Chiller system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chiller system. The chiller system of the present invention comprises: an evaporator which carries out heat exchange between refrigerant and cooling water, and which supplies the heat-exchanged refrigerant to a compressor; and a gas-liquid separator which separates flowing refrigerant into liquid-phase refrigerant and gas-phase refrigerant and sends the separated refrigerant to the evaporator, and is connected to the evaporator through two refrigerant pipes. The gas-liquid separator comprises: a separator housing having formed in one side thereof an inlet through which refrigerant flows in, and having formed a first outlet through which refrigerant is sent to the evaporator and a second outlet through which refrigerant is sent to the evaporator; and a plurality of perforated plates which are arranged inside the separator housing, have a plurality of perforated holes, and are arranged to be spaced apart from one another. The separator housing has formed therein an inflow region where the inlet is formed, a perforated plate region where the plurality of perforated plates are arranged, and an outlet region where the first outlet and the second outlet are formed. The perforated plate region is arranged between the inlet region and the outlet region.

Description

Chiller system

[0001] The present invention relates to a chiller system, and more particularly, to a chiller system that separates and supplies refrigerant to an evaporator.

[0002] In general, a chiller supplies chilled water to a chilled water demand source, and is characterized by cooling the chilled water through heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration system and the chilled water circulating between the chilled water demand source and the refrigeration system. Chillers are large-capacity facilities and can be installed in large buildings.

[0003] Evaporators used in chillers can be classified into dry evaporators, flooded evaporators, and dripping evaporators based on their internal structure. In the case of dripping evaporators, the distribution tray and distribution unit are positioned in that order above the heat transfer tubes.

[0004] The evaporator has a structure that evenly distributes the introduced refrigerant along the length of the tube through a distribution unit and evenly drops it onto the top of each heat transfer tube from the distribution tray. The dropped refrigerant forms a refrigerant liquid film on the surface of the heat transfer tube, and heat is exchanged by evaporating the liquid film.

[0005] If the mixed refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve in a dropping evaporator is distributed to the heat transfer tube without being separated, the refrigerant specific volume and flow rate increase, which may worsen the distribution performance of the distribution unit and lower the heat exchange performance of the evaporator.

[0006] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator through the expansion valve requires a structure capable of separating the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant. Korean patent registration No. KR 10-2292395 includes a distribution unit that distributes the refrigerant within the evaporator. However, this structure has the disadvantage of increasing manufacturing costs due to the increased size of the evaporator.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a chiller system that increases the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator while improving the manufacturability of the evaporator.

[0008] The present invention utilizes a vapor-liquid separator to first separate the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator. The present invention provides a chiller system that enhances the performance of a vapor-liquid separator that separates the refrigerant into liquid and gaseous refrigerant.

[0009] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] In order to achieve the above task, the chiller system of the present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an evaporator that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and a cooling water and supplies the heat-exchanged refrigerant to a compressor, and a gas-liquid separator that separates the flowing refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a gas-phase refrigerant and sends them to the evaporator, and is connected to the evaporator by two refrigerant pipes.

[0011] A vapor-liquid separator includes a separator housing having an inlet formed on one side through which refrigerant flows, a first outlet formed to send refrigerant to the evaporator, and a second outlet formed to send refrigerant to the evaporator. The vapor-liquid separator includes a plurality of porous plates arranged inside the separator housing, each having a plurality of porous holes formed therein and arranged spaced apart from one another.

[0012] The inside of the separator housing is formed with an inlet region where the inlet is formed, a porous plate region where the plurality of porous plates are arranged, and an outlet region where the first outlet and the second outlet are formed. The porous plate region is arranged between the inlet region and the outlet region. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing from the inlet region to the outlet region can be separated into a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant while passing through the porous plate where the plurality of porous plates are arranged.

[0013] The first outlet and the second outlet pipe are opened in different directions from the peripheral wall of the separator housing.

[0014] The first outlet is opened upwardly from the peripheral wall of the separator housing, and the second outlet is opened downwardly from the peripheral wall of the separator housing. Accordingly, the gaseous refrigerant can flow upwardly, and the liquid refrigerant can flow downwardly due to gravity.

[0015] The plurality of perforated plates may include a first perforated plate disposed adjacent to the inlet, a second perforated plate disposed adjacent to the first outlet, and a plurality of third perforated plates disposed between the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate.

[0016] The distance between the first perforated plate and the inlet is formed to be shorter than the distance between the second perforated plate and the first outlet.

[0017] The interval between the plurality of porous plates is formed to be shorter than the diameter of each of the plurality of porous plates.

