TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a dual mode heat exchanger assembly and a method
of operating the heat exchanger assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dual mode heat exchanger assemblies operate in a condenser mode for cooling and an
evaporator mode for heating. System operating requirements related to refrigerant
phase, velocity and distribution vary between the condenser and the evaporator modes.
In the evaporator mode, partially expanded two phase refrigerant enters the heat exchanger
where the refrigerant continues to expand absorbing heat from the air. Momentum effects
due to large mass differences between gas and liquid phase can result in separation
of the phases. This two phase flow can result in poor refrigerant distribution in
the heat exchanger assembly degrading performance in the evaporator mode and can cause
icing/frosting of the core.
[0003] Dual mode heat exchanger assemblies and methods of addressing the differences in
refrigerant flow characteristics, are known in the art. One approach involves modifying
the pass arrangements depending on the mode of operation. This generally involves
establishing a flow path length for circulating the refrigerant in the condenser mode
and reducing the flow path length of the refrigerant in the evaporator mode, generally
by bypassing some of the flow tubes that pass refrigerant between manifolds. Another
method involves inclusion of distribution tubes, structures with a plurality of apertures,
to facilitate the distribution of the refrigerant within the manifolds when the heat
exchanger assembly is operating in the evaporator mode.
[0005] The Heys `510 Patent Application discloses a dual purpose heat exchanger assembly
with an external bypass means of reducing the number of passes during the evaporator
mode. The heat exchanger assembly uses one port to introduce refrigerant and one port
to exit refrigerant from the heat exchanger assembly. The bypass means is associated
with one of the manifolds, which, when open, connects the manifold with the port where
refrigerant is introduced, to reduce the number of passes by at least one. This reduces
the length of the flow path when the system is in evaporator mode reducing the pressure
drop through the heat exchanger assembly and both improving efficiency and reducing
ice formation on the heat exchanger assembly during the evaporator mode.
[0006] The Heys `596 Patent Application discloses a dual mode heat exchanger assembly with
an external bypass means of reducing the number of refrigerant passes when the heat
exchanger assembly is operating in the evaporator mode. This is for a vehicle air
conditioning system including the heat exchanger assembly in the `510 patent.
[0007] The Chapp `649 Patent discloses a dual mode heat exchanger assembly and includes
curved headers to address the problem of condensate on the outside of the plurality
of tubes in the evaporator mode. There is a lower and upper header with a plurality
of flow tubes running vertically. In the evaporation mode, the refrigerant enters
the top manifold, drop through pipes to the lower manifold and is directed to the
upper manifold through a jumper tube, more similar in diameter to the manifolds, where
the refrigerant drops to the lower manifold and is exited through the outlet port.
When operating in the evaporator mode, the refrigerant enters the lower manifold and
follows exactly the reverse path. Valves inside the heat exchanger assembly can also
be used to direct the flow of refrigerant. The path length is the same for each mode.
[0008] Current dual mode heat exchanger assemblies modify the pass arrangements by providing
internal and external bypass means which avoid circulating refrigerant through all
of the flow tubes in the heat exchanger, resulting in sub-optimal efficiency in both
modes. An opportunity exists to provide a heat exchanger assembly and a method of
operating the heat exchanger assembly, which optimizes heat exchange in both the evaporator
and the condenser modes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The subject invention provides a heat exchanger assembly having a first manifold
and a second manifold each defining a hollow cavity, and in spaced and substantially
parallel relationship with each other. A separator is disposed within the first manifold
and divides the cavity of the first manifold into a first chamber and a second chamber.
A plurality of flow tubes are fluidly connected to the first and second manifolds
for passing refrigerant between the manifolds. A plurality of ports are connected
to at least one of the first and second manifolds. Each of the ports have an open
position for allowing refrigerant to flow into and out of the manifolds and a closed
position for preventing refrigerant from flowing into and out of the manifolds. There
is at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. An external controller
switches the heat exchanger assembly between an evaporator mode and a condenser mode.
At least one of the ports in each of the chambers and cavity of one of the manifolds
is in the open position for circulating refrigerant through all of the plurality of
flow tubes in at least one pass when the heat exchanger assembly is operating in the
evaporator mode and at least one of the ports is in the closed position for circulating
refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes in at least two passes when the heat
exchanger assembly is operating in the condenser mode.
[0010] The subject invention also provides a method of operating a heat exchanger assembly
circulating the refrigerant through all of the plurality of flow tubes in at least
one pass in the evaporator mode and in more than one pass in the condenser mode, including
the following steps: opening one of the ports in each of the manifolds to define an
evaporator mode; introducing refrigerant into one of the manifolds; passing the refrigerant
through all of the plurality of tubes in a single pass; exiting the refrigerant from
an opposing manifold; closing the third port of the second manifold to define a condenser
mode; introducing the refrigerant into one of the chambers of each one of the manifolds
to define an inlet chamber; passing the refrigerant through the plurality of tubes
connected to the inlet chamber; passing the refrigerant into another chamber of one
of the manifolds to define a mid-flow chamber; passing the refrigerant through the
plurality of tubes connected to the mid-flow chamber; passing the refrigerant into
another chamber of one of the manifolds to define an outlet chamber; and exiting refrigerant
through the port connected to the outlet chamber.
[0011] The subject invention also provides a method of operating a heat exchanger assembly
circulating the refrigerant through all of the plurality of flow tubes in at least
two circuits and in more than one pass in the evaporator mode and in more than one
pass in the condenser mode, including the following steps: opening at least one of
the ports in one of the manifolds to define an evaporator mode; introducing the refrigerant
into one of the manifolds to define an inlet chamber; passing the refrigerant through
the plurality of flow tubes connected to the inlet chamber; passing the refrigerant
into the opposing manifold to define a mid-flow chamber; passing the refrigerant through
the plurality of flow tubes connected to the mid-flow chamber; passing the refrigerant
into the opposing manifold to define an outlet chamber; exiting the refrigerant through
the port connected to the outlet chamber; closing the fourth port and opening the
third and fifth ports to define a condenser mode; introducing the refrigerant into
the third port of the second manifold to define an inlet chamber; passing the refrigerant
through the plurality of flow tubes connected to the inlet chamber; passing the refrigerant
into the first chamber of the first manifold to define a first mid-flow chamber; passing
the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes connected to the first mid-flow
chamber; passing the refrigerant into the fourth chamber of the second manifold to
define a second mid-flow chamber; passing the refrigerant through the plurality of
flow tubes connected to the second mid-flow chamber; passing the refrigerant into
the second chamber of the first manifold to define a third mid-flow chamber; passing
the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes connected to the third mid-flow
chamber; passing the refrigerant into the fifth chamber of the second manifold to
define an outlet chamber; and exiting the refrigerant through the fifth port connected
to the outlet chamber.
[0012] While current dual mode heat exchanger assemblies have different refrigerant flow
paths depending on the mode of operation, this has been accomplished by bypassing
a portion of the plurality of flow tubes. The subject invention optimizes heat exchange
when the heat exchanger assembly is operating in both the evaporator mode as well
as when the heat exchanger assembly is operating in the condenser mode, by using all
of the plurality of flow tubes to circulate the refrigerant in one or more passes
through the heat exchanger assembly when operating in the evaporator mode and circulating
the refrigerant in more than one pass when the heat exchanger assembly is operating
in the condenser mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly;
[0015] Figure 1A is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 1 in an evaporator mode;
[0016] Figure 1B is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 1 in a condenser mode;
[0017] Figure 1C is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 1 illustrating a single pass refrigerant flow path in the evaporator mode;
[0018] Figure 1D is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 1 illustrating a two pass refrigerant flow path in the condenser mode;
[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly;
[0020] Figure 2A is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 2 in an evaporator mode;
[0021] Figure 2B is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 2 in a condenser mode;
[0022] Figure 2C is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 2 illustrating a single pass refrigerant flow path in the evaporator mode;
[0023] Figure 2D is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 2 illustrating a three pass refrigerant flow path in the condenser mode;
[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly;
[0025] Figure 3A is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 3 in an evaporator mode;
[0026] Figure 3B is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 3 in a condenser mode;
[0027] Figure 3C is a planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly of Figure
3 illustrating a single pass refrigerant flow path in the evaporator mode;
[0028] Figure 3D is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
of Figure 3 illustrating a four pass refrigerant flow path in the condenser mode;
[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly
with a distribution tube;
[0030] Figure 4A is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
illustrating a two circuit, two pass refrigerant flow path in an evaporator mode;
[0031] Figure 4B is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
illustrating a four pass refrigerant flow path in a condenser mode.
[0032] Figure 4C is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
illustrating a two pass refrigerant flow path in the evaporator mode.
[0033] Figure 4D is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
illustrating a four pass refrigerant flow path in the condenser mode.
[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly
with a distribution tube;
[0035] Figure 5A is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
illustrating a two pass refrigerant flow path in an evaporator mode;
[0036] Figure 5B is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
illustrating a four pass refrigerant flow path in a condenser mode.
