BACKGROUND
[0001] The described subject matter relates generally to heat exchangers, and more specifically
to heat exchangers for use with in various refrigerant systems.
[0002] The current method of distributing a liquid/vapor mixture to the inlet face of an
evaporator-type heat exchanger is through a distributor tube. An attempt is made to
position holes of the distributor tube at optimum locations and to line them up with
each fin passage of a plate fin heat exchanger. Due to tolerance accumulation and
manufacturing variation, however, these holes feeding the liquid/vapor mixture do
not readily line up with their respective passages. Thus there is often uneven distribution
of the liquid/vapor mixture which reduces efficiency of thermal transfer.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, a heat exchanger comprises a first inlet port, a first outlet port
longitudinally spaced apart from the first inlet port, a plurality of substantially
parallel parting plates stacked along a no-flow axis, a plurality of first flow spaces,
and a plurality of metering plates. The plurality of first flow spaces are defined
between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting plates and provide communication
between the first inlet port and the first outlet port. The plurality of metering
plates are disposed across an upstream end of at least one of the first flow spaces.
Each of the plurality of metering plates includes at least one metering aperture providing
fluid communication between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
[0004] In another aspect, a heat exchanger subassembly comprises a first parting plate,
a second parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first
parting plate, a third parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel
to, the first and second parting plates. A first flow space is disposed between the
first and second parting plates, and a second flow space is disposed between the second
and third parting plates. A first closure bar is disposed along a first edge of the
first flow space between the first and second parting plates. The first closure bar
has a plurality of metering apertures in communication with the first flow space.
[0005] In another aspect, a heat exchanger subassembly comprises first, second, and third
spaced apart and parallel parting plates. A first plurality of fins are disposed in
a first flow space between the first and second parting plates. A second plurality
of fins are arranged transversely to the first plurality of fins, and are disposed
in a second flow space between the second and third parting plates. A first closure
bar is disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between the first and second
parting plates, the first closure bar having a plurality of metering apertures in
communication with the first flow space between adjacent ones of the first plurality
of fins.
[0006] In another aspect, an evaporator comprises a plurality of refrigerant passages in
heat exchange relationship with a plurality of air passages. A refrigerant inlet header
is disposed adjacent to an upstream end of at least one of the plurality of refrigerant
passages. A first closure bar is disposed between the refrigerant inlet header and
the upstream end of the at least one refrigerant passage. A metering aperture is formed
through the first closure bar and is aligned with the at least one refrigerant passage.
The metering aperture provides fluid communication between the refrigerant inlet header
and the at least one refrigerant passage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007]
FIG. 1 shows an example evaporator-type heat exchanger.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger taken through line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 depicts a heat exchanger subassembly suitable for use in the example evaporator-type
heat exchanger of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a counterflow heat exchanger.
FIG. 5 depicts an alternative heat exchanger subassembly suitable for use in the example
counterflow heat exchanger of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts crossflow heat exchanger 10 with various portions cut away to illustrate
the general location of certain internal features. FIG. 1 also shows first fluid 12,
inlet port 14, housing 16, inlet chamber 18, refrigerant passages 20, first/longitudinal
axis 22, second incoming fluid 24, air passages 26, second/transverse axis 28, third/no-flow
axis 29, outlet chamber 30, and first outlet port 32.
[0009] Heat exchanger 10 is described with reference to an example evaporator-type heat
exchanger for an aircraft. The evaporator can be configured as part of a vapor-cycle
air management system (not shown). However, it will be appreciated that the configuration
of crossflow heat exchanger 10 shown here is provided for illustrative purposes, and
the described subject matter can be readily adapted to other uses. For example, though
shown as a crossflow evaporator-type heat exchanger, the described subject matter
can be adapted to many other heat exchanger configurations in which flow rates of
each fluid can be suitably managed. A second non-limiting example embodiment of a
counterflow heat exchanger is shown in FIG. 4.
