Evaporator with liquid phase distribution

Abstract

An evaporator includes a heat exchanger configured to supercool a received working fluid and a distribution device configured to provide the working fluid to one or more expanders disposed within a housing of the evaporator, where the heat exchanger is configured to supercool the working fluid, and the distribution device is configured to supply the working fluid to the one or more expanders disposed within the housing of the evaporator. The expander is configured to expand the working fluid and provide the working fluid into a heat exchange tube bundle disposed within a housing of the expander.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to evaporators and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems, the HVACR systems including evaporators having a distribution structure for expanding and releasing working fluid into a bundle of tubes within the evaporator. Background Technology

[0002] In HVACR systems, the working fluid is typically fed into a flooded evaporator as a two-phase saturated flow. Because this flow is two-phase, its average density is significantly lower than that of a completely liquid flow. Therefore, for the same mass flow rate, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pipes or conduits used in the distribution system to deliver the working fluid to the necessary locations must be much larger than when operating with a single-phase liquid flow. Furthermore, the optimal conduit area varies considerably with changes in steam mass flow rate and density. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to evaporators and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems, the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems including evaporators with a distribution structure for expanding and releasing working fluid into a bundle of tubes within the evaporator.

[0004] By subcooling the working fluid before it expands, a consistent geometry can be used to introduce the working fluid under various operating conditions, such as different mass flow rates and / or densities. A consistent geometry also allows the working fluid to be introduced into the evaporator housing close to the tube bundle passing through it.

[0005] In one embodiment, a pump and / or an additional expander may be further included to adjust and / or regulate the pressure within the system to further optimize the flow of the working fluid into the evaporator.

[0006] In one embodiment, a heat exchanger for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a housing, one or more subcooled heat exchangers, and a distributor. The housing defines an internal space. The one or more subcooled heat exchangers are configured to receive a working fluid from an inlet. The distributor is configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooled heat exchangers. The distributor includes one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and release the expanded working fluid into the internal space. The heat exchanger further includes a tube bundle extending through the internal space, with one or more tubes each configured to deliver a process fluid.

[0007] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a dispensing conduit, and the one or more expanders are arranged on the surface of the dispensing conduit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes dispensing tubes, wherein at least some of the dispensing tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

[0009] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a plurality of dispensing tubes, each extending vertically into the bundle of tubes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a first dispensing conduit and a second dispensing conduit, the first dispensing conduit being on a first side of the tube bundle and the second dispensing conduit being on a second side of the tube bundle opposite to the first side.

[0011] In one embodiment, the distributor extends axially within the interior space, and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the tube bundle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger includes a housing, one or more subcooled heat exchangers, and a distributor. The housing defines an internal space. The one or more subcooled heat exchangers are configured to receive working fluid from an inlet. The distributor is configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooled heat exchangers. The distributor includes one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and release the expanded working fluid into the internal space. The heat exchanger further includes a tube bundle extending through the internal space, with one or more tubes each configured to deliver a process fluid.

[0013] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a dispensing conduit, and the one or more expanders are arranged on the surface of the dispensing conduit.

[0014] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes dispensing tubes, wherein at least some of the dispensing tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

[0015] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a plurality of dispensing tubes, each extending vertically into the bundle of tubes.

[0016] In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a first dispensing conduit and a second dispensing conduit, the first dispensing conduit being on a first side of the tube bundle and the second dispensing conduit being on a second side of the tube bundle opposite to the first side.

[0017] In one embodiment, the distributor extends axially within the interior space, and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the tube bundle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the HVACR system further includes a pump.

[0019] In one embodiment, the HVACR system further includes a secondary expander arranged between the condenser and the one or more expanders. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the evaporator.

[0022] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A A side view of a portion of the evaporator.

[0024] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A side view of a portion of the evaporator.

[0026] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of a portion of the evaporator.

[0027] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A A side view of a portion of the evaporator.

