The present invention relates to a heat exchanger that carries out heat exchange between a first refrigerant and a second refrigerant that are a low-temperature refrigerant or a high-temperature refrigerant and relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the same.
In conventional heat exchangers, there is a heat exchanger that includes a first flat tube having a plurality of through holes through which a low-temperature refrigerant flows, a second flat tube having a plurality of through holes through which a high-temperature fluid flows, first headers that are connected to the both ends of the first flat tube, and second headers that are connected to the both ends of the second flat tube. A high heat exchange performance is obtained for the heat exchanger by arranging the first flat tube and the second flat tube so that their longitudinal directions (directions of refrigerant flow) are parallel and by contact laminating the flat surfaces of the first flat tube and the second flat tube by brazing or the like (see Patent Literature 1, for example).
However, the conventional heat exchanger joins the heat transfer tubes together, and, thus, a problem is encountered in that the joining layer acts as a thermal resistance and impairs the heat exchange performance. Furthermore, voids are likely to occur in the joining layer when carrying out brazing and joining, or the like. As such, disadvantageously, the performance is further impaired.
In addition, when a material such as copper or stainless steel is used for the first flat tube and the second flat tube with the aim of improving their anti-corrosion characteristics, a problem is encountered in that the weight thereof increases.
Still further, when the headers and the heat transfer tubes are joined together and the heat transfer tubes themselves are laminated together at the same time by brazing, control needs to be carried out such that the temperature of the overall heat exchanger is uniform and a high-precision clearance control that is suitable for the brazing and joining needs to be carried out between the headers and the tubes. As such, a problem is encountered in that the manufacturing becomes complex and difficult.
Furthermore, in the case of joining metals together, a problem is encountered in that the joining of different types of metal, such as copper and aluminum, is difficult.
The present invention is addressed to solve the above described problems and a first object thereof is to obtain a heat exchanger that is configured with refrigerant passages, through which a first refrigerant or a second refrigerant passes, that have inner wall surfaces of different metals, and that has improved heat exchange performance and to obtain a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with the heat exchanger.
A second object is to obtain a heat exchanger that is easy to manufacture and to obtain a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with the heat exchanger.
A heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with the heat exchanger each include a first-refrigerant passage group including a plurality of first-refrigerant passages through which a first refrigerant flows, the first-refrigerant passages being arranged in parallel to one another and in a row;
first-refrigerant communicating holes each formed at both ends of the first-refrigerant passage group in a refrigerant flow direction so as to penetrate through the first-refrigerant passages along a row direction of the plurality of first-refrigerant passages, the first-refrigerant communicating holes each in communication with the plurality of the first-refrigerant passages; and
second-refrigerant communicating portions each formed, at both ends of the second-refrigerant passage group in a refrigerant flow direction, in a row direction of the plurality of second-refrigerant passages, the second-refrigerant communicating portions each in communication with the plurality of second-refrigerant passages. The first refrigerant flows in and flows out of the first-refrigerant communicating holes and flows through the first-refrigerant passage group, the second refrigerant flows in and flows out of the second-refrigerant communicating portions and flows through the second-refrigerant passage group, and flow directions of the first-refrigerant passage group and the second-refrigerant passage group are parallel. The first-refrigerant passage group and the second-refrigerant passage group are arranged adjacent to each other with a partition wall therebetween and exchanging heat between first refrigerant and the second refrigerant over the partition wall, and the inner wall surface of the first-refrigerant passages and that of the second-refrigerant passages are made of metal, the metal of the inner wall surface of the first-refrigerant passages and the metal of the inner wall surface of the second-refrigerant passages are different from each other.
According to the present invention, regarding the first-refrigerant passages of the main body of the heat exchanger, the first-refrigerant communicating holes are penetratingly formed as an alternative to the header pipes. As such, manufacturing is relatively easy. Furthermore, the inner wall surfaces of the first-refrigerant passages and the second-refrigerant passages are made of metal. Since both are different metals, it is easier to obtain corrosion resistance when fluids with different corrosiveness are distributed.
