Heat exchanger tube

Abstract

Heat exchanger tube (20), comprising: a pipe body (21); a liquid phase passage layer (31) which is provided inside the tube body (21) and allows a liquid phase fluid to flow into it; a vapor-phase transmission layer (32) which is provided within the tube body (21) and allows a vapor-phase fluid to flow therein; and a porous layer (33) provided within the tube body (21), which is arranged between the liquid phase passage layer (31) and the vapor phase passage layer (32) in order to divide the liquid phase passage layer (31) and the vapor phase passage layer (32), and which has a plurality of pores (33a), wherein the liquid phase passage layer (31) is arranged in a lower section of the tube body (21) and extends in a longitudinal direction of the tube body (21), and wherein a thickness of the vapor phase passage layer (32) is designed to increase in a flow direction of a first fluid.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger tube, and in particular a heat exchanger tube which is capable of significantly increasing heat exchange performance. background

[0002] A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat between one or more fluids. In a broader sense, it includes heating devices, cooling devices, condensers, and the like, but its primary purpose is heat recovery. Heat exchangers can be used in various industrial sectors, such as vehicles, steam generators, ships, buildings, and the like.

[0003] A heat exchanger can comprise a housing with a chamber through which two different fluids pass to exchange heat, and can include one or more heat exchanger tubes installed in the chamber of the housing. A passage is formed in the heat exchanger tube that allows a first fluid to pass through, and a passage is formed outside the heat exchanger tube that allows a second fluid to pass through.

[0004] Internal fins are installed to increase the heat transfer area within the heat exchanger tube. These fins can be designed to have a continuous pattern of multiple protrusions and depressions. Heat exchange performance can be enhanced by increasing the number of protrusions and depressions on the internal fins.

[0005] Since a liquid phase and a vapor phase exist side by side within a heat exchanger tube of a heat exchanger, as in an evaporator or a condenser, a phase transition, such as evaporation or condensation, is negatively affected, leading to a deterioration of the heat exchange performance.

[0006] Examples of state-of-the-art documents include US 2007 / 0151703A1, US 2003 / 0042009A1 and CN 1629594A. Summary

[0007] The present disclosure is intended to solve the problems mentioned above that arise in the prior art, while retaining the advantages gained through the prior art.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger tube which performs a phase transition uniformly, such as evaporation (in an evaporator) or condensation (in a condenser), by separating a liquid phase and a vapor phase of a fluid flowing within a tube, which enables a significant increase in heat exchange performance.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat exchanger tube comprises: a tube body; a liquid-phase passage layer provided within the tube body, which allows a liquid-phase fluid to pass through it; a vapor-phase passage layer provided within the tube body, which allows a vapor-phase fluid to pass through it; and a porous layer provided in the tube body, which is arranged between the liquid-phase passage layer and the vapor-phase passage layer to divide the liquid-phase passage layer and the vapor-phase passage layer. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] The above and other items, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a front view showing a heat exchanger according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger tube according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along a line BB from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a representation that shows an alternative structure of the Fig. 2 shows. Fig. Figure 5 is a representation showing a heat exchanger tube according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along a line CC from Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a representation that shows an alternative structure of the Fig. 5 shows. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a fin structure of a heat exchanger tube according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a fin structure of a heat exchanger tube according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a fin structure of the heat exchanger tube according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0011] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of elements or thicknesses of lines shown in the drawings are exaggerated. Likewise, the terms used herein have been defined with consideration for the functions of the present disclosure and may be modified according to the intent of a user or operator, or may be used according to conventional practice. Therefore, the terms are to be understood as they apply to the entire content of this specification.

[0012] With reference to Fig. 1. A heat exchanger 10 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise a housing 11 and one or more heat exchanger tubes 20 installed inside the housing 11.

[0013] The housing 11 can have a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0014] One or more heat exchanger tubes 20 can be installed in an interior of the housing 11 and can extend in a longitudinal direction of the housing 11.

[0015] A first passage 6, in which a first fluid flows, can be formed inside the heat exchanger tube 20, and a second passage 16, in which a second fluid flows, can be formed outside the heat exchanger tube 20. The first fluid flowing inside the heat exchanger tube 20 and the second fluid flowing outside the heat exchanger tube 20 can be heat exchanged.

[0016] A plurality of heat exchanger tubes 20 can be installed such that they are spaced apart from one another within the housing 11, wherein the second passage 16, in which the second fluid flows, can be formed between adjacent heat exchanger tubes 20. In particular, an outer fin 15 can be installed between the adjacent heat exchanger tubes 20, wherein the second passage can be stably formed between the adjacent heat exchanger tubes 20 by the outer fin 15.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 10 of the present disclosure can be used for a Rankine process or a cooling cycle using a phase-change material.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 10 of the present disclosure can have a structure without the housing 11, such as an air-cooled heat exchanger or the like, or the second passage 16 can be formed by a separate heat exchanger tube.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger tube 20 can comprise a tube body 21 with a flat upper surface and lower surface, wherein the first fluid can flow inside the tube body 21.

