Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to condenser tubes for water heating systems.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A condenser tube is usually wrapped around a heat exchanging means such as a liquid storing tank. Heat is transferred from a refrigerant contained in the condenser to liquid contained in the tank or vice versa. Conventional condenser tubes have spherical cross-sectional areas that allow line contact between the condenser tube and the walls of the heat exchanging means, as a result of which the heat transfer talks place at a slower pace. Therefore, to facilitate a better heat transfer rate it is required that a longer condenser tube is employed to create a larger number of turns around the heat exchanging means. Further, typically, lead welding has been used to allow attachment of the condenser tube to the heat exchanging means. However, lead welding is not a desired method of welding primarily because of health and environmental risks.
There is therefore felt a need for a condenser tube which alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a condenser tube for a water heating system.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a condenser tube of relatively shorter length.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a condenser tube which facilitates better heat transfer rate.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a condenser tube which eliminates the need for lead welding.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a condenser tube for a water heating system. The condenser tube is configured to be wrapped around a heat exchanging means. The condenser tube is defined by at least one substantially flat peripheral portion and at least one non-flat peripheral portion. The flat peripheral portion is configured to abut a heat exchanging surface of the heat exchanging means.
In an embodiment, the profile of the non-flat peripheral portion is selected from the group consisting of arcuate shape or polygonal shape.
In another embodiment, the condenser tube is wound around the heat exchanging means in a helical pattern.
In an embodiment, the condenser tube is pressure wound around the heat exchanging means.
In another embodiment, the condenser tube is attached to the heat exchanging surface by brazing.
The present disclosure further envisages a water heating system . The water heating system comprises a water reservoir, an evaporator configured to contain a refrigerant therein, a compressor configured to fluidly communicate with the evaporator to receive the refrigerant therefrom, an expansion device configured to fluidly communicate with the compressor to receive the refrigerant therefrom, and a condenser tube. The condenser tube is configured to be wrapped around the water reservoir. The condenser tube has at least one substantially flat contact surface configured to abut an operative surface of the water reservoir. The condenser tube is configured to fluidly communicate with the compressor to receive the refrigerant to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and water for heating water.
In an embodiment, the cross-section of the condenser tube is selected from the group consisting of hemispherical cross-section or polygonal cross-section.
In another embodiment, the condenser tube is wound around the heat exchanging means in a helical pattern.
In yet another embodiment, the condenser tube is pressure wound around the heat exchanging means.
In another embodiment, the condenser tube is attached to the heat exchanging surface by brazing.
In still another embodiment, the condenser tube is attached to the heat exchanging surface by copper brazing.
In one embodiment, the length of the condenser tube varies between 40 to 70 metres.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A condenser tube, of the present disclosure, for a water heating system will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the condenser of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a close-up view of the tube of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a water heating system employing the tube of Figure 1.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 condenser tube
102 flat contact surface of the condenser tube
103 non-flat surface of the condenser tube
200 water heating system
201 compressor
203 water reservoir
205 evaporator
208 expansion device
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
A condenser tube (100), of the present disclosure, for a water heating system will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 2.
The condenser tube (100) is configured to be wrapped around a heat exchanging means. The condenser tube (100) defined by at least one substantially flat peripheral portion (102) and at least one non-flat peripheral portion (103). The flat peripheral portion (102) is configured to abut a heat exchanging surface of the heat exchanging means. In an embodiment, the heat exchanging means includes, but is not restricted to heaters, coolers, heat recovery systems, chillers, boilers, preheaters amongst others.
In an embodiment, the profile of the non-flat peripheral portion (102) is selected from the group consisting of arcuate shape or polygonal shape. More specifically, for a condenser tube (100) having a hemispherical cross-section, it is desired that the base of the hemispherical cross-section is identified as the flat portion (102) which is configured to abut the heat exchanging surface of the heat exchanging means. Conversely, in case of the condenser tube (100) having a polygonal cross-section, any surface can be identified as the flat portion (102) to be abutted to the heat exchanging surface, provided that the dimensions of such a surface does not hamper the efficiency of the condenser tube (100). In an embodiment, the polygonal cross-section could be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, etc.
In another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is wound around the heat exchanging means in a helical pattern.
In an embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is pressure wound around the heat exchanging means to enable the winding of the tube (100) around the heat exchanging means in in the helical pattern. In another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is configured to be slightly pressed by manual force
In another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is attached to the heat exchanging surface by brazing.
In yet another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is attached to the heat exchanging surface by copper brazing, more specifically at every 90° of turn of the tube (100).
The present disclosure further envisages a water heating system (200) which will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3.
The water heating system (200) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the system (200)’) comprises a water reservoir (203), an evaporator (205) configured to contain a refrigerant therein, a compressor (201) configured to fluidly communicate with the evaporator (205) to receive the refrigerant therefrom, an expansion device (207) configured to fluidly communicate with the compressor to receive the refrigerant therefrom, and a condenser tube (100). The refrigerant is configured to exchange heat with the water stored in the reservoir. The condenser tube (100) is configured to be wrapped around the water reservoir. The condenser tube (100) defined by at least one substantially flat peripheral portion (102) and at least one non-flat peripheral portion (103). The flat peripheral portion (102) is configured to abut a heat exchanging surface of the heat exchanging means. The condenser tube (100) is configured to fluidly communicate with the compressor to receive the refrigerant therein to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and water for heating water.