As shown in
Furthermore, a second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a that is made of metal different from the material of the heat transfer block 1 is inserted into each second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion hole 3b. A second refrigerant (fluorocarbon refrigerant, a natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide or a hydrocarbon, or water such as tap water, distilled water, or brine, for example) passes inside each of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a (hereinafter, referred to as second-refrigerant passages 3). Furthermore, as will be described later, after each second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a is inserted through a corresponding second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion hole 3b, the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a is joined to the inner wall surface of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion hole 3b in a close contact manner by tube expansion or brazing. Furthermore, the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a is made of metal different from the material of the heat transfer block 1 and is formed of a material that has a high thermal conductivity (aluminum alloy, copper, or stainless steel, for example). Additionally, the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a is formed by, after bending a flat plate by roll forming or the like, carrying out electric resistance welding (welding) on the joints that are the both ends of this flat plate, or, the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a is fabricated by roll forming or press forming or by extrusion molding or pultrusion molding a cylinder.
Furthermore, at the both ends of the heat transfer block 1 in the refrigerant flow direction, first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 that are each in communication with all the first-refrigerant passages 2 are each formed so as to penetrate the heat transfer block 1 in the row direction of the first-refrigerant passages 2. One end of the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 is open and is connected to a first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a so as to be in communication with the exterior, and the other end thereof is closed with a sealing material or the like.
Note that, as illustrated in
Furthermore, as illustrated in
Additionally, it has been described that one end of each first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 is open and the other end thereof is closed; however, the configuration is not limited to this, both ends thereof may be open and a first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a may be connected to each of the openings. In such a case, the first refrigerant flows into or out of the first-refrigerant connecting pipes 4a at the both ends.
Furthermore, the both ends of each second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a, which is inserted through a corresponding second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion hole 3b formed in the heat transfer block 1, are each joined by brazing or the like, along the row direction of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a, to a second-refrigerant communicating header pipe 5 that is in communication with all the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a. One end of the second-refrigerant communicating header pipe 5 is open and is in communication with the exterior and the other end thereof is closed with a sealing material or the like.
Note that, as illustrated in
Additionally, it has been described that one end of each second-refrigerant communicating header pipe 5 is open and the other end thereof is closed; however, the configuration is not limited to this, both ends thereof may be open and a second refrigerant may flow into and out of the openings of each second-refrigerant communicating header pipe 5.
Furthermore, the second-refrigerant communicating header pipe 5 corresponds to the “second-refrigerant communicating portion” of the present invention.
Referring to
The first refrigerant flows through one of the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a and into the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 corresponding thereto, passes through each of the first-refrigerant passages 2, and flows out of the other one of the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 through the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a corresponding thereto. The second refrigerant flows in through the opening of one of the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5, passes through the second-refrigerant passages 3 that are each inside a corresponding second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a, and flows out through the opening of the other one of the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5. During the above, heat exchange is carried out between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flowing counter to each other or parallel to each other, through a partition wall between the first-refrigerant passages 2 and the second-refrigerant passages 3.
The heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1 is mounted on a refrigeration cycle apparatus such as a heat pump system that uses heating energy or cooling energy.
Note that in the heat exchanger 10 illustrated in
Referring to
First, as illustrated in
Next, as illustrated in
Then, as illustrated in
After that, as illustrated in
The heat exchanger 10 is manufactured by the above manufacturing method.
With the above configuration, the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a through which the second refrigerant passes and that are made of metal that is different from that of the heat transfer block 1 are inserted inside the heat transfer block 1. Therefore, the metal of the refrigerant passages through which the first refrigerant flows and the metal of the refrigerant passages through which the second refrigerant flows are different, and it is possible to design a heat exchanger utilizing the characteristics of each metal. Furthermore, regarding the joining of metals different from each other, joining can be carried out by inserting the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a through the second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion holes 3b of the heat transfer block 1, respectively, and by carrying out tube expansion or brazing. As such, reliability can be secured. For example, a case in which the body of the heat exchanger is formed with an aluminum material with the aim of reducing weight and reducing cost is considered. When water is used as the refrigerant, corrosiveness becomes a problem since aluminum and water have poor compatibility, oxide films of aluminum peel off, and pitting corrosion or the like occurs. In this case, by using copper pipes as the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a through which water is passed as the refrigerant and by using aluminum for the heat transfer block 1, the problem of corrosiveness can be resolved and reduction of weight can be achieved. At this time, a problem such as electrolytic corrosion between aluminum and copper becomes a concern; however, if the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a are joined to the inner wall surface of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion holes 3b by tube expansion, no passage that is in contact with water and air is formed.
