Heat exchanger and air conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of heat exchange equipment, and discloses a heat exchanger which comprises a plurality of heat exchange tube sets and a flow path switching assembly. Each heat exchange tube set comprises one or more heat exchange branches, the flow path switching assembly communicates with the multiple heat exchange tube sets and is used for adjusting the communication mode of the multiple heat exchange tube sets, when the heat exchanger serves as a condenser, the flow path switching assembly enables the multiple heat exchange tube sets to communicate in series, and when the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the flow path switching assembly enables the multiple heat exchange tube sets to communicate in series. The flow path switching assembly enables the multiple heat exchange tube sets to be communicated in parallel. Wherein the flow path switching assembly at least comprises a primary liquid separation element, an intermediate liquid separation element and a final liquid separation element, and when the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, a refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger at least sequentially passes through the primary liquid separation element, the intermediate liquid separation element and the final liquid separation element and then flows into at least one heat exchange tube set in the multiple heat exchange tube sets. According to the heat exchanger provided by the utility model, the refrigerant distribution uniformity of each heat exchange tube group is improved. The invention further discloses an air conditioning system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of heat exchange equipment, for example, to a heat exchanger and an air conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the refrigerant in the heat exchange pipeline of the outdoor heat exchanger is in the low-temperature and low-pressure area. The heat transfer performance is mainly restricted by the heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop, and is suitable for a relatively large number of heat exchange branch numbers. While ensuring the heat transfer coefficient, the pressure drop is greatly reduced and the system pressure is increased, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the pressure loss of the refrigerant in the heat exchange pipeline of the outdoor heat exchanger is small, and the heat transfer performance is mainly affected by the heat transfer coefficient. It is suitable for a smaller number of heat exchange branch numbers to increase the refrigerant flow rate and increase the heat transfer coefficient, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity of the air conditioner.

[0003] The existing heat exchanger uses pipe valve components such as one-way valves and bypass pipelines to connect each heat exchange tube group of the heat exchanger, so that when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, multiple heat exchange tube groups are connected in parallel, increasing the number of heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger; when the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, multiple heat exchange tube groups are connected in series, reducing the number of heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger realizes variable flow distribution, and further makes the connection mode of the heat exchange tube group of the heat exchanger conform to the operation mode of the air conditioner.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0005] For large heat exchangers, due to the large overall height of the heat exchanger, the existing variable flow distribution form of the heat exchanger is prone to the problem of uneven liquid distribution among different heat exchange tube groups, thereby reducing the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background art section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Utility Model

[0007] To have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a simple summary is given below. The summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to identify key / important constituent elements or delineate the protection scope of these embodiments, but rather serves as a preface to the subsequent detailed description.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger and an air conditioning system to improve the liquid distribution uniformity among each heat exchange tube group when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes: a plurality of heat exchange tube groups, each heat exchange tube group including one or more heat exchange branches; and a flow path switching component connected to the plurality of heat exchange tube groups for adjusting the connection mode of the plurality of heat exchange tube groups. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the flow path switching component connects the plurality of heat exchange tube groups in series. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the flow path switching component connects the plurality of heat exchange tube groups in parallel. Wherein, the flow path switching component includes at least a primary liquid distribution element, an intermediate liquid distribution element, and a final liquid distribution element. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger through the refrigerant inlet and outlet flows into at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube groups after passing through the primary liquid distribution element, the intermediate liquid distribution element, and the final liquid distribution element in sequence.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of heat exchange tube groups includes: a first heat exchange tube group including N1 first heat exchange branches arranged in parallel; a second heat exchange tube group including N2 second heat exchange branches arranged in parallel; a third heat exchange tube group including N3 third heat exchange branches arranged in parallel, where N1 > N2.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationships: N1 + N2 ≥ 8; or, N1 + N3 ≥ 8; or, N2 + N3 ≥ 4.

[0012] In some embodiments, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationships: N1 + N2 ≥ 16; or, N1 + N3 ≥ 13; or, N2 + N3 ≥ 8.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationships: 16 ≤ N1 + N2 + N3 ≤ 30.

