Microchannel recuperator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of microchannel regenerators, including four header assemblies and microchannel flat tube;Microchannel flat tube includes two layers microchannels, the both ends of first layer microchannel are longer than the both ends of second layer microchannel, the both ends of second layer microchannel are respectively inserted into the flat tube slot in second header assembly and third header assembly, the both ends of first layer microchannel are respectively inserted into the flat tube slot in first header assembly and fourth header assembly after passing through the through slot of second header assembly and third header assembly;Second header assembly and third header assembly are communicated by second layer microchannel, first header assembly and fourth header assembly are communicated by first layer microchannel.The microchannel regenerator provided by the utility model, its structure process is simple, leakage rate is low when sealing fails, can effectively improve heat exchange utilization efficiency, improve the energy efficiency of compressor system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of compressor refrigeration, and specifically relates to a microchannel regenerator. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of high-efficiency heat recovery systems, regenerators are widely used in gas turbines, waste heat recovery from internal combustion engines, industrial furnaces and kilns, and air conditioning and refrigeration. The essence of the technology is to achieve indirect heat exchange between the heat stored in a high-temperature medium and the low-temperature medium that needs to be heated, thus realizing the cascade utilization of energy and significantly improving the system's thermal efficiency.

[0003] Current regenerator structures mainly include regenerative regenerators and indirect-contact regenerators. Based on industry pain point analysis, existing regenerators mainly suffer from technical challenges such as high leakage due to sealing failure, weak temperature resistance and crack resistance, and difficulty in balancing compactness with low pressure loss. There is an urgent need to develop a new generation of regenerator technology that achieves synergistic optimization in three dimensions: breaking through temperature resistance limits, achieving zero-leakage sealing, and balancing the contradiction between efficient heat exchange and low pressure loss, while also meeting the requirements for long service life and maintenance-free operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a microchannel regenerator with a simple structure and process, low leakage rate due to sealing failure, which can effectively improve heat exchange efficiency and improve the energy efficiency of compressor system.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this utility model provide a microchannel regenerator, characterized in that:

[0006] The system includes a first manifold assembly, a second manifold assembly, a microchannel flat tube, a third manifold assembly, and a fourth manifold assembly. The microchannel flat tube comprises two layers of microchannels: a first layer and a second layer. The ends of the first layer are longer than the ends of the second layer. The ends of the second layer are inserted into the flat tube slots of the second and third manifold assemblies, respectively. The ends of the first layer pass through the through slots of the second and third manifold assemblies before being inserted into the flat tube slots of the first and fourth manifold assemblies. The second and third manifold assemblies are connected through the second layer of microchannels, and the first and fourth manifold assemblies are connected through the first layer of microchannels. The microchannel regenerator is a partitioned-wall heat exchanger. Through structural processing, the microchannel flat tube contains two layers of microchannels. Liquid and gas enter the double-layered microchannel flat tube and transfer heat through the tube walls to achieve heat exchange.

[0007] Furthermore, the first manifold assembly, the second manifold assembly, the third manifold assembly, and the fourth manifold assembly are all provided with media inlets and outlets.

[0008] Furthermore, the microchannel flat tube is a microchannel flat tube formed by extrusion in one step.

[0009] Furthermore, the microchannel flat tube is a straight tube.

[0010] Furthermore, the microchannel flat tube is a serpentine tube extending along a serpentine path with multiple detours.

[0011] Furthermore, the media inlet and outlet of the first manifold assembly, the second manifold assembly, the third manifold assembly, and the fourth manifold assembly are each connected to an inlet / outlet pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the medium inlet and outlet of the first manifold assembly, the second manifold assembly, the third manifold assembly, and the fourth manifold assembly are welded to their corresponding inlet and outlet pipes.

[0013] Furthermore, the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the second and third manifold assemblies are bends, which facilitates connection with external pipelines.

[0014] Furthermore, the two layers of microchannels within the microchannel flat tube are respectively circulated with media at different temperatures for heat exchange.

[0015] Furthermore, the media introduced into the two layers of microchannels within the microchannel flat tube flow in opposite directions.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the microchannel regenerator proposed in this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. Improved heat utilization efficiency: The microchannels inside the microchannel flat tube are tiny (typically on the order of tens to hundreds of micrometers), resulting in an effectively increased heat transfer surface area per unit volume; the use of double-layer microchannel flat tubes for indirect heat exchange greatly increases the contact area between the fluid and the wall, which is the basis for enhanced heat transfer.

[0018] 2. The regenerator has a more compact structure. The microchannel structure makes it possible to integrate a huge heat exchange area in a very small space. The use of serpentine flow channels, annular and other irregular bends can make efficient use of space for layout (such as multi-layer stacking, coiling, etc.), which makes the entire regenerator very compact and significantly reduces its volume and weight.

