Header piping and heat exchange equipment

Abstract

To provide a header piping and heat exchange equipment that can further suppress refrigerant flow deviation. [Solution] The header piping comprises a plurality of inlet pipes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, through which fluid flows toward one side in a first direction; a header body having a body that partitions an inlet space into which the fluid flowing through each inlet pipe is introduced, and a closing portion having a deflection inner surface that closes one side of the inlet space in the first direction and deflects the fluid from one side in the first direction toward the other; and a discharge pipe connected to the header body from the outer circumference side, which discharges the fluid in the inlet space toward a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a header pipe and heat exchange equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Heat exchange equipment is known that includes branch pipes that allow a refrigerant to flow therethrough to enable heat exchange with external gas, water, or the like, and a header disposed on the refrigerant outlet side to change the direction of refrigerant flow. In such a heat exchanger, uniformizing the refrigerant distribution within the pipes through which the refrigerant flows (suppressing biased flow of the refrigerant) is one of the important issues.

[0003] As a method for uniformizing refrigerant distribution, a configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration apparatus including a first pipe disposed on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow, a second pipe disposed on the upstream side of the refrigerant flow, and a rectifying space forming member disposed between the first pipe and the second pipe. By adjusting the shape of the rectifying space forming member and providing a dead end portion for the refrigerant in the rectifying space forming member, the biased flow of the refrigerant can be uniformized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in such a configuration, when viewed from the refrigerant outlet side (the first pipe side), the second pipe and the rectifying space forming member are aligned in a straight line. In this case, the influence of the flow on the inlet side (the second pipe side) is large, and the effect of suppressing biased flow is limited. Accordingly, a configuration capable of further uniformizing the refrigerant distribution is demanded.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a header piping and heat exchange equipment that can further suppress refrigerant flow deviation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the header piping according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of inlet pipes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, through which fluid flows toward one side in a first direction; a header body having a body portion that partitions an introduction space into which the fluid flowing through each of the inlet pipes is introduced, and a closing portion having a deflection inner surface that closes one side of the introduction space in the first direction and deflects the fluid from one side of the first direction toward the other side; and a discharge pipe connected to the header body from the outer periphery side and discharging the fluid in the introduction space toward a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.

[0008] The heat exchange equipment of this disclosure comprises the header piping described above and a heat exchanger having a plurality of supply pipes connected to the inlet pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The header piping and heat exchange equipment of this disclosure can further suppress the uneven flow of refrigerant. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a heat exchange system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a header piping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a plane intersecting the second direction of the header piping according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a third intersecting plane of the header piping according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <Embodiment> (Configuration of the heat exchange equipment) A heat exchange equipment 1 and header piping 20 according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in the schematic diagram in Figure 1, the heat exchange equipment 1 comprises a heat exchanger 10 and header piping 20. In this embodiment, a fluid L, which is a refrigerant (heat transfer medium), flows through the heat exchange equipment 1.

[0012] (Heat exchanger configuration) The heat exchanger 10 comprises a plurality of branch pipes 11 and a plurality of supply pipes 12. The branch pipes 11 are formed in a cylindrical shape through which a fluid L can flow. The fluid L is assumed to flow through the inside of the branch pipes 11 from the other side D1b to the first side D1a in the first direction D1. That is, the branch pipes 11 extend in the first direction D1. The plurality of branch pipes 11 are arranged spaced apart in the second direction D2 which intersects the first direction D1.

[0013] The supply pipe 12 is the part that connects the branch pipe 11 to the inlet pipe 40 (described later) of the header piping 20. The supply pipe 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape through which fluid L can flow. The supply pipe 12, the header piping 20, and the inlet pipe 40 are fixed together, for example by brazing, and connected in a way that allows fluid L to flow through them.

[0014] For example, if the heat exchanger 10 in this embodiment is a gas cooler, the fluid L flowing through the branch pipes 11 exchanges heat with the gas flowing outside the branch pipes 11. As a result, the heat exchanger 10 cools the gas, while the fluid L flowing through the heat exchanger 10 is heated.

[0015] Furthermore, if the heat exchanger 10 in this embodiment is a gas heater, for example, the fluid L flowing through the branch pipes 11 exchanges heat with the gas flowing outside the branch pipes 11. As a result, the heat exchanger 10 heats the gas, while the fluid L flowing through the heat exchanger 10 is cooled.

