EP1265046B1 - Fin, tube and heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat exchanger consists of a fin (6) to go in a tube (2) of a heat exchanger with fluid flowing through it. The fin is corrugated in cross section, creating parallel flow channels (8). There are also recesses (10) in the individual valleys or apexes of the corrugations, connecting at least one flow channel with at least one other, not directly adjacent, flow channel.

Description

The present invention relates to a rib for use in a pipe, in particular a flat tube, for a heat exchanger, in particular a capacitor. Preferably, the rib according to the invention is for a Tube intended for use in multi-flow capacitors.

Especially with capacitors flat tubes are often used as Multi-channel pipes are formed, wherein for example by the individual channels Refrigerant flows. These flat tubes are usually around extruded profiles or around welded pipes in which one essentially corrugated rib is inserted. By this shaping arise discrete flow channels, which are separated from each other. at Heat exchangers and condensers are conventionally located between the flat tubes ribs, which enlarges the heat-transmitting Serve surface with respect to the air flowing over it and which soldered together a heat transfer network of the heat exchanger or form capacitor.

Such a capacitor is disclosed, for example, in EP-A-0 219 974 described. The condenser has a pair of spaced headers

for receiving refrigerant vapor and for collecting condensed Coolant as well as a variety of tubes that are hydraulically parallel run between the headers. Each tube stands with each of the Manifolds in fluid communication and is elongate in cross section, wherein the smaller dimension of the cross section substantially perpendicular to the direction the air flow through the condenser is aligned. Each of the Tubing also has a plurality of separate, hydraulically parallel fluid flow paths.

Through this constructive design of the flat tubes, d. H. through this discrete arrangement of the individual flow channels in the flat tube, is a Heat transfer between the individual flow channels only partially possible. This results in relatively large temperature differences of the im Flat tube flowing medium between the individual flow channels.

In Figure 8 is a described in EP-A-1 065 466 flat tube 20 for Heat exchanger with a swirling device provided in the flat tube (Turbulator) 22 shown. The swirling device 22 has a substantially planar base 24 extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions extends to the tube over a predetermined length. Furthermore, the swirling device has 22 a plurality of laterally spaced apart and longitudinally extending grooves 26 for swirling the fluid in Flat tube on. The grooves 26 have a length of about 2.5 to 7.0 mm in Flow direction. In addition, the grooves 26 are laterally about 0.76 mm apart. The laterally spaced apart Grooves 26 extend perpendicular to the plane of the base 24 in one alternating pattern, so that a groove 26 extends upwards and the laterally adjacent groove 26 extends downwards. Further are the individual grooves 26 alternately in the flow direction in opposite directions Directions formed so that the end faces 28 of two in Longitudinal direction of adjacent grooves 26 are completely open. This can Flow fluid through the open end faces 28.

Also, this construction can be in terms of their heat transfer characteristics, but especially with regard to flow resistance, continues to be much to be desired.

EP 0538 849 discloses a rib with areas of reduced height. The GB 1184125 discloses a heat exchanger with individual slots in a sheet.

The present invention is based on the object, an improved Device or rib to provide, in particular in a fluid-flow pipe, preferably a flat tube, for a heat exchanger and / or capacitor is applicable to an improved Efficiency to achieve. This task is combined with the characteristics of Claims solved.

The invention is based on the basic idea of the device (hereinafter also referred to as "rib") in the transverse direction corrugated, wherein in the individual troughs and / or wave crests depressions are provided. The corrugation of the rib forms together with a Tube into which the rib is introduced, several substantially parallel from each other extending flow channels. Emerge through the depressions between two parallel flow channels, however are not directly adjacent, but by an intermediate Flow channel are separated from each other, cross-connections, through the a portion of the fluid is diverted. The remaining, not redirected part of the Fluids continue to flow through the respective flow channel.

In the assembled state, the tube has at least one at least Sectionwise extending in the tube longitudinal rib of this kind, the rib, as already described above, in cross section in is substantially undulating, whereby in the tube several substantially be formed parallel to each other flow channels. In The individual ribs are recesses provided by the at least one of the flow channels with at least one other, not directly adjacent flow channel, d. H. the next but one flow channel, connected is. The depressions are designed such that they not completely block individual flow channels, but the fluid can continue through each one of the flow channels.

