CN111712680A

CN111712680A - Condenser subcooler component for vapor compression system

Info

Publication number: CN111712680A
Application number: CN201880089443.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 布莱森·L·沙弗尔
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Current assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Priority date: 2017-12-29
Filing date: 2018-12-14
Publication date: 2020-09-25
Also published as: WO2019133301A1; US20190203987A1; EP3732409A1; KR20200102476A

Abstract

In certain embodiments, a condenser comprises: a housing having a longitudinal axis; a first tube bundle disposed within the shell; and a subcooler component disposed within said shell below said first tube bank. The subcooler section includes: a linear housing; a plurality of linear grate support assemblies disposed within the linear housing and spaced apart lengthwise along an axis of the housing; and a second tube bank (84) disposed within the linear housing, wherein tubes of the second tube bank are held in place within the linear grid channels of the linear grid support assembly.

Description

Condenser subcooler component for vapor compression system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority and benefit from U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/611,751 entitled "CONDENSER sub-cooler component of a VAPOR COMPRESSION SYSTEM," filed on 2017, 12, 29, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to heat exchangers in vapor compression systems. The present disclosure more particularly relates to a condenser for a vapor compression system having a subcooler component comprising a linear housing and a linear grill support.

In some condensers, one or more tube bundles may be positioned in a shell or shell and used to circulate a fluid capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant vapor entering the shell. The heat transfer or exchange between the refrigerant vapor and the fluid may cause the refrigerant vapor to condense, or change phase to a liquid state. Before the refrigerant liquid leaves the condenser, the refrigerant liquid may be further cooled, i.e., subcooled, by a second tube bank, which may be positioned as a subcooler component. The subcooler section may control the flow of refrigerant liquid over the second tube bank, which also circulates the fluid to further exchange or transfer heat with the refrigerant liquid.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present technology, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

The following outlines certain embodiments commensurate with the scope of the disclosure. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the present embodiments. Indeed, the present embodiments may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In one embodiment, a condenser comprises: a housing having a longitudinal axis; a first tube bundle disposed within the shell; and a subcooler component disposed within said shell below said first tube bank. The subcooler section includes: a linear housing; a plurality of linear grate support assemblies disposed within the linear housing and spaced apart lengthwise along an axis of the housing; and a second tube bank disposed within the linear housing, wherein tubes of the second tube bank are held in place within the linear grid channels of the linear grid support assembly.

In another embodiment, the condenser subcooler section includes: a linear housing; a plurality of linear grate support assemblies disposed within the linear housing and spaced apart lengthwise along a longitudinal axis of the linear housing; and a tube bundle disposed within the linear housing, wherein tubes of the tube bundle are held in place within the linear grid channels of the linear grid support assembly.

In another embodiment, a condenser subcooler component includes a linear housing and a plurality of linear grid support assemblies disposed within the linear housing and spaced lengthwise along a longitudinal axis of the linear housing. Each of the plurality of linear grid support assemblies includes a plurality of linear grid support sections. The condenser subcooler component further includes a tube bundle disposed within the rectilinear housing, wherein tubes of the tube bundle are held in place within the rectilinear grid channels of the rectilinear grid support assembly.

Drawings

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a vapor compression system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an HVAC system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vapor compression system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a condenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cutaway perspective view of a condenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a subcooler component of a condenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a linear housing of a subcooler component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment of a linear grid support portion of a subcooler member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an end linear grid support bracket of a subcooler member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 12 illustrates a chamber sight glass and a vertical liquid probe of a subcooler component of a condenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a condenser that includes a subcooler component having a linear housing and a linear grid support configured to support tubes of a subcooler tube bundle disposed within the linear housing of the subcooler component. The rectilinear nature of the housing and the grill support enables the subcooler elements to be manufactured relatively inexpensively. For example, in certain embodiments, the linear housing may include a subcooler tank formed as a single linear extrusion, or may be relatively easily formed from sheet metal folded into a linear shape. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the linear grid supports may be configured as a plurality of linear grid support sections that may collectively form a linear grid support assembly, which also simplifies the configuration of the grid support.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 10 in a building 12 of a typical commercial environment. HVAC system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 that may supply a cooling liquid to cool building 12 and a cooling tower 16 that may provide a process fluid to vapor compression system 14 via a conduit 18. In certain embodiments, the HVAC system 10 may also include a boiler 20 that supplies heated liquid to warm the building 12, and an air distribution system that circulates air through the building 12. The air distribution system may include an air return duct 22, an air supply duct 24, and an air handler 26. The air handler 26 may include a heat exchanger connected to the boiler 20 and the vapor compression system 14 by a conduit 28. The heat exchanger in the air handler 26 may receive heated liquid from the boiler 20 and/or cooled liquid from the vapor compression system 14, depending on the operating mode of the HVAC system 10. In some embodiments, the HVAC system 10 may include a separate air handler on each floor of the building 12, but it should be understood that these components may be shared between floors.

