Signet Systems, Inc.

Matthew T Bartlett

A heat exchanger assembly comprises a pair of header members and a plurality of heat transfer tubes passing between the headers members. The heat transfer tubes are adapted to transfer heat between fins on the exterior of the tubes and a working fluid in liquid or gaseous phase within the tubes. A pressure drop minimizing tube passes between the headers and has a cross sectional area significantly larger than the heat transfer tubes. The pressure drop minimizing tube is adapted to carry the working fluid in a gaseous phase either as an inlet, when the heat transfer assembly is utilized as a condenser, or as an outlet, when the heat transfer assembly is utilized as an evaporator. A member connects the pressure drop minimizing tube at one end to at least two of the heat transfer tubes for condensation to a liquid, when the assembly is utilized as a condenser, or transferring gaseous working fluid from the heat transfer tubes to the pressure drop minimizing tubes, when the assembly is utilized as an evaporator. A plurality of header tubes connect the heat transfer tubes to one another to carry the working fluid through the assembly. The pressure drop minimizing tube is preferably within the heat transfer tube array and within the fin pattern imposed on the heat transfer tubes.

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Lexington, KY, United States of America

Matthew T Bartlett