The rib according to the invention thus has several depressions, which as Possibility of a transverse exchange of the fluid flowing in the pipe serve. This cross-exchange takes place via a depression, which in a Flow channel is provided and the two next to this flow channel connecting adjacent adjacent flow channels with each other. The Shape of the depression, d. H. their length and depth, depending on the application vary in certain areas. Usually, the depth of the Deepening about half the height of the flow channel. For that in the Flow channels flowing fluid acts a depression in the respective Flow channel as a kind of barrier; from the respective flow channel considered represents a introduced into the groove or groove so well a survey. To get the best possible mixing between the in It is to achieve the fluid flowing through the individual flow channels preferred, the arrangement of the recesses along the individual Flow channels to be chosen so that before each depression or barrier in the respective flow channel a recess in at least one adjacent Flow channel is located, which has an opening or a passage forms the next flow channel. The barrier in the flow channel acts as a flow resistance and directs a portion of the fluid through the adjacent depression lying in the well next well, So next to the adjacent flow channel lying flow channel around. The other part of the fluid flows across the barrier through it Flow channel continues.

Further, it is preferable to make the depressions in a repeating one Pattern to arrange. The depressions are preferably in adjacent ones Flow channels formed alternately in opposite directions, d. H. in a flow channel, the depressions are, for example directed down and in the adjacent flow channel are the wells directed upwards. This allows the rib to be made endless become.

To avoid unidirectional cross flow through the wells It is preferred to generate a meandering sequence of the depressions in provide the rib, wherein the meandering path in the longitudinal direction continuously and extending transversely across a plurality of flow channels. This prevents the mass flow density between the individual flow channels varies greatly.

Due to the inventive design of the tube with the recesses in the rib is independent of the flow direction of the fluid in the Pipe the same pressure loss. This has the advantage that you in the construction a heat exchanger with the tubes according to the invention not on the Location of the rib must take into account.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the depressions further be provided with at least one slot through which the Pressure loss of the flowing fluid in the flow channels further reduced can be. In this embodiment, the flowing offers Fluid not only the possibility of passing through the wells formed by the wells Cross connections before serving as a barrier recess in the next flow channel or across the barrier along the Flow channel to flow, but there is also the possibility that the fluid through the slot directly into the adjacent flow channel can get.

With the rib according to the invention can thus be a material exchange between the individual flow channels of one equipped with the rib Implement tube in a particularly advantageous manner. It will be the temperature differences in the individual flow channels flowing fluid greatly reduced by improved mixing. One Another advantage of the rib according to the invention is given by the fact that regardless of the direction of flow in the pipe equal internal pressure losses of the flowing fluid occur. Furthermore, there is no unilaterally directed Cross flow, d. H. no different mass flow density in the respective flow channels. From a manufacturing point of view, the Rib can be manufactured as an endless element, which makes a cost-effective Production is ensured.

Fig. 1

eine räumliche Ansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Rippe in einem teilweise geschnittenen Rohr;

Fig. 2

eine räumliche Ansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Rippe ähnlich Fig. 1, wobei darin verschiedene Schnittverläufe kenntlich gemacht sind;

Fig. 3

einen Teillängsschnitt entlang der Linie VII-VII von Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

einen Querschnitt entlang der Linie IV-IV von Fig. 2;

Fig. 5

einen Querschnitt entlang der Linie V-V von Fig. 2;

Fig. 6

einen Längsschnitt entlang der Linie VI-VI von Fig. 2;

Fig. 7

einen Längsschnitt entlang der Linie VII-VII von Fig. 2; und

Fig. 8

eine räumliche Ansicht eines Rohres mit Verwirbelungseinrichtung gemäß dem Stand der Technik.

A preferred embodiment of the rib according to the invention in a tube will be described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a spatial view of the rib according to the invention in a partially cut tube;

Fig. 2

a spatial view of the rib according to the invention similar to Figure 1, wherein therein are made different sectional patterns.

Fig. 3

a partial longitudinal section along the line VII-VII of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

a cross-section along the line IV-IV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5

a cross section along the line VV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6

a longitudinal section along the line VI-VI of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7

a longitudinal section along the line VII-VII of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 8

a spatial view of a pipe with swirling device according to the prior art.