[0037] Figure 5C is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
illustrating a two pass refrigerant flow path in the evaporator mode;
[0038] Figure 5D is a schematic planar view of the embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly
illustrating a four pass refrigerant flow path in the condenser mode.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout
the several views, a heat exchanger assembly is generally shown at
20 in Figures 1-1D. The heat exchanger assembly
20 includes a first manifold
22 and a second manifold
24. The first manifold
22 defines a cavity
26 and has a length and a width, substantially transverse the length, with a first end
48 and a second end
50, adjacent the length. The second manifold
24 is in spaced and substantially parallel relationship to the first manifold
22 and defines a cavity
27. The second manifold
24 has a length and a width, substantially transverse the length, with a first end
49 and a second end
51, adjacent the length. The second manifold
24 is shown throughout the drawings as having the same general appearance as that of
the first manifold
22, however it can be readily appreciated that the first and second manifolds
22, 24 can have different dimensions, for example, the width of the second manifold
24 can be greater than the width of the first manifold
22. In addition, the construction of the manifolds
22, 24 can vary, for example, but not limited to, the first manifold
22 can comprise a single piece and the second manifold
24 can comprise multiple joined pieces. Similarly, it can be appreciated that though
the manifolds
22, 24 are illustrated throughout the various drawings as generally cylindrical, the manifolds
can take on a variety of shapes, for example but not limited to, the cross section
of the manifolds
22, 24 at the width, can define a D-shape or a polygon.
[0040] A first separator
38 is disposed within the cavity
26 of the first manifold
22 dividing the first manifold
22 into a first chamber
40 and a second chamber
42. A substantially flat first separator
38 is shown which is disposed along the width of the first manifold
22, however, it can be readily appreciated that the first separator
38 can have a variety of cross-section shapes, such as, but not limited to, a crescent,
and the first separator
38 can also be disposed within the cavity
26 in various ways, such as, but not limited to, diagonally forming acute and obtuse
angles where the first separator
38 is adjacent the first manifold
22. It can further be appreciated that the first separator
38 can be constructed in a variety of ways, such as, but not limited to, being a portion
of an insert slideably inserted within the cavity
26 or a single piece inserted through a cut in the first manifold
22. In addition, though the first separator
38 is shown approximately midway between the ends
48, 50 of the first manifold
22, it can be appreciated that the placement of the first separator
38 relative to the length of the first manifold
22 can vary. In addition, it can be readily appreciated that additional separators can
be disposed within the first manifold cavity
26.
[0041] A plurality of flow tubes
28 extend between and fluidly connect the first and second manifolds
22, 24 for passing refrigerant between the manifolds
22, 24. It can be appreciated that additional heat dissipating structures, such as fins
29, can be included adjacent the plurality of flow tubes
28. The plurality of flow tubes
28 are substantially parallel to each other, and are generally transverse the length
of the manifolds
22, 24. For purposes of illustration throughout the drawings, ten to twelve flow tubes are
depicted, however it can be readily appreciated, that the number is not limited to
those illustrated, but can vary based on the requirements of the heat exchanger assembly
20.
[0042] Groups of flow tubes
62, 64, 66, 68 are defined by flow tubes which are fluidly connected to the same chambers. Referring
to Figure 1A-1B, a first group
62 of flow tubes is fluidly connected to the first chamber
40 and the cavity of the second manifold
27. A second group
64 of flow tubes is fluidly connected to the second chamber
40 and the first cavity
27. The groups
62, 64 of flow tubes enable the serpentine circulation path of the refrigerant through the
heat exchanger assembly
20.
[0043] A plurality of ports
30 are fluidly connected to at least one of the manifolds
22, 24, and have an open position for allowing refrigerant into and out of the manifolds
22, 24 and a closed position for preventing the refrigerant from passing into or out of
the manifolds
22, 24. An external tube is fluidly connected to each of the ports
30, and refrigerant passes through the external tubes to enter or exit the heat exchanger
assembly
20. It can be readily appreciated that the external tubes can be joined directly to any
portion of the manifold
22, 24 in a variety of ways, including but not being limited to, by a process such as brazing
or welding. Alternatively, an attachment means such as a coupler can be disposed within
the port
30, and the external tube inserted through the coupler to form the connection. It is
understood that the plurality of ports
30 are illustrated throughout the figures as including the external tube as part of
the port
30. It can further be understood that the term port
30 within the context of the present invention is intended to include other structures,
such as couplers, where required by a specific application. It can be readily appreciated
that for the present invention, when reference is made to the port
30 having a closed position, refrigerant does not enter or exit the manifold
22, 24 at that location. Similarly when a port
30 is in the open position, refrigerant enters or exits the heat exchanger assembly
20 through the port
30. An external controller restricts or permits the flow of refrigerant into the port
30, and the actual means is external to the heat exchanger assembly
20. A first port
92 is fluidly connected to the first chamber
40, a second port
94 is fluidly connected to the second chamber
42 and a third port
96 is fluidly connected to the cavity
27 of the second manifold
24. It can be appreciated that each port
92, 94, 96 can be used to either permit the refrigerant to enter or exit the heat exchanger
assembly
20, depending on the configuration desired.
[0044] An external controller switches the heat exchanger assembly
20 between an evaporator mode
34 for heating and a condenser mode
36 for cooling. In the evaporator mode
34, the refrigerant is circulated through the heat exchanger assembly
20, absorbing heat from air passing over the plurality of flow tubes
28. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, the refrigerant expands as liquid refrigerant
is converted to gaseous refrigerant. In the condenser mode, the refrigerant in a gaseous
state, enters the heat exchanger assembly
20 and heat is dissipated as the refrigerant is changed from the gaseous state to a
liquid state. When operating in the evaporator mode
34, refrigerant is passed through all of the plurality of flow tubes
28 in one pass by opening at least one of the plurality of ports
30 in each of the chambers
40, 42 and cavities
27. In the condenser mode
36, at least one of the plurality of ports
30 is closed, for allowing the refrigerant to pass through all of the plurality of flow
tubes
28 in more than one pass. It can be readily appreciated, that a number of alternative
embodiments are possible, by varying the number of separators, the number of ports
30 and the configuration of open and closed ports
30.
[0045] Referring to Figure 2, another embodiment is illustrated. A second separator
52 is disposed within the cavity
27 of the second manifold
24 forming a third chamber
56 and a fourth chamber
58. The second separator
52 is offset from the first separator
38. Referring to Figures 2A-2B, the third port
96 is fluidly connected to the third chamber
56 and a fourth port
98 is fluidly connected to the fourth chamber
58. Three groups of flow tubes are formed, including a first group
62 having flow tubes connected to the first chamber
40 and the third chamber
56, a second group
64 having flow tubes connected to the second chamber
42 and the third chamber
56, and a third group
66 having flow tubes connected to the second chamber
42 and the fourth chamber
58. In the evaporator mode
34, the first, second, third and fourth ports
92, 94, 96, 98 are in the open position for allowing the refrigerant to pass through all of the
plurality of flow tubes
28 in one pass. In the condenser mode
36, the first and fourth ports
92, 98 are in the open position for passing the refrigerant through the heat exchanger assembly
20 in three passes.
[0046] Referring to Figure 3, another embodiment is illustrated having having a third separator
54 disposed within the second manifold
24 further dividing the cavity
27 of the second manifold
24 into a fifth chamber
60. The second and third separators
52, 54 in the second manifold
24 are offset from the first separator
38 in the first manifold
22. Referring to Figures 3A-3B, four groups of flow tubes
62, 64, 66, 68 are formed, including, a first group
62 having flow tubes connected to the first chamber
40 and the third chamber
56, a second group
64 having the flow tubes connected to the first chamber
40 and the fourth chamber
58, a third group
66 having the flow tubes connected to the second chamber
42 and the fourth chamber
58, and a fourth group
68, having flow tubes connected to the second chamber
42 and the fifth chamber
60. In the evaporator mode
34, the first, second, third, fourth and fifth ports
92, 94, 96, 98,100 are in the open position for allowing refrigerant to pass through the heat exchanger
assembly
20 in one pass. In the condenser mode
36, the third and fifth ports
96,100 are in the open position for passing the refrigerant through the heat exchanger assembly
20 in four passes.
[0047] Referring to Figure 4, another embodiment is illustrated having no ports 30 connected
to the first manifold
24. A third separator
54 is disposed within the second manifold
24 further dividing the cavity
27 of the second manifold
24 into a fifth chamber
60. The second and third separators
52, 54 in the second manifold
24 are offset from the first separator
38 in the first manifold
22. Referring to Figures 4A-4B, four groups of flow tubes
62, 64, 66, 68 are formed, including, a first group
62 having flow tubes connected to the first chamber
40 and the third chamber
56, a second group
64 having the flow tubes connected to the first chamber
40 and the fourth chamber
58, a third group
66 having the flow tubes connected to the second chamber
42 and the fourth chamber
58, and a fourth group
68, having flow tubes connected to the second chamber
42 and the fifth chamber
60. In the evaporator mode
34, the third, fourth and fifth ports
96, 98, 100 are in the open position for allowing the refrigerant to pass through the heat exchanger
assembly
20 in one pass. In the condenser mode
36, the third and fifth ports
96, 100 are in the open position for passing the refrigerant through the heat exchanger assembly
20 in four passes.
