Cooling system for cold environmental conditions

Abstract

Cooling systems and heat exchangers for cold environmental conditions are provided. A cooling system can include an evaporator to transfer heat from a heat source to a cooling fluid, a condenser to reject heat from the cooling fluid, a fan to direct airflow through the condenser, a pump to pump the cooling fluid, a controller, and a damper to selectively resist airflow through the condenser. The controller can operate the cooling system in a pump only mode when the temperature is below a threshold value, and can reduce the speed of the fan when the temperature is below another, lower threshold value. The damper can thermomechanically increase the resistance to airflow through the condenser.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 726,247, filed November 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to cooling systems, and more specifically to the operation of cooling systems under cold environmental conditions. Background Technology

[0004] There is a growing need for cooling systems that can effectively manage large heat loads or cooling demands. For example, information technology (IT) equipment and other heat sources housed in data centers can have very high cooling requirements. Cooling systems designed for high heat loads or cooling demands often suffer from imprecise control under lower heat loads or cooling demands and / or when the ambient temperature is particularly low. In other words, current cooling systems that can effectively manage large heat loads or cooling demands often suffer from limited control when significantly turned down.

[0005] Currently, there are many strategies for handling extremely low temperatures on large cooling systems. For example, split condensing involves shutting down one or more condensers among multiple condensers when heat loads or cooling demands are low and / or ambient temperatures are low. However, such methods are expensive and complex, often require additional equipment, and often still cannot adequately maintain proper system pressure and / or flow rates at very low heat loads or cooling demands and / or ambient temperatures.

