This disclosure relates to heat pump systems that are configured to allow for reversible flow and specifically to heat pump systems that are configured to operate in environments where the environmental temperature can be on the order of freezing or lower.
A first representative embodiment of the disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes an assembly comprising a first set of tubes that are arranged in a parallel flow manner between a first manifold and a second manifold, wherein central straight portions of adjacent tubes within the first set of tubes are disposed with a space therebetween along each tube of the first set of tube between the first and second manifolds. The assembly comprises a second set of tubes that are arranged in a parallel flow manner between a third manifold and a fourth manifold, wherein central straight portions of adjacent tubes within the second set of tubes are at least partially disposed within the space between adjacent tubes of the first set of tubes. A fluid that flows through the first set of tubes additionally flows through the second set of tubes before the fluid returns to again flow through the first set of tubes.
Another representative embodiment of the disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes a heat exchange system. The heat exchange system includes a first heat exchange assembly that is configured to be disposed in an outdoor space configured for outside air to flow therethrough. The first heat exchange assembly includes a first set of tubes that are arranged in a parallel flow manner between a first manifold and a second manifold, wherein straight portions of adjacent tubes within the first set of tubes are disposed with a space therebetween along each tube of the first set of tube between the first and second manifolds. The first heat exchange assembly further comprises a second set of tubes that are arranged in a parallel flow manner from a third manifold to a fourth manifold, wherein straight portions of adjacent tubes within the second set of tubes are at least partially disposed within the space between straight portions of adjacent tubes of the first set of tubes; wherein a refrigerant that flows through the first set of tubes additionally flows through the second set of tubes before the refrigerant returns to again flow through the first set of tubes. A second heat exchanger is disposed within an interior space, wherein an inlet of the second heat exchanger receives refrigerant that has flowed through both the first set of tubes and the second set of tubes, and an outlet of the second heat exchanger directs flow through the first and second set of tubes before the flow again returns to the second heat exchanger via the inlet. A compressor is disposed in the outdoor space, and an expansion valve is provided.
Advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the disclosure that have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the disclosed subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments, and its details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
Turning now to
The heat exchange system 10 is best understood with reference to
A second heat exchanger system 50, 150 is provided and is disposed within an outdoor space 14, or a space that fully or at least partially open the outside environment. (Different types of heat exchanger systems 50, 150 are discussed in detail below, each operates in the same manner as the second heat exchanger system otherwise described herein). The outdoor space 14 is provided to allow outside air, that is not fully, or in some embodiments is not at all subject to active cooling or heating, to serve as a heat source or a heat sink (depending upon the mode of operation of the system 10) to the second heat exchange system 50, 150. The system 10 further includes a compressor 32 and an expansion valve 38, 138, which both operate to allow the continuous heat cycle between the indoor space 20 and the outdoor space 22 as is well understood in the art. In some embodiments, the compressor 32 and the expansion valve 38, 183 may be provided in the outside environment.
A first embodiment of the second heat exchanger system 50 is provided and is depicted in
In both the first and second embodiments, the plurality of first tubes 60/160 extend in the same direction and are disposed in a parallel and offset manner with respect to each other to extend from a first manifold 92 to a second manifold 94. The first tubes 60/160 are positioned with respect to each other such that the adjacent tubes within the first set of tubes establishes a space X therebetween along each tube between the first manifold 92 and the second manifold 94. Other aspects of the plurality of first tubes from each embodiment will be discussed in detail below.
In both the first and second embodiments, the plurality of second tubes 80/180 all extend in the same direction and are disposed in a parallel and offset manner with respect to each other to extend from a third manifold 96/206 to a fourth manifold 98/202. The second tubes 80/180 are positioned with respect to each other such that the adjacent tubes within the second set of tubes establishes a space Y therebetween along each tube between the third manifold 96 and the fourth manifold 98/202. A central portion 81/181 of each of the second tubes 80/180 are disposed within the space X between adjacent central portions 61/161 of adjacent first tubes 60/160. Wherein “each” tube as used herein with respect to both the first set of tubes 60/160 and the second set of tubes 80/180 is specifically defined herein to mean all of the respective tubes with the possible exception of the tube(s) 60/160 and/or tube(s) 80/180 that is the most outboard of the plurality of tubes, and establishes an outer tube within the heat exchange assembly 50/150. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that for the two tubes that establish the outer tube within the heat exchange assembly, there will be no tubes that extend adjacent to that tube on the outer side of that tube and therefore the central portion of the outer tubes do not extend within a space between adjacent tubes of the other set of tubes. The term “each” includes all tubes that extend between two tubes of the opposite sets of tubes, and to include the two tubes that establish the outer-most tube of the heating assembly 50/150, which are adjacent to the central portion of a tube from the other set of tubes.
