Heat exchange assembly, heat exchange device and heating and ventilation system

Abstract

The utility model relates to air conditioning technical field especially relates to a heat exchange subassembly, heat exchange device and heating and ventilation system. The heat exchange subassembly includes fin group, heat exchange pipe and the edge board of being located at the opposite two sides of fin group, and heat exchange pipe is respectively with the edge board and fin group and inserts the cooperation, wherein, heat exchange pipe is stainless steel material quality. According to the heat exchange subassembly of the utility model, the heat exchange pipe of stainless steel material quality replaces traditional copper pipe structure, can effectively improve the overall corrosion resistance of heat exchange subassembly. Meanwhile, the cost of stainless steel is obviously lower than copper material, helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of overall heat exchange subassembly. In addition, stainless steel material quality has good strength and forming performance, is favorable to realize more complex or more compact structure design to improve the reliability and installation adaptability of heat exchange subassembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a heat exchange component, heat exchange device and heating and ventilation system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the heat exchangers widely used in air conditioning systems are mainly copper tube-aluminum fin heat exchangers, whose basic structure consists of aluminum fins, copper tubes, and galvanized edge plates. In traditional designs, aluminum fins are used to increase the heat exchange area and improve heat exchange efficiency; copper tubes serve as the main heat transfer medium, while galvanized edge plates provide protection and support. However, due to the significant differences in corrosion potential among aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel (usually galvanized carbon steel), galvanic corrosion often occurs during actual use. Specifically, galvanized steel and aluminum fins, due to their lower corrosion potentials, are more prone to corrosion during long-term use, manifesting as red rust on the galvanized steel and powdering on the surface of the aluminum fins. This not only reduces the durability of the heat exchanger but also causes sensory discomfort for users. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve the problem of electro-corrosion that easily occurs between the heat exchange tubes and the side plates. This objective is achieved through the following technical solution: The first aspect of this utility model provides a heat exchange assembly, comprising: A fin assembly, wherein the fin assembly comprises multiple fins, each of which is made of aluminum; Side plates are disposed on opposite sides of the fin assembly, and the side plates are made of flexible stainless steel. The heat exchange tube is inserted into the side plate and the fin assembly respectively, and the heat exchange tube is made of flexible stainless steel, wherein the electrochemical corrosion potential of aluminum is relatively matched with the potential of flexible stainless steel.

[0004] The heat exchange component of this invention uses stainless steel heat exchange tubes instead of traditional copper tubes, which effectively improves the overall corrosion resistance of the heat exchange component. This makes it particularly suitable for applications in high-humidity, high-salt, or acid / alkali environments, extending the service life of the heat exchange component. Simultaneously, stainless steel is significantly cheaper than copper, helping to reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the heat exchange component. Furthermore, stainless steel possesses good strength and formability, facilitating more complex or compact structural designs, thereby improving the reliability and installation adaptability of the heat exchange component.

[0005] In addition, the heat exchange component according to this utility model may also have the following additional technical features: In some embodiments of this utility model, the side plate is made of stainless steel.

[0006] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heat exchange assembly further includes a connecting pipe and / or a tee fitting, and the number of heat exchange pipes is at least two, wherein the connecting pipe and / or the tee fitting is used to connect two adjacent heat exchange pipes respectively.

[0007] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heat exchange component includes the connecting pipe, and the connecting pipe is made of flexible stainless steel.

[0008] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heat exchange assembly includes the tee fitting, and the tee fitting is made of flexible stainless steel.

[0009] In some embodiments of this utility model, the tee fitting includes a first pipe and two second pipes, the first ends of the two second pipes are respectively connected to the first pipe, and the second ends of the two second pipes are respectively connected to two adjacent heat exchange pipes. The first pipe is used for the entry or exit of the heat exchange medium.

[0010] In some embodiments of this utility model, two second pipes are connected to form a U-shaped pipe, the U-shaped pipe including two parallel straight segments and a curved segment connected to the two straight segments respectively, and the axis of symmetry of the U-shaped pipe is coaxial with the axis of the first pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the straight section is provided with the constriction structure at one end away from the curved section, and the second pipe is inserted into the heat exchange tube through the constriction structure.

[0012] In some embodiments of this utility model, the connecting pipe includes a main body, the main body has a U-shaped structure and each of the two ends of the main body has a first pipe opening, and the two first pipe openings are respectively connected to two adjacent heat exchange pipes.

[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the connecting pipe further includes a bend, which is connected to the main body. One end of the bend has a second port, which is connected to the heat exchange pipe. The opening directions of the two first ports and the second port are all on the same side.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, the fin assembly includes multiple fins, and each fin is made of aluminum.

[0015] In some embodiments of this invention, the surface of the fins is coated with a hydrophilic coating.

[0016] In some embodiments of this utility model, the fins are in the form of bridge fins, arc-shaped louvers, and flat fins.

[0017] In some embodiments of this utility model, the inner wall of the heat exchange tube is provided with threads.