Furthermore, since the first-refrigerant passages 2 and the second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion holes 3b are integrally formed in the heat transfer block 1, when compared with a configuration in which a flat tube for each of the first-refrigerant passages 2 and a flat tube for each of the second-refrigerant passages 3 are formed as separate pieces and are joined by brazing, for example, thermal resistance can be reduced and heat exchange performance can be improved. Additionally, since the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a that are made of metal different from that of the heat transfer block 1 are inserted inside the heat transfer block 1, compared with a case in which the flat tube for each of the first-refrigerant passages 2 and the flat tube for each of the second-refrigerant passages 3 are formed as separate pieces and are joined by brazing, the contact area between the different metals can be increased and thermal resistance at the portions in contact can be reduced.
Still further, as for the first-refrigerant passages 2 of the heat transfer block 1, the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 are formed so as to penetrate the heat transfer block 1 as an alternative to the header pipes. Because of this, manufacturing is relatively easy.
Note that as shown if
A configuration and an operation of a heat exchanger 10a according to Embodiment 2 that are different from those of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.
(Configuration of Heat Exchanger 10a)
As illustrated in
Note that while the first-refrigerant passages 2 are of a two-row configuration, the configuration is not limited to this configuration, and the heat exchanger may be formed with three or more rows. When improving the heat exchange performance or when reducing pressure loss by increasing the passage area, the number of rows may be changed accordingly.
In addition to the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, since the first-refrigerant passages 2 that are formed in plural rows are integrated by the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 that are single through holes, the above described configuration allows the number of through holes to be reduced. Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the heat exchanger 10a can be simplified.
Furthermore, by integrating the first-refrigerant passages 2 that are formed in plural rows with the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 each of them is a single through hole, the distance between the rows of the first-refrigerant passages 2 can be made closer. Accordingly, the heat exchanger 10a can be made more compact.
Note that, as illustrated in
A configuration and an operation of a heat exchanger 10b according to Embodiment 3 that are different from those of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.
(Configuration of Heat Exchanger 10b)
As illustrated in
Note that, as illustrated in
Furthermore, in the row direction of the plurality of first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 formed at each of the both ends of the heat transfer block 1 in the refrigerant flow direction, first-refrigerant collecting holes 6 that are each in communication with the plurality of first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 are each formed so as to penetrate the heat transfer block 1 in the corresponding column direction of the plurality of first-refrigerant communicating holes 4. One end of the first-refrigerant collecting hole 6 is open and is connected to the corresponding first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a so as to be in communication with the exterior, and the other end thereof is closed with a sealing material or the like.
Note that, as illustrated in
Furthermore, as illustrated in
Additionally, it has been described that one end of each first-refrigerant collecting hole 6 is open and the other end thereof is closed; however, the configuration is not limited to this, both ends thereof may be open and the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a may be connected to each of the openings. In such a case, the first refrigerant flows into or out of the respective one of the both ends of the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a.
Furthermore, the first-refrigerant collecting hole 6 corresponds to the “first collecting portion” of the present invention.
Furthermore, along a column direction of the plurality of second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 formed at each of the both ends of each second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a, second-refrigerant collecting header pipes 7, which are in communication with the plurality of second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5, are each joined by brazing or the like. One end of the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 is open and is in communication with the exterior and the other end thereof is closed with a sealing material or the like.
Note that, as illustrated in
Additionally, it has been described that one end of each second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 is open and the other end thereof is closed; however, the configuration is not limited to this, both ends thereof may be open and a second refrigerant may flow into and out of the openings of each second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7.
Furthermore, the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 corresponds to the “second collecting portion” of the present invention.
In addition, the method of manufacturing the heat exchanger 10b is in conformity to that of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1.
(Heat Exchange Operation of Heat Exchanger 10b)
Referring to
The first refrigerant flows into the first-refrigerant collecting hole 6 through the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a at one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1 and flows into each of the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 that is in communication with this first-refrigerant collecting hole 6. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 passes through the first-refrigerant passages 2 and flows into the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 at the other end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 is integrated by the first-refrigerant collecting hole 6 and flows out of the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a.