[0048] Distribution tubes
70, 71 can be incorporated in the heat exchanger assembly
20 to facilitate distribution of the refrigerant in the evaporator mode
34. Referring to Figure 4-4B, one embodiment is illustrated which includes a single distribution
tube
70 disposed within the fourth chamber
58 of the second manifold
24. In the evaporator mode
34, the third, fourth and fifth ports
96, 98, 100 are in the open position. The refrigerant enters through the fourth port
98 which is directly connected to the distribution tube
70, and passes through the plurality of apertures disposed within the distribution tube
70, into the fourth chamber
58. In the condenser mode
36, the fourth port
98 is in the closed position and the third and fifth ports
96,100 are in the open position. Refrigerant enters through the third port
96, and is circulated through the heat exchanger assembly
20, without being affected by the presence of the distribution tube
70 disposed within the fourth chamber. It can be readily appreciated that more than
one distribution tube
70 can be included in the heat exchanger assembly
20.
[0049] Referring to Figure 5A-B, another embodiment includes the first distribution tube
70 disposed within the third chamber
56 and a second distribution tube
71 disposed within the fifth chamber
60. A sixth port
102 is fluidly connected to the third chamber
56 and a seventh port
104 is fluidly connected to the fifth chamber
60. The third port
96 is fluidly connected to the first distribution tube
70 and the fifth port
100 is fluidly connected to the second distribution tube
71. The evaporator mode
34 is defined by the first, second, sixth and seventh ports
92, 94, 102,104 being in the closed position and the third, fourth and fifth ports
96, 98, 100 being in the open position. The condenser mode
36 is defined by the sixth and seventh ports
102, 104 being in the open position and the first, second, third, fourth and fifth ports
92, 94, 96, 98, 100 being in the closed position. It can be readily appreciated that any number of distribution
tubes
70, 71 and additional ports
30 can be incorporated into any design. It can also be readily appreciated that the
same result would be accomplished where the first manifold
22 included no ports
30.
[0050] The various embodiments described previously can be generally descibed in the following
way. There is at least a first port
92, a second port
94 and a third port
96. An external controller
32 switches between an evaporator mode
34 for heating and a condenser mode
36 for cooling. The first, second and third ports
92, 94, 96 are in the open position for circulating the refrigerant through all of the plurality
of flow tubes
28 in n passes in the evaporator mode
34. In the condenser mode
36, at least one of the ports
30 is closed for circulating the refrigerant through all of said plurality of flow tubes
28 in at least n+1 passes in the condenser mode
36 where said n is an integer equal to or greater than one. It can be readily appreciated
that the structure described previously encompasses any number of chambers, flow tubes
and ports
30, depending on the design requirements of the specific implementation. Similarly the
schematics are merely illustrative. Any number of flow configurations in which refrigerant
is introduced through different ports
30, for example, using the reverse flow of that illustrated in the figures, or mirror
images, are equivalent to those discussed.
[0051] It can be further appreciated that distribution tubes
70, 71 can by included in any of the evaporator mode
34 inlet chambers
78. The distribution tubes
70, 71 are fluidly connected to the ports
30, and refrigerant passes through the apertures disposed within the distribution tubes
70, 71 into the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78. It can also be appreciated that when the heat exchanger assembly
20 uses the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78 as either a condenser mode
36 inlet or outlet chamber
78, 80, additional ports
30 can be fluidly connected to the condenser mode 36 inlet and outlet chambers
78, 80 for allowing refrigerant to enter and exit the heat exchanger assembly
20.
[0052] Two methods are described based on the structure described previously. The goal of
all of the methods is the same, that is, to circulate the refrigerant in fewer passes
in the evaporator mode
34 than in the condenser mode
36, while using all of the plurality of flow tubes
28 to circulate the refrigerant in each mode. Through the use of the external controller
which controls the ports that are used for introducing and exiting the refrigerant,
and by the configuration of the separators, a multitude of pass arrangements can be
achieved. It can further be appreciated that the methods that follow, encompass more
arrangements than are illustrated, and that the methods accommodate additional separators
and ports, all of which permit variations in the arrangements while still being encompassed
by the methods described here. In addition, it is understood that in methods which
do not require that a manifold
22, 24 have a port in an open position to effectuate the refrigerant circulation, a manifold
22, 24 without any ports produces the same effect that a manifold
22 with all ports in the closed position, and is equivalent. Detailed descriptions of
the methods and several embodiments follow.
[0053] Referring to Figures 1A-1D, a method of operating a heat exchanger assembly
20 is provided wherein the refrigerant circulates in one pass in the evaporator mode
34 and in at least 2 passes in the condenser mode
36. A heat exchanger assembly
20 has a first manifold
22 divided into a first chamber
40 and a second chamber
42 with a first port
92 and second port
94, a second manifold
24 defining at least one chamber with a third port
96, and a plurality of flow tubes
28 fluidly connecting the manifolds
22, 24. The method includes the step of opening one of the ports
30 in each chamber of the manifolds
22, 24 defining an evaporator mode
34. The method further includes introducing the refrigerant into one of the manifolds
22, 24, to define an inlet chamber
78. The method further includes passing the refrigerant through all of the plurality
of flow tubes
28 in a single pass. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant
into an opposing manifold
22, 24 defining an outlet chamber
80. The method further includes the step of exiting the refrigerant from a port connected
to the opposing manifold
22, 24. The method further includes the step of closing the third port
96 of the second manifold
24 to define a condenser mode
36. The method further includes the step of introducing the refrigerant into one of the
chambers of one of the manifolds
22, 24 to define an inlet chamber
78. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant through the plurality
of flow tubes
28 connected to the inlet chamber
78. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant into another chamber
of one of the manifolds
22, 24 to define a mid-flow chamber
72. The method further includes passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow
tubes
28 connected to the mid-flow chamber
72. The method further includes passing the refrigerant into another chamber of one of
the manifolds
22, 24 to define an outlet chamber
80. The method further includes the step of exiting refrigerant through the port connected
to the outlet chamber
80. The method allows refrigerant to pass through the heat exchanger assembly
20 in one pass when the heat exchanger assembly
20 is operating in the evaporator mode
34, and in more than one pass when the heat exchanger assembly
20 is operating in the condenser mode
36. It can be readily appreciated that the method encompasses heat exchanger assemblies
20 having manifolds
22, 24 with different numbers of chambers and ports.
[0054] This method is applied in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1C-1D. The refrigerant
is introduced into the first and second ports
92, 94, passes through all of the plurality of flow tubes
28 in a single pass, and is exited from the second manifold
24. To define the condenser mode
36 the third port
96 is closed. The refrigerant is introduced into the second chamber
42, and passes through the second group
64 of flow tubes into the third chamber
56. The refrigerant is then passed through the first group
62 of flow tubes into the first chamber
40. The refrigerant is then exited through the first port
92. It can be readily appreciated that when the heat exchanger
20 is operating in the evaporator mode
34, the refrigerant can alternatively be introduced through the third port
96 into the third chamber
56. Similarly, when the heat exchanger
20 is operating in the condenser mode
36, the refrigerant can be introduced through the first port
92 into the first chamber
40. It can be further appreciated that distribution tubes
70, 71 can by included in any of the evaporator mode inlet chambers
78. The distribution tubes
70, 71 are fluidly connected to the ports
30, and refrigerant passes through the apertures disposed within the distribution tubes
70, 71 into the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78. It can also be appreciated that when the heat exchanger assembly
20 uses the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78 as either a condenser mode
36 inlet or outlet chamber
78, 80, additional ports
30 can be fluidly connected to the condenser mode
36 inlet and outlet chambers
78, 80 for allowing refrigerant to enter and exit the heat exchanger assembly
20.
[0055] Referring to Figures 2A-2D, another embodiment of the method is described which allows
the heat exchanger assembly
20 to circulate the refrigerant in one pass in the evaporator mode
34 and in at least three passes in the condenser mode
36. In addition to the structure described previously, this embodiment includes a fourth
chamber
58 and a fourth port
98 fluidly connected to the fourth chamber
58. In addition to the steps described previously, the method further includes the step
of closing the second port
94 of the first manifold
22 as well the third port
96 of the second manifold
24 and opening the first port
92 of the first manifold
22 and the fourth port
98 of the second manifold
24 to define the condenser mode
36. The method is the same for the evaporator mode
34 as in the previous embodiment. In the condenser mode
36, additional steps are required. After the refrigerant enters the mid-flow chamber
72, the refrigerant is passed through the plurality of flow tubes
28 connected to the mid-flow chamber
72. The method further includes passing the refrigerant into another chamber of one of
the manifolds
22, 24 to define a second mid-flow chamber
74. The method further includes passing a refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes
28 connected to the second mid-flow chamber
74. The method further includes passing the refrigerant into another chamber of one of
the manifolds
22, 24 to define an outlet chamber
80. The method further includes the step of exiting refrigerant through the port connected
to the outlet chamber
80. Thus, the method allows refrigerant to pass through the heat exchanger assembly
20 in one pass in the evaporator mode
34, and in three or more passes when the heat exchanger assembly 20 is operating in the
condenser mode
36. It can be readily appreciated that the method encompasses heat exchanger assemblies
20 having manifolds
22, 24 with different numbers of chambers and ports.
