Fluid distributor assembly for heat exchanger

Abstract

A fluid distributor assembly for a heat exchanger is described herein. The assembly includes: a first housing; a second housing configured to be removably attached to the first housing such that a header is formed, the header having an enclosed space therein; and a plurality of fluid distributors configured to be removably received on one or more of the first housing and the second housing, where at least two fluid distributors of the plurality of fluid distributors have different distribution configurations, where the first housing and the second housing are attached to secure the received distributors within the formed header.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A fluid distributor assembly for a heat exchanger is described herein. The assembly includes: a first housing; a second housing configured to be removably attached to the first housing to form a manifold having an enclosed space therein; and a plurality of fluid distributors configured to be removably received in one or more of the first and second housings, wherein at least two of the plurality of fluid distributors have different dispensing configurations, wherein the first and second housings are attached to secure the received distributors within the formed manifold.

[0003] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of fluid distributors are housed at predefined locations on the first and / or second housings such that the plurality of fluid distributors remain in alignment along the length of the manifold formed when the first and second housings are attached.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a fluid distributor assembly or header is configured to be fluidly connected to a plurality of heat exchange tubes associated with a heat exchanger.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the first housing includes a plurality of first slots configured to receive ends of a plurality of heat exchange tubes such that when the first housing and the second housing are attached, the plurality of heat exchange tubes become fluidly connected to at least one of the housed fluid distributors.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the second housing includes one or more second troughs configured to be fluidically connected to one or more feeder tubes, wherein a plurality of fluid distributors are housed on the second housing such that inlet ports of corresponding fluid distributors become fluidically connected to corresponding feeder tubes.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the second housing includes one or more second grooves, and the one or more second grooves are configured to be fluidly connected to one or more feeder tubes, wherein a plurality of fluid distributors are accommodated on the first housing so that when the first housing and the second housing are attached, the inlet ports of the corresponding fluid distributors become fluidly connected to the corresponding feeder tubes.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor assembly includes one or more connector tubes, each of which is configured to be at least partially disposed through the second housing or within the manifold via one of the second grooves, wherein a first end of the disposed connector tube is configured to be fluidically connected to an inlet port of a contained fluid distributor and a second end of the corresponding connector tube is configured to be fluidically connected to one of the feeder tubes.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, one side of the second housing is open and includes a plurality of segments configured along a length of the second housing, wherein each of the segments is configured to receive at least one of the fluid dispensers thereon.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, one side of the first housing includes a plurality of segments constructed along a length of the first housing, and another side of the first housing includes a plurality of first slots connected to the plurality of segments, wherein each of the segments is configured to accommodate at least one of the fluid dispensers thereon.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor assembly includes one or more isolators, each of which is configured to be coaxially positioned between adjacent segments and / or at terminal ends of corresponding housings to fluidly isolate each of the segments and to correspondingly form one or more compartments and enclosed spaces within the manifold when the first housing and the second housing are attached.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the header, the housed fluid distributor, the plurality of heat exchange tubes, the spacers, and the connector tubes are brazed together to fluidly seal the fluid distributor assembly.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the brazed fluid distributor assembly allows fluid to flow from a feeder tube into a plurality of distributors via one or more second slots or connector tubes, and further into a plurality of heat exchange tubes via one or more outlet ports associated with corresponding distributors.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of segments have predefined profiles based on the outer profile of the fluid distributor to be accommodated thereon, wherein the first shell and the second shell have predefined shapes such that when the first shell and the second shell are attached, opposite ends of the formed manifold remain closed and form an enclosed space within the manifold.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, each of the segments has a substantially curved profile, wherein the first shell and the second shell have a predefined shape such that when the first shell and the second shell are attached, opposite ends of the formed manifold remain closed and form an enclosed space within the manifold.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first shell has a substantially planar profile including a plurality of first slots extending through the first shell, wherein the first shell and the second shell have predefined shapes such that when the first shell and the second shell are attached, opposite ends of the formed manifold remain closed and form an enclosed space within the manifold.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first housing includes one or more first fixing members and the second housing includes one or more second fixing members, wherein the one or more first fixing members are configured to engage with the one or more second fixing members to achieve attachment of the first housing and the second housing.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the one or more first fixing members and the one or more second fixing members are adapted to be clamped or snap-fitted or slidably engaged with each other.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, a first distributor among a plurality of distributors comprises: a hollow tube having a predefined length, the tube comprising at least one inlet port and one or more outlet ports radially configured along an outer surface of the tube, wherein the one or more outlet ports are fluidically connected to the at least one inlet port via one or more channels extending through the tube.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a second distributor among the plurality of distributors comprises: a plate having a predefined length and a predefined thickness, the plate comprising at least one inlet port and one or more outlet ports constructed on an outer surface of the tube, wherein the one or more outlet ports are fluidically connected to the at least one inlet port via one or more channels extending through the plate, wherein the plate is a laminate or a perforated plate.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, a third distributor among the plurality of distributors comprises: an enclosure comprising one or more sides and / or one or more surfaces defining a predefined shape and a predefined internal volume, wherein the third distributor is configured to fluidly accommodate ends of a plurality of heat exchange tubes through the one or more sides and / or one or more surfaces of the enclosure.