[0020] An inlet 21a, into which the first fluid is introduced, can be provided at one end of the tube body 21, and an outlet 21b, from which the first fluid is expelled, can be provided at the other end of the tube body 21.

[0021] A liquid phase passage layer 31, a vapor phase passage layer 32 and a porous layer 33 can be provided within the tube body 21.

[0022] According to the invention, the liquid-phase passage layer 31 extends in a longitudinal direction L of the pipe body 21 and is arranged in a lower section of the pipe body 21. Therefore, the first liquid-phase fluid can enter the liquid-phase passage layer 31 in the longitudinal direction of the pipe body 21.

[0023] The vapor-phase transmission layer 32 can extend in a longitudinal direction L of the tube body 21 and can be located in an upper section of the tube body 21. Therefore, the first vapor-phase fluid can enter the vapor-phase transmission layer 32 in the longitudinal direction of the tube body 21.

[0024] The porous layer 33 can extend along the length of the tube body 21 and can be arranged between the liquid-phase transfer layer 31 and the vapor-phase transfer layer 32. The porous layer 33 can have a structure with a plurality of pores 33a, whereby the first liquid-phase fluid passing through the liquid-phase transfer layer 31 and the first vapor-phase fluid passing through the vapor-phase transfer layer 32 can be separated by the porous layer 33. Since a liquid phase and a vapor phase are separated by the porous layer 33, evaporation by an evaporator or condensation by a condenser can be carried out more uniformly.

[0025] The heat exchanger 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be an evaporator that evaporates the first liquid-phase fluid to the first vapor-phase fluid, wherein Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. Represent a structure in which the heat exchanger tube 20 is used in an evaporator.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, which is described in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first liquid phase fluid, which is introduced into an interior of the heat exchanger tube 20, is evaporated by heat exchange (heating) with a second fluid which has a high temperature, in order to be converted into the first vapor phase fluid.

[0027] The liquid phase penetration layer 31 according to an exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 can have a fin structure 40 which increases a contact area of ​​the first fluid in a liquid phase.

[0028] The fin structure 40 can comprise: a base section 41 arranged in a lower section of the heat exchanger tube 20, a plurality of fins 42 projecting from the base section 41, and a plurality of recesses 43 formed between adjacent fins 42. The multiple fins 42 can be spaced apart in a lateral direction W of the base section 41, with the multiple recesses 43 being formed between the multiple fins 42.

[0029] A head section 44 can be formed at an end section of the fin 42 and can have a width greater than that of the fin 42. The head section 44 can have a curved structure to provide a recess 45 formed in a central section thereof, so that the contact area of ​​the first liquid-phase fluid can be further increased.

[0030] The fin structure 41 can extend in a longitudinal direction L of the tube body 21, wherein the first liquid-phase fluid can flow through the multiple recesses 43 in the longitudinal direction L of the tube body 21.

[0031] When the first liquid-phase fluid flowing in the liquid-phase passage layer 31 evaporates, evaporation of the first liquid-phase fluid can be enhanced through the pores 33a of the porous layer 33 on which they are positioned.

[0032] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the base section 41 can be positioned in a lower section of the heat exchanger tube 20, with the multiple fins 42 projecting towards the porous layer 33 and each recess 43 being open towards the porous layer 33. Therefore, when the first liquid-phase fluid flowing along the recess 43 evaporates, it can move more rapidly towards the porous layer 33.

[0033] The first liquid-phase fluid and the first vapor-phase fluid can be effectively separated by the porous layer 33, in particular because the first liquid-phase fluid can easily generate bubbles through the pores 33a of the porous layer 33, allowing the first liquid-phase fluid to evaporate quickly.

[0034] The air gap 33a of the porous layer 33 of the heat exchanger tube 20, which is used in an evaporator, can be designed to be 1 to 2 times larger than the bubbles, which is why bubble generation can be accelerated and a uniform evaporation rate can be effectively controlled.

[0035] The vapor phase penetration layer 32 can have a cavity 32a which allows the first vapor phase fluid to flow uniformly within it.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in the heat exchanger tube 20 used in the evaporator, the thickness t2 of the vapor-phase transmission layer 32 adjacent to the outlet 21b can be greater than the thickness t1 of the vapor-phase transmission layer 32 adjacent to the inlet 21a. That is, according to the invention, the thickness of the vapor-phase transmission layer 32 is designed to increase in one flow direction of the first fluid (see direction F1 in Figure 3). Fig. 3), whereby a cross-sectional area of ​​the vapor-phase transmission layer 32 can be gradually increased in the flow direction F1 of the first fluid. Therefore, a larger quantity of the first vapor-phase fluid can be generated.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, one or more subdivisions 32b can be installed in the cavity 32a of the vapor-phase transfer layer 32, wherein the cavity 32a of the vapor-phase transfer layer 32 can be subdivided in a lateral direction by the subdivisions 32b. Subdividing the vapor-phase transfer layer 32 can further increase the evaporation efficiency of the first fluid.