[0056] This general embodiment is illustrated in a more specific embodiment illustrated
in Figures 2C-2D. To define the evaporator mode
34, all of the ports
92, 94, 96, 98 in each of the manifolds
22, 24 are opened. The refrigerant is introduced into the first and second ports
92, 94, passes through all of the plurality of flow tubes
28 in a single pass, and is exited from the third and fourth ports
96, 98 of the second manifold
24. The condenser mode
36 is defined by closing the second and third port
94, 96. The refrigerant is introduced into the first chamber
40, passed through the first group
62 of flow tubes, into the third chamber
56. Refrigerant is then passed through the second group
64 of flow tubes into the second chamber
42. Refrigerant then passes through the third group
66 of flow tubes into the fourth chamber
58, and is exited through the fourth port
98. It can be readily appreciated that when the heat exchanger assembly
20 is operating in the evaporator mode
34, the refrigerant can alternatively be introduced through the third port
96 and fourth port
98 into the third and fourth chambers
56, 58, and exited through the first and second ports
92, 94 in the first manifold
22. Similarly, when the heat exchanger assembly
20 is operating in the condenser mode
36, the refrigerant can be introduced through the fourth port
98, passed into the fourth chamber
58, and exited through the first port
92 in the first chamber
40. In addition, it can be appreciated that distribution tubes
70, 71 can by included in any of the evaporator mode
34 inlet chambers
78. The distribution tubes
70, 71 are fluidly connected to the ports
30, and refrigerant passes through the apertures disposed within the distribution tubes
70, 71 into the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78. It can also be appreciated that when the heat exchanger assembly
20 uses the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78 as either a condenser mode
36 inlet or outlet chamber
78, 80, additional ports
30 can be fluidly connected to the condenser mode
36 inlet and outlet chambers
78, 80 for allowing refrigerant to enter and exit the heat exchanger assembly
20 in the condenser mode
36.
[0057] Referring to Figures 3A-3D, another embodiment of the method of operating a heat
exchanger assembly
20 is provided wherein the refrigerant circulates in one pass in the evaporator mode
34 and in at least four passes in the condenser mode
36. The heat exchanger assembly
20 includes the elements of the previous embodiment, with the addition of a fifth chamber
60 disposed within the second manifold
24 and a fifth port
100 fluidly connected to the fifth chamber
60. The evaporator mode is the same as described in the previous embodiment. The condenser
mode
36 is defined by the step of closing the first and second ports
92, 94 of the first manifold
22 and the fourth port
98 of the second manifold
24 to define a condenser mode
36. The method further includes the step of introducing the refrigerant into one of the
chambers of one of the manifolds to define an inlet chamber
78. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant through the plurality
of flow tubes
28 connected to the inlet chamber
78. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant into another chamber
of one of the manifolds
22, 24 to define a first mid-flow chamber
72. The method further includes passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow
tubes
28 connected to the first mid-flow chamber
72. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant into another chamber
of one of the manifolds
22, 24 to define a second mid-flow chamber
74. The method further includes passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow
tubes
28 connected to the second mid-flow chamber
74. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant into another chamber
of one of the manifolds
22, 24 to define a third mid-flow chamber
76. The method further includes passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow
tubes
28 connected to the third mid-flow chamber
76. The method further includes passing the refrigerant into another chamber of one of
the manifolds
22, 24 to define an outlet chamber
80. The method further includes the step of exiting refrigerant through the port connected
to the outlet chamber
80. The method allows refrigerant to pass through the heat exchanger assembly
20 in one pass when the heat exchanger assembly
20 is operating in the evaporator mode
34, and in four or more passes when the heat exchanger assembly
20 is operating in the condenser mode
36. It can be readily appreciated that the method encompasses heat exchanger assemblies
20 having manifolds
22, 24 with different numbers of chambers and ports.
[0058] This general embodiment is illustrated in a more specific embodiment illustrated
in Figures 3C-3D. The evaporator mode is defined by opening all of the ports
92, 94, 96, 98, 100 in each of the manifolds
22, 24. The refrigerant is introduced into the first and second ports
92, 94, circulated through all of the plurality of flow tubes
28 in a single pass, and exited from the third, fourth and fifth ports
96, 98,100. The condenser mode is defined by closing the first, second and fourth ports
92, 94, 98. The refrigerant is introduced through the third port
96 into the third chamber
56, and passed through the first group
62 of flow tubes, into the first chamber
40. The refrigerant passes through the second group
64 of flow tubes into the fourth chamber
58. The refrigerant passes through the third group
66 of flow tubes into the second chamber
42. The refrigerant passes through the fourth group
68 of flow tubes into the fifth chamber
60, and is exited through the fifth port
100. It can be readily appreciated that when the heat exchanger
20 is operating in the evaporator mode
34, the refrigerant can alternatively be introduced through the third, fourth and fifth
ports
96, 98, 100 of the second manifold
24, and exited through the first and second ports
92, 94 of the first manifold
22. Similarly, when the heat exchanger
20 is operating in the condenser mode
36, the refrigerant can be introduced through the fifth port
100 into the fifth chamber
60, and exited through the third port
96 connected to the third chamber
56. It can be readily appreciated that this method encompasses any number of passes in
the evaporator mode and in the condenser mode. In addition, it can be appreciated
that distribution tubes
70, 71 can by included in any of the evaporator mode inlet chambers
78. The distribution tubes
70, 71 are fluidly connected to the ports
30, and refrigerant passes through the apertures disposed within the distribution tubes
70, 71 into the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78. It can also be appreciated that when the heat exchanger assembly
20 uses the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78 as either a condenser mode
36 inlet or outlet chamber
78, 80, additional ports
30 can be fluidly connected to the condenser mode
36 inlet and outlet chambers
78, 80 for allowing refrigerant to enter and exit the heat exchanger assembly
20.
[0059] Referring to Figures 4A-4D, another method for operating a heat exchanger assembly
20 is provided where the refrigerant is divided into more than one circuit and passes
through the heat exchanger assembly
20 in at least two passes in the evaporator mode
34. In this method, in the condenser mode
36, the refrigerant passes through the heat exchanger assembly
20 in four or more passes, as previously described and being illustrated at Figure 3D,
and will not be described again here. The heat exchanger assembly
20 has a first manifold
22 divided into a first chamber
40 and a second chamber
42 and a second manifold
24 defining a third chamber
(56), a fourth chamber
(58) and a fifth chamber
(60), with a third port
(96), a fourth port
98, a fifth port
100 and a plurality of flow tubes
28 fluidly connecting the manifolds
22, 24. The method includes the step of opening all of the ports
30 in the second manifold
24 to define an evaporator mode
34. The method further includes the step of introducing the refrigerant into at least
one chamber of the second manifold
24 to define an inlet chamber
78. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant through the plurality
of flow tubes
28 connected to the inlet chamber
78. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant into the first manifold
22 to define a first and second mid-flow chamber
72, 74. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant through the plurality
of flow tubes
28 connected to the first and second mid-flow chambers
72, 74. The method further includes the step of passing the refrigerant into the second manifold
24 to define at least one outlet chamber
80. The method further includes the step of exiting the refrigerant through the port
connected to the outlet chamber
80. It can be readily appreciated that the method encompasses more complex heat exchanger
assemblies
20 requiring more than two circuits as well as more than two passes for the circulation
of the refrigerant.
[0060] One embodiment of this method is illustrated in Figures 4C-4D. The evaporator mode
34 is defined by opening all of the ports
96, 98, 100 in the second manifold
24. The refrigerant is introduced into the fourth chamber
58 of the second manifold
24, where it is separated into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion
of the refrigerant passes through the second group
64 of flow tubes into the first chamber
40, through the first group
62 of flow tubes into the third chamber
56, and is exited through the third port
96. Similarly, the second portion passes through the third group
66 of flow tubes, into the second chamber
42, through the fourth group
68 of flow tubes into the fifth chamber
60, and is exited from the fifth port
100. It can be readily appreciated that the refrigerant can be introduced through the
third and fifth ports
96, 100 and exited through the fourth port
98, thus creating more than one inlet chamber
78, 79 and one outlet chamber
80. It can also be readily appreciated that the same flow path is possible by closing
all of the ports
30 of the first manifold
22 in embodiments which include ports
30 in the first manifold
22. In addition, it can be appreciated that distribution tubes
70 can by included in any of the evaporator mode
34 inlet chambers
78. The distribution tube
70 is fluidly connected to the port
30, and refrigerant passes through the apertures disposed within the distribution tubes
70, 71 into the evaporator mode inlet chamber
78. Here, the distribution tube
70 is illustrated as being disposed within the fourth chamber
58. It can also be appreciated that when the heat exchanger assembly
20 uses the evaporator mode
34 inlet chamber
78 as either a condenser mode
36 inlet or outlet chamber
78, 80, additional ports
30 can be fluidly connected to the condenser mode
36 inlet and outlet chambers
78, 80 for allowing refrigerant to enter and exit the heat exchanger assembly
20.
