Evaporator

Abstract

The present application provides an evaporator, comprising: a housing, a first heat exchange tube group, a second heat exchange tube group, a first side blocking plate, and a second side blocking plate. The first heat exchange tube group is located at the lower part of an accommodating cavity, and the second heat exchange tube group is located above the first heat exchange tube group; each of the first side blocking plate and the second side blocking plate comprises a main body portion, the main body portion is arranged in close proximity to the second heat exchange tube group, and the main body portion comprises a top and a bottom which are oppositely arranged and a waist portion located between the top and the bottom; and the distance between the waist portion of the first side blocking plate and the waist portion of the second side blocking plate is smaller than the distance between the top of the first side blocking plate and the top of the second side blocking plate, and is smaller than the distance between the bottom of the first side blocking plate and the bottom of the second side blocking plate. The heat exchanger in the present application has high heat exchange efficiency.

Description

evaporator Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an evaporator, and in particular to a shell and tube evaporator with high heat exchange efficiency. Background Art

[0002] A traditional refrigeration system consists of an evaporator, condenser, throttling device, and compressor. As the low-temperature refrigerant liquid passes through the evaporator, it exchanges heat with the outside environment, absorbing heat from it and lowering the ambient temperature, achieving the cooling effect. The outside environment can be air or chilled water. After the heat exchange, the refrigerant liquid vaporizes into refrigerant gas and enters the compressor. Shell-and-tube evaporators have certain refrigerant charge requirements. Too much or too little can affect the evaporator's heat exchange performance and even the operation of the entire refrigeration system.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The evaporator provided in the present application has a high heat exchange efficiency. Compared with the traditional flooded evaporator, the evaporator provided in the present application can save the refrigerant filling amount and improve the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator.

[0005] The evaporator in the present application includes: a shell, a first heat exchange tube group and a second heat exchange tube group, and a first side baffle and a second side baffle; the shell has a cavity and a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet communicating with the cavity, the cavity having a length direction, a width direction, and a height direction; each heat exchange tube in the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group extends along the length direction of the cavity, the first heat exchange tube group is located at the lower part of the cavity, and the second heat exchange tube group is located above the first heat exchange tube group; the first side baffle and the second side baffle are respectively arranged on both sides of the second heat exchange tube group in the width direction, and the first side baffle and the second side baffle are configured to guide the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange tube group to flow to the second heat exchange tube group; wherein each of the first side baffle and the second side baffle includes a main body, the main body is arranged adjacent to the second heat exchange tube group, the main body includes a top and a bottom arranged opposite to each other, and a waist located between the top and the bottom, and the distance between the waists of the first side baffle and the second side baffle is smaller than the distance between the tops and smaller than the distance between the bottoms.

[0006] In the evaporator as described above, in the height direction, one end of the first side baffle and the second side baffle extends beyond the second heat exchange tube group, and the other end extends to the inner wall of the shell.

[0007] In the evaporator as described above, the shape of the main body matches the shape of the second heat exchange tube group, the bottom of the main body is arranged toward the first heat exchange tube group, the spacing between the bottoms of the respective main bodies of the first side baffle and the second side baffle is W21, the spacing between the tops is W22, and the spacing between the waists is W23, wherein W21≥W22>W23.

[0008] As described above, the main body of the evaporator includes a first part and a second part, the first part extends from the top of the main body to the waist, and the second part extends from the bottom of the main body to the waist, the cross-sections of the first part and the second part are straight lines, and the angle between the first part and the second part is between 100° and 170°.

[0009] In the evaporator as described above, the cross sections of the main bodies of the first side baffle and the second side baffle are hyperbolic.

[0010] In the evaporator as described above, each of the first side baffle and the second side baffle includes an extension portion connected to the bottom of the main body and extending along the width direction of the cavity to the inner wall of the shell.

[0011] The evaporator as described above further includes a top baffle, which includes an outlet section and a pair of diversion sections. The outlet section is arranged above the second heat exchange tube group and has a spacing between the first side baffle and the second side baffle. The pair of diversion sections are respectively connected to the two ends of the outlet section and extend obliquely downward toward the inner wall of the shell and have a spacing between them and the inner wall of the shell. In the height direction of the cavity, the distal ends of the pair of diversion sections are lower than the tops of the main bodies of the first side baffle and the second side baffle.