[0038] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the inlet 21a of the tube body 21 can be configured to communicate with the liquid-phase transfer layer 31, and the outlet 21b of the tube body 21 can be configured to communicate with the vapor-phase transfer layer 32. Therefore, the first liquid-phase fluid can be introduced directly through the inlet 21a to the liquid-phase transfer layer 31 after the first liquid-phase fluid has been converted into the first vapor-phase fluid within the heat exchanger tube 20. The first vapor-phase fluid can then be directly expelled through the outlet 21b, thus allowing the first liquid-phase fluid and the first vapor-phase fluid to be separated more effectively by the porous layer 33.

[0039] The heat exchanger 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be a condenser that condenses the first vapor-phase fluid into a first fluid in a liquid phase, wherein Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows a structure in which the heat exchanger tube 20 is used as a condenser in the heat exchanger 10.

[0040] According to the in Fig. 5 and Fig. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, a first vapor-phase fluid, which has been introduced into an interior of the heat exchanger tube 20, can be liquefied by heat exchange (heating) with a second fluid which has a low temperature, in order to be converted into a first fluid in a liquid phase.

[0041] The vapor phase penetration layer 32, in which the first vapor phase fluid according to an exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 5 flows, can have a fin structure 40 which increases a contact area of ​​the first vapor phase fluid.

[0042] The fin structure 40 can have a base section 41, several fins 42 projecting from the base section 41, and several recesses 43 formed between adjacent fins 42. The multiple fins 42 can be spaced apart from each other in a latitudinal direction W of the base section 41, with the multiple recesses 43 being formed between the multiple fins 42.

[0043] A head section 44 can be formed at an end section of the fin 42 and can have a width greater than that of the fin 42. The head section 44 can have a curved structure to provide a recess 45 formed in a central section thereof, which further increases the contact area of ​​the first vapor-phase fluid.

[0044] The fin structure 41 can extend in a longitudinal direction L of the tube body 21, whereby the first vapor phase fluid can flow through the multiple recesses 43 in the longitudinal direction L of the tube body 21.

[0045] When the first vapor phase fluid flowing in the vapor phase passage layer 32 has condensed, then liquefaction of the first vapor phase fluid can be enhanced through the pores 33a of the porous layer 33 positioned on it.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the base section 41 can be positioned in a lower section of the heat exchanger tube 20, with the multiple fins 42 projecting towards the porous layer 33 and each recess 43 being open towards the porous layer 33. Therefore, if the first vapor-phase fluid flowing along the recess 43 liquefies, the first liquid-phase fluid can move more quickly towards the porous layer 33.

[0047] The first liquid-phase fluid and the first vapor-phase fluid can be effectively separated by the porous layer 33, and in particular, since the first liquid-phase fluid is easily separable through the pores 33a of the porous layer 33 when the first vapor-phase fluid condenses to the first fluid in a liquid phase, condensation can be carried out quickly.

[0048] The liquid phase penetration layer 31 can have a cavity 31a to allow the first liquid phase fluid to flow uniformly into it.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, in the heat exchanger tube 20 used in the condenser, the thickness t4 of the liquid-phase transfer layer 31 adjacent to the outlet 21b can be greater than the thickness t3 of the liquid-phase transfer layer 31 adjacent to the inlet 21a (t3 < t4). That is, the thickness of the liquid-phase transfer layer 31 can be designed to increase in one flow direction of the first fluid (see direction F2 in Figure 6). Fig. 6), whereby a cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid-phase passage layer 31 can be gradually increased in the flow direction of the first fluid. Therefore, a larger quantity of the first liquid-phase fluid can be generated.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, one or more subdivisions 31b can be installed in the cavity 31a of the liquid-phase transfer layer 31, wherein the cavity 31a of the liquid-phase transfer layer 31 can be subdivided in a lateral direction by the subdivisions 31b. Subdividing the liquid-phase transfer layer 31 can further increase the liquefaction efficiency of the first fluid.

[0051] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the inlet 21a of the tube body 21 can be configured to communicate with the vapor-phase transfer layer 32, while the outlet 21b of the tube body 21 can be configured to communicate with the liquid-phase transfer layer 31. Therefore, the first vapor-phase fluid can be introduced directly into the vapor-phase transfer layer 32 through the inlet 21a, since the first vapor-phase fluid can be expelled directly through the outlet 21b within the heat exchanger tube 20. Consequently, the first vapor-phase fluid and the first liquid-phase fluid can be separated more effectively by the porous layer 33.

