Fluid distributor for heat exchanger

Abstract

A fluid distributor for a heat exchanger is described herein. The fluid distributor includes a first tube having an open first end and a closed second end, where a plurality of first channels extend in a helical configuration along a length in an interior of the first tube, and one or more outlet ports are configured along a surface of the first tube, where the distributor is configured with the heat exchanger, the one or more outlet ports fluidly connect the plurality of first channels to a plurality of tubes associated with a heat exchange section of the heat exchanger or an interior volume of an inlet header associated with the heat exchanger.

Description

Field of the Invention

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

[0002] A fluid distributor for a heat exchanger is described herein. The fluid distributor includes a first tube having an open first end and a closed second end, wherein a plurality of first channels extend along the length in a helical configuration inside the first tube, and one or more outlet ports are configured along the surface of the first tube, wherein the distributor is configured with the heat exchanger such that the one or more outlet ports fluidly connect the plurality of first channels to a plurality of tubes associated with a heat exchange section of the heat exchanger or an internal volume of an inlet header associated with the heat exchanger.

[0003] In one or more embodiments, the distributor is configured to receive a two-phase fluid in the plurality of first channels via the open first end of the first tube and cause the two-phase fluid to flow in a helical motion, wherein the helical motion of the two-phase fluid causes the two-phase fluid to radially flow out of the distributor via the one or more outlet ports into the plurality of tubes of the heat exchange section or the internal volume of the inlet header.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the distributor includes a second tube having a closed first end and an open second end, the second tube being concentrically disposed within the first tube and longitudinally extending through the first tube with a predetermined gap therebetween to define the shape of the distributor, wherein the second tube forms a second central channel within the first tube, and a plurality of first channels extend in a helical configuration along the length of the first tube around the second central channel within the gap between the first tube and the second tube. The distributor further includes one or more inlet ports configured along the surface of the second tube, wherein the one or more inlet ports fluidly connect the plurality of first channels to the second central channel.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the distributor is configured to receive a two-phase fluid in the plurality of first channels via the open first end of the first tube and cause the two-phase fluid to flow in a helical motion, wherein the helical motion of the two-phase fluid causes the liquid phase associated with the two-phase fluid to radially flow out of the distributor via the one or more outlet ports into the tubes of the heat exchange section or the internal volume of the inlet header, and causes the vapor phase associated with the two-phase fluid to flow into the second central channel via the one or more inlet ports.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the distributor is configured to be longitudinally disposed within the inlet header such that the distributor at least partially extends through the inlet header.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the inlet header includes one or more first compartments separated by one or more first walls, wherein one or more outlet ports are constructed at a first predetermined location on the first tube such that at least one of the one or more outlet ports remains in each of the first compartments.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a distributor is constructed external to the inlet header, wherein one or more outlet ports fluidly connect a plurality of first channels of the distributor to a plurality of tubes of the heat exchange section or to the interior volume of the inlet header.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the inlet header includes one or more first compartments separated by one or more first walls, wherein one or more outlet ports are constructed at a first predetermined location on the first tube such that at least one of the one or more outlet ports remains fluidly connected to at least one of the first compartments via one or more pipe fittings.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the inlet header includes a plurality of first compartments separated by one or more first walls, the plurality of first compartments including at least one fluid inlet compartment and at least one fluid outlet compartment, wherein the plurality of tubes of the heat exchange section have a predetermined number of turns and traverses such that a tube associated with each of the traverses extends between one of the fluid inlet compartments and one of the fluid outlet compartments among the one or more first compartments.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, one or more outlet ports of the distributor are constructed at a first predetermined location on the first tube such that at least one of the one or more outlet ports remains fluidly connected to at least one of the fluid inlet compartments via one or more pipe fittings, and wherein each of the fluid outlet compartments includes an opening to discharge a substantially vapor phase generated within the corresponding tube from the inlet header.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, one or more inlet ports are constructed at a second predetermined location on the second tube such that each of the one or more inlet ports fluidly connects each of the first channels to a second central channel.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the second central channel includes a plurality of second channels longitudinally extending through the second tube, wherein one or more inlet ports are constructed at a second predetermined location on the second tube such that each of the one or more inlet ports fluidly connects each of the first channels to at least one of the second channels.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a dispenser is disposed in an inlet header such that the dispenser extends through each of the first compartments of the inlet header, wherein a second tube is concentrically disposed within a first tube such that a second open end of the second tube extends at least partially out of a second closed end of the first tube and the inlet header to transfer a vapor phase out of the inlet header.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the dispenser is longitudinally disposed in the inlet header such that the second open end of the second tube extends at least partially out of the second closed end of the first tube into one of the first compartments of the inlet header to transfer the vapor phase into the corresponding first compartment.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the second open end of the second tube extends at least partially out of the second closed end of the first tube to transfer the vapor phase out of the inlet header.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the second open end of the second tube extends at least partially out of the second closed end of the first tube into an external compartment to transfer the vapor phase into the corresponding external compartment, wherein the external compartment includes at least one of the outlet ports fluidly connected to at least one of the first compartments of the inlet header.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the second open end of the second tube extends at least partially out of the second closed end of the first tube to transfer the vapor phase separated within the dispenser out of the inlet header.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the second open end of the second tube includes a check valve to restrict the vapor phase from flowing back into the second tube or a second central passage, wherein a first end of the second tube is closed by a restrictor, and a first open end of the first tube or the dispenser is configured to be fluidly connected to a supply tube associated with a heat exchanger.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat dissipating fins in thermal contact with a plurality of tubes in a heat exchange section of the heat exchanger, wherein the plurality of heat dissipating fins are of either a corrugated fin type or an inserted fin type.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger is in a horizontal configuration or a vertical configuration.

