Anti-fouling Coatings for HVAC Heat Exchangers

A heat exchanger with integrated antibacterial and deodorizing surfaces that selectively perform these functions based on operating conditions. The heat exchanger features a hydrophilic coating comprising a first transition metal oxide that reacts with moisture to form an acidic environment, while a second transition metal oxide or post-transition metal oxide catalytically degrades when exposed to air. This dual-function coating enables continuous performance of both antibacterial and deodorizing properties through dynamic surface chemistry, with the coating composition optimized for optimal performance across refrigeration and drying modes.

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An anti-fouling treated heat exchanger comprising a closed heat exchanger with a metal surface that is brought into contact with a heat exchange fluid in use, on which metal surface is formed a non-continuous coating of silicon oxide that at least partially levels the surface microtopography of the metal surface. The coating is formed by applying a solution of a reactive silicon oxide precursor to the metal surface, allowing it to dry, and then curing it at an elevated temperature to form a thin film of silicon oxide. The resulting heat exchanger exhibits reduced fouling of the surface by contact with heat exchange fluids in use, while maintaining its heat transfer properties.

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Heat exchanger process that resists fouling without conventional control techniques, characterized by operating under conditions previously considered fouling-prone, such as high flow rates, and employing a fouling-resistant coating that imparts properties to the surface to reduce or eliminate fouling. The coating composition includes carbon, hydrogen, silicon, oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, and combinations thereof.

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A heat exchanger with antimicrobial and odor removal functionality, comprising a refrigerant pipe and a cooling fin coated with a hydrophilic layer containing a first transition metal oxide that exhibits antimicrobial activity in the presence of moisture, and a second transition metal oxide or post-transition metal oxide that exhibits antimicrobial activity in the presence of light. The hydrophilic layer enables continuous antimicrobial and odor removal functionality during both cooling and drying operations of the heat exchanger.

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A heat exchanger with improved antifouling properties, comprising aluminum fins with a corrosion-resistant resin layer on the end surface, a hydrophilic layer formed from bound inorganic particles and spherical particles, and a water-repellent layer created by spraying fluororesin particles onto the hydrophilic layer using a cold spray method. The heat exchanger is manufactured through a three-step process involving the formation of the corrosion-resistant resin layer, the hydrophilic layer, and the water-repellent layer.

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A method for reducing fouling on heat exchanger surfaces through a novel silicon oxide coating process. The coating, comprising a non-continuous film of silicon oxide, achieves superior anti-fouling properties compared to conventional coatings by minimizing surface roughness while maintaining thermal stability. The process enables the creation of coated heat exchangers with reduced fouling characteristics, particularly for complex geometries, without the need for continuous coatings or conformal coverage. The coating's unique composition and curing process enable effective adhesion to metal surfaces while maintaining mechanical integrity.

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An air conditioner with a heat exchanger featuring an antifouling coating that suppresses dust adhesion through a novel combination of nanoparticles and a specially developed coating film. The coating film, which is integrated into the heat exchanger fins, enables effective dust suppression while minimizing cross-linking forces from dew condensation. This integrated approach addresses conventional issues of dust accumulation and bacterial growth in air conditioning systems.

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A method for manufacturing an antifouling member, an air conditioner, and an antifouling member that exhibits long-term durability of superhydrophobicity and antifungal antibacterial properties. The method involves preparing a first agent by mixing a fluororesin and hydrophobic silica particles in a solvent and performing high-pressure dispersion treatment, and then forming a solid body by mixing antibacterial agent particles with the first agent and molding it. The solid body is then joined to a base material using a bonding body, resulting in an antifouling member that exhibits both superhydrophobicity and antifungal antibacterial properties.

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Anti-fouling air source heat pump heat exchanger that prevents scaling through a unique surface treatment. The coating comprises a hydrophobic polymer layer that reduces surface energy on the spiral coil's inner surface, preventing mineral particles from adhering. A low surface energy layer enhances wear resistance. This innovative approach addresses the conventional scaling issues in air conditioning heat exchangers by targeting the underlying physical mechanisms of fouling rather than relying solely on chemical descaling methods.

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A heat exchanger with a super-oleophobic coating on the outside of the tube that prevents grease droplets from adhering to the tube surface. The coating features a surface with a contact angle greater than 150°, creating a hydrophobic barrier that prevents oil droplets from penetrating the tube. The coating is applied to the tube's exterior surface, extending along its length, and can be integrated with the tube's finned design. This prevents fouling and ensures efficient heat transfer while maintaining the tube's structural integrity.

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A heat exchanger with an antifouling coating featuring hydrophilic inorganic nanoparticles and a fluorine compound. The coating has a controlled particle size of less than 100 nm and maintains a surface roughness of 2.5 nm to 100 nm. The fluorine compound is incorporated within the coating film at concentrations of 0.1% to 10% by weight, ensuring both hydrophilicity and oil repellency. This dual-function coating provides effective antifouling properties against both dry stains and water-based contaminants, enabling self-cleaning performance without compromising the heat exchanger's performance.

