Micro-channel heat exchanger with tree-shaped structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a micro-channel heat exchanger of a tree structure. The micro-channel heat exchanger of the tree-shaped structure comprises a shell, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe and a puncturing piece. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are installed on the two sides of the shell correspondingly. The shell comprises an upper shell and a lower shell; a first trapezoidal channel and an accommodating channel are respectively formed in the upper shell; a second trapezoidal channel, a main micro-channel, a branch channel, a branch micro-channel, an inclined channel and a third trapezoidal channel are respectively formed in the lower shell; the accommodating channels and the main micro-channels are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence manner, and the corresponding accommodating channels and the main micro-channels are in the same vertical plane; the inlet pipe is communicated with the other end of the second trapezoidal channel, and the outlet pipe is communicated with the other end of the third trapezoidal channel. The micro-channel heat exchanger of the tree structure has the advantage of preventing local overheating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of heat exchangers, and in particular to a microchannel heat exchanger with a tree-shaped structure. Background Art

[0002] Microchannel heat exchanger is a highly efficient heat exchange device, which is characterized by a large number of tiny channels inside, the size of which is usually in the centimeter or millimeter level. Microchannel heat exchanger significantly improves the heat transfer efficiency by increasing the heat transfer area between the fluid and the heat exchanger; this design makes microchannel heat exchanger show excellent performance in many applications.

[0003] It has high efficiency in heat exchange. Large heat transfer area. The presence of microchannels increases the ratio of the flow surface area of ​​the fluid in the channel to the volume, thereby greatly enhancing the heat exchange efficiency. Low heat transfer resistance. The microchannel structure can reduce the temperature gradient in the heat transfer process, reduce the heat transfer resistance, and further improve the efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0004] Its compact structure and small size, due to its efficient heat exchange capacity, the microchannel heat exchanger can significantly reduce the volume and weight while maintaining the same heat exchange capacity. Lightweight, it is suitable for fields with strict requirements on equipment weight and space, such as aerospace, automotive and mobile applications.

[0005] Its fast response. Small channel size and short flow path of fluid in microchannel reduce thermal inertia, allowing the heat exchanger to respond faster to temperature changes in the system. Suitable for precise control, microchannel heat exchangers are particularly important for industrial processes that require precise temperature control, such as chemical reaction processes, precision manufacturing, and electronic equipment cooling.

[0006] Due to the tiny structure and narrow channel size of the microchannel heat exchanger, bubbles will be generated when the liquid flows inside it, and the bubbles will block the pipes. In the prior art, in order to solve this problem, multiple burrs for puncturing bubbles are set at the bottom of the channel, so that the bubbles are punctured when they pass through the burrs after they are formed. In this way of the prior art, the puncture of the bubbles is incomplete or not in place, so that the bubbles cannot be fully punctured; the bubbles in some channels are not punctured in place, which will cause the corresponding channels to be blocked, and further, it will cause the problem of local overheating of the microchannel heat exchanger. Summary of the invention

[0007] Based on this, the purpose of the present application is to provide a microchannel heat exchanger with a tree structure, which has the advantages of ensuring smooth passage and preventing local overheating.

[0008] In one aspect of the present application, a microchannel heat exchanger having a tree-shaped structure is provided, comprising a shell, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a piercing member;

[0009] The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are respectively installed on both sides of the shell;

[0010] The housing comprises an upper shell and a lower shell;

[0011] A first trapezoidal channel and a receiving channel are respectively formed in the upper shell; the end of the receiving channel is connected to the first trapezoidal channel; the cross section of the receiving channel is arcuate, and the arc length thereof is greater than 270°, so as to place the piercing member in the receiving channel;

[0012] The lower shell is respectively formed with a second trapezoidal channel, a main microchannel, a bifurcated channel, a branch microchannel, an oblique channel, and a third trapezoidal channel;

[0013] One end of the second trapezoidal channel is connected to a plurality of the main microchannels, the main microchannel is connected to the bifurcated channel, and the main microchannel is connected to two branch microchannels through the bifurcated channel, and a plurality of the branch microchannels are connected to the third trapezoidal channel; the oblique channel is arranged obliquely and connects two adjacent branch microchannels;

[0014] The accommodating channels are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the main microchannels, and the corresponding accommodating channels and the main microchannels are in the same vertical plane;