[0010] First incoming fluid 12 is received into inlet port 14 formed in housing 16. First
incoming fluid 12 can be, for example, a refrigerant having previously been passed
through an expansion valve (not shown). Inlet chamber 18 is disposed adjacent to an
upstream side of one or more refrigerant passages 20 extending along first or longitudinal
axis 22. In the crossflow heat exchange relationship of FIG. 1, second incoming fluid
24 (e.g., air) flows transversely through a plurality of air passages 26 in heat exchange
relationship with the one or more refrigerant passages 20. Air passages 26 can be
substantially perpendicular to refrigerant passages 20 and can extend along second
or transverse axis 28.
[0011] In certain embodiments, parting plates can be stacked along third or no-flow axis
29 to define first and second flow spaces (best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). First flow
spaces can provide communication between inlet port 14 and outlet port 32 via refrigerant
passages 20, while second flow spaces can provide communication along air passages
26. In certain of these embodiments, multiple layers of refrigerant passages 20 and
air passages 26 are stacked in alternating first and second flow spaces along third/no-flow
axis 29.
[0012] In a heat exchange relationship for an evaporator, the mixed liquid/vapor phase of
first incoming fluid 12 is heated and vaporized as it passes through inlet chamber
18, refrigerant passages 20, and outlet chamber 30. First outgoing fluid 36, which
in this example is vaporized refrigerant, is then discharged from outlet port 32 spaced
longitudinally apart from inlet chamber 14. As first incoming fluid 12 passes through
refrigerant passages 20, the heat of vaporization chills adjacent/alternating air
passages 26 so that second outgoing fluid 34 has a lower temperature than second incoming
fluid 24.
[0013] To optimize heat transfer and fluid flow rates, the flow of first incoming fluid
12 (e.g., liquid/vapor phase refrigerant) can be metered before entering refrigerant
passages 20 in the first flow space(s). Thus a plurality of metering plates can be
disposed across an upstream end of at least one of these first flow spaces. As will
be seen in subsequent figures, each of the plurality of metering plates can include
at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication between the first inlet
port and the at least one first flow space. In certain embodiments, the metering plate(s)
can take the form of one or more closure bars or other equivalent structure metallurgically
bonded to the internal features of the heat exchanger.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a portion of example crossflow heat exchanger 10 taken across line 2-2
of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 also includes inlet chamber 18, refrigerant passages 20, first/longitudinal
axis 22, air passages 26, second/transverse axis 28, third/no-flow axis 29, parting
plates 44, first flow spaces 46, second flow spaces 48, first fins 50, upstream refrigerant
passage ends 52, first closure bar 54, metering apertures 56, metering plates 60,
and second fins 62.
[0015] A plurality of parting plates 44 are stacked along third/no-flow axis 29 of heat
exchanger such that pairs of adjacent parting plates 44 define alternating first flow
spaces 46 and second flow spaces 48, therebetween. Portions of first closure bars
56 are cut away to show first flow spaces 46 between parting plates 44, as well as
a first plurality of fins 50 disposed in each first flow space 46. First fins 50 form
first fluid passages extending along first/longitudinal axis 22. In the evaporator
example, the first fluid passages correspond to refrigerant passages 20.
[0016] Inlet chamber 18 is disposed adjacent to respective upstream ends 52 of each refrigerant
passage 20. In the view of FIG. 2, inlet chamber 18 extends outward from the page.
A plurality of first closure bars 54 are disposed along a first edge of first flow
space 46 between inlet chamber 18 and upstream refrigerant passage ends 52. One or
more metering apertures 56 can be formed (e.g., by machining) through each first closure
bar 54, effectively creating a plurality of metering plates 60 disposed in or over
an upstream portion of upstream refrigerant passage ends 52. Metering plates 60, either
individually or in the form of first closure bar(s) 54, provide fluid communication
between inlet chamber 18 and each refrigerant passage 20. First closure bars 54, and/or
individual metering plates 60 can be brazed or otherwise metallurgically bonded to
adjacent parting plates 44 defining each first flow space 46. First closure bars 54
and/or individual metering plates 60 can be assembled directly to a heat exchanger
plate-and-fin subassembly such as the subassembly shown in FIG. 3. Metering apertures
56 can thus be more closely aligned with each fluid passage (e.g., refrigerant passages
20). It also allows inlet chamber 18 to be an open inlet chamber or header common
to multiple refrigerant passages 20.