[0006] In some cooling systems, fans are typically slack off to minimum operating speeds to meet low heat loads or cooling demands and / or low ambient temperatures, and then shut off to meet very low loads, demands, and / or temperatures. When temperatures rise again, the fans are turned back on, and thus fans are often cyclically turned on and off to adapt to changing conditions, including high slack off under very low loads, demands, and / or temperatures. Such repeated cycles can be harmful and inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The applicant has created new and useful apparatus, systems, and methods for operating cooling systems under cold environmental conditions. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure can avoid the cyclical on- and off of fans and / or other components during periods of low cooling demand and / or cold environmental conditions. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure can automatically and / or independently limit airflow through a heat exchanger, such as an external condenser, during periods of low cooling demand and / or cold environmental conditions. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure can provide increased down-regulation capability and improved control precision at low ambient temperatures without the need for additional expensive components and / or complex controls.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system may include an evaporator for transferring heat from a heat source to a cooling fluid, a condenser for dissipating heat from the cooling fluid, a fan for guiding airflow through the condenser, a damper for selectively restricting airflow through the condenser, a pump for selectively pumping cooling fluid through the system, a controller, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller may operate in a pumping cooling mode when the temperature is below a first threshold, reduce the fan speed when the temperature is below a second threshold, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first threshold may be higher than the second threshold and / or the damper may be or include a thermomechanical damper.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include thermomechanical portions of one or more fins of a condenser that flex or otherwise reposition as the temperature changes below a third threshold. In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include one or more thermomechanical fins that flex as the temperature changes below a third threshold. In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a plurality of thermomechanical blades that reduce airflow through the condenser fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the damper may include a first plurality of thermomechanical fins that flex as the temperature changes below a third threshold and / or a second plurality of thermomechanical fins that flex as the temperature changes below a fourth threshold. In at least one embodiment, the second threshold may be higher than the third threshold, and the third threshold may be higher than the fourth threshold. In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a plurality of movable blades and a thermomechanical actuator capable of moving the blades. In at least one embodiment, the blades may reduce the airflow through the condenser as the temperature decreases.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the damper can automatically and / or independently of the controller restrict airflow through the condenser based on temperature. In at least one embodiment, the damper can remain fully open to minimize airflow through the condenser fins until the temperature drops below a third threshold, which may be lower than a second threshold. In at least one embodiment, when the temperature drops to or below the third threshold, the controller can reduce the fan speed to a minimum fan speed.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the heat exchanger, such as a condenser, may include: at least one fluid path through the heat exchanger; a plurality of fins for discharging heat from the at least one fluid path to air flowing through the fins; dampers for suppressing airflow through the fins according to temperature; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, a cooling fluid may flow through the fluid path, which may be or include one or more tubular coils, one or more pipes, one or more manifolds, one or more reservoirs, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the fluid path and / or fins may be made of one or more metals and / or other thermally conductive materials. In at least one embodiment, the fluid path and / or fins may extract heat from the cooling fluid and dissipate that heat to ambient air and / or air flowing through the heat exchanger. In at least one embodiment, the temperature may be the fluid temperature of the cooling fluid flowing through the fluid path, the fluid path temperature of the fluid path, the air temperature flowing between or through the fins, the fin temperature of the fins, or any combination thereof.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, one or more fins may include thermomechanical portions. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portions may be made of two different materials (e.g., metals that expand at different rates when heated), which can cause the thermomechanical portions to flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, a damper may be or include thermomechanical portions of one or more fins. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portions may reduce or resist airflow through the fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portions may be located in airflow paths upstream and / or downstream of the fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the temperature may be or include the ambient air temperature entering the heat exchanger and / or the exhaust air temperature leaving the heat exchanger. In at least one embodiment, any or all fins may include thermomechanical portions. In at least one embodiment, not all fins may include thermomechanical portions.