially and sequentially stacked in the longitudinal direction to form a single vertical header 300 (headers 100-1 to 100-N) having one or more compartments. In addition, a plurality of microchannel tubes 112 associated with the heat exchanger can be fluidly connected to a plurality of slots S associated with the headers 100-1 to 100-N.

[0056] In addition, in one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger may include an external distributor 302 having an inlet and one or more outlets connected to the inlet via a fluid passage. The inlet of the distributor 302 may be configured to be fluidically connected to the supply pipe 114. Furthermore, each of the outlets of the distributor 302 may be configured to be fluidically connected to a first bore 102-1 associated with one of the headers 100-1 to 100-N via a feed pipe 304 or a short pipe to provide two-phase flow having equal volumes at the inlet of each compartment formed in the corresponding header 100. Thus, the distributor 302 may supply equal volumes of fluid to each of the headers 100-1 to 100-N (or compartments of the vertical header 300). Furthermore, each of the headers 100-1 to 100-N (compartments) may be configured to uniformly supply equal volumes of received fluid to the ports of each of the microchannel tubes 112 of the heat exchanger.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the decrease in flow area of ​​the first cutout section 104-1 in the second plate 104 in a direction away from the first borehole 102-1 can allow for the same mass flow rate of fluid at the inlet of all holes in the third plate 106 and further into the ports of the microchannel tubes 112. Furthermore, when the flow area of ​​the first cutout section 104-1 is uniform along its length in the second plate 104, increasing the size or radius of the second boreholes in the third plate 106 in a direction away from the first borehole 102-1 (as one moves) can allow for the same mass flow rate of fluid at the outlet of all holes in the third plate 106 and further into the ports of the microchannel tubes 112. Thus, the volume of fluid can be evenly distributed out of the third plate 106 and ultimately to the microchannel tubes 112, thereby preventing problems associated with maldistribution of two-phase flow to the microchannel tubes 112 associated with the heat exchanger, such as variations in local heat transfer rates and maintaining consistent mixing of liquid and vapor along the height of the header.

[0058] Thus, the subject disclosure overcomes the challenges associated with existing heat exchangers by providing an improved laminated vertical header for use in a heat exchanger. The header uniformly supplies fluid (refrigerant) to each port in the tubes while maintaining a low pressure drop and limiting gravity-induced separation of the liquid phase within the header, thereby improving overall heat exchanger performance and efficiency. Additionally, the simple design of the header makes it easier and more cost-effective to manufacture, and further allows the headers to be coaxially stacked to increase the overall height of the header while limiting gravity-induced separation of the liquid phase within the header.

[0059] Although the subject disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject disclosure without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the subject disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the subject disclosure include all embodiments falling within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0060] In interpreting this specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprise" and "include" 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 event that the specification claims refer to at least one element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, ..., and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from that group, rather than A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A laminated header for a microchannel heat exchanger, the laminated header comprising: a first plate including a first bore formed therein; a second plate including a first cutout section of a first shape extending along a length of the second plate, wherein the first cutout section decreases in volume along the length in a direction away from the first bore; a third plate comprising a plurality of second bore holes formed therein and spaced apart by a distance therebetween; a fourth plate comprising a second plurality of cutout sections of a second shape; and a fifth plate comprising a plurality of slots, wherein the second plate is stacked in parallel between the first plate and the third plate, and the fourth plate is stacked in parallel between the third plate and the fifth plate in the same orientation to form the laminated header, wherein the first cutout section fluidly connects the first borehole to each of the second boreholes, and the plurality of second cutout sections fluidly connects the plurality of second boreholes to the plurality of slots, and The laminated header is configured to receive and secure ends of a plurality of microchannel tubes associated with the microchannel heat exchanger within the plurality of slots, thereby fluidly connecting the first borehole to the plurality of microchannel tubes.

2. The laminated header according to claim 1, wherein The first plate, the second plate, the third plate, the fourth plate and the fifth plate are stacked in parallel and brazed together to form the laminated header, and wherein the ends of the plurality of microchannel tubes associated with the microchannel heat exchanger are inserted into the plurality of slots of the laminated header and further brazed to the laminated header to create a leak-proof connection between the laminated header and the plurality of microchannel tubes.

