Heat exchanger efficiently operable alternatively as evaporator or condenser
A heat exchanger adapted for efficient operation alternatively as evaporator or condenser and characterized by flexible outer tube having a plurality of inner conduits and check valves sealingly disposed within the outer tube and connected with respective inlet and outlet master flow conduits and configured so as to define a parallel flow path for a first fluid such as a refrigerant when flowed in one direction and to define a serpentine and series flow path for the first fluid when flowed in the opposite direction. The flexible outer tube has a heat exchange fluid, such as water, flowed therethrough by way of suitable inlet and outlet connections. The inner conduits and check valves form a package that is twistable so as to define a spiral annular flow path within the flexible outer tube for the heat exchange fluid. The inner conduits have thin walls of highly efficient heat transfer material for transferring heat between the first and second fluids. Also disclosed are specific materials and configurations.
- Research Organization:
- Northrup Industries, Hutchins, TX (United States); Atlantic Richfield Company, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-78CS31718
- Assignee:
- Atlantic Richfield Company (Los Angeles, CA)
- Patent Number(s):
- 4,307,578
- Application Number:
- 06/140771
- OSTI ID:
- 864080
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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