The tubes 60/160 and 80/180 may be formed with different geometries and different cross-sections. In some embodiments, the tubes are formed with outer walls that establish a single lumen through which refrigerant flows therethrough. In other embodiments, the tubes 60/160 and 80/180 may include a plurality of parallel lumens 25, 24 (
The tubes 60/160 and 80/180 may be approximately rectangular in cross-section, with left and right side surfaces and top and bottom side surfaces. The term approximately rectangular is used herein to include exactly rectangular (with planar sides that are at right angles with respect to each other) as well as to include shapes that have left and right surfaces (162/164, 182/184—tubes from the heat exchange system 50 are similar) with projections facing in the left and right direction that are wider than the projections that face in the upper (top side surface 166, 186) and lower (bottom side surface 168, 188) directions including shapes where one, some, or all of the side surfaces may have some curvature along their width (with the remaining surfaces being planar), and the adjacent surfaces may transition from each other (such as the top to the left side surface, by way of example) with a curved transition instead of an edge, with other transitions formed with edges. In some embodiments, the central portions 61/81, 161/181 of each of the tubes are arranged such that a first plane 3000 (
The first and second plurality of tubes 60/160 and 80/180 may connect to opposite manifolds that assist with distributing the flow of refrigerant such that the first manifold reached by the refrigerant approaches the respective set of tubes allows the flow to separate to flow in parallel through each of the tubes until reaching the opposite manifold, which returns the refrigerant to a single flow to flow out of the manifold to the next portion of the refrigerant circuit. As best shown in
In some variations of one or both of the first and second embodiments 50, 150, a plurality of fins 58 (or air centers) are provided that extend from the each of the first set of tubes 60/160 along a central portion 61/161 of each of the first set of tubes. In some variations, the plurality of fins 58 may extend to make contact with (and in some embodiments may be fixed to) the adjacent second set of tubes 80/180. In some other variations of the first and second embodiments 50/150, a plurality of fins 58 are provided that extend from each of the second set of tubes 80/180 along a central portion 81/181 of each of the second set of tubes. In some variations, the plurality of fins 58 may make contact with the first set of tubes 60/160. In some embodiments, the plurality of fins 58 may be fixed to both adjacent first and second tubes 60/160, 80/180 and may be manufactured as a separate component that is fixed to the adjacent tubes, such as by brazing. The fins 58 may be in various shapes that maximize the available surface area for heat transfer from or to the fins 58 (resulting in heat transferring from or to the refrigerant flowing through the tubes) due to outside ambient air passing past the fins, either with one or more fans urging air to flow therepast, or without forced air flow. For example, the fins 58 may be a series of parallel plates that each extend approximately perpendicular to a line through each central portion of the tubes, or in other embodiments, the fins may be a plurality of X shaped fins (when viewed from above or below the central portions) with the tips of the X's contacting adjacent fins, or slightly spaced from contacting adjacent fins. The fins 58 that are adapted to be positioned between two adjacent tubes may be mechanically fixed to each other for ease of assembly and brazing.
Turning now to the first embodiment of the second heat exchanger system 50, the first set of tubes 60 each extend from the first inline manifold 92 to the second inline manifold 94, with a line between a center of the first manifold 92 extending through a tube of the first set of tubes 60. Each tube of the first set of tubes is straight, with a consistent cross-section within a central portion 61 in some embodiments and in other embodiments with a consistent cross-section along the entire length each tube 60.