[0029] Figure 4C It shows Figure 4A A three-dimensional view of the evaporator.

[0030] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A three-dimensional view of a portion of the evaporator.

[0032] Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A three-dimensional view of a portion of the evaporator.

[0034] Figure 6C It shows Figure 6A A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the evaporator.

[0035] Figure 7 An HVACR system according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure relates to evaporators and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems, the HVACR systems including evaporators having a distribution structure for expanding and releasing working fluid into a bundle of tubes within the evaporator.

[0037] Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown. The evaporator 100 includes a housing 102 and a tube bundle 104. The evaporator 100 also includes a working fluid inlet 106, a subcooling heat exchanger 108, and a distribution pipe 110. An expander 112 is disposed on the distribution pipe 110.

[0038] The housing 102 is configured to define an internal space for containing the working fluid in the evaporator 100. A pipe 104 extends through the internal space defined by the housing 102. The pipe 104 is configured to transport a process fluid (such as water, ethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof) through the evaporator 100, allowing the process fluid to exchange heat with the working fluid contained within the housing 102.

[0039] The working fluid inlet 106 is configured to receive a flow of working fluid. Working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 106 when it is in a two-phase state. In one embodiment, working fluid from a condenser included in an HVACR system (which includes an evaporator 100) is received at the working fluid inlet 106.

[0040] The subcooled heat exchanger 108 is a heat exchanger disposed within the housing 102. The subcooled heat exchanger is configured to receive working fluid from inlet 106 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and steam, which evaporates through heat exchange between the working fluid in the housing 102 and the process fluid in the pipe 104. This heat exchange with steam subcools the working fluid contained within the subcooled heat exchanger 108 and removes the steam.

[0041] Distribution conduit 110 is configured to receive working fluid supercooled at subcooled heat exchanger 108. Distribution conduit 110 is configured to extend axially through at least a portion of housing 102. Distribution conduit 110 is configured to extend into tube bundle 104. As working fluid introduced into distribution conduit 110 flows toward one or more expanders 112, the working fluid can diffuse along the axial length of distribution conduit 110. One or more expanders 112 may be provided on the sidewalls or bottom wall of distribution conduit 110. Expanders 112 may be configured to expand the working fluid when it is released from distribution conduit 110 into the internal space defined by housing 102. In one embodiment, the working fluid can be released from expander 112 near tube bundle 104. In one embodiment, expander 112 includes at least one expansion orifice. In one embodiment, each expander 112 is an expansion orifice. In one embodiment, multiple expanders 112 are provided on distribution conduit 110. In one embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expander 112 can be selected to achieve the desired flow rate of working fluid into the internal space defined by the housing 102 under given operating conditions of the HVACR system including the evaporator 100.

[0042] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the evaporator. (See image below.) Figure 1B As can be seen, the distribution pipe 110 extends axially within the housing 102. The expander 112 can be seen on the side wall of the distribution pipe 110.

[0043] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown. The evaporator 200 includes a housing 202 and a tube bundle 204. The evaporator 200 further includes a working fluid inlet 206, a subcooled heat exchanger 208, and a distribution pipe 210.

[0044] The housing 202 is configured to define an internal space for containing the working fluid in the evaporator 200. A pipe 204 extends through the internal space defined by the housing 202. The pipe 204 is configured to transport a process fluid (such as water, ethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof) through the evaporator 200, allowing the process fluid to exchange heat with the working fluid contained within the housing 202.

[0045] The working fluid inlet 206 is configured to receive a flow of working fluid. Working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 206 when it is in a two-phase state. In one embodiment, working fluid from a condenser included in an HVACR system (which includes an evaporator 200) is received at the working fluid inlet 206.

[0046] The subcooled heat exchanger 208 is a heat exchanger disposed within the housing 202. The subcooled heat exchanger is configured to receive working fluid from inlet 206 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and steam, which evaporates through heat exchange between the working fluid in the housing 202 and the process fluid in the pipe 204. This heat exchange with steam subcools the working fluid contained within the subcooled heat exchanger 208 and removes the steam.

