Integrated Multi-Circuit Heat Exchanger for Part-Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning systems with separate heat exchangers for two circuits face inefficiencies in heat exchange capacity, particularly during part load conditions, as they do not effectively utilize the heat exchange tubes and fins to enhance performance.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring multiple circuits with alternating heat exchange tubes and fins, where the tubes are bent in shapes like L, U, or C to increase the heat exchange area, and manifolds are strategically placed to prevent air stream bypass, allowing for improved heat exchange efficiency by sharing fins between circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate heat exchangers are used for two circuits, then circuit independence is achieved, but heat exchange capacity in part load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate heat exchanger circuits into a single integrated heat exchanger unit with shared fins. The first and second heat exchange tubes are arranged alternately with shared fins, allowing both circuits to utilize the same heat exchange surface area, thereby improving heat exchange capacity while maintaining circuit independence through separate tube pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared fins serve multiple functions by being in thermal communication with both first heat exchange tubes and second heat exchange tubes. This multi-functional design allows the fins to participate in heat exchange for both circuits simultaneously, optimizing heat exchange capacity during part load conditions when one circuit may be operating at reduced capacity.
2Area of stationary object
If heat exchange tubes are bent in L, U, or C shapes, then heat exchange area increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs bent heat exchange tubes with L-shaped, U-shaped, or C-shaped configurations to increase the heat exchange area within a compact footprint. These curved arrangements allow the tubes to contact multiple fins along their length, maximizing the heat exchange surface area while maintaining manufacturability through standard tube bending processes.
3Productivity
If manifolds are placed closer to center to prevent air stream bypass, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but space for other components decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the manifolds asymmetrically closer to the center of the heat exchanger in the first direction, creating an uneven distribution of component spacing. This asymmetric placement optimizes heat exchange efficiency by preventing air stream bypass through the gaps between manifolds and fins, while the resulting compact configuration actually reduces the overall space required for the heat exchanger assembly.
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
The design enhances heat exchange capacity during part load conditions, maintains refrigerant flow rates, and allows the system to operate continuously even if one circuit fails by utilizing shared fins and optimized tube configurations.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange tubes configured to form a first circuit and second circuit
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger including heat exchange tubes... first fins... arranged alternately with the heat exchange tubes
Implementation Method 3
the heat exchanger is bent in an L shape, a U shape, or a C shape... the first end of the first heat exchange tube is bent towards a side of the heat exchanger in a third direction
Implementation Method 4
two first manifolds which are connected with and are in fluid communication with the first ends and the second ends of the first heat exchange tubes
Implementation Method 5
one of the first manifold and the second manifold on one side... is closer to a center... such that at least a portion of the one of the first manifold and the second manifold is located in a region between the other of the first manifold and the second manifold and the first fins... to hinder at least a portion of an air stream bypassed through a gap
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a heat exchanger and an air-conditioning system. The heat exchanger comprises heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tubes comprise first heat exchange tubes configured to form a first circuit, and second heat exchange tubes configured to form a second circuit. With the heat exchanger and the air-conditioning system according to the embodiments of the present invention, for example, a heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger in a part load condition is improved.