Abstract: The invention involves a flat fin heat exchanger configuration 10 with a plurality of louvers 26 that are raised above the plane of the fin 16 between adjacent tube holes 19, 20 that receive tubes 14. Various alternative patterns of louvers enhance the heat transfer characteristics of the fin, and allow for the use of thinner materials to lower cost without diminishing performance. The exterior fin surface redirects air flow from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the fin. This effect directs the air flow over and in between the interrupted surfaces, thus breaking up air boundary layer around the fin. The louvers of the fin are oriented relative to the air flow in such a manner that each louver in effect creates another leading edge, thus contributing to a higher heat transfer coefficient.

Abstract: A refrigerant distribution device 10 situated in an inlet header 12 of a multiple tube heat exchanger 14 of a refrigeration system 20. The device 10 includes an inlet passage 32 that is in communication with an expansion device. Small diameter conduits 34 are disposed within the inlet header 12 and are in fluid communication with the inlet passage 32. A two-phase refrigerant fluid in the inlet passage 32 has a refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. The conduits 34 have inlet ports 40 that lie below the refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. Vapor emerging from the nozzles 34 create a homogeneous refrigerant that is uniformly delivered to the multiple tubes. The invention also includes a method for delivering a uniform distribution of a homogeneous liquid mixture of liquid and vaporous refrigerant through the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) having at least one inlet tube (12) that ducts a heat exchange fluid (14). At least some of the inlet tubes (12) are characterized by a first cross-sectional profile (16). A core (18) is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet tube (12). The core (18) has one or more rows of core tubes that also duct the fluid. At least some of the core tubes (20) are characterized by a second cross-sectional profile (22). The first cross-sectional profile (16) is different from the second cross-sectional profile (22). A first endplate assembly (26) is positioned between the at least one inlet tube (12) and the core (18). The first endplate assembly (26) has a first section (28) that defines an inlet orifice (30) that is sized to sealingly engage the first cross-sectional profile (16). A second section (32) defines an outlet orifice (34) that is sized to sealingly engage the second cross-sectional profile (22).

Abstract: A refrigerant distribution device 10 situated in an inlet header 12 of a multiple tube heat exchanger 14 of a refrigeration system 20. The device 10 includes an inlet passage 32 that is in communication with an expansion device. Small diameter nozzles 34 are disposed within the inlet header 12 and are in fluid communication with the inlet passage 32. Capillary liquid nozzles 36 also lie within the inlet header 12 and are in fluid communication with the inlet passage 32. A two-phase refrigerant fluid in the inlet passage 32 has a refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. The vapor nozzles 34 have vapor inlet ports 40 that lie above the refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. The capillary liquid nozzles 36 have liquid inlet ports 42 that lie below the refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. Vapor emerging from the vapor nozzles 34 blow onto and atomize liquid emerging from the liquid nozzle to create a homogeneous refrigerant that is uniformly delivered to the multiple tubes.

Abstract: A wound tube heat exchanger 10 article that receives a heat exchange fluid and its method of manufacture. The exchanger 10 has one or more layers 12 of a tube 14. In one embodiment, the tube surface is bare. In other embodiments, the outside tube surface is enhanced to produce turbulence. At least some of the layers 12 have an ovate oblong configuration. A pair of opposing linear runs 16,18 is connected by a pair of opposing curved sections 20,22. In some embodiments, the layers are circular, oval or rectangular with radiused corners. An elongate spacer member 24 has forwardly 26 and rearwardly 28 facing edges. Defined within those edges are engagement surfaces 30 that detachably retain the opposing linear runs 16,18.

Abstract: A refrigerant distribution device 10 situated in an inlet header 12 of a multiple tube heat exchanger 14 of a refrigeration system 20. The device 10 includes an inlet passage 32 that is in communication with an expansion device. Small diameter nozzles 34 are disposed within the inlet header 12 and are in fluid communication with the inlet passage 32. Capillary liquid nozzles 36 also lie within the inlet header 12 and are in fluid communication with the inlet passage 32. A two-phase refrigerant fluid in the inlet passage 32 has a refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. The vapor nozzles 34 have vapor inlet ports 40 that lie above the refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. The capillary liquid nozzles 36 have liquid inlet ports 42 that lie below the refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. Vapor emerging from the vapor nozzles 34 blow onto and atomize liquid emerging from the liquid nozzle to create a homogeneous refrigerant that is uniformly delivered to the multiple tubes.

Abstract: A refrigerant distribution device 10 situated in an inlet header 12 of a multiple tube heat exchanger 14 of a refrigeration system 20. The device 10 includes an inlet passage 32 that is in communication with an expansion device. Small diameter conduits 34 are disposed within the inlet header 12 and are in fluid communication with the inlet passage 32. A two-phase refrigerant fluid in the inlet passage 32 has a refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. The conduits 34 have inlet ports 40 that lie below the refrigerant liquid-vapor interface 38. Vapor emerging from the nozzles 34 create a homogeneous refrigerant that is uniformly delivered to the multiple tubes. The invention also includes a method for delivering a uniform distribution of a homogeneous liquid mixture of liquid and vaporous refrigerant through the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus 10 that has one or more tubes 12 for carrying a first heat transfer fluid, such as a refrigerant. Fins are provided in thermal communication with the tubes. Some of the fins have fin collar bases 16 that are positioned around the outside perimeters of the tubes 12. One or more bumps 20 protrude from at least some of the fin collar bases 16. The bumps disturb a second heat transfer fluid, such as air, that passes over the fins 14 and the tubes 12. Also disclosed is a method for improving the efficiency of heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus 10 that has one or more tubes 12 for carrying a first heat transfer fluid, such as a refrigerant. Fins are provided in thermal communication with the tubes. Some of the fins have fin collar bases 16 that are positioned around the outside perimeters of the tubes 12. One or more bumps 20 protrude from at least some of the fin collar bases 16. The bumps disturb a second heat transfer fluid, such as air, that passes over the fins 14 and the tubes 12. Also disclosed is a method for improving the efficiency of heat exchangers.