Patent application title:

LOUVERED FIN

Publication number:

US20250109915A1

Publication date:
Application number:

18/979,246

Filed date:

2024-12-12

Smart Summary: A louvered fin has a front edge and a back edge, with a surface in between. This surface features three sets of holes arranged in different positions along three parallel lines. The distance between the first and second sets of holes is larger than the distance between the second and third sets. The arrangement of the second and third sets of holes forms a shape similar to an obtuse trapezoid. This design can improve airflow or heat exchange in various applications. πŸš€ TL;DR

Abstract:

The present disclosure provides a louvered fin including a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The surface defines a first set of holes along a first axis, a second set of holes along a second axis and offset from the first set of holes, and a third set of holes along a third axis and offset from the second set of holes. Each of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fin. A first offset distance between the second and first set of holes is greater than a second offset distance between the third and second set of holes. The second and the third set of holes define a substantially obtuse trapezoidal matrix.

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Classification:

F28F1/325 »  CPC main

Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements; Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending transversely the means having portions engaging further tubular elements Fins with openings

F28F2215/08 »  CPC further

Fins with openings, e.g. louvers

F28F1/32 IPC

Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements; Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending transversely the means having portions engaging further tubular elements

F25B39/02 »  CPC further

Evaporators; Condensers Evaporators

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/479,551, filed Oct. 2, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/505,827, filed Oct. 20, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,808,530, issued Nov. 7, 2023, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates, in general, to a heat exchanger fin and, more specifically relates, to a louvered fin for an evaporator coil.

BACKGROUND

Typically, condenser coil and the evaporator coil are each designed as heat exchanger with internal tubing for carrying refrigerant. Each of the condenser coil and the evaporator coil often includes a plurality of fins disposed along a length of the internal tubing, such that adjacent fins are substantially parallel to each other and located apart by a predefined distance. Further, the internal tubing passes through holes defined in the adjacently located fins.

Generally, the condenser coil and the evaporator coil include fins with substantially similar constructional features. Although such similarity in constructional features aid streamlined manufacturing, performance of the fin, such as heat transfer efficiency, may be affected by using similar fins in each of the condenser coil and the evaporator coil. It is required to incorporate condensate management features in the fins implemented in the evaporator coil, while the same may not be a mandate for the condenser coil. As such, design of fins may be optimized for better performance based on end-use application.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a louvered fin is disclosed. The louvered fin includes a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite to the leading edge, and a surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The surface defines a plurality of holes, in which a first set of holes are defined along a first axis, a second set of holes are defined along a second axis, and a third set of holes are defined along a third axis. Each of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fin. The second set of holes are offset from the first set of holes along the longitudinal axis of the fin and the third set of holes are offset from the second set of holes along the longitudinal axis of the fin. A first offset distance defined between the second set of holes and the first set of holes is greater than a second offset distance defined between the third set of holes and the second set of holes. The second set of holes and the third set of holes define a substantially obtuse trapezoidal matrix.

In an embodiment, the louvered fin further includes a fourth set of holes defined along a fourth axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fin.

In an embodiment, the surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge is wavy. In an embodiment, each of two opposite wider angles of the obtuse trapezoidal matrix is in a range of about 95 degrees to about 105 degrees.

In an embodiment, a distance between the leading edge and the first axis is in a range of about 0.25 inch to about 0.5 inch. In an embodiment, a distance between the first axis and the second axis is in a range of about 0.50 inch to about 1 inch. In an embodiment, a distance between the third axis and the trailing edge is in a range of about 0.25 inch to about 0.5 inch. In an embodiment, a distance between two adjacent holes of the first set of holes is in a range of about 1 inch to about 0.75 inch.

In an embodiment, a distance between two adjacent holes of the second set of holes is in a range of about 1 inch to about 0.75 inch. In an embodiment, the first offset distance between the first axis and the second axis of holes is in a range of about 0.375 inch to about 0.5 inch. In an embodiment, a diameter of each hole of the first set of holes, the second set of holes, and the third set of holes is in a range of about 6.8 mm to about 4.8 mm.