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, one or more fins may include a first thermomechanical portion that can flex with temperature variations within a first range and / or a second thermomechanical portion that can flex with temperature variations within a second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may be higher than the second range, overlap with the second range, exclude the second range, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a thermomechanical portion.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the damper may include a plurality of movable blades and / or thermomechanical actuators that can move the blades between a fully open position and a fully closed position, for example, based on temperature. In at least one embodiment, the blades may reduce airflow through the fins or increase airflow resistance through the fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the blades, when in the fully closed position, may reduce airflow through the fins by 50% or more, up to and including completely blocking airflow through the fins, compared to the fully open position. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical actuators may move the blades between the fully open and fully closed positions in a continuous, non-discrete manner based on temperature changes. In at least one embodiment, the blades may be positioned in an airflow path upstream of the fins, downstream of the fins, between the fins, or any combination thereof.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a plurality of thermomechanical blades for reducing the airflow through the fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the blades may be disposed in an airflow path upstream of the fins, downstream of the fins, between the fins, or any combination thereof.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the heat exchanger may include one or more fluid paths through the heat exchanger, one or more heat exhaust fins in thermal communication with the fluid paths, one or more thermomechanical fins, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may be in thermal communication with the fluid paths. In at least one embodiment, the heat exhaust fins and / or thermomechanical fins may dissipate heat from the fluid paths to air flowing between the heat exhaust fins and / or thermomechanical fins. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, any or all of the thermomechanical fins may be positioned in an airflow path upstream of, downstream of, between, or in any combination thereof from the heat exhaust fins. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may reduce the airflow between the heat exhaust fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may be aligned parallel to the heat exhaust fins at a first temperature and not parallel to the heat exhaust fins at a second temperature below the first temperature.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the heat dissipation fins may also flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may flex as the temperature varies within a first range, and / or the heat dissipation fins may flex as the temperature varies within a second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may be higher than the second range, overlap with the second range, exclude the second range, or any combination thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a cooling system according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figures 2 to 4 This is a simplified diagram of one of many embodiments of a heat exchanger with dampers for use with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Figures 5 to 10 This is a simplified diagram of one of many embodiments of a heat exchanger with flexible fins for use with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Figures 11 to 13 This is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a heat exchanger with dampers for use with a cooling system according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a simplified diagram of a control scheme for use with a cooling system, based on the present disclosure.

[0023] Figures 15 to 16 This is a simplified diagram of one of many embodiments of a heat exchanger with flexible fins for use with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure.

[0024] Figures 17 to 18 This is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a heat exchanger with dampers for use with a cooling system according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a heat exchanger with flexible fins for use with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figures 20 to 21 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a flexible fin used in conjunction with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figures 22 to 23This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a flexible fin used in conjunction with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a flexible fin for use with a cooling system according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 25 This is a simplified diagram of one embodiment of a cooling system as part of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The accompanying drawings described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's invention or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the drawings and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the patent-seeking invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for clarity and understanding, not all features of a commercial implementation of the invention are described or illustrated. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the development of a practical commercial implementation incorporating various aspects of the invention will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goals for the commercial implementation. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, but may not be limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, governmental-related constraints, and other constraints that may vary depending on the specific implementation, location, and over time. While the developer's efforts may be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts will be a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure. It must be understood that the invention disclosed and taught herein is readily adaptable to many and various modifications and alternatives.

