A high-efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of evaporator technology and discloses a high heat exchange efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator, including an evaporator body. Multiple microchannel heat exchange tubes are fixedly installed on the inner side of the evaporator body, and multiple microchannel holes are opened at the bottom of the evaporator body. Diversion pipes are fixedly installed on the left and right sides of the evaporator body. The comprehensive application of the microchannel heat exchange structure, inner surface strengthening treatment, and outer surface fin design significantly improves the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator. Compared with traditional evaporators, the ice-making speed can be increased, producing the same amount of ice in a shorter time, meeting the demand for rapid ice making. High heat exchange efficiency means that, under the same ice-making capacity, the required refrigeration compressor running time is shortened, and energy consumption is reduced. Actual testing shows that using the evaporator of this utility model reduces the energy consumption of the ice-making system, effectively reducing operating costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of evaporator technology, and in particular to an ice mold evaporator with a high heat exchange efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the refrigeration and ice-making field, the evaporator is a key component, and its heat exchange efficiency directly affects the ice-making speed, energy consumption, and ice quality. Traditional ice mold evaporators have many drawbacks. On the one hand, their heat exchange efficiency is low. Common evaporators often use heat exchange pipes with large diameters. When the refrigerant flows inside the pipes, the heat exchange area with the surrounding medium is limited, and the low refrigerant flow velocity inside the pipes results in a low heat transfer coefficient. For example, in a traditional copper tube coiled ice mold evaporator, the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and water can only cover a portion of the ice mold surface, resulting in a long ice-making time. It typically takes several hours to produce a standard-sized ice block, greatly affecting production efficiency.

[0003] Microchannel heat exchangers are devices that utilize micrometer-scale channels for heat exchange, typically used in microfluidic thermal management systems. They can be categorized by size into micro-microchannel heat exchangers and large-scale microchannel heat exchangers. Large-scale microchannel heat exchangers have already been applied in industrial refrigeration, waste heat recovery, automotive air conditioning, residential air conditioning, and heat pump water heaters, with their scale typically ranging from micrometers to millimeters. When the channel size is less than 3 mm, the gas-liquid two-phase flow and phase change heat transfer characteristics differ from those of conventional larger-sized channels. The smaller the channel, the more pronounced this size effect becomes. When the inner diameter of the tube is as small as 0.5~1 mm, the convective heat transfer coefficient can increase by 50%~100%. Therefore, this type of heat exchanger has advantages such as high heat transfer efficiency, small size, and fast response.

[0004] High energy consumption. Low heat exchange efficiency means that more electricity is needed to drive the refrigeration compressor to achieve the same ice production capacity, increasing operating costs. Furthermore, the structural design of traditional evaporators is not conducive to uniform heat exchange, easily leading to temperature gradients within the ice block. This results in quality problems such as uneven density and internal voids during the ice forming process, affecting the appearance and performance of the ice. With the refrigeration industry's increasing demand for efficient, energy-saving, and high-quality ice production, we have proposed a high-heat-exchange-efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator, which solves the existing problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A high-efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator includes an evaporator body. Multiple microchannel heat exchange tubes are fixedly installed on the inner side of the evaporator body. Multiple microchannel holes are opened at the bottom of the evaporator body. Diversion pipes are fixedly installed on the left and right sides of the evaporator body. A connecting pipe is fixedly installed on one side of the diversion pipe. A manifold pipe is fixedly installed on one side of the connecting pipe. Fins are fixedly installed on one side of the connecting pipe.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above solution, the main body of the evaporator abuts against the ice mold, and the inner surface of the ice mold is coated with a release material with a low coefficient of friction.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the ice mold and the microchannel heat exchange structure are integrated into a single design. The ice mold is formed directly around the microchannel heat exchange tube array. This design eliminates the thermal resistance of the air gap between the traditional evaporator and the ice mold, allowing the refrigerant's cooling capacity to be transferred to the water inside the ice mold more directly and efficiently. At the same time, the shape and size of the ice mold are optimized according to the layout of the microchannel heat exchange tube array to ensure that the water can contact the microchannel heat exchange tubes evenly inside the ice mold, achieving uniform freezing and improving the quality of the ice.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above solution, the fins are made of aluminum alloy and are rectangular in shape.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, finned structures are uniformly distributed on the outer surface of the microchannel heat exchange tube. The fins are made of thin aluminum alloy material, and the shape of the fins can be straight fins, corrugated fins, or louvered fins, etc. By optimizing the shape and spacing of the fins, the heat exchange area between the microchannel heat exchange tube and the surrounding water can be increased, promoting heat transfer. For example, when a corrugated fin structure is used, its heat exchange area can be increased compared with a finless microchannel heat exchange tube, which significantly improves the overall heat exchange performance of the evaporator.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above solution, the inner surface of the microchannel heat exchange tube is provided with a groove or protrusion structure.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the inner surface of the microchannel heat exchange tube is treated with a special strengthening process, such as processing tiny grooves or protrusions. These tiny structures can increase the turbulence of the refrigerant when it flows inside the tube, destroy the refrigerant boundary layer, and improve the heat transfer coefficient between the refrigerant and the tube wall. Experimental tests show that the heat transfer coefficient inside the microchannel heat exchange tube can be improved after the inner surface strengthening treatment, which further enhances the heat transfer efficiency of the evaporator.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above solution, the microchannel heat exchange tube is made of aluminum alloy.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the main body of the evaporator adopts a microchannel heat exchange tube array structure, which significantly reduces the tube diameter compared to traditional evaporators; these microchannel heat exchange tubes are closely arranged to form a large heat exchange surface.

