Heat exchanger and heat exchange system
By introducing an integrated design of turbulence-dissipating elements and heat dissipation fins into the microchannel heat exchanger, the problems of easy clogging of the flow channel and complex processing are solved, achieving a heat exchanger structure with high-efficiency heat exchange and easy cleaning, reducing costs and maintenance difficulty.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423106225.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing microchannel heat exchangers suffer from problems such as easy clogging of the flow channels, complex structure, high processing cost, low heat exchange intensity, and difficulty in cleaning the fins.
The heat exchange rib adopts an integrated design of turbulence-inducing part and heat dissipation fins. The turbulence-inducing part is located inside the heat exchange pipe, and the heat dissipation fins are located on the outside. By setting an angle to penetrate the heat exchange pipe, turbulence is formed and the heat exchange area is increased, simplifying the manufacturing process.
It improves heat exchange efficiency, reduces equipment maintenance costs and raw material consumption, enhances the structural compactness and ease of cleaning of heat exchangers, reduces the risk of blockage, and improves the heat transfer coefficient and heat exchange intensity.
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Figure CN223550932U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, specifically to a heat exchanger and a heat exchange system. Background Technology
[0002] Microchannel heat exchangers are increasingly being used in aerospace, electronic information technology, air conditioning, microelectromechanical systems and other fields due to their excellent heat exchange efficiency, high pressure resistance, corrosion resistance and compact structure.
[0003] Existing microchannel heat exchangers mainly achieve fluid convection heat dissipation by setting multiple microchannels in flat tubes, and air heat exchange is achieved by fins between adjacent flat tubes. However, this heat dissipation method has problems such as easy clogging of the flow channels, complex structure and high processing cost, low heat exchange intensity and difficulty in cleaning the fins.
[0004] Therefore, how to design and improve the structure of microchannel heat exchangers, optimize the flow channel structure, simplify processing, reduce costs, and enhance heat exchange is an urgent problem to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model aims to solve one of the technical problems in related technologies to a certain extent. To this end, this utility model provides a heat exchanger and a heat exchange system.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, as a first aspect of this utility model, a heat exchanger is disclosed, the heat exchanger comprising: a manifold, the manifold including an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe disposed opposite to each other; the heat exchanger further comprising:
[0007] At least one heat exchange pipe, the heat exchange pipe being connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe;
[0008] Multiple heat exchange ribs, each heat exchange rib including a flow-dissipating section and at least one heat dissipating fin, the heat dissipating fin being connected to the flow-dissipating section and located at the end of the flow-dissipating section;
[0009] The heat dissipation fins are located outside the heat exchange pipe, and the turbulence-disrupting part is located inside the heat exchange pipe. The heat exchange ribs penetrate the heat exchange pipe at a set angle (α) such that the length of the turbulence-disrupting part along the penetration direction is greater than the pipe diameter of the heat exchange pipe. The turbulence-disrupting part is used to turbulent the liquid flowing into the heat exchange pipe. The heat exchange pipe exchanges heat with the outside through the heat dissipation fins.
[0010] Furthermore, the set angle (α) is the angle between the heat exchange ribs and the length of the heat exchange pipe.
[0011] Furthermore, the set angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.
[0012] Furthermore, there are intervals between multiple adjacent heat exchange ribs, and the intervals are consistent.
[0013] Furthermore, the arrangement of the plurality of heat exchange ribs includes staggered and / or sequential arrangement along the length of the heat exchange pipe.
[0014] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange rib includes at least one of circular, square, and rhomboid shapes.
[0015] Furthermore, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange pipes, which are spaced apart along the length of the manifold.
[0016] Furthermore, the heat exchange ribs penetrate multiple heat exchange pipes arranged along the length of the manifold.
[0017] Furthermore, the heat exchange pipe includes a metal flat tube, and the material of the metal flat tube includes any one of aluminum, copper, and iron.
