Abstract: The present application provides an evaporator. The evaporator may include a housing, a coil assembly mounted within the housing, and a replaceable fan module positioned within the housing. The replaceable fan module may include a fan mounted therein.

Abstract: A header (10) for a heat exchanger (1). The header (10) has an outer elongate member (20) with a curved section that has a plurality of ferrules (30) projecting inwardly. An inner elongate member (60) is adapted to mate with the outer elongate member (20). The inner elongate member (60) has first and second ends (26, 28) and a plurality of teeth (72) proximate at least one of the first and second ends (26, 22). The teeth (72) at least partially cooperate with the ferrules (30) when the outer elongate member (20) engages the inner elongate member (60). A heat exchanger (1) incorporating the two-piece headers (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exchanger of thermal energy with multiple cores and a thermal barrier. The first core (e.g. a condenser) 12 has a first fin 16. Disposed in juxtaposition with the first core 12 is a second core (e.g. a radiator) 30 that is located downstream thereof in relation to ambient air flow. The cores 12 and 30 respectfully have first and second fins 16, 34 that are connected by a thermal fuse which provides stability during assembly, but which can be degradable. Separating the first and second fins 16, 34 is a thermal break comprising a slit 50 that is formed without removal of material, thereby inhibiting the flow of heat energy across the fins between the first 12 and second 30 heat exchanger cores.

Abstract: An angled germicidal lamp is used to illuminate a coil and drain pan for optimum energy utilization. In one embodiment, a variable angled mount is used for positioning a germicidal lamp at a desired angle at the time of installation. In a second embodiment, a fixed angled mount is used for installation where the desired angle of mounting is known prior to installation. The angled germicidal lamp may be used with any coil installation, including flat, tilted and A-coils. For A-coil installations, a preformed delta plate is provided to ease installation.

Abstract: In a space cooling system having an evaporator in heat exchange relationship with a space to be cooled, a condenser external to the space, a compressor for circulating heat transfer fluid between the evaporator and condenser, an expansion valve for controlling the flow rate of heat transfer fluid through the evaporator, apparatus for automatically closing the expansion valve in response to a loss of electrical power to the system. The apparatus includes a storage capacitor for storing electrical energy when power is being supplied to the system, a voltage detector for detecting a loss of electrical power and a controller for controlling a step motor to close the expansion valve in response to a loss of system power. The capacitor automatically discharges in response to a power loss condition to supply power to the controller and step motor to enable the expansion valve to be closed. Therefore, refrigerant migration in the system, which can damage the compressor upon restart, is substantially inhibited.

Abstract: An improved defrost controller is provided for a space cooling system of the type having an evaporator in heat exchange relationship with a space to be cooled, a condenser external to the space, a compressor for circulating heat transfer fluid between the evaporator and condenser, an expansion valve located between an outlet from the condenser and an inlet to the evaporator, and a defroster operatively associated with the evaporator. The expansion valve is positionable in a plurality of positions between a fully open position and a fully closed position to maintain a desired level of superheat across the evaporator. The defrost controller monitors the expansion valve position and activates the defroster in response to the expansion valve being in a more closed position than a predetermined defrost target position.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: An improved defrost controller is provided for a space cooling system of the type having an evaporator in heat exchange relationship with a space to be cooled, a condenser external to the space, a compressor for circulating heat transfer fluid between the evaporator and condenser, an expansion valve located between an outlet from the condenser and an inlet to the evaporator, and a defroster operatively associated with the evaporator. The expansion valve is positionable in a plurality of positions between a fully open position and a fully closed position to maintain a desired level of superheat across the evaporator. The defrost controller monitors the expansion valve position and activates the defroster in response to the expansion valve being in a more closed position than a predetermined defrost target position.

Abstract: A heat exchanger fin having enhanced corrugations is provided. The corrugations define a generally sinusoidal wave pattern in a transverse direction across the fin. The fin is particularly well-suited for use in a heat exchanger, such as an evaporator or condenser, in a refrigeration system where the spacing between adjacent fins tends to be greater than in an air conditioning system. For example, when the spacing between adjacent fins is in a range from about 2 to 8 fins per inch, the height of the corrugations is greater than the fin spacing. The greater corrugation height bends the air passing between adjacent fins to a greater extent than prior art corrugated fins, thereby causing a greater volume of air to follow the contours of the corrugations and to come into contact with the surfaces of the fins to enhance heat transfer between the air and the fins. Further, the airflow upstream of the fin collars is defined by a larger vortices than in prior art corrugated fins, which further improves heat transfer.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat is provided with multiple program options respecting particular days per week and particular periods in each day for which the temperature setpoint is discretely programmable. The user may select from among four program options. The first option allows the user to select the number of programmable periods per day and to enter the temperature setpoint for each selected period separately for each day of the week. The second option allows the user to select the number of programmable periods per day and the temperature setpoint for each selected period for the days Monday through Friday separately from the days Saturday and Sunday. Further, Saturday and Sunday are also separately programmable. The third option is the same as the second option, except that the program settings for Saturday and Sunday are the same. The fourth option corresponds to each day of the week having the same program settings.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger includes plural relatively flat conduits adapted to accommodate passage of heat transfer fluid therethrough. Each conduit has inlet and outlet openings, a supply channel communicating with the corresponding inlet opening to direct heat transfer fluid flowing through the corresponding inlet opening into the corresponding conduit, a drain channel communicating with the corresponding outlet opening to direct heat transfer fluid out of the corresponding conduit through the corresponding outlet opening, and plural heat transfer channels communicating between the supply and drain channels to direct heat transfer fluid therebetween in a generally transverse direction relative to respective major axes of the supply and drain channels. The supply and drain channels each have a substantially greater cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of each heat transfer channel.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for monitoring operation of a heating and/or cooling system. The apparatus includes a programmed first processor for processing data relating to selected system operating conditions and for transmitting coded data signals indicative thereof, and a portable display module having an electrical conduit for electrically connecting the module to the first processor to provide one-way electrical communication therebetween. The module further includes a programmed second processor for processing the data signals transmitted by the first processor and a display device which is controlled by the second processor to provide a human readable indication of selected system operating conditions, including the current mode of operation of the system and any detected failure conditions. The first processor includes a memory for storing past system failure conditions. The apparatus includes a memory operable switch for inputting a signal to the first processor.