[0014] In some embodiments, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationships: 16 < N1 + N2 + N3 ≤ 20.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationships: 1.5 ≤ N1:N2 ≤ 3; or, 1.5 ≤ N1:N3 ≤ 3; or, 1 ≤ N2:N3 ≤ 3; or, 3 ≤ (N1 + N2):N3 ≤ 6.

[0016] In some embodiments, the number of heat exchange tubes in each first heat exchange branch of the first heat exchange tube group is the same; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in each second heat exchange branch of the second heat exchange tube group is the same; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in each third heat exchange branch of the third heat exchange tube group is the same; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in the first heat exchange branch is the same as the number of heat exchange tubes in the second heat exchange branch; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in the second heat exchange branch is the same as the number of heat exchange tubes in the third heat exchange branch; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in the first heat exchange branch is the same as the number of heat exchange tubes in the third heat exchange branch.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group and the third heat exchange tube group are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0018] In some embodiments, the primary liquid separation element includes a primary liquid separation inlet pipe, a first primary outlet pipe and a second primary outlet pipe, the intermediate liquid separation element includes a first intermediate liquid separator and a second intermediate liquid separator, and the first primary outlet pipe is communicated with the inlet pipe of the first intermediate liquid separator, and the second primary outlet pipe is communicated with the inlet pipe of the second intermediate liquid separator, wherein the first intermediate liquid separator is communicated with the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group, the second intermediate liquid separator is communicated with the third heat exchange tube group, and the inner diameter of the first primary outlet pipe is larger than the inner diameter of the second primary outlet pipe.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first primary outlet pipe extends upward along the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe, or the first primary outlet pipe extends upward along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe; the second primary outlet pipe extends downward along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe.

[0020] In some embodiments, the primary liquid separation element has an inverted Y-shaped three-way liquid separator structure.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first intermediate liquid separator includes an intermediate liquid separation inlet pipe, a first intermediate outlet pipe and a second intermediate outlet pipe, the final liquid separation element includes a first final liquid separator and a second final liquid separator, and the first intermediate outlet pipe is communicated with the inlet pipe of the first final liquid separator, and the second intermediate outlet pipe is communicated with the inlet pipe of the second final liquid separator, wherein the first final liquid separator is communicated with the first heat exchange tube group, the second final liquid separator is communicated with the second heat exchange tube group, and the inner diameter of the first intermediate outlet pipe is larger than the inner diameter of the second intermediate outlet pipe.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first intermediate outlet pipe extends upward along the axial direction of the intermediate liquid separation inlet pipe, or the first intermediate outlet pipe extends upward along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the intermediate liquid separation inlet pipe; the second intermediate outlet pipe extends downward along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the intermediate liquid separation inlet pipe.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first intermediate liquid distributor has an inverted Y-shaped three-way liquid distributor structure.

[0024] In some embodiments, the final liquid distribution element further includes a third final liquid distributor, which is communicatively arranged between the third heat exchange branch and the second intermediate liquid distributor.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger further includes a header, the flow path switching assembly further includes a first valve member and a second valve member, the header includes an upper header and a lower header, the first valve member is arranged between the upper header and the lower header, and the conduction direction of the first valve member is from the lower header to the upper header. The heat exchanger further includes a connecting pipe section connecting the first primary outlet pipe and the first intermediate liquid distributor, the second valve member is arranged on the connecting pipe section, and the conduction direction of the second valve member is from the first primary outlet pipe to the first intermediate liquid distributor. Wherein, one end of the first heat exchange tube group is connected to the upper header, and the other end is connected to the first final liquid distributor; one end of the second heat exchange tube group is connected to the lower header, and the other end is connected to the second final liquid distributor; one end of the third heat exchange tube group is connected to the lower header, and the other end is connected to the third final liquid distributor.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flow path switching assembly further includes a terminal liquid distributor, which is communicatively arranged between the first heat exchange branch and the first final liquid distributor.

[0027] In some embodiments, the air conditioning system includes the heat exchanger as described above.