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Heat exchanger for preventing dry dirt adhesion in applications requiring high-temperature heat transfer, such as air conditioning units. The heat exchanger features a nanoparticle-based antifouling coating with a unique surface morphology that controls dry dirt adhesion. The coating's surface features an arithmetic average grain size between 2.5 and 100 nanometers, creating an uneven surface that prevents dry dirt from adhering. The coating is applied to the heat exchanger surface, where it forms a durable, hydrophobic barrier that prevents dry dirt particles from accumulating. This surface morphology is achieved through a proprietary nanoparticle composition that maintains its surface irregularities within specified limits.

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A water-based, hydrophilic coating for heat exchanger fins that prevents dew condensation through a unique combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles. The coating consists of a water-soluble acrylic resin containing alumina particles and sulfonic acid, with fluororesin particles added for enhanced durability. The coating film is applied to the fin surface in a controlled amount, then processed through a water-based drying process to produce a water-soluble sulfur component. This sulfur component enhances the coating's hydrophilicity while maintaining its water-repellent properties. The coating film exhibits excellent antifouling performance, hydrophilicity, and stain resistance, making it suitable for heat exchanger applications where water management is critical.

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Air conditioner with a coating that simultaneously prevents condensation and fouling. The coating composition features a silicon dioxide shell with fluorine particles, which creates a hydrophobic surface that inhibits water droplets from accumulating on the condenser surface. The silicon dioxide shell also enhances the coating's durability by preventing fouling particles from adhering to the surface. This dual-action coating prevents both condensation and fouling, ensuring optimal performance and long-term reliability of the air conditioner's condenser components.

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Antimicrobial hydrophilic coating for air-conditioning heat exchanger surfaces that combines durable antibacterial and antifungal properties with water resistance. The coating comprises nano-metals, oxides, and acrylic resin, with a total mass of 100 parts. The coating's antibacterial and antifungal performance is enhanced by strategically incorporating specific antibacterial agents, such as silver and zinc, in the coating formulation. The coating achieves superior performance through a synergistic effect between the metal components and the acrylic resin, maintaining its hydrophilic properties even after repeated scouring.

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A heat exchanger for refrigeration systems that prevents water droplet condensation on heat transfer fins through a novel polymer coating. The coating comprises a brush-like polymer chain aggregate with controlled mobility against water droplets, which forms a stable liquid layer that suppresses water droplet adhesion and ice formation. This coating maintains its liquid state even in humid environments, ensuring optimal heat transfer efficiency. The coating can be applied to heat transfer surfaces and can be maintained through continuous replenishment of the liquid layer.

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Condenser design for air conditioning systems that enhances heat transfer efficiency through a novel coating strategy. The condenser comprises a heat exchange pipe with alternating hydrophilic and water-repellent coating layers along its length. The hydrophilic layer forms a uniform film on the inner surface, while the water-repellent layer creates a barrier against condensed water droplets. This dual-layer approach prevents the formation of water droplets that can impede heat transfer, while maintaining the condensation process. The coating pattern can be designed to optimize performance across the condenser's operating range.

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A coating for air source heat pumps that prevents frost formation on the evaporator surface while maintaining efficient defrosting performance. The coating comprises a hydrophobic anti-icing material with enhanced oil repellency properties, designed to prevent frost accumulation on the heat exchanger surface. This coating provides superior defrosting capabilities compared to conventional coatings while maintaining the heat pump's efficiency and environmental benefits.

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Composite material for heat exchanger fins that prevents condensation and frost through a dual-layer nano-scale coating. The coating comprises a hydrophobic primer layer and a superhydrophobic nanostructured top layer, where the nanostructured layer is created from hydrophobic nanoparticles with a particle size range of 5-300 nm. This nanostructured layer prevents water droplets from entering the gap and converting to the Cassie state, while maintaining hydrophobicity. The primer layer enhances wear resistance and adhesion without compromising frost prevention. The composite material demonstrates superior frost resistance compared to conventional superhydrophobic coatings.

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A superhydrophobic coating agent, heat exchanger, and heat exchanger surface treatment method that enables continuous defrosting of heat exchangers through controlled liquid droplet formation. The coating agent forms stable, uniform droplets of liquid onto the heat exchanger surface, which then break apart and freeze into a solid, non-wetting layer. This continuous droplet formation mechanism enables the heat exchanger to maintain a stable liquid film, eliminating the need for intermittent heating and defrosting operations. The treatment method can be applied to various heat exchanger surfaces and can be integrated into existing heat exchanger designs for enhanced performance and environmental sustainability.

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