Fluid distributor for microchannel heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid distributor for a microchannel heat exchanger. A fluid distributor for a heat exchanger is disclosed. The fluid distributor includes a header having compartments. A plurality of MCHX tubes associated with a heat exchange section of the heat exchanger are fluidly connected to at least one of the compartments. The fluid dispenser further includes a dispensing tube extending longitudinally along the compartment through the wall. The distribution tube includes a plurality of cavities extending longitudinally along a length of the distribution tube and configured radially about a central axis of the distribution tube. Each cavity includes a port that opens in the compartment. Further, the fluid distributor includes a supply tube fluidly connected to the distribution tube or to the supply tube compartment of the header and configured to supply fluid into the distribution tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat exchangers, and more particularly to a fluid distributor for a heat exchanger. Summary of the invention

[0002] A fluid distributor for a heat exchanger is described herein. The fluid distributor includes a header including compartments separated by walls, wherein a plurality of tubes associated with a heat exchange section of the heat exchanger are fluidly connected to at least one of the compartments. The fluid distributor further includes a distribution pipe extending longitudinally along the compartments of the header through the wall. The distribution pipe includes a plurality of cavities extending longitudinally along the length of the distribution pipe and radially configured around a central axis of the distribution pipe, wherein each of the cavities includes one or more ports opening in the compartment. In addition, the fluid distributor includes a supply pipe fluidly connected to the distribution pipe or to a supply pipe compartment of the header and configured to supply a working fluid into the distribution pipe.

[0003] In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor includes a flow restrictor constructed within a supply tube or between the supply tube and the distribution tube, wherein the flow restrictor is an annular component having a central opening configured to be in line with the distribution tube and having a predetermined gap between the flow restrictor and the distribution tube.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the central opening of the flow restrictor and the distribution tube have equal diameters. In one or more embodiments, the central opening of the flow restrictor is in the range of 10% to 80% of the orifice of the distribution tube.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor includes a vortex generator configured upstream of the distribution pipe or within the supply pipe, wherein the vortex generator is configured to cause the working fluid supplied by the supply pipe to move in a vortex motion.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a vortex generator includes a housing having a plurality of grooves configured on an inner wall surface of the housing, the plurality of grooves having a curved profile, the grooves extending radially and circumferentially along the inner wall surface.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a vortex generator includes a housing and a plurality of blades extending radially from a central longitudinal axis of the housing and oriented at a predetermined angle to a radial plane.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a vortex generator includes a housing, and a plurality of blades extending radially from a central longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein each of the blades includes a first section and a second section having a slot extending from the first section at a predetermined angle.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the vortex generator includes a housing, and a plurality of vortex generating elements protruding from or configured on an inner wall surface of the housing, the plurality of vortex generating elements having a predetermined shape and at least one curved surface.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the vortex generator includes a ring protruding from or configured on the inner wall surface of the housing, the ring being coaxially configured within the housing, wherein a plurality of vortex generating elements are configured above and / or below the ring.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube is axially connected to the supply tube compartment or the distribution tube.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube is radially connected to the supply tube compartment or the distribution tube.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube is configured to be eccentric from the central axis of the dispensing tube.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube is directly connected to the distribution tube, wherein the distribution tube and the supply tube have equal diameters.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the header is a vertical header of the heat exchanger, and the supply tubes are fluidly connected to the end supply tube compartments.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor includes one or more swirl generating elements configured within or on an inner wall surface of the supply tube compartment, the supply tube, or both.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the supply tubes are radially connected at predetermined positions on the supply tube compartments of the header, so that the orifices of the distribution tubes open at predetermined positions or below, above or at the same level as the supply tubes.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube compartment includes a baffle having a central opening and a plurality of openings radially configured around the central opening. The baffle is coaxially configured within the supply tube compartment so that the bottom end or orifice of the distribution tube remains connected to the central opening and the supply tube is radially connected to the supply tube compartment above the baffle.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube compartment includes a baffle having a plurality of openings. The baffle is coaxially configured within the supply tube compartment of the header, wherein the distribution tube extends longitudinally through the baffle such that the bottom end or orifice of the distribution tube opens below the baffle, and the supply tube is radially connected to the supply tube compartment above the baffle.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube is configured to be eccentric from the central axis of the dispensing tube.