[0028] The heat exchanger and the air conditioning system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0029] The heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of heat exchange tube groups and a flow path switching assembly. Each heat exchange tube group includes one or more heat exchange branches, and the flow path switching assembly is connected to the plurality of heat exchange tube groups for adjusting the connection mode of the plurality of heat exchange tube groups. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the flow path switching assembly connects the plurality of heat exchange tube groups in series, and when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the flow path switching assembly connects the plurality of heat exchange tube groups in parallel. In this way, the flow path switching assembly makes the connection mode of the plurality of heat exchange tube groups conform to the current operation mode of the air conditioner.

[0030] Further, the flow path switching assembly at least includes a primary liquid distribution element, an intermediate liquid distribution element and a final liquid distribution element. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger through the refrigerant inlet and outlet at least sequentially passes through the primary liquid distribution element, the intermediate liquid distribution element and the final liquid distribution element and then flows into at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube groups. That is, the refrigerant in at least one of the heat exchange tube groups in the heat exchanger flows into the heat exchange tube group after at least three-stage liquid distribution after flowing in from the refrigerant inlet and outlet. In this way, the flow distribution uniformity of each heat exchange tube group of the heat exchanger is improved, and thus the heat exchange effect of the heat exchanger is improved.

[0031] The above general description and the following description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not intended to limit this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by corresponding drawings. These exemplary illustrations and the drawings do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation, and wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the refrigerant when the heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is used as a condenser;

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the refrigerant when the heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is used as an evaporator;

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a primary liquid separation element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow inside a primary liquid separation element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow inside another primary liquid separation element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Reference Signs:

[0040] 11: upper header; 12: lower header;

[0041] 21: first heat exchange branch; 22: second heat exchange branch; 23: third heat exchange branch;

[0042] 31: primary liquid separation element; 311: primary liquid separation inlet pipe; 312: first primary outlet pipe; 313: second primary outlet pipe; 321: first intermediate liquid separator; 322: second intermediate liquid separator; 331: first final liquid separator; 332: second final liquid separator; 333: third final liquid separator; 34: terminal liquid separator;

[0043] 41: first valve member; 42: second valve member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0044] In order to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The attached drawings are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the sake of explanation, numerous details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be shown in a simplified manner to simplify the drawings.

[0045] In the specification and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish similar objects and do not necessarily describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so as to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0046] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "rear", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their implementations, and are not used to limit that the indicated devices, elements or components must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. And, in addition to being able to represent an orientation or positional relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0047] In addition, the terms "arranged", "connected", "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there can be internal communication between two devices, elements or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0048] Unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0049] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0050] The term "and / or" is a description of the associated relationship of an object and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B these three relationships.

[0051] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other.

[0052] Combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger, including multiple heat exchange tube groups and a flow path switching component. Each of the multiple heat exchange tube groups includes one or more heat exchange branches; the flow path switching component is connected to the multiple heat exchange tube groups, and is used to adjust the connection mode of the multiple heat exchange tube groups. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the flow path switching component connects the multiple heat exchange tube groups in series, and when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the flow path switching component connects the multiple heat exchange tube groups in parallel. Among them, the flow path switching component includes at least a primary liquid separation element 31, an intermediate liquid separation element, and a final liquid separation element. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger at least passes through the primary liquid separation element 31, the intermediate liquid separation element, and the final liquid separation element in sequence, and then flows into at least one heat exchange tube group among the multiple heat exchange tube groups.

[0053] Each heat exchange tube group includes one or more heat exchange branches, and the multiple heat exchange branches in each heat exchange tube group are connected in parallel. Each heat exchange branch includes multiple heat exchange tubes. Optionally, the number of heat exchange tubes in each heat exchange branch is 4-10, for example, the number of heat exchange tubes in each heat exchange branch can be 6.

[0054] The flow path switching assembly includes a pipe valve component, and optionally, the pipe valve component includes one or more of a bypass pipe, a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, a liquid separation valve, etc. The flow path switching assembly is used to adjust the communication mode of multiple heat exchange tube groups. For example, when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the flow path switching assembly connects multiple heat exchange tube groups in parallel, and when the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the flow path switching assembly connects multiple heat exchange tube groups in series, thereby making the heat exchanger a variable split-flow heat exchanger.