3. The laminated header according to claim 1, wherein The laminated header forms a fluid passage extending from the first bore toward the plurality of slots while extending in a first direction along the length of the second plate between the top and bottom ends, and further extending from the first cutout section through the plurality of second bores into the second cutout section and each of the plurality of slots in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and extending toward the plurality of slots or the microchannel tubes.

4. The laminated header according to claim 1, wherein The first bore is at a bottom end portion of the first plate, and wherein an area or volume of the first cutout section decreases from the bottom end portion toward a top end portion of the second plate.

5. The laminated header according to claim 1, wherein The first cutout section has a trapezoidal shape in which the volume decreases from a bottom end portion toward a top end portion of the second plate.

6. The laminated header according to claim 1, wherein The first bore is at a middle portion of the first plate, and wherein the volume of the first cutout section decreases from the middle portion toward a bottom end portion and a top end portion of the second plate.

7. The laminated header according to claim 1, wherein The first bore is at a top end portion of the first plate, and wherein the volume of the first cutout section decreases from the top end portion toward a bottom end portion of the second plate.

8. The laminated header according to claim 1, wherein The second plurality of boreholes associated with the third plate increase in size or radius in a direction away from the first borehole.

9. The laminated header according to claim 8, wherein The first borehole is at a bottom end portion of the first plate, and wherein the plurality of second boreholes increase in size or radius from the bottom end portion toward the top end portion of the third plate.

10. The laminated header according to claim 8, wherein The first borehole is at a middle portion of the first plate, and wherein the second boreholes increase in size or radius from the middle portion toward the bottom end and the top end of the third plate.

11. The laminated header according to claim 8, wherein The first borehole is at a top end portion of the first plate, and wherein a size or radius of the plurality of second boreholes increases from the top end portion toward the bottom end portion of the third plate.

12. The laminate header according to claim 1, wherein A constriction is defined on the first cutout section of the second plate between the first borehole and the plurality of second boreholes adjacent to the first borehole.

13. The laminate header according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of second cutout sections associated with the fourth plate have a rectangular or square outline.

14. The laminate header according to claim 1, wherein The second plurality of cutout segments increase in size or length in a direction away from the first bore.

15. The laminate header according to claim 1, wherein The second plate has a thickness greater than a thickness of each of the first plate and the third plate.

16. The laminate header according to claim 1, wherein The laminate header is configured to receive fluid through the first bore of the first plate and further allow the received fluid to flow within the first cutout section of the second plate along a length between top and bottom ends of the second plate in a first direction.

17. The laminate header according to claim 16, wherein The laminated header is also configured to allow the fluid to flow uniformly from the first cutout section to each of the second cutout sections of the fourth plate via the plurality of second bores of the third plate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and extending toward the plurality of microchannel tubes, and wherein the laminated header further allows the fluid to flow uniformly from the plurality of second cutout sections to one or more ports associated with each of the microchannel tubes via the plurality of grooves of the fifth plate.

18. The laminate header according to claim 17, wherein Adjacent second cutout sections associated with the fourth plate are separated by baffles extending along a width of the fourth plate in a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.

19. The laminate header of claim 1, wherein The first bore is formed at the center of the width of the first plate; The plurality of second bore holes are formed at the center of the width of the third plate; and The plurality of grooves are formed at a center of a width of the fifth plate.

20. A heat exchanger comprising: One or more laminate headers according to claim 1; wherein the one or more laminate headers are coaxially and sequentially stacked in a longitudinal direction to form a vertical header having one or more compartments; wherein the plurality of microchannel tubes associated with the heat exchanger are fluidly connected to the plurality of tanks associated with the one or more laminate headers, and Wherein, the heat exchanger further comprises an external distributor comprising: an inlet configured to be fluidically connected to a supply pipe; and one or more outlets, each configured to be fluidically connected to the first bore associated with one of the laminated headers via a feed pipe or a short pipe.

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