Grooved copper tubes are the core heat transfer components in the condensers and evaporators of residential and commercial air conditioning systems. Through precision coil forming, spiral grooves are created on the inner wall, increasing the internal surface area by 30-50% compared to smooth tubes, while disrupting refrigerant flow to break the boundary layer—significantly enhancing heat transfer efficiency.

Kenergy's grooved tubes are made from high-precision copper strips, featuring uniform wall thickness and complete tooth profiles. They are fully compatible with R32, R410A, and R22 refrigerants, making them the preferred choice for high-efficiency AC systems.

Internal thread copper tube for air conditioner

Core Advantages

30-50% heat transfer improvement

Compared with traditional smooth tubes, the internal groove structure provides significantly higher heat transfer coefficients, helping you easily meet new energy efficiency standards.

Customizable groove parameters

Fin height, helix angle, and tooth count can be customized based on refrigerant characteristics and specific operating conditions for optimal performance.

Compatible with mainstream refrigerants

Optimized tooth profiles for R32, R410A, R134a, R22, and others. Our engineering team can fine-tune designs for alternative refrigerants upon request.

Excellent expansion performance

Wall thickness tolerance of ±0.02mm ensures compatibility with automatic tube expansion processes. No cracking or leakage during assembly.

Technical Parameters

Available outer diameter, wall thickness, and groove configurations. Custom specifications available upon request.

Outer Diameter (mm)	Bottom Wall (mm)	Fin Height (mm)	Number of Fins	Helix Angle (°)	Weight (g/m)	Heat Transfer Area (m²/m)	Material
7.00	0.25-0.32	0.12-0.18	45-55	15-25	42-50	0.021-0.024	TP2, T2
9.52	0.30-0.40	0.14-0.20	50-65	18-28	52-62	0.025-0.028	TP2, T2
7.94	0.27–0.35	0.12–0.18	45-60	18>28	63–75	0.028–0.032	TP2, T2

Typical Applications

Split AC Condenser/Evaporator

Split and window air conditioners for residential use, with capacity ranging from 1HP to 5HP.

Commercial VRF/VRV System

Multi-split variable refrigerant flow systems for commercial and light commercial buildings.

Heat Pump Water Heater

Air-to-water and air-to-air heat pump heat exchangers for residential and commercial hot water.

Dehumidifier and Portable Air Conditioner

Compact heat exchangers for dehumidifiers, mobile air conditioners, and special cooling equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much more expensive are internally grooved tubes compared to smooth tubes? Is it cost-effective?

Internally grooved tubes are typically 10-20% more expensive than smooth tubes of the same diameter and wall thickness. However, because they provide 30-50% higher heat transfer efficiency, you can use fewer tubes or a smaller heat exchanger to achieve the same thermal performance, potentially reducing overall system costs. The return on investment is particularly attractive for high EER and inverter AC products.

Q: What special groove requirements does R32 refrigerant have?

R32 operates at higher pressures than R410A and R22. For R32 applications, we recommend optimized groove designs with slightly increased fin height and modified helix angles to enhance heat transfer while maintaining mechanical strength under high pressure. Kenergy has developed specific R32-optimized tube designs, verified through extensive testing.

Q: Can internally grooved tubes be used for CO₂ transcritical cycles?

Yes, with specific design considerations. CO₂ transcritical systems operate at extremely high pressures (up to 130 bar). We offer enhanced internally grooved tube designs for CO₂ applications, with thicker walls and groove geometries. These tubes are made from high-strength copper alloys to ensure safe and reliable operation under transcritical conditions.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

For standard sizes and groove patterns, our minimum order quantity is typically 500 kg per specification. For custom groove designs or non-standard diameters, the MOQ is 1000 kg. Sample quantities (under 50 kg) are available for qualification testing and prototype development. Please contact our sales team with your specific requirements for detailed MOQ information.

Internal thread copper tube for air conditioner