[0031] The use of singular terms such as, but not limited to, “a” is not intended as a limitation on the number of items. Furthermore, the use of relational terms such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “below,” “above,” and “side” in the written description is for clarity when specifically referring to the accompanying drawings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. The terms “comprising” and “such as” are illustrative, not restrictive. The terms “coupled,” “coupled,” “coupled,” “coupler,” and similar terms are used extensively herein and may include any method or means for securing, joining, bonding, fastening, attaching, engaging, inserting, forming thereon, or in which one or more components are connected, or otherwise associated together, for example mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operatively, directly, or indirectly through intermediate elements, and may also include, but is not limited to, integrally forming one functional component with another functional component in a monolithic manner. Coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally. Furthermore, all parts and components of this disclosure that can be physically implemented inherently include hypothetical and real characteristics, whether such characteristics are explicitly described herein or not, including but not limited to characteristics such as axis, ends, inner and outer surfaces, internal space, top, bottom, sides, boundaries, dimensions (e.g., height, length, width, thickness), mass, weight, volume, and density.

[0032] Any process flowcharts discussed herein illustrate the operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure. Each box in a flowchart may represent a module, segment, or portion of one or more such implementations. In some implementations, the subjects indicated in the boxes may not occur in the order depicted in the figures. For example, boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously.

[0033] The applicant has created new and useful apparatus, systems, and methods for operating cooling systems under cold environmental conditions. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure can avoid cyclically turning fans and / or other components on and off during periods of low cooling demand and / or cold environmental conditions. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure can automatically and / or independently limit airflow through a heat exchanger (e.g., an external condenser) during periods of low cooling demand and / or cold environmental conditions. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system according to this disclosure can provide increased downtime capability and improved control precision at low ambient temperatures without the need for additional expensive components and / or complex controls.

[0034] Figure 1This is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of a cooling system according to the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 4 This is a simplified diagram of one of many embodiments of a heat exchanger with dampers for use with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure. Figures 5 to 10 This is a simplified diagram of one of many embodiments of a heat exchanger with flexible fins for use with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure. Figures 11 to 13 This is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a heat exchanger with dampers for use with a cooling system according to the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a simplified diagram of a control scheme for use with a cooling system, based on the present disclosure. Figures 15 to 16 This is a simplified diagram of one of many embodiments of a heat exchanger with flexible fins for use with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure. Figures 17 to 18 This is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a heat exchanger with dampers for use with a cooling system according to the present disclosure. Figure 19 This is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a heat exchanger with flexible fins for use with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure. Figures 20 to 21 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a flexible fin used in conjunction with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure. Figures 22 to 23 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a flexible fin used in conjunction with a cooling system, according to the present disclosure. Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a flexible fin for use with a cooling system according to the present disclosure. Figure 25 This is a simplified diagram of one embodiment of a cooling system as part of the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 25 They are described in combination with each other.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 according to this disclosure may include: one or more evaporators 110 for transferring heat from one or more heat sources to one or more cooling fluids; one or more pumps 150 for selectively pumping cooling fluid through the system 100; one or more compressors 120 for selectively compressing the evaporative portion of the cooling fluid; one or more condensers 130 for dissipating heat from the cooling fluid; one or more fans 140 for guiding airflow through the evaporators 110 and / or condensers 130; one or more dampers 200 for selectively or otherwise restricting or resisting airflow through the evaporators 110 and / or condensers 130; or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the heat source may be or includes information technology (IT) equipment housed in a data center. In at least one embodiment, the cooling system 100 may include one or more controllers 160 for controlling the operation of one or more other system components.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, controller 160 may monitor one or more sensors 170 for system 100, such as one or more temperature sensors, flow sensors, humidity sensors, other sensors, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, for example, to control one or more temperatures associated with system 100, controller 160 may control compressor 120, fan 140, pump 150, one or more valves 180, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, valve 180 may include one or more flow control valves, one or more expansion valves, one or more bypass valves (e.g., to selectively bypass compressor 120 and / or pump 150), or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, controller 160 may communicate with one or more monitoring systems and / or one or more users through one or more user interfaces 190.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, controller 160 may operate compressor 120 (i.e., operate in a refrigerant compression or cooling mode) when the temperature is above a threshold (e.g., a first threshold), operate pump 150 (i.e., operate in a refrigerant pumping or cooling mode) when the temperature is below the first threshold, reduce the speed of fan 140 when the temperature is below a second threshold, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first threshold may be higher than the second threshold. For example, in at least one embodiment, system 100 may be arranged to: operate in pump cooling mode where sufficient cooling can be achieved by pump cooling under applicable conditions; switch to compression cooling mode when additional cooling is required; and / or reduce cooling in pump cooling mode when required due to changes in conditions (e.g., increased temperature difference between ambient temperature and the temperature of the "hot" cooling fluid). As will be understood by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the thresholds discussed herein and other thresholds may be selected as needed or desired to achieve the results discussed herein according to a given physical implementation of this disclosure, and such thresholds may (and generally will) vary between implementations based on applicable factors (temperature, pressure, cooling fluid, environmental conditions, etc.).

