Methods and systems for utilizing a micro-channel heat-exchanger device in a refrigeration circuit

Abstract

A mini-channel heat-exchanger for a refrigeration circuit having an inlet manifold; a first return manifold; a first heat exchange pass in fluid communication between the inlet manifold and the first return manifold, the first heat exchange pass including a plurality of mini-channels; and a system charge tank in direct fluid communication with the first return manifold.

1 . A mini-channel heat-exchanger for a refrigeration circuit, comprising:
 an inlet manifold;   a first return manifold;   a first heat exchange pass in fluid communication between said inlet manifold and said first return manifold, said first heat exchange pass including a plurality of mini-channels; and   a system charge tank in direct fluid communication with said first return manifold.   
     
     
         2 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 1 , further comprising an outlet manifold and a second heat exchange pass, said second heat exchange pass being in fluid communication between said first return manifold and said outlet manifold. 
     
     
         3 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first conduit placing top portions of said first return manifold and said system charge tank in direct fluid communication with one another; and   a second conduit placing bottom portions of said first return manifold and said system charge tank in direct fluid communication with one another.   
     
     
         4 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 3 , wherein said system charge tank is positioned on said first return manifold so that said first and second conduits are configured for flow in a horizontal direction. 
     
     
         5 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 3 , wherein said system charge tank is positioned on said first return manifold so that said first and second conduits are configured for flow in a vertical direction. 
     
     
         6 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 3 , wherein said first return manifold and said system charge tank are integrally formed with one another and said first and second conduits comprise holes. 
     
     
         7 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 6 , wherein said system charge tank has a tank floor and said first return manifold has a manifold floor, said second conduit being substantially co-planar with said tank and manifold floors. 
     
     
         8 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 3 , wherein said first return manifold and said system charge tank are remote from one another and said first and second conduits comprise pipes. 
     
     
         9 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 1 , wherein said system charge tank has a tank length and said first return manifold has a manifold length, said tank length being substantially equal to said manifold length. 
     
     
         10 . The heat-exchanger as in  claim 1 , wherein said system charge tank has a tank floor and said first return manifold has a manifold floor, said tank floor being co-planar with or slightly higher than said manifold floor. 
     
     
         11 . A method of performing a system pumpdown in an air conditioning system having a refrigeration circuit, the method comprising the steps of:
 closing a first valve;   running a compressor until all of a system charge has been compressed between said compressor and said first valve and liquid system charge fills a portion of a mini-channel heat-exchanger and a system charge tank, said system charge tank being fluidly connected to said mini-channel heat-exchanger.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising closing a second valve after said compressor is turned off. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising opening said first and second valves so that said system charge can be recirculated throughout the refrigeration circuit. 
     
     
         14 . A refrigeration system, comprising:
 a condenser having an inlet manifold, a first return manifold, a first heat exchange pass in fluid communication between said inlet manifold and said first return manifold, said first heat exchange pass including a plurality of mini-channels, and a system charge tank in direct fluid communication with said first return manifold;   a compressor; and   an evaporator.