Architecturally And Thermally Improved Freeze Resistant Window Perimeter Radiator

Abstract

The present invention is a room perimeter heating/cooling radiator that utilizes low to medium temperature heat transfer fluid in a new design with an enhanced ‘primary only’ heat transfer surface having an internal spiral or helix to circulate the water around the inside of the primary surface to enhance the heat transfer, and an internal conduit that provides both freeze protection and the ability to cross connect multiple identical radiators for increased efficiency. The primary intended location is within inches of the building windows.

Description

The following application incorporates by reference and is a continuation in part (CIP) of the parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/595,382 entitled “ARCHITECTURALLY AND THERMALLY IMPROVED PERIMETER RADIATOR” filed Nov. 8, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a radiator for building heating and cooling, more specifically to a fluid media radiator designed for installation adjacent to a building window. It offers dramatic improvements in energy efficiency and appearance, and because of its location and lower temperature differential radiation, increases the usage of room perimeter space. The overarching concept is for the thermal losses or gains at the perimeter of a building (generally at the windows) to be addressed directly at their source, allowing the central heating and cooling systems to be dramatically downsized.

Perimeter room heating is well known in such systems as hot water radiators, electric registers, and forced hot air systems. However this is not the case for the cooling systems. Generally these ventilate cold air (not a fluid) through a centralized room location.

Radiators provide a combination of radiation and convection of thermal energy. These all suffer common drawbacks in that they occupy space at the floor-wall interface, and require additional room between adjacent furnishings to operate safely or at full efficiency. Additionally, they are located at some distance from the most common source of thermal loss (both hot and cold egress)—the windows. Thus, most require extreme differences between the heat transfer media (fluid or gas) and the ambient air for adequate thermal energy transfer. Since the driving force for the transfer of energy from the room heating/cooling system is a function of the differential between the surrounding air and the thermal source the most efficient system should be located as close as possible to the heat transfer ingress/egress source in the room. That would be the windows. Existing systems are near but not adjacent the windows. The present invention locates the heat transfer media at the window. In this way a lower temperature differential in the heat/cool transfer media (preferably water) located closer to the window can emit as much energy into a room as would a higher temperature differential source located further from the window.

A further problem with the prior art radiators is that in the event of an uncompensated cold ingress, the fluid transfer media can freeze, bursting the casing of the radiator and leading to disastrous flooding.

This new design and physical relocation allows the present invention to be designed for application with moderate heat transfer media temperatures thus enabling much more efficient heating/cooling systems to be installed through the use of heat pumps, heat recovery, geothermal heat pump, solar hot water, geothermal hot water, ground source heat pump, and exhaust air energy recovery coupled with water-to-water heat pump.

Henceforth, the architecturally and thermally improved perimeter radiator fulfills a long felt need in the building heating/cooling industry. This new invention utilizes and combines known and new technologies in a unique and novel configuration to overcome the aforementioned problems and accomplish this.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new heating/cooling radiator that is able to maximize room perimeter usage and provide a level of efficiency with lower energy cost compared to existing, higher differential temperature heating/cooling systems. It has many of the advantages mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new radiator which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

In accordance with the invention, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved room perimeter radiator that is capable of providing a thermal barrier between occupant and window energy loss/gain.

It is another object of the present invention to utilize a primary only heat transfer surface giving a high coefficient of heat transfer accomplished by a thin walled highly thermal conductive outer casing surrounding a spiral chambered vessel than increases the effectiveness across the primary only heat transfer surface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a radiator with an internal conduit that can serve as support for a spiral insert that resides between the conduit's exterior and the interior of the heat transfer shell.

It is another object of the present invention for the spiral insert and conduit to be constructed of flexible material to provide freeze resistance.

It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a radiator that can be coupled to an identical radiator with a cross connection of their respective inner and outer heat transfer media.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved radiator capable of cooling or heating a room by the transfer of thermal energy from or to a low pressure fluid medium.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a room perimeter heating/cooling radiator that is easily installed, compatible with a vast array of heating and cooling systems, and inexpensive to manufacture and is freeze resistant.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide for a room heating/cooling system that improves space comfort by minimizing temperature gradient within a room.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a room perimeter radiator which will not hamper the placement of room furniture.

