Copper tubes in domestic HVAC&R coolers?

[daubery]

With the very high prices for copper ($6800/ton), and aluminium now at around ($2400/ton), what are the prospects for tubing to change in the condensers & evaporators used in domestic air-conditioning units?

I know of some research using aluminium multiport tubes, but I'm not quite sure how far they have come. I'd really value input from folks in the HVAC&R industry.

Des Aubery...
(adTherm Technology -

http://www.adthermtech.com

)

 

[chilled]

Nothing new. Aluminum was used extensively years ago. I suspect the warrenty issues hurt the manufacturers.

 

[daubery]

Thanks 'chilled',

>>> I suspect the warrenty issues hurt the manufacturers.

Could you perhaps elaborate a little more on this, please. Why should there be warranty issues with aluminium tubes?



Des Aubery...
(adTherm Technology - adthermtech dot com - des@adthermtech dot com)

 

[daubery]

I can understand corrosion issues on aluminum fins, but, would this be a problem for aluminum tubes?

What I'm thinking of here is the typical automotive aluminum condenser, & why it can't be used in domestic refrigeration applications.

Des Aubery...
(adTherm Technology)