In an embodiment, the louver fin further includes a plurality of collars, where each collar extends from a periphery of one hole of the plurality of holes. Preferably, each collar extends in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the fin. Each collar includes a narrow portion and an expanded portion, where the expanded portion is distal from the surface of the fin.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an evaporator coil is disclosed. The evaporator coil includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes and a plurality of louvered fins. Each louvered fin includes a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite to the leading edge, and a surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The surface defines a plurality of holes configured to allow the plurality of refrigerant tubes to pass therethrough. A first set of holes of the plurality of holes are defined along a first axis, a second set of holes of the plurality of holes are defined along a second axis, and a third set of holes of the plurality of holes are defined along a third axis. Each of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fin. The second set of holes are offset from the first set of holes along the longitudinal axis of the fin and the third set of holes are offset from the second set of holes along the longitudinal axis of the fin. A first offset distance defined between the second set of holes and the first set of holes is greater than a second offset distance defined between the third set of holes and the second set of holes. The second set of holes and the third set of holes define a substantially obtuse trapezoidal matrix.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of louvered fins is made from aluminum alloy. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of holes forms an interference fit with an outer surface of a refrigerant tube passing therethrough.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of louvered fins defines at least one cropped corner. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of louvered fins further includes gagged regions located around peripheries of the hole defined proximal to the at least one cropped corner.

In an embodiment, the evaporator coil further includes a plurality of collars, where each collar extends from a periphery of one hole of the plurality of holes. A length of each collar is in a range of about 1.4 mm to about 1.8 mm.

These and other aspects and features of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure (including alternatives and/or variations thereof) may be obtained with reference to the detailed description of the embodiments along with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a louvered fin, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of the louvered fin of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a cross-section of a portion of the louvered fin of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged portion of the louvered fin of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a portion of another louvered fin, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the louvered fin of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged portion of the louvered fin of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A shows louvered fin having a cropped corner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B shows louvered fin having a pair of cropped corners, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a front view of a louvered fin defining three rows of holes, and having cropped corners and gagged regions, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7B is a front view of a louvered fin defining four rows of holes, and having cropped corners and gagged regions, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding, or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

As used herein, the terms β€œa”, β€œan” and the like generally carry a meaning of β€œone or more,” unless stated otherwise. Further, the terms β€œapproximately”, β€œapproximate”, β€œabout”, and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10%, or preferably 5%, and any values therebetween.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a louvered fin and an evaporator coil implementing the louvered fin. The louvered fin has a unique design to aid enhanced condensate drainage and enable structural robustness. Additionally, configuration of louvers in the fin form boundary layers of convective heat transfer between air flowing, with an inclined angle of attack, across small diameter tubes extending across the fins.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a front view of a louvered fin 100 is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The louvered fin 100 (hereinafter referred to as β€œthe fin 100”) includes a leading edge 102 and a trailing edge 104 opposite to the leading edge 102. As used herein, the term β€œleading edge” refers to a feature of the fin 100 that is upstream with respect to a direction of flow of air across the fin 100 and the term β€œtrailing edge” refers to a feature of the fin 100 that is relatively downstream with respect to the direction of flow of air across the fin 100. These terminologies are well known in the art of fins, for example heat exchanger fins. The fin 100 further includes a surface 106 extending between the leading edge 102 and the trailing edge 104. Preferably, the surface 106 is wavy in structure. As used herein, the term β€œwavy” refers to a structure of the fin 100 including adjacent concave and convex portions, or multiple crests and troughs, along a width β€œW” of the fin 100. In an embodiment, a length β€œM” of the fin 100 may be in a range of about 3.8 inches to about 4.5 inches and the width β€œW” of the fin 100 may be in a range of about 1.9 inches to about 2.5 inches. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, multiple fins, each having a configuration described below, are stacked to constitute a heat exchanging medium of an evaporator coil. The fin 100 may also be suitably implemented in, but not limited to, indoor air handler of residential split systems, both heat pumps and air conditioners.