The new radiators utilize clean linear appearance with an internally enhanced primary only, heat transfer surface. These radiators have no unsightly exterior fins and avoid the unattractive, bulky look.

The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an end perspective view of the round radiator with an end cap removed and the core support partially extended;

FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the square radiator with an end cap removed and the core support partially extended;

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of the round radiator with side fluid fittings;

FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of the round radiator with side fluid fittings;

FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of the square radiator with dual end fluid fittings;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the square radiator with dual end fluid fittings;

FIG. 7 is a fabrication layout pattern for the square internal spiral baffle core;

FIG. 8 is a fabrication layout pattern for the round internal spiral baffle core;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a square radiator with side fluid fittings installed at a window sill;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a radiator with side fluid fittings installed at a window sill;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a square radiator with end fluid fittings installed at a window sill;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a radiator with end fluid fittings installed at a window sill;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a two square radiators with side fluid fittings installed at a window sill;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a radiator with side fluid fittings installed at a window;

FIG. 15 is a side view of two square radiators with end fluid fittings coupled together and installed at a floor wall junction;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of a decorative radiator wall support clip;

FIG. 17 is a representative view of two cross flow connected radiators and their energy transfer graph;

FIG. 18 is a representative view of two conventional cross flow connected radiators, an elongated radiator and their common energy transfer graph; and

FIG. 19 is a central cross sectional view of the radiator for purposes of energy transfer discussion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above description will enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention. It also sets forth the best modes for carrying out this invention. There are numerous variations and modifications thereof that will also remain readily apparent to others skilled in the art, now that the general principles of the present invention have been disclosed.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

The present invention relates to a heating/cooling radiator that dissipates or absorbs it's thermal energy through a thin walled, finless shell of highly thermally conductive material. It has an internal helix baffle that resides inside the finless shell freely about a freeze resistant core tube. In the event that enough energy is dissipated from the energy transfer media in the shell to the surrounding air to cause the media to freeze, the warmer fluid in the insulated core tube 6 will remain in the liquid state such that the core tube 6 can elastically deform so as to accommodate the additional volume of the freezing media in the shell without splitting the shell. The internal helix baffle maintains turbulent rather than laminar flow throughout the shell to maximize media energy transfer with the shell. It is designed to be located adjacent to windows which are the source of entry for heat or cold into the building. In this way temperature compensation can be made closest to the need. This prevents large variances in room temperature and allows for heat/cold to be input to the room at a point where there exists the greatest temperature differential with the surrounding air. This large differential accommodates such a high efficiency of heat transfer, that a lower temperature heat transfer media (generally water) can accomplish what heretofore required much hotter media.

In the event of a failure of the heat source for the heat transfer fluid, the inner core tube has the ability to elastically deform (inward or outward) to accommodate the expansion of freezing fluid whether in the core tube 6 first or the shell 8 first.

While this present invention is designed for use with heat pumps, geothermal hot water, geothermal heat pumps, natural gas heated water and electrically heated water systems, the ability to use solar heated water is not precluded. The moderate water temperatures and moderate surface temperature shall allow furniture to be placed in extreme close proximity to the radiator.

Looking at FIGS. 1 and 2 the components and assembly of the round radiator 2 and the square radiator 4 can best be seen with the end caps 18 removed and the core tube 6 withdrawn and slightly extended beyond the end of the radiator's finless tubular round shell 8 or finless tubular square shell 10. Thin walled highly thermally conductive materials such as aluminum, brass, bronze steel or copper are the preferred materials for shell construction. The thickness of the shell wall is minimized and need only to be able to withstand the operating pressure of the system (which will be dictated by the setting of the system's pressure relief valve) plus the regulatory safety margin requirement. The radiator shells are thin wall hollow linear members that have a freeze resistant, insulated central core tube 6 (generally of a polymer material) and an internal helix baffle 12 or 14 that resides between the core tube 6 and the shell 8. This baffle 12 is of a one piece (unitary) fabrication and is freely supported by the core tube 6 to ensure it's correct placement and to prevent it's compression toward the distal or proximate end of the shell 8. Thus it is not physically connected with the core tube 6 although it may be affixed to or constrained by either of the end caps to prevent its rotation or excessive movement within the shell by methods well known in the industry. To prevent rotation of the baffle when energy transfer media is flowing through the radiator, a physical stop may be affixed to the internal surface of the radiator. These need only be small protrusion from the shell inner wall or the end cap inner wall.

