Integrated supply and return manifold for tube-in-tube heat transfer

Abstract

A manifold having integrated distribution and collection manifolds in a single component. The integrated distribution and collection manifolds provide balanced flow and pressure between the distribution and collection manifolds.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 556,117 filed on Feb. 21, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 556,729 filed on Feb. 22, 2024, each of which are incorporated herein.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] This invention was made with government support under grant numbers 2020-33610-32389 and 2022-33610-37902 awarded by US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture division. The government has certain rights in the invention.BACKGROUND

[0003] Manifolds are commonly used in fluid flow systems. One problem with currently available manifolds is the inability to provide balanced flow throughout the associated system. Another problem with currently available manifolds relates to the size requirements. Therefore, the industry would benefit from a manifold having reduced size which also provides balanced flow throughout the associated system.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an integrated manifold for use in a heat exchange system. The integrated manifold comprises a distribution plenum having a first primary inlet and at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port. Additionally, the integrated manifold includes a collection plenum having a first primary outlet and at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port. The distribution plenum and collection plenum are integrally formed with one another such that that at least one distribution plenum outlet and at least one collection plenum inlet share the same central axis.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of operating a closed loop heat exchange system. According to the disclosed method, an integrated manifold having a distribution plenum and a collection plenum within a single manifold is provided. The integrated manifold is incorporated into a closed loop tube-within-tube heat exchange loop. The configuration of the integrated manifold in cooperation with the operation of the closed loop heat exchange system's pump(s) provides enhanced heat exchange by ensuring turbulent flow through the closed loop heat exchange loop.

[0006] Another embodiment provides a manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system includes a distribution plenum having a first primary inlet and at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port. The system also includes a collection plenum having a first primary outlet and at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port. The distribution plenum and the collection plenum are integrated with one another such that the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port and the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port share the same central axis. Additionally, a first heat exchange pipe is positioned within the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port, the first heat exchange pipe having a first interior surface, a first exterior surface, a first inside diameter and a first thickness. Additionally, a second heat exchange pipe is positioned within the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port, the second heat exchange pipe having a second interior surface, a second exterior surface, a second inside diameter, an interior cross-sectional area and a second thickness. Thus, the second heat exchange pipe passes through the first heat exchange pipe such that the first interior surface of the first heat exchange pipe and the second exterior surface of the second heat exchange pipe define an annulus. Accordingly, the annulus has a cross-sectional area which is about equal to a cross-sectional area of the interior cross-sectional area of the second heat exchange pipe. Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the interior cross-sectional area of the second heat exchange pipe no more than about 3% less than the cross-sectional area of the annulus.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an integrated manifold for use in a heat exchange system. The integrated manifold comprises a distribution plenum having a first primary inlet and at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port. Additionally, the integrated manifold includes a collection plenum having a first primary outlet and at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port. The distribution plenum and collection plenum are integrally formed with one another such that that at least one distribution plenum outlet and at least one collection plenum inlet share the same central axis. Also provided with the integrated manifold is a first stub pipe positioned within the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port, the first stub pipe having a first interior surface, a first exterior surface, a first inside diameter and a first thicknessBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 schematically represents a heat transfer system which incorporates the manifold of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 provides top view FIG. 2A, opposing side views FIGS. 2B, 2C, and opposing end views FIGS. 2D, 2E of the manifold.

[0010] FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectional views taken along lines A-A and B-B in FIGS. 2E and 2A respectively.

[0011] FIGS. 4A and 4B are sectional views taken along lines A-A and B-B in FIGS. 2E and 2A respectively with heat exchange loop pipes connected to the manifold.

[0012] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the loop portion of the heat-exchange system extending from the manifold in the same planes as FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one example of the manifold.

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts the locations used to measure pressure differential across the manifold.

[0015] FIG. 8 depicts two manifolds joined in series.

[0016] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the manifold wherein the inlet / outlet ports project at three different angles from the distribution and collection plenums.

[0017] FIG. 9B is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A.

[0018] FIG. 9C is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A.

[0019] FIG. 10A is a sectional view taken along lines A-A of FIG. 9C.

[0020] FIG. 10B is a sectional view taken along lines B-B of FIG. 9C.