Further, the surface 106 of the fin 100 defines a plurality of holes including a first set of holes 108, a second set of holes 110, and a third set of holes 112. Each of the plurality of holes is configured to allow a refrigerant tube (not shown) of the evaporator coil to pass therethrough. The phrase β€œset of holes” may be alternatively referred and understood as β€œrow of holes”. In an embodiment, a diameter of each hole of the first set of holes 108, the second set of holes 110, and the third set of holes 112 is in a range of about 4.8 mm to about 6.8 mm, and preferably 7 mm. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the fin 100 preferably includes three rows of holes as illustrated in FIG. 1A. The first set of holes 108 are defined along a first axis β€œA1” located proximal to the leading edge 102 of the fin 100. In an embodiment, a distance between the leading edge 102 and the first axis β€œA1” is in a range of about 0.25 inch to about 0.5 inch. In another embodiment, the distance between the leading edge 102 and the first axis β€œA1” is preferably 0.3625 inch. Further, in an embodiment, a distance between two adjacent holes of the first set of holes 108, which defines a first pitch β€œP1”, is in a range of about 0.75 inch to about 1 inch. In some embodiments, preferably, the first pitch β€œP1” along the first axis β€œA1” is 0.827 inch.

The second set of holes 110 are defined along a second axis β€œA2” and are offset from the first set of holes 108 along a longitudinal axis β€œL” of the fin 100. The second axis β€œA2” extends along the longitudinal axis β€œL” and is located between the first axis β€œA1” and the trailing edge 104. For the purpose of brevity, the second axis β€œA2” is shown coinciding with the longitudinal axis β€œL”. In an embodiment, a distance between the first axis β€œA1” and the second axis β€œA2” is in a range of about 0.50 inch to about 1 inch. In another embodiment, distance between the first axis β€œA1” and the second axis β€œA2” is preferably 0.725 inch. Further, in an embodiment, a distance between two adjacent holes of the second set of holes 110, which defines a second pitch β€œP2”, is in a range of about 0.75 inch to about 1 inch. In some embodiments, preferably, the second pitch β€œP2” along the second axis β€œA2” is 0.827 inch.

Further, the third set of holes 112 are defined along a third axis β€œA3” that is located proximal to the trailing edge 104 of the fin 100. In an embodiment, a distance between the third axis β€œA3” and the trailing edge 104 is in a range of about 0.25 inch to about 0.5 inch. In another embodiment, the distance between the third axis β€œA3” and the trailing edge 104 is preferably 0.3625 inch. The third set of holes 112 are offset from the second set of holes 110 along the longitudinal axis β€œL” of the fin 100. Further, in an embodiment, a distance between two adjacent holes of the third set of holes 112, which defines a third pitch β€œP3”, is in a range of about 0.75 inch to about 1 inch. In some embodiments, preferably, the third pitch β€œP3” along the third axis β€œA3” is 0.827 inch. Each of the first axis β€œA1”, the second axis β€œA2”, and the third axis β€œA3” extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis β€œL” of the fin 100.

The second set of holes 110 are offset at a first offset distance β€œD1” from the first set of holes 108 and the third set of holes 112 are offset at a second offset distance β€œD2” from the first set of holes 108. Preferably, the second offset distance β€œD2” is less than the first offset distance β€œD1”. In an embodiment, the first offset distance β€œD1” is in a range of about 0.375 inch to about 0.5 inch. In some embodiment, the first offset distance β€œD1” preferably is 0.4135 inch. For the purpose of the present disclosure, the offset distances are calculated with respect to centers of the holes as indicated in the FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion β€œB” of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen from FIG. 1B, the third set of holes 112 are offset from the second set of holes 110 along the longitudinal axis β€œL”. As such, the second set of holes 110 and the third set of holes 112 define a substantially obtuse trapezoidal matrix. An obtuse trapezoid refers to a geometric shape including one acute angle and one obtuse angle defined on a base thereof. For example, centers β€œC1” of a first hole 110-1, β€œC2” of a second hole 110-2, β€œC3” of a third hole 112-1, and β€œC4” of a fourth hole 112-2 define vertices of the obtuse trapezoid. Line segments β€œS1” extending between β€œC1” and β€œC2”, β€œS2” extending between β€œC2” and β€œC3”, β€œS3” extending between β€œC3” and β€œC4”, and β€œS4” extending between β€œC4” and β€œC1” define sides of the obtuse trapezoid. Line segments β€œS1” and β€œS4” define an acute angle β€œ01”, β€œS1” and β€œS2” define an obtuse angle β€œ02”, and similarly β€œS3” and β€œS4” define an obtuse angle β€œ04”. As such, β€œ02” and β€œ04” are two opposite wider angles of the obtuse trapezoid. In an embodiment, each of the two opposite wider angles of the obtuse trapezoid is in a range of about 95 degrees to about 105 degrees. Similarly, adjacent set of four holes define another obtuse trapezoid. As such, owing to the offset, the second set of holes 110 and the third set of holes 112 define an array of obtuse trapezoids along the longitudinal axis β€œL” of the fin 100, which together constitutes the obtuse trapezoidal matrix.

FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the fin 100 considered along a section F-Fβ€² in FIG. 1A. In an embodiment, the fin 100 further includes a plurality of collars, where each collar extends from a periphery of one hole of the plurality of holes. As shown in FIG. 1C, a collar 114 extends from the periphery of the hole β€œH” defined in the surface 106 of the fin 100. Particularly, each collar, such as the collar 114, extends in a direction perpendicular to the surface 106 of the fin 100. In an embodiment, the collar 114 includes a narrow portion 116 and an expanded portion 118 extending from the narrow portion 116. The expanded portion 118 is distal from the surface 106 of the fin 100. The collar 114 narrows from the periphery of the hole β€œH” to the narrow portion 116 through a step portion 120. In order to minimize stress concentration in the collar 114, the narrow portion 116 and the step portion 120 defines a fillet at a connection portion thereof, having a radius of curvature β€œR”. In an embodiment, a length of each collar is in a range of about 1.4 mm to about 1.8 mm. However, in some embodiments, the length of the collar 114 may be determined based on fins-per-inch factor of the evaporator coil.

According to an aspect, each of the plurality of holes forms an interference fit with an outer surface of the refrigerant tube passing therethrough. For the sake of brevity in illustration and description, the evaporator coil and the refrigerant tubes are not illustrated and particularly described as they are well known in the art. The collar 114, and other collars formed in the fin 100, serve to increase mechanical strength of a joinder, such as the interference fit, between the fin 100 and the corresponding refrigerant tube. The collar 114 also serves to increase the heat conductivity between the refrigerant tubes and the fin 100. In some embodiments, the surface 106 of the fin 100, the refrigerant tubes, and the collar 106 may each be manufactured from a suitable thermally-conductive material, such as, but not limited to, copper, aluminum, and alloys thereof. In the present disclosure, the fin 100 is made from aluminum alloy.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged portion β€œG” of FIG. 1A. Particularly, the enlarged portion β€œG” includes the hole β€œH” of the first set of holes 108. The fin 100 includes a plurality of louvers 202 extending along the longitudinal axis β€œL” of the fin 100. In an embodiment, the fin 100 includes a predefined region 204 around the hole β€œH” configured, for example, to add to the strength of the collar 114 extending from the periphery of the hole β€œH”. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the predefined region 204 includes a rectangular portion, where a pair of opposite sides of the rectangular portion includes an arcuate portion. Along a horizontal axis β€œK”, the fin 100 includes a sleeve 206 free from the louvers 202. In other words, the louvers 202 are not formed in the sleeve 206. Additionally, the predefined region 204 is also free from the louvers 202. When the refrigerant pipe is inserted through the hole β€œH”, the predefined region 204 and the sleeve 206 may together add strength to the collar 114 extending from the periphery of the hole β€œH”, which otherwise would be weak if the louvers 202 were extending up to the collar 114. In an example, a width of the sleeve 206 may be about 2 mm. The louvers 202 at extremities, such as a left extreme louver 202-1 and a right extreme louver 202-N, are wider as compared to intermediate louvers located therebetween. In an example, width of each of louver at the extremities may be about 2.25 mm and width of each intermediate louver may be about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the fin 100 may include nine intermediate louvers. FIG. 2 illustrates the louvers 202 associated with the first set of holes 108. The second set of holes 110 and third set of holes 112 are neighbored by similar set of louvers 202. In some embodiments, number of louvers associated with each row of holes may be equal, for example 11 louvers as illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the number of louvers may vary between adjacent rows of holes.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a fin 300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of a leading edge 302 and a trailing edge 304 of the fin 300 has a rippled edge, such as a zig-zag pattern (as shown in FIG. 5). A predefined region 306 extends around a circumference of each hole of each row of holes. In an embodiment, louvers 308 are formed to define an X-shape pattern along a surface 310 of the fin 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the fin 300 includes ten louvers 308. In other embodiments, the fin 300 may include any number of louvers 300 based on a width and pitch of the fin 300. Besides being offset, the holes of the second row are defined at a radial distance from the holes of the first row. For example, a distance between center β€œC5” of a first hole β€œH1” in the first row of holes and center β€œC6” of a first hole β€œH2” in the second row of holes is 21 mm. A circumference of an imaginary circle considered with β€œC5” as the center, passes through center β€œC7” of a second hole β€œH3” in the first set of holes. As such, the center β€œC7” is also at radial distance from the center β€œC5”, thereby defining the pitch of the fin 300. Similarly, a circumference of another imaginary circle considered with β€œC6” as the center, passes through center β€œC8” of a first hole β€œH4” of the third row of holes and the center β€œC5” of the first hole β€œH1” of the first row of holes. As such, the third row of holes are also defined at the same radial distance from the second row of holes. Such design of the fin 300, and that of the fin 100 of FIG. 1A, may eliminate overlap of holes and louvers with adjacent row of holes and louvers, thereby achieving an increase in heat transfer efficiency.