[0016] (Header piping configuration) As shown in the perspective view in Figure 2, the header pipe 20 is formed to collect the fluid L introduced from a plurality of locations (two locations) and change the flow direction. Specifically, the header pipe 20 is formed to be capable of discharging the fluid L flowing from the other side D1b to the one side D1a in the first direction D1 to the third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The header pipe 20 includes a header main body 30, an introduction pipe 40, and a discharge pipe 50.

[0017] In the present embodiment, description will be given on the assumption that the fluid L introduced into the header pipe 20 from the horizontal direction is discharged upward in the vertical direction. That is, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are horizontal directions, and the third direction D3 is a vertical direction. However, these expressions are for convenience of description, and do not limit the gravitational direction of the header pipe 20 (the installation posture of the header pipe 20). Further, in the present embodiment, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are orthogonal to each other, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

[0018] (Configuration of header main body) As shown in the respective cross-sectional views in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the header main body 30 is a part where a space through which the fluid L introduced into the header pipe 20 passes is formed. The header main body 30 is formed to extend in the first direction D1. The header main body 30 includes a barrel portion 32 and a closing portion 34.

[0019] The barrel portion 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on a first axis O1 extending along the first direction D1. The barrel portion 32 is connected to the plurality of introduction pipes 40 at the end on the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The barrel portion 32 of the present embodiment is connected to two introduction pipes 40. The barrel portion 32 defines an introduction space R2 into which the fluid L having flowed through each introduction pipe 40 is introduced. Further, the barrel portion 32 is connected to the discharge pipe 50 above in the third direction D3.

[0020] The blocking portion 34 is a portion extending from the end portion on one side D1a in the first direction D1 of the body portion 32 toward the one side D1a in the first direction D1. The blocking portion 34 is formed to block the one side D1a in the first direction D1 of the introduction space R2. The blocking portion 34 is formed in a spherical shape that protrudes most toward the one side D1a in the first direction D1 at the position of the first axis O1. That is, the direction-changing inner surface 34a, which is the inner peripheral surface of the blocking portion 34, is formed in a spherical shape.

[0021] The direction-changing inner surface 34a is formed to be capable of changing the flow direction of the fluid L heading from the other side D1b in the first direction D1 toward the one side D1a, so that the fluid L flows from the one side D1a in the first direction D1 toward the other side D1b. In other words, the direction-changing inner surface 34a is formed to be capable of changing the flowing direction of the fluid L from the one side D1a in the first direction D1 toward the other side D1b. The space inside the blocking portion 34, that is, the space covered by the direction-changing inner surface 34a and allowing the fluid L to flow therethrough, is defined as a direction-changing space R4.

[0022] (Configuration of introduction pipe) The introduction pipe 40 is a portion that connects the supply pipe 12 and the header main body 30. The introduction pipe 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction D1. The introduction pipe 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending parallel to the first axis O1 and centered on an axis different from the first axis O1. The introduction pipe 40 has an introduction flow path R1 formed therein to allow the fluid L to flow therethrough. The introduction pipe 40 is connected to the supply pipe 12 at the end on the other side D1b in the first direction D1. That is, the introduction pipe 40 allows the fluid L to flow toward the one side D1a in the first direction D1.

[0023] In addition, two introduction pipes 40 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2. For example, the two introduction pipes 40 are arranged at the same distance in opposite directions from each other with respect to the first axis O1 in the second direction D2. Each introduction pipe 40 is connected to a different supply pipe 12. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the end portion of the introduction pipe 40 in the present embodiment in the second direction D2 is arranged to protrude outward in the second direction D2 beyond the body portion 32 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0024] Furthermore, the inlet pipe 40 is connected to the body portion 32 at one end D1a in the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 3, the inlet pipe 40 is formed such that the diameter of the inlet pipe 40 expands from one end D1a in the first direction D1 towards the other end D1b in the first direction D1 and towards the other end D1a. That is, the inlet pipe 40 is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet flow path R1 increases as it moves toward the body portion 32 in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 40 is formed so that the diameter expands upward and downward in the third direction D3 as it moves toward one end D1a in the first direction D1.