[0047] Distribution pipes 210 are one or more pipes extending from the subcooled heat exchanger 208 into the internal space defined by the housing 202. Distribution pipes 210 may extend through the internal space defined by the housing 202 adjacent to the tube bundle 204. At least some of the distribution pipes 210 may extend axially within the internal space defined by the housing 202. Distribution pipes 210 are configured to deliver subcooled working fluid from the subcooled heat exchanger 208 to a location within the internal space defined by the housing 202, where the working fluid will be introduced into the internal space defined by the housing 202. The working fluid may be introduced from the distribution pipes 210 into the internal space defined by the housing 202 via one or more expanders 212, such as... Figure 2B As shown and described below.

[0048] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A A side view of a portion of the evaporator. Figure 2B In this diagram, the housing 202 is omitted, allowing the distribution pipe 210 to be seen extending within the tube bundle 204. (As shown in the image...) Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the distribution pipe 210 includes two vertical pipes and two horizontal pipes, each of the two horizontal pipes extending between the two vertical pipes. In one embodiment, the distribution pipe 210 may include one or more pipes in any suitable configuration, wherein the one or more distribution pipes extend between at least some of the pipes 204 in the tube bundle included within the evaporator 200. The number, size, and configuration of the distribution pipes 210 can be selected to achieve the desired flow characteristics for the working fluid entering the internal space defined by the housing 202. Figure 2BAs can be seen in the side view, expanders 212 are disposed on at least some of the pipes in the distribution pipe 210. One or more expanders 212 may be disposed on the distribution pipe 210. In one embodiment, the expander 212 includes at least one expansion orifice. In one embodiment, each expander 212 is an expansion orifice. In one embodiment, a plurality of expanders 212 are disposed on at least some of the pipes in the distribution pipe 210. In one embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expanders 212 may be selected to achieve the desired flow rate of working fluid into the internal space defined by the housing 202 under the given operating conditions of the HVACR system including the evaporator 200.

[0049] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown. The evaporator 300 includes a housing 302 and a tube bundle 304. The evaporator 300 further includes a working fluid inlet 306, a subcooling heat exchanger 308, and a distribution pipe 310. An expander 312 is disposed on the distribution pipe 310.

[0050] The housing 302 is configured to define an internal space for containing the working fluid in the evaporator 300. A pipe 304 extends through the internal space defined by the housing 302. The pipe 304 is configured to transport a process fluid (such as water, ethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof) through the evaporator 300, allowing the process fluid to exchange heat with the working fluid contained within the housing 302.

[0051] The working fluid inlet 306 is configured to receive a flow of working fluid. Working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 306 when it is in a two-phase state. In one embodiment, working fluid from a condenser included in an HVACR system (which includes an evaporator 300) is received at the working fluid inlet 306.

[0052] The subcooled heat exchanger 308 is a heat exchanger disposed within the housing 302. The subcooled heat exchanger is configured to receive working fluid from inlet 306 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and steam, which evaporates through heat exchange between the working fluid in the housing 302 and the process fluid in the pipe 304. This heat exchange with steam subcools the working fluid contained within the subcooled heat exchanger 308 and removes the steam.

[0053] The distribution pipe 310 is one or more pipes, each extending vertically downward from the subcooled heat exchanger into the internal space defined by the housing 302. The distribution pipes 310 may extend into the tube bundle 304. Any suitable number of distribution pipes 310 can be provided, wherein... Figures 3A to 3C The five distribution pipes 310 shown are a non-limiting example of the number and arrangement of distribution pipes 310.