The second set of tubes 80 each include a central portion 81 that is straight, and bent portions 81a, 81b on each opposite ends. The bent portions 81a, 81b make fluid connection with the opposed third and fourth manifolds 96, 98 that are off set with respect to proximate to the respective first and second inline manifolds 92, 94. In some embodiments bent portions 81a, 81b extend from the central portion 81 to engage the opposed third and fourth manifolds 96, 98 by making a bend that transitions to an orientation where the bent portions 81a, 81b connect to the respective third and fourth manifolds 96, 98 from a direction that faces with a vector component V1 that extends perpendicularly from the plane 1002 through the combined central portions 61, 81 of the first and second tubes 60, 80. In some embodiments, the bent portions also extend with a vector component V2 that is parallel to the plane 1002. In some embodiments, the bent portions 81a, 81b connect to respective manifolds in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane 1002 through the combined central portions 81, 81 of the first and second tubes 60, 80. The term substantially perpendicular is specifically defined herein to include an exact perpendicular angle, as well as angles that are 15 degrees on either side of perpendicular. The second set of tubes 80 are preferably formed with relatively gradual bends to limit the restriction to flow within the lumens 25 within the tubes that extend within the bend portions of the tubes 80.
Turning now to the second embodiment of the second heat exchanger system 150 depicted in
In some embodiments, the bent portion (which may be formed with bends, or curves or both features) 161a, 181a is oriented such that a portion the bent portion 161a, 181a, extends from the central portion 161, 181 and extends on both the right direction S and the left direction T from a line 1006 that extends through the central portion 161, 181 and is parallel the right and left side walls of each respective tube (e.g. walls 164, 162 for the first tubes and walls 184, 182 for the second tubes). Specifically as shown in
In some embodiments, the tip 161c (tubes 180 may have the same feature) of the bent portion 161a (which connects to the respective offset manifold (206, 208) extends a maximum right or left distance from the line 1006 with the bent portion 161a previously extending a maximum opposite left or right distance before reaching the tip 161c. In some embodiments, the maximum right and left distances that the bent portion travels may be substantially the same distance. Substantially the same distance is defined herein to mean the exact same distance as well as a range of plus or minus 20% of the total distance of the reference distance, inclusive of all values within the range.
The bend 161a, 181a also transitions the tube 160, 180 such that it extends in a direction that the upper walls 166, 186 face to allow the tube to contact and flow into the offset manifold 206, 208, which is positioned above the upper wall 166, 186 of the tube 160, 180. In some embodiments, one or both of the right and left extending portions 161a1, 161a2 may also include extend upwardly. Alternatively, the right and left bending portions 161a1, 161a2 may be in series with the upward bending portion such that the upward bend occurs in a different section of the tube that bends in the left and right directions.
In other embodiments, the bend may include only a left bend or a right bend (as defined above) and may include, with one of the left or right bends, an upward bend. Those of skill in the art with a thorough review of this specification will understand that the terms “right, “left,” “upward,” and “downward” relate to those directions as they occur within a given coordinate system disposed with respect to heat exchange system 50, 150, and these directional terms do not limit the actual direction that the heat exchange system is disposed when in use or when being manufactured with respect to the typical directions upon the earth or with respect to the force of gravity. For example, the heat exchange system 50, 150 may be positioned in an orientation in use or when being assembled or manufactured, such that the surface of the tubes that is designated as the “upper” surface faces downward (directly or with a vector component toward the earth) or in a complete or partial sideward direction.