[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, further aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the subject disclosure will become more 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 accompanying drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes between the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in this specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[0025] Figure 1A An exemplary exploded view of an embodiment of a distributor assembly for a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 1B An exemplary exploded view of another embodiment of a distributor assembly for a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 1C An exemplary exploded view of yet another embodiment of a distributor assembly for a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 1D An exemplary side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispenser assembly according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An exemplary view of a first housing associated with a dispenser assembly is illustrated, according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary view of a second housing associated with a dispenser assembly is illustrated, according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 An exemplary view illustrating an embodiment of a dispenser associated with a dispenser assembly according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 An exemplary view illustrating another embodiment of a dispenser associated with a dispenser assembly according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 An exemplary view illustrating yet another embodiment of a dispenser associated with a dispenser assembly according to one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the subject disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are described in such detail so as to clearly convey the subject disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, that term 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.

[0036] In this specification, when depicting devices in the accompanying drawings, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and the spatial orientations of various aspects of the components. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of this subject disclosure, the components of the invention described herein may 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 relationships between various components or to describe the spatial orientations of aspects of such components should be understood to describe the relative relationships between components or the spatial orientations of aspects of such components, respectively, and the components described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

[0037] The uniform distribution of fluid (refrigerant) across multiple ports of heat exchange tubes in a heat exchanger plays a vital role in the overall performance of the heat exchanger and the efficient utilization of the heat transfer surface. Existing fluid distribution solutions are complex and difficult to manufacture or assemble. In addition, these solutions provide limited flexibility in incorporating different types of fluid distribution devices into a single structure to address flow irregularities or pressure drops. This is necessary to achieve an evenly distributed flow across the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator. Therefore, there is a need for a fluid distribution assembly for a heat exchanger that is simple, efficient, cost-effective and easy to assemble. The assembly should uniformly supply the fluid (refrigerant) to the ports of the heat exchange tubes and should be easy to manufacture and assemble with minimal complexity. In addition, the assembly should provide the flexibility to use different types of fluid distributor devices within a single assembly.

[0038] refer to Figures 1A to 1D, discloses a fluid distributor assembly 100 for a heat exchanger (also referred to herein as a distributor assembly or assembly 100). Assembly 100 may include a first housing 102 and a second housing 104, the second housing 104 being configured to be removably attached to the first housing 102 to form a header 100A (also referred to as a manifold 100A) having an enclosed space therein. The first housing 102 and the second housing 104 may have predefined shapes such that, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 are attached, opposite ends of the header 100A remain closed and form an enclosed space within the header 100A.

[0039] The assembly 100 may further include a plurality of fluid distributors 106-1 to 106-N (collectively referred to herein as distributors 106 or distribution devices 106), which may be configured to be removably received on one or more of the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. In one or more embodiments, at least two of the plurality of fluid distributors 106 may have different distribution configurations; however, in some embodiments, the plurality of fluid distributors 106 may also have the same distribution configuration (i.e., all distributors 106-1 to 106-N may be the same) without limitation. Furthermore, once the distributors 106 are received on the first housing 102 and / or the second housing 104, the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 may be attached together and brazed to secure the received distributors 106 within the formed manifold 100A and form the distributor assembly 100, as shown. Figure 1D As shown in .

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the dispenser assembly 100 can be configured in a horizontal orientation. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the dispenser assembly 100 can be configured in a vertical orientation. However, in some embodiments, the dispenser assembly 100 can also be oriented at a predefined angle relative to a horizontal plane or a vertical plane.

