Micro-channel heat exchanger including independent heat exchange circuits and method

Abstract

A micro-channel heat exchanger including a first micro-channel heat conduit having a first end section that extends to a second end section through an intermediate section. The intermediate section includes a plurality of substantially straight sections and a plurality of bend sections that establish a first serpentine path. The micro-channel heat exchanger also includes a second micro-channel heat conduit having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion includes a plurality of substantially straight portions and a plurality of bend portions that establish a second serpentine path. The first serpentine path extends adjacent to the second serpentine path with the plurality of bend portions being interposed between the plurality of bend sections.

1 . A micro-channel heat exchanger comprising:
 a first micro-channel heat conduit having a first end section that extends to a second end section through an intermediate section, the intermediate section including a plurality of substantially straight sections and a plurality of bend sections that establish a first serpentine path; and   a second micro-channel heat conduit having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion including a plurality of substantially straight portions and a plurality of bend portions that establish a second serpentine path, the first serpentine path extending adjacent to the second serpentine path with the plurality of bend portions being interposed between the plurality of bend sections.   
     
     
         2 . The micro-channel heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the first micro-channel heat conduit is fluidly isolated from the second micro-channel heat conduit. 
     
     
         3 . The micro-channel heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , a plurality of centers extending between adjacent ones of the plurality of substantially straight sections and plurality of substantially straight portions. 
     
     
         4 . The micro-channel heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , a plurality of centers extending between adjacent ones of the plurality of substantially straight portions. 
     
     
         5 . The micro-channel heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bend sections includes a first plurality of bend sections and a second plurality of bend sections. 
     
     
         6 . The micro-channel heat exchanger according to  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of bend portions includes a first plurality of bend portions and a second plurality of bend portions. 
     
     
         7 . The micro-channel heat exchanger according to  claim 6 , wherein the second plurality of bend portions is interposed between the first plurality of bend portions. 
     
     
         8 . The micro-channel heat exchanger according to  claim 7 , wherein the second plurality of bend portions is interposed between the first plurality of bend sections. 
     
     
         9 . A method of forming a micro-channel heat exchanger, the method comprising:
 forming a first micro-channel heat conduit having a first end section that extends to a second end section through an intermediate section;   creating a first serpentine path in the first micro-channel heat conduit, the first serpentine path including a plurality of substantially straight sections and a plurality of bend sections;   forming a second micro-channel heat conduit having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion;   creating a first serpentine path in the second micro-channel heat conduit, the second serpentine path including a plurality of substantially straight portions and a plurality of bend portions;   positioning the first micro-channel heat conduit adjacent the second micro-channel heat conduit such that the plurality of bend portions are interposed between the plurality of bend sections; and   connecting adjacent ones of the plurality of substantially straight sections and substantially straight portions.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising: connecting adjacent ones of the plurality of substantially straight portions. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein connecting adjacent ones of the plurality of substantially straight sections and substantially straight portions comprises joining the adjacent ones of the plurality of substantially straight sections and substantially straight portions with a plurality of centers. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein connecting adjacent ones of the plurality of substantially straight portions comprises joining the adjacent ones of the plurality of substantially straight portions with a plurality of centers.