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

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

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

[0025] Figure 1A An exemplary view of an embodiment of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown, the heat exchanger having a fluid distributor constructed inside an inlet header of the heat exchanger, wherein a second tube of the fluid distributor exits a first tube and the inlet header and opens.

[0026] Figure 1B An exemplary view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown, the heat exchanger having a fluid distributor constructed inside the inlet header, wherein a check valve is provided at one end of the second tube that opens into one of the compartments of the inlet header.

[0027] Figure 1C An exemplary view of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown Figure 1B in which the second tube does not have a check valve.

[0028] Figure 1D An exemplary view of an embodiment of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown, the heat exchanger having a fluid distributor outside the inlet header, wherein the second tube exits the first tube and opens.

[0029] Figure 1E An exemplary view of an embodiment of a heat exchanger having a multi-channel heat exchange section according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown, wherein the fluid distributor is constructed outside the inlet header, and the set of compartments of the inlet header includes an opening for the outflow of the vapor phase formed in the heat exchange section.

[0030] Figure 1F An exemplary view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is shown, the heat exchanger having a fluid distributor constructed outside the inlet header, wherein a vapor phase separated within the distributor is supplied to one of the compartments of the inlet header.

[0031] Figure 1GExemplary view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger showing one or more embodiments according to the subject disclosure, the heat exchanger having a fluid distributor including a first tube and a second tube, wherein the outlet port of the distributor is directly connected to a tube associated with the heat exchange section, and the second tube departs from the first tube and opens. This embodiment illustratively shows a serpentine arrangement of heat exchanger tubes with inserted fins.

[0032] Figure 1H Exemplary view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger showing one or more embodiments according to the subject disclosure, the heat exchanger having a fluid distributor without a central channel or a second tube, wherein the outlet port of the distributor is directly connected to a tube associated with the heat exchange section of the heat exchanger. This embodiment illustratively shows a serpentine arrangement of heat exchanger tubes with inserted fins.

[0033] Figure 2A And Figure 2B Exemplary view of a fluid distributor showing one or more embodiments according to the subject disclosure.

[0034] Figures 3A to 3C Exemplary cross-sectional view of an extrusion profile of a fluid distributor having different numbers of helical channels showing one or more embodiments according to the subject disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 Exemplary view of a fluid distributor having a flow restrictor showing one or more embodiments according to the subject disclosure. Detailed Description

[0036] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments depicted in the drawings. The embodiments are so detailed as to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiments; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] Various terms are used herein. To the extent that terms used in the claims are not defined below, the broadest definition given by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art shall be given, as reflected in printed publications and published patents at the time of filing.