Meanwhile, the second refrigerant flows in from the opening of the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 at one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1 and flows into each of the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 that is in communication with this second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7. The second refrigerant that has flowed into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 passes through the second-refrigerant passages 3 in the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a and flows into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 at the other end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1. The second refrigerant that has flowed into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 is integrated by the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 and flows out of the opening of the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7.
During the above, heat exchange is carried out between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flowing counter to each other or parallel to each other, through a partition wall between the first-refrigerant passages 2 and the second-refrigerant passages 3.
In addition to the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, in a case in which each of the refrigerant passages is formed in plural rows, since the plural rows are formed integrally, when compared with a case in which each of the rows is formed as separate pieces and are joined together, the above configuration allows the thermal resistance to be reduced and the heat exchange performance to be improved.
Note that the first-refrigerant collecting holes 6 and the second-refrigerant collecting header pipes 7 are all formed on the same side (right side in
A configuration and an operation of a heat exchanger 10c according to Embodiment 4 that are different from those of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.
(Configuration of Heat Exchanger 10c)
As illustrated in
Note that, as illustrated in
Furthermore, as a heat transfer block 1 is stacked, a first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a that is in communication with the plurality of first-refrigerant connecting pipes 4a, in other words, a first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a that is in communication with the respective ones of the plurality of first-refrigerant communicating holes 4, is joined by brazing or the like along the row direction of the plurality of first-refrigerant connecting pipes 4a connected at each of the both ends of the heat transfer block 1 in the refrigerant flow direction. One end of the first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a is open and is in communication with the exterior and the other end thereof is closed with a sealing material or the like.
Note that, as illustrated in
Additionally, it has been described that one end of each first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a is open and the other end thereof is closed; however, the configuration is not limited to this, both ends thereof may be open and a first refrigerant may flow into and out of the openings of each first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a.
Furthermore, the first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a corresponds to the “first collecting portion” of the present invention.
Furthermore, along the row direction of the plurality of second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 formed at each of the both ends of each second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a, second-refrigerant collecting header pipes 7, which are in communication with the plurality of second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5, are each joined by brazing or the like. One end of the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 is open and is in communication with the exterior and the other end thereof is closed with a sealing material or the like.
Note that, as illustrated in
Additionally, it has been described that one end of each second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 is open and the other end thereof is closed; however, the configuration is not limited to this, both ends thereof may be open and a second refrigerant may flow into and out of the openings of each second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7.
In addition, the method of manufacturing the heat exchanger 10c is in conformity to that of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1.
(Heat Exchange Operation of Heat Exchanger 10c)
Referring to
The first refrigerant flows in from the opening of the first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a at one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1 and flows into each of the first-refrigerant connecting pipes 4a and first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 that are in communication with this first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 passes through the first-refrigerant passages 2 and flows into the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 at the other end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 is integrated by the first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a through the first-refrigerant connecting pipes 4a and flows out of the opening of the first-refrigerant collecting header pipe 6a.
Meanwhile, the second refrigerant flows in from the opening of the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 at one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1 and flows into each of the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 that is in communication with this second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7. The second refrigerant that has flowed into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 passes through the second-refrigerant passages 3 in the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a and flows into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 at the other end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1. The second refrigerant that has flowed into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 is integrated by the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 and flows out of the opening of the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7.
During the above, heat exchange is carried out between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flowing counter to each other or parallel to each other, through a partition wall between the first-refrigerant passages 2 and the second-refrigerant passages 3.
In addition to the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, since the above configuration allows the heat transfer block 1 including a row of the first-refrigerant passages 2 that are formed so as to penetrate the heat transfer block 1 and a row of second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion holes 3b that are formed so as to penetrate the heat transfer block 1 to be modularized and since the number of modules may be determined and stacked on the basis of the heat exchange performance required in the heat exchanger 10c, the heat exchanger can be manufactured in accordance with the heat exchange performance in a simple manner.
Note that, in planar view of the heat exchanger 10c illustrated in
A configuration and an operation of a heat exchanger 10d according to Embodiment 5 that are different from those of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.
(Configuration of Heat Exchanger 10d)
As illustrated in
Note that, as illustrated in
Furthermore, as illustrated in
Furthermore, as illustrated in
Note that, as illustrated in
Furthermore, as illustrated in
In addition, the method of manufacturing the heat exchanger 10d is in conformity to that of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1.
