Multi tube-fins liquid-air heat exchanger and methods

Abstract

A secondary refrigerant fluid is cooled or heated in the operation of a multiple Tube-fins heat exchanger arranged in parallel for fins to conduct heat transfer with air being propelled by a multi-row bank of low profile brushless fans. Fluid is controlled to ascend the bank of tubes in unison rate for high efficiency heat transfer with air. Large temperature differential exists between air and fluid when conditioned fluid travels through the tubes for a relatively short distance. A system of components is so arranged that the fluid flow rate to every heat exchanger is preset and the “on” or “off” operation of any heat exchanger does not affect the flow rate destined for other heat exchangers. Fluid is not transported to a heat exchanger when it is not in operation saving energy. Each heat exchanger is controlled by an integrated thermostat so occupants can set the air conditioning operation individually independent of all other heat exchangers.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods that conduct controllable heat exchange between introduced air and very small amount of cold or hot conditioned fluid.[0002]Heat exchanger technology has long existed with two basic heat transfer mechanisms. In one of the most common applications a single long tube is bent back and forth with scores of thin heat conductive fins in layers attached perpendicularly on the folded long tube. In an attempt to increase heat conduction, an aluminum fin is used with punched holes and tiny collars swaged onto the coursing tube perpendicularly. Air is blown through the fin layers effecting heat transfer between air and liquid inside the tubing. Tubing contacts with the fins are small because the tube being inserted perpendicularly to the fin with small temperature contact area is characteristic of this practice. Purpose of this design is obvious in allowing as much heat transfer possible as fluid courses thr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a modular apparatus and methods for efficient heat exchange between small amounts of conditioned fluid and air. The invention allows for individual control and management of air conditioning in each room or space, resulting in energy savings and better temperature control. The heat exchanger used in the invention has high efficiency and requires a small amount of fluid compared to traditional air conditioning systems. The invention also uses a vacuum assisted fluid transport system to prevent heat leakage and requires less insulation material. Overall, the invention provides a more cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for air conditioning buildings."

Problems solved by technology

Effectiveness of increase in efficiency of heat transfer is questionable because virtually all these prior arts show very small area of contact between the fin and tube for good temperature conduction.

Air ducts carrying large volume of air consume space, are expensive in components, cost a high amount in installation labor, and waste over 20% electrical energy from heat leakage (experimental conclusion published at Berkeley Lawrence National Laboratory).

Air is a poor conductor.

Traditional air ducts have many joints and are not sealed against air leaks.

A large amount of insulation material is needed due to the thin material (usually thin metal sheet) that comprises the air ducts; occupation of a large amount of space is also required.

A majority of existing air ducts in air conditioned buildings do not even meet these inadequate ASHRAE criteria.

The other conventional air conditioning method, the split system, has a similar problem using long small tubing to conduct refrigerant with poor or no insulation to prevent heat leakage.

This problem can be acute because the surface (of the small tube) to fluid mass ratio is very large; heat transfer rate between air and fluid will also be large.

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