[0055] When the heat exchanger is a large outdoor heat exchanger, the total height of the heat exchanger is relatively large. When the existing variable diversion diversion method is used, it is very easy to have different refrigerant distribution amounts for different heat exchange tube groups. For example, when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant in the upper heat exchange tube group needs to flow upward for a long height to reach the upper heat exchange tube group, and because the phase state of the refrigerant is a gas-liquid mixed state at this time, it will be affected by a certain gravity. Therefore, for a large outdoor heat exchanger, since the refrigerant needs to rush upward to a higher height, the heat exchange tube group at the upper part is allocated with less refrigerant, while the heat exchange tube group at the lower part is allocated with too much refrigerant, resulting in uneven refrigerant distribution between multiple heat exchange tube groups of the heat exchanger.

[0056] In the heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the flow path switching assembly at least includes a primary liquid distribution element 31, an intermediate liquid distribution element, and a final liquid distribution element. In this way, when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger through the refrigerant inlet and outlet at least flows into at least one of the multiple heat exchange tube groups after being subjected to three-stage liquid distribution formed by the primary liquid distribution element 31, the intermediate liquid distribution element, and the final liquid distribution element in sequence. That is, the heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure uses the multi-stage liquid distribution method to distribute the refrigerant to the multiple heat exchange tube groups, improving the uniformity of the refrigerant distribution in the heat exchanger.

[0057] Optionally, the heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange tube group located at the upper part. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant inlet and outlet at least flows into the first heat exchange tube group after being subjected to the above three-stage liquid distribution.

[0058] Optionally, the multiple heat exchange tube groups at least include a first heat exchange tube group, a second heat exchange tube group, and a third heat exchange tube group. The first heat exchange tube group includes N1 first heat exchange branches 21 arranged in parallel; the second heat exchange tube group includes N2 second heat exchange branches 22 arranged in parallel; the third heat exchange tube group includes N3 third heat exchange branches 23 arranged in parallel, where N1 > N2.

[0059] When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange tube group are connected in series. The refrigerant that has completed heat exchange in the first heat exchange tube group flows into the second heat exchange tube group to continue heat exchange. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, N1 > N2. In this way, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange tube group is increased, the heat exchange effect is strengthened, and the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger when it is used as a condenser is improved.

[0060] Optionally, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches 21 in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches 22 in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches 23 in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationship: N1 + N2 ≥ 8; or, N1 + N3 ≥ 8; or, N2 + N3 ≥ 4.

[0061] In the heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the total number of the heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger is relatively large, and the overall height of the heat exchanger is relatively large.

[0062] Further, N1 + N2 ≥ 16; or, N1 + N3 ≥ 13; or, N2 + N3 ≥ 8.

[0063] For example, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches 21 in the first heat exchange tube group is 12, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches 22 in the second heat exchange tube group is 4, and the number of the third heat exchange branches 23 in the third heat exchange tube group is 4. That is, the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange tube group form a setting mode of heat exchange branches of 12, 4, and 4.

[0064] For another example, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches 21 in the first heat exchange tube group is 10, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches 22 in the second heat exchange tube group is 6, and the number of the third heat exchange branches 23 in the third heat exchange tube group is 4. That is, the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange tube group form a setting mode of heat exchange branches with 10, 6, and 4.

[0065] For another example, the number N1 of the first heat exchange branches 21 in the first heat exchange tube group is 10, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches 22 in the second heat exchange tube group is 7, and the number of the third heat exchange branches 23 in the third heat exchange tube group is 3. That is, the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange tube group form a setting mode of heat exchange branches with 10, 7, and 3.

[0066] Optionally, 16 ≤ N1 + N2 + N3 ≤ 30.

[0067] When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the heat exchange amounts of the heat exchanger with different total numbers of heat exchange branches are tested, as shown in Table 1 below. It can be seen from Table 1 that when the total number of heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger is 16, 20, and 30, the heat exchange amount of the evaporator is greater than that of the parent model.

[0068] It can be understood that N1 + N2 + N3 is the total number of heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger. The parent model heat exchanger includes a heat exchange tube group with 8 paths and a heat exchange tube group with 15 paths. And when the parent model heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant forms a refrigerant flow path form of 8 inlets and 15 outlets.

[0069] Table 1

[0070]

[0071] Optionally, 16 < N1 + N2 + N3 ≤ 20.