[0018] The second aspect of this utility model provides a heat exchange device, comprising: The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, and an airflow channel is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet; The heat exchange component described above is disposed within the airflow channel.

[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, the heat exchange device further includes a water collector and a water distributor. The water distributor is connected to a portion of the tee fittings of the heat exchange assembly, and the water collector is connected to another portion of the tee fittings of the heat exchange assembly.

[0020] A third aspect of this utility model provides a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including the heat exchange device described above. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 3 A first-view view of a heat exchange assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the BB plane; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a tee fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting pipe according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 9 This is a graph of potentiodynamic polarization.

[0022] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 100. Heat exchanger assembly; 10. Fin assembly; 20. Side plate; 30. Heat exchanger tube; 40. Tee fitting; 41. First pipe; 42. Second pipe; 421. Bend section; 422. Straight section; 4221. Narrowing structure; 50. Connecting pipe; 51. Main body; 511. First pipe opening; 52. Bend section; 521. Second pipe opening; 200. Heat exchanger; 201. Fan; 202. First temperature sensor; 203. Second temperature sensor; 2041. Water distributor; 2042. Water collector; 205. Electric auxiliary heating device; 206. Proportional three-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0024] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0025] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0026] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "over," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" would subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations.

[0027] The inventor of this utility model application has discovered that in related technologies, the heat exchange tubes 30 used in heat exchange equipment in HVAC systems are mostly made of copper, and the side plates 20 are mostly made of galvanized steel. However, copper heat exchange tubes 30 have the following limitations: ① Copper is an important strategic resource for China, and China's copper resource supply and demand gap is huge, heavily reliant on imports. In 2022, China's copper concentrate imports accounted for 61.1% of the global total; ② Copper smelting has extremely high carbon emissions, with 3.7 tons of carbon emitted per ton of electrolytic copper production; ③ The current copper price is 68,000 yuan / ton, which is very high and fluctuates greatly; ④ Copper has poor corrosion resistance, and pitting corrosion leakage failures account for about 60% of copper pipe failure cases, often requiring regular cleaning or even replacement of branch pipes; ⑤ Copper has poor strength, and its pressure resistance performance is poor in branch pipes using high-pressure or flammable new refrigerants such as R32. It also has a high risk of cracking during long-term heat exchange medium impact and pipeline vibration, including the safety hazard of causing fires. ⑥ Potential corrosion is prone to occur between the copper heat exchange tube 30 and the galvanized edge plate 20, causing the galvanized edge plate 20 to show red stains and the aluminum fins to easily powder.

[0028] In contrast, stainless steel has many advantages: ① China has abundant iron ore reserves and extremely high production capacity, and has long maintained a net export of stainless steel. ② Steelmaking has very low carbon emissions, with approximately 0.5 to 2.2 tons of carbon emitted per ton produced. ③ Stainless steel production technology is more mature, and its price of 18,000 yuan / ton is low and stable; if it can replace copper, its cost advantage is significant. ④ Stainless steel has significantly better corrosion resistance than copper, with a low risk of corrosion leakage. ⑤ Stainless steel has much higher strength than copper, strong pressure resistance, strong shock resistance, and high durability, making it more suitable for future applications of high-pressure heat exchange media.

[0029] The main factors currently hindering the replacement of copper tubes with stainless steel heat exchange tubes include: ① Stainless steel has higher strength and hardness, but its processing performance is worse than that of copper tubes. like Figures 1 to 7As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat exchange assembly 100 is proposed. The heat exchange assembly 100 includes a fin assembly 10, side plates 20 disposed on both sides of the fin assembly 10, and at least two interconnected heat exchange tubes 30 passing through the side plates 20 and within the fin assembly 10. The heat exchange tubes 30 are made of stainless steel.

[0030] According to the present invention, the heat exchange component 100 uses stainless steel heat exchange tubes 30 instead of traditional copper tubes, which effectively improves the overall corrosion resistance of the heat exchange component 100. This makes it particularly suitable for applications in high-humidity, high-salt, or acid / alkali environments, extending the service life of the heat exchange component 100. Simultaneously, stainless steel is significantly cheaper than copper, helping to reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the heat exchange device 200. Furthermore, stainless steel possesses good strength and formability, facilitating more complex or compact structural designs, thereby improving the reliability and installation adaptability of the heat exchange component 100.