[0038] In at least one embodiment, system 100 may include one or more dampers 200 for thermomechanically restricting or resisting airflow through at least a portion of system 100, said dampers 200 advantageously providing, among other things, precise control of the system's heat transfer coefficient under low ambient conditions. For example, one or more dampers 200 according to this disclosure may be or comprise one or more temperature-responsive or thermomechanical materials or structures, such as bimetallic (or trimetallic, tetrametallic, etc.) or shape memory metals (i.e., shape memory alloys), and may be arranged to influence airflow through the heat exchanger by changing shape based on temperature and correspondingly increasing or decreasing airflow resistance through the flow path. In at least one embodiment, one or more dampers 200 may serve as fins of the heat exchanger, as dampers at the inlet and / or outlet of the flow path through the heat exchanger, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, one or more dampers 200 may be positioned along the airflow path based on a desired temperature (e.g., coil temperature, cooling fluid or refrigerant temperature, supply air temperature, return air temperature, and / or other temperatures) to which the dampers 200 should respond. In this way, whether alone or in combination with electronic system controls and / or control profiles, system 100 can provide improved low-environment control in a self-controlled and reliable manner and avoid unwanted fan cycles.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may be or include one or more fins 270 of a heat exchanger 250 (e.g., condenser 130), the one or more fins 270 having one or more thermomechanical portions 210 that flex or otherwise change shape or position according to their temperature, for example, when the temperature drops below a threshold or otherwise reaches a threshold (e.g., a third threshold) (see, for example...). Figures 2 to 4 In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may be or include one or more thermomechanical fins or blades 220, which flex or otherwise change their physical shape or position according to their temperature, for example, when the temperature drops below a third threshold or otherwise reaches a third threshold (see, for example...). Figures 9 to 10 In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portion 210 and / or the thermomechanical fins or blades 220 may increase the resistance to airflow through the airflow path 204 between or near the fins 270 of the heat exchanger 250 as the temperature decreases, for example by thermomechanically reacting to temperature and bending or otherwise moving into the airflow path and / or by reducing the flow area and / or changing the flow direction to move into a position that resists the airflow.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may include a plurality of thermomechanical portions 210 and / or thermomechanical fins or blades 220 that respond to temperature in the same manner. In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may include a plurality of thermomechanical portions 210 and / or thermomechanical fins or blades 220 that respond differently to temperature. For example, in at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may include a first set of thermomechanical fins or blades 222 that flexes as the temperature changes below a third threshold and / or a second set of thermomechanical fins or blades 224 that flexes as the temperature changes below another threshold (e.g., a fourth threshold) (see example...). Figures 3 to 4 and Figures 9 to 10 In at least one embodiment, the second threshold may be higher than the third threshold, and the third threshold may be higher than the fourth threshold; that is, the system may be arranged to increase airflow resistance as the temperature decreases.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may be or include one or more rotatable or otherwise movable blades 230 and a thermomechanical actuator 240 for moving the blades 230 according to temperature and / or adding additional motion to the fins and / or blades (see, for example) Figure 25In at least one embodiment, similar to the thermomechanical portion 210 and / or the thermomechanical fins or blades 220 described above, the actuator 240 may move the blades 230 and / or add additional motion to the fins and / or blades in response to one or more corresponding temperatures or thresholds to increase airflow resistance through at least a portion of the heat exchanger 250. In at least one embodiment, the airflow resistance may increase as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the airflow resistance may increase as the temperature increases.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, controller 160 may operate compressor 120 when the temperature is above a first threshold, operate pump 150 when the temperature is below the first threshold, reduce the speed of fan 140 when the temperature is below a second threshold, reduce the speed of fan 140 to a minimum fan speed when the temperature drops to a third threshold and / or below the third threshold, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, damper 200 may remain fully open to minimize airflow through the fins of heat exchanger 250 until the temperature drops below the third threshold or another suppression temperature. In at least one embodiment, damper 200 may automatically and / or independently of controller 160 limit airflow through heat exchanger 250 when the temperature varies within a range below the third threshold or otherwise based on temperature. In at least one embodiment, damper 200 may remain fully closed when the temperature drops below this range or below a fourth threshold to maximize airflow suppression through the fins of heat exchanger 250. In at least one embodiment, the first threshold may be higher than the second threshold, the second threshold may be higher than the third threshold, the third threshold may be higher than the fourth threshold, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the suppression temperature may be or includes a temperature used to increase airflow resistance to prevent or delay the shutdown of one or more fans, such as a condenser fan.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the heat exchanger 250, such as the condenser 130, may include one or more fluid paths 260 through the heat exchanger 250, a plurality of fins 270 in thermal communication with the fluid paths 260 and arranged for discharging heat from at least one fluid path 260 to air flowing between or through the fins 270, one or more thermomechanical dampers 200 for increasing airflow resistance through the fins 270 according to temperature, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, cooling fluid may flow through the fluid paths 260, which may be or include one or more tubular coils, one or more pipes, one or more manifolds, one or more reservoirs, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the fluid paths 260 and / or the fins 270, or any portion thereof, may be made of one or more metals and / or other thermally conductive materials (e.g., aluminum, copper, steel, or alloys thereof). In at least one embodiment, fluid path 260 and / or fins 270 may extract heat from cooling fluid and discharge such heat to ambient air and / or air flowing through heat exchanger 250. In at least one embodiment, damper 200 may thermomechanically suppress airflow to increase airflow resistance through fins 270 based on temperature (e.g., fluid temperature of cooling fluid flowing through fluid path 260, fluid path temperature of fluid path 260 itself, air temperature of air flowing into fins 270, air flowing between and / or out of fins 270, fin temperature of fins 270 itself, or any combination thereof).