[0041] The fluid distributor assembly 100 or header 100A may be configured to be fluidly connected to a plurality of heat exchange tubes 108 associated with a heat exchanger, such as Figure 1D , such that when the first and second housings 102, 104 are attached or when the header 100A is formed, the heat exchange tubes 108 become fluidly connected to at least one of the accommodated fluid distributors 106. In one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger may be a microchannel heat exchanger having microchannel tubes in the heat exchange section. In other embodiments, the heat exchanger may also be an insert fin heat exchanger.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the first housing 102 may include a plurality of first slots 102-1 configured to receive ends of a plurality of heat exchange tubes 108, such that when the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 are attached, the heat exchange tubes 108 become fluidly connected to at least one of the contained fluid distributors 106. The dimensions of the first slots 102-1 may be selected based on the outer profile of the heat exchange tubes 108 to be inserted therethrough. In one or more embodiments, the first slots 102-1 may be formed in the first housing 102 during the manufacturing stage before the first housing 102 is attached to the second housing 104. However, in some embodiments, the first slots 102-1 may also be formed in the first housing 102 after the first housing 102 is attached to the second housing 104 or when the header 100A is formed. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the first housing 102 may have a planar or cubic profile with the first slots 102-1 extending therethrough. However, in other embodiments, the first housing 102 may have other profiles without limitation.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, a plurality of fluid dispensers 106 can be housed at predefined locations on the first housing 102 and / or the second housing 104, such that the plurality of fluid dispensers 106 remain aligned along the length of the manifold 100A formed when the first and second housings 102, 104 are attached. For example, in one or more embodiments, all of the fluid dispensers 106 can be housed on the second housing 104, such that the fluid dispensers 106 remain aligned along the length of the second housing 104. Furthermore, the first housing 102 can be attached to the second housing 104 to secure the housed fluid dispensers 106. In some embodiments, some of the fluid dispensers 106 can be housed on the second housing 104, and the remaining fluid dispensers 106 can be housed on the first housing 102, such that the fluid dispensers 106 housed on the first and second housings 102, 104 do not overlap and all of the fluid dispensers 106 remain aligned along the length of the manifold 100A formed when the first and second housings 102, 104 are attached. Similarly, in some embodiments, all of the fluid dispensers 106 can be housed on the first housing 102 such that the fluid dispensers 106 remain in a straight line along the length of the first housing 102. Additionally, the first housing 102 can be attached to the second housing 104 to secure the housed fluid dispensers 106.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, reference Figure 3A and Figure 3BOne side of the second housing 104 may be open and may include a plurality of sections 104-1 configured along the length of the second housing 104. Each of these sections 104-1 may be configured to accommodate at least one of the fluid distributors 106 thereon. In addition, the second housing 104 may also include one or more second slots 104-2 configured to be fluidically connected to one or more feeder tubes, wherein the fluid distributors 106 may be accommodated on the second housing 104 such that the inlet ports of the corresponding fluid distributors 106 become fluidically connected to the corresponding feeder tubes.

[0045] In one or more embodiments (not shown), one side of the first housing 102 may include a plurality of segments configured along the length of the first housing 102, wherein each of the segments may be configured to accommodate at least one of the fluid distributors 106 thereon. Furthermore, another side of the first housing 102 may include a plurality of first slots 102-1 (for heat exchange tubes 108) connected to the plurality of segments. Furthermore, the second housing 104 may include second slots 104-2 configured to be fluidically connected to the feeder tubes, such that when the first and second housings 102, 104 are attached, the inlet ports of the fluid distributors 106 accommodated on the first housing 102 may become fluidically connected to the corresponding feeder tubes.

[0046] Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the distributor assembly 100 can include one or more connector tubes 110, each configured to be at least partially disposed through the second housing 104 or within the manifold 100A via one of the second slots 104-2. Furthermore, a first end of each of the disposed connector tubes 110 can be configured to be fluidically connected to an inlet port of a received fluid distributor 106, and a second end of each corresponding connector tube 110 can be configured to be fluidically connected to one of the feeder tubes.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the assembly 100 may include one or more isolators 112, each configured to be coaxially positioned between segments 104-1 or adjacent fluid distributors 106 and at the terminal ends to correspondingly form one or more compartments (C) within the manifold 100A when the first and second housings 102, 104 are attached. Figure 1D , such that one of the fluid distributors 106 remains within each of the formed compartments C. In one or more embodiments, the separator 112 may be a solid component having a predefined profile and a predefined thickness based on the cross-sectional inner profile of the formed manifold 100A, such that the separator 112 may be coaxially placed and fit within the manifold 100A while preventing any leakage between adjacent compartments C when brazing.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, once the fluid distributor 106, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108, the isolator 112, and / or the connector tube 110 are constructed within the header / housing 100A when the first and second housings 102, 104 are attached, the entire assembly 100 may be brazed together to fluidically seal the distributor assembly 100. However, in some embodiments, the distributor assembly 100 may not include the isolator 112 and / or the connector tube 110, and only the formed header 100A (the first and second housings 102, 104), the housed fluid distributor 106, and the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108 may be brazed to form a leak-proof distributor assembly 100. Thus, the brazed distributor assembly 100 may allow fluid (refrigerant associated with the refrigerant lines or heat exchangers) to flow from the feeder tubes via the second grooves 104-2 or the connector tubes 110 into the plurality of distributors 106, and further into the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108 via one or more outlet ports associated with the corresponding fluid distributors 106.