[0012] In the evaporator as described above, in the width direction of the cavity, the maximum width of the first heat exchange tube group is greater than the maximum width of the second heat exchange tube group; the evaporator is configured so that the liquid level of the refrigerant submerges the first heat exchange tube group; and liquid return openings are provided on the first side baffle and the second side baffle, and the height of the liquid return openings is higher than the height of the first heat exchange tube group.

[0013] The evaporator as described above further includes a defogger baffle, which is arranged between the top baffle and the shell to cover the gap between the top baffle and the shell; or is arranged between the top baffle and the refrigerant outlet to cover the refrigerant outlet.

[0014] In the evaporator as described above, the refrigerant inlet is adjacent to the lower portion of the first heat exchange tube group, and the height of the refrigerant outlet is higher than that of the second heat exchange tube group.

[0015] The evaporator in this application comprises a first heat exchange tube group and a second heat exchange tube group, with the second heat exchange tube group positioned above the first heat exchange tube group. A first side baffle and a second side baffle are provided on either side of the second heat exchange tube group. The first side baffle and the second side baffle have waist portions, which accelerate and then decelerate the fluid flowing through the second heat exchange tube group, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG1 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigeration system;

[0017] FIG2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the evaporator in FIG1 ;

[0018] FIG3A is a radial cross-sectional view of the evaporator in FIG2 ;

[0019] FIG3B is a schematic diagram of a radial cross-sectional view of the evaporator in FIG3A with the heat exchange tube group hidden;

[0020] FIG4A is a schematic diagram of the extension portion in FIG3A ;

[0021] FIG4B is another schematic diagram of the extension portion in FIG3A ;

[0022] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a second embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a third embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a fifth embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a sixth embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a seventh embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Various specific embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating directions, such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "top", "bottom", "positive", "negative", "proximal", "distal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., are used in this application to describe various example structural parts and elements of the present application, these terms are used here only for the purpose of convenience of description and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be set in different directions, these terms indicating directions are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations.

[0029] The ordinal numbers used in this application, such as "first" and "second," are used solely for distinction and identification purposes and do not have any other meaning. Unless otherwise specified, they do not imply a specific order or relationship. For example, the term "first component" does not imply the existence of a "second component," nor does the term "second component" imply the existence of a "first component."

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a refrigeration system 100. As shown in Figure 1 , refrigeration system 100 includes a compressor 110, a condenser 120, a throttling device 140, and an evaporator 130, which are connected by pipes to form a refrigerant circulation loop, which is filled with refrigerant. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 1 , the refrigerant flows sequentially through compressor 110, condenser 120, throttling device 140, and evaporator 130, before re-entering compressor 110. During the cooling process, the throttling device 140 throttles the high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser 120, reducing its temperature and pressure. The low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the object being cooled in the evaporator 130, absorbing the object's heat and vaporizing. The resulting refrigerant vapor is drawn into the compressor 110, compressed, and discharged at high pressure. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 exchanges heat with the ambient medium in the condenser 120, releasing heat and condensing into liquid refrigerant. The high-temperature liquid refrigerant then flows through the throttling device 140 again, reducing its pressure. This cycle repeats, producing a continuous cooling effect.

[0031] FIG2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the evaporator 130 shown in FIG1 . As shown in FIG2 , the evaporator 130 comprises a housing 201 and a pair of tube sheets 208 and 209. The housing 201 is cylindrical with two open ends. The tube sheets 208 and 209 are positioned at each end of the housing 201 to seal the openings. The housing 201 and the tube sheets 208 and 209 define a cavity 305 for accommodating heat exchange tubes. Referring to FIG2 , the evaporator 130 has a height H, a length L, and a width W. The height, length, and width of the cavity 305 are aligned with the dimensions of the evaporator 130. The housing 201 is provided with a refrigerant inlet 211 and a refrigerant outlet 212. The refrigerant outlet 212 is located at the upper portion of the evaporator 130, while the refrigerant inlet 211 is located at the lower portion of the evaporator 130. The liquid refrigerant or the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant in the refrigeration system 100 enters the evaporator 130 from the refrigerant inlet 211 , absorbs heat in the evaporator 130 , and turns into a gaseous refrigerant, and is discharged from the refrigerant outlet 212 .