[0017] This and other related heat exchanger configurations eliminate the need for a separate
distributor tube. In certain embodiments, this reduces the required number of individual
fluid headers for each refrigerant passage, potentially reducing weight and manufacturing
complexity. Manufacturing variation, tolerance stackup, and assembly errors all increase
the occurrence of the misalignment of feedholes formed in the distributor tube relative
to individual headers for each refrigerant passage.
[0018] Metering apertures 56 can be individually configured to control the pressure and
resulting flow rate of first incoming fluid 12 (shown in FIG. 1) through each refrigerant
passage 20. In certain embodiments, one or more metering apertures 56 are cylindrical
or frustoconical. A cross-section of each metering aperture 56 can also be tailored
to local or global flow and pressure parameters.
[0019] The cross-sectional area of each metering aperture 56 can also vary according to
its location. In certain embodiments, the size, shape, and/or cross-sectional area
of each aperture can be configured so as to provide a substantially equivalent pressure
drop through each of the refrigerant passages 20 between inlet chamber 18 and outlet
chamber 30 (shown in FIG. 1). In certain embodiments, the size, shape and/or cross-sectional
area of each metering aperture 56 can be made to vary according to its position along
at least one of second/transverse axis 28 and third/no-flow axis 29.
[0020] To further enhance heat transfer relationships, a plurality of second fluid passages
can extend through one or more of the second flow spaces 48. In the evaporator example,
the second fluid passages correspond to air passages 26, extending along second/transverse
axis 28 substantially perpendicular to first/longitudinal axis 22 and refrigerant
passages 20. A second plurality of fins 62 can be disposed in each second flow space
48 to form first fluid passages extending along first/longitudinal axis 22. In the
crossflow heat exchange relationship, the second plurality of fins 62 can be disposed
transversely to the first plurality of fins 50.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows plate-and-fin subassembly 110 for a heat exchanger such as an evaporator.
FIG. 3 also includes first fluid passages 120, first/longitudinal axis 122, second
fluid passages 126, second/transverse axis 128, third/no-flow axis 129, parting plates
144A, 144B, 144C, first flow space 146, second flow space 148, first fins 150, first
closure bar 154, metering apertures 156, metering plates 160, second fins 162, first
edges 166A, 166B, second closure bar 168, and second edges 170A, 170B.
[0022] First parting plate 144A, second parting plate 144B, and third parting plate 144C
are generally parallel to one another and spaced apart along third/no-flow axis 129.
First plurality of fins 150 are disposed in first flow space 146 between first and
second parting plates 144A, 144B, defining a plurality of first fluid passages 120
extending along first/longitudinal axis 122. Second plurality of fins 162 can be disposed
in second flow space 148 between second and third parting plates 144B, 144C. In the
crossflow configuration, fins 162 can be arranged transversely to fins 150 to define
a plurality of second fluid passages 126 extending along second/transverse axis 128.
[0023] Similar to FIG. 2, first closure bar 154 is disposed along first edges 166A, 166B
of first flow space 146 between first and second parting plates 144A, 144B. First
closure bar 154 can include a plurality of metering apertures 156 in communication
with first flow space 146 between adjacent ones of fins 150. This forms effective
metering plates 160 disposed at one end of each first fluid passage 120. In certain
embodiments, first closure bar 154 and/or individual metering plates 160 are metallurgically
bonded to first and second parting plates 144A, 144B.