[0018] As a second aspect of this utility model, a heat exchange system is disclosed, the heat exchange system comprising at least one heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being the heat exchanger described above.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0020] This invention replaces the traditional flat tube microchannel with multiple turbulence sections to achieve heat exchange and cooling of fluid within the heat exchanger. The advantage of this turbulence section is that it significantly disrupts the flow of the cooling medium within the heat exchange pipe, altering the fluid's flow state from a relatively stable laminar flow to a complex turbulent flow. In turbulent flow, fluid mixing is more thorough, increasing the heat exchange area and thus significantly improving heat exchange efficiency. The presence of the turbulence section greatly increases the heat transfer coefficient, enabling more efficient heat transfer within the same equipment volume, saving space and cost. The turbulent flow reduces fouling on the heat exchanger surface, lowering maintenance costs. The turbulence section design makes the heat exchanger more compact, occupying less space and facilitating installation and layout. Furthermore, the removal of the microchannels makes the heat exchanger less prone to clogging; even if impurities are introduced, the internal flow space is large enough that the particles will be quickly discharged with the fluid, reducing pressure drop and contributing to system energy savings. The removal of the microchannels also reduces raw material consumption costs and the overall weight of the equipment. Furthermore, the turbulence section increases the effective contact area between the fluid and the turbulence section, thereby enhancing heat transfer between different media and improving heat exchange efficiency. The turbulence section is formed by heat exchange ribs penetrating the heat exchange pipe, reducing the processing difficulty inside the channel and saving costs. The length of the turbulence section along the penetration direction is greater than the diameter of the heat exchange pipe, allowing it to provide a larger contact area with the fluid under a fixed pipe diameter. The inclined design also allows for acute-angle or V-shaped deflections of the fluid, increasing the turbulence effect and improving heat exchange efficiency.
[0021] On the other hand, the heat exchange rib of this utility model also includes heat dissipation fins located on the outside of the heat exchange pipe. As the most basic heat exchange unit of the heat exchanger, the heat dissipation fins expand the heat exchange area and improve the efficiency of heat transfer. The heat dissipation fins are connected to the turbulence part, so that the distribution position and shape of the heat dissipation fins and the turbulence part are consistent, eliminating the need for additional heat dissipation fin structures, reducing material consumption, reducing costs, greatly reducing processing difficulty, and making it easier to process, while also improving the heat exchange intensity. More importantly, the heat dissipation fins and the turbulence part are formed as one to constitute the heat exchange rib, which can eliminate contact thermal resistance and avoid the reduction in heat exchange efficiency caused by the difference in heat transfer coefficients of the two media, thereby greatly improving the heat transfer coefficient. The liquid flowing into the heat exchange pipe from the inlet pipe is disturbed by the turbulence part, and a large amount of heat is transferred to the heat dissipation fins through the outer wall of the heat exchange pipe and the turbulence part. The heat dissipation fins fully exchange heat with the external air or other media, quickly dissipating heat, reducing temperature, and improving heat exchange intensity.
[0022] This invention features continuously extended heat dissipation fins, making them easier to clean and maintain than traditional open-window fins, thus extending the lifespan of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, this invention improves the microchannel structure and optimizes the flow channels to enhance heat exchange efficiency, and simplifies processes and enhances heat transfer by incorporating turbulence-inducing columns.
[0023] These features and advantages of this utility model will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments or means of this utility model will be shown in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but are not intended to limit the technical solutions of this utility model. In addition, each of these features, elements and components appearing in the following text and drawings is multiple and is labeled with different symbols or numbers for convenience, but all represent parts with the same or similar structure or function. Attached Figure Description
[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the heat exchanger provided by this utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an existing microchannel heat exchanger.
[0027] Figure 3 A schematic front view of one embodiment of the heat exchange pipe and turbulence-disrupting part in the heat exchanger provided by this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 A side view of a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the heat exchange pipe and turbulence-disrupting part in the heat exchanger provided by this utility model;
[0029] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams of various implementation methods of heat exchange fin arrangement in the heat exchanger provided by this utility model;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the heat exchange fin arrangement in the heat exchanger provided by this utility model.
[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0032] 1: Heat exchanger; 1a: Liquid inlet pipe; 1b: Liquid outlet pipe
[0033] 2: Heat exchange pipe; 3: Heat exchange fin; 3a: Fluid turbulence section; 3b: Heat dissipation fin Detailed Implementation
[0034] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described are intended to explain this utility model and should not be construed as limiting it.
[0035] The terms "an embodiment," "example," or "example" used in this specification refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment itself that may be included in at least one embodiment disclosed in this application. The phrase "in an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[0036] The inventors of this application have discovered that traditional microchannel heat exchangers, such as Figure 2 As shown, the flat tube used contains several microchannels. When the fluid passes through the inlet of the flat tube, it is dispersed into each microchannel. However, during long-term operation, suspended matter or particulate matter in the cooling medium may deposit in the microchannels, causing blockage. Alternatively, corrosion products generated inside the heat exchanger may accumulate in the microchannels, causing blockage. Other issues such as scaling, microorganisms, and failure to clean in a timely manner can also lead to microchannel blockage. Blockage not only reduces the heat transfer coefficient between the fluid and the pipe, decreasing heat exchange efficiency (typically between 2.5-6.0 mm), but also causes a sharp deterioration in the pressure drop of the heat exchanger, resulting in wasted energy, increased costs, and in severe cases, continuous production interruptions. Furthermore, the complex structure of the microchannels leads to high manufacturing costs and increases the overall weight of the heat exchanger.
[0037] On the other hand, existing technologies typically add various types of heat exchange fins to the outside of the flat tubes of the heat exchanger to achieve heat exchange on the air side. This increases the amount of raw materials used, increases costs, and makes the manufacturing process of the heat exchanger more complicated. In addition, impurities, dirt, or deposits tend to accumulate on the surface of the heat exchanger over a long period of time, especially on the vented fins. This can lead to the fins becoming difficult to clean after they become clogged, thus hindering the transfer of heat energy.
[0038] To address the aforementioned problems, as a first aspect of this utility model, a heat exchanger is disclosed, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger 1 includes: a manifold, which includes an inlet pipe 1a and an outlet pipe 1b disposed opposite to each other; the heat exchanger 1 also includes:
[0039] At least one heat exchange pipe 2, the heat exchange pipe 2 being connected to the inlet pipe 1a and the outlet pipe 1b;
[0040] Multiple heat exchange ribs 3, each heat exchange rib 3 includes a turbulence section 3a and at least one heat dissipation fin 3b, the heat dissipation fin 3b is connected to the turbulence section 3a and is located at the end of the turbulence section 3a;
[0041] The heat dissipation fins 3b are located outside the heat exchange pipe 2, and the turbulence 3a is located inside the heat exchange pipe 2. The heat exchange ribs 3 penetrate the heat exchange pipe 2 at a set angle (α) so that the length of the turbulence 3a along the penetration direction is greater than the pipe diameter of the heat exchange pipe 2. The turbulence 3a is used to turbulent the liquid flowing into the heat exchange pipe 2. The heat exchange pipe 2 exchanges heat with the outside through the heat dissipation fins 3b.
[0042] This invention replaces the traditional flat tube microchannel with multiple turbulence sections to achieve heat exchange and cooling of fluid within the heat exchanger. The advantage of this turbulence section is that it significantly disrupts the flow of the cooling medium within the heat exchange pipe, altering the fluid's flow state from a relatively stable laminar flow to a complex turbulent flow. In turbulent flow, fluid mixing is more thorough, increasing the heat exchange area and thus significantly improving heat exchange efficiency. The presence of the turbulence section greatly increases the heat transfer coefficient, enabling more efficient heat transfer within the same equipment volume, saving space and cost. The turbulent flow reduces fouling on the heat exchanger surface, lowering maintenance costs. The turbulence section design makes the heat exchanger more compact, occupying less space and facilitating installation and layout. Furthermore, the removal of the microchannels makes the heat exchanger less prone to clogging; even if impurities are introduced, the internal flow space is large enough that the particles will be quickly discharged with the fluid, reducing pressure drop and contributing to system energy savings. The removal of the microchannels also reduces raw material consumption costs and the overall weight of the equipment. Furthermore, the turbulence section increases the effective contact area between the fluid and the turbulence section, thereby enhancing heat transfer between different media and improving heat exchange efficiency. The turbulence section is formed by heat exchange ribs penetrating the heat exchange pipe, reducing the processing difficulty inside the channel and saving costs. The length of the turbulence section along the penetration direction is greater than the diameter of the heat exchange pipe, allowing it to provide a larger contact area with the fluid under a fixed pipe diameter. The inclined design also allows for acute-angle or V-shaped deflections of the fluid, increasing the turbulence effect and improving heat exchange efficiency.
[0043] On the other hand, the heat exchange rib of this utility model also includes heat dissipation fins located on the outside of the heat exchange pipe. As the most basic heat exchange unit of the heat exchanger, the heat dissipation fins expand the heat exchange area and improve the efficiency of heat transfer. The heat dissipation fins are connected to the turbulence part, so that the distribution position and shape of the heat dissipation fins and the turbulence part are consistent, eliminating the need for additional heat dissipation fin structures, reducing material consumption, reducing costs, greatly reducing processing difficulty, and making it easier to process, while also improving the heat exchange intensity. More importantly, the heat dissipation fins and the turbulence part are formed as one to constitute the heat exchange rib, which can eliminate contact thermal resistance and avoid the reduction in heat exchange efficiency caused by the difference in heat transfer coefficients of the two media, thereby greatly improving the heat transfer coefficient. The liquid flowing into the heat exchange pipe from the inlet pipe is disturbed by the turbulence part, and a large amount of heat is transferred to the heat dissipation fins through the outer wall of the heat exchange pipe and the turbulence part. The heat dissipation fins fully exchange heat with the external air or other media, quickly dissipating heat, reducing temperature, and improving heat exchange intensity.