Fig. 2-4 illustrate a vapor compression system 14 that may be used in the HVAC system 10 of fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may circulate refrigerant through a circuit that begins with a compressor 30 and includes a condenser 32, one or more expansion valves 34, and an evaporator 36. Additionally, vapor compression system 14 may also include a control panel 38, which in certain embodiments may include an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 40, a processor 42, a memory 44, an interface board 46, and a user interface 48. Some examples of fluids that may be used as refrigerants in vapor compression system 14 are Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) -based refrigerants (e.g., R-410A, R-407, R-134a, Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs)), "natural" refrigerants like ammonia (NH3), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, or any other suitable type of refrigerant.

As illustrated in fig. 3, in certain embodiments, a motor 50 may be used to drive or operate the compressor 30. The motor 50 may be powered by a variable speed drive 52, or may be powered directly from an Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) power source. The motor 50 can be any suitable motor type that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC power source or a DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, an induction motor, or an electronically commutated permanent magnet motor. In alternative embodiments, other drive mechanisms (such as steam or gas turbines or engines and associated components) may be used to drive the compressor 30.

In certain embodiments, the variable speed drive 52 receives AC power from an AC power source having a particular fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency, and provides the AC power to the motor 50 at a desired voltage and desired frequency, both of which may be varied to meet particular requirements. In certain embodiments, the variable speed drive 52 may provide a variable magnitude output voltage and variable frequency to the motor 50 to allow the motor 50 to operate efficiently in response to particular load conditions. In certain embodiments, the control panel 38 may provide control signals to the variable speed drive 52 to operate the variable speed drive 52 and the motor 50 at appropriate operational settings for the particular sensor readings received by the control panel 38. For example, the control panel 38 may provide control signals to the variable speed drive 52 that adjust the output voltage and output frequency provided by the variable speed drive 52 in response to changes in conditions in the vapor compression system 14. In other words, the control panel 38 may provide instructions to increase or decrease the output voltage and output frequency provided by the variable speed drive 52 in response to a load increase or load decrease condition on the compressor 30.

In certain embodiments, compressor 30 compresses a refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to condenser 32 through discharge passage 54. In certain embodiments, the compressor 30 may be a centrifugal compressor having one or more compression stages. However, in other embodiments, the compressor 30 may be any suitable compressor type, including a screw compressor, a reciprocating compressor, a rotary compressor, a swing link compressor, a scroll compressor, or a turbine compressor. The refrigerant vapor delivered by the compressor 30 to the condenser 32 transfers heat to a fluid, such as water or any other suitable liquid. The refrigerant vapor condenses to a refrigerant liquid in condenser 32 due to heat transfer with the fluid. In certain embodiments, the condenser 32 includes a supply line 56 and a return line 58 for circulating a fluid between the condenser 32 and the cooling tower 16, for example, wherein the fluid from the condenser 32 is cooled by heat exchange with another fluid, such as air. The fluid may then be returned to condenser 32 via return line 58, where the fluid is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in condenser 32. The heated fluid may then be removed from condenser 32 via supply line 56 and may be provided to cooling tower 16 to complete the cycle.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3, the condenser 32 is of the water-cooled type and includes a tube bundle 60 connected to the cooling tower 16. In certain embodiments, the tube bundle 60 in the condenser 32 may include a plurality of tubes and a plurality of tube bundles. Further, as illustrated in fig. 4, in certain embodiments, the condenser 32 may include a subcooler component 62 for cooling the liquid refrigerant to a temperature below the saturation temperature of the refrigerant (i.e., subcooling the liquid refrigerant) before the liquid refrigerant is directed to the evaporator 36. As described in greater detail herein, in certain embodiments, the subcooler component 62 includes a linear shell and a linear grid support configured to support tubes of a subcooler tube bundle disposed within the linear shell of the subcooler component 62, thereby enabling the subcooler component 62 to be relatively inexpensively manufactured.

