Multichannel Heat Exchanger Support for Corrosion Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multichannel heat exchangers in HVAC&R systems are susceptible to corrosion when directly attached to frames made of dissimilar materials, reducing their useful life and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising a base and at least one body, retainer, and grommet that isolates the multichannel heat exchanger from the base, preventing direct contact and potential corrosion, while providing structural support and maintaining thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the multichannel heat exchanger is directly attached to the frame, then structural support is provided, but corrosion occurs due to dissimilar material contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure consisting of a base and at least one body that positions the heat exchanger away from the frame. This intermediary structure provides the necessary structural support while preventing direct contact between the heat exchanger and the frame, thereby eliminating the corrosion pathway caused by dissimilar material contact.
2Reliability
If the multichannel heat exchanger is separated from the frame, then corrosion is reduced, but structural support is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as a mediator that simultaneously provides structural support and isolation. The base and body configuration creates a stable mounting platform that bears the heat exchanger's weight and operational loads while maintaining physical separation from the frame, thus preserving both structural integrity and corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from direct one-point contact mounting to a distributed multi-point support system. By using a base with multiple contact points and at least one body providing additional support, the structure distributes loads across multiple dimensions while maintaining separation, thereby achieving both mechanical stability and corrosion protection.
3Reliability
If isolation components are added to prevent corrosion, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, preventing corrosion through isolation, and potentially facilitating thermal management. By integrating these functions into a single unified structure rather than adding separate components, the design achieves corrosion protection without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system having a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a multichannel heat exchanger connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The HVAC&R system may also have a base, a retainer and/or a grommet for providing support to the multichannel heat exchanger and/or substantially isolating the multichannel heat exchanger from the base.