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: 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 fin collar having a shape that enhances flux application and brazing clad flow into the tube to fin joint to provide an improved thermal and structural bond.

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: 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: 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.