An exemplary embodiment of a tube that is usable as tubes 60/80 and 160/180 is described herein, and depicted in
As to be seen from
It is to be seen from
Additionally,
According to
In other embodiments depicted in
As discussed above, the second heat exchanger assembly 50/150 is provided within a closed heat exchange system 10, which includes the second heat exchanger system 50/150 that is disposed in an outdoor environment and a first heat exchanger 300 that is disposed within an indoor environment. These two heat exchangers, in combination with a compressor 32 and an expansion valve 38 form a closed heat pump circuit. The typical operation of conventional heat pump circuits are well understood. The heat exchange system 10 can be operated with refrigerant flow in a first direction, as depicted in
With reference to
With reference to
In a preferred embodiment, the manifolds of the heat exchange system are arranged such that the flow through the first set of tubes 60/160 and the second set of tubes 80/180 is in parallel to each other when in the cooling mode. In this embodiment, the flow when in the heating mode would also be in parallel to each other. In a preferred embodiment depicted in
Accordingly, the system 10 is disposed such that the operation between heating mode and cooling mode is established due to the operation of the four way valve 42. In the cooling mode, refrigerant leaving the inner heat exchanger 300 (via port 302) first reaches the first tubes 60/160 (and specifically the second manifolds 94/204) and leaves the first tubes via the first manifolds 92/202. Flow then flows through check valve 139 (bypassing expansion valve 139) and flows into the second tubes 80/180 via the third manifold 96/206, and leaves the second tubes 80/180 via the fourth manifolds 98/206. Alternatively, the heating mode, the four way valve 42 is realigned, causing refrigerant flow in the opposite direction. Flow leaving the inner heat exchanger 300 (via port 304) first reaches the second tubes 80/180 via the fourth manifold 98/208 and leaves the second tubes 80/180 via the third manifold 96/206. Refrigerant then flows through the expansion valve 138 and then enters the first tubes 60/160 via the first manifolds 92/202, and leaves the first tubes via the second manifolds 94/204. Refrigerant then flows to the four way valve 42, where it then flows through the compressor 32, and then returns to the four way valve 42 where the flow is ported to return to the inner heat exchanger 300 via port 302. In other embodiments, the flow may be controlled by multiple isolation valves that may be piped to cause flow through the various components of the system, in the order specified above, without the use of a 4 way valve. In some embodiments, the 4 way valve (or multiple valves that collectively direct flow as directed by the four way valve, may be automated valves that are positioned properly for the desired mode of operation by a controller 5000, while in other embodiments, the valves may be manual valves that are appropriately positioned by a user to establish the desired flow paths. In embodiments where a controller 5000 is provided, the controller 5000 may operate the compressor 32 and the expansion valves 38/138 as desired for appropriate thermal output of the inner heat exchanger 300, in view of the known or expected heat load, the ambient temperature surrounding the second heat exchange assembly 50, 150 as well as other factors.
The term “about” is specifically defined herein to include a range that includes the reference value and plus or minus 5% of the reference value. The term “substantially the same” is satisfied when the width of the end surfaces of the holes are both within the above range.
While the preferred embodiments of the disclosed have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited and modifications may be made without departing from the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein.
The specification as contemplated by the applicant can be best understood with reference to the following representative paragraphs:
Representative Paragraph 1: A heat exchanger comprising:
Representative Paragraph 2: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 1, wherein the tubes within the first set of tubes each are straight along their length, and each of the tubes within the second set of tubes include a bent portion along their length.
Representative Paragraph 3: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 2, wherein the third manifold is offset from the first manifold such that a first line through a centerline of the first manifold and through a centerline of the third manifold is disposed at an acute or perpendicular angle to a second line that extends between the centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the second manifold.
Representative Paragraph 4: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 3, wherein the first line is disposed at an acute angle to the second line.
Representative Paragraph 5: The heat exchanger either of Representative Paragraphs 3 or 4, wherein the fourth manifold is offset from the second manifold such that a third line through a centerline of the second manifold and through a centerline of the fourth manifold is disposed at an acute or a perpendicular mangle to the second line that extends between the centerline of the first manifold and the centerline of the second manifold.
Representative Paragraph 6: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 5 wherein the third line is disposed at an acute angle to the second line.
Representative Paragraph 7: The heat exchanger of any one of the preceding Representative Paragraphs, wherein in a first mode of operation of the heat exchanger refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes from the first manifold to the second manifold and flows through the second set of tubes from the third manifold to the fourth manifold.
Representative Paragraph 8: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraphs 1-6, wherein in a first mode of operation of the heat exchanger refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes from the first manifold to the second manifold and flows through the second tubes from the fourth manifold to the third manifold.