[0038] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and the spatial orientation of various aspects of the components when the device is depicted in the drawings. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon a complete reading of the subject disclosure, the components of the invention described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Accordingly, the use of terms such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", "first", "second", or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationships between various components or the spatial orientation of such aspects of the components should be understood to correspondingly describe the relative relationships between the components or the spatial orientation of such aspects of the components, since the manifolds, distribution pipes, refrigerant distributors, multi-channel pipes, heat exchangers, supply pipes, and corresponding components described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

[0039] A microchannel heat exchanger (MCHX) employing microchannel tubes is an important component in a heat pump system, which facilitates efficient heat transfer between different fluid streams. These heat exchangers are employed 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 MCHXs is the effective distribution of the working fluid (refrigerant) across the microchannel tubes to ensure optimal heat transfer performance and capacity. The working fluid can be in a two-phase (vapor and liquid) state. When the two phases are present, they must be mixed to facilitate effective distribution.

[0040] Non-uniform distribution of the working fluid within the MCHX can lead to severe imbalances in the thermal characteristics and a reduction in the overall heat transfer efficiency. One of the main problems associated with non-uniform distribution is the different heat transfer coefficients between the vapor phase and the liquid phase. Due to the lower heat transfer coefficient of the vapor phase, non-uniform distribution can result in local regions of reduced heat transfer, leading to a decrease in the capacity and overall performance of the heat pump system.

[0041] There is a need for a solution to address the challenges posed by non-uniform distribution in heat exchangers by providing an improved and effective fluid distribution system that helps the heat exchanger achieve a more uniform distribution of the working fluid phases across all the heat exchange tubes, thereby improving the overall thermal performance of the heat exchanger.

[0042] Refer to Figures 1A to 1F, in one or more embodiments, a heat exchanger 100 configured with a fluid dispenser 108 is disclosed. The heat exchanger 100 may include an inlet header 102, which may or may not include one or more first compartments 104-1 to 104-N (collectively referred to as the first compartments 104) separated by one or more dividing walls. Further, the heat exchanger 100 may include an outlet header (not shown herein), which may or may not include one or more second compartments. The heat exchanger 100 may include a heat exchange section and may be fluidly connected to the inlet header 102 and the outlet header. The heat exchange section includes a plurality of microchannel tubes 106 that extend between the inlet header 102 and the outlet header. The heat exchanger 100 may be in a horizontal configuration or a vertical configuration, but is not limited thereto. Further, the heat exchanger 100 may include a plurality of heat dissipating fins 110 that are in thermal contact with the plurality of microchannel tubes 106 in the heat exchange section of the heat exchanger 100. In one or more embodiments, the heat dissipating fins 110 may be any of the corrugated fin types as shown in Figures 1A to 1F , however, the heat dissipating fins 110 may also be of the inserted fin type as shown in Figure 1G and 1H .

[0043] Referring to Figure 1G and 1H , in one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger 100 may not include an inlet header. Further, the heat exchange section may include a plurality of tubes 106 (which may or may not be microchannel tubes) having a predetermined number and traverses, which may directly receive refrigerant through a supply tube 120 and a dispenser 108. As shown, the tubes 106 may be in a serpentine configuration, but are not limited thereto, and the fins 110 may be of the inserted fin type.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C , in one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger 100 may further include a fluid dispenser and separator 108 (also referred to herein as the dispenser 108), which may be longitudinally disposed in the inlet header 102 such that the dispenser 108 may at least partially extend through the inlet header 102. Further, referring to Figures 1D to 1F , in one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger 100 may include a fluid dispenser 108 that is constructed outside the inlet header 102 or extends outside the inlet header 102 and is fluidly connected to the internal volume of the inlet header 102.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, Figures 1A to 1FThe dispenser 108 may include a first tube 112 having an open first end 112-1 and a closed second end 112-2, and a second tube 114 having a closed first end 114-1 and an open second end 114-2. The second tube 114 may be concentrically disposed within the first tube 112 and longitudinally extend through the first tube 112 with a predetermined gap therebetween to define the shape of the dispenser 108. However, in some embodiments, the dispenser 108 may not include the second tube 114 and may include only the first tube 112 having an open first end 112-1 and a closed second end 112-2.