[0025] (Configuration of the discharge pipe) The discharge pipe 50 is the part that allows fluid L to be discharged from the header piping 20 to the outside. The discharge pipe 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on a second axis O2 that extends along a third direction D3. A discharge channel R3 is formed inside the discharge pipe 50, allowing fluid L to flow through it. The discharge pipe 50 is connected to the header body 30 (body section 32) from the outer circumference. Specifically, the discharge pipe 50 is connected to the body section 32 above the third direction D3. When viewed from the third direction D3, the discharge pipe 50 is formed to be smaller than the body section 32 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Furthermore, the body section 32 and the discharge pipe 50 are connected so that fluid L can flow through their interiors. In other words, the introduction space R2 and the discharge channel R3 are in communication. That is, the discharge pipe 50 is formed so that fluid L in the introduction space R2 can be discharged toward the third direction D3.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first axis O1 and the second axis O2 are perpendicular to each other. That is, in this embodiment, the header piping 20 is formed such that the direction in which the inlet pipe 40 extends and the direction in which the outlet pipe 50 extends are perpendicular to each other. Also, in this embodiment, the first axis O1 and the second axis O2 are arranged to intersect at a single point. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the two inlet pipes 40 are arranged at the same distance from each other in opposite directions with respect to the first axis O1 in the second direction D2. That is, the outlet pipe 50 is located in the center of the area where the multiple (two) inlet pipes 40 are arranged, as viewed from the third direction D3. In other words, the outlet pipe 50 is located midway between the two inlet pipes 40 in the second direction D2.

[0027] (Relationship of size) Each part of the header piping 20 described above is formed to have the following size relationships. Preferably, the distance in the first direction D1 from the center of the discharge pipe 50 to the other end D1b of the body portion 32 in the first direction D1 is within six times the inner diameter of the discharge pipe 50 (i.e., the diameter of the discharge flow path R3). In other words, preferably, the distance in the first direction D1 from the second axis O2 and the boundary between the body portion 32 and the inlet pipe 40 is within six times the inner diameter of the discharge pipe 50.

[0028] Furthermore, the distance from one end D1a of the discharge pipe 50 in the first direction D1 to one end D1a of the deflection inner surface 34a in the first direction D1 is referred to as the end distance. The end distance is preferably 0.5 to 1.5, more preferably 0.5 to 1.2, and optimally around 0.6, when the distance of the introduction space R2 to the third direction D3 is set to 1.

[0029] <Effects and Effects> In the heat exchange equipment 1 described above, the fluid L flows as follows: The fluid L that has flowed through the heat exchanger 10 in the first direction D1 from the other side D1b to the one side D1a is introduced into the header piping 20. The fluid L is introduced into the introduction space R2 through the introduction channel R1. At this time, the fluid L1 that flows on the upper side of the third direction D3 in the introduction channel R1 tends to go directly from the introduction space R2 to the discharge channel R3 (see Figure 3). Due to the influence of the velocity in the first direction D1, the fluid L1 that has flowed on the upper side of the third direction D3 in the introduction channel R1 is introduced into the discharge channel R3 such that it is biased towards the one side D1a of the first direction D1 in the discharge channel R3.

[0030] On the other hand, fluid L2, which flows below the third direction D3 in the introduction channel R1, tends to move towards the deflection space R4 (blocked section 34) (see Figure 3). Fluid L2 that has flowed below the third direction D3 in the introduction channel R1 has its flow direction reversed along the deflection inner surface 34a and is introduced into the discharge channel R3. At this time, fluid L2 moves from bottom to top in the third direction D3 towards the deflection inner surface 34a, and at the deflection inner surface 34a, its flow to the third direction D3 is also reversed and it is introduced into the discharge channel R3. Therefore, fluid L2 that has flowed below the third direction D3 in the introduction channel R1 is introduced into the discharge channel R3 with its flow direction reversed at the deflection inner surface 34a and its flow direction to the first direction D1 reversed.

[0031] Thus, the fluids L1 and L2 that flowed above and below the third direction D3 of the introduction channel R1 are introduced into the discharge channel R3 with their flow directions toward the first direction D1 opposite to each other. At this time, the viscosity of the fluids L cancels out their velocities toward the first direction D1, and they are introduced into the discharge channel R3. That is, the fluids L1 and L2 are discharged from the discharge pipe 50 to the outside of the header pipe 20 while the effect of their velocity toward the first direction D1 is canceled out. Therefore, the header pipe 20 of this embodiment can suppress fluid flow deviation. In other words, the header pipe 20 can make the fluid velocity distribution in the discharge pipe 50 uniform.

