Advanced Finned-tube Heat Exchanger with an Integrated Phase Distributor

Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes the development of an advanced finned-tube heat exchanger with an integrated phase distributor. Studies have shown that the heat transfer improvements available in the commercial market allow for smaller and lighter heat exchangers compared to conventional heat exchangers. In addition, as these heat exchangers use straight fins, they provide excellent condensate drainage. The primary drawback of these smaller tubes is the potential for maldistribution of the two-phase flow exiting the expansion valve. Maldistribution has been shown experimentally to decrease heat exchanger capacity by up to 30%. The phase distributor proposed by ACT will address this challenge by separating the majority of the vapor produced by expansion of the working fluid. The separated phases are then distributed to the heat exchanger. As a result, the heat exchanger design proposed by ACT will provide improved heat transfer efficiency without the drawbacks of flow maldistribution or condensate build-up.