[0049] In one or more embodiments (not shown), the plurality of segments 104-1 provided on the first housing 102 (not shown) and / or the second housing 104 may have a predefined profile based on the outer profile of the fluid dispenser 106 to be accommodated therein. Furthermore, the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 may have a predefined shape such that, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 are attached, the opposite ends of the formed manifold 100A remain closed and a closed space is formed within the manifold 100A. For example, in one or more embodiments, each of the segments 104-1 may have a substantially curved profile, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the second housing 104 can have a substantially C-shaped curved cross-section having closed ends and open sides with no or multiple sections 104-1 for accommodating the fluid dispenser 106, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B In addition, the first housing 102 may have a planar profile having a first groove 102-1, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B. The first housing 102 can be attached to the second housing 104 so as to form a substantially semi-cylindrical shell. In addition, in one or more embodiments (not shown), the second housing 104 can have a substantially C-shaped curved cross-section with closed ends and open sides with or without multiple sections 104-1 for accommodating the fluid distributor 106. In addition, the first housing 102 can also have a substantially C-shaped curved cross-section with a first groove 102-1, wherein the first housing 102 can be attached to the second housing 104 so as to form a substantially cylindrical shell. Although, for the sake of brevity, the various embodiments and figures herein have been described with respect to housings 102, 104 and manifold 100A having specific shapes and cross-sections, the housings 102, 104 and manifold 100A can also have any other shapes and cross-sections without limitation, and all such embodiments are fully within the scope of the present invention.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the first housing 102 may include one or more first fixing members (not shown), and the second housing 104 may include one or more second fixing members (not shown), wherein the first fixing member may be configured to engage with the second fixing member to achieve attachment of the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. This may allow the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 to be temporarily attached during the brazing process and to secure the fluid dispenser 106 therein. In one or more embodiments, the first fixing member and the second fixing member may be configured to clamp or snap fit or slidably engage. However, the first housing 102 and the second housing 104 may also be attached together using any means known in the art before brazing without limitation.

[0052] refer to Figure 4In one or more embodiments, a first distributor 106-1 among the plurality of distributors 106 may include a hollow tube 402 having a predefined length. The tube 402 may include at least one inlet port 404 and one or more outlet ports 406 radially configured along the outer surface of the tube 402. The outlet port 406 of the first distributor 100-1 may be fluidically connected to the inlet port(s) 404 via one or more channels (not shown) extending through the tube 402. The first distributor 106-1 may be coaxially configured in one of the sections 104-1 within the manifold 100A. In addition, the inlet port 404 of the first distributor 106-1 may be fluidically connected to the second tank 104-2 of the second housing 104 or to the connector tube 110 at the second tank 104-2, thereby fluidly connecting the first distributor 106-1 to one of the feeder tubes. Furthermore, the ends of the heat exchange tubes 108 inserted into the assembly 100 may be in fluid communication with or in front of the outlet ports 406 of the first distributor 106-1, with a gap between the ends and the outlet ports 406 to enable fluid received from the feeder tubes to be supplied to the corresponding heat exchange tubes 108. In one or more embodiments, the size of the outlet ports 406 of the first distributor 106-1 may vary along the length of the tubes 402, however, the size of all outlet ports 406 may be the same. Furthermore, the gaps between adjacent outlet ports 406 on the tubes 402 of the first distributor 106-1 may vary, however, the gaps between adjacent outlet ports 406 may be the same.