[0032] Figure 3A is a radial cross-sectional view of the evaporator in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3A, the interior of the shell 201 forms a cavity 305, in which a heat exchange tube group 310, a distributor 330, a first side baffle 311, a second side baffle 312 and a top baffle 370 are arranged.

[0033] The heat exchange tube group 310 is a heat exchange tube bundle formed by multiple parallel heat exchange tubes. Each heat exchange tube in the heat exchange tube bundle extends along the length direction L of the cavity 305. A fluid channel is formed within the heat exchange tube for circulating water or other media. The fluid channel is formed by connecting multiple heat exchange tubes end to end. The gap between each heat exchange tube and the adjacent heat exchange tube forms a refrigerant channel for circulating refrigerant. The medium in the fluid channel and the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel transfer heat through the tube walls of the heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tube group 310 includes a first heat exchange tube group 301 and a second heat exchange tube group 302, wherein the second heat exchange tube group 302 is arranged above the first heat exchange tube group 301.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present application, as shown in conjunction with FIG2 and FIG3A , the refrigerant inlet 211 is disposed below the housing 201 and is located in the middle of the lengthwise direction of the evaporator 130. The refrigerant inlet 211 is also located in the middle of the widthwise direction of the evaporator 130, such that the refrigerant inlet 211 is located at the lowest position in the heightwise direction of the evaporator 130. The distributor 330 is disposed at the bottom of the chamber 305 and above the refrigerant inlet 211, and is used to guide the refrigerant entering the evaporator 130 to flow along the lengthwise direction of the chamber 305 so as to be distributed as evenly as possible to the heat exchange tube assembly 310.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present application, the positions of the refrigerant inlet 211 and the distributor 330 are higher than the bottom of the cavity 305 , but not higher than the first heat exchange tube group 301 .

[0036] As shown in Figure 3A, the first heat exchange tube group 301 extends upward from the inner wall of the bottom of the housing 201 and the exterior of the distributor 330. The first heat exchange tube group 301 comprises an upper portion 315 and a lower portion 316. The lower portion 316 is arranged substantially adjacent to and along the inner wall of the housing 201, while the upper portion 315 is substantially flush with the height of the housing 305. Viewed along the lengthwise direction L of the evaporator 130, the lower portion 316 of the first heat exchange tube group 301 has a generally arc-shaped outline, while the upper portion 315 has a generally horizontal straight line. The two ends of the lower portion 316 connect to the two ends of the upper portion 315. The upper portion 315 has a first heat exchange tube group width W11.

[0037] The second heat exchange tube group 302 is arranged upward from the upper portion 315 of the first heat exchange tube group 301. The second heat exchange tube group 302 has an upper portion 318, a lower portion 319, and a pair of side portions 328 and 329. The lower portion 319 of the second heat exchange tube group 302 is adjacent to the upper portion 315 of the first heat exchange tube group 301. The lower portion 319 of the second heat exchange tube group 302 has a second heat exchange tube group width W12, which is smaller than the first heat exchange tube group width W11. The second heat exchange tube group 302 is arranged in the middle of the width direction of the cavity 305, so that a certain distance is formed between the pair of side portions 328 and 329 of the second heat exchange tube group 302 and the inner wall of the shell 201.

[0038] The first heat exchange tube group 301 has a first region 361 and a pair of second regions 362 and 363, with the second regions 362 and 363 located on either side of the first region 361. In the width direction of the cavity 305, the bottom of the second heat exchange tube group 302 is aligned with the first region 361, and the second regions 362 and 363 are offset from the lower portion 319 of the second heat exchange tube group 302.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present application, the heat exchange tubes in the first heat exchange tube group 301 and the second heat exchange tube group 302 have the same diameter and are evenly arranged in rows. The total number of rows in the first heat exchange tube group 301 is greater than the total number of rows in the second heat exchange tube group 302.