[0061] Referring to Figures 5A-5D, an embodiment is illustrated including distribution tubes
70, 71 in chambers used as both evaporator mode inlet chambers and condenser mode
36 outlet chamber
80 and the condenser mode
36 inlet chamber
78. Here the evaporator mode
34 is defined by opening the third, fourth and fifth ports
96, 98,100. A first portion of the refrigerant is introduced into the third port
96 and a second portion of the refrigerant into the fifth port
98. The first portion of the refrigerant passes through the first distribution tube
70 into the third chamber
56. The refrigerant then passes through the first group
62 of flow tubes, into the first chamber
40, through the second group
64 of flow tubes into the fourth chamber
58. Similarly, the second portion passes into the second distribution tube
71, into the fifth chamber
60, through the fourth group
68 of flow tubes, into the first chamber
40, through the third group
66 of flow tubes, and into the fourth chamber
58. All of the refrigerant is then exited through the fourth port
98. The condenser mode
36 is defined by closing the first, second, third, fourth and fifth port
92, 94, 96, 98, 100 and opening the sixth and seventh ports
102, 104. The refrigerant is introduced through the seventh port
104 into the fifth chamber
60, passes through the fourth group
68 of flow tubes, and into the second chamber
42. The refrigerant then passes through the third group
66 of flow tubes, into fourth chamber
58. The refrigerant then passes through the second group
64 of flow tubes, into the first chamber
40, and through the first group
62 of flow tubes into the third chamber
56. The refrigerant is exited through the sixth port
102. It can be readily appreciated that when the heat exchanger
20 is operating in the condenser mode
36, the refrigerant can alternatively be introduced into the sixth port
102 and exited through the seventh port
104.
[0062] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible
in light of the above teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment
disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the
scope of the appended claims. The reference numerals are merely for convenience and
are not to be read in any way as limiting.
1. A heat exchanger
(20) assembly comprising:
a first manifold (22) and a second manifold (24) each defining a hollow cavity (26, 27) and in spaced and substantially parallel relationship with each other;
a plurality of flow tubes (28) extending between and fluidly connecting said first and second manifolds (22, 24) for passing refrigerant between said manifolds (22, 24);
a separator (38) disposed within said first manifold (22) and dividing said cavity (26) into a first chamber (40) and a second chamber (42);
a plurality of ports (30) fluidly connected at least one of said first and second manifolds (22, 24) with each of said ports (30) having an open position for allowing refrigerant to flow into and out of said manifolds
(22, 24) and a closed position for preventing refrigerant from flowing into and out of said
manifolds (22, 24) with said plurality of ports (30) including at least a first port (92), a second port (94),and a third port (96);
an external controller (32) for switching between an evaporator mode (34) and a condenser mode (36); and
one of said ports (30) in each chamber and cavity (40, 42, 27) of one of said manifolds (22, 24) being in said open position for circulating refrigerant through all of said plurality
of flow tubes (28) in at least one pass when in said evaporator mode (34) and at least one of said ports (30) being in said closed position for circulating refrigerant through said plurality
of flow tubes (28) in at least two passes when in said condenser mode (36).
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first port (92) is connected to said first chamber (40) said second port (94) is connected to said second chamber (42) and said third port (96) is connected to said cavity (27) of said second manifold (24).
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said evaporator mode (34) is further defined by at least one of said ports (30) in each chamber (40, 42) of said first manifold (22) and at least one of said ports (30) in said cavity (27) of said second manifold (24) being in said open position for circulating refrigerant in one pass.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said condenser mode (36) is further defined by said first port (92) and said second port (94) being in said open position and said third port (96) being in said closed position for circulating refrigerant in two passes.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said separator (38) is further defined as a first separator (38) and further including a second separator (52) disposed within said cavity (27) of said second manifold (24) dividing said cavity (27) of said second manifold (24) into a third chamber (56) and a fourth chamber (58).
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said second separator (52) is offset from said first separator (38) with said first chamber (40) fluidly connected to said third chamber (56) through a first group (62) of said flow tubes (28), said second chamber (42) fluidly connected to said third chamber (56) by a second group (64) of said flow tubes (28), and said second chamber (42) fluidly connected to said fourth chamber (58) by a third group (66) of said flow tubes (28).
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further including a fourth port (98) connected to said fourth chamber (58) with said first, second, third, and fourth ports (92, 94, 96, 98) being in said open position when in said evaporator mode (34) for circulating refrigerant in one pass.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said condenser mode (36) is further defined by said first port (92) and said fourth port (98) being in said open position and said second port (94) and said third port (96) being in said closed position for circulating refrigerant in three passes.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said separator is further defined as a
first separator (38) and further including a second and a third separator (52, 54) disposed within said second manifold (24) dividing said cavity (27) into a third, fourth and fifth chamber (56, 58, 60).
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein both of said second and third separators
(52, 54) are offset from said first separator (38) with said first chamber (40) fluidly connected to said third chamber (56) by a first group (62) of said flow tubes (28), said first chamber (40) fluidly connected to said fourth chamber (58) by a second group (64) of said flow tubes (28), said second chamber (42) fluidly connected to said fourth chamber (58) by a third group (66) of said flow tubes (28), and said second chamber (42) fluidly connected to said fifth chamber (60) by a fourth group (68) of said flow tubes (28).
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 further including a fourth port (98) connected to said fourth chamber (58) and a fifth port (100) connected to said fifth chamber (60) with said first, second, third, fourth, and fifth ports (92, 94, 96, 98, 100) being in said open position when in said evaporator mode (34) for circulating refrigerant in one pass.
12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said condenser mode (36) is further defined by said first port (92) said second port (94) and said fourth port (98) being in said closed position and said third port (96) and said fifth port (100) being in said open position for circulating refrigerant in four passes.
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said separator is further defined as a
first separator (38) and further including a second separator (52) and a third separator (54) disposed within said second manifold (24) dividing said cavity (26) into a third, fourth and fifth chamber (56, 58, 60).
14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein both of said second and said third separators
(52, 54) are offset from said first separator (38) with said first chamber (40) fluidly connected to said third chamber (56) by a first group (62) of said flow tubes (28), said first chamber (40) fluidly connected to said fourth chamber (58) by a second group (64) of said flow tubes (28), said second chamber (42) fluidly connected to said fourth chamber (58) by a third group (66) of said flow tubes (28), and said second chamber (42) fluidly connected to said fifth chamber (60) by a fourth group (68) of said flow tubes (28).
15. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 further including a third port connected to said
third chamber and a fourth port (98) connected to said fourth chamber (58) and a fifth port (100) connected to said fifth chamber (60) and with said third, fourth and fifth ports (96, 98, 100) being in said open position when in said evaporator mode (34) for circulating refrigerant in two passes.
16. An assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said condenser mode (36) is further defined by said fourth port (98) being in said closed position and said third port (96) and said fifth port (100) being in said open position for circulating refrigerant in four passes.
17. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a distribution tube (70) disposed within one of said chambers (22, 24) and said cavity (27) with said distribution tube (70) having a plurality of apertures and with said distribution tube (70) being fluidly connected to one of said plurality of ports (30) for passing refrigerant from one of said plurality of ports (30) into at least one of said chambers (40, 42) and said cavity (27) and further defining an evaporator mode (36) inlet chamber (78).
18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 including a fourth port (98) fluidly connected to said evaporator mode (34) inlet chamber (78) for circulating the refrigerant in said condenser mode (36).
19. A method of operating a heat exchanger
(20) having a first manifold
(22) divided into a first chamber
(40) and a second chamber
(42) with a first port
(92) and second port
(94), a second manifold
(24) defining at least one chamber with a third port
(96), and a plurality of flow tubes
(28) fluidly connecting the manifolds
(22, 24), said method comprising the steps of:
opening one of said ports (30) in each chamber of said manifolds (22, 24) to define an evaporator mode (34) ;
introducing refrigerant into one of the manifolds (22, 24) defining an inlet chamber (78);
passing the refrigerant through all of the plurality of flow tubes (28) in a single pass;
exiting the refrigerant from an opposing manifold;
closing the third port (96) of the second manifold (24) to define a condenser mode (36);
introducing the refrigerant into one of the chambers of one of the manifolds (20, 22) to define an inlet chamber (78);
passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes (28) connected to the inlet chamber (78);
passing the refrigerant into another chamber of one of the manifolds (22, 24) to define a mid-flow chamber (72);
passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes (28) connected to the mid-flow chamber (72);
passing the refrigerant into another chamber of one of the manifolds (22, 24) to define an outlet chamber (80); and
exiting the refrigerant through the port connected to the outlet chamber (80).