[0072] The total number of heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger should not be too large, otherwise it will reduce the heat exchange amount when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator. It can be seen from Table 1 that the heat exchange amount of the evaporator when the total number of heat exchange branches is 20 is greater than that when the total number of heat exchange branches is 16 and 30.

[0073] Optionally, 1.5 ≤ N1:N2 ≤ 3; or, 1.5 ≤ N1:N3 ≤ 3; or, 1 ≤ N2:N3 ≤ 3; or, 3 ≤ (N1 + N2):N3 ≤ 6.

[0074] When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant after being separated by the first intermediate liquid separator 321 flows into the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group respectively. In this way, the ratio of N1:N2 should not be too large, otherwise it is difficult for the first intermediate liquid separator 321 to achieve liquid separation uniformity. Optionally, N1:N2 ≤ 3.

[0075] Similarly, when the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the refrigerant after being separated by the primary liquid separation element 31 enters the third heat exchange tube group along one path, and enters the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group along the other path. In this way, the ratio of (N1 + N2):N3 should not be too large. Otherwise, it is very difficult for the primary liquid separation element 31 to distribute more refrigerant to the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group with a larger number of branches and located in the upper part. Optionally, (N1 + N2):N3 ≤ 6.

[0076] Table 2 gives the test results of the heat exchange capacity of the condenser for each heat exchange tube group at different numbers of heat exchange branches when the total number of heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger is 20. It can be seen from Table 2 that when N1 - N2 - N3 are 12 - 5 - 3, 12 - 4 - 4, 10 - 7 - 3, 10 - 6 - 4, and 10 - 5 - 5 respectively, the heat exchange capacity of the condenser is greater than that of the parent model, and is greater than that of 8 - 4 - 4.

[0077] It can be understood that the parent model heat exchanger includes an 8 - path heat exchange tube group and a 15 - path heat exchange tube group, and when the parent model heat exchanger serves as a condenser, the refrigerant forms a refrigerant flow path form of 15 inlets and 8 outlets.

[0078] Table 2

[0079]

[0080] Optionally, the number of heat exchange tubes in each first heat exchange branch 21 of the first heat exchange tube group is the same; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in each second heat exchange branch 22 of the second heat exchange tube group is the same; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in each third heat exchange branch 23 of the third heat exchange tube group is the same; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in the first heat exchange branch 21 is the same as the number of heat exchange tubes in the second heat exchange branch 22; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in the second heat exchange branch 22 is the same as the number of heat exchange tubes in the third heat exchange branch 23; or, the number of heat exchange tubes in the first heat exchange branch 21 is the same as the number of heat exchange tubes in the third heat exchange branch 23.

[0081] Optionally, the number of heat exchange tubes in the first heat exchange branch 21, the second heat exchange branch 22, and the third heat exchange branch 23 can be 6.

[0082] Optionally, the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange tube group are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0083] Optionally, multiple first heat exchange branches 21 in the first heat exchange tube group are arranged vertically, multiple second heat exchange branches 22 in the second heat exchange tube group are arranged vertically, and multiple third heat exchange branches 23 in the third heat exchange tube group are arranged vertically. It can be seen that the overall height of the heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is relatively large.

[0084] Optionally, the heat exchanger is a heat exchanger composed of double - row heat exchange tubes.

[0085] Optionally, the primary liquid separation element 31 includes a primary liquid separation inlet pipe 311, a first primary outlet pipe 312, and a second primary outlet pipe 313. The intermediate liquid separation element includes a first intermediate liquid separator 321 and a second intermediate liquid separator 322. The first primary outlet pipe 312 is communicated with the inlet pipe of the first intermediate liquid separator 321, and the second primary outlet pipe 313 is communicated with the inlet pipe of the second intermediate liquid separator 322. Among them, the first intermediate liquid separator 321 is communicated with the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group, and the second intermediate liquid separator 322 is communicated with the third heat exchange tube group. Moreover, the inner diameter of the first primary outlet pipe 312 is greater than the inner diameter of the second primary outlet pipe 313.