[0031] In some embodiments, the side plate 20 is made of stainless steel. Since both the heat exchange tube 30 and the side plate 20 are made of the same or highly electrochemically compatible stainless steel, the difference in electro-corrosion potential is greatly reduced or essentially eliminated, thereby avoiding the galvanic corrosion problem caused by potential differences between traditional materials and ensuring long-term stable operation of the component. In addition, stainless steel has high corrosion resistance. Compared with traditional copper tubes or galvanized plates, its surface can quickly form a dense oxide film when slightly damaged, thereby inhibiting further corrosion and significantly improving the service life and safety of the heat exchange component 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly 100 further includes a tee fitting 40, which connects two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30 to the heat exchange medium inlet. The tee fitting is made of flexible stainless steel. The tee fitting 40 effectively distributes the incoming heat exchange medium to the adjacent heat exchange tubes 30, ensuring balanced flow of the heat exchange medium in each flow path, optimizing the circulation path of the heat exchange medium, and thus improving the overall heat exchange efficiency. Both the tee fitting 40 and the heat exchange tubes 30 can be made of flexible stainless steel, enabling potential matching, reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion between different materials, and thus improving the corrosion resistance and service life of the entire heat exchange assembly 100. Furthermore, the flexible stainless steel material of the tee fitting 40 facilitates processing.

[0033] Specifically, the tee fitting 40 includes a first pipe 41 and a second pipe 42. The first ends of the two first pipes 41 are respectively connected to the first pipe 41, and the second pipes of the two second pipes 42 are respectively connected to two adjacent heat exchange pipes 30. The first pipe 41 is used for the entry or exit of the heat exchange medium.

[0034] Furthermore, the two second pipes 42 are connected to form a U-shaped pipe, which includes two parallel straight segments 422 and a curved segment 421 connected to the two straight segments 422 respectively. The axis of symmetry of the U-shaped pipe is coaxial with the axis of the first pipe 41. The coaxial alignment of the axis of symmetry of the U-shaped pipe with the axis of the first pipe 41 allows the heat exchange medium to flow naturally along the coaxial direction, avoiding flow deviation and velocity fluctuations caused by changes in direction. The heat exchange medium flows more smoothly, and the fluid maintains lower turbulence and disturbance within the pipe, thereby reducing the pressure drop within the tee fitting 40 and helping to improve fluid transmission efficiency and the uniform distribution of the heat exchange medium. At the same time, the symmetrical design of the U-shaped pipe structure is conducive to the balanced distribution of the heat exchange medium flow, especially in the two parallel straight segments 422 where the fluid velocity is uniform, ensuring the uniformity of the flow distribution. This design avoids flow deviation in the heat exchange medium flow, improves the consistency of heat exchange medium supply to the end equipment of the system, and optimizes the overall efficiency of the heat exchange assembly 100.

[0035] Furthermore, the straight section 422 has a constriction structure 4221 at the end opposite to the curved section 421, through which the second pipe 42 is inserted into the heat exchange tube 30. The openings of the two straight sections 422 of the U-shaped pipe are constriction structures 4221. The two constriction structures 4221 are used to connect the heat exchange tube 30. The constriction structure 4221 increases the connection surface between the opening of the U-shaped pipe and the heat exchange tube 30, forming a tighter fit and reducing gaps that may be caused by differences in interface dimensions. The connection interface of the constriction structure 4221 can achieve a firm sealing connection by welding.

[0036] In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly 100 further includes a connecting pipe 50, which connects two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30. The connecting pipe 50 is also made of flexible stainless steel. The introduction of the connecting pipe 50 creates an integrated structure among the heat exchange tubes 30, ensuring effective exchange and balanced distribution of the heat exchange medium in different flow paths, further improving the overall heat exchange effect. Simultaneously, the use of flexible stainless steel in the connecting pipe 50 helps to form a stable and reliable sealed connection, reducing the risk of heat exchange medium leakage. Most importantly, the flexible stainless steel material of the connecting pipe 50 has low yield strength, making it easy to process.

[0037] Furthermore, the connecting pipe 50 includes a main body 51, which is an integrally formed U-shaped structure. Each end of the main body 51 has a first port 511, which is connected to two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30, ensuring that fluid can flow into one heat exchange tube 30, then be diverted through the connecting pipe 50 to flow into the other heat exchange tube 30. The first ports 511 of the connecting pipe 50 are firmly connected to the heat exchange tubes 30 by welding, flaring, or threaded connection, resulting in good sealing and high reliability at the connection point. The advantage of this embodiment is that the U-shaped structure naturally possesses a folding and guiding function, effectively shortening the connection path between heat exchange tubes 30. This makes it suitable for use in space-constrained heat exchange equipment, improving the compactness and integration of the heat exchange assembly 100.

[0038] Furthermore, the connecting pipe 50 also includes a bent portion 52 communicating with the main body 51. The bent portion 52 extends from the middle or adjacent position of the main body 51 by bending, and is used to guide fluid flow to another heat exchange pipe 30. One end of the bent portion 52 is provided with a second pipe port 521, which is also connected to a heat exchange pipe 30. In this embodiment, the opening directions of the two first pipe ports 511 and the one second pipe port 521 are all on the same side, that is, the three pipe ports are arranged along the same surface of the connecting pipe 50, which facilitates unified pipe laying and quick connection in a limited space, and improves the heat exchange efficiency and modular integration of the heat exchange assembly 100. Preferably, the connecting pipe 50 is an integral bent pipe structure, avoiding the risk of leakage caused by welding multiple components, and can be made of materials with good corrosion resistance such as flexible stainless steel, copper or aluminum alloy, depending on actual needs. This structural design allows the connecting pipe 50 to simultaneously connect three heat exchange tubes 30, creating a stable and directional three-way flow path. This facilitates the distribution, parallel connection, or confluence control of the three branches of fluid in the heat exchange system. Furthermore, this structure simplifies pipe routing logic, reduces system complexity, and enhances equipment compactness and installation flexibility.