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the fin 300. In an embodiment, the fin 300 includes half louvers 402 at the edges of the fin 300, such as the leading edge 302 and the trailing edge 304, and full louvers at remaining portion of the surface 310 of the fin 300. As used herein, the term β€œfull louver” refers to complete length of the louver extending across the surface 310 of the fin 300 and the term β€œhalf louver” refers to half length of the louver extending from the surface 310 of the fin 300. FIG. 4 also shows a joint 404 formed between two fins. At the joint 404, the trailing edge of one fin contacts a leading edge of an adjacent fin. Conventional joining processes known to a person skilled in the art to join the rippled edges of the contacting portions of the two fins may be performed to achieve a wider fin array (not shown). In an embodiment, the louvers 308 extend at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the surface 310 of the fin 300. In other embodiments, the louvers 308 may be inclined at any preferred acute angle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of the fin 300, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The louvers 308 extending till an end of the fin 300 may be subjected to damage or may be directed in random directions during assemblage into the evaporator coil. In order to overcome such damage, in an embodiment, the fin 300 includes gagged regions 502 around the peripheries of the holes defined proximal to the ends of the fin 300. Preferably, the gagged regions 502 are formed around the holes defined proximal to at least one cropped corner 504 in the fin 300. The gagged portions 502 do not include any louvers 308 and hence may add to the strength of the fin 300 at the cropped corner 504.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates fins showing cropped corners. Particularly, FIG. 6A illustrates fins, such as the fin 100, 300, with corners designated for cropping. Hatched portions 602 are indicative of corners that are designated for cropping. The fins are positioned in an inclined manner, for example along arms of alphabet β€œA”. Multiple such fins may be stacked together to constitute a β€œA-type” evaporator coil. The cropped corners aid in reducing the size of such evaporator coils, in case of space constraints in an end-use application. FIG. 6B illustrates a pair of hatched portions 602, 604 designated for cropping in each fin. The fins in FIG. 6B are oriented in an inclined manner, for example along arms of alphabet β€œV”. Multiple such fins with double cropped corners may be stacked to constitute a smaller evaporator coil based on space available in the end-use application. As such, the fins may be configured to constitute the evaporator coil of desired shape and size. In some embodiments, β€œN-type”, β€œZ-type”, or slab type evaporator coils may be formed in similar manner by positioning the fins, with or without cropped corners, in inclined manner and stacking with refrigerant pipes. However, it may be ensured that cutting line(s) to form the cropped corners does not interfere with the holes defined in the fins and does not lie close to the periphery of the holes. It will be understood to the person skilled in the art that the louvers at the cropped corners need to be handled carefully while stacking multiple such fins to constitute the evaporator coil. In some embodiment, the fins with cropped corners may include gagged regions, such as the regions 502, around the peripheries of the hole defines proximal to the cropped corners. In some embodiments, the fin may include two or more cropped corners.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a louvered fin 700, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Preferably, two fins 700A and 700B may be die stamped on an aluminum sheet to achieve the design illustrated in FIG. 7A. Further, the fin 700A may be separated from the fin 700B, by known means, along a line of contact β€œY1”. Upon separation, multiple such fins may be disposed adjacent to each other and may be stacked together with refrigerant tubes. Each of the fins 700A, 700B includes three rows of holes defined between cropped corners 702, 704, and gagged regions 706 around holes defined proximal to the cropped corners 702, 704. For the purpose of brevity, configuration of the fin 700A is described herein. A first row of holes 708 is defined along a first axis β€œA4”, a second row of holes 710 is defined along a second axis β€œA5”, and a third row of holes 712 is defined along a third axis β€œA6”. Each axis extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fin 700A. The second row of holes 710 are offset from the first row of holes 708 in a direction along a length of the fin 700A, and the third row of holes 712 are offset from the second row of holes 710 in the direction along the length of the fin 700A. The second row of holes 710 and the third row of holes define a substantially obtuse trapezoidal matrix. For the purpose of illustration, one obtuse trapezoid β€œT1” is indicated in fin 700A. Interior angles each obtuse trapezoid formed in the fin 700A may preferably be equal to those described with respect to FIG. 1B.

FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of a louvered fin 750, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Preferably, two fins 750A and 750B may be die stamped on an aluminum sheet to achieve the design illustrated in FIG. 7B. Further, the fin 750A may be separated from the fin 750B, by known means, along a line of contact β€œY2”. Upon separation, multiple such fins may be disposed adjacent to each other and may be stacked together with refrigerant tubes. Each of the fins 750A, 750B includes four rows of holes defined between cropped corners 752, 754, and gagged regions 756 around holes defined proximal to the cropped corners 752, 754. For the purpose of brevity, configuration of the fin 750A is described herein. The fin 750A includes a first row of holes 758 defined along a first axis β€œA7”, a second row of holes 760 defined along a second axis β€œA8” and offset from the first row of holes 758, a third row of holes 762 defined along a this axis β€œA9” and offset from the second row of holes 760, and a fourth row of holes 764 defined along a fourth axis β€œA10” and offset from the third row of holes 762. Each axis extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fin 750A. Geometrically, the third row of holes 760 and the fourth row of holes 762 define a substantially obtuse trapezoidal matrix. For the purpose of illustration, one obtuse trapezoid β€œT2” is indicated in fin 750A. Interior angles each obtuse trapezoid formed in the fin 750A may preferably be equal to those described with respect to FIG. 1B.

To this end, the present disclosure provides a unique design for louvered fins. The design of the louvered fin is particularly optimized for condensate draining, utilizing larger louver angle, but implementing plurality of louvers in contrast to conventional lanced fin. With such configuration of the louvered fin, it is possible to maintain a high convective heat transfer coefficient. Besides contributing for good condensate drainage, the louvered fin of the present disclosure also restarts boundary layers of convective heat transfer with small diameter refrigerant tubes, for example 7 mm tubes, at an inclined angle of attack for the airflow across the louvered fins. Additionally, the geometrical characteristics of the louvered fin, such as the obtuse trapezoidal matrix of the holes, may aid easy draining of condensate.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed features without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fin comprising:

a first edge;

a second edge opposite the first edge;

a surface extending between the first edge and the second edge;

a first set of openings disposed on the surface and arranged along a first longitudinal axis, the first set of openings including a first opening and a second opening;

a second set of openings disposed on the surface and arranged along a second longitudinal axis, wherein the second longitudinal axis is parallel to the first longitudinal axis and separated by a distance from the first longitudinal axis, the second set of openings including at least a third opening, wherein:

a first center of the first opening is located at a first distance from a second center of the second opening; and

a third center of the third opening is located at a midpoint of the first distance.