[0053] refer to Figure 5In one or more embodiments, the second distributor 106-2 of the plurality of distributors 106 may include a plate 502 having a predefined length and a predefined thickness. In one or more embodiments, the plate 502 may be a laminate or a perforated plate, but is not limited thereto. The plate 502 may include at least one inlet port 504 and one or more outlet ports 506 configured on the outer surface of the plate 502. The outlet port 506 of the plate 502 may be fluidically connected to the (multiple) inlet port 504 via one or more channels (not shown) extending through the plate 502. The second distributor 106-2 may be coaxially configured in one of the sections 104-1 within the manifold 100A. In addition, the inlet port 504 of the second distributor 106-2 may be fluidically connected to the second slot 104-2 of the second housing 104 or fluidically connected to the connector tube 110 at the second slot 104-2, thereby fluidly connecting the second distributor 106-2 to one of the feeder tubes. Furthermore, the ends of the heat exchange tubes 108 inserted into the assembly 100 may be in fluid communication with or in front of the outlet ports 506 of the first distributor 106-2, with a gap between the ends and the outlet ports 506, to enable fluid received from the feeder tubes to be supplied to the corresponding heat exchange tubes 108. In one or more embodiments, the size of the outlet ports 506 of the second distributor 106-2 may vary along the length of the plate 502, however, the size of all outlet ports 506 may be the same. Furthermore, the gaps between adjacent outlet ports 506 on the plate 502 of the second distributor may vary, however, the gaps between adjacent outlet ports 506 may be the same.

[0054] In one or more embodiments (not shown), a third dispenser in the plurality of dispensers 106 may include an enclosure comprising one or more sides and / or one or more surfaces defining a predefined shape and a predefined interior volume. Figure 6 In the non-limiting example shown in , the third distributor 106-3 may have an octagonal cross-section with eight planar sides. The third distributor 106-3 may be configured to fluidly accommodate the ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108 through one or more sides and / or one or more surfaces of the closure 602. In one or more embodiments, the closure 602 may include an inlet port 604, and any of the sides or surfaces of the third distributor 106-3 may include an outlet port 606 internally connected to the inlet port 604.

[0055] The third distributor can be coaxially configured in one of the sections 104-1 within the manifold 100A. Furthermore, the inlet port of the third distributor can be fluidically connected to the second slot of the second housing 104 or to the connector tube 110 at the second slot, thereby fluidically connecting the third distributor to one of the feeder tubes. Furthermore, the end of the heat exchange tube inserted into the assembly 100 can be in fluid communication with the outlet port of the first distributor or in front of the outlet port of the first distributor, with a gap between the end and the outlet port to enable fluid received from the feeder tube to be supplied to the corresponding heat exchange tube 108. In one or more embodiments, the size of the outlet port of the third distributor can vary along the length of the plate; however, the size of all outlet ports can also be the same. Furthermore, the gap between adjacent outlet ports on the plate of the third distributor can vary; however, the gap between adjacent outlet ports can also be the same.

[0056] Although various embodiments herein have been described with respect to fluid distributors having a tubular design or a plate-type design, any other type of fluid distributor known in the art may likewise be employed in the assembly without limitation, and all such embodiments are fully within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the flexibility of allowing different fluid distributors having different fluid distribution configurations to be used within an assembly facilitates independently customizing and optimizing the flow of fluid (refrigerant) entering each port associated with each of the heat exchange tubes connected to the length of the assembly to compensate for flow irregularities or pressure drops and achieve an evenly distributed flow across the heat exchanger.

[0058] Thus, the present invention overcomes the challenges associated with existing heat exchangers by providing a simple, efficient, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble fluid distribution assembly for a heat exchanger that uniformly supplies fluid (refrigerant) to the ports of the heat exchange tubes. Furthermore, the assembly can be easily manufactured and assembled with minimal complexity. Furthermore, the assembly provides the flexibility to use different types of fluid distributors (with different distribution configurations) within the same assembly.

[0059] Although the subject disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof 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 the scope of the subject disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the subject disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but that the subject disclosure includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0060] In interpreting this specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, thereby indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present or utilized or combined with other elements, components, or steps not explicitly referenced. Where this specification or the claims reference at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C..., and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from that group, rather than A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A fluid distributor assembly for a heat exchanger, the assembly comprising: first shell; a second housing configured to be removably attached to the first housing such that a manifold is formed, the manifold having an enclosed space therein; as well as a plurality of fluid dispensers configured to be removably received on one or more of the first housing and the second housing, wherein at least two of the plurality of fluid dispensers have different dispensing configurations, The first housing and the second housing are attached to fix the accommodated distributor within the formed manifold.

2. The fluid dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of fluid distributors are housed at predefined positions on the first housing and / or the second housing such that the plurality of fluid distributors remain in alignment along a length of the manifold formed when the first and second housings are attached.

3. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The fluid distributor assembly or the header is configured to be fluidly connected to a plurality of heat exchange tubes associated with a heat exchanger.

4. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first housing includes a plurality of first slots configured to receive ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes such that when the first and second housings are attached, the plurality of heat exchange tubes become fluidly connected to at least one of the housed fluid distributors.

5. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second housing includes one or more second grooves, which are configured to be fluidically connected to one or more feeder tubes, wherein the plurality of fluid distributors are accommodated on the second housing so that the inlet ports of corresponding fluid distributors become fluidically connected to the corresponding feeder tubes.

6. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second housing includes one or more second grooves, which are configured to be fluidically connected to one or more feeder tubes, wherein the plurality of fluid distributors are accommodated on the first housing so that when the first housing and the second housing are attached, the inlet ports of the corresponding fluid distributors become fluidically connected to the corresponding feeder tubes.

7. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The fluid distributor assembly includes one or more connector tubes, each of which is configured to be at least partially disposed through the second housing or within the manifold via one of the second grooves, wherein a first end of the disposed connector tube is configured to be fluidically connected to the inlet port of the accommodated fluid distributor and a corresponding second end of the connector tube is configured to be fluidically connected to one of the feeder tubes.

8. The fluid dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein: One side of the second housing is open and includes a plurality of segments configured along a length of the second housing, wherein each of the segments is configured to receive at least one of the fluid dispensers thereon.

9. The fluid dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein: One side of the first housing includes a plurality of segments configured along a length of the first housing, and another side of the first housing includes the plurality of first slots connected to the plurality of segments, wherein each of the segments is configured to accommodate at least one of the fluid dispensers thereon.

10. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The fluid distributor assembly includes one or more isolators, each of which is configured to be coaxially positioned between adjacent segments and / or at the terminal ends of the corresponding housing to fluidly isolate each of the segments and correspondingly form one or more compartments and the enclosed space within the manifold when the first housing and the second housing are attached.

11. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The header, the housed fluid distributor, the plurality of heat exchange tubes, the separator, and the connector tubes are brazed together to fluidly seal the fluid distributor assembly.

12. The fluid dispenser assembly of claim 11, wherein: The brazed fluid distributor assembly allows fluid to flow from the feeder tube into the plurality of distributors via the one or more second slots or the connector tubes, and further into the plurality of heat exchange tubes via one or more outlet ports associated with the corresponding distributors.

13. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The plurality of segments have predefined profiles based on an outer profile of the fluid distributor to be accommodated thereon, wherein the first and second shells have predefined shapes such that when the first and second shells are attached, opposite ends of the formed manifold remain closed and the enclosed space is formed within the manifold.

14. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: Each of the segments has a substantially curved profile, wherein the first and second shells have predefined shapes such that when the first and second shells are attached, opposite ends of the formed manifold remain closed and form the enclosed space within the manifold.

15. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The first shell has a substantially planar profile including the plurality of first slots extending therethrough, wherein the first shell and the second shell have predefined shapes such that when the first shell and the second shell are attached, opposite ends of the formed manifold remain closed and the enclosed space is formed within the manifold.

16. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The first housing includes one or more first fixing members, and the second housing includes one or more second fixing members, wherein the one or more first fixing members are configured to engage with the one or more second fixing members to achieve the attachment of the first housing and the second housing.

17. The fluid dispenser assembly of claim 16, wherein: The one or more first fixing members and the one or more second fixing members are adapted to be clamped or snap-fitted or slidably engaged with each other.

18. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: A first dispenser of the plurality of dispensers comprises: A hollow tube having a predefined length, the tube comprising at least one inlet port and one or more outlet ports radially configured along an outer surface of the tube, wherein the one or more outlet ports are fluidly connected to the at least one inlet port via one or more channels extending through the tube.

19. The fluid dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: A second dispenser of the plurality of dispensers comprises: a plate having a predefined length and a predefined thickness, the plate comprising at least one inlet port and one or more outlet ports configured on an outer surface of the tube, wherein the one or more outlet ports are fluidly connected to the at least one inlet port via one or more channels extending through the plate, Wherein, the board is a laminated board or a perforated board.

20. The fluid dispenser assembly of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: A third distributor of the plurality of distributors comprises: a closure comprising one or more sides and / or one or more surfaces defining a predefined shape and a predefined interior volume, Wherein, the third distributor is configured to fluidly accommodate the ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes through the one or more sides and / or the one or more surfaces of the closure.

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