[0016] As a further improvement to the above scheme, refrigerant is provided inside the manifold, connecting pipe and branch pipe.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, a distributor is set at one end of the microchannel heat exchanger tube array. The distributor distributes the refrigerant from the refrigeration system evenly to each microchannel heat exchanger tube through the distribution pipe, ensuring that the refrigerant flow rate and pressure in each microchannel heat exchanger tube are consistent, thereby achieving uniform heat exchange. The internal structure of the distributor is optimized and adopts a special flow channel shape and distribution hole layout, which can effectively reduce the pressure loss of refrigerant during the distribution process and improve the flow efficiency of refrigerant.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, a manifold is set at the other end of the microchannel heat exchanger array. The manifold is responsible for collecting the refrigerant flowing out of the microchannel heat exchanger through the manifold pipe and transporting it back to the subsequent links of the refrigeration system. The manifold has also undergone internal structural optimization to reduce pressure loss during the manifold process. Each microchannel heat exchanger is interconnected through a connecting pipe to ensure the smooth flow of refrigerant.

[0019] As a further improvement to the above scheme, multiple microchannel heat exchanger tube arrays are arranged.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the number of microchannel heat exchange tubes can reach hundreds, and the total heat exchange area is significantly increased compared to the traditional copper tube coiled evaporator. The microchannel heat exchange tubes are made of aluminum alloy material with high thermal conductivity. Aluminum alloy has good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, which can quickly transfer the cooling capacity of the refrigerant to the surrounding water and promote the freezing process of the water.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0022] This invention relates to a high-efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator. The comprehensive application of the microchannel heat exchange structure, internal surface strengthening treatment, and external fin design significantly improves the evaporator's heat exchange efficiency. Compared to traditional evaporators, the ice-making speed is increased, enabling the production of the same quantity of ice blocks in a shorter time, meeting the demand for rapid ice making. High heat exchange efficiency means that, for the same ice production capacity, the required refrigeration compressor operating time is shortened, reducing energy consumption. Actual testing shows that using this invention's evaporator reduces the energy consumption of the ice-making system, effectively lowering operating costs.

[0023] This invention relates to a high-efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator. The integrated design of the ice mold and evaporator, along with the uniform heat exchange process, results in a more uniform temperature distribution during ice forming, reducing the internal temperature gradient of the ice. This leads to ice with uniform density, no internal voids, higher transparency and hardness, thus improving ice quality and market competitiveness. The demolding auxiliary structure facilitates smoother ice demolding, enabling automation of the ice-making process, reducing manual intervention, and improving production efficiency and product consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the lower part of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the microchannel pore in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the present utility model.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Evaporator main body; 2. Microchannel heat exchange tube; 3. Microchannel hole; 4. Manifold; 5. Connecting pipe; 6. Diverting pipe; 7. Fins. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0031] refer to Figure 1-4A high heat exchange efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator includes an evaporator body 1, a plurality of microchannel heat exchange tubes 2 fixedly installed on the inner side of the evaporator body 1, a plurality of microchannel holes 3 opened at the bottom of the evaporator body 1, a diversion pipe 6 fixedly installed on the left and right sides of the evaporator body 1, a connecting pipe 5 fixedly installed on one side of the diversion pipe 6, a manifold pipe 4 fixedly installed on one side of the connecting pipe 5, and fins 7 fixedly installed on one side of the connecting pipe 5.

[0032] In this embodiment, the main body 1 of the evaporator abuts against the ice mold, and the inner surface of the ice mold is coated with a release material with a low coefficient of friction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the fin 7 is made of aluminum alloy and has a rectangular shape.

[0034] In this embodiment, the inner surface of the microchannel heat exchange tube 2 is provided with a groove or protrusion structure.

[0035] In this embodiment, the microchannel heat exchange tube 2 is made of aluminum alloy.

[0036] In this embodiment, refrigerant is provided inside the manifold 4, the connecting pipe 5, and the branch pipe 6.

[0037] In this embodiment, multiple microchannel heat exchange tubes 2 are arranged in an array.