[0040] The second heat exchange tube group 302 has a middle portion 317 between its upper portion 318 and lower portion 319. Along the width of the cavity 305, the width of the second heat exchange tube group 302 gradually narrows from the lower portion 319 toward the middle portion 317, and then gradually widens from the middle portion 317 toward the upper portion 318. That is, the width of the second heat exchange tube group 302 is smallest at the middle portion 317. In one embodiment of the present application, the row of heat exchange tubes at the middle portion 317 has the fewest rows.

[0041] In the width direction, a first side baffle 311 and a second side baffle 312 are respectively provided on both sides of the second heat exchange tube group 302. The first side baffle 311 and the second side baffle 312 are used to guide the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange tube group 301 to flow to the second heat exchange tube group 302.

[0042] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a radial cross-section of the evaporator in Figure 3A, with the heat exchange tubes hidden. In this embodiment, the first side baffle 311 and the second side baffle 312 are symmetrical structures. As shown in Figure 3B, the first side baffle 311 includes a main body 321 and an extension 323. The main body 321 is located adjacent to the side 328 of the second heat exchange tube group, and the extension 323 is located above the first heat exchange tube group 301. The main body 321 has a top 341, a bottom 342, and a waist 343. The waist 343 is located between the top 341 and the bottom 342. The top 341 extends above the upper portion 318 of the second heat exchange tube group 302 in the height direction of the cavity 305. The bottom 342 is approximately flush with the lower portion 319 of the second heat exchange tube group 302. The bottom portion 342 is connected to one side of the extension portion 323. The extension portion 323 extends from the bottom portion 342 along the width of the cavity 305 toward the inner wall of the housing 201 and is connected to the inner wall of the housing 201. The main body 321 includes a first portion 351 and a second portion 352. The first portion 351 extends from the top 341 of the main body 321 to the waist portion 343, and the second portion 352 extends from the bottom 342 of the main body 321 to the waist portion 343. In this embodiment, the cross-sections of the first portion 351 and the second portion 352 are straight lines, that is, the first portion 351 and the second portion 352 are both flat plates. Both the first portion 351 and the second portion 352 extend obliquely in the height direction compared to the cavity 305, and the waist 343 is closer to the main body 322 of the second side baffle 312 than the top 341 or the bottom 342, so that an obtuse angle is formed between the first portion 351 and the second portion 352, and the angle between the first portion 351 and the second portion 352 is between 100° and 170°.

[0043] Similarly, the second side baffle 312 includes a main body 322 and an extension 324. The main body 322 is arranged adjacent to the side 329 of the second heat exchange tube group, and the extension 324 is located above the first heat exchange tube group 301. The main body 322 has a top 346, a bottom 347 and a waist 348. The waist 348 is located between the top 346 and the bottom 347. The top 346 extends beyond the upper portion 318 of the second heat exchange tube group 302 in the height direction of the cavity 305. The bottom 347 is roughly flush with the lower portion 319 of the second heat exchange tube group 302. The bottom 347 is connected to one side of the extension 324, and the extension 324 extends from the bottom 347 along the width direction of the cavity 305 toward the inner wall of the shell 201 and is connected to the inner wall of the shell 201. The main body 322 includes a first portion 356 and a second portion 357. The first portion 356 extends from the top 346 of the main body 322 to the waist 348, and the second portion 357 extends from the bottom 347 of the main body 322 to the waist 348. In this embodiment, the cross-sections of the first portion 356 and the second portion 357 are straight lines, that is, the first portion 356 and the second portion 357 are both flat plates. The first portion 356 and the second portion 357 both extend obliquely relative to the height of the cavity 305. The waist 348 is closer to the main body 321 of the first side baffle 311 than the top 346 or the bottom 347. As a result, an obtuse angle is formed between the first portion 356 and the second portion 357, and the angle between the first portion 356 and the second portion 357 is between 100° and 170°.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present application, the extension portion 323 and the extension portion 324 are provided with a liquid return opening 385 to allow fluid to pass through. The liquid return opening 385 has a small area to prevent a large amount of fluid after heat exchange in the first heat exchange tube group 301 from directly overflowing from the liquid return opening 385.