Representative Paragraph 9: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraphs 1, 7, or 8, wherein each of the tubes within the first set of tubes includes the straight portion along its length and a curved portion along its length, wherein the straight portion of each of the tubes within the first set of tubes is fixed to the first manifold and the curved portion of each of the tubes within the first set of tubes is fixed to the second manifold.
Representative Paragraph 10: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 1, wherein the third manifold is offset from the first manifold such that a first line through a centerline of the first manifold and through a centerline of the third manifold is disposed at an acute or perpendicular angle to a second line that extends between the centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the fourth manifold.
Representative Paragraph 11: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 10, wherein the first line is disposed at an acute angle to the second line.
Representative Paragraph 12: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 10, wherein the second manifold is offset from the fourth manifold such that a third line through a centerline of the second manifold and through a centerline of the fourth manifold is disposed at an acute or a perpendicular mangle to the second line that extends between the centerline of the first manifold and the centerline of the fourth manifold.
Representative Paragraph 13: The heat exchanger of any one of Representative Paragraphs 9-12, wherein each of the tubes within the second set of tubes includes the straight portion along their length and a curved portion along their length, wherein the curved portion of each of the tubes within the second set of tubes is fixed to the third manifold and the straight portion of each of the tubes within the second set of tubes is fixed to the fourth manifold.
Representative Paragraph 14: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 13, wherein each of the tubes of the first set of tubes and each of the tubes within the second set of tubes are formed with the same geometry and size.
Representative Paragraph 14.1: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 13, wherein the curved portion of each of the tubes of the second set extend away from the straight portion with vector components in right and left directions that are opposite from a shape of the curved portion that extends from the straight portion in each of the tubes within the first set of tubes, wherein the right and left directions face out from the respective right and left sides of the tube along the straight portion of the respective tubes within the first and second sets of tubes.
Representative Paragraph 15: The heat exchanger of any one of Representative Paragraphs 1-14.1, wherein a plurality of fins are disposed between each tube of the first set of tubes and an adjacent tube of the second set of tubes, and wherein each fin is fixed to one or both tubes.
Representative Paragraph 16: The heat exchanger of any one of Representative Paragraphs 1-15, wherein refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes and then flows through an expansion valve before flowing through the second set of tubes.
Representative Paragraph 17: The heat exchanger of any one of Representative Paragraphs 1-16, wherein refrigerant flows past the second set of tubes and the first set of tubes in series.
Representative Paragraph 18: The heat exchanger any one of Representative Paragraphs 1-17, further comprising one or more flow control valves that direct whether refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes from the first manifold to the second manifold, or in another configuration refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes from the second manifold to the first manifold.
Representative Paragraph 19: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 18, wherein the one or more flow control valves are operated by a controller to control the mode of operation of the heat exchanger from a cooling mode when in the first mode to a heating mode when in the second mode.
Representative Paragraph 20: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 18, wherein in one mode of operation of the one or more flow control valves, refrigerant leaving the first set of tubes flows through an expansion valve before flowing through the second set of tubes.
Representative Paragraph 21: The heat exchanger of any one of Representative Paragraphs 1-20, wherein the assembly is configured to be disposed in an outdoor space that is configured for outside air to flow therethrough.
Representative Paragraph 22: The heat exchanger of any one of Representative Paragraphs 9-14, wherein the straight portion of each of the first and second sets of tubes includes top and bottom walls and right and left side walls that all are uniform along the straight portion, wherein the right and left side walls are wider than a width of the top and bottom walls, wherein a line extends through the straight portion and parallel to the right and left side walls, wherein the curved portion extends from an end of the straight portion and is shaped such that different portions of the curved portion extend away from the line in opposite right and left directions from the line.
Representative Paragraph 23: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 22, wherein the curved portion of the first set of tubes is oriented such that a first portion of the curved portion extends a maximum distance in the right direction from the line, and a second portion of the curved portion extends from the first portion about the same distance from the line in the left direction as the first portion extends in the right direction.
Representative Paragraph 24: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 23, wherein an end of the curved portion of each of the tubes that is fixed to second manifold extends at the maximum right distance from the line, and an end of the of the curved portion of each of the tubes that is fixed to the fourth manifold extends at the maximum left distance from the line.