[0024] In certain embodiments, second closure bar 168 can be arranged transversely to first
closure bar 154 along second edges 170A, 170B of first flow space 146. Second closure
bar 168 can be free of any metering apertures to prevent leakage or intermingling
of fluids passing separately through first and second flow spaces 146, 148. A longitudinal
axis of second closure bar 168 can thus be arranged parallel to the first plurality
of fins 150.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment which includes counterflow heat exchanger
210. Various portions of counterflow heat exchanger 210 are cut away in FIG. 4 to
illustrate the general location of certain internal features. Similar to FIG. 1, which
shows an example crossflow heat exchanger 10, counterflow heat exchanger 210 can also
be configured as an evaporator-type heat exchanger. However, counterflow heat exchanger
210 is provided for illustrative purposes, and the described subject matter can be
readily adapted to other uses.
[0026] First incoming fluid 212, for example, a liquid/vapor phase refrigerant mixture,
can be received into first inlet port 214A formed in housing 216. Inlet chamber 218A
is disposed adjacent to an upstream side of one or more first fluid passages 220,
with each passage extending along first/longitudinal axis 222. First fluid 212 then
enters outlet chamber 230, where it is discharged (as first outgoing fluid 236) from
first outlet port 232A longitudinally spaced apart from first inlet port 214A.
[0027] Second incoming fluid 224, for example, air, enters via second inlet port 214B, then
flows through housing 216 before exiting from second outlet chamber 230B. Second inlet
port 214B is also longitudinally spaced apart from second outlet port 232B. In a counterflow
design, second inlet port 214B can be disposed at the same longitudinal end of heat
exchanger 210 as first outlet port 232A, while first inlet port 214A can be disposed
at the same longitudinal end of heat exchanger 210 as second outlet port 232B. It
will be appreciated that heat exchanger 210 can be further adapted to a coflow relationship
in which fluid inlets 214A, 214B are disposed at the same longitudinal end, and are
longitudinally spaced apart from outlet ports 232A, 232B.
[0028] Second fluid 224 flows through heat exchanger 210 via a plurality of longitudinal
second fluid passages 226 in heat transfer relationship with the one or more first
fluid passages 220. Multiple layers of first fluid passages 220 and second fluid passages
226 can be stacked in an alternating manner between adjacent parting plates along
third/no-flow axis 229. In certain embodiments, passages 226 can be arranged in a
serpentine manner through each layer so that second fluid 224 flows back and forth
along first axis 222 before exiting via second outlet port 232B. This is best seen
in FIG. 5.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows plate-and-fin subassembly 310 for a heat exchanger such as counterflow
heat exchanger 210 shown in FIG. 4. First parting plate 344A, second parting plate
344B, and third parting plate 344C are generally parallel to one another and spaced
apart along third/no-flow axis 329. First plurality of fins 350 are disposed in first
flow space 346 between first and second parting plates 344A, 344B, defining a plurality
of first passages 320 extending along first/longitudinal flow axis 322. Second plurality
of fins 362 can be disposed in second flow space 348 between second and third parting
plates 344B, 344C, defining a plurality of second passages 326 also extending along
first/longitudinal flow axis 322. Second fins 362 can thus be arranged parallel to
first fins 350.
[0030] Similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, first closure bar 354 is disposed along first edges 366A,
366B of first flow space 346 between first and second parting plates 344A, 344B. First
closure bar 354 can include a plurality of metering apertures 356 in communication
with first flow space 346 between adjacent ones of first fins 350. This forms effective
metering plates 360 disposed at one end of each first fluid passage 320. In certain
embodiments, first closure bar 354 and/or individual metering plates 360 are metallurgically
bonded to first and second parting plates 344A, 344B. In certain embodiments, second
closure bar 368 can be arranged transversely to first closure bar 354 along second
edges 370A, 370B of first flow space 346. Second closure bar 368 can be free of metering
apertures to prevent leakage or intermingling of fluids passing through first and
second flow spaces 346, 348.