[0021] Also described herein is a heat exchanger including a fluid distributor.

[0022] The foregoing summary is exemplary only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above, other aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0024] In the drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0025] Figures 1A to 1D An exemplary view of a fluid distributor of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 2A and 2B Exemplary views of a fluid dispenser having a flow restrictor are shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3A Exemplary views of a fluid distributor having a vortex generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0028] Figure 3B Exemplary views of embodiments of a vortex generator having a plurality of curved grooves along an inner wall of a housing of the vortex generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0029] Figure 3C Exemplary front, top, and perspective views, respectively, are shown of an embodiment of a vortex generator having a plurality of blades extending radially from a central longitudinal axis of a housing of the vortex generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3D Exemplary front and top views, respectively, of an embodiment of a vortex generator having a plurality of blades with separate sections extending radially from a central longitudinal axis of a housing of the vortex generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0031] Figure 3E An exemplary top view and front view, respectively, of an embodiment of a vortex generator having a plurality of vortex generating elements disposed on an inner wall surface of a housing of the vortex generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0032] Figure 3F Exemplary top and front views, respectively, illustrate an embodiment of a vortex generator having a plurality of vortex generating elements and a ring configured on an inner wall surface of a housing of the vortex generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4A and 4B An exemplary view of a fluid dispenser having a supply tube that is off-center from a central axis of the dispensing tube is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5A and 5B An illustrative view of a fluid dispenser having a baffle with an opening and a supply tube that is off-center from the central axis of the dispense tube, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 6A An example diagram according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, depicting Figure 2A Fluid flow rates in different chambers of a distribution tube with 4 openings when 25% of the orifices of the distribution tube are open.

[0036] Figure 6B An example diagram according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, depicting Figure 2B The fluid flow rates in the different chambers of the distribution tube when 25% of the orifices of the distribution tube are open.

[0037] Figure 6C An example diagram according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, depicting Figure 3B When the vortex generator is configured with a distribution pipe, the flow rates of the fluids in different chambers of the distribution pipe are controlled.

[0038] Fig.6D An example diagram according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, depicting Figure 4A and 4B The flow rate of the fluid in different chambers of the distribution pipe in the flow distributor.

[0039] Fig. 6E An example diagram according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, depicting Figure 5A and 5B The flow rate of the fluid in different chambers of the distribution pipe in the flow distributor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are described in such detail in order to clearly convey the present disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0041] Various terms are used herein. If a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0042] In the specification, when depicting the device in the accompanying drawings, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various components and the spatial orientation of various aspects of the components. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure in its entirety, the components of the present invention described herein can be positioned in any desired orientation. Therefore, the use of terms such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", "first", "second" or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationship between the various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of these components should be understood as describing the relative relationship between the components or the spatial orientation of aspects of these components, respectively, because the headers, distribution pipes, refrigerant distributors, multi-channel tubes, heat exchangers, supply pipes and corresponding components described herein can be oriented in any desired direction.

[0043] Microchannel heat exchangers (MCHX) using microchannel tubes are important components in heat pump systems, facilitating efficient heat transfer between different fluid streams. These heat exchangers are used in a wide range of applications, including residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. An important challenge in the design and operation of MCHX is the efficient distribution of the working fluid (refrigerant) across the microchannel tubes to ensure optimal heat transfer performance and capacity. The working fluid can be two-phase, gas and liquid. When two phases are present, the two phases must be mixed for efficient distribution.

[0044] Maldistribution of the working fluid within the MCHX can lead to severe imbalances in thermal properties and reduced overall heat transfer efficiency. One of the main issues associated with maldistribution is the variation in heat transfer coefficients between the vapor and liquid phases. Due to the lower heat transfer coefficient of the vapor phase, maldistribution can lead to localized areas of reduced heat transfer, resulting in reduced capacity and overall performance of the heat pump system.

[0045] Furthermore, the maldistribution problem becomes more severe when the MCHX is configured with vertical headers. In such a configuration, the effects of gravity act to cause a separation between the gas and liquid phases due to their different densities. This gas-liquid separation can lead to increased maldistribution of fluid across the microchannel tubes and compromise the overall heat transfer efficiency of the system.