[0039] like Figure 3As shown, the heat exchange assembly 100 includes two side plates 20, with a finned assembly 10 sandwiched between them. Heat exchange tubes 30 pass through the finned assembly 10, with both ends located on the outer sides of the two side plates 20. All ports on one side of the heat exchange tubes 30 are connected via U-shaped connecting pipes 50, while the ports on the other side are connected via U-shaped connecting pipes 50, connecting pipes 50 with bends 52, and tee fittings 40. Connecting all ports on one side via U-shaped connecting pipes 40 enables parallel connection of the heat exchange tubes on that side, creating a stable return flow channel for the fluid, resulting in a compact layout and neat piping. The different ports on the other side utilize U-shaped connecting pipes 50, connecting pipes 50 with bends 52, or tee fittings 40, effectively eliminating dead zones and liquid resistance, ensuring continuous fluid flow within the entire heat exchange assembly 100, and improving the heat exchange performance and energy efficiency ratio of the heat exchange device 200.

[0040] In some embodiments, the flexible stainless steel comprises the following components by mass fraction: The composition is: C 0%~0.02%, Si 0.5%~1%, Mn 1%~2%, Cr 16%~18%, Ni 9%~11%, Cu 2%~4%, Mo 0%~0.02%, P 0%~0.03%, S 0%~0.03%, with the balance being Fe and impurity elements, the total mass percentage of which is less than or equal to 0.2%.

[0041] In the aforementioned flexible stainless steel material, the addition of Cr and Ni elements endows the heat exchange tube 30 with a higher pitting corrosion potential, a more positive self-corrosion potential, a lower self-corrosion current density, and a lower martensitic transformation temperature. This makes it more difficult for the heat exchange tube 30 to undergo martensitic phase transformation during processing, thereby achieving stronger resistance to pitting corrosion and stress corrosion, allowing for direct flame welding without annealing. Furthermore, the lower C element content makes it more difficult for the material to pass through the material sensitization range during hot working and welding, effectively controlling the formation of M23C6 carbides, thus achieving stronger resistance to intergranular corrosion and effectively reducing welding defects.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible stainless steel comprises the following components by mass fraction: 0.01% C, 0.7% Si, 1.5% Mn, 17.0% Cr, 10.0% Ni, 3.0% Cu, 0.01% Mo, 0.02% P, 0.02% S, with the balance being Fe and impurities, the total impurity content being ≤0.2%. The component values ​​selected in this embodiment ensure both the corrosion resistance of the flexible stainless steel and good ductility and processing performance. The moderate C content prevents excessive carbide precipitation, while the 17% Cr and 10% Ni form a stable passivation film, ensuring that the material does not easily undergo significant martensitic transformation during processing (such as flanging). Furthermore, the addition of 3% Cu helps to improve antibacterial and pitting corrosion resistance to some extent, making it suitable for heat exchange components requiring a balance of overall performance.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible stainless steel comprises the following components by mass fraction: 0.005% C, 0.5% Si, 1.0% Mn, 16.0% Cr, 9.0% Ni, 2.0% Cu, 0% Mo, 0.01% P, 0.01% S, with the balance being Fe and impurities, the total impurity content being ≤0.2%. In this embodiment, each component is taken at the lower end of its respective range, which is beneficial for further reducing the carbon content and alloying degree of the material, thereby minimizing carbide precipitation and martensitic transformation, and improving weldability and formability. Although the lower content of alloying elements (such as Cr, Ni, Cu) results in slightly lower overall strength, it significantly improves ductility during processing and resistance to sensitization, making it suitable for heat exchange component applications requiring extremely high formability, low work hardening, and extremely low annealing requirements.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible stainless steel comprises the following components by mass fraction: 0.02% C, 1.0% Si, 2.0% Mn, 18.0% Cr, 11.0% Ni, 4.0% Cu, 0.02% Mo, 0.03% P, and 0.03% S, with the balance being Fe and impurities, the total impurity content being ≤0.2%. This embodiment aims to maximize corrosion resistance and overall mechanical strength. The higher Cr and Ni content results in a denser passivation film on the material surface, significantly improving pitting and corrosion resistance; simultaneously, the higher Cu and appropriate Mo content help improve the material's corrosion stability in harsh environments. However, due to the higher degree of alloying, the material hardness and strength of this embodiment are increased, which may slightly reduce processability, but it has significant advantages in heat exchange devices requiring high strength and extremely high corrosion resistance, making it suitable for working environments requiring high corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, the tensile strength of the heat exchange tube 30 is A, which satisfies the following condition: 400MPa≤A≤550MPa. For example, A can be 400MPa, 450MPa, 468MPa, 500MPa, 550MPa, or any range thereof. The tensile strength is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T228.1-2021.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the yield strength of the heat exchange tube 30 is B, which satisfies the following condition: 140 MPa ≤ B ≤ 280 MPa. For example, B can be 140 MPa, 150 MPa, 157 MPa, 160 MPa, 170 MPa, 180 MPa, 200 MPa, 280 MPa, or any range thereof. The yield strength is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T228.1-2021.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the elongation of the heat exchange tube 30 is C, which satisfies: 40% ≤ D ≤ 65%. For example, C can be 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or any range of the above. The elongation is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T228.1-2021.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic modulus of the heat exchange tube 30 is D, where D satisfies: 180 GPa ≤ D ≤ 210 GPa. For example, D can be 180 GPa, 185 GPa, 190 GPa, 195 GPa, 198 GPa, 200 GPa, 205 GPa, 210 GPa, or any range thereof. The elastic modulus is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T228.1-2021.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, the hardness of the heat exchange tube 30 is E, which satisfies the following condition: 95Hv ≤ E ≤ 160Hv. For example, E can be 95Hv, 98Hv, 120Hv, 135Hv, 140Hv, 150Hv, or any range thereof. The hardness is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T4340.1-2009.