Although discussed in round or square tubular configuration, the radiator shell, core tube and baffle may be “D” shaped. The advantage of this “D” shape is that additional freeze resistance is inherent in the configuration as there is more room for elastic deformation in the flat sides of the shell and the core tube.

For the freeze protection to work, this requires that there is a small gap between the baffle 12 and the core tube 6 to accommodate the changes in the core tube's diameter when freezing of the energy transfer media occurs. The baffles are matingly conformed to the geometry of the tubular shell in which they reside. The helical configuration of the baffles impart an internal spiral of fluid circulation (turbulent flow) around the inside of the shell. The dimensional tolerances of the helix baffle are such that the vast majority of the heat transfer fluid must undergo this turbulent flow as it traverses along the length of the shell.

The core tube 6 may be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) or copper pipe, as these have adequate thermal insulating properties, however in the preferred embodiment it is fabricated from a cross-linked high density polyethylene (HDPE). The baffles 12 in the preferred embodiment are also made from the same material as the core tube 6 so as to enable elastic deformation in the event of freezing in the shell 8. The core tube is insulated so as to minimize energy transfer between the fluid in the shell and the fluid in the core tube. In this way when radiators are connected for cross flow there will be an energy transfer as shown in FIG. 17. This results in a more even heat profile across multiple connected radiators. Additionally, this insulation prevents the fluid in the core tube 6 and the fluid in the shell 8 from freezing simultaneously and rendering the freeze protection useless. Utilizing a high thermal conductivity material for the shell 8 and a low thermal conductivity material for the core tube 6 allows the freeze protection to work.

The preferred embodiment material for the core tube 6 is a high density polyethylene that contains cross-linked bonds in the polymer structure, changing the thermoplastic to a thermoset. Cross-linking is accomplished during or after the extrusion of the tubing. Aside from it's excellent flexibility and longevity, this selection of material also works well with natural gas and petroleum products as well as water and other chemical solutions. Core tubes 6 made of this material will allow water-filled radiators to endure five or six freeze-thaw cycles without splitting as it has the property of expansion without ripping. Since there will be primarily water passing through and around the core tube 6 the high density polyethylene of the preferred embodiment has an EVOH oxygen diffusion barrier that prevents oxygen from permeating into the core tube 6. The EVOH oxygen barrier includes a thin layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) applied to the outside of the tubing during the extrusion process. EVOH is highly resistant to the passage of oxygen. Oxygen within the water is what causes rust in all the major metal components of a fluid circulating system including the boiler, circulators and valves. Using core tubes 6 with an oxygen diffusion barrier will enhance the life of the system components especially when the system is used primarily for radiant heat transfer. The core tube 6 material in the preferred embodiment meets ASTM F876 and ASTM F 877 standards. The oxygen diffusion barrier meets German DIN 4726 standard. The core tubes 6 are of a sufficient wall thickness to insulate to a high degree the fluid or gas circulating about the baffle 12 from transferring any of its heat or cold to the fluid or gas travelling down the center of the core tube 6. In the preferred embodiment (utilizing water or water glycol mixtures for the energy transfer media) this relates to a wall thickness that is between 10% and 13% of the thickness of the outside diameter of the core tube 6. If other materials capable of sufficient elastic deformation are used for the core tub 6, these wall thickness ratios may be different.

Although the high density polyethylene core tube wall thickness disclosed herein is suitable to provide the level of thermal insulation for window perimeter uses, it is also know that for other thermal energy transfer media and for operation at elevated pressures and temperatures, an additional insulation around the core tube 6 may be necessary.