Fig. 1 shows a preferred application of the rib of the present invention in combination with a tube 2, which is particularly suitable for a fluid-flowed heat exchanger and / or condenser. According to this preferred embodiment, the tube 2 is formed as a flat tube, in particular as a welded flat tube. The tube 2 has substantially a shell 4 and a rib 6 introduced therein, which extends at least in sections, preferably completely, in the tube longitudinal direction. The rib 6 is formed in cross-section substantially wave-shaped, so that together with the outer shell 4, a tube with a plurality of substantially parallel flow channels 8 is formed. Each individual wave or groove (wave trough / wave peak) of the rib 6 acts as a flow channel. The rib 6 furthermore has a plurality of recesses 10, through which at least one of the flow channels 8 is connected to at least one further, not directly adjacent flow channel 8. The recesses 10 are formed in the rib 6 so that they do not completely block the individual flow channels 8, but only represent flow barriers that allow further flow of the fluid in the respective flow channel.

The rib 6 is received in the outer jacket 4 of the tube 2 such that the individual shafts or grooves are fluid-tightly separated from each other to the Form flow channels 8. Through each of the recesses 10 are two flow channels 8 connected to each other by a intervening flow channel 8 are spaced from each other. This means that a recess 10 is a cross-connection between a and the next but one, adjacent flow channel 8 provides.

Due to the plurality of recesses 10 in the individual grooves of the rib. 6 creates a network of interconnections, which ensures optimal mixing ensures the flowing through the flow channels 8 fluid. To are according to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures Recesses 10 arranged in adjacent flow channels such that viewed in the flow direction of the fluid in front of a recess 10-1 in a flow channel 8-1 each have a recess 10-2 in at least one to adjacent flow channel 8-2 is provided. This affects the in the flow channel 8-1 provided recess 10-1 as a flow barrier, whereby a part of the fluid flowing therein in the next but one, next to the adjacent flow channel 8-2 lying flow channel 8-3 is redirected. The non-diverted part of the fluid flows through the Flow channel 8-1 on.

The recesses in adjacent flow channels are preferably alternately formed in opposite directions, d. H. in channel 8-1 all recesses 10-1 are formed down, while in adjacent channel 8-2 all recesses 10-2 formed upward are. In particular, the recesses 10 may be in a repeating manner Pattern be formed in the rib 6. To ensure, that only a part of the fluid is diverted, the recesses are preferably formed approximately to half the height of the flow channels. No unilaterally directed cross flow through the recesses 10 is to obtain in the illustrated preferred embodiment, the rib with recesses 10 provided in meandering sequence, with the Mäanderbahn in the longitudinal direction of the rib and in the transverse direction over a plurality of flow channels 10 extends. Such Mäanderbahn is shown in Fig. 1 as dashed Line 12 drawn. This effectively prevents the Mass flow density between the individual flow channels 8 strong varied.

FIG. 2 shows that already described with reference to FIG inventive rib 6 again without the outer shell 4. In the illustration 2, the meandering sequence of the recesses 10th clearly visible. In this figure, two cross sections are taken along the Lines IV-IV and V-V through the rib 6 and two longitudinal sections along the Lines VI-VI and VII-VII are characterized by the rib 6. The respective ones Sectional views of the rib 6 together with the outer jacket 4 are shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 shown.

In the figures 4 to 7 is particularly clearly seen that the rib 6 with their individual waves or grooves tightly received in the outer jacket 4 is, whereby the substantially parallel flow channels 8 arise. Furthermore, in particular from FIGS. 4 and 5 clearly seen that through the recesses 10 cross connections 14th between two not directly adjacent flow channels, ie between one and the next but one flow channel are formed. The Longitudinal sections along the lines VI-VI and VII-VII of FIG. 2 are in the Fig. 6 and 7 shown. These two longitudinal sections represent the two in the Rib 6 realized forms of the flow channels 8 is the up curved flow channels according to the section VII-VII in Fig. 2 and Fig. 7 are identical in every other next flow channel, wherein they are in Offset longitudinally. The same applies to the downward curved Flow channels 8 according to the section line VI-VI, in which also a Longitudinal offset between each but one flow channel is present. As a result, the above-described, particularly advantageous Meander structure of the wells can be realized.

The tube 2 described above with the rib 6 according to the invention is in particular for installation in a heat exchanger or condenser, in particular a multi-flow capacitor, suitable. With the help of the invention Rib 6 in the tube 2 can be the efficiency of a Heat exchanger and condenser significantly improve, in particular on the improved mixing of the by the individual Flow channels of flowing fluid is due. For the installation of the Pipe in heat exchangers or capacitors, it is also advantageous that the internal pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the pipe independently from the flow direction is the same, so that the tube in both directions can be installed. In addition, there are no unidirectional cross flows, d. H. no different mass flow densities in the respective Flow channels and an endless production of the rib ensures a cost-effective production possibility.