(Heat Exchange Operation of Heat Exchanger 10d)
Referring to
The first refrigerant flows into the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole inflow-outflow portion 4ba through the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a at one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat exchanger 10d, passes through the first-refrigerant passages 2, and flows into the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole turn-back portion 4bb at the other end. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole turn-back portion 4bb at the other end passes through the first-refrigerant passages 2 again and flows into the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole turn-back portion 4bb at the one end. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole turn-back portion 4bb at the one end passes through the first-refrigerant passages 2 again, flows into the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole inflow-outflow portion 4ba at the other end, and flows to the outside from the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a.
The second refrigerant flows in through the opening of the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe inflow-outflow 5ba at one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat exchanger 10d, flows through the second-refrigerant passages 3, and flows into the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe turn-back portion 5bb at the other end. The second refrigerant that has flowed into the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe turn-back portion 5bb at the other end passes through the second-refrigerant passages 3 again, and flows into the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe turn-back portion 5bb at the one end. The second refrigerant that has flowed into the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe turn-back portion 5bb at the one end passes through the second-refrigerant passages 3 again, flows into the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe inflow-outflow 5ba at the other end, and flows out of the opening of the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe inflow-outflow 5ba.
During the above, heat exchange is carried out between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flowing counter to each other or parallel to each other, through a partition wall between the first-refrigerant passages 2 and the second-refrigerant passages 3.
Note that the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole inflow-outflow portion 4ba through which the first refrigerant flows in corresponds to the “first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole inflow portion,” and the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole inflow-outflow portion 4ba through which the first refrigerant flows out corresponds to the “first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole outflow portion” of the present invention. Furthermore, the first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole turn-back portion 4bb corresponds to the “first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole turn-back portion” of the invention. Additionally, the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe inflow-outflow 5ba through which the second refrigerant flows in corresponds to the “second-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-portion inflow portion,” and the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe inflow-outflow 5ba through which the second refrigerant flows out corresponds to the “second-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-portion outflow portion” of the present invention. Furthermore, the second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe turn-back portion 5bb corresponds to the “second-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-portion turn-back portion” of the invention.
In addition to the advantageous effects of Embodiment 1, in a case in which the passage cross-sectional area is made smaller and the refrigerant flow passage is made longer in order to maximize the heat exchange performance in accordance with the operating condition and the physical property of the refrigerant, in the above configuration, since the refrigerant flow passage can be formed to be turned back inside, the size of the heat exchanger 10d can be suppressed while the heat exchange performance is maximized.
Note that, in the heat exchanger 10d according to Embodiment 5, it has been described that, regarding the flow operations of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, the flow of the refrigerants are both turned back; however, the configuration is not limited to the above configuration, and the configuration may be such that one of the refrigerant flows is turned back and the other refrigerant flow is linear in a similar manner to Embodiment 1. In such a case, a selection of which refrigerant is to have its flow turned back may be made in accordance with the operating condition and the physical property of each refrigerant of the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger has a high heat transfer performance and little pressure loss and so that the heat exchanger is ideal.
Furthermore, each first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole inflow-outflow portion 4ba and the corresponding first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole turn-back portion 4bb of the heat exchanger 10d corresponds to a divided first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1; however, the number of division is not limited to two as illustrated in
Furthermore, the configuration of turning back the refrigerant flow passage as in the heat exchanger 10d according to Embodiment 5 is also applicable to Embodiment 2 to Embodiment 4.
A configuration and an operation of a heat exchanger 10e according to Embodiment 6 that are different from those of the heat exchanger 10b according to Embodiment 3 will be mainly described.
(Configuration of Heat Exchanger 10e)
As illustrated in
Specifically, the heat exchanger 10e illustrated in
Note that, as illustrated in
Furthermore, as illustrated in
In addition, the method of manufacturing the heat exchanger 10e is in conformity to that of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1.