[0021] FIG. 10C is a sectional view taken along lines C-C of FIG. 9C.

[0022] FIG. 11A is a sectional view taken along lines A-A of FIG. 9C with heat-exchange pipes installed.

[0023] FIG. 11B is a sectional view taken along lines B-B of FIG. 9C with heat-exchange pipes installed.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The drawings included with this application illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments described herein. However, the drawings should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

[0025] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to these detailed descriptions. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The following description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting except where indicated as such.

[0026] Throughout this disclosure, the terms “about”, “approximate”, “substantially” and variations thereof, are used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation or error for the device, system, or measuring method being employed as recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0027] Although designed initially for use in the heat exchange systems, particularly for use in the geothermal environment, the manifold 20 of the present disclosure may also find use in other environments. With reference to FIG. 1, manifold 20 is schematically depicted as part of a geothermal, closed-loop heat exchange system 10. Closed loop heat exchange system 10 provides heating or cooling to building 12 through use of a heat pump 13, fluid pump 14, outflow and return lines 16, 17 and a series of pipe within a pipe, heat exchange loops 18.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 2-5 and 7, manifold 20 includes a distribution plenum 22 and a collection plenum 24. Distribution plenum 22 has a primary inlet port 23 in fluid communication with heat pump 13 and fluid pump 14 via outflow line 16. Fluid pump 14 provides motive force to liquid passing through heat exchange system 10. Distribution plenum 22 receives fluid from outflow line 16 at primary inlet port 23 and provides for even distribution of the fluid to heat exchange loops 18 via central passageway 21 and at least one and more typically multiple distribution plenum fluid outlet ports 26. Collection plenum 24 has at least one and typically multiple collection plenum fluid inlet ports 28 which provide fluid flow to central passageway 27 of collection plenum 24 from heat exchange loops 18. Collection plenum 24 returns fluid to fluid pump 14 through primary outlet port 25. In the following detailed discussion describing the components depicted in the FIGS., distribution plenum fluid outlet ports 26 are also referred to as outlet ports 26a and collection plenum fluid inlet ports 28 are also referred to as inlet ports 28a. Outlet ports 26a and inlet ports 28a do not include the area represented by offsets 26b, 28b.

[0029] As depicted in FIGS. 2-5 and 7, corresponding outlet ports 26 and inlet ports 28 share a common central axis. The configuration of outlet ports 26 and inlet ports 28 provide a key aspect to the present invention. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of an outlet port 26 is two times the cross-sectional area of the corresponding inlet port 28. As used herein, the referenced cross-sectional areas of ports 26, 28 do not include any offsets 26b, 28b provided for accommodating the thickness of heat exchange pipes 18a. 18b. As such, offsets 26b and 28b are outside of the fluid flow paths defined by ports 26 and 28. Rather, 26a and 28a define the fluid flow paths out of distribution plenum 22 and into collection plenum 24. Thus, when using manifold 20 or 200 with heat exchange pipes 18a, 18b in place, fluid flow through outlet port 26 equals fluid flow through inlet port 28. In this manner manifolds 20 and 200 provide balanced fluid flow through closed-loop heat exchange system 10, thereby reducing the load on fluid pump 14 while reducing the footprint of manifolds 20 and 200. To help visualize the fluid flow paths relative to ports 26 and 28 dashed lines A and B have been added to FIG. 3B. The gap between the upper A and B lines and the gap between the lower A and B lines corresponds to annulus 34.

