A condenser tube, a method for heat transfer and an apparatus for heat exchange

Abstract

A condenser tube profile, a method and an apparatus for heat exchange where a condenser tube profile is applied for heat exchange purposes. The condenser tube profile is made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy in an extrusion process, and a heat transfer medium is transported through one or more channels arranged in the said tube profile. A substantial flat flange is integrated with the tube profile. The tube profile can be winded in a shape of a helix onto the outer surface of an object, and where the flat flange is arranged firmly onto the surface of the object. Also, a method for heat transfer between a heat transfer medium flowing through such condenser tube and a liquid in a tank as well as an apparatus such as a domestic water heater of steel or stainless steel provided with said heat transfer arrangement.

1 . A condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy arranged outside an object ( 8 ) of a substantially cylindrical shape for heat transfer between a medium transported inside at least one channel ( 12 ) of said condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″), the channel ( 12 ) has an inner diameter (ID), and a medium, preferably a liquid, contained in said object ( 8 ), wherein the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is winded onto the outer surface of the said object ( 8 ),
 wherein 
 a substantially flat flange ( 11 ) with a flange width (FW) is integrated in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the condenser tube, where the flange is arranged in thermal contact with the outer surface of the said object ( 8 ). 
 
     
     
         2 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one channel ( 12 ) has a substantially round shape with the flange ( 11 ) integrated in its periphery. 
     
     
         3 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 1 , wherein the flange ( 11 ) is thinner at its outer sides than in the vicinity of the at least one channel ( 12 ) and has a slanting surface towards its longitudinal side edges. 
     
     
         4 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 1 , wherein the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is winded in the shape of a helix with a pitch where one side edge of the flange abuts the other side edge. 
     
     
         5 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 1 , wherein the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is made by an extrusion process. 
     
     
         6 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 1 , wherein the object ( 8 ) is a tank or container made of steel or stainless steel. 
     
     
         7 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 1 , wherein the condenser tube profile ( 7 ″) is provided with two channels ( 12 ″,  12 ″′). 
     
     
         8 . A The condenser tube profile according to  claim 1 , wherein the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is extruded and coiled. 
     
     
         9 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 1 , wherein the relation between the inner diameter (ID) of the channel ( 12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ″′) and the flange width (FW), (ID):(FW), is in the interval (2 mm-6 mm):(20 mm-65 mm). 
     
     
         10 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 9 , wherein the relation between the inner diameter (ID) of the channel ( 12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ″′) and the flange width (FW), (ID):(FW), is in the interval (2.5 mm-5 mm):(22.5 mm-60 mm). 
     
     
         11 . The condenser tube profile according to  claim 10 , wherein the relation between the inner diameter (ID) of the channel ( 12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ″′) and the flange width (FW), (ID):(FW) is in the interval (3 mm-4.5 mm):(22.5 mm-55 mm). 
     
     
         12 . A method for transferring heat between a heat transfer medium and a medium, preferably a liquid, contained in a substantially cylindrical tank of steel or stainless steel ( 8 ), where a condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy conducts the heat transfer medium in one or more channels ( 12 ) and is further arranged at the outside of the tank,
 wherein 
 the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is provided with a substantial flat flange ( 11 ) at the periphery of the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) and where the sides of the flange are extending parallel to said condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) in the longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the flange ( 11 ) of the condenser tube is attached in firm contact with the tank ( 2 ) and where the condenser tube is winded as the shape of a helix. 
 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is winded in a helix shape with a pitch where the one side of the flange abuts or substantially abuts the other side of the flange. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the heat transfer medium is a hydrocarbon refrigerant, and the refrigerant system charge is up to 150 g. 
     
     
         15 . Use of a condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) according to  claim 1 , wherein the condenser tube conducts a heat transfer medium in one or more channel(s) ( 12 ) and the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is arranged at the outer surface of a cylindrical tank ( 8 ) for heating water. 
     
     
         16 . Use of a condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) according to  claim 15 , wherein the heat transfer medium is a hydrocarbon refrigerant, and the refrigerant system charge is up to 150 g. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus for heating domestic water, comprising a cylindrical tank ( 8 ) of steel or stainless steel for water to be heated, where a condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy is fixed onto the outer surface of the cylindrical tank ( 8 ) for heating the water by a hot medium flowing through one or more channel(s) ( 12 ) of said condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″), wherein
 the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is provided with a substantial flat flange ( 11 ) at its periphery, the flange having side edges extending in parallel with said condenser tube profile, in the longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is winded in the shape of a helix onto the surface of the tank ( 8 ) and attached in firm contact with it. 
 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is winded in a helix shape with a pitch where the one side of the flange abuts or substantially abuts the other side. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the hot medium flowing through the one or more channel(s) ( 12 ) of said condenser tube profile ( 7 ,  7 ′,  7 ″) is a hydrocarbon refrigerant, and the refrigerant system charge is up to 150 g.