20. A method of operating a heat exchanger
(20) having a first manifold
(22) divided into a first chamber
(40) and a second chamber
(42) and a second manifold
(24) divided onto a third chamber
(56), a fourth chamber
(58) and a fifth chamber
(60), with a third port
(96), a fourth port
(98), a fifth port
(100) and a plurality of flow tubes
(28) fluidly connecting the manifolds
(22, 24), said method comprising the steps of:
opening at least one of the ports (30) to define an evaporator mode (34);
introducing the refrigerant into one of the manifolds (22, 24) to define an inlet chamber (78);
passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes (28) connected to the inlet chamber (78);
passing the refrigerant into the opposing manifold (22, 24) to define a mid-flow chamber (72);
passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes (28) connected to the mid-flow chamber (72);
passing the refrigerant into the opposing manifold (22, 24) to define an outlet chamber (80);
exiting the refrigerant through the port (30) connected to the outlet chamber (80);
closing the fourth port (94) and opening the third and fifth ports (96, 100) to define a condenser mode (36);
introducing the refrigerant into the third port (96) of the second manifold (24) to define an inlet chamber (78);
passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes (28) connected to the inlet chamber (78);
passing the refrigerant into the first chamber (40) of the first manifold (22) to define a first mid-flow chamber (72);
passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes (28) connected to the first mid-flow chamber (72);
passing the refrigerant into the fourth chamber (58) of the second manifold (22) to define a second mid-flow chamber (74);
passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes (28) connected to the second mid-flow chamber (74);
passing the refrigerant into the second chamber (42) of the first manifold (22) to define a third mid-flow chamber (76);
passing the refrigerant through the plurality of flow tubes (28) connected to the third mid-flow chamber (76);
passing the refrigerant into the fifth chamber (60) of the second manifold (20) to define an outlet chamber (80); and
exiting the refrigerant through the fifth port (100) connected to the outlet chamber (80).
1. Wärmetauscheranordnung (20), die aufweist:
einen ersten Verteiler (22) und einen zweiten Verteiler (24), die jeweils einen hohlen
Hohlraum (26, 27) definieren und in einer im Wesentlichen parallelen Beziehung mit
Abstand zueinander vorgesehen sind;
eine Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die sich zwischen den ersten und zweiten
Verteilern (22, 24) erstrecken und für diese eine Fluid-Verbindung bilden, um ein
Kältemittel zwischen den Verteilern (22, 24) fließen zu lassen;
einen Separator (38), der in dem ersten Verteiler (22) angeordnet ist und den Hohlraum
(26) in eine erste Kammer (40) und eine zweite Kammer (42) teilt;
eine Vielzahl von Anschlüssen (30), die eine Fluid-Verbindung haben mit zumindest
einem der ersten und zweiten Verteiler (22, 24), wobei jeder der Anschlüsse (30) eine
offene Position hat, um zu ermöglichen, dass Kühlmittel in die Verteiler (22, 24)
hinein und aus ihnen heraus fließt, und eine geschlossene Position hat, um zu verhindern,
dass Kühlmittel in die Verteiler (22, 24) hinein und aus ihnen heraus fließt, wobei
die Vielzahl von Anschlüssen (30) zumindest einen ersten Anschluss (92), einen zweiten
Anschluss (94) und einen dritten Anschluss (96) umfasst;
eine externe Steuervorrichtung (32) zum Umschalten zwischen einem Evaporator-Modus
(34) und einem Kondensator-Modus (36); und
wobei einer der Anschlüsse (30) in jeder Kammer und jedem Hohlraum (40, 42, 27) von
einem der Verteiler (22, 24) in der offenen Position ist zum Zirkulieren von Kühlmittel
durch alle der Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28) in zumindest einem Durchlauf, wenn
in dem Evaporator-Modus (34), und wobei zumindest einer der Anschlüsse (30) in der
geschlossenen Position ist zum Zirkulieren von Kühlmittel durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren
(28) in zumindest zwei Durchläufen, wenn in dem Kondensator-Modus (36).
2. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der erste Anschluss (92) mit der ersten Kammer (40)
verbunden ist, der zweite Anschluss (94) mit der zweiten Kammer (42) verbunden ist
und der dritte Anschluss (96) mit dem Hohlraum (27) des zweiten Verteilers (24) verbunden
ist.
3. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei der Evaporator-Modus (34) weiter dadurch definiert
ist, dass zumindest einer der Anschlüsse (30) in jeder Kammer (40, 42) des ersten
Verteilers (22) und zumindest einer der Anschlüsse (30) in dem Hohlraum (27) des zweiten
Verteilers (24) in der offenen Position sind zum Zirkulieren von Kühlmittel in einem
Durchlauf.
4. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei der Kondensator-Modus (36) weiter dadurch definiert
ist, dass der erste Anschluss (92) und der zweite Anschluss (94) in der offenen Position
sind und der dritte Anschluss (96) in der geschlossenen Position ist zum Zirkulieren
von Kühlmittel in zwei Durchläufen.
5. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei der Separator (38) weiter als ein erster Separator
(38) definiert ist und weiter einen zweiten Separator (52) umfasst, der in dem Hohlraum
(27) des zweiten Verteilers (24) angeordnet ist und den Hohlraum (27) des zweiten
Verteilers (24) in eine dritte Kammer (56) und eine vierte Kammer (58) teilt.
6. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der zweite Separator (52) von dem ersten Separator
(38) versetzt ist, wobei die erste Kammer (40) mit der dritten Kammer (56) über eine
erste Gruppe (62) der Durchflussrohre (28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist, wobei die zweite
Kammer (42) mit der dritten Kammer (56) über eine zweite Gruppe (64) der Durchflussrohre
(28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist, und die zweite Kammer (42) mit der vierten Kammer
(58) über eine dritte Gruppe (66) der Durchflussrohre (28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist.
7. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 5, die weiter aufweist einen vierten Anschluss (98), der
mit der vierten Kammer (58) verbunden ist, wobei die ersten, zweiten, dritten und
vierten Anschlüsse (92, 94, 96, 98) in der offenen Position sind, wenn in dem Evaporator-Modus
(34), zum Zirkulieren von Kühlmittel in einem Durchlauf.
8. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei der Kondensator-Modus (36) weiter dadurch definiert
ist, dass der erste Anschluss (92) und der vierte Anschluss (98) in der offenen Position
sind und der zweite Anschluss (94) und der dritte Anschluss (96) in der geschlossenen
Position sind zum Zirkulieren von Kühlmittel in zwei Durchläufen.
9. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei der Separator weiter als ein erster Separator (38)
definiert ist und weiter aufweist einen zweiten und einen dritten Separator (52, 54),
die in dem zweiten Verteiler (24) angeordnet sind und den Hohlraum (27) in eine dritte,
vierte und fünfte Kammer (56, 58, 60) teilen.
10. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei beide der zweiten und dritten Separatoren (52, 54)
von dem ersten Separator (38) versetzt sind, wobei die erste Kammer (40) mit der dritten
Kammer (56) über eine erste Gruppe (62) der Durchflussrohre (28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden
ist, wobei die erste Kammer (40) mit der vierten Kammer (58) über eine zweite Gruppe
(64) der Durchflussrohre (28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist, wobei die zweite Kammer (42)
mit der vierten Kammer (58) über eine dritte Gruppe (66) der Durchflussrohre (28)
Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist, und wobei die zweite Kammer (42) mit der fünften Kammer
(60) über eine vierte Gruppe (68) der Durchflussrohre (28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist.
11. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 9, die weiter aufweist einen vierten Anschluss (98), der
mit der vierten Kammer (58) verbunden ist, und einen fünften Anschluss (100), der
mit der fünften Kammer (60) verbunden ist, wobei die ersten, zweiten, dritten, vierten
und fünften Anschlüsse (92, 94, 96, 98, 100) in der offenen Position sind, wenn in
dem Evaporator-Modus (34), zum Zirkulieren von Kühlmittel in einem Durchlauf.
12. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 11, wobei der Kondensator-Modus (36) weiter dadurch definiert
ist, dass der erste Anschluss (92), der zweite Anschluss (94) und der vierte Anschluss
(98) in der geschlossenen Position sind und der dritte Anschluss (96) und der fünfte
Anschluss (100) in der offenen Position sind zum Zirkulieren von Kühlmittel in vier
Durchläufen.
13. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Separator weiter definiert ist als ein erster
Separator (38) und weiter einen zweiten Separator (52) und einen dritten Separator
(54) umfasst, die in dem zweiten Verteiler (24) angeordnet sind und den Hohlraum (26)
in eine dritte, vierte und fünfte Kammer (56, 58, 60) teilen.
14. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 13, wobei beide der zweiten und dritten Separatoren (52,
54) von dem ersten Separator (38) versetzt sind, wobei die erste Kammer (40) mit der
dritten Kammer (56) über eine erste Gruppe (62) der Durchflussrohre (28) Fluid-mäßig
verbunden ist, wobei die erste Kammer (40) mit der vierten Kammer (58) über eine zweite
Gruppe (64) der Durchflussrohre (28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist, wobei die zweite Kammer
(42) mit der vierten Kammer (58) über eine dritte Gruppe (66) der Durchflussrohre
(28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist, und wobei die zweite Kammer (42) mit der fünften Kammer
(60) über eine vierte Gruppe (68) der Durchflussrohre (28) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist.
15. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 13, die weiter umfasst einen dritten Anschluss, der mit der
dritten Kammer verbunden ist, und einen vierten Anschluss (98), der mit der vierten
Kammer (58) verbunden ist, und einen fünften Anschluss (100), der mit der fünften
Kammer (60) verbunden ist, und wobei die dritten, vierten und fünften Anschlüsse (96,
98, 100) in der offenen Position sind, wenn in dem Evaporator-Modus (34), zum Zirkulieren
von Kühlmittel in zwei Durchläufen.
16. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 15, wobei der Kondensator-Modus (36) weiter dadurch definiert
ist, dass der vierte Anschluss (98) in der geschlossenen Position ist und der dritte
Anschluss (96) und der fünfte Anschluss (100) in der offenen Position sind, zum Zirkulieren
von Kühlmittel in vier Durchläufen.
17. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 1, die umfasst ein Verteilerrohr (70), das in einer der Kammern
(22, 24) und dem Hohlraum (27) angeordnet ist, wobei das Verteilerrohr (70) eine Vielzahl
von Öffnungen hat und wobei das Verteilerrohr (70) Fluid-mäßig verbunden ist mit einem
der Vielzahl von Anschlüssen (30) zum Durchlauf von Kühlmittel von einem der Vielzahl
von Anschlüssen (30) in zumindest eine der Kammern (40,42) und den Hohlraum (27) hinein,
und weiter eine Evaporator-Modus(36)-Einlasskammer (78) definiert.
18. Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 17, die einen vierten Anschluss (98) in Fluid-Verbindung
mit der Evaporator-Modus(34)-Einlasskammer (78) umfasst zum Zirkulieren des Kühlmittels
in dem Kondensator-Modus (36).
19. Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Wärmetauschers (20) mit einem ersten Verteiler (22),
der in eine erste Kammer (40) und eine zweite Kammer (42) geteilt ist, mit einem ersten
Anschluss (92) und einem zweiten Anschluss (94), einem zweiten Verteiler (24), der
zumindest eine Kammer mit einem dritten Anschluss (96) definiert, und einer Vielzahl
von Durchflussrohren (28), welche die Verteiler (22, 24) Fluid-mäßig verbinden, wobei
das Verfahren die Schritte aufweist:
Öffnen eines der Anschlüsse (30) in jeder Kammer der Verteiler (22, 24), um einen
Evaporator-Modus (34) zu definieren;
Zuführen von Kühlmittel in einen der Verteiler (22, 24), um eine Einlasskammer (78)
zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch alle der Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28) in einem
einzigen Durchlauf;
Auslassen des Kühlmittels aus einem gegenüberliegenden Verteiler;
Schließen des dritten Anschlusses (96) des zweiten Verteilers (24), um einen Kondensator-Modus
(36) zu definieren;
Zuführen des Kühlmittels in eine der Kammern eines der Verteiler (20, 22), um eine
Einlasskammer (78) zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die mit der Einlasskammer
(78) verbunden sind;
Leiten des Kühlmittels in eine andere Kammer eines der Verteiler (22, 24), um eine
Zwischenfluss-Kammer (72) zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die mit der Zwischenfluss-Kammer
(72) verbunden sind;
Leiten des Kühlmittels in eine andere Kammer eines der Verteiler (22, 24), um eine
Auslasskammer (80) zu definieren; und
Auslassen des Kühlmittels durch den Anschluss, der mit der Auslasskammer (80) verbunden
ist.
20. Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Wärmetauschers (20) mit einem ersten Verteiler (22),
der in eine erste Kammer (40) und eine zweite Kammer (42) geteilt ist, und einem zweiten
Verteiler (24), der in eine dritte Kammer (56), eine vierte Kammer (58) und eine fünfte
Kammer (60) geteilt ist, wobei ein dritter Anschluss (96), ein vierter Anschluss (98),
ein fünfter Anschluss (100) und eine Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28) die Verteiler
(22, 24) Fluid-mäßig verbinden, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte aufweist:
Öffnen zumindest eines der Anschlüsse (30), um einen Evaporator-Modus (34) zu definieren;
Zuführen des Kühlmittels in einen der Verteiler (22, 24), um eine Einlasskammer (78)
zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die mit der Einlasskammer
(78) verbunden sind;
Leiten des Kühlmittels in den gegenüberliegenden Verteiler (22, 24), um eine Zwischenfluss-Kammer
(72) zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die mit der Zwischenfluss-Kammer
(72) verbunden sind;
Leiten des Kühlmittels in den gegenüberliegenden Verteiler (22, 24), um eine Auslasskammer
(80) zu definieren;
Auslassen des Kühlmittels durch den Anschluss (30), der mit der Auslasskammer (80)
verbunden ist;
Schließen des vierten Anschlusses (94) und Öffnen der dritten und fünften Anschlüsse
(96, 100), um einen Kondensator-Modus (36) zu definieren;
Zuführen des Kühlmittels in den dritten Anschluss (96) des zweiten Verteilers (24),
um eine Einlasskammer (78) zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die mit der Einlasskammer
(78) verbunden sind;
Leiten des Kühlmittels in die erste Kammer (40) des ersten Verteilers (22), um eine
erste Zwischenfluss-Kammer (72) zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die mit der ersten
Zwischenfluss-Kammer (72) verbunden sind;
Leiten des Kühlmittels in die vierte Kammer (58) des zweiten Verteilers (22), um eine
zweite Zwischenfluss-Kammer (74) zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die mit der zweiten
Zwischenfluss-Kammer (74) verbunden sind;
Leiten des Kühlmittels in die zweite Kammer (42) des ersten Verteilers (22), um eine
dritte Zwischenfluss-Kammer (76) zu definieren;
Leiten des Kühlmittels durch die Vielzahl von Durchflussrohren (28), die mit der dritten
Zwischenfluss-Kammer (76) verbunden sind;
Leiten des Kühlmittels in die fünfte Kammer (60) des zweiten Verteilers (20), um eine
Auslasskammer (80) zu definieren; und
Auslassen des Kühlmittels durch den fünften Anschluss (100), der mit der Auslasskammer
(80) verbunden ist.
1. Ensemble échangeur thermique (20) comprenant :
un premier collecteur (22) et un second collecteur (24) qui définissent chacun une
cavité creuse (26, 27) et disposés l'un par rapport à l'autre dans une relation espacée
et sensiblement parallèles ;
une pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) qui s'étendent entre ledit premier et ledit
second collecteur (22, 24) et qui les relient sur le plan fluidique pour faire passer
un réfrigérant entre lesdits collecteurs (22, 24) ;
un séparateur (38) disposé dans ledit premier collecteur (22) et divisant ladite cavité
(26) en une première chambre (40) et une seconde chambre (42) ;
une pluralité d'orifices (30) reliés sur le plan fluidique à l'un au moins dudit premier
et dudit second collecteur (22, 24), chacun desdits orifices (30) ayant une position
ouverte pour permettre au réfrigérant de s'écouler en entrant et en sortant desdits
collecteurs (22, 24) et une position fermée pour empêcher au réfrigérant de s'écouler
en entrant et en sortant desdits collecteurs (22, 24), et ladite pluralité d'orifices
(30) inclut au moins un premier orifice (92), un second orifice (94) et un troisième
orifice (96) ;
un contrôleur externe (32) pour commuter entre un mode évaporateur (34) et un mode
condenseur (36) ; et
l'un desdits orifices (30) dans chaque chambre et la cavité (40, 42, 27) de l'un desdits
collecteurs (22, 24) étant dans ladite position ouverte pour faire circuler un réfrigérant
à travers tous les tubes de ladite pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) en au moins
une passe lorsque l'échangeur est dans ledit mode évaporateur (34), et l'un au moins
desdits orifices (30) étant dans ladite position fermée pour faire circuler le réfrigérant
à travers ladite pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) en au moins deux passes lorsque
l'échangeur est dans ledit mode condenseur (36).
2. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit premier orifice (92) est raccordé
à ladite première chambre (40), ledit second orifice (94) est raccordé à ladite seconde
chambre (42), et ledit troisième orifice (96) est raccordé à ladite cavité (27) dudit
second collecteur (24).
3. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit mode évaporateur (34) est encore
défini par le fait que l'un au moins desdits orifices (30) dans chaque chambre (40,
42) dudit premier collecteur (22) et l'un au moins desdits orifices (30) dans ladite
cavité (27) dudit second collecteur (24) est dans ladite position ouverte pour faire
circuler le réfrigérant en une passe.
4. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit mode condenseur (36) est encore
défini par le fait que ledit premier orifice (92) et ledit second orifice (94) sont
dans ladite position ouverte, et ledit troisième orifice (96) est dans ladite position
fermée pour faire circuler le réfrigérant en deux passes.
5. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit séparateur (38) est encore défini
comme étant un premier séparateur (38) et inclut en outre un second séparateur (52)
disposé dans ladite cavité (27) dudit second collecteur (24) en divisant ladite cavité
(27) dudit second collecteur (24) en une troisième chambre (56) et une quatrième chambre
(58).
6. Ensemble selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit second séparateur (52) est décalé
depuis ledit premier séparateur (38) alors que ladite première chambre (40) est raccordée
sur le plan fluidique à ladite troisième chambre (56) via un premier groupe (62) desdits
tubes d'écoulement (28), ladite seconde chambre (42) est raccordée sur le plan fluidique
à ladite troisième chambre (56) par un second groupe (64) desdits tubes d'écoulement
(28), et ladite seconde chambre (42) est raccordée sur le plan fluidique à ladite
quatrième chambre (58) par un troisième groupe (66) desdits tubes d'écoulement (28).