[0030] As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, ports 26 and 28 are configured to receive heat-exchange pipes 18a and 18b respectively. As reflected in FIGS. 2A and 3A, prior to attachment of heat exchange pipes 18a and 18b, fluid inlet ports 28 intersect the central passageway 21 of distribution plenum 22. In one embodiment, to provide for a continuous flow path and to accommodate the thickness of the walls of heat-exchange pipes 18a, 18b, each outlet port 26 has an offset 26b of larger diameter than the passageway 26a into distribution plenum 22. Likewise, each inlet port 28 has an offset 28b of larger diameter than the passageway 28a into collection plenum 24. The width of offsets 26b and 28b generally correspond to the thickness of heat-exchange pipes 18 and provides for a match of the interior of the pipe to the respective ports, thereby providing a continuous velocity flow of fluids to / from pipes 18a / 18b into and from manifold 22. Further, collection plenum 24 has a primary outlet port 25 in fluid communication with fluid pump 14 and heat pump 13 via return line 17. Thus, the current embodiment permits a leakproof connection, i.e. water tight connection between ports 26, 28 and heat-exchange pipes 18a, 18b. When using plastic pipe, one suitable connection technique is a heat fusion weld. The use of the configuration with offset regions 26b and 28b is optional and may be omitted or modified if a different type of heat-exchange pipe 18a, 18b and / or connection method is used. While the present disclosure uses the term “port,” those in the industry may also use the term socket for the same connection point or element.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 4A-5B, each exterior pipe 18a of each heat exchange loop 18 is in fluid communication with a corresponding outlet port 26 of distribution plenum 22. Likewise, each interior pipe 18b of each heat exchange loop 18 is in fluid communication with a corresponding inlet port 28 of collection plenum 24. With ports 26, 28 aligned on a common central axis, an extension of the lines corresponding to the configuration of ports 26 and 28 defines a first annulus 34. See FIG. 3B. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of annulus 34 is defined by the diameter of inlet port passageway 28 and the diameter of outlet port passageway 26. With heat-exchange pipes 18a, 18b installed in ports 26, 28, a continuous annulus 38 is formed extending from ports 26, 28 through and including heat-exchange pipes 18a, 18b. Annulus 38 has the same cross-sectional area as annulus 34. As depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the terminal ends of heat exchange pipes 18a, 18b are covered by cap 19. Thus, flow from each heat exchange loop exterior pipe 18a transitions to interior pipe 18b at a cap 19.

[0032] Manifold 20 has a configuration which provides for even distribution of fluid flow between multiple outlet ports 26 with a corresponding collection and combination of returning fluid through multiple inlet ports 28. The relative configuration of outlet ports 26 and inlet ports 28 enhances turbulent fluid flow through pipes 18 by providing corresponding cross-sectional areas for fluid flow. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of annulus 34 is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area 29 defined by inlet port 28a. Thus, with pipes 18a and 18b installed, the cross-sectional area 36 of the interior of heat-exchange pipe 18b also equals the cross-sectional area 29 of inlet port 28a. As a result of the configuration of pipes 18a and 18b an annulus 38 is defined. Cross-sectional area 29 of inlet port 28a which corresponds to cross-sectional area 36 of the interior of heat-exchange pipe 18b should never be larger than the area defined by either annulus 34 or 38. In general, cross-sectional area 29 of inlet port 28a may be less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of annulus 34 and annulus 38. More typically, cross-sectional area 29 of inlet port 28a will be about equal to or no more than about 3% less than the cross-sectional area of either annulus 34 or 38. In most instances, the cross-sectional area of each annulus 34, 38 will approximately equal the cross-sectional area 29 of inlet port 28a. Thus, manifold 20 enables a balanced flow through distribution plenum 22 and collection plenum 24. Likewise, the cross-sectional area and volume of each pair of exterior and interior heat exchange pipes 18a, 18b is about the same. The volume defined by caps 19 defines a transition area from outflow to return flow. This volume does not negatively impact flow through closed loop heat exchange system 10 or manifold 20.

[0033] As a result of the configurations of manifold 20 and closed loop heat exchange system 10, each heat-exchange loop 18 will operate with similar pressure difference between distribution plenum 22 and collection plenum 24. See the PSID data provided with FIG. 7. Further, as demonstrated by Table 1 below, pressure differences between points within distribution plenum 22 will also be minimal as will the pressure differences between points within collection plenum 24. Hence, flow rates through outflow and return lines 16, 17 will be substantially similar. In most cases, the flow rates differences through outflow and return lines 16, 17 will be insignificant.