[0044] In at least one embodiment, one or more of the fins 270 may include one or more thermomechanical portions 210 arranged to increase airflow resistance through the fins 270 by at least partially redirecting and / or blocking airflow when a certain temperature is reached. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portions 210 may be made of two different materials (e.g., metals that expand at different rates when heated), which may cause the thermomechanical portions 210 to flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may be or include one or more thermomechanical portions 210 of the fins 270. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portions 210 may increase airflow resistance between or through the fins 270 as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portions 210 may be positioned upstream and / or downstream of the fluid path 260 along the airflow path through the fins 270, and the thermomechanical portions 210 may change the shape, size, and / or direction of the airflow path based on temperature. In at least one embodiment, the temperature may be or include the air temperature of the air entering the heat exchanger 250 and / or the air temperature of the air leaving the heat exchanger 250. In at least one embodiment, all fins 270 may include one or more thermomechanical portions 210, for example, at the air inlet (or upstream) end, the air outlet (or downstream) end, or both. In at least one embodiment, one or more fins of fin 270 may include one or more thermomechanical portions 210, and one or more other fins of fin 270 may not need to include thermomechanical portions 210.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, one or more fins of fin 270 may include a first thermomechanical portion 212 that can flex with temperature variation within a first range and a second thermomechanical portion 214 that can flex with temperature variation within a second range, for example, to jointly, continuously, and / or stepwise increase and / or decrease airflow resistance. In at least one embodiment, the first range may be higher than the second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may overlap with the second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may not include the second range.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 or a portion thereof, such as any one of the thermomechanical fins or blades 220, 222, 224 and / or the thermomechanical portions 210, 212, 214 of the fin 270 (i.e., applicable according to the current implementation), may be an integral part of the heat exchanger 250, for example, in a new implementation. In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 or a portion thereof, such as any one of the thermomechanical fins or blades 220, 222, 224 and / or the thermomechanical portions 210, 212, 214 of the fin 270 (i.e., applicable according to the current implementation), may be constructed separately from and coupled to the heat exchanger 250 or positioned relative to its airflow path, for example, in a modified implementation. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins or blades 220, 222, 224 and the fin 270 having the thermomechanical portions 210, 212, 214 may be functionally equivalent. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins or blades 220, 222, 224 and the fins 270 having thermomechanical portions 210, 212, 214 may have different airflow drag characteristics. Similarly, as required or desired according to a given implementation of this disclosure, any two or more fins or blades 220 and / or any two or more fins 270 having thermomechanical portions 210 may have the same or different airflow drag characteristics.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may include one or more movable or adjustable blades 230 and one or more thermomechanical actuators 240, said one or more thermomechanical actuators 240 being arranged to move the blades 230 between a fully open position, a fully closed position, and / or one or more intermediate positions based on temperature (see, for example...). Figures 11 to 13 In at least one embodiment, actuator 240 may move blade 230 to increase airflow resistance to airflow through fin 270 as temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, blade 230 may reduce airflow through fin 270 by 50% or more, up to and including completely blocking airflow through fin 270, when in a fully closed position compared to a fully open position.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical actuator 240 can move the blades 230 in a continuous, non-discrete manner between a fully open position and a fully closed position according to temperature changes. As required or desired according to a given implementation of this disclosure, the blades 230 can be positioned in an airflow path upstream of, downstream of, between, or in any combination thereof from the fins 270. In at least one embodiment, one or more blades of the blades 230 can have a fixed size and shape, and the thermomechanical actuator 240 can be arranged to rotate or slide the blades in one or more directions to selectively resist airflow through the heat exchanger 250. In at least one embodiment, one or more thermomechanical blades 220 and / or one or more fins 270 having one or more thermomechanical portions 210 can be used in combination with one or more blades 230, which can include coupling to the actuator 240.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the heat exchanger 250 may include one or more fluid paths 260 through the heat exchanger 250, one or more heat exhaust fins 270 in thermal communication with the fluid paths 260, one or more thermomechanical fins 220, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins 220 may be in thermal communication with the fluid paths 260. In at least one embodiment, the heat exhaust fins 270 and / or the thermomechanical fins 220 may dissipate heat from the fluid paths 260 to air flowing between the heat exhaust fins 270 and / or the thermomechanical fins 220. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins 220 may flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, any or all of the thermomechanical fins 220 may be disposed in an airflow path upstream of, downstream of, between, or in any combination thereof from the heat exhaust fins 270. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins 220 may reduce or decrease the airflow through or across the heat exhaust fins 270 as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins 220 can be aligned parallel to (i.e., at least substantially parallel to) the heat dissipation fins 270 at a first temperature, and can be aligned non-parallel to the heat dissipation fins 270 at a second temperature, such as a lower temperature.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the first set of thermomechanical fins 222 can flex as the temperature varies within a first range, and the second set of thermomechanical fins 224 can flex as the temperature varies within a second range. In at least one embodiment, the first set of thermomechanical portions 212 can flex as the temperature varies within the first range, and the second set of thermomechanical portions 214 can flex as the temperature varies within the second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may be higher than the second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may overlap with the second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may not include the second range.