Multi-zone heat exchangers with separated manifolds

Abstract

A multi-zone heat exchanger having multiple zones created by physical means in the same heat exchanger, is described. A separation means, such as a divider or baffle, is provided across and/or along the length of a heat exchanger tank or manifold to create different circulation environments of heat exchange or circuit zones, wherein heat exchange can occur.

1 . A heat exchanger assembly comprising a heat exchanger and having:
 a heat exchanger core comprised of a plurality of fins and at least two sets of tubes;   at least one tank attached at one end of the core and in fluid communication with the plurality of tubes;   at least two circuit zones, each circuit zone including at least one of the two sets of tubes;   an attachment area for tank to core; and   a baffle in the at least one tank,   wherein the at least one tank is separated along its length by the baffle into at least one first and one second compartment and wherein each of the at least two sets of the plurality of tubes is in fluid communication with the tank, such that each set of tubes and tank form a separate or partially separate fluid circuit having a circuit zone.   
   
   
       2 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 1 , having two tanks placed opposite of one another in respect to the tubes, each tank in fluid communication with the plurality of tubes. 
   
   
       3 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 2 , wherein each tank is separated along its length by a baffle into at least one first and one second compartment. 
   
   
       4 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 3 , wherein the at least one first and at least one second compartment are either in fluid communication with each other or isolated from each other. 
   
   
       5 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 4 , having more than two circuit zones. 
   
   
       6 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 3 , wherein one set of the plurality of tubes is in fluid communication with the first compartment of the tank, and the second set of the plurality of tubes is in fluid communication with the other compartment of the tank. 
   
   
       7 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 6 , wherein the first and second compartments are in fluid communication with each other or are isolated from each other. 
   
   
       8 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the baffles along the length one of the tank has an opening to provide fluid communication between the first and the second compartments of the tank. 
   
   
       9 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 8 , wherein at least one of the baffles has a control device regulating the opening between the first and second compartments of the tank. 
   
   
       10 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 7 , wherein at least one first baffle is along the length of at least one tank and wherein one of the tanks has at least one second baffle in the tank in the tank width direction. 
   
   
       11 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 10 , wherein the at least one second baffle in the tank width direction or the at least one first baffle in the tank length direction, has an opening for fluid communication between the compartments on the same tank. 
   
   
       12 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 11 , wherein in at least one of the openings is provided at an angle compared to the tank length to allow communication between the compartments. 
   
   
       13 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 11 , wherein the control device allows selective fluid flows between compartments of the tank. 
   
   
       14 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 13 , wherein the control device is passive or active. 
   
   
       15 . A heat exchanger assembly, as in  claim 14 , wherein the control device is active and is actuated externally or internally. 
   
   
       16 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 13 , wherein the control device is interchangeable with another type of control device. 
   
   
       17 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger is a multiple variant heat exchanger and wherein the control device selectively blocks fluid flow. 
   
   
       18 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 7 , wherein the heat exchanger is a multiple variant heat exchanger and wherein the control device selectively blocks fluid flow. 
   
   
       19 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 9 , wherein the heat exchanger is a multiple variant heat exchanger and wherein the control device selectively blocks fluid flow.