(Heat Exchange Operation of Heat Exchanger 10e)
Referring to
The first refrigerant flows into the first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole inflow-outflow portion 6ba through the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a at one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1 and flows into each of the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 that is in communication with this first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole inflow-outflow portion 6ba. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 passes through the first-refrigerant passage 2 that is in communication with this first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 and flows into the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 at the other end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1. The first refrigerant that has flowed into this first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 flows through this first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole turn-back portion 6bb that is in communication with the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4, and flows into another first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 that is in communication with the first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole turn-back portion 6bb. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the another first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 passes through the first-refrigerant passage 2 that is in communication with this first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 and flows into the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 at the one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1. The first refrigerant that has flowed into this first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 flows through this first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole turn-back portion 6bb that is in communication with the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4, and flows into another first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 that is in communication with the first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole turn-back portion 6bb. The first refrigerant that has flowed into the another first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 passes through the first-refrigerant passage 2 that is in communication with this first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 and flows into the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 at the other end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1. The first refrigerant that has flowed into this first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 flows through the first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole inflow-outflow portion 6ba that is in communication with the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4, and flows out of the first-refrigerant connecting pipe 4a that is connected to the first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole inflow-outflow portion 6ba.
Meanwhile, the second refrigerant flows in from the opening of the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 at one end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1 and flows into each of the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 that is in communication with this second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7. The second refrigerant that has flowed into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 passes through the second-refrigerant passages 3 in the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a and flows into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 at the other end of the refrigerant flow direction of the heat transfer block 1. The second refrigerant that has flowed into the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 is integrated by the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7 and flows out of the opening of the second-refrigerant collecting header pipe 7.
During the above, heat exchange is carried out between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flowing counter to each other or parallel to each other, through a partition wall between the first-refrigerant passages 2 and the second-refrigerant passages 3.
Note that the first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole inflow-outflow portion 6ba through which the first refrigerant flows in corresponds to the “first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-portion inflow portion” of the present invention, and the first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole inflow-outflow portion 6ba through which the first refrigerant flows out corresponds to the “first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-portion outflow portion” of the present invention. Furthermore, the first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole turn-back portion 6bb corresponds to the “first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-portion turn-back portion” of the invention.
In addition to the advantageous effects of Embodiment 3, in a case in which the passage cross-sectional area is made smaller and the refrigerant flow passage is made longer in order to maximize the heat exchange performance in accordance with the operating condition and the physical property of the refrigerant, in the above configuration, since the refrigerant flow passage can be formed to be turned back inside, the size of the heat exchanger 10e can be suppressed while the heat exchange performance is maximized.
Note that each first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole inflow-outflow portion 6ba and the corresponding first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole turn-back portion 6bb of the heat exchanger 10e corresponds to a divided first-refrigerant collecting hole 6 of the heat exchanger 10b according to Embodiment 3; however, the number of division is not limited to two as illustrated in
Furthermore, in
Furthermore, the configuration of turning back the refrigerant flow passage as in the heat exchanger 10e according to Embodiment 6 is also applicable to Embodiment 4.
A configuration and an operation of a heat exchanger 10f according to Embodiment 7 that are different from those of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.
(Configuration of Heat Exchanger 10f)
As illustrated in
Note that, as illustrated in
Furthermore, as illustrated in
Additionally, it has been described that one end of each second-refrigerant communicating hole 5c is open and the other end thereof is closed; however, the arrangement is not limited to this, both ends thereof may be open and the second-refrigerant connecting pipe 5a may be connected to each of the openings. In such a case, the second refrigerant flows into or out of the respective one of the both ends of the second-refrigerant connecting pipe 5.
Furthermore, the second-refrigerant communicating hole 5c corresponds to the “second-refrigerant communicating portion” of the present invention.
Furthermore, the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 and the second-refrigerant communicating holes 5c are formed so as to be off-set slightly in the refrigerant flow direction of the first-refrigerant passages 2 (or the second-refrigerant passages 3).
In addition, the method of manufacturing the heat exchanger 10f is in conformity to that of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1.
Referring to
The first refrigerant flows into the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 through one of the first-refrigerant connecting pipes 4a, passes through each of the first-refrigerant passages 2, and flows out of the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 through the other one of the first-refrigerant connecting pipes 4a. The second refrigerant flows into the second-refrigerant communicating hole 5c through one of the second-refrigerant connecting pipes 5a, passes through each of the second-refrigerant passages 3 in the corresponding second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a, and flows out of the second-refrigerant connecting pipe 5a through the other one of the second-refrigerant communicating holes 5c. During the above, heat exchange is carried out between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flowing counter to each other or parallel to each other, through a partition wall between the first-refrigerant passages 2 and the second-refrigerant passages 3.