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, any or all of the heat dissipation fins 270 may flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, any or all of the thermomechanical fins 220 may flex as the temperature varies within a first range, and / or any or all of the heat dissipation fins 270 may flex as the temperature varies within a second range. In at least one embodiment, the damper 200 may include one or more thermomechanical fins 220 that flex as the temperature varies within a range coupled to a thermomechanical actuator 240 (e.g., a temperature-sensitive substrate, rail, or arm), which flexes as the temperature varies within ranges that may be the same or different. In at least one embodiment, one range may be higher than another. In at least one embodiment, two or more ranges may overlap. In at least one embodiment, two or more ranges may not include each other. In at least one embodiment, each of one or more thermomechanical fins and / or portions 210, 220, 270 may include multiple portions that respond differently to temperature and / or respond to different temperatures, for example, such as by being composed of different thermomechanical materials and / or different combinations and / or mixtures of thermomechanical materials.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, one or more dampers 200 (including, but not limited to, any of the illustrative damper configurations shown and / or described herein) may allow, limit, prevent, resist, or otherwise automatically and / or independently of controller 160 to manipulate or control airflow. In at least one embodiment, one or more thermomechanical fins and / or portions 210, 220, 270 (including, but not limited to, any of the illustrative configurations shown and / or described herein) may allow, limit, prevent, resist, or otherwise automatically and / or independently of controller 160 to manipulate or control airflow. In at least one embodiment, one or more thermomechanical actuators 240 and / or movable blades 230 (and / or other fins or blades) (including, but not limited to, any of the illustrative configurations shown and / or described herein) may allow, limit, prevent, resist, or otherwise automatically and / or independently of controller 160 to manipulate or control airflow. In at least one embodiment, any of the foregoing may operate in conjunction with one or more actuators, blades, fins, damping components and / or other components operating according to signals from one or more other system components such as, for example, controller 160 and / or fan 140 and / or according to other communication operations with one or more other system components such as, for example, controller 160 and / or fan 140.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, the cooling system may include an evaporator for transferring heat from a heat source to a cooling fluid, a condenser for discharging heat from the cooling fluid, a fan for guiding airflow through the condenser, a damper for selectively restricting airflow through the condenser, a pump for selectively pumping cooling fluid through the system, a compressor for selectively compressing an evaporative portion of the cooling fluid and guiding the cooling fluid flow through the system, a controller, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the controller may operate the compressor when the temperature is above a first threshold, operate the pump when the temperature is below the first threshold, reduce the fan speed when the temperature is below a second threshold, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first threshold may be higher than the second threshold.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a thermomechanical portion of one or more fins of a condenser that can flex as the temperature changes below a third threshold. In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include one or more thermomechanical fins that can flex as the temperature changes below a third threshold. In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a plurality of thermomechanical blades that can reduce the airflow between the fins of the condenser as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the damper may include a first plurality of thermomechanical fins that can flex as the temperature changes below a third threshold and / or a second plurality of thermomechanical fins that can flex as the temperature changes below a fourth threshold. In at least one embodiment, the second threshold may be higher than the third threshold, and the third threshold may be higher than the fourth threshold. In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a plurality of movable blades and a thermomechanical actuator capable of moving the blades. In at least one embodiment, the blades can reduce the airflow through the condenser as the temperature decreases.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the damper can automatically and / or independently of the controller restrict airflow through the condenser based on temperature. In at least one embodiment, the damper can remain fully open to minimize airflow through the condenser fins until the temperature drops below a third threshold, which may be lower than a second threshold. In at least one embodiment, when the temperature drops to or below the third threshold, the controller can reduce the fan speed to a minimum fan speed.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, a heat exchanger, such as a condenser, may include at least one fluid path through the heat exchanger, a plurality of fins in thermal communication with the fluid path for discharging heat from the at least one fluid path to air flowing through the fins, dampers for suppressing airflow through the fins according to temperature, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, a cooling fluid may flow through the fluid path, which may be or include one or more tubular coils, one or more pipes, one or more manifolds, one or more reservoirs, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the fluid path and / or fins may be made of one or more metals and / or other thermally conductive materials. In at least one embodiment, the fluid path and / or fins may extract heat from the cooling fluid and dissipate that heat to ambient air and / or air flowing through the heat exchanger. In at least one embodiment, the temperature may be the fluid temperature of the cooling fluid flowing through the fluid path, the fluid path temperature of the fluid path, the air temperature flowing between or through the fins, the fin temperature of the fins, or any combination thereof.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, one or more fins may include thermomechanical portions. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portions may be made of two different materials (e.g., metals that expand at different rates when heated), which can cause the thermomechanical portions to flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, a damper may be or include the thermomechanical portions of one or more fins. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical portions may increase resistance to airflow between or through the fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the thermomechanical portions may be located in the airflow path upstream and / or downstream of the fluid path. In at least one embodiment, the temperature may be or include the ambient air temperature of the air entering the heat exchanger and / or the exhaust air temperature of the air leaving the heat exchanger. In at least one embodiment, any or all of the fins may include thermomechanical portions. In at least one embodiment, fewer than all fins may include thermomechanical portions.