[0046] A solution is needed to address the challenges posed by maldistribution in an MCHX, particularly an MCHX with vertical headers, by providing an improved and efficient fluid distribution system to help the MCHX achieve a more uniform distribution of the working fluid phase across all microchannel tubes, thereby enhancing the overall thermal performance of the MCHX.

[0047] The header (or manifold) forms a conduit that delivers the working fluid to the heat exchange tubes. The header can be vertical, horizontal, or some intermediate angle between vertical and horizontal. In addition, the flow of the working fluid can be in any direction (bottom to top, top to bottom, or side to side). The header includes compartments dedicated to a group of heat exchange tubes, which is a subset of the total number of heat exchange tubes. Distribution tubes located within the header provide working fluid to the compartments. The distribution tubes have a cavity extending longitudinally. Each distribution tube cavity provides working fluid to one or more compartments of the header.

[0048] The supply pipe provides the working fluid to the manifold. The supply pipe may be directly connected to the distribution pipe or may be fluidly connected to a supply pipe compartment in the manifold. The supply pipe compartment may be located at one end of the manifold (end supply pipe compartment) or may be located at some intermediate point of the manifold (intermediate supply pipe compartment). When the supply pipe compartment is an end supply pipe compartment, the distribution pipe has one or more orifices to allow the working fluid to enter the distribution pipe. When the supply pipe compartment is an intermediate supply pipe compartment, the distribution pipe has two or more orifices to allow the working fluid to enter the distribution pipe. The supply pipe compartment may provide space to mix the various phases of the working fluid. Mixing of the phases of the working fluid may be achieved by the placement of the supply pipe outlet relative to the distribution pipe orifice, the structure of the distribution pipe orifice, the structure of the supply pipe compartment, or a combination thereof.

[0049] When the supply pipe is directly connected to the distribution pipe, the distribution pipe and the supply pipe may have equal inner diameters, or may have different inner diameters. In addition, the distribution pipe has one or more orifices that open into or are located within the supply pipe. The orifices may be before or after the bend in the supply pipe. The end of the supply pipe or the distribution pipe orifice may include a mixing element, such as a vortex generator as described below.

[0050] When the supply pipe is connected to the header, the working fluid enters the supply pipe compartment. The supply pipe compartment can be terminal or intermediate as described above. When the supply pipe is a terminal supply pipe compartment, the position of the supply pipe relative to the distribution pipe orifice and the distribution pipe axis can affect the mixing of the working fluid. In addition, the supply pipe compartment structure can be used to enhance the mixing of the working fluid. When the supply pipe compartment is in the middle, the structure of the supply pipe compartment and the placement of the supply pipe outlet can be used to enhance the mixing of the working fluid.

[0051] refer to Figures 1A to 1D , a fluid distributor 100 for a heat exchanger is disclosed. The fluid distributor 100 or heat exchanger may include a header 102, which includes one or more hollow compartments 104-1 to 104-N (collectively referred to herein as compartments 104), which are separated by one or more walls 106-1 to 106-N (collectively referred to herein as walls or partitions 106). The header 102 may be a hollow member having walls 106 placed in parallel, which are separated by a predetermined distance to form compartments 104 therein. The compartments 104 may have equal volumes or may vary in volume. When the compartment volume varies, the number of microchannel tubes associated with the compartment may also vary. The header 102 may have a cylindrical profile or a substantially curved profile with a flat base at two opposite ends, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, a plurality of microchannel tubes (collectively referred to herein as MCHX tubes 108 ) associated with a heat exchange section or coil of a heat exchanger may be fluidly connected to at least one of the compartments 104 - 1 through 104 -N.

[0052] In addition, the header includes a distribution tube 110 that extends longitudinally along the compartment 104 of the header 102 through the partition wall 106. The distribution tube 110 may include a plurality of cavities 112-1 to 112-8 (collectively referred to herein as cavities 112) that extend longitudinally along the length of the distribution tube 110 and are radially configured around the central axis (A-A') of the distribution tube 110 in the distribution tube shell 110-1. The cavities may be pie-shaped as shown in the figure, or may form concentric rings. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A , 2B , 3A, 4A and 5B, each cavity 112 may include one or more ports (P) that open in at least one of the partitioned compartments 104 of the header 102. When the cavities form concentric rings, the exterior of the distribution tube may have a stepped shape due to the ring terminating after the one or more ports opened in the target compartment.