[0015] The inlet pipe is communicated with the other end of the second trapezoidal channel, and the outlet pipe is communicated with the other end of the third trapezoidal channel.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger described in the present application has an outer wall of the shell attached to the object to be cooled; the liquid enters from the inlet pipe and finally flows out from the outlet pipe. Between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, the liquid flows through the second trapezoidal channel, the main microchannel, the bifurcated channel, the branch microchannel, and the third trapezoidal channel in sequence. When passing through the branch microchannel, part of the liquid also enters the inclined channel; the inclined channel connects two adjacent branch microchannels, so oblique liquid transportation is carried out between two adjacent branch microchannels; at the same time, the liquid also flows through the first trapezoidal channel and the containing channel in sequence, and the liquid flowing through the containing channel flows downward into the main microchannel.

[0017] In the present application, a puncturing member is provided in the receiving channel, which is used to puncture the bubbles in the main microchannel and guide the liquid in the receiving channel into the main microchannel. The bubbles in the main microchannel are punctured by the puncturing member. Since the total cross-sectional area of ​​the branch microchannel is larger than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the main microchannel, the probability of bubble formation in the branch microchannel is reduced. After the bubble is formed, the liquid in the adjacent branch microchannel can flow through the oblique channel, preventing the blockage of the channel, avoiding the blockage problem caused by overheating, and thus preventing the occurrence of local overheating.

[0018] Further, the length of the accommodating channel is greater than the length of the main microchannel;

[0019] The bottom surface of the accommodating channel is communicated with the main microchannel.

[0020] Furthermore, the shell is in a sheet shape.

[0021] Further, the piercing member is cylindrical;

[0022] The outer surface of the piercing member is formed with a strip groove along the axial direction; and the outer surface of the piercing member is also formed with a spiral groove along the axial direction.

[0023] Furthermore, one end of the piercing member is flat, and the other end thereof is spherical;

[0024] One end of the plane of the piercing element is located at the end of the first trapezoidal channel, and one end of the spherical surface of the piercing element is located at the end of the accommodating channel.

[0025] Further, the piercing member is tubular;

[0026] A plurality of oblique holes are formed on the piercing member.

[0027] Furthermore, one end of the piercing member has a spherical end cap, and the end cap is placed at the end of the accommodating channel;

[0028] The plurality of oblique holes on the piercing member are distributed in a plurality of groups at equal intervals along the axis direction of the piercing member;

[0029] Each group of the piercing members has a plurality of the oblique holes evenly distributed along the radial direction of the piercing members.

[0030] Furthermore, the middle branch microchannel is connected to the two bifurcated channels.

[0031] Furthermore, the diameter of the inlet pipe is equal to the sum of the diameters of the main microchannels;

[0032] The diameter of the inlet pipe is equal to the diameter of the outlet pipe.

[0033] Furthermore, the housing is made of metal;

[0034] The cross-sectional area of ​​the branch microchannel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main microchannel.

[0035] For better understanding and implementation, the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an exemplary tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a partial structure of an exemplary lower shell of the present application;

[0038] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger of the present application;

[0039] Figure 4 A front view of an exemplary upper shell of the present application;

[0040] Figure 5 A front view of an exemplary lower shell of the present application;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an exemplary piercing member of the present application;

[0042] Figure 7 A side view of an exemplary piercing member of the present application;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of another exemplary piercing member of the present application;

[0044] Fig. 9 This is a front view of another exemplary piercing member of the present application;

[0045] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown on plane AA;

[0046] Fig.11 It is a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of the assembly relationship between the branch microchannel and the protruding pin of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating positions or positional relationships, are based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0048] See also Figure 1-Figure 11 , an exemplary tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger of the present application includes a shell 10, an inlet pipe 20, an outlet pipe 30, and a piercing member 40;

[0049] The inlet pipe 20 and the outlet pipe 30 are respectively installed on both sides of the housing 10;

[0050] The housing 10 includes an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12;

[0051] A first trapezoidal channel B2 and a receiving channel B1 are respectively formed in the upper shell 11; the end of the receiving channel B1 is connected to the first trapezoidal channel B2; the cross section of the receiving channel B1 is arcuate, and its arc length is greater than 270°, so as to place the piercing member 40 in the receiving channel B1;