[0034] To enhance heat exchange between the ground in which closed-loop heat exchange system 10 is installed and exterior pipe 18a, the flow rate through annulus 38 between pipes 18a, 18b should be sufficient to substantially preclude laminar flow. Thus, the flow rate should induce turbulent flow in this region in order to improve heat exchange between the ground and pipe 18a. Likewise, the flow rate through the interior of pipe 18b should also maintain turbulent, non-laminar flow in order to improve heat exchange between the fluid passing through inner pipe 18b and outer pipe 18a. Additionally, the configuration of outlet ports 26 and inlet ports 28 further enhance the ability of manifold 20 to provide turbulent fluid flow to heat exchange loops 18.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 7, differential pressure (PSID) was measured at each loop A, B and C across points A1-A2, B1-B2 and C1-C2 and within each plenum 22, 24. With reference to Table 1 below, the differential pressure for each heat-exchange loop A, B, and C is similar, which demonstrates that the flow through each loop will be approximately the same. Thus, the configurations of plenums 22 and 24 provide for balanced flow across manifold 20 and closed-loop heat exchange system 10. Additionally, Table 1 reports pressure values for distribution plenum 22 and collection plenum 24 as taken at points A1, B1, C1, A2, B2 and C2. The differential pressure data measurements between measurement points A2, B2 and C2 in distribution plenum 22 are insignificant as are the differential pressure measurements between points A1, B1 and C1 in collection plenum 24. Therefore, the fluid volume passing through each of the heat exchange loops 18 will be approximately the same.TABLE 1PRESSUREMEASUREMENTCOMPARISONACROSS LOOP OR(UPSTREAM MINUSPLENUM?DOWNSTREAM)PSIDLOOPA2 − A10.25LOOPB2 − B10.44LOOPC2 − C10.33DISTRIBUTION PLENUMA2 − B2−0.07DISTRIBUTION PLENUMA2 − C2−0.04DISTRIBUTION PLENUMB2 − C20COLLECTION PLENUMA1 − B10.07COLLECTION PLENUMA1 − C10COLLECTION PLENUMB1 − C1−0.04

[0036] With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 3A, 4A, 7, 11A and 11B the flow path of fluid through Closed-loop Heat Exchange System 10 under typical operation will be described. Fluid pump 14 provides the motive force to transfer fluid through heat exchange loops 18 of Closed-loop Heat Exchange System 10. As depicted, fluid flows from fluid pump 14 through outflow line 16 to manifold 20. At manifold 20, fluid passes through primary inlet port 23 and enters distribution plenum 22. Subsequently fluid passes through ports 26 into annulus 34 and enters annulus 38 defined by pipes 18a and 18b. Upon reaching the end of the outermost point of heat exchange loop 18, cap 19 directs fluid into the interior of pipe 18b. Pipe 18b carries the fluid to inlet ports 28 found in collection plenum 24. From collection plenum 24, the fluid returns to fluid pump 14 via return line 17 and then flows on to heat pump 13 completing one circuit of Closed-loop Heat Exchange System 10. Additionally, the system may be operated with reverse flow with the same fluid connections.

[0037] Manifold 20 eliminates the need for separate supply and return manifolds thereby simplifying the installation, maintenance and operation of closed loop heat exchange system 10. As a result, the overall costs associated with installing closed loop heat exchange system 10 are reduced. Manifold 20 may be manufactured from any conventional material having the structural integrity to withstand the intended operational pressures and environment, as well as having material compatible with other elements of the overall fluid-circulation and heat-transfer system. Additionally, manifold 20 provides the added benefit of improving the efficiency of the operation of such systems. By providing a balanced flow throughout closed loop heat exchange system 10, manifold 20 enables efficient and balanced transfer of heat in the heat-exchange loops 18 and to media surrounding the loops.

[0038] Manifold 20 may also include auxiliary connection ports 42 and 44. Ports 42 and 44 permit the connection of two or more manifolds 20 in series. Thus, with reference to FIG. 8, conduits 46 and 48 join first and second manifolds 20 by connecting ports 25 and 44 and ports 23 and 42 respectively. The addition of a second manifold 20, along with associated additional heat exchange loops 18 to closed-loop heat exchange system 10 increases the heat-exchange capacity of the system. If manifold 20 has auxiliary connection ports 42 and 44 but those ports are unused, then caps 52 and 54 will close off ports 42 and 44 respectively. Further, as depicted in FIG. 4A, the selection of ports 23, 25, 42 and 44 will be determined by the configuration of closed loop heat exchange system 10. Either end of plenums 22 and 24 will provide the desired balanced fluid flow through manifold 20.