[0032] Furthermore, fluid L4, which flows in the inlet channel R1 on the side closer to the first axis O1 in the second direction D2, is more likely to flow directly from the inlet space R2 to the discharge channel R3 (see Figure 4). At this time, the fluid L introduced from the two inlet pipes 40 is introduced into the discharge channel R3 with the centers of their fluxes separated in the second direction D2.

[0033] On the other hand, fluid L3, which flows in the inlet channel R1 on the side furthest from the first axis O1 in the second direction D2, tends to move towards the deflection space R4 (blocked section 34) (see Figure 4). Fluid L3 that has flowed on the side furthest from the first axis O1 in the inlet channel R1 has its direction of flow changed along the deflection inner surface 34a, and is brought closer to the first axis O1 before being introduced into the discharge channel R3.

[0034] As a result of this flow formation, fluids L3 and L4 flowing on the side of the introduction channel R1 closest to the first axis O1 and the side farther away from the first axis O1 are introduced into the discharge channel R3 from different positions in the second direction D2. More specifically, in the second direction D2, fluid L3 flowing on the side of the introduction channel R1 farther from the first axis O1 is introduced from between the fluids L4 flowing on the side of the introduction channel R1 closest to the first axis O1. Therefore, fluid L3 that has flowed through the deflection space R4 is less likely to be hindered from being introduced into the discharge channel R3 by the flow of fluid L4 that is directed directly from the introduction space R2 to the discharge channel R3. Consequently, the effect of suppressing flow deviation due to the viscosity of fluid L as described above can be more easily achieved.

[0035] In other words, the discharge pipe 50 is positioned in the center of the area where the two inlet pipes 40 are arranged when viewed from the third direction D3. This makes it easier for the fluid L3 that has flowed through the deflection space R4 to be discharged from the discharge pipe 50 to the outside of the header piping 20. Thus, the effect of the velocity of fluids L3 and L4 in the first direction D1 can be more easily canceled out in the discharge pipe 50. Consequently, the flow deviation of fluid L in the discharge pipe 50 can be further suppressed.

[0036] Furthermore, with this header piping 20, there is no need to merge multiple supply pipes 12 upstream of the header piping 20 for the flow of fluid L. Therefore, with the header piping 20 of this embodiment, the length of the supply pipes 12 can be shortened. In other words, with the header piping 20, the connection distance between the branch pipes 11 and the header piping 20 can be shortened.

[0037] Furthermore, the inlet pipe 40 is formed such that the end of the first direction D1 connected to the body 32 expands in diameter from the other side D1b of the first direction D1 towards the one side D1a of the first direction D1. As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel R1 increases as it approaches the inlet space R2. Therefore, as the fluid L approaches the inlet space R2, its flow velocity in the first direction D1 decreases as it is introduced into the inlet space R2. Consequently, since the fluid L is introduced into the discharge channel R3 with the influence of velocity in the first direction D1 reduced, the uneven flow of the fluid L in the discharge pipe 50 can be further suppressed.

[0038] Furthermore, the inner surface 34a of the deflection pipe is formed in a spherical shape. As a result, the fluid L introduced into the deflection space R4 has its direction of flow smoothly changed along the inner surface 34a of the deflection pipe. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to create the fluid L flow described above. Consequently, the uneven flow of the fluid L in the discharge pipe 50 can be further suppressed.

[0039] <Other Embodiments> Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and may include design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of this disclosure.

[0040] For example, the first axis O1 and the second axis O2 are not limited to being orthogonal to each other. That is, the direction in which the inlet pipe 40 extends and the direction in which the outlet pipe 50 extends are not limited to being orthogonal to each other.

[0041] Furthermore, the number of inlet pipes 40 is not limited to two. That is, the header piping may be configured to include three or more inlet pipes 40.

[0042] Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to the arrangement in which the end of the inlet pipe 40 in the second direction D2 protrudes from the body 32 in the second direction D2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The size relationship between the inlet pipe 40 and the body 32 in the second direction D2 may be changed as appropriate.