In certain embodiments, once subcooled by subcooler element 62, liquid refrigerant from condenser 32 flows through expansion valve 34 to evaporator 36. In certain embodiments, a Hot Gas Bypass Valve (HGBV)64 may be connected in a separate line extending from the compressor discharge to the compressor suction. The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporator 36 absorbs heat from another fluid, which may or may not be the same type of fluid used for the condenser 32, and undergoes a phase change to a refrigerant vapor.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3, the evaporator 36 includes a tube bundle 66 having a supply line 68 and a return line 70 connected to a cooling load 72. The supply line 68 and the return line 70 may be in fluid communication with the air handler 26 via a conduit 28 that circulates the process fluid through the HVAC system 10. In certain embodiments, a process fluid (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or any other suitable liquid) enters the evaporator 36 via a return line 70 and exits the evaporator 36 via a supply line 68. The evaporator 36 lowers the temperature of the process fluid in the tubes. In certain embodiments, the tube bundle 66 in the evaporator 36 may include a plurality of tubes and a plurality of tube bundles. The vapor refrigerant exits the evaporator 36 and returns to the compressor 30 through a suction line 74 to complete the circuit or cycle.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the compressor 30 may include pre-rotation vanes 76 that may be used at the inlet of the compressor 30 and may be fixed to a predetermined position or may have an adjustable position. In certain embodiments, the vapor compression system 14 may utilize one or more of each of the variable speed drive 52, the motor 50, the compressor 30, the condenser 32, the expansion device or valve 34, and/or the evaporator 36 in one or more refrigerant circuits.

A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of condenser 32 is shown in fig. 5. As illustrated in fig. 5, in certain embodiments, condenser 32 includes a housing 78 having a generally cylindrical geometry and including headers 80 positioned at opposite axial ends of housing 78. In certain embodiments, the header 80 distributes the fluid to a first tube bank 82 and a second tube bank 84 (of the subcooler section 62), as shown by arrows 86. Arrows 86 also illustrate the flow path of the fluid through condenser 32. In certain embodiments, condenser 32 further includes an inlet 88 (as indicated by arrow 90) for receiving refrigerant vapor, and an outlet 92 (as indicated by arrow 94) for discharging refrigerant liquid. In certain embodiments, inlet 88 and outlet 92 are located approximately at the axial midpoint of condenser 32. However, in other embodiments, the location of the inlet 88 and the outlet 92 may vary in location along the housing 78.

In certain embodiments, first tube bank 82 includes tubes 96 that circulate a process fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant vapor entering condenser 32, thereby condensing the refrigerant vapor or changing state to a refrigerant liquid. In certain embodiments, first tube bundle 82 may pass the process fluid through first tube bundle 82 one or more times. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 5, first tube bundle 82 may pass process fluid through first tube bundle 82 twice. In certain embodiments, the second tube bank 84 of the subcooler section 62 may pass the process fluid a single time through the second tube bank 84. Process fluid from a single pass through second tube bank 84 can be combined with process fluid from a first pass through first tube bank 82 for a second pass through first tube bank 82.

In certain embodiments, the refrigerant liquid may be further cooled by tubes 98 located in the subcooler section 62 of the condenser 32, which may completely contain or surround the second tube bundle 84, to a temperature below the saturation temperature (i.e., subcooling) of the refrigerant before the refrigerant liquid exits the condenser 32 through the outlet 92. Subcooler element 62 controls the flow of refrigerant liquid over and around tubes 98 of second tube bank 84. In certain embodiments, the condenser 32 includes a tube cradle 100 for the support tubes 96. Similarly, as described in greater detail herein, the subcooler member 62 may include corresponding structure (e.g., a linear grid support assembly) for supporting the tubes 98 while also enabling refrigerant to flow axially along the tubes 98.