[0054] One or more expanders 312 may be disposed on the distribution pipe 310. In one embodiment, the expander 312 includes at least one expansion orifice. In one embodiment, each expander 312 is an expansion orifice. In one embodiment, a plurality of expanders 312 are disposed on at least some of the distribution pipes in the distribution pipe 310. In one embodiment, the plurality of expanders are distributed along the length of the respective distribution pipe 310. In one embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expanders 312 may be selected to achieve the desired flow rate of working fluid into the internal space defined by the housing 302 under the given operating conditions of the HVACR system including the evaporator 300.

[0055] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A side view of a portion of the evaporator. Figure 3B In the diagram, the housing 302 is omitted, allowing the distribution pipe 310 to be seen extending within the tube bundle. The expander 312 can be seen on the distribution pipe 310. Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A A perspective view of a portion of the evaporator. Figure 3C The casing 302 is omitted from the text. Figure 3C As can be seen in the 3D view, the distribution tube 310 extends into the tube bundle 304.

[0056] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown. The evaporator 400 includes a housing 402 and a tube bundle 404. The evaporator 400 also includes a working fluid inlet 406, a subcooling heat exchanger 408, and a distribution system 410. The distribution system 410 includes a manifold inlet line 412, a manifold 414, and a distribution pipe 416. An expander 418 may be disposed on the distribution pipe 416.

[0057] The housing 402 is configured to define an internal space for containing the working fluid in the evaporator 400. A pipe 404 extends through the internal space defined by the housing 402. The pipe 404 is configured to transport a process fluid (such as water, ethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof) through the evaporator 400, allowing the process fluid to exchange heat with the working fluid contained within the housing 402.

[0058] The working fluid inlet 406 is configured to receive a flow of working fluid. Working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 406 when it is in a two-phase state. In one embodiment, working fluid from a condenser included in an HVACR system (which includes an evaporator 400) is received at the working fluid inlet 406.

[0059] The subcooled heat exchanger 408 is a heat exchanger disposed within the housing 402. The subcooled heat exchanger is configured to receive working fluid from inlet 406 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and steam, which evaporates through heat exchange between the working fluid in the housing 402 and the process fluid in the pipe 404. This heat exchange with steam subcools the working fluid contained within the subcooled heat exchanger 408 and removes the steam.

[0060] Distribution system 410 is configured to introduce working fluid from a subcooled heat exchanger into an internal space defined by housing 402. Distribution system 410 includes a manifold inlet line 412 extending from subcooled heat exchanger 408 to manifold 414. Manifold 414 is configured to receive working fluid from manifold inlet line 412 and distribute the working fluid to each of a plurality of distribution pipes 416. Distribution pipes 416 extend horizontally into a tube bundle 404 within the internal space defined by housing 402. In one embodiment, manifold 414, along with portions of manifold inlet line 412 and distribution pipes 416, are arranged outside housing 402, with the distribution pipes extending into housing 402.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, the manifold inlet line 412, manifold 414, and distribution line 416 may be entirely disposed within the housing 402, rather than partially extending outside the housing 402 or disposed outside the housing 402.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, manifold 414 may be omitted, and a single distribution pipe 416 may be used with each of one or more manifold inlet lines 412, wherein each manifold inlet line 412 is alternatively directly connected to the corresponding distribution pipe 416.

[0063] Expander 418 may be disposed on distribution pipe 416. In one embodiment, expander 418 includes at least one expansion orifice. In one embodiment, each expander 418 is an expansion orifice. In one embodiment, a plurality of expanders 418 are disposed on at least some of the distribution pipes in the distribution pipes 416. In one embodiment, the plurality of expanders are distributed along the length of the respective distribution pipes 416. In one embodiment, the size and / or distribution of expanders 418 may be selected to achieve the desired flow rate of working fluid into the internal space defined by housing 402 under the given operating conditions of an HVACR system including evaporator 400.