[0053] The distribution tube 110 may be a rod-shaped component 110-1 having a plurality of axial hollow channels 112 extending longitudinally along the length and radially configured around the central axis (A-A') of the rod component to form a plurality of cavities 112. In addition, additional hollow passages may extend radially from the vertical channels 112 and open into the interior of the header 102 to form ports (P) of the cavities 112.

[0054] In addition, the flow distributor includes a supply pipe 114, which is fluidly connected to the distribution pipe 110 or to the header 102 and is configured to supply the fluid into the distribution pipe 110 so that the fluid is more evenly mixed and supplied into the cavity 112 and further to the MCHX tube 108 of the heat exchange section via the port (P) corresponding to the cavity 112.

[0055] The exemplary header 102 is a vertical header 102 of a heat exchanger, but as discussed above, is not limited thereto. In one or more embodiments, the supply tube 114 may be directly fluidly connected to the distribution tube 110. The distribution tube 110 may include one or more orifices opened in the supply tube 114 or located within the supply tube 114, so that the fluid supplied by the supply tube 114 can directly enter each cavity 112 (or orifice) of the distribution tube 110. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the orifice of the distribution tube 110 may be before or after the bend in the supply tube 114 to supply the fluid axially into the distribution tube 110. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the supply tube 114 may be fluidly connected to the bottommost compartment 104-1 (as a supply tube compartment) in the compartments 104 of the header 102, wherein the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110 is opened in the bottommost compartment 104-1. The top end (or cavity 112) of the distribution tube 110 may be closed, and the orifice (O) at the bottom end of the distribution tube 110 may be opened in the supply tube compartment 104-1, so that the fluid supplied by the supply tube 114 may enter the respective cavities 112 (or orifices) of the distribution tube 110 via the supply tube compartment 104-1, and further flow into the MCHX tube 108 via the ports (P) of the corresponding compartments 104 and cavities 112.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the number of cavities 112 in the distribution tube 110 may be equal to the number of compartments 104 having MCHX tubes 108, such that a port (P) associated with one of the cavities 112 may open in one of the compartments 104 of the header 102, however one of the cavities 112 may open in more than one compartment 104 without limitation. In an example, but not limited thereto, as Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1 , the distribution tube 110 may include eight chambers 112-1 to 112-8 for the eight compartments 104 (excluding the bottom compartment 104-1) of the header 102. In addition, in another example, as shown in FIG. Figure 1CAs shown in , the distribution tube 110 may include four chambers 112-1 to 112-4 for the four compartments 104 (excluding the bottom-most compartment 104-1) of the header 102. In one or more embodiments, the size and number of the chambers 112 of the distribution tube 110 and the size and number of ports (P) of each of the chambers 112 may be selected based on the flow rate of the fluid to be supplied to the MCHX tubes 108 in each compartment 104 of the header 102.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, Figure 1C and 1D , the supply tube 114 may be axially connected to the header 102 or the distribution tube 110. In addition, in some embodiments, the supply tube 114 may be directly connected to the distribution tube 110, wherein the distribution tube 110 and the supply tube 114 have equal diameters, however, the distribution tube 110 and the supply tube 114 may also have different diameters. In one or more embodiments, the supply tube 114 may be perpendicular to the header 102 so that the supply tube compartment 104-1, the distribution tube 110, and the cavity 112 of the distribution tube 110 remain coaxial with the supply tube 114.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, Figure 1A and 1B As shown in , the supply tube 114 may also be radially connected to the header 102 and eccentric from the header 102. In addition, in some embodiments, the supply tube 114 may be configured to be eccentric from the central axis (A-A') of the distribution tube 110 so that the fluid supplied by the supply tube 114 can flow in a vortex motion within the bottommost compartment 104-1 of the header 102 to be more evenly mixed, and then flow into each of the cavities 112 of the distribution tube 110.