[0050] It is understandable that the hardness of the weld seam of heat exchange tube 30 is ≤160Hv, and the hardness of the non-weld seam seam is ≤140Hv.

[0051] The table below compares the experimental parameters of tensile strength and Vickers hardness for copper (TP2), stainless steel (304L), and flexible stainless steel:

[0052] Vickers hardness is a commonly used hardness testing method. It involves applying a specific load to the material surface using a diamond indenter and then measuring the area of ​​the indentation. In "Vickers hardness / HV0.5", "HV" represents Vickers hardness, and "0.5" indicates that the applied load during the test was 0.5 kgf (approximately 4.9 Newtons). This notation method specifies the exact testing conditions to ensure comparability of hardness values ​​under different experimental conditions.

[0053] By comparing the mechanical properties of copper, 304L stainless steel, and flexible stainless steel, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) Comparison of tensile properties Yield strength: The yield strength of flexible stainless steel is 157 MPa, which is about 61% lower than that of 304L stainless steel (407 MPa). This indicates that flexible stainless steel is more likely to undergo plastic deformation in the early stages of stress, which provides better adaptability for processing techniques such as bending.

[0054] Tensile strength: The tensile strength of flexible stainless steel is 468 MPa, which is 38% lower than that of 304L stainless steel (756 MPa). Although the strength is reduced, it still meets the general structural requirements and is also beneficial for forming during processing.

[0055] Elongation: The elongation of flexible stainless steel reaches 64%, which is 21% higher than that of 304L stainless steel (53%), indicating that it has better ductility and helps to prevent breakage or other defects during the forming process.

[0056] Elastic modulus: The modulus of flexible stainless steel is 198 GPa, which is lower than that of 304L stainless steel (238 GPa). This indirectly indicates that the material has better deformation capacity within the elastic range, thereby further improving its processing performance.

[0057] (2) Vickers hardness comparison The Vickers hardness of flexible stainless steel is 95 HV, similar to that of copper (68 HV) and significantly lower than that of 304L stainless steel (205 HV). This indicates that flexible stainless steel has lower hardness, which greatly reduces the difficulty of processing and improves overall processing performance and finished product quality.

[0058] In summary, while flexible stainless steel exhibits lower yield strength and tensile strength compared to 304L stainless steel, its significantly improved elongation and lower hardness result in better machinability. This material not only meets mechanical performance requirements but also demonstrates greater flexibility and excellent formability in processing techniques such as bending and tube expansion. Furthermore, its similarity in hardness to copper further proves its advantages in practical applications.

[0059] Specifically, the heat exchange tube 30 in this embodiment has better mechanical properties than copper. Compared with copper tubes, it significantly increases the possibility of using high-pressure flammable new heat exchange media in the heat exchange tube 30, and can withstand the high-frequency vibration caused by the impact of the compressor and the heat exchange media. The wall thickness of the flexible stainless steel heat exchange tube 30 in the same application scenario can be reduced by 10% to 30% compared with the wall thickness of the heat exchange tube 30 made of copper tube. Thus, the wall thickness of the heat exchange tube 30 in the same application scenario is lower than that of the copper tube while the outer diameter remains unchanged, resulting in a larger diameter of the heat exchange media flow channel and lower pressure loss of the circulating flow of the heat exchange media.

[0060] Specifically, the heat exchange tube 30 in this embodiment possesses near-copper tube-level processing performance and significantly superior mechanical properties, thus allowing for a reduced bending radius and shorter bending length, enabling more space-saving heat exchange tube 30 structural designs. From a processing perspective, copper tubes typically require a bending radius of at least 1.8 times their diameter, while the flexible stainless steel used in this application, due to its superior toughness, theoretically allows for a bending radius of 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter, thereby saving space occupied by the heat exchange tube 30 and reducing the volume of the heat exchange assembly 100.