Looking at FIG. 3 the assembled round radiator 2 can best be seen. The round shell 8 is sealed at its distal end 16 and proximate end 20 by round end caps 18. Heat transfer media enters and exits the round radiator 2 through inlet fitting 22 and exit fitting 24. As illustrated in FIG. 4 the fittings may be mounted on the outside surface of the round shell 8. (When this type of fitting configuration is used, both the inlet and outlet fittings generally are on the same side of the shell.) Placement of the fittings may also be on the end caps. The difference between fittings on the end of the shells and fittings on the side of the shells is driven by the particular physical installation and application at hand. Either of the round shell 8 or the square shell 10 may have either side fluid fittings or end fluid fittings.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the assembled square radiator 4 but with dual end fittings. Inlet fitting 22 and exit fitting 24 are installed on square end caps 26 as well as hollow core tube fittings 25. This inlet and exit fitting placement allows for the horizontal coupling of two or more radiators 4 with a single supply of energy transfer medium in a manner that allows for substantially similar energy transfer from each of the radiators. In this coupling the energy transfer medium enters inlet fitting 22 as well as core tube fitting 25. The majority of energy transfer in the first radiator is done by the fluid that passes through the helix baffle 12. The energy transfer media that passes through the hollow center of core support 6 retains much of its thermal energy as it traverses the length of the first radiator 4. At the junction of the two radiators, the outlet fitting 24 of the first radiator is connected to the core support fitting 25 of the second radiator and the core support fitting 25 of the first radiator is connected to the inlet fitting 22 of the second radiator. This crossover connection allows for substantially similar energy transfer along the linear length of the two coupled radiators.

Looking at FIG. 17, a representative view of two cross flow connected radiators (A and B) and their energy transfer graph, and FIG. 18, a representative view of two conventional cross flow connected radiators (D and E), an elongated radiator (C) and their common energy transfer graph, it can be seen that when utilizing a single energy transfer medium with cross flow connected radiators there is an additional energy available for release as compared to a equivalently sized radiator or series of radiators.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the fabrication and assembly layout for the square helix baffle 14 and the round helix baffle 12. The dotted fold lines 28 indicate where the physical folds must be made between the individual planar elements to form the helix units, and the cut lines 30 indicate where cuts must be made in the individual planar elements so as to allow the flow of heat transfer media when assembled into a helical configuration.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a square radiator 4 with side fluid fittings 24 installed with a simple bracket 34 adjacent to a window 32 so as to appear to be the window sill. The inlet line 36 and outlet line 38 are located in the walls 42 abutting the window 32. The window 32 is comprised of a frame 44 that retains a pane of glass 40. The radiator for this application (whether round or square) resides approximately one to three inches from the wall. Window mounted radiator units shall have an appearance similar to the window mullions or window sills. Window units are intended to offset window losses. Multiple radiators may be required if the ingress or loss of heat at the window is large. Window mounted radiators shall have estimated depth of 2 or 3 inches.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the use of a square radiator 4 that has fluid fittings installed in the end caps. These may be necessary depending upon the location of the heat transfer fluid system or because of the studding layout around the window.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depict the usage of two square radiators 4 about a large window. It can be seen that still only a single return line 38 (and supply line 36) is required. The location for the upper radiator can be field adjusted such that it aligns horizontally with any vision block of the window itself such as seams or mullions. In this way it remains visually and aesthetically unobtrusive.

When the radiators are located at a distance from the source of heat loss or heat ingress, the temperature gradient across the primary heat transfer surface (the outer wall of the radiator shell) is reduced and the efficiency is reduced. Using medium temperature water in the 90 to 130 degree F. range, may require the coupling of two or more radiators in such locations. FIG. 15 shows such a coupling. The plumbing to these units will generally be in a parallel configuration for maximum heat/cooling output although series plumbing may be used in corner configurations where it would be desirable to have the inlet and return lines in the same chases. The mechanical fasteners for attachment of the round radiator 2 or the square radiator 4 are various and well known in the industry. This style of “baseboard mount” unit shall have an appearance similar to a large wooden baseboard. Such application of radiators are intended to offset wall and modest window losses, and shall only require a depth between one and two inches. Attachment to the wall may be sliding engagement between a channel 52 on the radiator 4 and a decorative molding 50 that is nailed to the wall 42. A decorative retaining baseboard 56 may be used to secure the lower end of the radiator.