7. Ensemble selon la revendication 5, incluant en outre un quatrième orifice (98) raccordé
à ladite quatrième chambre (58) alors que lesdits premier, second, troisième et quatrième
orifices (92, 94, 96, 98) sont dans ladite position ouverte quand l'ensemble est dans
ledit mode évaporateur (34) pour faire circuler le réfrigérant en une passe.
8. Ensemble selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit mode condenseur (36) est encore
défini par le fait que ledit premier orifice (92) et ledit quatrième orifice (98)
sont dans ladite position ouverte, et ledit second orifice (94) et ledit troisième
orifice (96) sont dans ladite position fermée pour faire circuler le réfrigérant en
trois passes.
9. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit séparateur est en outre défini
comme étant un premier séparateur (38), et inclut en outre un second et un troisième
séparateur (52, 54) disposés dans ledit second collecteur (24) en divisant ladite
cavité (27) en une troisième, une quatrième et une cinquième chambre (56, 58, 60).
10. Ensemble selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit second et ledit troisième séparateur
(52, 54) sont tous les deux décalés depuis ledit premier séparateur (38) alors que
ladite première chambre (40) est raccordée sur le plan fluidique à ladite troisième
chambre (56) par un premier groupe (62) desdits tubes d'écoulement (28), ladite première
chambre (40) est raccordée sur le plan fluidique à ladite quatrième chambre (58) par
un second groupe (64) desdits tubes d'écoulement (28), ladite seconde chambre (42)
est raccordée sur le plan fluidique à ladite quatrième chambre (58) par un troisième
groupe (66) desdits tubes d'écoulement (28), et ladite seconde chambre (42) est raccordée
sur le plan fluidique à ladite cinquième chambre (60) par un quatrième groupe (68)
desdits tubes d'écoulement (28).
11. Ensemble selon la revendication 9, incluant en outre un quatrième orifice (98) raccordé
à ladite quatrième chambre (58) et un cinquième orifice (100) raccordé à ladite cinquième
chambre (60), et lesdits premier, second, troisième, quatrième et cinquième orifices
(92, 94, 96, 98, 100) sont dans ladite position ouverte quand l'ensemble est dans
ledit mode évaporateur (34) pour faire circuler le réfrigérant en une passe.
12. Ensemble selon la revendication 11, dans lequel ledit mode condenseur (36) et encore
défini par le fait que ledit premier orifice (92), ledit second orifice (94) et ledit
quatrième orifice (98) sont dans ladite position fermée, et ledit troisième orifice
(96) et ledit cinquième orifice (100) sont dans ladite position ouverte pour faire
circuler le réfrigérant en quatre passes.
13. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit séparateur est en outre défini
comme étant un premier séparateur (38) et inclut en outre un second séparateur (52)
et un troisième séparateur (54) disposés dans ledit second collecteur (24) en divisant
ladite cavité (26) en une troisième, une quatrième et une cinquième chambre (56, 58,
60).
14. Ensemble selon la revendication 13, dans lequel ledit second et ledit troisième séparateur
(52, 54) sont tous les deux décalés depuis ledit premier séparateur (38) alors que
ladite première chambre (40) est raccordée sur le plan fluidique à ladite troisième
chambre (56) par un premier groupe (62) desdits tubes d'écoulement (28), ladite première
chambre (40) est raccordée sur le plan fluidique à ladite quatrième chambre (58) par
un second groupe (64) desdits tubes d'écoulement (28), ladite seconde chambre (42)
est raccordée sur le plan fluidique à ladite quatrième chambre (58) par un troisième
groupe (66) desdits tubes d'écoulement (28), et ladite seconde chambre (42) est raccordée
sur le plan fluidique à ladite cinquième chambre (60) par un quatrième groupe (68)
desdits tubes d'écoulement (28).
15. Ensemble selon la revendication 13, incluant en outre un troisième orifice raccordé
à ladite troisième chambre et un quatrième orifice (98) raccordé à ladite quatrième
chambre (58), et un cinquième orifice (100) raccordé à ladite cinquième chambre (60),
lesdits troisième, quatrième et cinquième orifice (96, 98, 100) étant dans ladite
position ouverte quand l'ensemble est dans ledit mode évaporateur (34) pour faire
circuler le réfrigérant en deux passes.
16. Ensemble selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit mode condenseur (36) et encore
défini par le fait que ledit quatrième orifice (98) est dans ladite position fermée,
et ledit troisième orifice (96) et ledit cinquième orifice (100) sont dans ladite
position ouverte pour faire circuler le réfrigérant en quatre passes.
17. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, incluant un tube de distribution (70) disposé dans
l'une desdites chambres (22, 24), et ladite cavité (27) avec ledit tube de distribution
(70) ayant une pluralité d'ouvertures, et ledit tube de distribution (70) étant raccordé
sur le plan fluidique à l'un de ladite pluralité d'orifices (30) pour faire passer
le réfrigérant depuis ledit orifice de ladite pluralité d'orifices (30) vers l'une
au moins desdites chambres (40, 42) et ladite cavité (27), et définissant en outre
une chambre d'entrée (78) pour le mode évaporateur (36).
18. Ensemble selon la revendication 17, incluant un quatrième orifice (98) raccordé sur
le plan fluidique à ladite chambre d'entrée (78) pour le mode évaporateur (34) pour
faire circuler le réfrigérant dans ledit mode condenseur (36).
19. Procédé pour le fonctionnement d'un échangeur de chaleur (20) ayant un premier collecteur
(22) divisé en une première chambre (40) et une seconde chambre (42) avec un premier
orifice (92) et un second orifice (94), un second collecteur (24) définissant au moins
une chambre avec un troisième orifice (96), et une pluralité de tubes d'écoulement
(28) qui raccordent sur le plan fluidique les collecteurs (22, 24), ledit procédé
comprenant les étapes consistant à :
ouvrir l'un desdits orifices (30) dans chaque chambre desdits collecteurs (22, 24)
pour définir un mode évaporateur (34) ;
introduire du réfrigérant dans l'un des collecteurs (22, 24) définissant une chambre
d'entrée (78) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant à travers tous les tubes de la pluralité de tubes d'écoulement
(28) en une passe unique ;
faire sortir le réfrigérant depuis un collecteur opposé ;
fermer le troisième orifice (96) du second collecteur (24) pour définir un mode condenseur
(36) ;
introduire le réfrigérant dans l'une des chambres de l'un des collecteurs (20, 22)
pour définir une chambre d'entrée (78) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant à travers la pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) raccordés
à la chambre d'entrée (78) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant dans une autre chambre de l'un des collecteurs (22, 24)
pour définir une chambre à mi-écoulement (72) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant dans une autre chambre de l'un des collecteurs (22, 24)
pour définir une chambre de sortie (80) ; et
faire sortir le réfrigérant via l'orifice raccordé à la chambre de sortie (80).
20. Procédé pour le fonctionnement d'un échangeur de chaleur (20) ayant un premier collecteur
(22) divisé en une première chambre (40) et une seconde chambre (42) et un second
collecteur (24) divisé en une troisième chambre (56), une quatrième chambre (58) et
une cinquième chambre (60), avec un troisième orifice (96), un quatrième orifice (98),
un cinquième orifice (100) et une pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) qui raccordent
sur le plan fluidique les collecteurs (22, 24), ledit procédé comprenant les étapes
consistant à :
ouvrir l'un au moins des orifices (30) pour définir un mode évaporateur (34) ;
introduire le réfrigérant dans l'un des collecteurs (22, 24) pour définir une chambre
d'entrée (78) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant à travers la pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) raccordés
à la chambre d'entrée (78) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant vers le collecteur opposé (22, 24) pour définir une chambre
à mi-écoulement (72) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant à travers la pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) raccordés
à la chambre à mi-écoulement (72) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant vers le collecteur opposé (22, 24) pour définir une chambre
de sortie (80) ;
faire sortir le réfrigérant à travers l'orifice (30) raccordé à la chambre de sortie
(80) ;
fermer le quatrième orifice (94) et ouvrir le troisième et le cinquième orifice (96,
100) pour définir un mode condenseur (36) ;
introduire le réfrigérant dans le troisième orifice (96) du second collecteur (24)
pour définir une chambre d'entrée (78) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant à travers la pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) raccordés
à la chambre d'entrée (78) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant vers la première chambre (40) du premier collecteur (22)
pour définir une première chambre à mi-écoulement (72) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant à travers la pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) raccordés
à la première chambre à mi-écoulement (72) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant vers la quatrième chambre (58) du second collecteur (22)
pour définir une seconde chambre à mi-écoulement (74) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant à travers la pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) raccordés
à la seconde chambre à mi-écoulement (74) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant vers la seconde chambre (42) du premier collecteur (22)
pour définir une troisième chambre à mi-écoulement (76) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant à travers la pluralité de tubes d'écoulement (28) raccordés
à la troisième chambre à mi-écoulement (76) ;
faire passer le réfrigérant vers la cinquième chambre (60) du second collecteur (20)
pour définir une chambre de sortie (80) ; et
faire sortir le réfrigérant via le cinquième orifice (100) raccordé à la chambre de
sortie (80).