Multi-channel heat exchanger with multi-stage expansion

Abstract

An expansion device for a heat exchanger having a manifold and a plurality of mini- and or micro-channels. The expansion device has an outer element having a plurality of orifices therethrough that is received in the manifold, and an inner element telescopically received in the outer element having at least one orifice therethrough and being in fluid communication with the plurality of orifices. Fluid passing through the at least one orifice and through the plurality of orifices is expanded and reduced in pressure prior to entering the manifold.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to an expansion device for heat exchangers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an expansion device for mini- or micro-channel heat exchangers (MCHX) that provide pressure reductions and mixing through multiple orifices to improve heat exchanger efficiency.[0003]2. Description of Prior Art[0004]Refrigeration systems are well known in the art and ubiquitous in such industries as food service industry, chemical and automotive industry. On a larger scale, heat exchangers are required for office buildings and for residential purposes. Failure or more commonly, lack of efficiency is a great concern with such systems.[0005]Traditional refrigeration cycles, or air conditioners, include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a refrigerant whose evaporation creates the cool temperature. In some refrigeration systems, the evaporator is a series of parallel na...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]It is an object of the present invention to reduce maldistribution of refrigerant in heat exchangers in MCHX, thereby increasing single and multiple pass heat exchanger efficiency.

[0010]It is also an object of the present invention to reduce maldistribution of two-phase flow in MCHX, by facilitating pressure drops in heat exchanger manifolds.

[0012]It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a pair of mating coupling tubes that interface to provide a multi expansion device that is inserted into a manifold pipe to minimize maldistribution of refrigerant.

[0013]It is still yet a further object of the present invention to provide multi-expansion device having large orifices that can achieve a substantial pressure drop and mixture of refrigerant and feed refrigerant to mini- and mirco-channel evaporator.

[0014]It is yet still a further object of the present invention to provide shaped and perforate a heat exchanger manifold that receives at least one expansion device to further enhance pressure reductions and mixing of refrigerant prior to entering mini- and mirco-channel tubes of heat exchanger.

Problems solved by technology

Failure or more commonly, lack of efficiency is a great concern with such systems.

Consequently, a portion of the fluid entering the evaporator is a vapor, resulting in poor heat exchanger efficiency.

This vapor problem is called maldistribution and is a common problem of heat exchangers that use parallel refrigerant paths.

Gravity and the difference in density of the vapor and liquid phases cause this problem.

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