Heatcraft Inc.

Michael E Heidenreich

Young L Bae

Roger A Loomis

Benjamin W McElwrath, Jr

An improved heat exchanger (60) includes plural relatively flat conduits (62) adapted to accommodate passage of heat transfer fluid therethrough. Each conduit (62) has inlet and outlet openings, a supply channel (100) communicating with the corresponding inlet opening to direct heat transfer fluid flowing through the corresponding inlet opening into the corresponding conduit (62), a drain channel (102) communicating with the corresponding outlet opening to direct heat transfer fluid out of the corresponding conduit (62) through the corresponding outlet opening, and plural heat transfer channels (92) communicating between the supply and drain channels (100, 102) to direct heat transfer fluid therebetween in a generally transverse direction relative to respective major axes of the supply and drain channels (100, 102). The supply and drain channels (100, 102) each have a substantially greater length and cross-sectional area than the length and cross-sectional area of each heat transfer channel (92). Heat transfer between the fluid inside the conduit (62) and an external fluid, such as air, flowing through the heat exchanger (60) occurs for the most part as heat transfer fluid flows through the heat transfer channels (92) of the conduits (62).

Heat exchanger with relatively flat fluid conduits

A heat exchanger with an improved flat-tubed design is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes plural tubes of relatively flat cross-section in parallel array. Each tube is comprised of relatively flat first and second plates in facing contact. The first plate of each tube has a plurality of first grooves extending at a first oblique angle with respect to a major axis of the corresponding tube. The second plate of each tube has a plurality of second grooves extending at a second oblique angle with respect to the major axis of the corresponding tube, such that the first and second grooves define a cross-hatched pattern of channels to accommodate flow of heat transfer fluid through the corresponding tube. The first grooves are defined by corresponding first ridges on a first major surface of the first plate and the second grooves are defined by corresponding second ridges on a second major surface of the second plate. The first and second major surfaces are in facing relationship and each of the first ridges is in contact with at least one of the second ridges. The first grooves are located above the second grooves. When the heat transfer fluid consists of fluid in both liquid and vapor states, the heavier liquid will tend to flow through the second grooves while the lighter vapor will tend to flow through the first grooves. Because the first grooves extend in a different direction from the second grooves, separation between the liquid and vapor within the tubes is enhanced.

Growing community of inventors

Grenada, MS, United States of America

Michael E Heidenreich