[0045] In the width direction of the cavity 305, the main bodies 321 and 322 of the first side guard 311 and the second side guard 312 are each narrow in the middle and wide at both ends. The distance between the bottom 342 of the first side guard 311 and the bottom 347 of the second side guard 312 is W21. The distance between the top 341 of the first side guard 311 and the top 346 of the second side guard 312 is W22. The distance between the waist 343 of the first side guard 311 and the waist 348 of the second side guard 312 is W23. The distance between the distal ends of the extensions 323 and 324 of the first side guard 311 and the second side guard 312 is W24, where W24>W21≥W22>W23.

[0046] The top baffle 370 is disposed above the heat exchange tube assembly 310 and extends along the width and length of the chamber 305. The top baffle 370 includes an outlet section 371 and a pair of flow guide sections 372 and 373. The outlet section 371 is disposed above the second heat exchange tube assembly 302 and is spaced apart from the top ends of the first side baffle 311 and the top ends of the second side baffle 312, allowing fluid to flow between the top baffle 370 and the first and second side baffles 311 and 312. The pair of flow guide sections 372 and 373 are connected to the ends of the outlet section 371 and extend downwardly and obliquely toward the inner wall of the housing 201. The flow guide sections 372 and 373 are spaced apart from the inner wall of the housing 201 and from the top ends of the first and second side baffles 311 and 312. In the height direction of the cavity 305 , the distal ends of the drainage sections 372 and 373 are respectively lower than the tops of the main bodies 321 and 322 of the first side baffle 311 and the second side baffle 312 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the width of outlet section 371 is greater than W22. In other embodiments, the width of outlet section 371 may be less than W22, as long as the maximum width between drainage sections 372 and 373 is greater than W22. Outlet section 371, drainage sections 372, and 373 may be separate components connected together by welding or screws, or they may be integrally formed.

[0048] The distributor 330 is generally in the shape of an elongated strip and extends along the length direction of the cavity 305. The distributor 330 includes a first plate 398 and a second plate 399, the proximal ends of the first plate 398 and the second plate 399 being connected to each other in the width direction, and an angle is formed between the first plate 398 and the second plate 399. Viewed from a cross section, the distributor 330 is in the shape of an inverted "V". When the distributor 330 is installed in the cavity 305, the distal ends of the first plate 398 and the second plate 399 abut against the lower portion of the shell 201, and an elongated distribution space 339 is formed between the distributor 330 and the shell 201. The refrigerant inlet 211 is connected to the distribution space 339. The distributor 330 can guide the refrigerant entering the distribution space 339 to flow along the length direction, thereby quickly and evenly distributing it to the first heat exchange tube group 301.

[0049] Figure 3B illustrates the refrigerant flow direction, with hollow arrows representing gaseous refrigerant and solid arrows representing liquid refrigerant. Low-temperature refrigerant enters the distribution space 339 formed between the distributor 330 and the housing 201 through the refrigerant inlet 211. The refrigerant flows in the distribution space 339 along the length of the chamber 305. During evaporator operation, the refrigerant liquid level remains approximately flush with the top of the first heat exchange tube assembly 301, meaning that the first heat exchange tube assembly 301 is immersed in the liquid refrigerant. In the gaps between the heat exchange tubes, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the fluid within the tubes, with a portion of the refrigerant absorbing heat and becoming gaseous. This gaseous refrigerant then moves upward. The gaseous refrigerant generated during the heat exchange process in the first heat exchange tube assembly 310 carries a large amount of liquid refrigerant with it, moving upward into the second heat exchange tube assembly 302 for further heat exchange. The first side baffles 311 and the second side baffles 312 guide the upward flow of the refrigerant. Because the width of the second heat exchange tube group 302 is smaller than the width of the first heat exchange tube group 301 at the connection between the first heat exchange tube group 301 and the second heat exchange tube group 302, that is, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second heat exchange tube group 302 is smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the first heat exchange tube group 301, the refrigerant entering the second heat exchange tube group 302 from the first heat exchange tube group 301 can be accelerated, so that the liquid refrigerant entrained by the gaseous refrigerant can flow upward to a certain height in the second heat exchange tube group 302. The gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering the second heat exchange tube group 302 continues to exchange heat with the second heat exchange tube group 302, and a portion of the liquid refrigerant is converted into gas, which continues to drive the refrigerant fluid upward.