[0061] Specifically, the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 30 is threaded. The threaded structure on the inner wall can disrupt the fluid boundary layer, enhance fluid turbulence inside the tube, and significantly improve the degree of fluid turbulence, thereby increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient of the inner surface of the heat exchange tube 30 and enhancing its heat transfer capacity. At the same time, the helical protrusions of the thread make the heat transfer surface area per unit length larger than that of a smooth tube, which helps to achieve higher heat transfer efficiency in the same space.

[0062] Specifically, the inner wall of the heat exchange tube 30 can also be a smooth inner wall. A smooth inner wall can effectively reduce the frictional resistance between the fluid and the tube wall during flow, thereby reducing the pressure drop of the entire heat exchange device 200, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of the pump or compressor and reducing energy consumption. At the same time, a smooth inner wall is less prone to scale buildup or wall adhesion, and compared with a complex surface structure with threads, it is easier to clean, drain, and maintain, which is particularly advantageous in scenarios with water pollution or regular maintenance requirements.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, the pitting potential of the flexible stainless steel is F, where F satisfies the condition: 0.25V ≤ F ≤ 0.29V. For example, F can be 0.25V, 0.25V, 0.27V, 0.277V, 0.28V, 0.29V, or any range thereof. The pitting potential is measured according to the national standard GB / T 22002.1-2008.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the self-corrosion potential of the flexible stainless steel is G, which satisfies the condition: -0.4V ≤ G ≤ -0.2V. For example, G can be -0.4V, -0.303V, -0.3V, -0.2V, or any range thereof. The self-corrosion potential is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T 5757-1997.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the self-corrosion current density of the flexible stainless steel is H, where H satisfies: 0.18 μA / cm 2 ≤H≤0.21μA / cm 2 For example, H can be 0.18 μA / cm 2 0.19μA / cm 2 0.198μA / cm 2 0.2μA / cm 2 0.21μA / cm 2 Or any range of the two mentioned above. The self-corrosion potential is measured according to the national standard GB / T 5757-1997.

[0066] See appendix Figure 9 The table below compares the experimental parameters of pitting potential, self-corrosion potential, and self-corrosion current density for copper (TP2), stainless steel (304L), and flexible stainless steel.

[0067] The data in the table above show that the pitting potential of flexible stainless steel is significantly higher than that of 304L. This indicates that under the same testing conditions, flexible stainless steel can remain stable at a higher potential, is less prone to pitting corrosion, and has better pitting resistance than 304L. The differences in self-corrosion potential among the three are small, but the slightly lower self-corrosion potential of flexible stainless steel, combined with other data, reflects its better electrochemical stability. Furthermore, in terms of self-corrosion current density, flexible stainless steel is only about 46% of that of 304L, indicating that the corrosion rate of flexible stainless steel is significantly reduced when pitting occurs. At the same time, compared to copper, its self-corrosion current density is much lower, demonstrating extremely superior corrosion resistance.

[0068] In summary, compared to 304L, flexible stainless steel exhibits a higher pitting potential and a lower self-corrosion current density, indicating superior pitting corrosion resistance. The higher pitting potential demonstrates that flexible stainless steel maintains good stability even under harsh electrochemical environments, while the lower corrosion current density reflects a slower corrosion rate, thus extending the material's service life. Furthermore, compared to copper, copper shows a significantly higher self-corrosion current density, indicating a higher corrosion rate. This not only signifies poor corrosion resistance but also makes it more prone to corrosion problems in practical applications. In contrast, flexible stainless steel demonstrates far superior corrosion resistance compared to copper.

[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, the MD30 value of the heat exchange tube 30 satisfies: -80℃ ≤ MD30 ≤ -50℃. For example, the MD30 value can be -80℃, -70℃, -65℃, -60℃, -50℃, or any range of the above. The MD30 value is one of the indicators of phase stability of a multi-component system, representing the electron orbital energy of each component of the flexible stainless steel material in the d orbital. The higher the MD30 value, the more unstable the phase, and the easier it is for intermetallic compounds such as the σ phase to form. In the embodiments of this application, the flexible stainless steel material has a small MD30 value in the range of -80℃ to -50℃, indicating that the flexible stainless steel material is in a stable phase state.

[0070] In some embodiments, the volume fraction of martensite in the flexible stainless steel ranges from 0.3% to 2.1%. Specifically, in the microstructure of the material detected by metallographic observation, X-ray diffraction, or other quantitative analysis methods, the volume fraction of the martensite phase in the overall structure is only 0.3% to 2.1%. In other words, only 0.3% to 2.1% of all grains or structural phases in this flexible stainless steel material are transformed into martensite, while the remainder retains its original crystal structure (typically austenite). This value reflects the very low degree of martensitic phase transformation in the flexible stainless steel material under specific processing conditions (e.g., cold working or flanging). This low proportion of martensite helps maintain the toughness and ductility of the material while reducing the risk of delayed cracking due to martensitic embrittlement, thereby improving the overall processability and long-term service performance of the material.