[0031] In certain embodiments of a counterflow heat exchanger, fluid can flow in the same
direction along second passages 326. However, to allow for serpentine flow in second
flow space 348, some fins 362 can optionally be recessed from first edges 366B, 366C
to allow the fluid in second flow space 348 to change direction. It will be appreciated
that, in these embodiments, additional closure bars or plates (not shown for clarity)
can be disposed along first edges 366B, 366C to enclose the serpentine passages and
retain the second fluid within second flow space 348.
Discussion of Possible Embodiments
[0032] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0033] A heat exchanger comprises a first inlet port, a first outlet port longitudinally
spaced apart from the first inlet port, a plurality of substantially parallel parting
plates stacked along a no-flow axis, a plurality of first flow spaces, and a plurality
of metering plates. The plurality of first flow spaces are defined between adjacent
ones of at least some of the parting plates and provide communication between the
first inlet port and the first outlet port. The plurality of metering plates are disposed
across an upstream end of at least one of the first flow spaces. Each of the plurality
of metering plates includes at least one metering aperture providing fluid communication
between the first inlet port and the at least one first flow space.
[0034] The heat exchanger of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally
and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or
additional components:
A further embodiment of the foregoing heat exchanger, wherein the plurality of metering
plates comprise a first closure bar arranged along a first edge of the at least one
first flow space proximate to the first inlet port.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the first closure
bar is metallurgically bonded to adjacent ones of the parting plates defining the
one of the first flow spaces.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising a
second closure bar arranged transversely to the first closure bar along a second edge
of the first flow space, the second closure bar free of any metering apertures.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein a cross-sectional
area of each metering aperture varies along at least one of: the no-flow axis, and
a transverse axis.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein a cross-sectional
area of each metering aperture is configured so as to provide a substantially equivalent
pressure drop through each of the plurality of first flow spaces between the first
inlet port and the first outlet port.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising a
plurality of first fluid passages extending along a longitudinal axis of the at least
one first flow space.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the plurality
of first fluid passages comprises a first plurality of fins disposed in the at least
one first flow space.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein each of the
plurality of metering apertures includes at least one metering aperture in communication
with each of the first fluid passages.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising an
inlet chamber disposed in fluid communication between the inlet port and the plurality
of metering apertures.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising a
second inlet port; a second outlet port; and a plurality of second flow spaces providing
communication between the second inlet port and the second outlet port; the plurality
of second flow spaces defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting
plates.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the plurality
of parting plates define alternating ones of the first plurality of flow spaces and
the second plurality of second flow spaces.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, further comprising a
second plurality of fins disposed in the at least one second flow space, the second
plurality of fins defining a plurality of second fluid passages extending through
the at least one second flow space.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the plurality
of second fluid passages extend along a transverse axis.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchangers, wherein the plurality
of second fluid passages extend along a longitudinal axis.
A heat exchanger subassembly comprises a first parting plate, a second parting plate
spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first parting plate, a third
parting plate spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to, the first and second
parting plates. A first flow space is disposed between the first and second parting
plates, and a second flow space is disposed between the second and third parting plates.
A first closure bar is disposed along a first edge of the first flow space between
the first and second parting plates. The first closure bar has a plurality of metering
apertures in communication with the first flow space.
[0035] The heat exchanger subassembly of the preceding paragraph can optionally include,
additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations
and/or additional components:
A further embodiment of the foregoing heat exchanger subassembly, wherein the first
closure bar is metallurgically bonded to the first and second parting plates.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, further
comprising a first plurality of fins disposed in the first flow space; and a second
plurality of fins disposed in the second flow space.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, wherein
the second plurality of fins define a plurality of second flow passages arranged transversely
to a plurality of first flow passages defined by the first plurality of fins.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, wherein
the second plurality of fins define a plurality of second flow passages arranged parallel
to a plurality of first flow passages defined by the first plurality of fins.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, wherein
a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture varies along a length of the first
closure bar.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger subassemblies, further
comprising a second closure bar arranged transversely to the first closure bar along
a second edge of the first flow space, the second closure bar free of metering apertures.