Abstract: A sheet of fin stock is lubricated by a roller coater having first and second lubricant-applying rollers adapted to engage respective opposed first and second sides of the sheet and to apply a first synthetic lubricant to both sides of the sheet as the sheet is pulled through the roller coater. The lubricated sheet is then formed into a plurality of coil fins by a conventional fin press. The first synthetic lubricant is devoid of petroleum ingredients and is water soluble. The first synthetic lubricant forms a hydrophilic coating on the fins. The fins are assembled with a plurality of hairpin tubes to form the coil. A second synthetic lubricant is introduced into each of the tubes prior to bending.

Abstract: A contoured A-coil heat exchanger is provided which enhances cooling capacity of the heat exchanger by increasing the volume rate of airflow therethrough. The two slabs of the A-coil each have discrete upper and lower sections, with the upper section of each slab having a greater number of rows of tubes than the lower section thereof, so that the lower section of each slab is narrower than the corresponding upper section. Therefore, the condensate collecting channel of a drain pan used with the heat exchanger can be made commensurately narrower because the channel need only be wide enough to accommodate the lower sections with fewer tube rows than the upper sections. The narrower channel allows the area of the drain pan central opening to be larger for a given size drain pan, thereby increasing the volume rate of airflow through the central opening and through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger coil is comprised of plural metal tubes of generally circular cross-section, plural heat transfer enhancing fins and plural relatively flat metal support plates, each of which has plural first holes and plural second holes arranged in parallel rows. The tubes are laced through the respective holes in the plates and through aligned holes in the fins such that the tubes extend generally at right angles to the respective planes of the plates and fins. In one embodiment, each plate is cut to define two discrete flexible sections and a resilient arm for flexibly coupling one of the two sections of each plate with a relatively fixed portion of the corresponding plate. The first holes, which are oversized relative to the outside diameter of the tubes laced therethrough, are formed in both the relatively fixed portion and the two flexible sections of each plate. The second holes, which are smaller in diameter than the first holes, are formed only in the two flexible sections of each plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing integrated control of a space cooling system is disclosed. The apparatus receives inputs from a plurality of temperature sensors, including a temperature sensor for measuring evaporator superheat, space temperature and compressor discharge temperature. The control apparatus incrementally adjusts the position of the cooling system expansion valve to regulate evaporator superheat and compressor discharge temperature and cycles the outdoor condenser fan on and off to raise condenser pressure in response to a low condenser pressure condition. In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a plurality of evaporators and a corresponding plurality of controllers electrically interconnected in a series loop for controlling the expansion valves and defrost heaters associated with the respective evaporators.

Abstract: The improved split resistant tubular heat transfer member of the present invention is directed to an elongated tube having a substantially circular transverse cross-section. The elongated tube hereof has an outer surface and an inner surface, and further has an outer diameter, a defined wall thickness, and an inner diameter. The tube inner surface has disposed therein a plurality of spiral grooves, defining and separating a corresponding plurality of spirally disposed fins extending from the inner diameter of the tube. The respective spirally disposed fins have an inverted substantially V-shape and have further an apex angle of approximately 28.degree.. In some such preferred embodiments the spiral grooves have a ratio of the cross-sectional area thereof to the depth thereof of approximately 0.01475 inches.

Abstract: A hot gas defrost refrigeration system has a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, an evaporator, interconnected by fluid passage means and incorporating valve means to cause refrigerant to flow sequentially through the compressor, condenser, receiver and evaporator to the compressor during the refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration system includes a superheater and defrost passage means, including valve means, connecting the evaporator outlet to the condenser inlet and connecting the condenser outlet through the superheater to the compressor inlet, bypassing the receiver. The passage means connecting the compressor outlet with the evaporator inlet includes a superheat passage in heat exchange relationship with the superheater for transferring heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor outlet to the refrigerant delivered to the compressor inlet during the defrost cycle.

Abstract: A finned tube heat exchanger having an improved flat louver fin configuration for increased heat transfer efficiency and low air pressure drop. The fins comprise generally planar sheet metal plates having a pattern of spaced apertures for receiving a group of heat exchanger tubes perpendicularly to the fin plate. Groups of louvers are formed as elongate strips extending generally in an area between adjacent tubes. The strips are selectively offset, i.e. raised or lowered from the nominal plane of the fin, so as to establish a louver pattern having flat louvers in a number of different planes each parallel to the direction of flow of air across the fin. Stiffness is provided for the fin plate by providing a slope and offset of the leading and trailing edges of the fin plate such that they are displaced in a direction parallel to the axes of the tube.