Representative Paragraph 25: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 24, wherein the straight portions of each of the tubes are disposed within the assembly such that each straight portion is disposed at approximately the same distance from the straight portion of the adjacent tube.
Representative Paragraph 26: A heat exchange system comprising the heat exchanger of any one of Representative Paragraphs 1-25:
Representative Paragraph 27: The heat exchange system of Representative Paragraph 26, wherein the each of the tubes within the first set of tubes includes the straight portion along their length and a curved portion along their length, wherein the straight portion of each of the tubes within the first set of tubes is fixed to the first manifold and the curved portion of each of the tubes within the first set of tubes is fixed to the second manifold, and
Representative Paragraph 28: The heat exchange system of either of Representative Paragraphs 26 or 27, wherein each of the tubes of the first set of tubes and each of the tubes within the second set of tubes are formed with the same geometry and size.
Representative Paragraph 28.1: The heat exchange system of either of Representative Paragraphs 26 or 27, wherein the curved portion of each of the tubes of the second set extend away from the straight portion with vector components in right and left directions that are opposite from a shape of the curved portion that extends from the straight portion in each of the tubes within the first set of tubes, wherein the right and left directions face out from the respective right and left sides of the tube along the straight portion of the respective tubes within the first and second sets of tubes.
Representative Paragraph 29: The heat exchange system of Representative Paragraph 28, wherein the straight portions of each of tubes within the first and second sets of tubes are aligned such that the straight portion of all of the tubes are disposed with respective upper surfaces facing with a vector component toward the second and fourth manifolds such that the respective upper surfaces all extend substantially along a single first plane, and with the respective bottom surfaces facing with a vector component away from the second and fourth manifolds such that the respective bottom surfaces all extend substantially along a single second plane, which is parallel to the first plane.
Representative Paragraph 30: The heat exchange system of either of Representative Paragraphs 28 or 29, wherein the third manifold is offset from the first manifold such that a first line through a centerline of the first manifold and through a centerline of the third manifold is disposed at an acute or perpendicular angle to a second line that extends between the centerline of the first manifold and a centerline of the second manifold.
Representative Paragraph 31: The heat exchange system of any one of Representative Paragraphs 26-30, wherein the expansion valve that is disposed in the outdoor space and disposed such that in a mode where refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger assembly flows through the first and second sets of tubes before reaching the compressor, refrigerant that when initially reaches the first heat exchanger assembly flows through the first set of tubes and the first and second manifolds and then flows through the expansion valve before flowing through the second set of tubes and the third and fourth manifolds
Representative Paragraph 32: The heat exchange system of any one of Representative Paragraphs 26-30, wherein the expansion valve is first and second expansion valves, wherein a first expansion valve is disposed in a flow path between the first and second sets of tubes and between, and the second expansion valve is disposed proximate to an outlet of the second heat exchanger, wherein refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve and does not flow through the second expansion valve when the heat exchange system is operated to provide a heat input to the second heat exchanger, and wherein refrigerant flows through the second expansion valve and does not flow through the first expansion valve when the heat exchange system is operated to remove heat from the second heat exchanger.
Representative Paragraph 33: The heat exchange system of Representative Paragraph 32, wherein a first check valve is provided to establish a flow path to bypass the first expansion valve, and a second check valve is provided to establish a flow path to bypass the second expansion valve, wherein the first and second check valves are oriented such that when refrigerant flow is directed to flow through the respective first or second expansion valve the respective check valve prevents refrigerant flow past the respective check valve, and wherein when refrigerant flow is directed to flow in an opposite direction of flow through the respective first or second expansion valve the respective check valve allows refrigerant flow past the respective check valve.
Representative Paragraph 34: The heat exchange system of Representative Paragraph 31, wherein the expansion valve is fluidly connected such that an outlet of the expansion valve flows through a repositionable four way valve, wherein the repositionable four way valve has a direct refrigerant connection with the second heat exchanger.
Representative Paragraph 35: The heat exchange system of any one of Representative Paragraphs 26-34, wherein the first heat exchange assembly and the second heat exchanger are arranged such that in a first configuration the second heat exchanger operates as a condenser, and the first heat exchange assembly operates as an evaporator, and such that in a second configuration the second heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and the first heat exchange assembly operates as an condenser.