2. The fin of claim 1, further comprising:

a third set of openings disposed on the surface and arranged along a third longitudinal axis, wherein the third longitudinal axis is parallel to the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis and wherein a fourth opening of the third set of openings is offset from the third opening by a second distance in a direction along a length of the fin.

3. The fin of claim 2, wherein the first longitudinal axis is proximal to the first edge, the third longitudinal axis is proximal to the second edge, and the second longitudinal axis is disposed between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis.

4. The fin of claim 2, wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

5. The fin of claim 1, wherein the first edge or the second edge is a rippled edge.

6. The fin of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of airflow structures arranged on the surface, wherein a first number of the plurality of airflow structures extend at an angle with respect to the surface.

7. The fin of claim 6, wherein the angle is an acute angle.

8. The fin of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of airflow structures arranged on the surface, wherein the plurality of airflow structures include full length airflow structures and half-length airflow structures and wherein one or more of the half-length airflow structures are disposed proximate to the first edge or the second edge.

9. The fin of claim 1, further comprising at least four full-length airflow structures and at least two half-length airflow structures disposed on the surface.

10. An evaporator coil comprising:

a plurality of fins, wherein a first fin of the plurality of fins comprises:

a first set of openings arranged along a first longitudinal axis of the first fin; and

a second set of openings arranged along a second longitudinal axis of the first fin, the second longitudinal axis is separated from the first longitudinal axis by a first distance;

wherein:

the first set of openings include a first opening and a second opening;

the second set of openings include a third opening;

a first center point of the first opening is separated from a second center point of the second opening by a first distance; and

a third center point of the third opening is located at a midpoint of the first distance.

11. The evaporator coil of claim 10, wherein the first fin further comprises a third set of openings arranged along a third longitudinal axis of the first fin, wherein two adjacent openings of the third set of openings are separated by a second distance, wherein the second distance is same as the first distance.

12. The evaporator coil of claim 11, wherein:

the first opening is offset from the third opening by a third distance in a direction along a length of the first fin; and

a fourth opening of the third set of openings is offset from the third opening by a fourth distance in the direction along the length of the first fin, wherein the fourth distance is smaller than the third distance.

13. The evaporator coil of claim 10, wherein the first fin includes a plurality of airflow structures associated with the first opening and wherein the plurality of airflow structures include four full-length airflow structures and at least one half-length airflow structure.

14. The evaporator coil of claim 10, wherein the first fin further comprises:

a first edge and an opposing second edge; and

a surface extending between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the first set of openings and the second set of openings are disposed on the surface.

15. The evaporator coil of claim 14, wherein the first edge or the second edge is a rippled edge.

16. The evaporator coil of claim 10, wherein the first fin includes a cropped corner and a gagged portion proximal to the cropped corner.

17. The evaporator coil of claim 16, wherein the gagged portion is around a periphery of the first opening or the second opening.

18. The evaporator coil of claim 16, wherein the first fin includes a plurality of airflow structures and wherein the gagged portion is devoid of any airflow structures.

19. The evaporator coil of claim 10, wherein the plurality of fins are stacked in an inclined manner with respect to each other.

20. The evaporator coil of claim 10, wherein the first fin includes a plurality of airflow structures and wherein the plurality of airflow structures extend at an acute angle with respect to a surface of the first fin.

21. A fin comprising:

a first opening and a second opening disposed along a first longitudinal axis of the fin;

a third opening disposed along a second longitudinal axis of the fin, the second longitudinal axis being separated from the first longitudinal axis by a distance;

wherein:

a first center of the first opening and a second center of the seconding opening are separated by a first distance;

a third center of the third opening is offset from the first center by a second distance along the second longitudinal axis; and

the second distance is half of the first distance.

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