[0044] This invention features continuously extended heat dissipation fins, making them easier to clean and maintain than traditional open-window fins, thus extending the lifespan of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, this invention improves the microchannel structure and optimizes the flow channels to enhance heat exchange efficiency, and simplifies processes and enhances heat transfer by incorporating turbulence-inducing columns.
[0045] This invention does not impose a special limitation on the penetration angle of the heat exchange rib. For example, it can penetrate the heat exchange pipe at a set angle along the flow direction, or it can penetrate the heat exchange pipe at a set angle along the width direction. To allow the heat exchange rib to be used by multiple heat exchange pipes, preferably, the set angle is the angle between the heat exchange rib and the length of the heat exchange pipe, i.e., the heat exchange rib penetrates the pipe at a set angle along the flow direction. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown. Preferably, the angle (α) is set to be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. This causes the turbulence section to form a V-shaped flow pattern during the flow of the cooling medium. Through the V-shaped flow pattern, the fluid forms multiple deflections and impacts within the pipe, which is beneficial for radial mixing, making the fluid temperature more uniform, reducing the temperature gradient, and further improving heat exchange efficiency. The V-shaped baffle plate can increase the flow path length of the fluid within the pipe and prolong the contact time between the fluid and the pipe wall, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. The V-shaped flow pattern design allows for more effective use of the space within the heat exchange tube. For ease of understanding, a side view of the heat exchange pipe with the aforementioned through-angle and turbulence section is shown below. Figure 4 As shown.
[0046] Preferably, multiple adjacent heat exchange fins are spaced out with consistent spacing. This arrangement offers several advantages: consistent spacing helps the fluid achieve a more uniform flow state within the turbulent areas, reducing flow resistance and increasing fluid velocity and turbulence. Increased turbulence enhances convective heat transfer between the fluid and the turbulent areas, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. By rationally setting the number and spacing of the heat exchange fins, the heat exchange area can be increased within a limited space, allowing more heat to be effectively transferred. Furthermore, consistent spacing ensures uniform stress distribution on the heat exchange fins during heat exchange, preventing structural damage caused by excessive local stress. The presence of heat exchange fins increases the overall strength of the heat exchanger, enabling it to withstand greater pressure and load. In addition, consistent spacing simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs. Consistent spacing also makes it easier to remove dirt and deposits between the fins, extending the heat exchanger's service life. Improved heat exchange efficiency reduces energy consumption and lowers operating costs. In heat exchange processes requiring high temperature and high pressure, consistent spacing helps reduce energy loss and improve energy utilization efficiency.
[0047] It should be noted that, in order to achieve better heat exchange efficiency, the fins must be arranged in a uniform manner, such as... Figure 6 When arranged in a non-uniform manner as shown, it will cause airflow short-circuiting, resulting in poor heat exchange efficiency.
[0048] This invention does not limit the arrangement of the multiple heat exchange ribs. To improve heat exchange efficiency, the multiple heat exchange ribs are arranged in a staggered and / or sequential manner along the length of the heat exchange pipe, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The arrangement of heat exchange fins is related to the environmental conditions, the properties of the medium in the heat exchange pipes, and the operating temperature range. It can be flexibly adjusted according to actual usage. For example, when the cooling medium has low viscosity, high fluidity, and high operating temperature, a denser arrangement can be selected. The choice can be made based on specific experimental and simulation results. For another example, the staggered arrangement is compact and has high heat exchange efficiency. Due to the staggered arrangement of the heat exchange fins, the spacing between the fins can be effectively reduced, increasing the heat exchange area and thus improving heat exchange efficiency. The staggered arrangement causes greater fluid disturbance, which is beneficial for enhancing the heat exchange effect. The fluid flow in the tube bundle becomes more complex, resulting in a higher heat transfer coefficient, making it suitable for applications with high flow rates and strict heat exchange requirements. For example, in high-temperature, high-pressure, or high-flow-rate systems, a staggered arrangement is usually chosen to ensure good heat exchange performance. For yet another example, the linear arrangement is simple in structure, easy to manufacture and install, and suitable for applications with lower fluid velocities and less stringent heat exchange requirements. For example, in some low-temperature or low-pressure systems, the pressure drop has a smaller impact on system performance due to the slower flow rate. Therefore, a sequential arrangement can be chosen to simplify the structure and reduce costs.