[0086] The primary liquid separation element 31 performs primary liquid separation on the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet and outlet. Among them, one path flows into the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group after passing through the first primary outlet pipe 312 and the first intermediate liquid separator 321, and the other path flows into the third heat exchange tube group after passing through the second primary outlet pipe 313 and the second intermediate liquid separator 322. In the heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of the first primary outlet pipe 312 is greater than the inner diameter of the second primary outlet pipe 313. In this way, the amount of refrigerant distributed to the first primary outlet pipe 312 is increased, and further, the uniformity of the refrigerant distribution of the three heat exchange tube groups is improved.

[0087] Optionally, the first primary outlet pipe 312 extends upward along the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe 311, or the first primary outlet pipe 312 extends upward along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe 311; the second primary outlet pipe 313 extends downward along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe 311.

[0088] In this way, for the refrigerant flowing into the primary liquid separation inlet pipe 311 of the primary liquid separation element 31, without changing the flow direction, the refrigerant can continue to flow upward along its flow direction under the action of inertia force to the first primary outlet pipe 312, increasing the amount of refrigerant distributed to the first primary outlet pipe 312. As shown in Figure 5 shown. When flowing from the primary liquid separation inlet pipe 311 to the second primary outlet pipe 313, it needs to experience a bend, as shown in Figure 6 shown. In this way, this bend flow setting increases the resistance of the refrigerant flowing from the primary liquid separation inlet pipe 311 to the second primary outlet pipe 313. In this way, the setting of the primary liquid separation element 31 increases the amount of refrigerant distributed to the first primary outlet pipe 312 and reduces the amount of refrigerant distributed to the second primary outlet pipe 313. The primary liquid separation element 31 provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can replace the liquid adjustment capillary in the original heat exchanger. That is, use a refrigerant distribution element instead of the liquid adjustment capillary, which can ensure the liquid separation uniformity of the heat exchanger as an evaporator without reducing the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger as a condenser. Optionally, the primary liquid separation element 31 has an inverted Y-shaped three-way liquid separator structure.

[0089] Optionally, the first intermediate liquid distributor 321 includes an intermediate liquid inlet pipe, a first intermediate outlet pipe, and a second intermediate outlet pipe. The final liquid distribution element includes a first final liquid distributor 331 and a second final liquid distributor 332. The first intermediate outlet pipe is communicated with the inlet pipe of the first final liquid distributor 331, and the second intermediate outlet pipe is communicated with the inlet pipe of the second final liquid distributor 332. Among them, the first final liquid distributor 331 is communicated with the first heat exchange tube group, and the second final liquid distributor 332 is communicated with the second heat exchange tube group. Moreover, the inner diameter of the first intermediate outlet pipe is larger than that of the second intermediate outlet pipe.

[0090] Furthermore, the refrigerant is subjected to secondary liquid distribution by the first intermediate liquid distributor 321. Among them, one path flows into the first heat exchange tube group after passing through the first intermediate outlet pipe and the first final liquid distributor 331, and the other path flows into the second heat exchange tube group after passing through the second intermediate outlet pipe and the second final liquid distributor 332. In the heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of the first intermediate outlet pipe is larger than that of the second intermediate outlet pipe, thereby increasing the refrigerant distribution amount of the first heat exchange tube group located in the upper part and having more heat exchange branches.

[0091] Optionally, the first intermediate outlet pipe extends upward along the axial direction of the intermediate liquid inlet pipe, or the first intermediate outlet pipe extends upward along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the intermediate liquid inlet pipe; the second intermediate outlet pipe extends downward along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the intermediate liquid inlet pipe.

[0092] Optionally, the structure of the first intermediate liquid distributor 321 is the same as that of the primary liquid distribution element 31. The refrigerant flowing into through the intermediate liquid inlet pipe can continue to flow upward along its flow direction under the action of inertia without changing the flow direction, which increases the amount of refrigerant distributed to the first intermediate outlet pipe, as Figure 5 shown. When flowing from the intermediate liquid inlet pipe to the second intermediate outlet pipe, it needs to experience a bend, as Figure 6 shown. In this way, this bend flow setting increases the resistance of the refrigerant when flowing from the intermediate liquid inlet pipe to the second intermediate outlet pipe. The first intermediate liquid distributor 321 provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can replace the liquid adjusting capillary in the original heat exchanger. That is, use a refrigerant distribution element instead of the liquid adjusting capillary, which ensures the uniform liquid distribution of the heat exchanger as an evaporator without reducing the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger as a condenser. Optionally, the first intermediate liquid distributor 321 has an inverted Y-shaped three-way liquid distributor structure.

