Structural characteristics and applications of plate finned tube heat sinks

Structural characteristics and applications of plate finned tube heat sinks

There are many structural forms of plate finned tube heat sinks, but their structural unit bodies are basically the same, consisting of fins, partitions, seals, and guide vanes. It places a fin on a metal flat plate (i.e. the so-called secondary heat transfer area), and then places a metal plate on top of it. Both sides are sealed with edge seals to form a basic unit, and the two metal flat plates on top and bottom are called partitions. The core of a plate finned tube heat sink is composed of many basic units. Cold and hot fluids flow in the flow channels of adjacent basic units, exchanging heat through fins and baffles integrated with the fins. By stacking and arranging various channels in different ways and brazing them into a whole, the most commonly used backflow, cross flow, and cross backflow plate finned tube heat sink bundles can be obtained. In addition to undertaking the main heat transfer task, fins also play a strengthening role between two partitions. So although the materials of the fins and partitions are very thin, their strength is high, so they can withstand higher pressures.

For general heat exchangers, plate fin finned tube radiators have the following advantages: high heat transfer efficiency; Compact structure; Lightweight and sturdy; Great adaptability; Good economy. However, this type of heat exchanger has a small fin spacing, is prone to blockage, and is difficult to clean after blockage, resulting in a significant increase in resistance. If it is not descaled, it will affect the safe and stable operation of the system.

Plate finned tube radiators are mainly used in compressors for oil coolers and compressed air coolers, with two forms: air cooling and water cooling. Whether it is an air-cooled or water-cooled cooler, high-temperature compressed air will have condensation water precipitation during the cooling process, which will accumulate on the fins to form a "water bridge", preventing air circulation, increasing air pressure, and leading to a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. Similar situations also exist in plate fin finned tube radiators in air conditioning. Although aluminum and its alloys have good corrosion resistance, the condensed water that stays on the aluminum surface for a long time absorbs oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen in the air, forming a corrosion battery on the aluminum surface and accelerating corrosion. Corrosion products accumulate on the surface of aluminum fins, which will reduce the heat exchange rate. For water coolers, there are also corrosive issues on the water side, and long-term operation will also shorten the service life of aluminum plate fin tube radiators. The plate fin type finned tube radiator working under high pressure can cause fatigue and cracks in the partition due to cyclic pressure changes, leading to leakage. Therefore, fatigue failure must be considered in structural design.

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