[0052] The lower shell 12 is respectively formed with a second trapezoidal channel A5, a main microchannel A1, a bifurcated channel A2, a branch microchannel A3, an oblique channel A4, and a third trapezoidal channel A6;

[0053] One end of the second trapezoidal channel A5 is connected to a plurality of the main microchannels A1, the main microchannel A1 is connected to the bifurcated channel A2, and the main microchannel A1 is connected to two branch microchannels A3 through the bifurcated channel A2, and a plurality of the branch microchannels A3 are connected to the third trapezoidal channel A6; the oblique channel A4 is arranged obliquely and connects two adjacent branch microchannels A3;

[0054] The accommodating channels B1 are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the main microchannels A1, and the corresponding accommodating channels B1 and the main microchannels A1 are in the same vertical plane;

[0055] The inlet pipe 20 is communicated with the other end of the second trapezoidal channel A5, and the outlet pipe 30 is communicated with the other end of the third trapezoidal channel A6.

[0056] Compared with the prior art, the tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger described in the present application has an outer wall of the shell 10 attached to the object to be cooled; the liquid phase enters from the inlet pipe 20 and finally flows out from the outlet pipe 30. Between the inlet pipe 20 and the outlet pipe 30, the liquid flows through the second trapezoidal channel A5, the main microchannel A1, the bifurcated channel A2, the branch microchannel A3, and the third trapezoidal channel A6 in sequence. When passing through the branch microchannel A3, part of the liquid also enters the oblique channel A4; the oblique channel A4 connects two adjacent branch microchannels A3, so oblique liquid transportation is carried out between two adjacent branch microchannels A3; at the same time, the liquid also flows through the first trapezoidal channel B2 and the containing channel B1 in sequence, and the liquid flowing through the containing channel B1 flows downward into the main microchannel A1.

[0057] In the present application, a puncturing member 40 is provided in the containing channel B1 for puncturing the bubbles in the main microchannel A1 and guiding the liquid in the containing channel B1 into the main microchannel A1.

[0058] The bubbles in the main microchannel A1 are punctured by the piercing member 40. Since the total cross-sectional area of ​​the branch microchannel A3 is larger than that of the main microchannel A1, the probability of bubble formation in the branch microchannel A3 is reduced. After the bubbles are formed, the liquid in the adjacent branch microchannel A3 can flow through the oblique channel A4, thereby preventing the blockage of the channel, avoiding the blockage problem caused by overheating, and further preventing the occurrence of local overheating.

[0059] In the present application, the liquid used for circulation may be water, oil, or other fluid media.

[0060] In order to facilitate processing and manufacturing, the cross-sectional structures of the main microchannel A1, each branch of the bifurcated channel A2, and the branch microchannel A3 are all rectangular. Since the microchannel heat exchanger has a compact structure, a circular channel structure will be more conducive to the flow of liquid; however, a square channel structure will be easier to process.

[0061] In some preferred embodiments, the length of the accommodating channel B1 is greater than the length of the main microchannel A1;

[0062] The bottom surface of the accommodating channel B1 is communicated with the main microchannel A1.

[0063] The length of the accommodating channel B1 is greater than that of the main microchannel A1, which can not only avoid bubbles in the main microchannel A1, but also avoid bubbles at the connection between the main microchannel A1 and the bifurcated channel A2, and further prevent blockage at the starting end of the bifurcated channel A2.

[0064] The bottom surface of the receiving channel B1 is connected to the main microchannel A1, and the liquid in the receiving channel B1 flows vertically downward.

[0065] In some preferred embodiments, the shell 10 is in the form of a sheet. The upper and lower surfaces of the shell 10 are respectively flat; when in use, the upper shell 11 is placed upward, the lower shell 12 is placed downward, and the lower surface of the lower shell 12 is attached to the object to be cooled. The sheet-like structure is thinner, occupies less space, and has a better effect of being attached to the object to be cooled, is more tightly installed, and has a better heat exchange effect.

[0066] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some preferred embodiments, the piercing member 40 is cylindrical;

[0067] The outer surface of the piercing member 40 is formed with a strip groove 41 along the axial direction; the outer surface of the piercing member 40 is also formed with a spiral groove 42 along the axial direction.