[0046] Further, in one or more embodiments, the second tube 114 may form a second central channel (CC) within the first tube 112, and a plurality of first channels (HC) may extend in a helical configuration along the length of the first tube 112 within the gap between the first tube 112 and the second tube 114 around the second central channel CC, as Figures 2A to 3C shown. However, in other embodiments (not shown herein), the second tube 114 may include a plurality of second channels CC longitudinally extending therethrough, where a plurality of first channels HC extend in a helical configuration around the plurality of second channels CC.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the gap between the first tube 112 and the second tube 114 may include a plurality of partitions having a helical profile that extend along the length of the first tube 112 to form a plurality of first channels HC having a helical configuration.

[0048] Additionally, one or more outlet ports 202 (collectively referred to herein as outlet ports 202) may be configured along the surface of the first tube 112 such that the outlet ports 202 may fluidly connect the plurality of second channels HC to the interior volume of the tubes 106 of the heat exchange section or the inlet header 102. Referring to Figures 1A to 1C , when the dispenser 108 is configured within the inlet header 102, the outlet ports 202 may open into the interior volume of the inlet header 102. Further, referring to Figures 1D to 1F , when the dispenser 108 is configured external to the inlet header 102, the outlet ports 202 may be fluidly connected to the interior volume or compartment of the inlet header 102 via one or more pipe fittings. Additionally, referring to Figure 1G and 1H , when the dispenser 108 is directly connected to the tubes 106 of the heat exchange section of the heat exchanger 100, the outlet ports 202 may be fluidly connected to the tubes 106.

[0049] The outlet port 202 and the internal volume of the inlet manifold 102 or this fluid connection to the tube 106 allow the outlet port 202 to be arranged at the same radial position around the distributor 108, which is not possible with existing axial extrusion distributors. It will be appreciated that when the outlet port 202 is arranged at the same radial position around the distributor 108, a central channel or a second tube 114 in the distributor 108 may not be required, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] In addition, in one or more embodiments, one or more inlet ports 204 (collectively referred to herein as inlet ports 204) may be constructed along the surface of the second tube 114 such that the inlet ports 204 can fluidly connect a plurality of second channels to the second central channel CC.

[0051] Thus, the distributor 108 can receive the two-phase working fluid (refrigerant) in the plurality of second channels HC via the first open end 112-1 of the first tube 112, as Figure 4 shown, causing the two-phase fluid to flow in a helical motion. This helical motion of the two-phase fluid can cause the liquid phase associated with the two-phase fluid (heavier than the vapor phase) to radially flow out of the distributor 108 to the inlet manifold 102 under the action of centrifugal force, and cause the vapor phase associated with the two-phase fluid (lighter) to flow into the second central channel via the inlet port 204, as Figure 3C shown, thereby separating the vapor phase from the liquid phase and supplying only the liquid phase to the inlet manifold 102 and further to the microchannel tube 106. Thus, the distributor 108 helps to achieve a more uniform distribution of the liquid phase of the refrigerant across all the microchannel tubes 106, thereby improving the overall thermal performance of the heat exchanger 100.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, referring to Figures 1A to 1C , when the inlet manifold 102 includes one or more first compartments 104 and the distributor 108 is constructed within the inlet manifold 102, the outlet ports ( Figure 2A , 2B and 202 shown in 3C) may be constructed at a first predetermined position on the first tube 112 such that at least one of the outlet ports 202 is maintained in each of the first compartments 104, thereby fluidly connecting each of the first helical channels HC to at least one of the first compartments 104 of the inlet manifold 102. Further, the inlet ports ( Figure 3C 204 shown in) may be constructed at a second predetermined position on the second tube 114 such that the inlet ports 204 fluidly connect each of the first channels HC to the second central channel CC.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, referring to Figures 1D to 1F, when the inlet header 102 includes a first compartment 104 and the distributor 108 is constructed outside the inlet header 102, the outlet ports 202 may be constructed at a first predetermined position on the first tube 112 such that at least one of the outlet ports 202 is maintained in fluid communication with each of those in the first compartment 104 via one of the pipe joints, thereby fluidly connecting each of the first helical channels HC to at least one of those in the first compartment 104 of the inlet header 102. Further, the inlet ports 204 may be constructed at a second predetermined position on the second tube 114 such that the inlet ports 204 fluidly connect each of the first channels HC to the second central channel CC.

[0054] In one or more embodiments (not shown here), when the second tube 114 includes a plurality of second channels longitudinally extending therethrough, the inlet ports 204 may be constructed at a second predetermined position on the second tube 114 such that the inlet ports 204 fluidly connect each of the second channels HC to at least one of those in the second channel CC.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1A , in one or more embodiments, the distributor 108 may be disposed within the inlet header 102 such that the distributor 108 extends through each of the first compartments 104-1 to 104-N of the inlet header 102, wherein the second tube 114 is concentrically disposed within the first tube 112 such that the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114 at least partially extends out of the second closed end 112-2 of the first tube 112 and further extends into the second end 102-2 of the inlet header 102 to transfer a substantially vapor phase out of the inlet header 102. Thus, the substantially vapor phase flowing into the second tube 114 or the second central channel via the inlet ports 204 may be collected or transferred out of the distributor 108 and the inlet header 102 via the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1B and 1C , in one or more embodiments, the distributor 108 may be longitudinally disposed within the inlet header 102 such that the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114 at least partially extends out of the second closed end 112-2 of the first tube 112 into one of the first compartments 104 of the inlet header 102 to transfer the vapor phase into the corresponding first compartment. For example, the first tube 112 may extend through compartments 104-1 to 114-4, and the second tube 114 may at least partially extend into compartment 114-N such that the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114 at least partially extends out of the second closed end 112-2 of the first tube 112 into compartment 104-N, thereby transferring the substantially vapor phase into the corresponding compartment 104-N.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, a group of tubes (designated as A in Figure 1B and 1C ) among the plurality of microchannel tubes 106 that are connected to one of the first compartments 104-N that receive the vapor phase from the dispenser 108 may be larger in size than the remaining tubes (designated as B in Figure 1B and 1C ) among the plurality of microchannel tubes 106. For example, as shown in Figure 1B and 1C , the size of tube A may be larger than the size of the remaining tubes B among the plurality of microchannel tubes 106. This may allow tube A to primarily carry vapor that has a much lower density than the substantially liquid-phase fluid carried in tube B of the heat exchanger.

[0058] Referring to Figure 1D , in one or more embodiments, the dispenser 108 may be constructed outside or external to the inlet header 102 such that the dispenser 108 extends substantially parallel to the inlet header 102. However, the dispenser 108 may also be constructed not to be parallel to the inlet header 102. Further, the second tube 114 of the dispenser 102 may be concentrically disposed within the first tube 112 such that the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114 extends at least partially out of the second closed end 112-2 of the first tube 112 to transfer the vapor phase out of the first tube 112. Thus, the dispenser 108 may receive the two-phase working fluid (refrigerant) in a plurality of second channels HC via the first open end 112-1 of the first tube 112 and cause the two-phase fluid to flow in a spiral motion. This may cause the liquid phase (more dense) associated with the two-phase fluid to radially flow out of the dispenser 108 through the outlet port 202 and the tube fitting into the inlet header 102 under the action of centrifugal force, and cause the vapor phase (less dense) associated with the two-phase fluid to flow into the second central channel CC or the second tube 114 via the inlet port 204. Further, the vapor phase flowing through the second tube 114 may be collected or transferred out of the dispenser 108 via the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114.

[0059] Referring to Figure 1E, the heat exchanger 100 may include a single header 102 having a plurality of (first) compartments 104-1 to 104-N separated by partition walls. The compartments may include at least one fluid inlet compartment 104-1, 104-3, and 104-N, and at least one fluid outlet compartment 104-2 and 104-4. Additionally, the plurality of tubes 106 of the heat exchange section may have a predetermined number of turns and crossovers such that each tube 106 associated with a crossover may be fluidly connected between one of the fluid inlet compartments 104-1, 104-3, and 104-N and one of the fluid outlet compartments 104-2 and 104-4 and extend therebetween. Further, the heat exchanger 100 may include a distributor 108 constructed outside the header 102 and fluidly connected to the header 102. In such embodiments, the outlet ports 202 of the distributor 108 may be provided at a first predetermined position on the first tube 112 such that at least one of the outlet ports 202 remains fluidly connected to at least one of the fluid inlet compartments 104-1, 104-3, and 104-N via one of the tube joints to allow the liquid phase separated within the distributor 108 to flow out of the distributor 108 into the fluid inlet compartments 104-1, 104-3, and 104-N and be further evenly distributed into the corresponding tubes 106. Further, each of the fluid outlet compartments 104-2 and 104-4 may include an opening 122 to discharge the substantially vapor phase generated within the corresponding tube 106 out of the header 102.

[0060] Further, in one or more embodiments, Figure 1E the second tube 114 of the distributor 102 may be concentrically disposed within the first tube 112 such that the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114 at least partially extends out of the second closed end 112-2 of the first tube 112 to transfer the vapor phase separated within the distributor 108 into the inlet header 102.

[0061] Referring to Figure 1F , in one or more embodiments, the distributor 108 may be constructed outside or external to the inlet header 102 such that the distributor 108 extends substantially parallel to the inlet header 102. However, the distributor 108 may also be constructed not parallel to the inlet header 102. Further, at least one of the outlet ports 202 associated with the distributor 108 may be fluidly connected to each of the first compartments 104-1 to 104-4 of the inlet header 102 via a tube joint. Additionally, the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114 of the distributor 108 may at least partially extend out of the second closed end 112-2 of the first tube 112 into an outer compartment 124. The outer compartment 124 may be further fluidly connected to one of the first compartments 104-N of the inlet header 102.

[0062] Accordingly, the dispenser 108 can receive a two-phase working fluid (refrigerant) via the first open end 112-1 of the first tube 112 into the plurality of second channels HC and cause the two-phase fluid to flow in a spiral motion, which can cause the liquid phase (heavier) associated with the two-phase fluid to radially flow out of the dispenser 108 via the outlet port 202 and the pipe joint into the compartments 104-1 to 104-4 of the inlet header 102 under the action of centrifugal force, and cause the vapor phase (lighter) associated with the two-phase fluid to flow into the second central channel CC or the second tube 114 via the inlet port 204. Further, the vapor phase flowing through the second tube 114 can be collected or transferred to the external compartment 124 and further to the compartment 104-N of the inlet header 102 via another pipe joint.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the size of the group of tubes (designated as A in Figure 1F connected to one of the first compartments 104-N that receives the vapor phase from the external compartment 124 of the dispenser 108 among the plurality of microchannel tubes 106 can be larger than the size of the remaining tubes (designated as B in Figure 1B and 1C ) among the plurality of microchannel tubes 106. For example, as shown in Figure 1B and 1C , the size of tube A can be larger than the size of the remaining tubes B among the plurality of microchannel tubes 106.

[0064] Referring to Figure 1G and 1H , in one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger 100 may not include an inlet header, where the heat exchange section may include a plurality of tubes 106 having a predetermined number and traversal. As shown, the tubes 106 may be in a serpentine configuration, but are not limited thereto, and the fins 110 may be of the inserted fin type. Further, the dispenser 108 may be fluidly connected to the inlets of the tubes 106, where the outlet port 202 of the dispenser may be directly fluidly connected to the inlets of the tubes 106.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, referring to Figure 1G , the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114 of the dispenser 108 may at least partially extend out of the second closed end 112-2 of the first tube 112. Accordingly, the dispenser 108 can be configured to receive a two-phase fluid via the first open end 112-1 of the first tube 112 into the plurality of first channels HC and cause the two-phase fluid to flow in a spiral motion. This spiral motion of the two-phase fluid can cause the liquid phase associated with the two-phase fluid to radially flow out of the dispenser 108 via the outlet port 202 (not shown) into the plurality of tubes 106 of the heat exchange section. Further, the vapor phase flowing through the second tube 114 can be collected or transferred out of the dispenser 108 via the second open end 114-2 of the second tube 114.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, with reference to Figure 1H , when the dispenser 108 does not have a second tube, the dispenser 108 can be configured to receive a two-phase fluid via a first opening end 112-1 of the first tube 112 within a plurality of first channels HC, cause the two-phase fluid to flow in a helical motion, and allow the fluid to flow out of the dispenser 108 via an outlet port 202 (not shown here) into a plurality of tubes 106 of the heat exchange section.