As also illustrated in fig. 5, in certain embodiments, the subcooler section 62 is submerged in a liquid reservoir 102 that extends along the entire length of the condenser 32. The liquid reservoir 102 has a liquid level 104 above the subcooler section 62. The liquid reservoir 102 forms a liquid seal that prevents refrigerant vapor from entering the subcooler member 62. In other embodiments, the liquid surface 104 may be below the top surface 106 of the subcooler feature 62. In other embodiments, the liquid surface 104 may be positioned relative to the subcooler section 62 to prevent any refrigerant vapor from flowing into the subcooler section 62, or in other words, the liquid surface 104 may be located above any inlet to the subcooler section 62.

Fig. 6 illustrates a partial cutaway perspective view of condenser 32 with first tube bundle 82 and header 80 removed for illustration purposes. Arrows 108 show the flow of condensed refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant collects and forms a liquid reservoir 102. The refrigerant liquid then enters the subcooler section 62 through inlet 110 as indicated by arrow 112. Second tube bank 84 provides additional cooling to the refrigerant liquid. The refrigerant liquid enters the subcooler section 62 and contacts and flows over and around the tubes 98 of the second tube bank 84 within the subcooler section 62. In certain embodiments, the tubes 98 of the second tube bank 84 within the subcooler section 62 may circulate the same or a different fluid than the tubes 96 of the first tube bank 82 to exchange heat to further cool (i.e., subcool) the refrigerant liquid.

As illustrated in fig. 4 and 6, in certain embodiments, the subcooler member 62 includes two or more outer channels 114, and a central channel 116 between the outer channels 114. In certain embodiments, the outer channel 114 includes a bottom wall 118 with the inlet 110 in the bottom wall 118. In certain embodiments, the subcooler section 62 may also include two or more intermediate passages between the central passage 116 and the outer passage 114. In certain embodiments, as illustrated by arrows 120 in fig. 6, liquid refrigerant collected in the liquid reservoir 102 may enter the subcooler member 62 through the inlet 110 and flow over and around the tubes 98 in the outer passages 114 to the header plate of the header 80, thereby providing a first pass for the refrigerant liquid. In certain embodiments, the inlet 110 may be located approximately at the axial midpoint of the condenser 32. In other embodiments, the inlet 110 may be located at any position along the bottom wall 118, such as at an end of the bottom wall 118. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 6, each external passage 114 includes a single inlet 110. However, in other embodiments, more than one inlet 110 may be provided per outer channel 114. In certain embodiments, the liquid reservoir 102 forms a liquid seal at the inlet 110 to substantially prevent refrigerant vapor from entering the subcooler member 62.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the subcooler member 62 with certain features, such as tubes 98 of the second tube bundle 84, removed for illustration purposes. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the subcooler section 62 includes a linear housing 122 that forms a subcooler tank that can house the components of the subcooler section 62. In certain embodiments, the linear housing 122 may be formed as a single piece, such as a single linear extrusion (i.e., a single extrusion that includes a linear cross-sectional profile, as viewed along the central longitudinal axis 124 of the subcooler member 62, for example). However, in other embodiments, instead of being extruded, the rectilinear housing 122 may be formed from one or more metal sheets folded into a rectilinear shape (illustrated in fig. 7) or other equivalent rectilinear shape. Further, in other embodiments, the linear housing 122 may be comprised of multiple linear housing portions that collectively form the linear housing 122. Regardless of the manufacturing process used, the rectilinear housing 122 may be formed in a rectilinear shape that includes only the substantially rectilinear wall 126 with rectilinear transitions (e.g., substantially right angle transitions between portions of the rectilinear wall 126).

Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the linear housing 122 of the subcooler member 62. As illustrated in fig. 8, the cross-sectional profile of the linear housing 122 includes only substantially linear transitions 128 between respective wall portions 130 of the linear wall 126 of the linear housing 122 that are substantially linear (e.g., only linearly deviate by less than at most 3 degrees, less than 2 degrees, less than 1 degree, or even less as measured from opposite ends), as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, the terms "substantially linear," "substantially linear," and the like are intended to refer to physical features of the various components of the subcooler component 62 having adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, etc. that are linear (i.e., perpendicular) relative to each other within manufacturing tolerances and deviations as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially linear," "substantially linear," and the like may be construed as defining adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like that are in line (i.e., perpendicular) with respect to one another, whereby the transition points between the adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like form substantially right angles such that the adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like form an angle therebetween that is 90 degrees +/-3 degrees, 90 degrees +/-2 degrees, 90 degrees +/-1 degrees, 90 degrees +/-0.5 degrees, or even closer to 90 degrees.

