Heat Exchanger Fin with Guide Part for Defrosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers used in refrigeration systems face reduced heat exchange efficiency and prolonged defrosting times due to frost buildup when used in low-temperature environments, which impairs air conditioner heating performance.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger design incorporates a fin structure with protruding louvers and plane parts to guide air flow and facilitate defrosting water discharge, optimizing the distance between fins and the size of plane parts to enhance heat transfer and defrosting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If louvers are provided on the fin to increase heat exchange area, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the space between fins is blocked by frost and air flow passage is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The fin surface is segmented into multiple regions: flat regions for heat exchange and groove regions with protrusions for frost control. This segmentation allows different portions of the fin to serve different functions - the flat regions maximize heat transfer area while the groove regions with protrusions prevent frost from blocking air passages between fins
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fin are given different local properties: flat regions provide smooth surfaces for efficient heat exchange, while groove regions contain protrusions that create localized barriers against frost accumulation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring heat exchange efficiency in flat regions while preventing frost blocking in groove regions
2Temperature
If fins are stacked closer together to increase heat exchange area, then heat transfer performance is improved, but air flow resistance increases and defrosting becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is divided into flat regions and groove regions with protrusions. The protrusions in groove regions create air flow channels that reduce resistance, allowing fins to be stacked closer together for improved heat transfer while maintaining adequate air flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions extend in the air flow direction, creating three-dimensional air channels between fins. This dimensional addition provides air flow pathways that reduce resistance while maintaining close fin spacing for efficient heat transfer
3Temperature
If more louver structures are added to increase heat exchange area, then heat transfer is improved, but defrosting time increases due to frost accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is segmented into flat regions for heat exchange and groove regions with protrusions for frost control. The protrusions prevent frost from accumulating in air passages, reducing defrosting time while the flat regions maintain heat transfer performance
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structures with protrusions, which reduce the flat heat exchange area, actually prevent frost accumulation that would otherwise block air passages. This converts a potential loss of heat exchange area into a benefit by preventing frost-related air flow blockage and reducing defrosting requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design improves heat transfer performance and reduces defrosting time, maintaining efficient heating performance in air conditioners by preventing frost buildup and ensuring adequate air flow.
Implementation Method 1
a guide part disposed on at least one side of the plane part to guide a flow of air or discharge of defrosting water
Implementation Method 2
Heat exchangers are configured to allow a refrigerant to flow therein. Heat exchangers may cool or heat air through heat exchange with the air
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Provided is a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a refrigerant tube through which a refrigerant flows and a fin having at least two tube through holes in which the refrigerant tube is inserted. The fin includes a fin body, a plurality of louvers protruding from a surface of the fin body, a plane part defined between the plurality of louvers, the plane part having a flat surface, and a guide part disposed on at least one side of the plane part to guide a flow of air or discharge of defrosting water.