[0059] refer to Figure 2A and 2B In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor 100 may include a flow restrictor 202 configured in the supply tube 114 of the heat exchanger. Figure 2A As shown in , the flow restrictor 202 may be an annular member (also referred to herein as 202) having an opening 204 that may be configured to be in line with the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110 so that a predetermined gap is maintained between the orifice (O) and the flow restrictor 202. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 2B As shown in , the fluid dispenser 100 may further include a truncated cone 206 configured at the orifice (O) of the dispensing tube 110 , so that the fluid supplied by the supply tube 114 may flow around the truncated cone 206 and further enter the dispensing tube 110 .

[0060] The truncated cone 206 may be constructed together with the annular member 202, however, the truncated cone 206 may also be directly connected to the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110 without the annular member 204. In addition, the opening 204 of the flow annular member 202 and the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110 may also have equal diameters. However, the opening 204 of the flow annular member 202 may also be in the range of 10% to 80% of the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110. Therefore, when the fluid is supplied from the supply tube 114 to the distribution tube 110, the edge of the flow restrictor 202 (surrounding the opening 204) may cause turbulence in the fluid (or provide resistance to the fluid), thereby more evenly mixing the fluid and allowing approximately equal volumes of the fluid to flow into each cavity 112 of the distribution tube 110. Therefore, the more evenly mixed fluid may flow into the MCHX tube 108 or the compartment 104 of the header 102 via the port (P) of the corresponding cavity 112.

[0061] refer to Fig. 6A , published a depiction of Figure 2A An example graph of fluid flow rates in different chambers of a distribution tube when 25% of the orifice of the distribution tube is open in a fluid distributor of FIG. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was performed on a distribution tube 110 having four chambers 112-1 to 112-4, wherein a flow restrictor (annular member) 202 was constructed within the supply tube 114 at the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110. As shown, the results confirm that the fluid flow in each of the chambers 112-1 to 112-4 is more uniform.

[0062] refer to Figure 6B , published a depiction of Figure 2B 1 is an example diagram of fluid flow rates in different chambers of a distribution tube when 25% of the orifice of the distribution tube is open in a fluid distributor of FIG. A CFD simulation is performed on a distribution tube 110 having four chambers 112-1 to 112-4, in which an annular member 202 and a truncated cone 206 are configured at the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110. As shown, the results confirm that the fluid flow in each of the chambers 112-1 to 112-4 is more uniform.

[0063] refer to Figures 3A to 3F In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor 100 may include a vortex generator 300 configured within the supply tube 114 or between the orifice of the distribution tube 110 and the supply tube 114. In addition, the supply tube 114 may be directly connected to the distribution tube 110 so that the vortex generator 300 remains upstream of the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110. The vortex generator 300 may be configured to cause the fluid supplied by or flowing through the supply tube 114 to move in a vortex motion to more evenly mix the fluid and further supply approximately equal volumes of the mixed fluid to each of the cavities 112 of the distribution tube 110.

[0064] refer to Figure 3B In a first embodiment, the vortex generator 300 may include a housing 302 configured to fit at the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110. The housing 302 may further include a plurality of grooves 304 having a curved profile, which are configured on the inner wall surface of the housing 302. The grooves 304 may extend radially and circumferentially along the inner wall surface of the vortex generator 300, so that the fluid (supplied by the supply tube 114) may move in a vortex motion when flowing through the housing 302 to more uniformly mix the liquid and the gas, in particular, to make the liquid film around the wall of the tube more uniform, which may further supply substantially equal volumes of the mixed fluid to each of the cavities 112 of the distribution tube 110. Therefore, the more uniformly mixed fluid may flow into the MCHX tube 108 via the compartment 104 of the header 102 and the port (P) of the corresponding cavity 112.

[0065] refer to Figure 6C , published a depiction of Figure 3B An example diagram of the fluid flow rate in different chambers of the distribution pipe when the vortex generator is configured with a distribution pipe. A CFD simulation is performed on a distribution pipe having eight chambers 112-1 to 112-8, wherein Figure 3B The vortex generator 300 is configured upstream of the distribution pipe 110, and the supply pipe 114 is directly connected to the vortex generator 300. As shown, the results confirm that the fluid flow in each of the chambers 112-1 to 112-8 is more uniform.