[0068] In this embodiment, the piercing member 40 provides at least two directions of flow channels, one is the flow channel along the axial direction, i.e., the strip groove 41, and the other is the flow channel along the spiral direction, i.e., the spiral groove 42; the liquid enters the first trapezoidal channel B2 from the inlet pipe 20 and enters the receiving channel B1, and then the liquid flows in at least two directions, one is along the strip groove 41, and the other is along the direction of the spiral groove 42; even, the liquid also flows along the gap between the outer wall of the piercing member 40 and the receiving groove. When the liquid flows along the strip groove 41 and the spiral groove 42 of the piercing member 40, the liquid flowing downward from the receiving groove into the main microchannel A1 flows obliquely, which can more conveniently pierce the bubbles in the main microchannel A1 on the one hand, and can pierce the bubbles in the main microchannel A1 at more angles on the other hand. Even, due to the provision of the spiral groove 42, the liquid can also push the piercing member 40 to rotate, and then the liquid rotates into the main microchannel A1, and then the bubbles are pierced at more angles.

[0069] Thereby, the present application is able to fully puncture the bubbles.

[0070] In some preferred embodiments, one end of the piercing member 40 is flat, and the other end thereof is spherical;

[0071] One end of the plane of the piercing member 40 is located at the end of the first trapezoidal channel B2, and one end of the spherical surface of the piercing member 40 is located at the end of the accommodating channel B1.

[0072] One end of the piercing member 40 is spherical, so that the piercing member 40 can rotate more conveniently in the receiving groove with less resistance.

[0073] like Figure 8-10 As shown, in other preferred embodiments, the piercing member 40 is tubular;

[0074] The piercing member 40 is formed with a plurality of oblique holes 43 .

[0075] In this embodiment, the liquid in the piercing member 40 flows in at least two directions, one is in the tube, and the other is flowing obliquely from the tube to the outside along the oblique hole 43. In addition, due to the gap between the piercing member 40 and the receiving groove, there is also axial liquid flow between the piercing member 40 and the receiving groove.

[0076] and Figure 6 The embodiments in the examples are different. Figure 8 In the piercing member 40 of the embodiment, the liquid first flows in the tube and then flows obliquely outward, with a sequential order; Figure 6 In the embodiment, the axial and spiral flows of the liquid occur simultaneously.

[0077] exist Figure 8In the embodiment, the liquid flows in the inclined hole 43 and then obliquely enters the main microchannel A1 to puncture the bubbles obliquely. Even more, when the liquid rushes out of the inclined hole 43, the puncturing member 40 generates a circumferential rotation force, causing the puncturing member 40 to rotate, and then dynamically enters the main microchannel A1 obliquely, puncturing bubbles at more angles.

[0078] In some preferred embodiments, one end of the piercing member 40 has a spherical end cap (not shown in the figure), and the end cap is placed at the end of the accommodating channel B1;

[0079] The plurality of oblique holes 43 on the piercing member 40 are distributed in a plurality of groups at equal intervals along the axis direction of the piercing member 40;

[0080] Each group of the piercing members 40 has a plurality of the oblique holes 43 evenly distributed along the radial direction of the piercing members 40 .

[0081] The spherical end cap reduces the friction between the piercing member 40 and the receiving groove, making it easier for the piercing member 40 to rotate.

[0082] In some preferred embodiments, the middle branch microchannel A3 is connected to the two bifurcated channels A2.

[0083] In some preferred embodiments, the diameter of the inlet pipe 20 is equal to the sum of the diameters of the main microchannel A1;

[0084] The diameter of the inlet pipe 20 is equal to the diameter of the outlet pipe 30 .

[0085] The same diameter ensures the same flow rate and flow velocity.

[0086] In some preferred embodiments, the housing 10 is made of metal;

[0087] The cross-sectional area of ​​the branch microchannel A3 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main microchannel A1 , which means that the cross-sectional area of ​​a single branch microchannel A3 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single main microchannel A1 .

[0088] In some preferred embodiments, the shell 10 is made of one of stainless steel, copper alloy and aluminum alloy.

[0089] In some preferred embodiments, the tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger is produced by 3D printing or casting.

[0090] In some preferred embodiments, the housing 10 is an integrally formed structure. In other words, the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 are integrally formed.