[0064] Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A A side view of a portion of the evaporator. Figure 4BIn the side view, the housing 402 is omitted. This side view is taken from one side of the evaporator 400, with the manifold inlet line 412 and manifold 414 on the side of the subcooled heat exchanger 408 opposite to the observer. Figure 4B In the three-dimensional view, the vertical position of the distribution tube 416 within the tube bundle 404 is visible.

[0065] Figure 4C It shows Figure 4A A three-dimensional view of the evaporator. Figure 4C A perspective view taken from one side of the evaporator is shown, showing the manifold inlet 412 and manifold 414. (As shown) Figure 4C As can be seen, manifold inlet 412 extends outward from housing 402 and descends to intersect manifold 414. Distributor pipe 416 extends from manifold 414 and enters housing 402, such that distributor pipe 416 extends horizontally into housing 402 and extends within pipe bundle 404.

[0066] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown. The evaporator 500 includes a housing 502 and a tube bundle 504. The evaporator 500 further includes a working fluid inlet 506, a subcooling heat exchanger 508, and a distribution pipe 510. An expander 512 is disposed on the distribution pipe 510.

[0067] The housing 502 is configured to define an internal space that is configured to contain the working fluid in the evaporator 500. A pipe 504 extends through the internal space defined by the housing 502. The pipe 504 is configured to transport a process fluid (such as water, ethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof) through the evaporator 500, such that the process fluid can exchange heat with the working fluid contained within the housing 502.

[0068] The working fluid inlet 506 is configured to receive a flow of working fluid. Working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 506 when it is in a two-phase state. In one embodiment, working fluid from a condenser included in an HVACR system (which includes an evaporator 500) is received at the working fluid inlet 506.

[0069] The subcooled heat exchanger 508 is a heat exchanger disposed within the housing 502. The subcooled heat exchanger is configured to receive working fluid from inlet 506 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and steam, which evaporates through heat exchange between the working fluid in housing 502 and the process fluid in pipe 504. This heat exchange with steam subcools the working fluid contained within the subcooled heat exchanger 508 and removes the steam.

[0070] Distribution conduits 510 are disposed on both sides of the tube bundle 504. The distribution conduits 510 extend axially within an internal space defined by the housing 502. Each distribution conduit 510 is configured to receive working fluid after supercooling at the supercooled heat exchanger 508. As the working fluid introduced into the distribution conduit 510 flows toward one or more expanders 512, the working fluid can diffuse along the axial length of the distribution conduit. The expanders 512 can be configured to expand the working fluid when it is released from the corresponding distribution conduit 510 into the internal space defined by the housing 502. In one embodiment, the expander 512 includes at least one expansion orifice. In one embodiment, each expander 512 is an expansion orifice. In one embodiment, a plurality of expanders 512 are disposed on each distribution conduit 510. One or more expanders 512 can be disposed on the sidewall of a corresponding distribution conduit 510. In one embodiment, at least some of the expanders 512 are arranged on the side of the distribution conduit 510 facing the tube 504. In one embodiment, at least some of the expanders 512 are arranged on the side of the distribution conduit 510 opposite to the conduit 504. In another embodiment, the size and / or distribution of the expanders 512 can be selected to achieve the desired flow rate of working fluid into the internal space defined by the housing 502 under the given operating conditions of an HVACR system including the evaporator 500.

[0071] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A perspective view of a portion of the evaporator. Figure 5B In the perspective view, the housing 502 is omitted. It can be seen that the distribution pipe 510 extends along the axial direction of the evaporator 500. In one embodiment, the distribution pipe 510 extends beyond the length of the evaporator 500 alongside the pipe 504.

[0072] Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to one embodiment is shown. The evaporator 600 includes a housing 602 and pipes 604. The evaporator 600 further includes a working fluid inlet 606, a manifold 608, a heat exchanger 610, and a distributor 612 including one or more expanders 614. One or more flow control plates 616 may be included in the evaporator 600.