[0039] Additionally, manifold 20 will provide the balanced flow and pressure to closed loop heat exchange system 10 regardless of the flow direction. As a further alternative embodiment, input to manifold 20 may be either at ports 23, 25 or at auxiliary ports 42, 44. The direction of flow and input / outlet will not alter the benefits provided by manifold 20 as substantially balanced flow and pressure will be achieved in varying configurations and operations.

[0040] FIGS. 9A-C, 10A-B and 11A-B depict a space saving manifold 200. In this embodiment, the fluid connections and the fluid flow paths correspond generally to the manifold 20 of FIGS. 2-8. Thus, the only difference between manifold 200 and manifold 20 is the angular configuration of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports 26 and collection plenum inlet ports 28. As depicted, distribution plenum fluid outlet ports 26 and collection plenum inlet ports 28 are not arranged as a linear alignment. As depicted in FIG. 10A, upper ports 26 are in the same plane and project outward away from one another while the lower port 26 is located beneath the plane of the upper ports 26. Thus, the configuration of ports 26 provide a size reduction for manifold 200 when compared to manifold 20. While FIGS. 9A and 9C depict the pair of ports 26 above a single port 26, a reverse configuration with two lower ports and one upper port is also contemplated.

[0041] The outward angle of the upper distribution plenum fluid outlet ports 26 and collection plenum inlet ports 28 may vary as needed by the application. In most instances, the outward angle may range from about 8° to about 20°. More typically, the angle may range between 10° and about 15°. As depicted in FIG. 10C, the angle is about 12°.

[0042] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict alternative arrangements for retaining pipes 18 within manifolds 20 and 200. As depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B, snap rings 204 may be positioned within a portion of collection plenum inlet ports 28. As known to those skilled in the art, snap rings 204 typically engage a recess or protrusion after the pipe has been positioned within snap ring 204. As depicted in FIG. 10A, snap ring 204 engages a snap ring groove 208. Following positioning of pipe 18b, snap ring 204 expands to engage and retain pipe 18b in the desired position. Additionally, to provide the desired fluid tight connection, an O-ring 202 may be positioned around pipe 18b. When using O-ring 202, an O-ring offset or groove 206 may be included within manifold 20 or 200.

[0043] Installation of manifold 20 or 200 within heat exchange system 10 in the field includes several steps. As known to those skilled in the art, heat exchange loops 18 are placed in the ground at a predetermined depth based on the geographic location of the facility and the design of the closed-loop heat exchange system 10. The method of placing heat exchange loops 18 may be any convenient operation known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to directional boring or trenching. When using either manifold 20 or manifold 200, the end points of heat exchange loops 18, i.e. caps 19, will typically be spaced apart by about 30 feet or more. While soil conditions will determine the final depth of heat exchange loops 18, a depth of at least eight feet is typically desired. However, climates having temperatures extremes of hot or cold may require depths greater than eight feet. In some embodiments, the borehole or trench will have a depth at the midpoint of its length which is greater than the depth at either end of exchange loops 18. Thus, following installation, heat exchange loops 18 define an arc as they pass through the subsurface soil. Typically, cap 19 of heat exchange pipes 18 will be at least two feet below the surface of the ground. While the foregoing discussion describes the installation of heat exchange pipes 18, i.e. pipes 18a and 18b, installation of only pipe 18a may take place first followed by insertion of pipe 18b into 18a.