[0071] Furthermore, the martensite content analysis results after the flanging process showed that, under the extreme processing condition of flanging, the martensite content of 304L stainless steel significantly increased in the flanging hole region, with measured values ​​ranging from 8.8% to 16.1%, while its martensite content before flanging was only 0.14%. In contrast, the martensite content of flexible stainless steel after flanging was only in the range of 0.3% to 2.1%, which is almost negligible, equivalent to 1 / 20th of the martensite content of 304L after flanging. Since martensitic phase transformation usually increases the brittleness of materials, thus causing delayed cracking, the flexible stainless steel hardly underwent martensitic transformation during the flanging process, which greatly reduces the risk of subsequent delayed cracking. Therefore, flexible stainless steel does not require annealing after machining, thereby simplifying the production process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0072] In some embodiments, the fin assembly 10 includes multiple fins, each made of aluminum. First, aluminum, as the fin material, has an electrochemical corrosion potential that matches the potential of the surrounding flexible stainless steel (such as the heat exchange tube 30 and side plate 20), effectively reducing galvanic corrosion caused by potential differences between materials. The uniformity of the aluminum fins ensures a uniform potential distribution within the fin assembly 10, reducing the possibility of localized electrochemical reactions. Second, aluminum can form a stable and dense oxide film under suitable conditions. This self-protective mechanism allows the fins to quickly recover their protective layer even after localized damage, further improving overall pitting and corrosion resistance when used in conjunction with flexible stainless steel. Finally, by using flexible stainless steel to manufacture the heat exchange tube 30 and side plate 20, this embodiment optimizes the material potential combination of each component, minimizing the risk of galvanic corrosion between different metals in the entire heat exchange assembly 100, ensuring that the heat exchange device 200 maintains excellent electrochemical stability and service life during long-term use.

[0073] Furthermore, the fins are coated with a hydrophilic coating. This hydrophilic coating enhances the wettability of the fin surface, allowing moisture or heat exchange medium to more easily form a uniform thin film rather than water droplets. A continuous thin film has lower interfacial thermal resistance, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and enhancing the overall heat exchange performance of the heat exchange assembly 100. Simultaneously, due to its hydrophilic properties, the fluid is distributed more evenly on the fin surface, reducing the accumulation of localized water droplets. This not only helps prevent the formation of scale and deposits but also improves the self-cleaning capability of the equipment to some extent, reducing maintenance costs. Finally, the hydrophilic coating can form a physical barrier to some extent, reducing direct contact between harmful media and the fin substrate, helping to inhibit localized electrochemical reactions, thereby further improving the corrosion resistance of the heat exchange assembly 100.

[0074] Furthermore, the fins are categorized into bridge-type, arc-shaped louver-type, and flat-type. Bridge-type fins feature one or more transverse or oblique bridge structures within their main structure. These bridges typically span both sides of the fin, forming a bridge-like support structure. The bridges not only provide additional rigidity and stability but also increase the effective heat transfer area through localized protrusions. The presence of the bridges helps to evenly disperse the fluid, resulting in a more uniform distribution of the medium on the fin surface, thereby improving both local and overall heat exchange efficiency. Arc-shaped louver-type fins employ continuous or segmented arc-shaped arrangements, with an overall shape resembling the opening and closing of louvers. The fin surface exhibits a curved shape, with a design focused on fluid guidance and improved convection. By adjusting the arc curvature, localized overheating can be effectively avoided, improving the overall temperature uniformity and thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger. Flat-type fins have a relatively simple design; the fin surface is basically flat and continuous, without obvious protrusions or curves, relying mainly on uniform arrangement to form a large heat transfer surface. The flat plate structure ensures a continuous and uniform heat exchange surface, effectively utilizing limited space to maximize heat transfer. In summary, the combination of multi-shaped fins offers significant advantages in potential corrosion control, durability, and heat exchange efficiency, providing the heat exchange component 100 with stable, efficient, and durable comprehensive technical performance.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment also provides a heat exchange device 200, including a housing and a heat exchange component 100, a piping system, a temperature sensor, and an electric auxiliary heating device 205 disposed within the housing. An air inlet and an air outlet are provided on opposite sides of the housing, forming an airflow channel between them. The heat exchange component 100 is disposed within the airflow channel. The housing has air inlets and outlets on opposite sides to ensure that air can enter from one side and exit from the other. The heat exchange component 100 is arranged within the airflow channel, allowing the air entering the housing to fully contact the heat exchange component 100, forming a continuous and efficient heat exchange channel. The piping system connects the outdoor unit to the heat exchange tubes 30 of the heat exchange component 100. When in cooling mode, the low-temperature heat exchange medium is transported from the outdoor unit to the heat exchange component 100 via the piping system, ensuring that the heat exchange medium is evenly distributed in each flow path after entering the heat exchange component 100, achieving rapid and effective temperature exchange. The temperature sensors mainly include a first temperature sensor 202 and a second temperature sensor 203. The first temperature sensor 202 is used to detect the ambient temperature, and the second temperature sensor 203 is used to detect the temperature of the heat exchange medium inside the heat exchanger. The temperature information collected by the sensors is transmitted to the main control board in real time. The main control board uses a built-in algorithm to adjust the opening of the proportional three-way valve 206 and activates the electric auxiliary heating device 205 as needed, thereby achieving precise control of the indoor temperature and ensuring user comfort. The fan 201 consists of a motor and fan blades. The motor drives the fan blades to rotate at high speed, forcibly sending air into the heat exchanger. The accelerated airflow enhances the heat exchange efficiency between the air and the heat exchange medium, shortening the time to reach the set temperature.