[0066] refer to Figure 3C In a second embodiment, the vortex generator 300 may include a housing 302 configured to fit at the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110 and a plurality of blades 306 extending radially from a central longitudinal axis of the housing 302. The blades 306 may extend radially from the central axis (A-A') of the housing 302 toward the inner wall 106 of the housing 302, with a first angle between adjacent blades 306. In addition, each of the blades 306 may be oriented at a second angle to a radial (cross-sectional) plane of the housing 302. In an example, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B As shown in, but not limited to, the vortex generator 300 may include four blades 306 with a first angle of 90° between adjacent blades, however, the vortex generator 300 may have any number of blades 306 with equal or unequal angles between adjacent blades 306. Therefore, when the fluid is supplied to the distribution tube 110, the blades 306 of the vortex generator 300 are oriented at a second angle to the radial plane, which may cause the fluid to flow in a vortex motion when flowing through the vortex generator 300, thereby more evenly mixing the fluid and allowing approximately equal volumes of the fluid to flow into each cavity 112 of the distribution tube 110. Therefore, the more evenly mixed fluid may flow into the MCHX tube 108 via the compartment 104 of the header 102 and the port (P) of the corresponding cavity 112.

[0067] refer to Figure 3D In the third embodiment, the vortex generator 300 may include a housing 302 configured to be mounted at the orifice (O) of the distribution tube 110 and a plurality of blades 306 extending radially from the central longitudinal axis of the housing 302. Each of the blades 306 may include a first section 306-1 and a second section 306-2 extending at a predetermined angle from the first section 306-1. In addition, each of the second sections 306-2 may have a slit or cutout portion. The first section 306-1 and the second section 306-2 may have a planar profile; however, they may also have a curved profile. The blades 306 may extend radially from the central axis (A-A') of the housing 302 toward the inner wall of the housing 302, with a first angle between adjacent blades 306. In addition, the first section 306-1 of the blade 306 may be oriented at a second angle to the radial (cross-sectional) plane of the housing 302, and the second section 306-2 may extend at a third angle to the first section 306-1. Therefore, when fluid is supplied into the distribution tube 110, the gaps and profiles (angles) of the first section 306-1 and the second section 306-2 of the blade 306 may cause the fluid to flow in a swirling motion as it flows through the vortex generator 300, thereby more evenly mixing the fluid and allowing substantially equal volumes of the fluid to flow into each cavity 112 of the distribution tube 110. Therefore, the more evenly mixed fluid may flow into the MCHX tube 108 via the compartments 104 of the header 102 and the ports (P) of the corresponding cavities 112.

[0068] refer to Figure 3E In the fourth embodiment, the vortex generator 300 may include: a housing 302 configured to be assembled at the orifice (O) of the distribution pipe 110, and a plurality of vortex generating elements 308 protruding from or configured at a second predetermined position on the surface of the inner wall 106 of the housing 302, which have a predetermined shape and at least one curved surface. In addition, referring to Figure 3F , in the fifth embodiment, Figure 3E The vortex generator 300 may include a ring 310 protruding from or configured on the inner wall 106 surface of the housing 302. The ring 310 may be coaxially configured within the housing 302, wherein the vortex generating element 308 is configured above and / or below the ring 310.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the vortex generating element 308 may be a rectangular component that may be machined to give it a curved profile. In addition, one of the sides of the vortex generating element 308 may then be attached to the inner wall 106 of the housing 302 so that the curved profile of the element may cause the fluid to flow in a vortex motion as it flows through the vortex generator 300.

[0070] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the vortex generating element 308 can be a substantially triangular component that can be machined to form a curved profile. Furthermore, one of the non-inclined sides of the vortex generating element 308 can then be attached to the inner wall of the housing 302 so that the curved profile and the inclined side of the vortex element 308 can cause the fluid to flow in a vortex motion when flowing through the vortex generator 300.

[0071] In addition, in one or more embodiments (not shown), the fluid distributor 100 may also include one or more vortex generating elements (308), which are constructed inside or on the inner wall surface of the supply tube compartment 104-1 of the manifold 102 and / or the supply tube 114 to facilitate the fluid to flow in a vortex motion when entering the distribution tube 110.

