Method and system for evaluating fluid flow through a heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger evaluation system ( 84 ) includes a refrigeration subsystem ( 126 ) and a platform ( 94 ) in communication with the subsystem ( 126 ) for attachment of a heat exchanger ( 32 ). The system ( 84 ) further includes a thermal imaging camera ( 168 ) and a monitor ( 100 ). A method ( 180 ) entails routing a fluid ( 38 ) through the heat exchanger ( 32 ) via the refrigeration subsystem ( 126 ). The camera ( 168 ) detects the temperature variation across the heat exchanger ( 32 ) as the fluid ( 38 ) flows through the heat exchanger, and provides successive thermal images representing the temperature variation responsive to the flow of the fluid ( 38 ). The thermal images are utilized to determine an efficacy of the flow through the heat exchanger ( 32 ). In particular, a determination can be made as to whether the flow deviates from a pre-determined flow path ( 79 ) of the fluid ( 38 ) through the heat exchanger.

1 . A system for visualizing a flow of a fluid through a heat exchanger comprising: 
 a refrigeration subsystem for carrying said fluid, said refrigeration subsystem including a compressor and a condenser in communication via a fluid loop;    a platform configured for attachment of said heat exchanger, said platform having a first fluid port and a second fluid port in communication with said refrigeration subsystem, said first fluid port being configured for attachment with an inlet of said heat exchanger and said second fluid port being configured for attachment with an outlet of said evaporator;    control means for selectively routing said fluid through said heat exchanger via said fluid loop;    a thermal imaging camera directed toward a sample location at said platform for detecting infrared radiation corresponding to surface temperature across said heat exchanger; and    a monitor in communication with said thermal imaging camera, said monitor presenting thermal images responsive to a variation of said surface temperature of said heat exchanger.    
   
   
       2 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein presentation of said thermal images enables a user to ascertain whether said flow deviates from a pre-determined flow path of said fluid through said heat exchanger.  
   
   
       3 . A system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said heat exchanger is an evaporator for an air conditioning system, and when said flow deviates from said pre-determined flow path, said evaporator is rejected for use in said air conditioning system.  
   
   
       4 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a vacuum pump;    a vacuum line interconnecting said vacuum pump with said fluid loop, said control means controlling said vacuum pump to pull a vacuum on said heat exchanger; and    means, in communication with said fluid loop, for measuring a pressure of said fluid in said fluid loop, said pressure providing an indicator of a leak between said heat exchanger and an ambient environment.    
   
   
       5 . A system as claimed in  claim 4  wherein when said leak is revealed, said system further includes means for reporting said leak, and said control means suspends said selective routing of said fluid to said heat exchanger.  
   
   
       6 . A system as claimed in  claim 4  wherein when an absence of said leak is revealed, said control means enables said selective routing of said fluid to said heat exchanger.