An evaporator comprises a plurality of refrigerant passages in heat exchange relationship
with a plurality of air passages. A refrigerant inlet header is disposed adjacent
to an upstream end of at least one of the plurality of refrigerant passages. A first
closure bar is disposed between the refrigerant inlet header and the upstream end
of the at least one refrigerant passage. A metering aperture is formed through the
first closure bar and is aligned with the at least one refrigerant passage. The metering
aperture provides fluid communication between the refrigerant inlet header and the
at least one refrigerant passage.
[0036] The evaporator of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or
alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
A further embodiment of the foregoing evaporator, wherein the at least one refrigerant
passage extends along a longitudinal axis of the evaporator.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators, further comprising a plurality
of parting plates spaced apart along a no-flow axis of the heat exchanger; wherein
the plurality of refrigerant passages and the plurality of air passages are stacked
in an alternating manner between adjacent ones of the parting plates.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators, wherein a cross-sectional
area of each metering aperture varies along a length of the first closure bar.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators, wherein the heat exchange
relationship includes a crossflow heat exchange relationship.
A further embodiment of any of the foregoing evaporators, wherein the heat exchange
relationship includes a counterflow heat exchange relationship.
[0037] While described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention.
In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material
to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)
disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the
scope of the appended claims.
1. A heat exchanger (10; 210) comprising:
a first inlet port (14; 214A);
a first outlet port (32; 232A) longitudinally spaced apart from the first inlet port
(14; 214A);
a plurality of substantially parallel parting plates (144; 344) stacked along a no-flow
axis (129; 239);
a plurality of first flow spaces (146; 346) providing communication between the first
inlet port (14; 214A) and the first outlet port (32; 232A); the plurality of first
flow spaces (146; 346) defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting
plates (144;344); and
a plurality of metering plates (154; 354) disposed across an upstream end of at least
one of the first flow spaces (146; 346), each of the plurality of metering plates
(154; 354) including at least one metering aperture (156; 356) providing fluid communication
between the first inlet port (14; 214A) and the at least one first flow space (146;
346).
2. The heat exchanger (10; 210) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of metering plates
comprise a first closure bar (154; 354) arranged along a first edge (166; 366) of
the at least one first flow space (146; 346) proximate to the first inlet port (14;
214A).
3. The heat exchanger (10; 210) of claim 2, wherein:
the first closure bar (154; 354) is metallurgically bonded to adjacent ones of the
parting plates (144; 344) defining the one of the first flow spaces (146; 346); and/or
the heat exchanger (10; 210) further comprises a second closure bar (168; 368) arranged
transversely to the first closure bar (154; 354) along a second edge (170; 370) of
the first flow space (146; 346), the second closure bar (168; 368) being free of any
metering apertures.
4. The heat exchanger (10; 210) of any preceding claim, wherein a cross-sectional area
of each metering aperture (156; 356):
varies along the no-flow axis (129; 329) and/or a transverse axis (128; 328); and/or
is configured so as to provide a substantially equivalent pressure drop through each
of the plurality of first flow spaces (146; 346) between the first inlet port (14;
214A) and the first outlet port (32; 232A).
5. The heat exchanger (10; 210) of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality
of first fluid passages (120; 320) extending along a longitudinal axis (122; 232)
of the at least one first flow space (146; 346), and optionally wherein the plurality
of first fluid passages (146; 346) comprises a first plurality of fins (150; 350)
disposed in the at least one first flow space (146; 346).
6. The heat exchanger (10; 210) of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of metering
apertures (156; 356) includes at least one metering aperture (156; 356) in communication
with each of the first fluid passages (120; 320).
7. The heat exchanger (10; 210) of claim 5 or 6, further comprising an inlet chamber
(18; 218) disposed in fluid communication between the first inlet port (14; 214A)
and the plurality of metering apertures (156; 356).