[0093] Optionally, the final liquid distribution element further includes a third final liquid distributor 333, which is communicatively arranged between the third heat exchange branch 23 and the second intermediate liquid distributor 322. The third final liquid distributor 333 is directly communicated with the third heat exchange branch 23, and the refrigerant is distributed to the third heat exchange branch 23 through the third final liquid distributor 333.

[0094] Optionally, the flow path switching component further includes a terminal distributor 34, which is communicatively disposed between the first heat exchange branch 21 and the first final-stage distributor 331.

[0095] As Figure 1 shown, for the heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the header includes an upper header 11 and a lower header 12. A first valve member 41 is disposed between the upper header 11 and the lower header 12. The first valve member 41 can be a check valve or a solenoid valve, and the conduction direction of the first valve member 41 is: from the lower header 12 to the upper header 11. The heat exchanger further includes a connecting pipe section that connects the first primary outlet pipe 312 and the first intermediate-stage distributor 321. A second valve member 42 is disposed on the connecting pipe section, and the conduction direction of the second valve member 42 is: from the first primary outlet pipe 312 to the first intermediate-stage distributor 321. The second valve member 42 can be a check valve or a solenoid valve.

[0096] The connection mode of each heat exchange tube group provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is that one end of the first heat exchange tube group is connected to the upper header 11, and the other end is connected to the first final-stage distributor 331 through the terminal distributor 34; one end of the second heat exchange tube group is connected to the lower header 12, and the other end is connected to the second final-stage distributor 332; one end of the third heat exchange tube group is connected to the lower header 12, and the other end is connected to the third final-stage distributor 333. In this way, through the setting of two check valves and multiple distributors, the heat exchanger realizes variable flow splitting. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange tube group in sequence, and the three heat exchange tube groups are connected in series, as Figure 2 shown. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange tube group respectively, and the three heat exchange tube groups are connected in parallel, as Figure 3 shown. Optionally, the heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is further provided with a subcooling section.

[0097] When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet and outlet flows into the first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange tube group after at least three-stage flow splitting. As Figure 3As shown, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet and outlet flows into the third heat exchange tube group successively through the primary liquid separation element 31, the second intermediate liquid separator 322, and the third final liquid separator 333. The refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet and outlet flows into the second heat exchange tube group successively through the primary liquid separation element 31, the first intermediate liquid separator 321, and the second final liquid separator 332. The refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet and outlet flows into the first heat exchange tube group successively through the primary liquid separation element 31, the first intermediate liquid separator 321, the first final liquid separator 331, and the terminal liquid separator 34. It can be seen that in the heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant in each heat exchange tube group flows in after at least three-stage liquid separation, which improves the uniformity of the refrigerant distribution in each heat exchange tube group, and further improves the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger. Optionally, the terminal liquid separator 34 is a horizontally arranged Y-shaped three-way liquid separator, and the third final liquid separator 333 is a horizontally arranged Y-shaped three-way liquid separator.

[0098] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an air conditioning system, including the heat exchanger as described above.