[0044] Following positioning of heat exchange pipes 18, pipes 18a and 18b are secured to manifold 20 or 200. The securement of pipes 18a and 18b will be the same regardless of the manifold used. Therefore, the following discussion will refer only to manifold 200. Each pipes 18a is trimmed to length and aligned with each port 26. Each pipes 18b is extended outward from its housing pipe 18a a distance sufficient to permit addition of coupling elements 202. Coupling elements 202 include but are not limited to O-rings. At least one coupling element 202 is included on each pipe 18b. However, additional coupling elements 202 may be used depending upon the application. When using an O-ring as coupling element 202, each pipe 18b will typically include a snap ring or other similar retention device 204. As depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B, coupling element 202 will normally be closer to collection plenum 24 than retention device 204. Following installation of coupling element 202 and retention device 204 on each pipe 18b, manifold 20 is pushed onto pipe 18b or pipe 18b is forced into manifold 20 until engagement of pipe 18b with offset 28b of collection port 28a is achieved. Thus, the O-ring, as coupling element 202, will engage O-ring offset 206 and retention device 204, in the form of a snap ring, will engage snap ring groove 208. While the sizing of O-ring offset 206 and snap ring groove 208 may vary from application to application, the configuration depicted in FIG. 10A provides outer diameters for each corresponding to the outer diameter of port 26. Therefore, O-ring offset 206 and snap ring groove 208 are not visible in FIG. 9C.

[0045] Retention of pipe 18a in offsets 26b may be achieved by any convenient configuration. One typical retention method entails the positioning of stubs 18aa in offset 26b of port 26. When using optional stubs 18aa, the proximate end of each pipe 18a may be joined to stubs 18aa using any convenient method known to those skilled in the art. One such method relies upon the use of electrofusion couplers 210. Electrofusion couplers 210 are commonly used to join sections of plastic pipe to one another. When installed as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, electrofusion couplers 210 provide a secure, water tight connection of stub 18aa to pipe 18a. Following placement of pipe 18b in offset 28b, electrofusion couplers 210 are activated in a manner well known to those skilled in the art thereby securing pipe 18a to stub 18aa.

[0046] Following connection of heat exchange pipes 18 to manifold200, outflow line 16 and return line 17 are secured to manifold 200 at primary inlet port 23 and primary outlet port 25 respectively. The closed-loop heat exchange system 10 will be pressure tested to identify any leaks. After completion of pressure testing and filling of closed-loop heat exchange system 10 with the desired heat exchange liquid, closed-loop heat exchange system 10 is ready for use. Depending on the application, manifold 20 and 200 may optionally be buried.

[0047] Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art. As such, the foregoing description merely enables and describes the general uses and methods of the present invention. Accordingly, the following claims define the true scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A manifold comprising:a distribution plenum having a first primary inlet and at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port;a collection plenum having a first primary outlet and at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port;wherein the distribution plenum and the collection plenum are integrated with one another such that the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port and the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port share the same central axis.

2. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port has a cross-sectional area and the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port has a cross-sectional area, wherein the cross-sectional area of the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port is about twice the cross-sectional area of the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port.

3. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port defines a fluid flow path and wherein at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port has an offset area which is outside of the fluid flow path, the offset area having a width.

4. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port defines a fluid flow path and wherein the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port has an offset area which is outside of the fluid flow path.

5. The manifold of claim 3, further comprising a stub pipe positioned within the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port, the stub pipe having a thickness corresponding to the width of the offset area of the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port.

6. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the distribution plenum and the collection plenum are parallel to one another and a first central passageway located in the distribution plenum is parallel to a second central passageway located in the collection plenum.

7. The manifold of claim 1, further comprising a first central passageway located in the distribution plenum and a second central passageway located in the collection plenum, wherein the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port intersects the first central passageway within the distribution plenum and the second central passageway within the collection plenum.

8. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the manifold has at least three pair of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports and collection plenum fluid inlet ports, wherein each pair of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports and collection plenum fluid inlet ports share a central axis.

9. The manifold of claim 8, wherein at least two pairs of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports and collection plenum fluid inlet ports are in a first horizontal plane and at least one pair of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports and collection plenum fluid inlet ports is above or below the first horizontal plane.

10. The manifold of claim 9, wherein the at least two pairs of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports and collection plenum fluid inlet ports and the at least one pair of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports and collection plenum fluid inlet ports positioned above or below the first horizontal plane project outward the manifold at different angles.

11. The manifold of claim 9, wherein the at least two pairs of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports and collection plenum fluid inlet ports project outward from the first primary inlet at an angle between about 8 degrees and about 20 degrees.

12. The manifold of claim 9, wherein the at least two pairs of distribution plenum fluid outlet ports and collection plenum fluid inlet ports project outward from the first primary inlet at an angle between about 10 degrees and about 15 degrees.

13. A manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system comprising:a distribution plenum having a first primary inlet and at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port;a collection plenum having a first primary outlet and at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port;wherein the distribution plenum and the collection plenum are integrated with one another such that the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port and the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port share the same central axis;a first heat exchange pipe positioned within the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port, the first heat exchange pipe having a first interior surface, a first exterior surface, a first inside diameter and a first thickness;a second heat exchange pipe positioned within the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port, the second heat exchange pipe having a second interior surface, a second exterior surface, a second inside diameter, an interior cross-sectional area and a second thickness;wherein the second heat exchange pipe passes through the first heat exchange pipe and wherein the first interior surface of the first heat exchange pipe and the second exterior surface of the second heat exchange pipe define an annulus;wherein the annulus has a cross-sectional area which is about equal to a cross-sectional area of the interior cross-sectional area of the second heat exchange pipe.

14. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 13, wherein the first heat exchange pipe has a first terminal end and the second heat exchange pipe has a second terminal end and further comprising a cap covering the first and second terminal ends, the cap providing fluid communication between the annulus and the interior cross-sectional area of the second heat exchange pipe.

15. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 13, wherein the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port defines a first fluid flow path and wherein at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port has a first offset area which is outside of the first fluid flow path, the first offset area having a width;wherein the first thickness of the first heat exchange pipe corresponds to the width of the first offset area and wherein the fluid flow path of the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port continues from the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port into the first heat exchange pipe.

16. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 13, wherein the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port defines a second fluid flow path and wherein the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port has a second offset area which is outside of the second fluid flow path;wherein the second thickness of the second heat exchange pipe corresponds to the width of the second offset area and wherein the second fluid flow path of the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port continues from the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port into the second heat exchange pipe.

17. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 13, wherein the distribution plenum and the first heat exchange pipe and the collection plenum and the second heat exchange pipe provide balanced flow through the heat exchange system.

18. A manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system comprising:a distribution plenum having a first primary inlet and at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port;a collection plenum having a first primary outlet and at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port;wherein the distribution plenum and the collection plenum are integrated with one another such that the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port and the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port share the same central axis;a first stub pipe positioned within the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port, the first stub pipe having a first interior surface, a first exterior surface, a first inside diameter and a first thickness.

19. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 18 further comprising:a second heat exchange pipe positioned within the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port, the second heat exchange pipe having a second interior surface, a second exterior surface, a second inside diameter, an interior cross-sectional area and a second thickness;wherein the second heat exchange pipe passes through the first stub pipe and wherein the first interior surface of the first heat exchange pipe and the second exterior surface of the second heat exchange pipe define an annulus;wherein the annulus has a cross-sectional area which is about equal to a cross-sectional area of the interior cross-sectional area of the second heat exchange pipe.

20. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 19, wherein the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port defines a first fluid flow path and wherein at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port has a first offset area which is outside of the first fluid flow path, the first offset area having a width;wherein the first thickness of the first stub pipe corresponds to the width of the first offset area and wherein the fluid flow path of the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port continues from the at least one distribution plenum fluid outlet port into the first stub pipe.

21. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 19, wherein the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port defines a second fluid flow path and wherein the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port has a second offset area which is outside of the second fluid flow path;wherein the second thickness of the second heat exchange pipe corresponds to the width of the second offset area and wherein the second fluid flow path of the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port continues from the at least one collection plenum fluid inlet port into the second heat exchange pipe.

22. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 19, further comprising:a first heat exchange pipe secured to the first stub pipe, the first heat exchange pipe having a third thickness, the third thickness is about equal to the first thickness of the first stub pipe;wherein the first heat exchange pipe has a first terminal end and the second heat exchange pipe has a second terminal end and further comprising a cap covering the first and second terminal ends, the cap providing fluid communication between the annulus and the interior cross-sectional area of the second heat exchange pipe.

23. The manifold and heat exchange pipes for a balanced flow heat exchange system of claim 22, wherein the distribution plenum, the first stub pipe and the first heat exchange pipe have a first volume and the collection plenum and the second heat exchange pipe have a second volume, wherein the first and second volumes are about equal.

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