[0073] The housing 602 is configured to define an internal space for containing the working fluid in the evaporator 600. A tube 604 extends through the internal space defined by the housing 602. The tube 604 is configured to transport a process fluid (such as water, ethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof) through the evaporator 600, allowing the process fluid to exchange heat with the working fluid contained within the housing 602. In one embodiment, the tube 604 in the central region of the tube bundle carries the process fluid through the evaporator 600 for a first pass, and the tubes 604 on either side of the tube bundle carry the process fluid through the evaporator 600 for a second pass. In one embodiment, a flow control plate 616 can separate the tubes 604 carrying the first pass from the tubes carrying the second pass.

[0074] The working fluid inlet 606 is configured to receive a flow of working fluid. Working fluid can be received at the working fluid inlet 606 when it is in a two-phase state. In one embodiment, working fluid is received at the working fluid inlet 606 from a condenser included in an HVACR system (which includes an evaporator 600).

[0075] The manifold 608 is configured to receive a flow of working fluid from the working fluid inlet 606 and distribute the working fluid to each of the heat exchangers 610. The manifold 608 may include one or more connections to each heat exchanger 610, such that working fluid can be supplied from the manifold 608 to the respective heat exchanger 610.

[0076] Heat exchanger 610 is a subcooled heat exchanger configured to receive working fluid from manifold 608 and allow heat exchange between the received working fluid and steam, which is evaporated through heat exchange between the working fluid in housing 602 and process fluid in tube 604. The heat exchange with steam can subcool the working fluid contained within heat exchanger 610 and remove steam. Heat exchanger 610 may extend axially along the length of evaporator 600. In one embodiment, one or more heat exchangers 610 are angled such that the plane of the heat exchanger is in an angled orientation rather than extending vertically or horizontally. Heat exchanger 610 may be positioned above tube bundle 604. Heat exchanger 610 may be configured to supply subcooled working fluid to distributor 612.

[0077] Distributor 612 is configured to receive supercooled working fluid from heat exchanger 610. Distributor 612 extends axially within an internal space defined by housing 602. As working fluid introduced into distributor 612 flows toward one or more expanders 614, the working fluid can diffuse along the axial length of the distribution conduit. Expanders 614 can be configured to expand the working fluid when it is released from distributor 612 into the internal space defined by housing 602. In one embodiment, expander 614 includes at least one expansion orifice. In one embodiment, each expander 614 is an expansion orifice. In one embodiment, a plurality of expanders 614 are provided on distributor 614.

[0078] A flow regulating plate 616 may be included in the evaporator 600. The flow regulating plate 616 may extend through the tube bundle 604 to regulate and / or direct the flow of working fluid within the internal space defined by the housing 602. Based on the desired flow rate and flow direction of the working fluid within the evaporator 600, the flow regulating plate 616 may have any suitable shape and orientation. The flow regulating plate 616 may extend axially along the length of the evaporator 600. As a non-limiting example, the flow regulating plate 616 may be planar in shape and vertically oriented, such as... Figure 6A As shown. The flow regulating plate 616 may include one or more openings configured to allow some working fluid to pass through the flow regulating plate, such as... Figure 6A As shown by the arrow provided.

[0079] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A perspective view of a portion of the evaporator. Figure 6B The housing 602 is omitted. It can be seen that the heat exchanger 610 and distributor 612 extend axially. Furthermore, in... Figure 6B The 3D view shows the connection between the heat exchanger 610 and the distributor 612, as well as the connection between the manifold 608 and the heat exchanger 610. Additionally, in... Figure 6B In the 3D view, the flow regulating plate 616 can also be seen extending in the axial direction. Figure 6C It shows Figure 6A A sectional perspective view of the evaporator. Figure 6C The perspective view shows the housing 602, and also shows the relative positions of the housing 602, the tube bundle 604, and the heat exchanger 610.