The heat transfer boundary in the radiator is at the outer surface of the shell. Compared to the prior art radiators, the surface area of the transfer boundary is larger and the log mean temperature difference at the second cross flow connected radiator jumps up (increases) back to what it was at the inlet to the first radiator. In the prior art radiators, the amount of thermal energy that is transferred per unit length of travel continues to decrease. In the preferred embodiment system, this occurs only to the midpoint of the series, cross flow connected radiators where the separate radiators are cross connected. Here the amount of energy that is transferred per unit length of travel rises to the same value it had at the inlet to the first radiator. Looking again at FIGS. 17 and 18 it can be seen that the amount of energy transferred from the different sets of connected radiators would be represented by the area under the curves on the graphs.

Looking at FIG. 19 the energy transfer of the radiator can best be seen. In the prior art the heat exchange occurs between the water A and the water B with minimal energy transfer between water B and air C and no conduit used to pass water A from one end of the radiator to the other end with minimal energy transfer. In the present improved radiator detailed herein, energy exchange occurs between water B and air 3 with minimal or no energy exchange between water A and water B and a conduit for passing water A from one end of the radiator to the other with minimal energy transfer.

The new and novel concept of this radiator is best explained in terms of it's energy impact. From thermodynamics it is known that heat transfer energy=heat transfer coefficient*surface area*temperature difference.

Energy transfer is improved in two ways. First in an improved heat transfer coefficient of thin walled extruded tube resulting from increased transfer of energy by spiraling the fluid against the inside wall, thereby extending the fluid path and simultaneously agitating the fluid. Second, heat transfer is improved by increasing the temperature difference over conventional radiators by locating the radiator directly adjacent and at the window side or sil where the largest temperature difference between the ambient air temperature and the radiator heat transfer surface exists. Currently heating radiators are usually placed in a baseboard location and radiant cooling panels are ceiling mounted. By locating the air conditioning device closer to the energy gain/loss source, the window, a greater temperature differential is achieved.

The result of this invention, combined with recent improvements in windows construction, now allow the improved radiator to satisfy all the window energy gain or loss. This results in a new HVAC airside system which provides significant fan, reheat and thermal energy savings. Fan energy is reduced because perimeter space airflow is lowered from about 2 CFM/SqFt down to 0.5 CFM/SqFt in well constructed buildings. This 75 percent reduction in airflow, translates into 75 percent reduction in perimeter served fan energy. Reheat energy is minimized as supply airflow is no longer reheated in the supply duct. Traditionally VAV terminals have minimum airflow of 0.4 CFM/SqFt in order to have adequate diffuser velocity so ceiling grille supplied warm air will get to the floor. With radiant heat, the minimum airflow is generally reduced down to 0.06 CFM/SqFt (plus 5 CFM per person) in most spaces. The third energy benefit is thermal energy advantage on spring and fall days. In mild weather, it is common for shaded windows to have energy loss, while sunny windows are having energy gain. Using a water-to-water heat pump, in combination with changeover valves at the radiators, the radiator's in cooling will offset the radiator's in heating providing outstanding energy savings. Using whole building computer energy analysis, a high efficiency 10,000 SqFt office building in Portland Oreg. would experience 29.9% reduction in fan energy, a 12.2% reduction in thermal (heat/cool) energy resulting from using radiant rather than reheat system, and the overall thermal energy savings is 26.8% when using improved radiators, water-to-water heat pumps and changeover valves.

To describe conduit application, typically a window is 3 to 5 feet wide and would be served by a pair of radiators, one mounted low to induce warming updraft against cold window, one mounted high to induce cooling downdraft against warm or sunny window. With this application the conduit is normally utilized for returning “spent” water in order that supply and return are at same end of the radiators. The pair of radiators serving a window could be installed in either series or parallel depending on window height and the capacity need of the window.

On larger windows 5 to 10 feet wide, traditional radiators have a diminished capacity. The improved radiator can be installed with a cross connection at the center, with the conduit utilized as a secondary supply path. This will provide capacity and efficiency of having two radiators installed end to end, but with each radiator piped in parallel, thereby increasing the overall capacity and efficiency.