[0019] 3. The structure and process are simple, and the material cost is reduced. Under the premise of achieving the same heat exchange, the overall manufacturing cost may be advantageous due to the simple structure and process and the significant reduction in material usage.

[0020] 4. Different orifice hydraulic diameters and inlet cross-sectional areas can be designed for liquids and gases to meet the requirements of pressure drop design.

[0021] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this utility model. In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the microchannel regenerator (straight tube type) proposed in this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a microchannel flat tube when it is a straight tube.

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of heat exchange in a microchannel regenerator;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the first manifold assembly 21 and the second manifold assembly 22;

[0027] Figure 5 Structural diagrams of the third manifold assembly 23 and the fourth manifold assembly 24;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the microchannel regenerator (serpentine tube type) proposed in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a microchannel flat tube when it is a serpentine tube.

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of heat exchange in a microchannel regenerator.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] First copper pipe 11, pipe opening 111, pipe opening 112,

[0033] Second copper tube 12, tube opening 121, tube opening 122,

[0034] Third copper tube 13, tube opening 131, tube opening 132,

[0035] Fourth copper tube 14, tube end 141, tube end 142,

[0036] First manifold assembly 21, pipe opening 211, flat pipe groove 212

[0037] Second manifold assembly 22, pipe opening 221, through groove 222, flat pipe groove 223

[0038] The third manifold assembly 23, pipe opening 231, through groove 232, and flat pipe groove 233.

[0039] Fourth manifold assembly 24, pipe opening 241, flat pipe groove 242,

[0040] Microchannel flat tube 3, first flat tube opening 31, second flat tube opening 32, third flat tube opening 33, fourth flat tube opening 34. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. This utility model is intended for more general application in socket-type heating pipes; therefore, it can be used in any practical application with specific requirements.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] See Figure 1 An embodiment of this utility model provides a microchannel regenerator, including a first manifold assembly 21, a second manifold assembly 22, a microchannel flat tube 3, a third manifold assembly 23, and a fourth manifold assembly 24.

[0044] Specifically, see Figure 2 The microchannel flat tube 3 comprises two layers of microchannels: a first layer of microchannels and a second layer of microchannels. The microchannel flat tube 3 is a microchannel flat tube formed by extrusion in one step, and the microchannel flat tube 3 is a straight tube. The first flat tube opening 31 and the fourth flat tube opening 34 at both ends of the first layer of microchannels are longer than the second flat tube opening 32 and the third flat tube opening 33 at both ends of the second layer of microchannels.

[0045] See Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The second flat tube opening 32 of the second microchannel is inserted into the flat tube groove 223 of the second manifold assembly 22, and the third flat tube opening 33 is inserted into the flat tube groove 233 of the third manifold assembly 23. The first flat tube opening 31 of the first microchannel passes through the through groove 222 of the second manifold assembly 22 and is then inserted into the flat tube groove 212 of the first manifold assembly 21; the fourth flat tube opening 34 of the first microchannel passes through the through groove 232 of the third manifold assembly 23 and is then inserted into the flat tube groove 242 of the fourth manifold assembly 24. The second manifold assembly 22 and the third manifold assembly 23 are connected through the second microchannel, and the first manifold assembly 21 and the fourth manifold assembly 24 are connected through the first microchannel.

[0046] Of course, the number of microchannel flat tubes 3 in the microchannel regenerator can be increased as needed. The number of microchannel layers in the microchannel flat tubes 3 can also be increased, and the number of their manifold assemblies can be increased accordingly.

[0047] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first manifold assembly 21 has an upper port 211 for use as a medium inlet / outlet, the second manifold assembly 22 has an upper port 221 for use as a medium inlet / outlet, the third manifold assembly 23 has an upper port 231 for use as a medium inlet / outlet, and the fourth manifold assembly 24 has an upper port 241 for use as a medium inlet / outlet.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 The medium inlet and outlet of the first manifold assembly 21, the second manifold assembly 22, the third manifold assembly 23 and the fourth manifold assembly 24 are respectively connected to an inlet and outlet pipe.

[0049] The inlet and outlet pipes are copper pipes. See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 The port 112 of the first copper pipe 11 is welded to the port 211 of the first manifold assembly 21; the port 122 of the second copper pipe 12 is welded to the port 221 of the second manifold assembly 22; the port 132 of the third copper pipe 13 is welded to the port 231 of the third manifold assembly 23; and the port 142 of the fourth copper pipe 14 is welded to the port 241 of the fourth manifold assembly 24.