Returning now to fig. 7, in certain embodiments, a plurality of linear grate support assemblies 132 may be disposed within the linear housing 122 and spaced apart lengthwise along the central longitudinal axis 124 of the linear housing 122. In the illustrated embodiment, three linear grid support assemblies 132 are used. However, it will be understood that any number of linear grid support assemblies 132 may be used in the subcooler section 62. As illustrated in fig. 7, in certain embodiments, each linear grid support assembly 132 may include at least three linear grid support portions, for example, at least two smaller outer linear grid support portions 134 (i.e., disposed within two or more outer channels 114 defined by the linear housing 122 and supporting the tubes 98 of the second tube bundle 84 corresponding to the two or more outer channels 114) disposed on opposite sides of one larger central linear grid support portion 136 (i.e., disposed within the central channel 116 defined by the linear housing 122 and supporting the tubes 98 of the second tube bundle 84 corresponding to the central channel 116).

As illustrated in fig. 9 and 10, each linear grid support portion 134, 136 (e.g., the outer linear grid support portion 134, as illustrated) includes a plurality of linear grid support channels 138 formed between linear support members 140 of the respective linear

grid support portion

134, 136 for supporting (e.g., holding in place) the tubes 98 of the second tube bundle 84 of the subcooler component 62. As illustrated in fig. 9 and 10, the cross-sectional profile of the linear

grid support portions

134, 136 includes only substantially linear transitions 142 between the respective linear support members 140 of the linear

grid support portions

134, 136 that are substantially linear (e.g., deviate from linearity only by less than 3 degrees, less than 2 degrees, less than 1 degree, or even less, as measured from opposite ends), as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, thereby forming a linear grid that supports the tubes 98 of the second tube bank 84 of the subcooler member 62.

As discussed above with respect to the linear shell 122 of the subcooler member 62, as used herein, the terms "substantially linear," "substantially linear," and the like are intended to refer to the physical characteristics of the various components of the subcooler member 62 having adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like that are in line (i.e., perpendicular) with respect to one another within manufacturing tolerances and deviations as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially linear," "substantially linear," and the like may be construed as defining adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like that are in line (i.e., perpendicular) with respect to one another, whereby the transition points between the adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like form substantially right angles such that the adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like form an angle therebetween that is 90 degrees +/-3 degrees, 90 degrees +/-2 degrees, 90 degrees +/-1 degrees, 90 degrees +/-0.5 degrees, or even closer to 90 degrees.

Returning now to fig. 7, in certain embodiments, the subcooler member 62 may further include one or more linear grate brackets 144 disposed at an axial end 146 of the linear housing 122. As illustrated in fig. 11, the end linear grid support 144 may also include linear grid support channels 148 formed between linear support members 150 of the end linear grid support 144 for supporting (e.g., holding in place) the tubes 98 of the second tube bundle 84 disposed within the subcooler component 62. In certain embodiments, the end linear grid supports 144 may also be divided into separate linear grid support sections similar to the linear

grid support sections

134, 136 of the linear grid support assembly 132. However, in other embodiments, the end linear grid brackets 144 and/or the linear grid support assembly 132 may be formed as a single piece bracket.

Similar to the linear

grid support portions

134, 136, the cross-sectional profile of the end linear grid supports 144 includes only substantially linear transitions 152 between each linear support member 150 of the end linear grid supports 144 that are substantially linear (e.g., only linearly deviate by less than 3 degrees, less than 2 degrees, less than 1 degree, or even less as measured from opposite ends), as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As discussed above with respect to the linear housing 122 and the linear

grill support portions

134, 136 of the subcooler member 62, as used herein, the terms "substantially linear," "substantially linear," and the like are intended to refer to physical features of the various components of the subcooler member 62 having adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like that are linear (i.e., perpendicular) relative to one another within manufacturing tolerances and deviations as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, "substantially linear," "substantially linear," and the like may be construed as defining adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like that are in line (i.e., perpendicular) with respect to one another, whereby the transition points between the adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like form substantially right angles such that the adjacent lines, walls, surfaces, and the like form an angle therebetween that is 90 degrees +/-3 degrees, 90 degrees +/-2 degrees, 90 degrees +/-1 degrees, 90 degrees +/-0.5 degrees, or even closer to 90 degrees.