[0080] Figure 7An HVACR system according to one embodiment is shown. The HVACR system 700 includes a compressor 702, a condenser 704, and an evaporator 706. The evaporator 706 includes a working fluid distributor 708 and an expander 710. The HVACR system 700 may optionally include a pump 712 and / or a secondary expander 714.

[0081] Compressor 702 is a compressor configured to compress the working fluid of HVACR system 700. Compressor 702 can be any suitable type of compressor for compressing the working fluid.

[0082] The condenser 704 is a heat exchanger configured to receive working fluid from the compressor 702 and allow the working fluid to condense by heat exchange with the source, for example by discharging heat to the surrounding environment.

[0083] Evaporator 706 is an evaporator configured to allow evaporation of a working fluid by heat exchange with a process fluid, such as water cooled by HVACR system 700. In one embodiment, evaporator 706 may be any of evaporators 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 600 as shown in Figures 1 through 6 and described above. Evaporator 706 may include a working fluid distributor 708 configured to receive and subcool the working fluid and supply it to an expander 710, which introduces the working fluid into the housing of evaporator 706. The working fluid may be returned from evaporator 706 to compressor 702.

[0084] An optional pump 712 may be included between the condenser 704 and the expander 710. Where specific operating conditions of the HVACR system 700 require, an optional pump may be included to support sufficient flow of the working fluid to achieve the desired mass flow rate of the working fluid through the HVACR system 700. The pump 712 may be selectively operated and / or controlled to achieve the desired mass flow rate of the working fluid through the HVACR system 700, for example, by being activated when the mass flow rate drops below a desired level, or by operating at a selected rate to achieve the desired mass flow rate.

[0085] An optional secondary expander 714 may be included between the condenser 704 and the expander 710. The optional secondary expander 714 can provide an additional stage of expansion of the working fluid to regulate its phase, pressure, and / or mass flow rate. The secondary expander 714 can be any suitable expander, such as an expansion orifice, an expansion valve, etc. In one embodiment, the secondary expander 714 is a controllable expander, wherein a non-limiting example is an electronic expansion valve. In such an embodiment, the controllable expander is controlled to achieve the desired phase, pressure, and / or mass flow rate of the working fluid during specific operating conditions of the HVACR system 700. In one embodiment, the secondary expander 714 is a fixed expander, wherein a non-limiting example is an expansion orifice. In such an embodiment, the size of the fixed expander is determined based on the desired phase, pressure, and / or mass flow rate of the working fluid during specific operating conditions of the HVACR system 700.

[0086] aspect:

[0087] It should be understood that any of aspects 1 to 6 can be combined with any of aspects 7 to 14.

[0088] Aspect 1. A heat exchanger for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising:

[0089] A housing that defines an internal space;

[0090] One or more subcooled heat exchangers, said one or more subcooled heat exchangers being configured to receive working fluid from an inlet;

[0091] A distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooled heat exchangers, the distributor including one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and release the expanded working fluid into the internal space; and

[0092] A tube bundle extending through the internal space, wherein one or more tubes are each configured to transport process fluids.

[0093] Aspect 2. The heat exchanger according to aspect 1, wherein the distributor includes a distribution conduit, and the one or more expanders are arranged on the surface of the distribution conduit.

[0094] Aspect 3. The heat exchanger according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the distributor includes distribution tubes, wherein at least some of the distribution tubes extend horizontally within the internal space.

[0095] Aspect 4. The heat exchanger according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the distributor comprises a plurality of distribution tubes, each of which extends vertically into the tube bundle.

[0096] Aspect 5. The heat exchanger according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the distributor includes a first distribution pipe and a second distribution pipe, the first distribution pipe being on a first side of the tube bundle and the second distribution pipe being on a second side of the tube bundle opposite to the first side.

[0097] Aspect 6. The heat exchanger according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the distributor extends axially within the internal space, and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the tube bundle.