In an embodiment, the profile of the non-flat peripheral portion (102) is selected from the group consisting of arcuate shape or polygonal shape. More specifically, for a condenser tube (100) having a hemispherical cross-section, it is desired that the base of the hemispherical cross-section is identified as the flat portion (102) which is configured to abut the heat exchanging surface of the heat exchanging means. Conversely, in case of the condenser tube (100) having a polygonal cross-section, any surface can be identified as the flat portion (102) to be abutted to the heat exchanging surface, provided that the dimensions of such a surface does not hamper the efficiency of the condenser tube (100). In an embodiment, the polygonal cross-section could be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, etc.
In another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is wound around the heat exchanging means in a helical pattern.
In yet another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is pressure wound around the heat exchanging means. In another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is configured to be slightly pressed by manual force provided its dimensions are relatively smaller.
In another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is attached to the heat exchanging surface by brazing.
In still another embodiment, the condenser tube (100) is attached to the heat exchanging surface by copper brazing.
The flat surface of the condenser tube (100) is highly favourable for copper brazing, which in turn eliminates the need for lead welding, thereby preventing any health risk to an operator or environmental risks.
In one embodiment, the length of the condenser tube (100) varies between 40 to 70 metres.
In an embodiment, the entire heating system (200) including the condenser tube (100) is insulated.
The present disclosure is further described in light of the following experiments which are set forth for illustration purpose only and not to be construed for limiting the scope of the disclosure. The following experiments can be scaled up to industrial/commercial scale and the results obtained can be extrapolated to industrial scale.
EXPERIMENT:
In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of water heating systems, each of 300 litres capacity, were considered for an experimental purpose. A first water heating system, system A, had a conventional condenser tube of circular cross-section wound around it, whereas a second water heating system, system B, had a condenser tube (100), of the present disclosure, wound around it. Other than the condenser tubes, all the other components of either systems were of the same parameters and make. Tetrafluoroethane was used as the refrigerant for both the heating systems.
Inference: It was observed that the length of the condenser tube (100) of system B was 20% lesser than that required by the condenser tube of system A. Additionally, the condenser tube (100) required a smaller number of turns for being wound around the reservoir, and therefore also required only 1675 gms of refrigerant as compared to 3300 gms of refrigerant required by system A. Despite of the shorter length and the smaller number of turns, the condenser tube (100) of system B helped in accommodating pressure drop while achieving a comparatively better efficient heating for system B. Further, the condenser tube (100) of system B achieves the same heating effect as that of the condenser tube of system A despite the shorter length.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a condenser tube, for a water heating system, which:
• is of relatively shorter length;
• facilitates better heat transfer rate; and
• eliminates the need for lead welding.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A condenser tube (100) for a water heating system, said condenser tube (100) being configured to be wrapped around a heat exchanging means, said condenser tube (100) defined by at least one substantially flat peripheral portion (102) and at least one non-flat peripheral portion (103),
wherein said flat peripheral portion (102) is configured to abut a heat exchanging surface of the heat exchanging means.
2. The condenser tube (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the profile of said non-flat peripheral portion (102) is selected from the group consisting of arcuate shape or polygonal shape.
3. The condenser tube (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said condenser tube (100) is wound around said heat exchanging means in a helical pattern.
4. The condenser tube (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said condenser tube (100) is pressure wound around the heat exchanging means.
5. The condenser tube (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said condenser tube (100) is attached to the heat exchanging surface by brazing.
6. A water heating system (200) comprising:
• a water reservoir (203);
• an evaporator (205) configured to contain a refrigerant therein;
• a compressor (201) configured to fluidly communicate with said evaporator (205) to receive said refrigerant therefrom;
• a condenser (100) configured to fluidly communicate with said compressor (201) to receive said refrigerant therefrom;
• an expansion device (208) configured to fluidly communicate with said condenser (100) to receive said refrigerant therefrom; and
• a condenser tube (100) configured to be wrapped around said water reservoir, said condenser tube (100) defined by at least one substantially flat peripheral portion (102) and at least one non-flat peripheral portion (103), wherein said flat peripheral portion (102) is configured to abut a heat exchanging surface of the heat exchanging means, said condenser tube (100) configured to fluidly communicate with said compressor to receive said refrigerant to facilitate heat exchange between said refrigerant and water for heating water.
7. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the profile of said non-flat peripheral portion (102) is selected from the group consisting of arcuate shape or polygonal shape.
8. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said condenser tube (100) is wound around said heat exchanging means in a helical pattern.
9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said condenser tube (100) is pressure wound around the heat exchanging means.
10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said condenser tube (100) is attached to the heat exchanging surface by brazing.
11. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the length of said condenser tube (100) varies between 40 to 70 metres.
Dated this 29th day of August, 2023

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K. DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI