Air handling system and method

The patent divides the heat exchanger into multiple smaller modules arranged in a serpentine flow path configuration. This segmentation allows the air flow to be distributed across multiple smaller sections rather than forcing all air through a single large exchanger, thereby reducing the pressure drop while maintaining total cooling capacity. The serpentine arrangement creates multiple parallel flow paths that reduce resistance to air flow.

The patent employs a serpentine three-dimensional flow path arrangement that optimizes the spatial utilization of the heat exchanger. By configuring the flow path to wind through the available volume in a serpentine pattern rather than using a simple linear or cubic arrangement, the design achieves higher surface area density and more effective heat transfer per unit volume, thereby improving capacity per volume ratio.

The heat exchanger is divided into multiple smaller modular sections that can be arranged in a compact serpentine configuration. This segmentation allows for more efficient packing of heat transfer surfaces within a smaller overall volume, reducing the total material required and consequently the weight, while maintaining the required cooling capacity through optimized flow distribution across the modular sections.

The patent extends the heat transfer area by utilizing a three-dimensional serpentine flow path that winds through the heat exchanger volume rather than using a simple linear extension. This dimensional approach allows the air flow to traverse a longer path length with increased heat transfer surface area while maintaining manageable pressure drop levels, as the flow direction changes distribute the pressure loss across multiple sections rather than accumulating in a single long path.