[0098] Aspect 7. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVACR) system, comprising:

[0099] compressor;

[0100] First heat exchanger; and

[0101] A second heat exchanger, comprising:

[0102] A housing that defines an internal space;

[0103] One or more subcooled heat exchangers, said one or more subcooled heat exchangers being configured to receive working fluid from an inlet;

[0104] A distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooled heat exchangers, the distributor including one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and release the expanded working fluid into the internal space; and

[0105] A tube bundle extending through the internal space, wherein one or more tubes are each configured to transport process fluids.

[0106] Aspect 8. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to aspect 7, wherein the distributor includes a distribution conduit, and the one or more expanders are arranged on the surface of the distribution conduit.

[0107] Aspect 9. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to aspect 7 or aspect 8, wherein the distributor includes distribution pipes, wherein at least some of the distribution pipes extend horizontally within the interior space.

[0108] Aspect 10. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to any one of Aspects 7 to 9, wherein the distributor comprises a plurality of distribution pipes, each of which extends vertically into the bundle of pipes.

[0109] Aspect 11. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to any one of Aspects 7 to 10, wherein the distributor includes a first distribution conduit and a second distribution conduit, the first distribution conduit being on a first side of the tube bundle and the second distribution conduit being on a second side of the tube bundle opposite to the first side.

[0110] Aspect 12. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to any one of Aspects 7 to 11, wherein the distributor extends axially within the interior space and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the tube bundle.

[0111] Aspect 13. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to any one of Aspects 7 to 12, further comprising a pump.

[0112] Aspect 14. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to any one of Aspects 7 to 13, further comprising a secondary expander arranged between the condenser and the one or more expanders.

[0113] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising: A housing that defines an internal space; One or more subcooled heat exchangers, said one or more subcooled heat exchangers being configured to receive working fluid from an inlet; A distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooled heat exchangers, the distributor including one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and release the expanded working fluid into the internal space; as well as A tube bundle extending through the internal space, wherein one or more tubes are each configured to transport process fluids.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The dispenser includes a dispensing pipe, and one or more expanders are arranged on the surface of the dispensing pipe.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The dispenser includes dispensing tubes, wherein at least some of the dispensing tubes extend horizontally within the interior space.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The dispenser includes multiple dispensing tubes, each extending vertically into the tube bundle.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The dispenser includes a first dispensing conduit and a second dispensing conduit, the first dispensing conduit being on a first side of the tube bundle and the second dispensing conduit being on a second side of the tube bundle opposite to the first side.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The distributor extends axially within the interior space, and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the tube bundle.

7. A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) system, comprising: compressor; First heat exchanger; as well as A second heat exchanger, comprising: A housing that defines an internal space; One or more subcooled heat exchangers, said one or more subcooled heat exchangers being configured to receive working fluid from an inlet; A distributor configured to receive the working fluid from at least one of the one or more subcooled heat exchangers, the distributor including one or more expanders configured to expand the working fluid and release the expanded working fluid into the internal space; and A tube bundle extending through the internal space, wherein one or more tubes are each configured to transport process fluids.

8. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to claim 7, wherein, The dispenser includes a dispensing pipe, and one or more expanders are arranged on the surface of the dispensing pipe.

9. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to claim 7, wherein, The dispenser includes dispensing tubes, wherein at least some of the dispensing tubes extend horizontally within the interior space.

10. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to claim 7, wherein, The dispenser includes multiple dispensing tubes, each extending vertically into the tube bundle.

11. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to claim 7, wherein, The dispenser includes a first dispensing conduit and a second dispensing conduit, the first dispensing conduit being on a first side of the tube bundle and the second dispensing conduit being on a second side of the tube bundle opposite to the first side.

12. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration system according to claim 7, wherein, The distributor extends axially within the interior space, and the heat exchanger further includes at least one flow regulating plate extending through the tube bundle.

13. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system according to claim 7, further comprising a pump.

14. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system of claim 7, further comprising a secondary expander disposed between the condenser and the one or more expanders.

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