[0076] Furthermore, the heat exchange assembly 100 also includes a water distributor 2041 and a water collector 2042. The heat exchange medium, under the action of the water distributor 2041 and the water collector 2042, is evenly distributed among the heat exchange tubes 30 within the heat exchange assembly 100, ensuring sufficient contact between the heat exchange medium and the air, and achieving rapid and balanced heat exchange. Both the water distributor 2041 and the water collector 2042 are connected to the heat exchange tubes 30 via a tee fitting 40.

[0077] Understandable Figure 5 Arrow a in the diagram represents the direction in which the heat exchange medium enters, arrow b represents the direction in which the heat exchange medium flows out, and arrow c represents the wind direction.

[0078] This embodiment also provides a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including the aforementioned heat exchanger 200, an outdoor unit, a piping system, and a control auxiliary system. The outdoor unit includes a compressor and a condenser. The compressor is responsible for compressing and transporting the heat exchange medium and is the power source for the entire heat exchange medium circulation. The condenser is responsible for cooling and condensing the high-temperature, high-pressure heat exchange medium by exchanging heat with the outdoor air, releasing heat. The piping system connects the outdoor unit and the heat exchanger 200 to form a closed-loop system. The control auxiliary system includes a control system for integrating sensor data and coordinating the control of the outdoor unit and the heat exchanger 200 to achieve energy-efficient operation. The control auxiliary system also includes auxiliary components such as filters, insulation layers, and noise control devices to improve the overall system operating efficiency and user comfort.

[0079] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchange component, characterized in that, include: A fin assembly, wherein the fin assembly comprises multiple fins, each of which is made of aluminum; Side plates are disposed on opposite sides of the fin assembly, and the side plates are made of flexible stainless steel. The heat exchange tube is inserted into the side plate and the fin assembly respectively, and the heat exchange tube is made of flexible stainless steel, wherein the electrochemical corrosion potential of aluminum is relatively matched with the potential of flexible stainless steel.

2. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate is made of stainless steel.

3. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly further includes a connecting pipe and / or a tee fitting, and the number of heat exchange pipes is at least two. The connecting pipe and / or the tee fitting are used to connect two adjacent heat exchange pipes respectively.

4. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchange component includes the connecting pipe, and the connecting pipe is made of flexible stainless steel.

5. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly includes the tee fitting, and the tee fitting is made of flexible stainless steel.

6. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tee fitting includes a first pipe and two second pipes. The first ends of the two second pipes are respectively connected to the first pipe, and the second ends of the two second pipes are respectively connected to two adjacent heat exchange pipes. The first pipe is used for the entry or exit of the heat exchange medium.

7. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, Two second pipes are connected to form a U-shaped pipe, the U-shaped pipe including two parallel straight segments and a curved segment connected to the two straight segments respectively, the axis of symmetry of the U-shaped pipe being coaxial with the axis of the first pipe.

8. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The straight section has a constriction structure at one end away from the curved section, and the second pipe is inserted into the heat exchange tube through the constriction structure.

9. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting pipe includes a main body, which has a U-shaped structure and a first pipe opening at each end. The two first pipe openings are respectively connected to two adjacent heat exchange pipes.

10. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connecting pipe also includes a bend, which is connected to the main body. One end of the bend has a second port, which is connected to the heat exchange pipe. The opening directions of the two first ports and the second port are all on the same side.

11. The heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The fin assembly includes multiple fins, and each fin is made of aluminum.

12. The heat exchange assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The surface of the fins is coated with a hydrophilic coating.

13. The heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The fins are in the form of bridge fins, arc-shaped louvers, and flat fins.

14. The heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The inner wall of the heat exchange tube is threaded.

15. A heat exchange device, characterized in that, include: The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, and an airflow channel is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet; The heat exchange assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is disposed within the airflow channel.

16. The heat exchange device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The heat exchange device also includes a water collector and a water distributor. The water distributor is connected to a portion of the tee fittings of the heat exchange assembly, and the water collector is connected to another portion of the tee fittings of the heat exchange assembly.

17. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, characterized in that, Includes the heat exchange device according to claim 15 or 16.

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