Heat exchanger fouling leads to significant performance degradation, with thermal efficiency losses of up to 30% in the first year of operation. In HVAC systems, a combination of mineral deposits, biological growth, and oil contamination creates layers that can reach thicknesses of 0.5mm, dramatically increasing both energy consumption and maintenance costs.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing cleaning mechanisms that can effectively remove multiple types of fouling without compromising the heat exchanger's delicate fin structures or interrupting system operation.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including hydrophilic-oleophobic surface treatments, ultrasonic-activated spray systems, and intelligent environmental monitoring approaches. These and other approaches focus on achieving continuous cleaning while maintaining thermal efficiency and minimizing system downtime.

1. Method for Self-Cleaning Air Conditioner Heat Exchanger Fins Using Hydrophilic and Oleophobic Coating

GD MIDEA AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 广东美的制冷设备有限公司, 2023

A self-cleaning method for air conditioning systems that prevents oil contamination on heat exchanger fins. The method involves applying a hydrophilic and oleophobic coating to the heat exchanger fins, which enables the formation of large contact areas between oil droplets and the coating surface. During the cooling cycle, the oil droplets crystallize, and during the condensation cycle, the crystals are removed from the fins through the condensed water flow. This process creates a continuous cleaning mechanism that prevents oil from accumulating on the heat exchanger fins.

2. Air Conditioner with Ultrasonic Oscillator-Activated Spray Water System for Finned Heat Exchanger Cleaning

Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC OF ZHUHAI, 2023

A heating and cooling air conditioner that automatically cleans the finned heat exchanger in dusty environments through a novel spray-water-based cleaning mechanism. The air conditioner features a spray water system with an ultrasonic oscillator that continuously sprays water onto the heat exchanger fins. This controlled cleaning process ensures efficient dust removal while maintaining optimal heat transfer performance. The system operates based on the degree of dust blockage, with the ultrasonic oscillator automatically activating when the heat exchanger becomes clogged.

3. Method for Self-Cleaning Control in Heat Exchanger Tubes Using Throttling Device and Compressor

Qingdao Haier Air Conditioner General Corporation, Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd., QINGDAO HAIER AIR-CONDITIONER CO LTD, 2023

A method for controlling self-cleaning in indoor heat exchanger tubes through a controlled throttling device and compressor. The method achieves efficient cleaning of the tube interior by controlling the opening degree of the throttling device to a minimum, while maintaining a maximum opening. The compressor is specifically designed to operate at a predetermined cleaning frequency. This controlled approach ensures the tube remains clean while maintaining optimal heat transfer efficiency, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations.

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4. Method for Dynamic Control of Self-Cleaning Heat Exchanger Surfaces Using Environmental Monitoring

QINGDAO HAIER AIR-CONDITIONING ELECTRONIC CO LTD, 2023

A method for self-cleaning heat exchanger surfaces that optimizes cleaning based on environmental conditions. The method employs a dynamic control system that monitors the surface temperature and moisture levels of the heat exchanger, then dynamically switches between cleaning modes based on the environmental conditions. The system continuously monitors the surface temperature and moisture levels, automatically adjusting the cleaning mode to achieve optimal cleaning performance. This approach enables intelligent control of cleaning duration and effectiveness, ensuring consistent performance across varying environmental conditions.

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5. Multilayer Antifouling Coating for Condensate Drain Pipes with Hydrophobic Polymer and Metallic Powder

INNOVATIVE HVAC PRODUCTS LLC, 2022

Antifouling coating for condensate drain pipes in HVAC systems that prevents zooglea growth through a unique combination of hydrophobic polymer and metallic powder. The coating comprises a base layer of algaecide, an intermediate layer of hydrophobic polymer, and a top layer of metallic powder. The metallic powder contains silver and copper particles that exhibit the oligodynamic effect, inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth before they can establish themselves. This coating system provides long-term protection against zooglea without introducing chemicals or requiring maintenance services.

6. Silicon Oxide Coating Method for Heat Exchanger Surfaces with Non-Continuous Film and Variable Surface Roughness

SIOX APS, 2022

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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7. In-Tube Self-Cleaning Method for Indoor Heat Exchanger Using Controlled Solution Flow

HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD, 2021

A method for controlling self-cleaning in-tube of an indoor heat exchanger that addresses the conventional limitations of cleaning the tube itself. The method involves a novel approach to cleaning the tube's internal passages, particularly the hairpin sections, by employing a controlled flow of cleaning solution through the tube's internal passages. This approach eliminates the need for manual cleaning, which is currently a significant challenge for maintaining heat exchanger efficiency. The cleaning solution is precisely metered and delivered through the tube's internal passages, ensuring thorough coverage of the hairpin sections while minimizing potential damage to the refrigerant system.

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8. Heat Exchanger with Nanoparticle-Infused Antifouling Coating for Dust Suppression

PANASONIC IP MANAGEMENT CORP, 2021

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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9. Coating for Heat Pump Evaporators with Hydrophobic Anti-Icing and Enhanced Oil Repellency Properties

SU BIN, Su Bin, 2021

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.

10. Air Conditioner with Environmental Condition-Based Self-Cleaning Control and Condensate Turbidity Monitoring

HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD, 2020

Air conditioner self-cleaning control method and air conditioner that optimizes cleaning cycles based on environmental conditions. The method detects when the indoor heat exchanger produces condensation, then monitors the turbidity of the discharged water through a condensate pipe. When the water's particulate matter (PM) level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller automatically initiates self-cleaning mode to prevent bacterial growth while minimizing energy consumption.

11. Heat Exchanger Fin with Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Coatings for Controlled Ice Formation

QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER, 2020

A self-cleaning fin for air conditioning heat exchangers that enhances cleaning efficiency through enhanced frost formation. The fin features a hydrophilic coating that facilitates condensation of water droplets onto its surface. As the water condenses, it forms a film of ice crystals that accumulates on the surface. This ice layer provides an effective barrier against dust particles and pollutants, enabling efficient removal during defrosting. The hydrophobic coating of the fin prevents water droplets from spreading and promotes the formation of a compact, stable ice layer that is particularly effective at removing contaminants.

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12. Heat Exchanger with Nanoparticle-Based Antifouling Coating Featuring Controlled Surface Morphology

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD, 2018

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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13. Heat Exchanger System with Integrated Optical Sensor and Hydrophobic Coating for Frost Prevention

CARRIER CORP, 2018

A heat exchanger system that prevents frost formation on heat transfer surfaces through an integrated anti-frost device. The system incorporates a hydrophobic coating on the heat exchanger surface, which is protected by an optical sensor that detects frost accumulation. When frost is detected, the system automatically initiates an anti-frost mode that reverses the refrigerant flow through the heat exchanger, preventing frost growth. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate frost-control devices and enhances overall system performance.

14. Pre-Cooling Condenser Cleaning Device with Channel-Type Evaporator Integration

GUANGDONG SHENLING AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 广东申菱空调设备有限公司, 2015

Pre-cooling condenser cleaning device for channel-type evaporator, comprising a device for pre-cooling condenser cleaning channel evaporator, designed to address an existing evaporative condensers and spray water heat exchanger surface prone to scale, reduce evaporative condensers heat capacity, and even lead to emergence of high-pressure air-conditioning equipment jump stop problems.

CN204665764U-patent-drawing

15. Air Conditioner Condenser with Silicon Dioxide-Fluorine Coating for Condensation and Fouling Resistance

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP, 2015

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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