Outdoor heat pump coils with copper tubes and fins have been used in
residential and commercial heating and cooling systems for decades.
These coils are inefficient, heavy and cost more to manufacture than
“cooling only” systems.
This has pushed today’s cost-cautious, green-focused industry to ask: Is
there something better?
Delphi thinks there is.
Following its success with the MCHX® condenser and evaporator, Delphi is
now launching the first of its kind Delphi MCHX Outdoor Heat Pump Coil.
The coil operates outdoors in an air-sourced heat pump system, and
functions as a traditional condenser in cooling mode and as an
evaporator in heating mode.
It is up to 50 percent lighter, 30 percent smaller in volume, 100
percent recyclable, provides up to 40 percent less refrigerant usage and
uses a unique and efficient defrost process.
Additionally, in the past, using an indoor micro channel coil with an
outdoor copper tube and fin coil caused a significant charge imbalance,
which required more refrigerant usage and loss of efficiency. Now OEMs
can end the compromise in performance by using Delphi’s micro channel
technology both inside and outside so the charge imbalance is eliminated
and the system performs optimally with a lower refrigerant charge.
“It’s the first time manufacturers are receiving the highest level of
system performance from micro channel technology,” said James A.
Bertrand, president, Delphi Thermal Systems. “In fact, we are already
seeing efficiency results today for SEER and HSPF near Department of
Energy (DOE) 2015 ratings, based on current system integration testing.”
How does Delphi do all this?
“Delphi’s innovative approach virtually eliminates the traditional
inefficiencies of the heat pump coil just by applying its micro channel
technology and its 100-plus years of automotive cooling system
engineering know-how,” Bertrand said.
The Delphi MCHX® family uses brazed aluminum construction and
is based on the micro channel technology, which consists of three
components: a flat micro channel tube, fins and two refrigerant
manifolds joined together in a single coil. The “channels” provide more
fluidity, cohesion and efficiency than round tubes.
“Think about standing on a bridge with water flowing underneath. When
water goes over the pylons the flow is disrupted, but if the pylons were
long and flat—like channels—water would move over the surface with more
contact and fluidity,” said Bertrand.
This unique construction makes all of Delphi’s MCHX products up to 50
percent lighter and 30 percent less bulky than those with traditional
copper tubes and fins. They are easier to install and help manufacturers
receive an LEED credit due to increased energy efficiency, reduced mass
and use of 40 percent less refrigerant. And with proper maintenance the
micro channel units keep the system running at near peak efficiency much
longer without the degradation.
Delphi’s MCHX products will be on display at the AHR Expo being held
Jan. 28-30 at the Dallas Convention Center at Delphi’s booth located in
Hall F, booth No. 3419.
About Delphi
Delphi Automotive (NYSE: DLPH) is a leading global supplier of
electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and
other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing
sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries, Delphi delivers
real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as
more powerful and efficient. Connect to innovation at www.delphi.com.