[0050] See Figure 1 The second copper pipe 12 and the third copper pipe 13 connected to the second manifold assembly 22 and the third manifold assembly 23 are bent pipes, while the first copper pipe 11 and the fourth copper pipe 14 are straight pipes, to avoid interference between the copper pipes at both ends when connecting to external pipes.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] See Figures 6-8The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the microchannel flat tube 3 is a serpentine tube extending along a serpentine path with multiple detours. In specific applications, one of these types can be selected. Depending on the application space, it can also be bent into irregular shapes to efficiently utilize space for layout (such as multi-layer stacking, coiling, etc.).

[0053] See Figure 3 and Figure 8 The gaseous heat exchange medium enters the regenerator from the port 111 of the first copper tube 11, flows through the first copper tube 11 into the first manifold assembly 21, then flows through the flat tube port 31 of the double-layer microchannel flat tube 3, and enters the fourth manifold assembly 24 from the fourth flat tube port 34. Finally, the gaseous heat exchange medium in the fourth manifold assembly 24 enters the fourth copper tube 14 and flows out of the regenerator from the port 141. The liquid heat exchange medium enters the regenerator from the port 131 of the third copper tube 13, flows through the third copper tube 13 into the third manifold assembly 23, then flows through the third flat tube port 33 of the double-layer microchannel flat tube 3, and enters the second manifold assembly 22 from the second flat tube port 32. Finally, the liquid heat exchange medium in the second manifold assembly 22 enters the second copper tube 12 and flows out of the regenerator from the port 121. The gaseous or liquid heat exchange medium in the regenerator can be reversed, and the gaseous and liquid heat exchange medium pipelines can be interchanged.

[0054] The microchannel regenerator proposed in this invention is mainly applied in the field of compressor refrigeration. It allows for secondary heat exchange between the high-temperature liquid refrigerant at the condenser outlet and the gaseous refrigerant at the evaporator outlet, thereby increasing the subcooling of the liquid at the condenser outlet and the superheat of the compressor return gas, effectively improving the unit's energy efficiency. It utilizes a double-layer extruded, one-piece molded microchannel flat tube 3 for indirect heat exchange. Through structural processing, the liquid and gas enter the double-layer microchannel flat tube separately, transferring heat through the tube walls to achieve heat exchange. The media flowing through the two microchannels within the microchannel flat tube 3 flow in opposite directions. This structure has a simple manufacturing process, low leakage rate due to seal failure, and can effectively improve heat exchange efficiency and enhance the energy efficiency of the compressor system.

[0055] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A microchannel regenerator, characterized in that: It includes a first manifold assembly (21), a second manifold assembly (22), a microchannel flat tube (3), a third manifold assembly (23), and a fourth manifold assembly (24); The microchannel flat tube (3) comprises two layers of microchannels: a first layer of microchannels and a second layer of microchannels, wherein the two ends of the first layer of microchannels are longer than the two ends of the second layer of microchannels. The two ends of the second layer microchannel are respectively inserted into the flat tube grooves in the second manifold assembly (22) and the third manifold assembly (23). The two ends of the first layer microchannel pass through the through slots of the second manifold assembly (22) and the third manifold assembly (23) respectively, and then are inserted into the flat tube slots of the first manifold assembly (21) and the fourth manifold assembly (24); The second manifold assembly (22) and the third manifold assembly (23) are connected through the second layer microchannel, and the first manifold assembly (21) and the fourth manifold assembly (24) are connected through the first layer microchannel.

2. The microchannel regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first manifold assembly (21), the second manifold assembly (22), the third manifold assembly (23) and the fourth manifold assembly (24) are all provided with medium inlets and outlets.

3. The microchannel regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microchannel flat tube (3) is a microchannel flat tube formed by extrusion in one step.

4. The microchannel regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microchannel flat tube (3) is a straight tube.

5. The microchannel regenerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microchannel flat tube (3) is a serpentine tube.

6. The microchannel regenerator according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that: The media inlet and outlet of the first manifold assembly (21), the second manifold assembly (22), the third manifold assembly (23), and the fourth manifold assembly (24) are respectively connected to an inlet and outlet pipe.

7. The microchannel regenerator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The medium inlet and outlet of the first manifold assembly (21), the second manifold assembly (22), the third manifold assembly (23) and the fourth manifold assembly (24) are welded to their corresponding inlet and outlet pipes.

8. The microchannel regenerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inlet and outlet pipes connected to the second manifold assembly (22) and the third manifold assembly (23) are bends.

9. The microchannel regenerator according to claim 8, characterized in that: The two microchannels inside the microchannel flat tube (3) are respectively circulated with media of different temperatures for heat exchange.

10. The microchannel regenerator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The media flowing through the two microchannels in the microchannel flat tube (3) flow in opposite directions.

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