[0091] In some preferred embodiments, a plurality of protruding spikes 50 are formed on the bottom surface of the branch microchannel A3.

[0092] like Fig.11 As shown, a plurality of protruding nails 50 are arranged in the branch microchannel A3. The protruding nails 50 are located on the bottom surface of the branch microchannel A3. On the one hand, the heat exchange area of ​​the bottom surface of the branch microchannel A3 is increased, and on the other hand, it is convenient to puncture the bubbles.

[0093] The tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger of the present application fully punctures the bubbles through at least four aspects of the structure to ensure smooth liquid circulation and fully remove heat, thereby preventing local overheating. Specifically, first, a receiving groove and a puncture member 40 are provided; second, a bifurcated channel A2 is provided to increase the flow cross-sectional area; third, an oblique channel A4 is provided between the branch microchannels A3 to increase the oblique flow direction, thereby replenishing the liquids and puncturing the bubbles in the countercurrent; fourth, a convex nail 50 is provided to further prevent the generation of bubbles in the branch microchannel A3 and remove more heat.

[0094] The structural settings of the above four aspects have a sequential relationship, because the heat is mainly concentrated in the middle of the heat exchanger, and the temperature of the liquid gradually increases when flowing through the heat exchanger. Therefore, the setting of the bubble puncture structure is related to this feature, and it is not appropriate to set the order of the puncture structure in the opposite direction of the present application.

[0095] Compared with the prior art, the present application is applicable to microchannel heat exchangers and fully ensures the puncture of bubbles, thereby effectively preventing local overheating.

[0096] The above-mentioned embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this field, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A microchannel heat exchanger with a tree structure, characterized in that: It includes a shell, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a piercing piece; The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are respectively installed on both sides of the shell; The housing comprises an upper shell and a lower shell; A first trapezoidal channel and a receiving channel are respectively formed in the upper shell; the end of the receiving channel is connected to the first trapezoidal channel; the cross section of the receiving channel is arcuate, and the arc length thereof is greater than 270°, so as to place the piercing member in the receiving channel; The lower shell is respectively formed with a second trapezoidal channel, a main microchannel, a bifurcated channel, a branch microchannel, an oblique channel, and a third trapezoidal channel; One end of the second trapezoidal channel is connected to a plurality of the main microchannels, the main microchannel is connected to the bifurcated channel, and the main microchannel is connected to two branch microchannels through the bifurcated channel, and a plurality of the branch microchannels are connected to the third trapezoidal channel; the oblique channel is arranged obliquely and connects two adjacent branch microchannels; The accommodating channels are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the main microchannels, and the corresponding accommodating channels and the main microchannels are in the same vertical plane; The inlet pipe is communicated with the other end of the second trapezoidal channel, and the outlet pipe is communicated with the other end of the third trapezoidal channel.

2. The tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the accommodating channel is greater than the length of the main microchannel; The bottom surface of the accommodating channel is communicated with the main microchannel.

3. The tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shell is in sheet shape.

4. The tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The piercing member is cylindrical; The outer surface of the piercing member is formed with a strip groove along the axial direction; A spiral groove is also formed on its outer surface along the axial direction.

5. The tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the piercing member is flat, and the other end is spherical; One end of the plane of the piercing element is located at the end of the first trapezoidal channel, and one end of the spherical surface of the piercing element is located at the end of the accommodating channel.

6. The tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The piercing member is tubular; A plurality of oblique holes are formed on the piercing member.

7. The tree-shaped microchannel heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the piercing member has a spherical end cap, and the end cap is placed at the end of the accommodating channel; The plurality of oblique holes on the piercing member are distributed in a plurality of groups at equal intervals along the axis direction of the piercing member; Each group of the piercing members has a plurality of the oblique holes evenly distributed along the radial direction of the piercing members.

8. The microchannel heat exchanger with a tree structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The middle branch microchannel is communicated with the two bifurcated channels.

9. The microchannel heat exchanger with a tree structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The diameter of the inlet pipe is equal to the sum of the diameters of the main microchannel; The diameter of the inlet pipe is equal to the diameter of the outlet pipe.

10. The microchannel heat exchanger with a tree structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The shell is made of metal; The cross-sectional area of ​​the branch microchannel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the main microchannel.

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