It is known that the radiator shell may be constructed from a plethora of materials that meet the requirements of a high coefficient of heat transfer and thin wall economical construction such as aluminum, copper or other formed metals and plastics. The radiators of the present invention are intended to minimize space impact and have appearance matching traditional and contemporary building trim. While prime usage shall be mounting in close proximity to windows, a family of products including baseboard and pedestal models can incorporate the same solution concepts.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator which is the type adapted to be mounted about the inside perimeter of a room to be heated or cooled, comprising:

at least one finless, thin walled hollow tubular shell;

at least two end caps;

at least one shell inlet fitting;

at least one shell outlet fitting;

at least one core inlet fitting;

at least one core outlet fitting;

at least one freeze proof core tube; and

at least one internal spiral baffle;

wherein said shell has a proximate end and a distal end, each with one of said end caps affixed thereon, and wherein said internal spiral baffle core is freely supported by said core tube which resides in said hollow shell, and wherein said end caps are affixed at said distal end and said proximate end of said shell, and wherein said core inlet fitting and said core outlet fitting each extend from one of said end caps, said shell inlet fitting and said shell outlet fitting each extend from an outer surface of said heat exchanger.

2. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 1 wherein said shell is made from a material having a high thermal conductivity.

3. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 2 wherein said shell is made from aluminum.

4. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 2 wherein said shell is made from copper.

5. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 2 wherein said baffle is not affixed to said shell or said core tube.

6. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 2 wherein said baffle is affixed to at least one of said end caps.

7. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 1 wherein said core tube is thermally insulated and is made of high density polyethylene and has an EVOH oxygen diffusion barrier thereon.

8. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 1 further wherein an internal diameter of said baffle is larger than an external diameter of said core tube such that a special gap resides between them.

9. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 2 wherein said baffle is constrained from rotation by a stop affixed to an inside surface of said radiator.

10. A freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator which is the type adapted to be mounted about the inside perimeter of a room to be heated or cooled, comprising:

at least one finless, thin walled hollow cylindrical shell;

at least two end caps;

at least one shell inlet fitting;

at least one shell outlet fitting;

at least one core inlet fitting;

at least one core outlet fitting;

at least one insulated core tube; and

at least one internal spiral baffle;

wherein said shell has a proximate end and a distal end, each with one of said end caps affixed thereon, and wherein said internal spiral baffle core is freely supported by said core tube which resides in said hollow shell, and wherein said end caps are affixed at said distal end and said proximate end of said shell, and wherein a pair of said core and shell inlet fittings and a pair of said core and shell outlet fittings each extend from one of said end caps.

11. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 10 wherein said shell is made from a material having a high thermal conductivity.

12. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 11 wherein said shell is made from aluminum.

13. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 11 wherein said shell is made from copper.

14. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 11 wherein said baffle is not affixed to said shell or said core tube.

15. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 11 wherein said baffle is affixed to at least one of said end caps.

16. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 10 wherein said core tube is made of high density polyethylene and has an EVOH oxygen diffusion barrier thereon.

17. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 10 further wherein an internal diameter of said baffle is larger than an external diameter of said core tube such that a special gap resides between them.

18. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 11 wherein said baffle is constrained from rotation by a stop affixed to an inside surface of said radiator.

19. A freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator which is the type adapted to be mounted about the inside perimeter of a room to be heated or cooled, comprising:

at least one finless, thin walled hollow cylindrical shell made of a highly thermally conductive material;

at least two end caps;

at least one shell inlet fitting;

at least one shell outlet fitting;

at least one core inlet fitting;

at least one core outlet fitting;

at least one core tube made of a low thermally conductive material; and

at least one internal spiral baffle;

wherein said shell has a proximate end and a distal end, each with one of said end caps affixed thereon, and wherein said internal spiral baffle core is freely supported by said core tube which resides in said hollow shell, and wherein said end caps are affixed at said distal end and said proximate end of said shell, and wherein a pair of said core and shell inlet fittings and a pair of said core and shell outlet fittings each extend from one of said end caps.

20. The freeze resistant heating or cooling radiator of claim 19 wherein said material of said shell is chosen from the set of highly thermally conductive materials including aluminum, copper, brass, bronze or steel, and said material of said core tube is a polymer.