[0050] After heat exchange in the second heat exchange tube group 302, the refrigerant flows toward the top baffle 370. The gaseous refrigerant flows out from the gap between the top baffle 370 and the first and second side baffles 311 and 312, then passes through the gap between the top baffle 370 and the shell 201 before flowing out of the refrigerant outlet 212. A portion of the liquid refrigerant after heat exchange in the second heat exchange tube group 302 is blocked by the top baffle 370 and redirected back into the heat exchange tube group 310 to continue heat exchange. The remaining portion flows out from the gap between the top baffle 370 and the first and second side baffles 311 and 312. The guide sections 372 and 373 of the top baffle 370 guide this portion of the refrigerant downward into the space between the first and second side baffles 311 and 312 and the shell. The refrigerant then lands on the extensions 323 and 324 of the first and second side baffles 311 and 312. The refrigerant re-enters the first heat exchange tube group 301 from the liquid return openings 385 on the extension portions 323 and 324 to continue heat exchange.

[0051] When the fluid exchanges heat in the second heat exchange tube assembly 302, the fluid's flow rate changes. Below the heights of waists 343 and 348, the second portion 352 of the first side baffle 311 and the second portion 357 of the second side baffle 312 are inclined toward each other, gradually decreasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow from bottom to top. Therefore, as the refrigerant flows from the heights of bottoms 342 and 347 toward the heights of waists 343 and 348, the flow rate gradually increases. This ensures that the liquid in the refrigerant gas does not separate due to gravity and can be entrained to a higher position, ensuring that sufficient refrigerant liquid is available to the heat exchange tube surface above waists 343 and 348, thereby maintaining heat exchange performance.

[0052] Above the heights of the waist portions 343 and 348, the first portion 351 of the first side baffle 311 and the first portion 356 of the second side baffle 312 are inclined away from each other, and the cross-sectional area for the refrigerant flow gradually increases from bottom to top. As the refrigerant flows from the heights of the waist portions 343 and 348 toward the heights of the top portions 341 and 346, the cross-sectional area for the refrigerant flow gradually increases, and the refrigerant flow rate gradually decreases. Large droplets entrained in the refrigerant gas are separated from the gas due to gravity and fall back into the heat exchange tube group. When the refrigerant flows out of the upper portion 318 of the second heat exchange tube group 302, a small amount of refrigerant liquid separates from the gas upon colliding with the top baffle 370 and returns to the second heat exchange tube group 302, or flows along the guide sections 372 and 373 of the top baffle 370 toward the outside of the first side baffle 311 and the second side baffle 312.

[0053] The waist 343 and the waist 348 are substantially flush with the center position of the second heat exchange tube group 302, which can not only ensure the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange tubes below the center position of the second heat exchange tube group 302, but also ensure that a certain amount of heat exchange tubes are provided above the center position of the second heat exchange tube group 302, thereby reducing the liquid content of the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange tube group 302.

[0054] In this application and in this embodiment, the arrangement of the first side baffle 311 and the second side baffle 312 results in a high refrigerant heat exchange efficiency. The refrigerant liquid level only needs to be maintained flush with the height of the first heat exchange tube group 301, which can save a certain amount of refrigerant. Due to the arrangement of the waist portion 343 and the waist portion 348, the flow of the fluid undergoing heat exchange in the second heat exchange tube group 302 undergoes two phases: acceleration and deceleration. The acceleration phase facilitates the fluid to flow to a higher height, while the deceleration phase facilitates the separation of gas and liquid in the fluid. The first side baffle 311 and the second side baffle 312 with the waist portion 343 and the waist portion 348 can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the fluid in the second heat exchange tube group 302.

[0055] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of the extension portion in FIG. 3A , and FIG. 4B is another schematic diagram of the extension portion in FIG. 3A .

[0056] As shown in FIG4A , the liquid return opening 385 is a hole 486 extending through the extension 323 . As shown in FIG4B , the liquid return opening 385 is a notch 487 recessed inwardly from the edge of the extension 323 .