8. The heat exchanger (10; 210) of any preceding claim, further comprising:
a second inlet port (214B);
a second outlet port (232B); and
a plurality of second flow spaces (148; 348) providing communication between the second
inlet port (214B) and the second outlet port (232B), the plurality of second flow
spaces (148; 348) being defined between adjacent ones of at least some of the parting
plates (144; 344), and optionally wherein the plurality of parting plates (144; 344)
define alternating ones of the first plurality of flow spaces (146; 346) and the second
plurality of second flow spaces (148; 348).
9. The heat exchanger (10; 210) of claim 8, further comprising a second plurality of
fins (162; 362) disposed in the at least one second flow space (148; 348), the second
plurality of fins (162; 362) defining a plurality of second fluid passages (126; 326)
extending through the at least one second flow space (148; 348), and optionally wherein
the plurality of second fluid passages (126; 326) extend:
along a transverse axis (128); or
along a longitudinal axis.
10. A heat exchanger subassembly (110; 310) comprising:
a first parting plate (144A; 344A);
a second parting plate (144B; 344B) spaced apart from, and substantially parallel
to, the first parting plate (144A; 344A);
a third parting plate (144C; 344C) spaced apart from, and substantially parallel to,
the first and second parting plates;
a first flow space (146; 346) between the first and second parting plates;
a second flow space (148; 348) between the second and third parting plates; and
a first closure bar (154; 354) disposed along a first edge (166A; 366A) of the first
flow space (146; 346) between the first and second parting plates, the first closure
bar (154; 354) having a plurality of metering apertures (156; 356) in communication
with the first flow space (146; 346), and optionally wherein the first closure bar
(154; 354) is metallurgically bonded to the first and second parting plates.
11. The heat exchanger subassembly (110; 310) of claim 10, further comprising:
a first plurality of fins (150; 350) disposed in the first flow space (146; 346);
and
a second plurality of fins (162; 362) disposed in the second flow space (148; 348),
and optionally wherein the second plurality of fins (162; 362) define a plurality
of second flow passages (126; 326) arranged transversely or parallel to a plurality
of first flow passages (120; 320) defined by the first plurality of fins (150; 350).
12. The heat exchanger subassembly (110; 310) of claim 10 or 11, wherein a cross-sectional
area of each metering aperture (156; 356) varies along a length of the first closure
bar (154; 354).
13. The heat exchanger (110; 310) subassembly of any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising
a second closure bar (168; 368) arranged transversely to the first closure bar (154;
354) along a second edge (170A; 370A) of the first flow space (146; 346), the second
closure bar (168; 368) being free of metering apertures.
14. An evaporator (110; 310) comprising:
a plurality of refrigerant passages (120; 320) in heat exchange relationship with
a plurality of air passages (126; 326);
a refrigerant inlet header (14; 214A) disposed adjacent to an upstream end of at least
one of the plurality of refrigerant passages (120; 320);
a first closure bar (154; 354) disposed between the refrigerant inlet header (14;
214A) and the upstream end of the at least one refrigerant passage (120; 320); and
a metering aperture (156; 356) formed through the first closure bar (154; 354) and
aligned with the at least one refrigerant passage (120; 320), the metering aperture
(156; 356) providing fluid communication between the refrigerant inlet header (14;
214A) and the at least one refrigerant passage (120; 320), and optionally wherein
the at least one refrigerant passage (120; 320) extends along a longitudinal axis
(122; 322) of the evaporator (110; 310).
15. The evaporator (110; 310) of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of parting plates
(144; 344) spaced apart along a no-flow axis (129; 329) of the evaporator (110; 310)
wherein the plurality of refrigerant passages (120; 320) and the plurality of air
passages (126; 326) are stacked in an alternating manner between adjacent ones of
the parting plates (144; 344), and optionally wherein:
a cross-sectional area of each metering aperture (156; 356) varies along a length
of the first closure bar (154; 354); and/or
the heat exchange relationship includes a:
crossflow heat exchange relationship; or
a counterflow heat exchange relationship.