Claims (20)

1. Fin (6), in particular for a tube (2) through which fluid passes, which is corrugated in the transverse direction, with adjacent wave troughs and wave crests being formed in the longitudinal direction of the fin (6), wherein indentations are provided in the individual wave troughs and wave crests, each indentation (10) connecting two wave troughs distanced from one another by an intermediate wave crest, wherein the indentations (10) in adjacent wave troughs and wave crests are designed to alternate in opposite directions, characterised in that the indentations (10) are provided in each wave trough and wave crest and in that the indentations (10) are arranged in a meander pattern, the meander track being provided in the longitudinal direction and extending over several wave troughs and wave crests in the transverse direction, with a plurality of meander tracks being arranged adjacent to one another if viewed in the transverse direction.
2. Fin (6) according to claim 1, wherein the indentations (10) are arranged in a repeat pattern.
3. Fin (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indentations (10) essentially extend to half the height of the corrugation.
4. Fin according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more of the indentations (10) incorporate slots representing a flow connection between adjacent wave troughs and wave crests.
5. Tube (2) with a fin according to any of claims 1 to 4.
6. Tube (2), in particular for a heat exchanger and/or condenser through which fluid passes, with at least one fin according to any of claims 1 to 4 provided in the jacket (4) of the tube (2) and extending at least in sections in the longitudinal direction of the tube, wherein:

   a) the fin (6) is essentially corrugated in cross-section, forming a plurality of essentially parallel flow passages (8) in the tube (2);

   b) the fin (6) is provided with indentations (10), by which at least one of the flow passages (8) is connected to a further, not immediately adjacent, flow passage (8); and

   c) fluid can pass through each individual flow passage (8) independent of the indentations (10).
7. Tube (2) according to claim 5 or 6, which is designed as a flat tube, in particular as a welded flat tube.
8. Tube (2) according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the fin (6) essentially runs along the entire length of the tube (2).
9. Tube (2) according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the indentations (10) are so arranged in adjacent flow passages (8) that, in the direction of fluid flow, in front of an indentation (10-1) in one flow passage (8-1), there is an indentation (10-2) in at least one adjacent flow passage (8-2), as a result of which the indentation (10-1) in the flow passage (8-1) acts as a flow barrier to divert part of the fluid flowing therein into the next but one flow passage (8-3) running next to the adjacent flow passage (8-2).
10. Heat exchanger with at least one tube (2) according to any of claims 5 to 9.
11. Condenser with at least one tube (2) according to any of claims 5 to 9.
12. Multi-flow condenser with at least one tube (2) according to any of claims 5 to 9.
13. Use of a tube (2) according to any of claims 5 to 9 for a multi-flow condenser.
14. Method for the production of a fin according to any of claims 1 to 4, in particular for a tube (2) through which fluid passes, comprising the steps:

    a) production of a corrugation in the transverse direction of a substrate, forming adjacent wave troughs and wave crests in the longitudinal direction of the substrate; and

    b) production of indentations (10) in individual wave troughs and wave crests to connect adjacent wave troughs and wave crests.
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the indentations (10) are produced in a repeat pattern according to step b).
16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the indentations (10) are essentially produced to half the height of the corrugation according to step b).
17. Method according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein one or more of the indentations (10) are provided with slots acting as a flow connection between adjacent wave troughs and wave crests.
18. Method for the production of a tube (2), in particular for a heat exchanger and/or condenser through which fluid passes, with the steps:

    a) provision of a tube jacket (4);

    b) provision of a fin (6) extending at least in sections in the longitudinal direction of the tube according to any of claims 14 to 18; and

    c) installation of the fin (6) into the tube jacket (4) while the wave troughs and wave crests form a plurality of essentially parallel flow passages (8) in the tube (2), wherein at least one of the flow passages (8) is flow-connected by at least one of the indentations (10) to a further, not immediately adjacent, flow passage (8), and wherein fluid can flow through each individual flow passage (8) independent of the indentations (10).
19. Method according to claim 18, wherein the fin (6) is installed into the tube jacket (4) and the tube jacket (4) is then welded.
20. Method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the indentations (10) are so produced in adjacent flow passages (8) that, in the direction of fluid flow, in front of an indentation (10-1) in one flow passage (8-1), there is an indentation (10-2) in at least one adjacent flow passage (8-2), as a result of which the indentation in the flow passage (8-1) acts as a flow barrier to divert part of the fluid flowing therein into the next but one flow passage (8-3) running next to the adjacent flow passage (8-2).

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