[0057] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a second embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG3A , except that the first side baffle 511 and the second side baffle 512 have different shapes. In the embodiment shown in FIG5 , the first side baffle 511 includes a main body 521 and an extension 523. The main body 521 includes a first portion 551 and a second portion 552. The extension 523 extends in the same direction as the second portion 552 and no longer forms an angle with the second portion 552. The distal end of the extension 523 extends downward beyond the upper portion 518 of the first heat exchange tube group 501. Similarly, the second side baffle 512 includes a main body 522 and an extension 524. The main body 522 includes a first portion 556 and a second portion 557. The extension 524 extends in the same direction as the second portion 557 and no longer forms an angle with the second portion 557. The distal end of the extension 524 extends downward beyond the upper portion 518 of the first heat exchange tube group 501. During operation of this embodiment, the refrigerant liquid level is substantially flush with the upper portion 515 of the first heat exchange tube group 501 , and therefore, a portion of the extension portion 523 and the extension portion 524 may be immersed in the first heat exchange tube group 501 .

[0058] The first side baffle 511 and the second side baffle 512 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 have waist portions 543 and 548 , which can achieve similar technical effects as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A .

[0059] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a third embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG5 , except that the top baffle 670, first side baffle 611, and second side baffle 612 have different shapes. In the embodiment shown in FIG6 , in a radial cross-section, the first and second side baffles 611, 612 are curved, with waists 643 and 648 forming the closest portions of the two curves. This means that there is a smooth transition between the main portion 621 and the extension 623 of the first side baffle 611, as well as between the first portion 651 and the second portion 652 of the main portion 621. There is also a smooth transition between the main portion 622 and the extension 624 of the second side baffle 612, as well as between the first portion 656 and the second portion 657 of the main portion 622.

[0060] Similarly, the cross section of the top baffle 670 is also arc-shaped, that is, there is a smooth transition between the outlet section 671 and the guide sections 672 and 673.

[0061] The first side baffle 611 and the second side baffle 612 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 have waist portions 643 and 648 , which can achieve similar technical effects as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A .

[0062] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a fourth embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG6 , except that the embodiment in FIG7 further includes demisters 701 and 703. The demisters 701 and 703 are disposed between the distal ends of the top baffle 770 and the housing 201, respectively, to connect the distal ends of the top baffle 770 to the housing 201. The demisters 701 and 703 close the gap between the distal ends of the top baffle 770 and the housing 201. The fluid flowing out of the second heat exchange tube assembly 702 must pass through the demisters 701 and 703 to flow toward the refrigerant outlet 212. The demisters 701 and 703 are porous flat plates that can prevent some liquid droplets from passing through. The demisters 701 and 703 extend upwardly and obliquely from the distal ends of the top baffle 770 to facilitate directing the liquid fluid back into the heat exchange tube assembly.

[0063] The first side baffle 711 and the second side baffle 712 of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 have waist portions 743 and 748, which can achieve similar technical effects as the embodiment shown in Figure 3A. The demisting baffle in Figure 7 can further reduce the liquid content of the fluid flowing to the refrigerant outlet 212.

[0064] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a fifth embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG7 , except that the locations at which the demister baffles 801 and 802 are connected to the top baffle 870 are different. Defog baffles 801 and 802 are connected to the ends of the outlet section of the top baffle 870 and to the housing 201. Furthermore, the locations at which the demister baffles 801 and 802 are connected to the top baffle 870 can be anywhere on the top baffle 870, as long as the gap between the top baffle 870 and the housing 201 is closed.

[0065] The first side baffle 811 and the second side baffle 812 of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 have waists 843 and 848, which can achieve similar technical effects as the embodiment shown in Figure 3A. The demisting baffle in Figure 8 can further reduce the liquid content of the fluid flowing to the refrigerant outlet 212.

[0066] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator according to a sixth embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 8 , except that the position of the demister baffle 901 is different. In the height direction of the chamber, the demister baffle 901 is positioned above the top baffle 970, that is, between the refrigerant outlet 212 and the top baffle 970. The edge of the demister baffle 901 is connected to the inner wall of the housing 201, and the fluid entering the refrigerant outlet 212 must pass through the demister baffle 901.

