Louvered fin
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heat exchanger fins for both condenser and evaporator coils have similar constructional features, which may not optimize performance based on end-use application, particularly requiring condensate management features in evaporator coils that are not mandatory for condenser coils, affecting heat transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A louvered fin design with a unique configuration of holes forming an obtuse trapezoidal matrix and collars for enhanced condensate drainage and structural robustness, allowing refrigerant tubes to pass through, optimizing heat transfer and condensate management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If similar constructional features are used for both condenser and evaporator coil fins to streamline manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but heat transfer efficiency and performance optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator fin is designed with localized condensate management features including specific hole patterns (first, second, and third sets of holes at different offsets) and collars that create drainage pathways. These local modifications enable condensate drainage functionality only where needed in evaporator coils, without requiring changes to condenser fin designs, thus optimizing heat transfer efficiency for evaporator applications while maintaining streamlined manufacturing for condenser units.
2Reliability
If condensate management features are incorporated in evaporator coil fins, then condensate drainage performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is segmented into multiple functional zones with different hole patterns. The first set of holes, second set of holes, and third set of holes are positioned at different offsets along the longitudinal axis, creating distinct drainage pathways. Collars are added at specific locations to enhance condensate collection and drainage. This segmentation allows condensate management functionality to be integrated without requiring a complete redesign of the entire fin structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensate management features are merged with the existing fin structure by integrating hole patterns and collars directly into the fin body. This combination eliminates the need for separate condensate drainage components, reducing overall device complexity while achieving improved condensate drainage performance.
3Reliability
If a unique hole configuration forming an obtuse trapezoidal matrix is used in evaporator fins, then heat transfer coefficient is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hole configuration uses an asymmetric obtuse trapezoidal matrix pattern with the second set of holes offset at a first offset distance from the first set, and the third set offset at a second offset distance from the second set. This asymmetric arrangement creates optimized airflow and heat transfer pathways. The design accommodates standard manufacturing tolerances by using offset distances and hole diameters that can be achieved with conventional forming processes, balancing performance enhancement with manufacturing feasibility.
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 louvered fin design enhances condensate drainage and maintains a high convective heat transfer coefficient, improving the performance of evaporator coils by optimizing heat transfer and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A louvered fin design with a unique configuration of holes forming an obtuse trapezoidal matrix and collars for enhanced condensate drainage
Implementation Method 2
collars for enhanced condensate drainage
Implementation Method 3
maintains a high convective heat transfer coefficient, improving the performance of evaporator coils by optimizing heat transfer
Implementation Method 4
internal tubing for carrying refrigerant... adjacent fins are substantially parallel to each other and located apart by a predefined distance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a louvered fin including a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The surface defines a first set of holes along a first axis, a second set of holes along a second axis and offset from the first set of holes, and a third set of holes along a third axis and offset from the second set of holes. Each of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fin. A first offset distance between the second and first set of holes is greater than a second offset distance between the third and second set of holes. The second and the third set of holes define a substantially obtuse trapezoidal matrix.