Representative Paragraph 36: A flat tube usable within a heat exchanger of any one of Representative Paragraphs 26-35 and to replace the tubes described in any one of these Representative Paragraphs, comprising a tube body delimiting at least one coolant channel for a coolant or a refrigerant, the tube body having an outer top surface and an outer bottom surface arranged opposite one another at a thickness (T) of the tube body and having two outer side surfaces arranged opposite one another at a width (W) of the tube body, the outer side surfaces connecting the outer top to the outer bottom surface, wherein the tube body has a heat exchange portion extending along an extension direction, wherein the tube body has an angled portion extending along an transverse direction that is inclined with respect to the extension direction, wherein the tube body has a bent portion connecting the heat exchange portion to the angled portion, wherein the angled portion is arranged at a distance (D) from the heat exchange portion measured in an offset direction perpendicular to both the extension and the transverse direction, wherein the bent portion has a first end region facing the heat exchange portion with a first bend counter to the offset direction, and a second end region facing the angled portion with a second bend in the offset direction.
Representative Paragraph 37: The flat tube according to Representative Paragraph 36, wherein the second bend is a twist-bend.
Representative Paragraph 38: The flat tube according to either one of Representative Paragraphs 36-37, wherein the extension direction follows a straight line.
Representative Paragraph 39: The flat tube according to any one of Representative Paragraphs 36-38, wherein the transverse direction is perpendicular to the extension direction.
Representative Paragraph 40: The flat tube according to any one of Representative Paragraphs 36-39, wherein the distance (D) at which the angled portion is arranged opposite the heat exchange portion is smaller than a minimum bending radius (R) of the second bend, wherein the minimum bending radius is determined by measurement of an inner height (H) of the bent portion.
Representative Paragraph 41: The flat tube according to Representative Paragraph 40, wherein the minimum bending radius (R) of the second bend is 3 to 6 times the tube thickness (T).
Representative Paragraph 42: The flat tube according to any one of Representative Paragraphs 36-41, wherein the tube body delimits numerous coolant channels arranged in a queue along the width (W) of the tube, wherein directly adjacent coolant channels are separated by a division wall extending along the thickness (T) of the tube body.
Representative Paragraph 43: The flat tube according to any one of the preceding Representative Paragraphs, wherein the tube body comprises a uniform metal material.
Representative Paragraph 44: The flat tube according to any one of Representative Paragraphs 36-43, wherein the first bend comprises two sub-bends, one of which is directed against and one of which is directed in the offset direction, such that the two sub-bends together cause the tube body to withdraw counter to the offset direction while distancing from the heat exchange portion in the extension direction, wherein the second bend has a minimum bending radius that is 0.70 to 0.95 times the width (W) of the tube body.
Representative Paragraph 44.1: The flat tube according to any one of Representative Paragraphs 36-44, wherein the bent portion in a view perpendicular both to the extension and to the offset direction has an S- or Z-like geometry.
Representative Paragraph 44.2: The flat tube of Representative Paragraph 44, wherein the bent portion in a view perpendicular both to the extension and the offset directions has a geometry that comprises an S or Z shape.
Representative Paragraph 45: A heat exchanger, comprising: a first manifold, a second manifold, a third manifold, and a fourth manifold; first flat tubes that extend between the first and second manifolds or the third and fourth manifolds, each of which has a tube body delimiting at least one coolant channel for a coolant or a refrigerant, the tube body having an outer top surface and an outer bottom surface arranged opposite one another at a thickness of the tube body and having two outer side surfaces arranged opposite one another at a width of the tube body, the outer side surfaces connecting the outer top to the outer bottom surface, wherein the tube body has a heat exchange portion extending along an extension direction, wherein the tube body has an angled portion extending along an transverse direction that is inclined with respect to the extension direction, wherein the tube body has a bent portion connecting the heat exchange portion to the angled portion, wherein the angled portion is arranged at a distance (D) from the heat exchange portion measured in an offset direction perpendicular to both the extension and the transverse direction, wherein the bent portion has a first end region facing the heat exchange portion with a first bend counter to the offset direction, and a second end region facing the angled portion with a second bend in the offset direction, wherein first longitudinal ends of the heat exchange portions facing away from the bent portions are received in associated first openings of the first collector and second longitudinal ends of the angled portions facing away from the bent portions are received in associated second openings of the second collector; second flat tubes, wherein first longitudinal ends of the second flat tubes are received in associated third openings of the third collector and second longitudinal ends of the second flat tubes, which are arranged opposite the first longitudinal ends, are received in associated fourth openings of the first collector; wherein the first and fourth openings are arranged spaced apart from one another.