[0099] The above description and the drawings fully illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art can practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent possible variations. Unless explicitly required, the individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations can vary. Some parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace those of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures already described and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that: include: A plurality of heat exchange tube groups, each heat exchange tube group comprising one or more heat exchange branches; and, The flow path switching component is connected to the multiple heat exchange tube groups and is used to adjust the connection mode of the multiple heat exchange tube groups. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the flow path switching component connects the multiple heat exchange tube groups in series. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the flow path switching component connects the multiple heat exchange tube groups in parallel. Among them, the flow path switching component includes at least a primary liquid separation element, a middle liquid separation element and a final liquid separation element. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger passes through at least the primary liquid separation element, the middle liquid separation element and the final liquid separation element in sequence, and then flows into at least one heat exchange tube group among the multiple heat exchange tube groups.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple heat exchange tube groups include: The first heat exchange tube group includes N1 first heat exchange branches arranged in parallel; The second heat exchange tube group includes N2 second heat exchange branches arranged in parallel; The third heat exchange tube group includes N3 third heat exchange branches arranged in parallel, Among them, N1>N2.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationship: N1+N2≥8; or N1+N3≥8; or N2+N3≥4.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that The number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationship: N1+N2≥16; or N1+N3≥13; or N2+N3≥8.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationship: 16≤N1+N2+N3≤30.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that The number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationship: 16<N1+N2+N3≤20.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number N1 of the first heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group, the number N2 of the second heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group, and the number N3 of the third heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group satisfy the following relationship: 1.5≤N1:N2≤3; or, 1.5≤N1:N3≤3; or, 1≤N2:N3≤3; or, 3≤(N1+N2):N3≤6.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heat exchange tube group, the second heat exchange tube group and the third heat exchange tube group are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The primary liquid separation element includes a primary liquid separation inlet pipe, a first primary outlet pipe and a second primary outlet pipe, and the intermediate liquid separation element includes a first intermediate liquid separator and a second intermediate liquid separator, and the first primary outlet pipe is connected to the inlet pipe of the first intermediate liquid separator, and the second primary outlet pipe is connected to the inlet pipe of the second intermediate liquid separator. The first intermediate liquid distributor is connected to the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group, the second intermediate liquid distributor is connected to the third heat exchange tube group, and the inner diameter of the first primary outlet pipe is greater than the inner diameter of the second primary outlet pipe.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that The first primary outlet pipe is extended upwardly along the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe, or the first primary outlet pipe is extended upwardly along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe; The second primary outlet pipe is extended downwardly in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the primary liquid separation inlet pipe.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, characterized in that The primary liquid dispensing element is an inverted Y-type three-way liquid dispensing device structure.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that The first intermediate liquid distributor comprises an intermediate liquid distributor inlet pipe, a first intermediate outlet pipe and a second intermediate outlet pipe, the final liquid distributor comprises a first final liquid distributor and a second final liquid distributor, and the first intermediate outlet pipe is connected to the inlet pipe of the first final liquid distributor, and the second intermediate outlet pipe is connected to the inlet pipe of the second final liquid distributor, The first final stage liquid distributor is connected to the first heat exchange tube group, the second final stage liquid distributor is connected to the second heat exchange tube group, and the inner diameter of the first intermediate stage outlet pipe is greater than the inner diameter of the second intermediate stage outlet pipe.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, characterized in that The first intermediate outlet pipe is extended upwardly along the axial direction of the intermediate liquid separation inlet pipe, or the first intermediate outlet pipe is extended upwardly along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the intermediate liquid separation inlet pipe; The second intermediate outlet pipe is extended downwardly in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the intermediate liquid separation inlet pipe.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 13, characterized in that The first intermediate liquid distributor is an inverted Y-shaped three-way liquid distributor structure.

15. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, characterized in that The final dispensing element also includes: The third final stage liquid separator is connected and arranged between the third heat exchange branch and the second intermediate stage liquid separator.

16. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The heat exchanger further includes a header, and the flow path switching assembly further includes a first valve component and a second valve component. The header includes an upper header and a lower header, the first valve component is arranged between the upper header and the lower header, and the conducting direction of the first valve component is from the lower header to the upper header, The heat exchanger further includes a connecting pipe section connecting the first primary outlet pipe and the first intermediate liquid distributor, the second valve component is arranged in the connecting pipe section, and the conducting direction of the second valve component is from the first primary outlet pipe to the first intermediate liquid distributor, Among them, one end of the first heat exchange tube group is connected to the upper header, and the other end is connected to the first final-stage liquid distributor; one end of the second heat exchange tube group is connected to the lower header, and the other end is connected to the second final-stage liquid distributor; one end of the third heat exchange tube group is connected to the lower header, and the other end is connected to the third final-stage liquid distributor.

17. The heat exchanger according to claim 16, characterized in that The flow path switching assembly also includes: The terminal liquid separator is arranged in communication between the first heat exchange branch and the first final-stage liquid separator.

18. An air conditioning system, characterized in that: Comprising the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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