Stacked Micro-Channel Heat Exchanger With U-Shaped Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing A-type micro-channel heat exchangers fail to meet user requirements in terms of heat exchange efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
The design includes at least three heat exchange tube groups superposed along the airflow direction, connected by intermediate and end adapter portions with extrusion-formed flat adapter tubes, forming a U-shaped trajectory for improved airflow and medium interaction, enhancing heat exchange performance while maintaining compactness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat exchange tube groups are superposed along airflow direction, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies superposition of heat exchange tube groups along the airflow direction, transitioning from a single-plane arrangement to a multi-dimensional stacked configuration. This allows multiple tube groups to occupy the same projected area while maintaining sequential communication through adapter portions, thereby increasing heat exchange efficiency without proportionally increasing the device's footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter portions are integrated within the structure by nesting them between the superposed heat exchange tube groups. The adapters serve dual functions as both connection elements and structural integrators, embedding the communication pathways within the stacked arrangement rather than adding external connection components.
2Productivity
If multiple heat exchange tube groups are superposed, then heat exchange performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple discrete heat exchange tube groups that are manufactured separately and then assembled through adapter portions. Each tube group can be produced using standard extrusion and forming processes, and the modular design allows for simplified quality control and assembly compared to manufacturing a single complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter portions serve as intermediary components that facilitate the connection between superposed heat exchange tube groups. These adapters provide standardized connection interfaces and flow pathways, simplifying the assembly process and enabling modular manufacturing while maintaining the performance benefits of the superposed configuration.
3Productivity
If adapter portions are used to connect superposed tube groups, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter portions are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide flow communication between superposed tube groups, serve as structural support elements, and enable modular assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving improved heat exchange efficiency.
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 configuration allows for more effective heat exchange between cold airflow and the medium, improving heat exchanger performance and satisfying user requirements by optimizing airflow and structural design.
Implementation Method 1
at least three heat exchange tube groups (10), wherein the heat exchange tube groups are communicated in sequence, and at least two heat exchange tube groups of the at least three heat exchange tube groups are superposed mutually along a direction in which a heat exchange airflow flows
Implementation Method 2
a medium sequentially flows through each heat exchange tube group and forms a U-shaped trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger, including: at least three heat exchange tube groups, herein the heat exchange tube groups are communicated in sequence, and at least two heat exchange tube groups are superposed mutually along a direction in which a heat exchange airflow flows, a medium sequentially flows through each heat exchange tube group and forms a U-shaped trajectory; an intermediate adapter portion, herein at least two heat exchange tube groups are communicated with each other by means of the intermediate adapter portion, the intermediate adapter portion includes at least two adapters and an adapter tube communicated with the two adjacent adapters, herein the adapter is composed of a first plate and a second plate, the adapter tube is an extrusion-formed flat tube, and a width direction of the adapter tube is perpendicular to a width direction of the heat exchange tube groups.