Micro channel heat exchangers | Sondex/Danfoss | Philippopoulos s.a.
Micro channel heat exchangers | Sondex/Danfoss | Philippopoulos s.a.

Micro channel heat exchangers | Sondex/Danfoss

SONDEX® / Danfoss Microchannel Heat Exchangers

Microchannel heat exchangers (MCHE) are utilized in air cooling, chillers, dry coolers, and refrigeration equipment where reduced refrigerant charge and compact heat transfer surfaces are required. Constructed entirely of aluminum, refrigerant flows through microchannels instead of conventional fin & tube designs. Compared to fin & tube, a 30% reduction in refrigerant charge and a 10% increase in efficiency under identical conditions are reported.

Typical Applications

  • RTU and DOAS ventilation units.
  • Chillers and dry coolers.
  • Data center cooling with free cooling cycle.
  • Commercial / residential air conditioning.
  • Refrigeration installations.

Free Cooling in Data Centers

At high external temperatures, only the refrigeration cycle operates. During intermediate seasons, the cooling cycle collaborates with free cooling. At low external temperatures, water or glycol mixtures can be cooled by the free cooling cycle, reducing compressor operation.

Technical Selection Criteria

For glycol MCHE, versions with tube widths of 25.4 or 32 mm, thickness of 2.0 mm, varying port numbers, and fin densities of 18–23 FPI are available. Design pressures range from 6 bar to 45 bar per version, while high-performance versions are specified at 10 bar design pressure and 50 bar burst pressure.

Corrosion and Materials

The aluminum construction reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion. For corrosive environments, selection is based on ISO 9223 categories C1 to CX and required protection: SLA, LLA, top coating, e-coating, or double coating.

FAQ

When to Choose MCHE?
When design prioritizes low refrigerant charge, low weight, and compact heat transfer installation.

What is Needed for Sizing?
Refrigerant type, air flow, temperatures, humidity, available pressure drop, corrosion category, and free cooling operating conditions.

Description

Lightweight and immune to galvanic corrosion

The micro channel heat exchanger (MCHE) is ideal for use in residential and commercial air conditioning systems as well as in refrigeration equipment driven by energy efficiency and reduction of the refrigerant charge.

With the MCHE you get an ingeniously simple, all-aluminum design that is not only lightweight but is also immune to galvanic corrosion. The aluminum construction makes it one of the most sustainable solutions in the market due to its high strength, sealed design and recyclable materials.

The MCHE is highly efficient with the refrigerant flowing in micro channels. The design principle results in 30 percent less refrigerant charge compared to other heat exchangers.

Features and benefits

  • Compact design, less weight, sustainable materials
  • 30 percent reduced refrigerant charge*
  • 10 percent increased efficiency*
  • High corrosion resistance
  • Free cooling cycle for data center cooling

*Under same conditions compared to Fin & Tube heat exchangers

Free cooling for data centers

Free cooling is an approach to lowering the air temperature in a building or data center by using naturally cool air or water instead of mechanical refrigeration. It delivers optimal performance by minimizing compressor operation when outdoor air temperatures are low enough to assist in cooling the chilled water loop. Power is only used to run the pumps and fans that keep the water moving, which reduces the facility’s electrical expenses and carbon footprint.

Glycol micro channel heat exchangers for data center free cooling systems

With the addition of a free cooling cycle, we offer a customizable, innovative solution to deliver highly reliable cooling and reduce energy cost in a sustainable way