[0038] The implementation principle of a high heat exchange efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator in this application embodiment is as follows: The main body 1 of the evaporator adopts an array structure of microchannel heat exchange tubes 2, which significantly reduces the tube diameter compared to traditional evaporators; these microchannel heat exchange tubes 2 are closely arranged to form a large heat exchange surface; for example, in a standard-sized ice mold evaporator, the number of microchannel heat exchange tubes 2 can reach hundreds, and its total heat exchange area is significantly increased compared to traditional copper tube coiled evaporators; the microchannel heat exchange tubes 2 are made of aluminum alloy material with high thermal conductivity. Aluminum alloy has good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, and can quickly transfer the coldness of the refrigerant to the surrounding water, promoting the freezing process of the water;

[0039] A distributor is installed at one end of the microchannel heat exchanger tube array. The distributor distributes the refrigerant from the refrigeration system evenly to each microchannel heat exchanger tube 2 through the distribution pipe 6, ensuring that the refrigerant flow rate and pressure in each microchannel heat exchanger tube 2 are consistent, thereby achieving uniform heat exchange. The internal structure of the distributor is optimized and adopts a special flow channel shape and distribution hole layout, which can effectively reduce the pressure loss of refrigerant during the distribution process and improve the flow efficiency of refrigerant.

[0040] A manifold is set at the other end of the microchannel heat exchanger array. The manifold is responsible for collecting the refrigerant flowing out of the microchannel heat exchanger 2 through the manifold pipe 4 and sending it back to the subsequent links of the refrigeration system. The manifold has also undergone internal structure optimization to reduce pressure loss during the manifold. Each microchannel heat exchanger 2 is interconnected through the connecting pipe 5 to ensure the smooth flow of refrigerant.

[0041] The inner surface of the microchannel heat exchange tube 2 is treated with a special strengthening process, such as machining tiny grooves or protrusions. These microstructures increase the turbulence of the refrigerant flowing inside the tube, disrupt the refrigerant boundary layer, and improve the heat transfer coefficient between the refrigerant and the tube wall. Experimental tests show that the heat transfer coefficient inside the microchannel heat exchange tube 2 can be improved after the inner surface strengthening treatment, further enhancing the heat transfer efficiency of the evaporator. On the outer surface of the microchannel heat exchange tube 2, fins 7 are uniformly distributed. The fins 7 are made of thin aluminum alloy material, and the shape of the fins 7 can be straight fins, corrugated fins, or louvered fins, etc. By optimizing the shape and spacing of the fins 7, the heat transfer area between the microchannel heat exchange tube 2 and the surrounding water can be increased, promoting heat transfer. For example, when using a corrugated fin structure, its heat transfer area can be increased compared to the microchannel heat exchange tube 2 without fins, significantly improving the overall heat transfer performance of the evaporator.

[0042] The ice mold and microchannel heat exchange structure are integrated into a single design. The ice mold is directly formed around the array of microchannel heat exchange tubes 2. This design eliminates the thermal resistance of the air gap between the traditional evaporator and the ice mold, allowing the refrigerant's cooling capacity to be transferred to the water inside the ice mold more directly and efficiently. At the same time, the shape and size of the ice mold are optimized according to the layout of the microchannel heat exchange tube array to ensure that the water can contact the microchannel heat exchange tubes 2 evenly inside the ice mold, achieving uniform freezing and improving the quality of the ice.

[0043] On the contact surface between the ice mold and the microchannel heat exchange tube 2, a demolding aid structure is provided; for example, a layer of demolding material with a low coefficient of friction is coated on the inner surface of the ice mold, or some tiny protrusions or grooves are provided on the surface of the microchannel heat exchange tube 2. After the ice is formed, these structures can reduce the adhesion between the ice and the ice mold and the microchannel heat exchange tube 2, making it easier for the ice to be demolded smoothly, and improving the automation and production efficiency of ice making.

[0044] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0045] The above provides a detailed description of the high heat exchange efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator provided by this utility model. Specific embodiments have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this utility model. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A high heat transfer efficiency micro-channel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator, characterized in that, include: The evaporator body (1) has multiple microchannel heat exchange tubes (2) fixedly installed on its inner side. Multiple microchannel holes (3) are opened at the bottom of the evaporator body (1). Diversion pipes (6) are fixedly installed on the left and right sides of the evaporator body (1). A connecting pipe (5) is fixedly installed on one side of the diversion pipe (6). A manifold pipe (4) is fixedly installed on one side of the connecting pipe (5). A fin (7) is fixedly installed on one side of the connecting pipe (5).

2. The ice mold evaporator with high heat transfer efficiency and micro-channel heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the evaporator (1) abuts against the ice mold, and the inner surface of the ice mold is coated with a release material with a low coefficient of friction.

3. The ice mold evaporator with high heat transfer efficiency and micro-channel heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fins (7) are made of aluminum alloy and are rectangular in shape.

4. The ice mold evaporator with high heat transfer efficiency and micro-channel heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the microchannel heat exchange tube (2) is provided with a groove or protrusion structure.

5. The high heat exchange efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microchannel heat exchange tube (2) is made of aluminum alloy.

6. The high heat exchange efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Refrigerant is provided on the inner side of the manifold (4), connecting pipe (5) and branch pipe (6).

7. The high heat exchange efficiency microchannel heat exchange structure ice mold evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple microchannel heat exchange tubes (2) are arranged in an array.

Images