[0049] To further enhance the turbulence effect, the heat exchange ribs preferably have a cross-sectional shape including at least one of circular, square, and rhomboid shapes. In some embodiments, the heat exchange ribs may also be teardrop-shaped, conventional sheet-shaped, or V-shaped baffles.
[0050] In some embodiments, in order to improve heat exchange efficiency, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger 1 includes multiple heat exchange pipes 2, which are spaced apart along the length of the manifold. To simplify manufacturing, facilitate installation, and improve heat exchange efficiency, heat exchange ribs 3 penetrate the multiple heat exchange pipes 2 arranged along the length of the manifold.
[0051] Preferably, heat exchange pipes include metal flat tubes. Metal flat tubes, as a highly efficient heat exchange element, offer several advantages. The materials for metal flat tubes include any one of aluminum, copper, and iron. Aluminum flat tubes have a lower density, making them relatively lightweight and easy to install and transport. Aluminum itself can quickly react with oxygen in the air to form an aluminum oxide layer, protecting the internal metal from oxidation and extending its service life. Aluminum flat tubes have relatively low hardness, making them easy to process into various shapes to meet the needs of different applications. Aluminum's excellent thermal conductivity allows it to effectively transfer heat during the heat exchange process, improving heat exchange efficiency. Copper flat tubes have better thermal and electrical conductivity than aluminum and steel, making them widely used in heat exchange and refrigeration. Copper flat tubes can effectively transfer heat and current, meeting the needs of special applications. Copper ions have certain antibacterial properties, killing bacteria, thus copper flat tubes have broad application prospects in drinking water and medical devices. Copper flat tubes have high strength, capable of withstanding large pressures and loads, ensuring the stable operation of the heat exchange system. Steel flat tubes have high strength and good tensile and compressive strength, enabling them to withstand harsh environments and conditions and ensuring the long-term stable operation of heat exchange systems. Compared with other metal flat tubes, steel flat tubes are less expensive and suitable for some low-cost heat exchange systems. With appropriate anti-corrosion treatment, such as galvanizing, steel flat tubes can have good corrosion resistance and extend their service life.
[0052] As a second aspect of this utility model, a heat exchange system is disclosed, the heat exchange system comprising at least one heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being the aforementioned heat exchanger, and the heat exchange system being used for air conditioning.
[0053] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model includes, but is not limited to, the contents described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of this utility model will be included within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising: A manifold, comprising an inlet pipe (1a) and an outlet pipe (1b) disposed opposite to each other; characterized in that the heat exchanger further comprises: At least one heat exchange pipe (2) is connected to the inlet pipe (1a) and the outlet pipe (1b); Multiple heat exchange ribs (3), each heat exchange rib including a turbulence section (3a) and at least one heat dissipation fin (3b), the heat dissipation fin (3b) being connected to the turbulence section (3a) and the heat dissipation fin (3b) being located at the end of the turbulence section (3a); The heat dissipation fins are located outside the heat exchange pipe, the turbulence-disrupting part is located inside the heat exchange pipe, the heat exchange ribs penetrate the heat exchange pipe at a set angle (α) such that the length of the turbulence-disrupting part along the penetration direction is greater than the pipe diameter of the heat exchange pipe, the turbulence-disrupting part (3a) is used to turbulent the liquid flowing into the heat exchange pipe (2), and the heat exchange pipe (2) exchanges heat with the outside through the heat dissipation fins (3b).
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set angle (α) is the angle between the heat exchange ribs and the length of the heat exchange pipe.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The set angle (α) is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are intervals between multiple adjacent heat exchange ribs, and the intervals are consistent.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The arrangement of the multiple heat exchange ribs includes staggered and / or sequential arrangement along the length of the heat exchange pipe.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange rib includes at least one of the following: circular, square, and rhomboid.
7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange pipes, which are spaced apart along the length of the manifold.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heat exchange ribs penetrate multiple heat exchange pipes arranged along the length of the manifold.
9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The heat exchange pipe includes a metal flat tube, and the material of the metal flat tube includes any one of aluminum, copper, and iron.
10. A heat exchange system, characterized in that, The heat exchange system includes at least one heat exchanger, which is the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
Citation Information
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