Multi-channel heat exchanger with multi-stage expansion

Abstract

An expansion device for a heat exchanger having a manifold and a plurality of mini- and or micro-channels. The expansion device has an outer element having a plurality of orifices therethrough that is received in the manifold, and an inner element telescopically received in the outer element having at least one orifice therethrough and being in fluid communication with the plurality of orifices. Fluid passing through the at least one orifice and through the plurality of orifices is expanded and reduced in pressure prior to entering the manifold.

1 . An expansion device for a heat exchanger having a manifold and a plurality of channels comprising:
 an outer element having a plurality of orifices therethrough, said outer element received in the manifold;   an inner element telescopically received in said outer element, said inner element having at least one orifice therethrough and being in fluid communication with said plurality of orifices, said inner element further having an opened end and a rounded end opposite said opened end; and   a feeder tube transporting a fluid being received in said opened end,   wherein a fluid passing through said at least one orifice extending through said rounded end and through said plurality of orifices is expanded and reduced in pressure prior to entering said manifold.   
   
   
       2 . The expansion device of  claim 1 , wherein said outer element is a tubular element. 
   
   
       3 . The expansion device of  claim 1 , wherein said inner element is a tubular element. 
   
   
       4 . The expansion device of  claim 1 , wherein said outer element has a rounded end and an opened end opposite said rounded end, said plurality of orifices extending through said rounded end, said inner element being received in said opened end. 
   
   
       5 . (canceled) 
   
   
       6 . The expansion device of  claim 1 , wherein said fluid is a refrigerant that is received into said inner element by a feeder tube. 
   
   
       7 . The expansion device of  claim 1 , wherein said fluid passing through said at least one orifice and through said plurality of orifices is expanded and reduce in pressure at least twice. 
   
   
       8 . An expansion device for a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger having manifolds and a plurality of mini- or micro-channels connecting said manifolds, the expansion device comprising:
 an outer expansion tube having a plurality of orifices;   an inner expansion tube received in said outer expansion tube, said inner expansion tube having an opened end and a rounded end, said opened end being opposite said rounded end; and   a feeder tube transporting refrigerant being received in said opened end,   wherein refrigerant exiting said inner expansion tube and at least one orifice extending through said rounded end and exiting said outer expansion tube into the manifold, has been reduced in pressure and expanded at least twice thereby mixing said refrigerant before entering said plurality of mini- and or micro-expansion channels.   
   
   
       9 . The expansion device of  claim 8 , wherein said outer expansion tube has a rounded end and an opened end opposite said rounded end, said plurality of orifices extending through said rounded end, said inner expansion tube being received in said opened end. 
   
   
       10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . An expansion system for a heat exchanger having a plurality of mini-micro expansion channels for expansion comprising:
 a manifold having two chambers and a divider between said two chambers, said divider having a series of apertures therethrough; one of said two chambers capable of receiving said plurality of mini and micro-expansion channels;   at least one outer element received in the other of said two chambers, said at least one outer element having a plurality of orifices therethrough;   an inner element received in said at least one outer element, said inner element having an opened end and a rounded end opposite said opened end and having at least one orifice therethrough, and   a feeder tube transporting said refrigerant being received in said opened end,   wherein refrigerant entering said inner element and expanding through said at least one orifice extending through said rounded end, said plurality of orifices and said series of apertures, has been reduced in pressure and expanded thereby mixing said refrigerant before entering said plurality of expansion channels.   
   
   
       12 . The expansion system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one outer element is a plurality of outer elements. 
   
   
       13 . The expansion system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one outer element is a tubular element. 
   
   
       14 . The expansion system of  claim 11 , wherein said inner element is a tubular element. 
   
   
       15 . The expansion system of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one outer element having a rounded end and an opened end opposite said rounded end, said plurality of orifices extending through said rounded end, said inner element being received in said opened end of said at least one outer element. 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . The expansion system of  claim 11 , wherein said fluid is a refrigerant that is received into said inner element by a feeder tube. 
   
   
       18 . The expansion system of  claim 11 , wherein said fluid passing through said at least one orifice, through said plurality of orifices and said plurality of apertures is expanded and reduce in pressure at least three times. 
   
   
       19 . (canceled)