With the above configuration, similar to the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4, the second-refrigerant communicating holes 5c are provided inside the main body of the heat exchanger 10f. As such, there is no need to provide header pipes for connecting the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a; accordingly, the heat exchanger 10f can be made more compact and the manufacturing process can be simplified.
Furthermore, the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 and the second-refrigerant communicating holes 5c are formed so as to be off-set slightly in the refrigerant flow direction of the first-refrigerant passages 2 (or the second-refrigerant passages 3). As such, compared with a case with no off-set, the distance between the adjacent first-refrigerant passage 2 and second-refrigerant passage 3 can be shorter; accordingly, the heat exchanger 10f can be made more compact.
Note that the configuration of the heat exchanger 10f according to Embodiment 7 is also applicable to Embodiment 2 to Embodiment 6.
a) shows first-refrigerant passages 2 each made to have a rectangular cross-sectional passage,
Each of the above passage shapes of the first-refrigerant passages 2 in cross-section illustrated in
As configured above, by appropriately selecting the cross-sectional shape of the first-refrigerant passages 2 in accordance with the physical property of the first refrigerant, the heat transfer performance of the first refrigerant can be promoted, the pressure loss can be reduced, and the heat exchange performance can be improved.
Note that the passage shapes of the first-refrigerant passages 2 in cross-section illustrated in
a) shows a case in which the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a are circular tubes and in which the second-refrigerant passages 3 are each made to have a circular shape, and
Each of the above cross-sectional shapes of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a and the passage shapes of the second-refrigerant passages 3 in cross section that are illustrated in
As configured above, by appropriately selecting the cross-sectional shape of each of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a and second-refrigerant passages 3 in accordance with the physical property of the second refrigerant, the heat transfer performance of the second refrigerant can be promoted, the pressure loss can be reduced, and the heat exchange performance can be improved.
Note that the cross-sectional shapes of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a and the passage shapes of the second-refrigerant passages 3 in cross section that are illustrated in
Furthermore, the variations in the cross-sectional shapes of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a and that of the passage shapes of the second-refrigerant passages 3 in cross section that are illustrated in
a) illustrates a state in which the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 of the heat exchanger 10f is formed so as to penetrate the heat transfer block 1 by machine work in the row direction of each of the first-refrigerant passages 2 so as to be in communication with each of the first-refrigerant passages 2. This has a similar mode to the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4 illustrated in Embodiment 7 (same applies to other embodiments, that is, Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 6).
Meanwhile,
By forming first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 with the above mode, communicating holes can be formed inside the heat exchanger 10f without providing a header pipe for connecting the first-refrigerant passages 2; accordingly, the heat exchanger 10f can be made more compact.
Furthermore, compared with drilling, machining the first-refrigerant communicating holes 4 into a cutout shape allows the manufacturing to be simplified.
Note that not only the first-refrigerant communicating hole 4, the second-refrigerant communicating hole 5c illustrated in
Each of the heat exchangers according to Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 10 described above is mounted on refrigeration cycle apparatuses such as, heat pump systems, air-conditioning apparatuses, hot water devices and refrigeration apparatuses. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 11 will be described with a heat pump system mounted with the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1, as an example.
The heat pump system illustrated in
As for the heat pump system illustrated in
In the first-refrigerant circuit, the first refrigerant in a gaseous state is compressed by the compressor 31 and is discharged as a high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant. This high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 10 and is condensed while transferring heat to water serving as the second refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant is expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve 33, turns into a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, and flows into the outdoor-unit heat exchanger 34. The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor-unit heat exchanger 34 exchanges heat with the air sent by the fan 39 and is evaporated, turns into a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant, and is drawn into the compressor 31 again and is compressed.
In the second-refrigerant circuit, water serving as the second refrigerant that has been heated by the first refrigerant in the heat exchanger 10 is sent to the use side heat exchanger 35 by the pump 36. The water that has been sent to the use side heat exchanger 35 transfers heat to the outside. Here, the use side heat exchanger 35 is applied to a radiator or a floor heating heater, for example, and is used as a heating system.
Here, when water is used as the second refrigerant as in Embodiment 11, it is desirable to form the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tubes 3a and the second-refrigerant communicating header pipes 5 with a corrosion resistant material such as copper.
