Micro-channel Heat Exchanger Side Plate Blocking Part
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional micro-channel heat exchangers, the composite material on collecting pipes melts during brazing, causing it to flow towards the side plates and weld the external fins, making it difficult to clean the solder between the fins and side plates.
Innovation Solution
The micro-channel heat exchanger incorporates a blocking part, such as a rib, groove, or through hole, on the side plates near the collecting pipes to prevent the composite material from flowing towards the middle part of the side plates, thereby reducing the likelihood of the external fins being welded to the side plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If external fins are provided on side plates during brazing, then the width of core body is maintained and inverted fins are prevented, but composite material flows to side plates and welds external fins, making cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The side plate is segmented into functional zones by adding blocking parts (ridges or protrusions) that divide the surface into a brazing area and a non-brazing area. This segmentation prevents composite material from flowing across the entire side plate surface, confining it to specific zones and preventing accumulation between external fins.
Solution Approach 2:
Blocking parts (ridges or protrusions) are introduced as intermediary structures between the composite material flow path and the external fins. These blocking parts act as barriers that intercept and redirect the composite material, preventing direct contact and welding between the solder and external fins.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If blocking parts are added to side plates to prevent composite material flow, then external fins are protected from welding, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking parts are merged with the side plate structure, forming an integrated component rather than separate additions. The blocking parts are directly formed on the side plate during manufacturing, combining the side plate's structural function with the flow-blocking function in a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The side plate is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, serving as a brazing surface, and containing flow-blocking features. The blocking parts are integrated into the side plate design, allowing the same component to perform both structural and flow control functions without requiring separate dedicated blocking structures.
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 blocking part effectively reduces the amount of composite material that flows towards the external fins during brazing, minimizing the probability of the external fins being welded to the side plates and reducing the risk of fin corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking part is capable of preventing a composite material on the collecting pipe from flowing towards a middle part of the first side plate and/or the second side plate
Implementation Method 2
during the process in which components of the micro-channel heat exchanger are brazed with the brazing furnace, composite material on the collecting pipe will be melted
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a micro-channel heat exchanger including two collecting pipes, and a plurality of flat pipes and two side plates that are arranged between the two collecting pipes, wherein the two side plates are located on two outer sides of the flat pipes and are defined as a first side plate and a second side plate respectively; fins are respectively arranged between the first side plate and the adjacent flat pipe and between the second side plate and the adjacent flat pipe; and the outer side of the first side plate and/or the second side plate is provided with a blocking part at a position close to the collecting pipe, and the blocking part can prevent composite material on the collecting pipe from flowing to a middle part of the first side plate and/or the second side plate.