[0067] The first side baffle 911 and the second side baffle 912 of the embodiment shown in Figure 9 have waist portions 943 and 948, which can achieve similar technical effects as the embodiment shown in Figure 3A. The demisting baffle in Figure 9 can further reduce the liquid content of the fluid flowing to the refrigerant outlet 212.

[0068] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an evaporator in the seventh embodiment of this application. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, except that the embodiment in Figure 10 does not include a top baffle or de-mist plate. Compared to the embodiment in Figure 6, the embodiment in Figure 10 includes more rows of second heat exchange tubes 1002. In other words, the number of heat exchange tubes is greater. The heat exchange tubes at the top of the second heat exchange tube group 1002 can perform the functions of the top baffle and de-mist plate in reducing the liquid content of the fluid.

[0069] The first side guard 1011 and the second side guard 1012 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 have waist portions 1043 and 1048 , which can achieve similar technical effects as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A .

[0070] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents, whether known or now or soon foreseeable, may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in this specification are exemplary and not restrictive; so the disclosures in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects. Therefore, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to include all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and / or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. An evaporator, characterized in that include: A shell having a cavity and a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet communicated with the cavity, wherein the cavity has a length direction, a width direction and a height direction; a first heat exchange tube group and a second heat exchange tube group, wherein each heat exchange tube in the first heat exchange tube group and the second heat exchange tube group extends along the length direction of the cavity, the first heat exchange tube group is located at the lower part of the cavity, and the second heat exchange tube group is located above the first heat exchange tube group; a first side baffle and a second side baffle, the first side baffle and the second side baffle are respectively arranged on both sides of the second heat exchange tube group in a width direction, and the first side baffle and the second side baffle are configured to guide the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange tube group to flow to the second heat exchange tube group; Wherein, each of the first side baffle and the second side baffle includes a main body portion, which is arranged adjacent to the second heat exchange tube group, and the main body portion includes a top and a bottom that are relatively arranged, and a waist portion located between the top and the bottom, and the spacing between the waist portions of the first side baffle and the second side baffle is smaller than the spacing between the top portions, and smaller than the spacing between the bottom portions.

2. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the height direction, one end of the first side baffle and the second side baffle extends beyond the second heat exchange tube group, and the other end extends to the inner wall of the shell.

3. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of the main body matches the shape of the second heat exchange tube group, the bottom of the main body is arranged toward the first heat exchange tube group, the spacing between the bottoms of the main bodies of the first side baffle and the second side baffle is W21, the spacing between the tops is W22, and the spacing between the waists is W23, wherein W21≥W22>W23.

4. The evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main body includes a first part and a second part, the first part extends from the top of the main body to the waist, and the second part extends from the bottom of the main body to the waist, the cross-sections of the first part and the second part are straight lines, and the angle between the first part and the second part is between 100° and 170°.

5. The evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cross sections of the main bodies of the first side baffle and the second side baffle are hyperbolic.

6. The evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the first side baffle and the second side baffle includes an extending portion connected to the bottom of the main body and extending to an inner wall of the housing along a width direction of the cavity.

7. The evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The evaporator also includes a top baffle, which includes an outlet section and a pair of guide sections. The outlet section is arranged above the second heat exchange tube group and has a distance between the first side baffle and the second side baffle. The pair of guide sections are respectively connected to the two ends of the outlet section, and extend obliquely downward toward the inner wall of the shell and have a distance between the inner wall of the shell. In the height direction of the cavity, the distal ends of the pair of guide sections are lower than the tops of the main bodies of the first side baffle and the second side baffle.

8. The evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the width direction of the cavity, the maximum width of the first heat exchange tube group is greater than the maximum width of the second heat exchange tube group; the evaporator is configured so that the liquid level of the refrigerant submerges the first heat exchange tube group; a liquid return opening is provided on the first side baffle and the second side baffle, and the height of the liquid return opening is higher than the height of the first heat exchange tube group.

9. The evaporator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The evaporator further includes a defogger baffle, which is disposed between the top baffle and the shell to cover the gap between the top baffle and the shell; or disposed between the top baffle and the refrigerant outlet to cover the refrigerant outlet.

10. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant inlet is adjacent to the lower portion of the first heat exchange tube group, and the height of the refrigerant outlet is higher than the height of the second heat exchange tube group.

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