[0058] In at least one embodiment, one or more fins may include a first thermomechanical portion that can flex with temperature variations within a first range and / or a second thermomechanical portion that can flex with temperature variations within a second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may be higher than the second range, overlap with the second range, exclude the second range, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a thermomechanical portion.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, the damper may include a plurality of movable blades and / or a thermomechanical actuator that can move the blades between a fully open position and a fully closed position, for example, based on temperature. In at least one embodiment, the blades may restrict airflow through the fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the blades, when in the fully closed position, may reduce airflow through the fins by 50% or more, up to and including completely blocking airflow through the fins, compared to the fully open position. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical actuator may move the blades between the fully open and fully closed positions in a continuous, non-discrete manner based on temperature changes. In at least one embodiment, the blades may be positioned in an airflow path upstream of the fins, downstream of the fins, between the fins, or any combination thereof.

[0060] In at least one embodiment, the damper may be or include a plurality of thermomechanical blades for reducing the airflow through the fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the blades may be disposed in an airflow path upstream of the fins, downstream of the fins, between the fins, or any combination thereof.

[0061] In at least one embodiment, the heat exchanger may include one or more fluid paths through the heat exchanger, one or more heat exhaust fins in thermal communication with the fluid paths, one or more thermomechanical fins, or any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may be in thermal communication with the fluid paths. In at least one embodiment, the heat exhaust fins and / or thermomechanical fins may dissipate heat from the fluid paths to air flowing between the heat exhaust fins and / or thermomechanical fins. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, any or all of the thermomechanical fins may be disposed in an airflow path upstream of, downstream of, between, or in any combination thereof from the heat exhaust fins. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may reduce the amount of air flowing between the heat exhaust fins as the temperature decreases. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may be aligned parallel to the heat exhaust fins at a first temperature and not parallel to the heat exhaust fins at a second temperature below the first temperature.

[0062] In at least one embodiment, the heat dissipation fins may also flex according to temperature. In at least one embodiment, the thermomechanical fins may flex as the temperature varies within a first range and / or the heat dissipation fins may flex as the temperature varies within a second range. In at least one embodiment, the first range may be higher than the second range, overlap with the second range, exclude the second range, or any combination thereof.

[0063] Without departing from the spirit of the applicant's disclosure, other and additional embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of this disclosure are conceivable. For example, apparatus, systems, and methods can be implemented for many different types and sizes across many different industries. Furthermore, various methods and embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods can be combined with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements, and vice versa. Unless otherwise specifically limited, the order of steps can occur in multiple sequences. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interspersed with stated steps, and / or divided into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been functionally described, and elements can be implemented as individual components or can be combined into components having multiple functions.

[0064] The invention has been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments, and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modifications and variations of the described embodiments will be available to those skilled in the art who will benefit from this disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention as contemplated by the applicant, but rather, in accordance with patent law, the applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that fall within the scope or range of equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising: Fluid path through the heat exchanger; Multiple fins thermally connected to the fluid path and configured to dissipate heat from the fluid path to the air flowing through the multiple fins; as well as The damper is configured to resist airflow through the multiple fins based on temperature.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature is the fluid temperature of the cooling fluid flowing through the fluid path.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature is the fluid path temperature of the fluid path.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature mentioned is the air temperature.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature is the fin temperature of one or more of the plurality of fins.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of fins includes a thermomechanical portion configured to change position according to the temperature; and wherein the damper includes the thermomechanical portion.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein, The thermomechanical portion is configured to increase airflow resistance along the airflow path adjacent to the at least one fin as the temperature decreases.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein, The thermomechanical component is located upstream of the fluid path, and the temperature is the ambient air temperature of the ambient air entering the heat exchanger.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein, The thermomechanical component is located downstream of the fluid path, and the temperature is the exhaust air temperature of the air leaving the heat exchanger.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, Two or more of the plurality of fins include a thermomechanical portion configured to change position according to the temperature; and wherein the damper includes the thermomechanical portion.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the plurality of fins includes a thermomechanical portion configured to change position according to the temperature.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of fins includes a first thermomechanical portion configured to change position as the temperature varies within a first range; wherein at least one of the plurality of fins includes a second thermomechanical portion configured to change position as the temperature varies within a second range; wherein the first range is higher than the second range; and wherein the damper includes the first thermomechanical portion and the second thermomechanical portion.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein, The first range does not include the second range.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The damper includes a plurality of movable blades coupled to a thermomechanical actuator; and wherein the thermomechanical actuator is configured to move the blades between two or more locations according to the temperature.

15. The heat exchanger according to claim 14, wherein, The damper is configured to increase the airflow resistance through the fins as the temperature decreases.

16. The heat exchanger according to claim 14, wherein, Compared to the fully open position, the damper is configured to reduce the airflow through the fins by at least 50% when in the fully closed position.

17. The heat exchanger according to claim 14, wherein, The thermomechanical actuator is configured to continuously move the blade as the temperature varies within a certain range.

18. The heat exchanger according to claim 14, wherein, The blades are positioned in the airflow path upstream of the fins.

19. The heat exchanger according to claim 14, wherein, The blades are positioned in the airflow path downstream of the fins.

20. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The damper includes a plurality of thermomechanical blades configured to move between two or more positions according to the temperature and configured to reduce the airflow through the fins as the temperature decreases.

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