[0043] <Note> The heat exchange equipment 1 and header piping 20 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0044] (1) The header piping 20 according to the first embodiment comprises a plurality of inlet pipes 40 arranged in parallel in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, through which a fluid L flows toward one side D1a of the first direction D1, a body portion 32 that defines an introduction space R2 into which the fluid L that has flowed through each of the inlet pipes 40 is introduced, and a closing portion 34 having a deflection inner surface 34a that closes the one side D1a of the first direction D1 of the introduction space R2 and deflects the fluid L from the one side D1a of the first direction D1 toward the other side D1b of the first direction D1, and a discharge pipe 50 connected to the header body 30 from the outer circumference side and discharging the fluid L in the introduction space R2 toward a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0045] According to the above configuration, the fluid L flowing in the first direction D1 through the introduction space R2 is divided into a portion that is discharged through the discharge pipe 50 and a portion that heads toward the closure section 34. The fluid L that heads toward the closure section 34 has its direction of flow toward the first direction D1 reversed along the deflection inner surface 34a and heads toward the discharge pipe 50. The fluid L that goes directly from the introduction space R2 to the discharge pipe 50 and the fluid L whose direction of flow is reversed on the deflection inner surface 34a have opposite velocities in the first direction D1. Therefore, fluid flow deviation can be suppressed.

[0046] (2) The header piping 20 relating to the second configuration is the header piping 20 of (1), wherein the discharge pipe 50 is located in the center of the area in which the plurality of inlet pipes 40 are arranged, as viewed from the third direction D3.

[0047] According to the above configuration, the fluid L whose direction of flow is changed on the deflection inner surface 34a is introduced into the inlet pipe 40 from a different position in the second direction D2 than the fluid L that flows directly from the inlet space R2 to the discharge pipe 50. Therefore, the fluid L introduced into the blockage section 34 is more easily discharged from the inlet pipe 40. Consequently, the uneven flow of the fluid L can be further suppressed.

[0048] (3) The header piping 20 relating to the third embodiment is the header piping 20 of (1) or (2), wherein the inlet pipe 40 is formed such that the end of the first direction D1 connected to the body portion 32 expands in diameter from the other side D1b of the first direction D1 toward the one side D1a of the first direction D1.

[0049] According to the above configuration, the fluid L passing through the inside of the inlet pipe 40 experiences a reduced flow velocity as it passes through the enlarged section. Therefore, the fluid L is discharged from the outlet pipe 50 with its velocity in the first direction D1 reduced. Consequently, the uneven flow of the fluid L can be further suppressed.

[0050] (4) The header piping 20 relating to the fourth aspect is the header piping 20 of (1) to (3), wherein the deflection inner surface 34a is formed in a spherical shape.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the fluid L introduced into the occluded section 34 has its flow direction smoothly changed along the spherical deflection inner surface 34a. Therefore, the uneven flow of the fluid L can be further suppressed.

[0052] (5) The heat exchange equipment 1 relating to the fifth aspect comprises the header piping 20 of (1) to (4) and a heat exchanger 10 having a plurality of supply pipes 12 connected to the introduction pipe 40.

[0053] According to the above configuration, a heat exchange system 1 can be constructed that suppresses the uneven flow of the fluid L discharged from the header piping 20. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1 Heat exchange equipment 10 Heat exchanger 11 branch pipe 12 Supply pipe 20 Header piping 30 Header body 32 Torso 34 Occlusion 34a Inner transformation 40 Introductory tube 50 Discharge pipe R1 Inlet channel R2 introduction space R3 discharge channel R4 Turning Space L, L1, L2, L3, L4 Fluid D1 First direction D1a One side D1b Other side D2 Second direction D3 Third Direction O1 First axis O2 2nd axis

Claims

1. A fluid flows toward one side in the first direction, and a plurality of inlet pipes are arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A header body comprising a body portion that partitions an introduction space into which the fluid flowing through each of the introduction pipes is introduced, and a closing portion having a deflection inner surface that closes one side of the introduction space in the first direction and deflects the fluid from one side in the first direction toward the other side, A discharge pipe connected to the header body from the outer periphery, which discharges the fluid in the introduction space toward a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, Header piping equipped with...

2. The discharge pipe is positioned in the center of the area in which the plurality of inlet pipes are arranged, when viewed from the third direction. The header piping according to claim 1.

3. The inlet pipe is formed such that the end in the first direction connected to the body portion expands in diameter from the other side in the first direction toward the one side in the first direction. The header piping according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned inner surface of the deflection is formed in a spherical shape. The header piping according to claim 1.

5. A header pipe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A heat exchanger having a plurality of supply pipes connected to the aforementioned inlet pipe, A heat exchange system equipped with the following features.

Images