[0072] refer to Figure 4A and 4B In one or more embodiments, the supply tube 114 may be radially connected to the curved lateral surface of the bottom-most compartment 104-1 such that the supply tube 114 remains eccentric or offset from the central axis (A-A') of the distribution tube 110 or the header 102. Thus, the eccentric position of the supply tube 114 may cause the fluid (supplied by the supply tube 114) to flow in a swirling motion within the bottom-most compartment 104-1 of the header 102 to be more evenly mixed, further allowing substantially equal volumes of the mixed fluid to flow into each cavity 112 of the distribution tube 110. Thus, the more evenly mixed fluid may flow into the MCHX tube 108 via the compartments 104 and ports (P) of the corresponding cavities 112 of the header 102.

[0073] refer to Fig.6D , publicly depicting Figure 4A and 4B 1. Example diagram of fluid flow rate in different chambers of a distribution pipe in a flow distributor of FIG. CFD simulations were performed on a distribution pipe 110 having eight chambers 112-1 to 112-8, in which a supply pipe 114 was radially connected to the curved lateral surface of the bottom-most compartment 104-1 so that the supply pipe 114 was kept eccentric from the central axis (A-A') of the distribution pipe. As shown, the results confirmed that the fluid flow in each of the chambers 112-1 to 112-8 was more uniform.

[0074] refer to Figure 5A and 5BIn one or more embodiments, a fluid distributor 100 is disclosed having a baffle 502 with an opening 504 and a supply tube 114 eccentric from a central axis (A-A') of a distribution tube 110. The baffle 502 may be coaxially configured within a bottommost compartment 104-1 of the manifold 102, wherein the distribution tube 110 extends longitudinally through the baffle 502 such that a bottom end of the distribution tube 110 remains below the baffle 502, and the supply tube 114 remains above the baffle 502 to be radially connected to the bottommost compartment 104-1.

[0075] The supply tube 114 may be radially connected to the curved lateral surface of the bottom-most compartment 104-1 such that the supply tube 114 remains eccentric or offset from the central axis (A-A') of the distribution tube 110 or the header 102, and the bottom end of the distribution tube 110 remains below the baffle 502. Thus, the eccentric position of the supply tube 114 may cause the fluid (supplied by the supply tube 114) to flow in a swirling motion within the bottom-most compartment 104-1 of the header 102 and flow into the distribution tube 110 via the openings 504 of the baffle 502. Additionally, the openings 504 of the baffle 502 may further cause turbulence in the fluid flow, thereby more evenly mixing the fluid, and further allowing substantially equal volumes of the mixed fluid to flow into each cavity 112 of the distribution tube 110. Thus, the more evenly mixed fluid may flow into the MCHX tube 108 or the compartment 104 of the header 102 via the port (P) of the corresponding cavity 112. In one or more embodiments, the size and number of openings in the baffle may be selected based on the flow rate of the fluid to be supplied to the distribution tube 110 .

[0076] refer to Fig. 6E , publicly depicting Figure 5A and 5B An example diagram of fluid flow rates in different chambers of a distribution pipe in a flow distributor of FIG. CFD simulations were performed on a distribution pipe 110 having eight chambers 112-1 to 112-8, wherein the supply pipe 114 was radially connected to the bottom-most compartment 104-1 above the baffle 502 and was eccentric from the central axis (A-A') of the distribution pipe 110, and the bottom end of the distribution pipe 110 was maintained below the baffle 502. As shown, the results confirm that the fluid flow in each of the chambers 112-1 to 112-8 is more uniform.

[0077] It should be clear to those skilled in the art that, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with respect to a specific number of cavities in a vertical header and distribution tubes having a specific number of compartments for the sake of simplicity and better explanation, the teachings of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other heat exchangers having different constructions and including different numbers of compartments and cavities, and all such embodiments are fully within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] Thus, the present invention (fluid distributor) overcomes the disadvantages, limitations and deficiencies associated with prior art MCHXs and corresponding fluid distributors by providing an improved and efficient solution that helps the MCHX achieve a more uniform distribution of the working fluid across all cavities of the distribution tubes and further into the microchannel tubes, thereby enhancing the overall thermal performance of the MCHX.