Representative Paragraph 45.1: The heat exchanger according to Representative Paragraph 45, wherein the bent portion in a view perpendicular both to the extension and offset directions has a geometry that comprises an S or Z shape.
Representative Paragraph 45.2: The heat exchanger according to Representative Paragraph 45, wherein the first bend comprises two sub-bends, one of which is directed against and one of which is directed in the offset direction, such that the two sub-bends together cause the tube body to withdraw counter to the offset direction while distancing from the heat exchange portion in the extension direction, wherein the second bend has a minimum bending radius that is 0.70 to 0.95 times the width (W) of the tube body.
Representative Paragraph 46: The heat exchanger according to any one of Representative Paragraphs 45 or 45.2, wherein the first flat tubes and the second flat tubes (31) are arranged alternatingly along a stacking direction that corresponds to the offset direction of the first flat tubes.
Representative Paragraph 47: The heat exchanger according to Representative Paragraph 46, wherein in a view along the stacking direction, the heat exchange portions of the first flat tubes completely overlap the second flat tubes, whereas the angled portions of the first flat tubes do not.
Representative Paragraph 48: The heat exchanger according to any one of Representative Paragraphs 45-47, wherein between adjacent flat tubes an intermediate space (35) is present, in which heat transfer fins are accommodated.
Representative Paragraph 49: The heat exchanger according to any one of Representative Paragraph 45-48, wherein the second flat tubes are straight.
Representative Paragraph 50: The heat exchanger according to any one of Representative Paragraphs 45 to 45.2, wherein each of the second flat tubes has a tube body delimiting at least one coolant channel for a coolant or a refrigerant, the tube body having an outer top surface and an outer bottom surface arranged opposite one another at a thickness (T) of the tube body and having two outer side surfaces arranged opposite one another at a width (W) of the tube body, the outer side surfaces connecting the outer top to the outer bottom surface, wherein the tube body has a heat exchange portion extending along an extension direction, wherein the tube body has an angled portion extending along an transverse direction that is inclined with respect to the extension direction, wherein the tube body has a bent portion connecting the heat exchange portion to the angled portion, wherein the angled portion is arranged at a distance (D) from the heat exchange portion measured in an offset direction perpendicular to both the extension and the transverse direction, wherein the bent portion has a first end region facing the heat exchange portion with a first bend counter to the offset direction, and a second end region facing the angled portion with a second bend in the offset direction, wherein the transverse direction of the first flat tubes differs from the transverse direction of the second flat tubes.
Representative Paragraph 51: The heat exchanger of Representative Paragraph 16, wherein the assembly is configured to be disposed in an outdoor space that is configured for outside air to flow therethrough, wherein when refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes before flowing through the expansion valve the first set of tubes acts to condense the refrigerant flowing therethrough, and wherein when refrigerant flowing through the second set of tubes after flowing through the expansion valve the second set of tubes acts to evaporate the refrigerant flowing therethrough.
Representative Paragraph 52: The heat exchange system of Representative Paragraph 31, wherein the first heat exchange assembly is configured such that when refrigerant flows through the first set of tubes before flowing through the expansion valve the first set of tubes acts to condense the refrigerant flowing therethrough, and wherein when refrigerant flowing through the second set of tubes after flowing through the expansion valve the second set of tubes acts to evaporate the refrigerant flowing therethrough.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/963,526, filed on Oct. 11, 2022, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 17963526 | Oct 2022 | US |
Child | 18809690 | US |