As illustrated in fig. 12, in certain embodiments, the condenser 32 may also include a chamber viewing window 154 and a vertical liquid probe 156, which may enable monitoring of the operation of the subcooler component 62.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this application, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

Claims

1. A condenser, comprising:

a housing having a longitudinal axis;

a first tube bundle disposed within the shell;

a subcooler component disposed within said housing below said first tube bank, said subcooler component comprising:

a linear housing;

a plurality of linear grate support assemblies disposed within the linear housing and spaced lengthwise along the longitudinal axis of the housing; and

a second tube bank disposed within the linear housing, wherein tubes of the second tube bank are held in place within the linear grid channels of the linear grid support assembly.

2. The condenser of claim 1, wherein said linear housing is a single linear extrusion.

3. The condenser of claim 1, wherein said rectilinear housing is formed from a metal plate folded into a rectilinear shape.

4. The condenser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of linear grid support assemblies comprises a plurality of linear grid support portions.

5. The condenser of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of linear grid support assemblies comprises a central linear grid support portion and at least two side linear grid support portions disposed on opposite sides of the central linear grid support portion.

6. The condenser of claim 5, wherein the side linear grid support portions are each smaller than the central linear grid support portion.

7. The condenser of claim 1, wherein the subcooler component comprises one or more linear grid supports disposed at axial ends of the subcooler component, wherein each of the one or more linear grid supports comprises a plurality of linear grid support channels configured to support the tubes of the second tube bank.

8. A condenser subcooler element comprising:

a linear housing;

a plurality of linear grate support assemblies disposed within the linear housing and spaced apart lengthwise along a longitudinal axis of the linear housing; and

a tube bundle disposed within the linear housing, wherein tubes of the tube bundle are held in place within the linear grid channels of the linear grid support assembly.

9. The condenser subcooler section of claim 8 wherein said linear housing is a single linear extrusion.

10. The condenser subcooler section of claim 8 wherein said rectilinear housing is formed from sheet metal folded into a rectilinear shape.

11. The condenser subcooler section of claim 8 wherein each of the plurality of linear grid support assemblies includes a plurality of linear grid support portions.

12. The condenser subcooler component of claim 8 wherein each of the plurality of linear grid support assemblies includes a central linear grid support portion and at least two side linear grid support portions disposed on opposite sides of the central linear grid support portion.

13. The condenser subcooler section of claim 8 wherein the side linear grid support portions are each smaller than the central linear grid support portion.

14. The condenser subcooler component of claim 13 comprising one or more linear grid supports arranged at axial ends of the condenser subcooler component, wherein each of the one or more linear grid supports includes a plurality of linear grid support channels configured for supporting the tubes of the tube bundle.

15. A condenser subcooler element comprising:

a linear housing;

a plurality of linear grate support assemblies disposed within the linear housing and spaced apart lengthwise along a longitudinal axis of the linear housing, wherein each of the plurality of linear grate support assemblies comprises a plurality of linear grate support portions; and

16. The condenser subcooler section of claim 15 wherein said linear housing is a single linear extrusion.

17. The condenser subcooler section of claim 15 wherein said rectilinear housing is formed from sheet metal folded into a rectilinear shape.

18. The condenser subcooler component of claim 15 wherein each of the plurality of linear grid support assemblies includes a central linear grid support portion and at least two side linear grid support portions disposed on opposite sides of the central linear grid support portion.

19. The condenser subcooler section of claim 15 wherein said side linear grid support portions are each smaller than said central linear grid support portion.

20. The condenser subcooler component of claim 19, comprising one or more linear grid supports arranged at axial ends of the condenser subcooler component, wherein each of said one or more linear grid supports includes a plurality of linear grid support channels configured for supporting the tubes of the tube bundle.