The heat pump system illustrated in
As described above, heating or supply of hot water is carried out by the use side heat exchanger 35 while the fist-refrigerant circuit serves as a heat source; accordingly, compared to conventional system having a boiler as its heat source, higher energy saving effect can be enjoyed.
The heat pump system illustrated in
As for the heat pump system illustrated in
In the first-refrigerant circuit, the first refrigerant in a gaseous state is compressed by the compressor 31 and is discharged as a high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant. This high-temperature high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the outdoor-unit heat exchanger 34, rejects heat by exchanging heat with air sent from the fan 39, and is condensed. The condensed refrigerant is expanded and decompressed by the expansion valve 33, turns into a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, and flows into the heat exchanger 10. The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the heat exchanger 10 receives heat from water serving as the second refrigerant while being evaporated, turns into a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant, and is drawn into the compressor 31 again and is compressed.
In the second-refrigerant circuit, water serving as the second refrigerant that has been cooled by the first refrigerant in the heat exchanger 10 is sent to the use side heat exchanger 35 by the pump 36. Here, the use side heat exchanger 35 is used as a cooling system by applying the use side heat exchanger 35 as an air heat exchanger or is used as a radiation cooling system by applying the use side heat exchanger 35 to a cold water panel.
The first-refrigerant circuit of the heat pump system illustrated in
The heat pump systems illustrated in
Regarding the heat pump system illustrated in
Note that in Embodiment 11, R410A is used as the first refrigerant and water is used as the second refrigerant; however, the refrigerants are not limited to these refrigerants. That is, as the first fluid, another fluorocarbon refrigerant or a natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, a hydrocarbon, or the like, for example, may be employed, and as the second refrigerant, a fluorocarbon refrigerant, a natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, a hydrocarbon, or the like, or water such as tap water, distilled water, or brine, for example, may be employed.
As illustrated in
By forming the saw-tooth-shaped grooves 103 with the above mode, when each second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a is expanded and is fixed in a close contact manner to the corresponding second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion hole 3b, the contact area can be increased.
Note that the grooves may be provided on the outer surface of each second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a or on both sides thereof. Furthermore, the grooves are not limited to a saw-tooth shape and may be a rough surface with a large surface roughness. Furthermore, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
With the configuration having the above mode, a space for disposing a brazing material 111 can be secured when brazing is carried out and, thus, brazing workability is improved.
Note that the brazing-material installation groove 110 may be formed in any position in the circumferential direction of the second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion hole 3b; however, if the brazing-material installation groove 110 is provided between the first-refrigerant passage 2 and the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a, thermal resistance will increase due to thermal conductivity. Accordingly, it is preferable that the brazing-material installation groove 110 is provided at a position that is away from the portion between the first-refrigerant passage 2 and the second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube 3a. With this, the heat exchange performance can be improved.
Furthermore, the mode of the heat exchanger of Embodiment 13 may be applied to the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 12.
1 heat transfer block; 2 first-refrigerant passage; 2a inner groove; 3 second-refrigerant passage; 3a second-refrigerant heat-transfer tube; 3b second-refrigerant heat-transfer-tube insertion hole; 3c inner groove; 4 first-refrigerant communicating hole; 4a first-refrigerant connecting pipe; 4ba first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole inflow-outflow portion; 4bb first-refrigerant dividing-and-communicating-hole turn-back portion; 5 second-refrigerant communicating header pipe; 5a second-refrigerant connecting pipe; 5ba second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe inflow-outflow portion; 5bb second-refrigerant dividing header-pipe turn-back portion; 5c second-refrigerant communicating hole; 6 first-refrigerant collecting hole; 6a first-refrigerant collecting header pipe; 6ba first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole inflow-outflow portion; 6bb first-refrigerant dividing-and-collecting-hole turn-back portion; 7 second-refrigerant collecting header pipe; 8 brazing layer; 10, 10a-10f heat exchanger; 11 sealing material; 21 brazing material; 31 compressor; 32 four-way valve; 33 expansion valve; 34 outdoor-unit heat exchanger; 35 use side heat exchanger; 36 pump; 38 tank; 39 fan; 103 groove; 104 concave-convex groove; 104a concavity; 110 brazing-material installation groove; 111 brazing material.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2011/002553 | 5/6/2011 | WO | 00 | 11/6/2013 |