[0079] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The teachings of the present disclosure may be modified to accommodate specific circumstances or materials without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but that the present disclosure includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0080] In interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "includes" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components or steps may exist or be utilized or combined with other elements, components or steps not explicitly referenced. When the specification claims at least one of something selected from the set consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the set, rather than A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A fluid distributor for a heat exchanger, the fluid distributor comprising: a header comprising compartments separated by walls, wherein a plurality of tubes associated with heat exchange sections of the heat exchanger are fluidly connected to at least one of the compartments; a distribution tube extending longitudinally through the wall along the compartment of the header, the distribution tube comprising a plurality of cavities extending longitudinally along the length of the distribution tube and configured radially about a central axis of the distribution tube, wherein each of the cavities comprises one or more ports opening into the compartment; as well as A supply pipe is fluidly connected to the distribution pipe or to the supply pipe compartment of the header and is configured to supply a working fluid into the distribution pipe.

2. The fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid distributor includes a flow restrictor configured within the supply tube or between the supply tube and the distribution tube, wherein the flow restrictor is an annular component having a central opening configured to be in line with the distribution tube and having a predetermined gap between the flow restrictor and the distribution tube.

3. The fluid dispenser according to claim 2, wherein: The central opening of the flow restrictor and the distribution tube have equal diameters.

4. The fluid dispenser according to claim 2, wherein: The central opening of the flow restrictor is within the range of 10% to 80% of the orifice of the distribution tube.

5. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The fluid distributor includes a vortex generator configured upstream of the distribution pipe or within the supply pipe, wherein the vortex generator is configured to cause the working fluid supplied by the supply pipe to move in a vortex motion.

6. The fluid dispenser according to claim 5, wherein: The vortex generator includes a housing having a plurality of grooves configured on an inner wall surface of the housing, the plurality of grooves having a curved profile, the grooves extending radially and circumferentially along the inner wall surface.

7. The fluid dispenser according to claim 5, wherein: The vortex generator includes a housing and a plurality of vanes extending radially from a central longitudinal axis of the housing and oriented at a predetermined angle to the radial plane.

8. The fluid dispenser according to claim 5, wherein: The vortex generator includes a housing, and a plurality of blades radially extending from a central longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein each of the blades includes a first section and a second section having a slot extending from the first section at a predetermined angle.

9. The fluid dispenser according to claim 5, wherein: The vortex generator includes a housing, and a plurality of vortex generating elements protruding from or configured on an inner wall surface of the housing, the plurality of vortex generating elements having a predetermined shape and at least one curved surface.

10. The fluid dispenser according to claim 9, wherein: The vortex generator includes a ring protruding from or configured on an inner wall surface of the housing, the ring being coaxially configured within the housing, wherein the plurality of vortex generating elements are configured above and / or below the ring.

11. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The supply pipe is axially connected to the supply pipe compartment or to the distribution pipe.

12. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The supply pipe is radially connected to the supply pipe compartment or to the distribution pipe.

13. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The supply pipe is configured to be eccentric from a central axis of the distribution pipe.

14. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The supply pipe is directly connected to the distribution pipe, wherein the distribution pipe and the supply pipe have equal diameters.

15. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The header is a vertical header of the heat exchanger, and the supply tubes are fluidly connected to the terminal supply tube compartments.

16. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The fluid distributor includes one or more swirl generating elements configured within or on an inner wall surface of the supply tube compartment, the supply tube, or both.

17. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein: The supply pipe is radially connected at a predetermined position on the supply pipe compartment of the header, so that the orifice of the distribution pipe opens at the predetermined position or below, above or at the same level as the supply pipe.

18. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The supply tube compartment includes a baffle having a central opening and a plurality of openings radially constructed around the central opening, the baffle being coaxially constructed within the supply tube compartment so that the bottom end or orifice of the distribution tube remains connected to the central opening and the supply tube is radially connected to the supply tube compartment above the baffle.

19. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The supply tube compartment includes a baffle having a plurality of openings, the baffle being coaxially constructed within the supply tube compartment of the manifold, wherein the distribution tube extends longitudinally through the baffle so that the bottom end or orifice of the distribution tube opens below the baffle and the supply tube is radially connected to the supply tube compartment above the baffle.

20. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein: The supply pipe is configured to be eccentric from a central axis of the distribution pipe.

21. A heat exchanger comprising a fluid distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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