[0067] Referring back to Figure 1A , 1B and 1D to 1F, a second opening end 114-2 of the second tube 114 can include a check valve 116. The check valve can be employed during heat pump applications where the flow through the heat exchanger can reverse. However, the second opening end 114-2 of the second tube 114 may not include a check valve 116, as shown in Figure 1C . Further, with reference to Figures 1A to 1H , a first closed end 114-1 of the second tube 114 can be closed by an optional flow restrictor 118, and the first opening end 112-1 of the first tube 112 or the dispenser 108 can be configured to be fluidly connected to a supply tube 120 associated with the heat exchanger 100.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the first tube 112 and the second tube 114 of the dispenser 108 can have a cylindrical profile with an inner circular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the first tube 112 and the second tube 114 can also have a non-cylindrical or polyhedral profile with an inner circular cross-section or a polygonal cross-section, without any limitation.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, for the Figure 1A heat exchanger 100, openings can be provided at a first end (supply tube end) 102-1 and a second end 102-2 (opposite the first end) of the inlet header 102, and holes can be provided in each of the partition walls of the inlet header 102 such that the openings of the inlet header 102 and the holes in the partition walls of the compartments 104 are in line. Further, the dispenser 108 can longitudinally extend into the inlet header 102 through the openings and holes in the wall such that the second opening end 114-2 of the second tube 114 extends into the inlet header 102 via the last compartment 104-N at the second end 102-2 of the inlet header 102. Finally, the entire dispenser 108 and the inlet header 102 can be brazed to secure the dispenser 108 to the inlet header 102 body and create a leak-proof structure.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, for Figure 1B and 1CFor the heat exchanger 100, an opening may be provided at the first end (supply pipe end) of the inlet header 102, and holes may be provided in each of the partition walls of the inlet header 102 such that the opening of the inlet header 102 and the holes in the partition walls of the compartments 104 are aligned. Further, the distributor 108 may longitudinally extend into the inlet header 102 through the opening and the holes in the wall such that the second opening end 114-2 of the second pipe 114 opens into the last compartment 104-N at the second end 102-2 of the inlet header 102. Finally, the entire distributor 108 and the inlet header 102 may be brazed to secure the distributor 108 to the inlet header 102 body and create a leak-proof structure.

[0071] Accordingly, the present invention addresses the challenges presented by existing heat exchangers by providing an improved and effective fluid distributor that facilitates a more uniform distribution of the working fluid phase (liquid phase of the refrigerant) across all the heat exchange tubes of the heat exchanger, thereby enhancing the overall thermal performance of the heat exchanger. Additionally, the fluid distributor reduces or restricts the inflow of the vapor phase of the refrigerant into the heat exchange tubes. Further, the distributor allows the outlet ports to be arranged at the same radial position around the distributor, which is not possible with existing axially extruded distributors.

[0072] While the subject disclosure is described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject disclosure without departing from its scope. Accordingly, it is intended that the subject disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the subject disclosure include all embodiments falling within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0073] In interpreting the specification, all terms should be construed in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprising" and "including" should be construed as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the recited elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly recited. In cases where the specification or claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C.... and N, the text should be construed as requiring only one element from the group, rather than A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A fluid distributor for a heat exchanger, the fluid distributor comprising: A first tube having an open first end and a closed second end, wherein a plurality of first channels extend along the length in a helical configuration inside the first tube, and one or more outlet ports are configured along the surface of the first tube, wherein the distributor is configured with the heat exchanger such that the one or more outlet ports fluidly connect the plurality of first channels to a plurality of tubes associated with a heat exchange section of the heat exchanger or an internal volume of an inlet header associated with the heat exchanger.

2. The fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, The distributor is configured to receive a two-phase fluid in the plurality of first channels via the first open end of the first tube and cause the two-phase fluid to flow in a helical motion, wherein the helical motion of the two-phase fluid causes the fluid to radially flow out of the distributor via the one or more outlet ports into the plurality of tubes of the heat exchange section or the internal volume of the inlet header.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein, The distributor includes: A second tube having a closed first end and an open second end, the second tube being concentrically disposed inside the first tube and longitudinally extending through the first tube with a predetermined gap therebetween to define the shape of the distributor; wherein the second tube forms a second central channel inside the first tube, and the plurality of first channels extend in the helical configuration around the second central channel along the length of the first tube within the gap between the first tube and the second tube; and one or more inlet ports configured along the surface of the second tube, wherein the one or more inlet ports fluidly connect the plurality of first channels to the second central channel.

4. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 and 3, wherein, The distributor is configured to receive a two-phase fluid in the plurality of first channels via the first open end of the first tube and cause the two-phase fluid to flow in a helical motion, wherein the helical motion of the two-phase fluid causes the liquid phase associated with the two-phase fluid to radially flow out of the distributor via the one or more outlet ports into the tubes of the heat exchange section or the internal volume of the inlet header, and causes the vapor phase associated with the two-phase fluid to flow into the second central channel via the one or more inlet ports.

5. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The distributor is configured to be longitudinally disposed in the inlet header such that the distributor at least partially extends through the inlet header.

6. The fluid dispenser according to claim 5, wherein, The inlet header includes one or more first compartments separated by one or more first walls, wherein the one or more outlet ports are configured at a first predetermined position on the first tube such that at least one of the one or more outlet ports remains in each of the first compartments.

7. The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The distributor is constructed outside the inlet header, wherein the one or more outlet ports fluidly connect the plurality of first channels of the distributor to the plurality of tubes of the heat exchange section or the internal volume of the inlet header.

8. The fluid dispenser according to claim 7, wherein, The inlet header includes one or more first compartments separated by one or more first walls, wherein the one or more outlet ports are constructed at a first predetermined location on the first tube such that at least one of the one or more outlet ports is maintained in fluid connection with at least one of the first compartments via one or more pipe joints.

9. The fluid dispenser according to claim 7, wherein, The inlet header includes a plurality of first compartments separated by one or more first walls, the plurality of first compartments including at least one fluid inlet compartment and at least one fluid outlet compartment, wherein the plurality of tubes of the heat exchange section have a predetermined number of turns and traverses such that each of the tubes associated with each of the traverses extends between one of the fluid inlet compartments and one of the fluid outlet compartments among the one or more first compartments.

10. The fluid dispenser according to claim 9, wherein, The one or more outlet ports of the distributor are constructed at a first predetermined location on the first tube such that at least one of the one or more outlet ports is maintained in fluid connection with at least one of the fluid inlet compartments via one or more pipe joints, and wherein each of the fluid outlet compartments includes an opening to discharge a substantially vapor phase generated within the corresponding tube out of the inlet header.

11. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The one or more inlet ports are constructed at a second predetermined location on the second tube such that the one or more inlet ports fluidly connect each of the first channels to the second central channel.

12. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The second central channel includes a plurality of second channels longitudinally extending through the second tube, wherein the one or more inlet ports are constructed at a second predetermined location on the second tube such that the one or more inlet ports fluidly connect each of the first channels to at least one of the second channels.

13. The fluid dispenser according to claim 6, wherein, The distributor is disposed within the inlet header such that the distributor extends through each of the first compartments of the inlet header, wherein the second tube is concentrically disposed within the first tube such that the second open end of the second tube at least partially extends out of the second closed end of the first tube and the inlet header to transfer the vapor phase out of the inlet header.

14. The fluid dispenser according to claim 6, wherein, The distributor is longitudinally disposed within the inlet header such that the second open end of the second tube at least partially extends out of the second closed end of the first tube into one of the first compartments of the inlet header to transfer the vapor phase into the corresponding first compartment.

15. The fluid dispenser according to claim 8, wherein, The second open end of the second tube at least partially extends out of the second closed end of the first tube to transfer the vapor phase out of the inlet header.

16. The fluid dispenser according to claim 8, wherein, The second open end of the second tube at least partially extends out of the second closed end of the first tube into an external compartment to transfer the vapor phase into the corresponding external compartment, wherein the external compartment includes at least one of the outlet ports fluidly connected to at least one of the first compartments of the inlet header.

17. The fluid dispenser according to claim 9, wherein, The second open end of the second tube extends at least partially out of the second closed end of the first tube to transfer the vapor phase separated within the dispenser out of the inlet header.

18. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The second open end of the second tube includes a check valve to restrain the reflux of the vapor phase into the second tube or the second central passage, and wherein the first end of the second tube is closed by a restrictor, and the first open end of the first tube or the dispenser is configured to be fluidly connected to a supply tube associated with the heat exchanger.

19. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat dissipating fins that are in thermal contact with the plurality of tubes in the heat exchange section of the heat exchanger, wherein the plurality of heat dissipating fins are of either a corrugated fin type or an inserted fin type.

20. The fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The heat exchanger is in a horizontal configuration or a vertical configuration.

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