Microchannel heat exchangers
About Microchannel heat exchangers:
Microchannel heat excahngers are heat exchangers in which (at least one) fluid flows in lateral confinements with typical dimensions below 1 mm. The most typical such confinement are microchannels, which are channels with hydraulic diameter below 1 mm. Microchannel heat exchangers can be made from metal, ceramic, and even low-cost plastic. Microchannel heat exchangers can be used for many applications including:
- high-performance aircraft gas turbine engines.
- Heat pumps
- air conditioning
- heat recovery ventilators
Design Characteristics:
With an identical front surface on the airside, the micro-channel heat exchanger provides up to 10 percent added efficiency compared to a conventional fin and tube design. A lower thickness gives up to 50 percent lower pressure drop on the air side. This creates potential for lower energy consumption of the fan or, if desired, increased airflow. (Sensitivity to fouling can be expected to be lower.)
On the refrigerant side, the lower internal volume in the heat exchanger decreases the refrigerant charge.
Savings from index 100:
• 30 on required space
• 40 on heat exchanger weight
• 30 on the cost
Environmentally friendly:
Micro-channel heat exchangers have lower internal volume and a smaller refrigerant charge is needed. The smaller charges imply decreased use of refrigerants.
Increased Corrosion Resistance:
Unlike conventional coils, the micro-channel heat exchanger is made entirely of aluminium. This one-metal concept eliminates galvanic currents that are generated when different metals touch in conventional coils. Many comparative tests, including the salt mist and ammonium sulphate test, provide proof of the increased corrosion resistance of the all-aluminium micro-channel heat exchanger. Micro-channel heat exchangers offer three-and-a-half times higher corrosion resistance than traditional copper/ aluminium coils.