[0052] Fig. Figure 8 shows a fin structure 40 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The in Fig. The fin structure 40 shown in Figure 8 can have a base section 41, a plurality of fins 42 projecting from the base section 41, and a plurality of recesses 43 formed between adjacent fins 42. The multiple fins 42 can be spaced apart from one another in a latitudinal direction W of the base section 41, with the multiple recesses 43 being formed between the multiple fins 42. Each fin 42 can have a width that gradually narrows in a projecting direction.

[0053] Fig. Figure 9 shows a fin structure 40 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The in Fig. The fin structure 40 shown in Figure 9 can have a base section 41, a plurality of fins 42 projecting from the base section 41, and a plurality of recesses 43 formed between adjacent fins 42. The multiple fins 42 can be spaced apart from one another in a latitudinal direction W of the base section 41, with the multiple recesses 43 being formed between the multiple fins 42. Each fin 42 is formed with a slope in an arbitrary direction from the base section 41.

[0054] Fig. Figure 10 shows a fin structure 40 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The in Fig.The fin structure 40 shown in Figure 10 can have a base section 41, a plurality of fins 42 projecting from the base section 41, and a plurality of recesses 43 formed between adjacent fins 42. The multiple fins 42 can be spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction W of the base section 41, with the multiple recesses 43 being formed between the multiple fins 42. A head section 44 can be formed at an end section of the fin 42 and have a width greater than that of the fin 42. The head section 44 can have a flat surface 46.

[0055] As described above, in the present disclosure, since the liquid phase and the vapor phase of the fluid flowing inside the tube are separated by the porous layer, a phase change, such as evaporation (in an evaporator) or condensation (in a condenser), can be carried out uniformly, thereby significantly increasing heat exchange efficiency.

[0056] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified and amended in various ways by the person skilled in the art to whom the present disclosure is addressed, without departing from the basic idea and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the following claims. Reference symbol list 10 heat exchangers 11 cases 20 heat exchanger tubes 21 pipe bodies 31 Liquid phase penetration layer 32 Vapor phase penetration layer 33 porous layer 40 fin structure

Claims

[1] Heat exchanger tube (20), comprising: a pipe body (21); a liquid phase passage layer (31) which is provided inside the tube body (21) and allows a liquid phase fluid to flow into it; a vapor-phase transmission layer (32) which is provided within the tube body (21) and allows a vapor-phase fluid to flow therein; and a porous layer (33) provided within the tube body (21), which is arranged between the liquid phase passage layer (31) and the vapor phase passage layer (32) in order to divide the liquid phase passage layer (31) and the vapor phase passage layer (32), and which has a plurality of pores (33a), wherein the liquid phase passage layer (31) is arranged in a lower section of the tube body (21) and extends in a longitudinal direction of the tube body (21), and wherein a thickness of the vapor phase passage layer (32) is designed to increase in a flow direction of a first fluid. [2] Heat exchanger tube (20) according to claim 1, wherein the liquid phase passage layer (31) has a fin structure (40), and wherein the fin structure (40) has a base section (41), a plurality of fins (42) which project from the base section (41), and a plurality of recesses (43) which are formed between adjacent fins (42). [3] Heat exchanger tube (20) according to claim 2, wherein the vapor phase transmission layer (32) has a cavity (32a). [4] Heat exchanger tube (20) according to claim 3, wherein the cavity (32a) of the vapor phase passage layer (32) is divided by one or more subdivisions (32b). [5] Heat exchanger tube (20), comprising: a pipe body (21); a liquid phase passage layer (31) which is provided inside the tube body (21) and allows a liquid phase fluid to flow into it; a vapor-phase transmission layer (32) which is provided within the tube body (21) and allows a vapor-phase fluid to flow therein; and a porous layer (33) provided within the tube body (21), which is arranged between the liquid phase passage layer (31) and the vapor phase passage layer (32) in order to divide the liquid phase passage layer (31) and the vapor phase passage layer (32), and which has a plurality of pores (33a), wherein the vapor phase passage layer (32) is arranged in an upper section of the tube body (21) and extends in a longitudinal direction of the tube body (21), and wherein the thickness of the liquid phase passage layer (31) is designed to increase in a flow direction of a first fluid. [6] Heat exchanger tube (20) according to claim 5, wherein the vapor phase transmission layer (32) has a fin structure (40), and wherein the fin structure (40) has a base section (41), a plurality of fins (42) which project from the base section (41), and a plurality of recesses (43) which are formed between adjacent fins (42). [7] Heat exchanger tube (20) according to claim 6, wherein the liquid phase passage layer (31) has a cavity (31a, 32a). [8] Heat exchanger tube (20) according to claim 7, wherein the cavity (31a, 32a) of the liquid phase passage layer (31) is divided by one or more subdivisions (31b, 32b).

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