[0018] The ratio of space occupied by the outlet area can be made larger than the ratio of space occupied by the inlet area.

[0019] The separator housing includes a first end wall disposed on one side of the inlet area, a second end wall spaced apart from the first end wall and disposed on one side of the outlet area, and a peripheral wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall. The distance between the second end wall and the first outlet is formed to be longer than the distance between the first end wall and the inlet.

[0020] The ratio of space occupied by the outlet area can be made larger than the ratio of space occupied by the inlet area.

[0021] An inlet pipe that flows into the separator housing through the inlet may be further included.

[0022] The above inlet pipe protrudes into the interior of the separator housing by a certain length or more.

[0023] The inlet pipe includes a first pipe protruding inwardly from the peripheral wall of the separator housing, and a second pipe arranged at an angle from the first pipe at the inner end of the vertical pipe, and a discharge hole is formed in the second pipe through which refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe is discharged into the interior of the separator housing.

[0024] The above discharge hole is opened toward the inside of the peripheral wall of the separator housing, so that the refrigerant flowing into the separator housing through the inlet pipe can rub against the inner wall of the separator housing, thereby increasing the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0025] The second pipe includes a 2-1 pipe extending in a unidirectional direction inclined from an end of the first pipe and a 2-2 pipe extending away from the 2-1 pipe from an end of the first pipe. A discharge hole is formed in each of the 2-1 pipe and the 2-2 pipe. The refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe can flow in a primarily expanded path while flowing through the branch pipe, and can flow in a secondarily expanded path while flowing into the separator housing through the discharge hole.

[0026] The second pipe may extend in a direction parallel to the surface formed by the porous plate. That is, the refrigerant discharged through the inlet pipe may vortex in the inlet region and flow into the porous plate.

[0027] A first connecting pipe connecting the evaporator and the vapor-liquid separator to send the refrigerant discharged from the first outlet to the evaporator, and a second connecting pipe connecting the evaporator and the vapor-liquid separator to send the refrigerant discharged from the second outlet to the evaporator are included. Each of the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe may include at least one banding region.

[0028] The second connecting pipe is connected to the evaporator from above the first connecting pipe. This can prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the gaseous refrigerant pipe.

[0029] The above-mentioned vapor-liquid separator is positioned above the evaporator, and the first connecting pipe has a structure in which it protrudes upward from the vapor-liquid separator and is bent. This can prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the vapor-liquid refrigerant pipe.

[0030] The above evaporator includes an evaporator housing forming a space inside, a heat transfer tube through which cooling water flows, a tube support for fixing the arrangement of the heat transfer tubes, a distribution tray for distributing refrigerant to the heat transfer tubes arranged at the bottom, and a refrigerant distributor for discharging refrigerant introduced through the first connecting tube to the distribution tray.

[0031] On the circumference of the evaporator housing, a first refrigerant inlet to which the first connecting pipe is connected, a second refrigerant inlet into which the second connecting pipe is inserted, and a refrigerant outlet through which the refrigerant inside the evaporator housing is discharged are formed. The first refrigerant inlet is positioned lower than the second refrigerant inlet. The refrigerant outlet is formed to open upward at a position spaced a certain distance from the second refrigerant inlet.

[0032] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0033]

[0034] According to the chiller system of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

[0035] First, by separating the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator into vapor and liquid refrigerant before supplying it, the amount of liquid refrigerant flowing into the compressor can be minimized. This can have the advantage of increasing the efficiency of the overall chiller system.

[0036] Second, the vapor-liquid separator that separates the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator has a structure that increases the separation efficiency into liquid refrigerant and vapor refrigerant.

[0037] Specifically, a perforated plate area is arranged between an inlet area and an outlet area. The inlet pipe is arranged inside the separator housing so that the refrigerant flowing through the inlet generates a lot of friction inside the separator housing. The discharge hole formed in the inlet pipe is arranged so as to face the peripheral wall inside the separator housing. Through this structure, the efficiency of separating the refrigerant flowing through the separator housing into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant can be increased. This structure can also increase the heat exchange performance of the evaporator.

[0038] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a chiller system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the connection relationship between an evaporator and a gas-liquid separator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 is a side view of a gas-liquid separator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an evaporator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0045] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings for explaining a chiller system according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 1, the overall configuration of the chiller system (1) is described.

[0047] The chiller system (1) includes a chiller unit and a demand source (6). The demand source (6) can be understood as an air conditioning device that uses chilled water.

[0048] The chiller unit includes a compressor (2) that compresses refrigerant, a condenser (3) that condenses the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (2), an expansion device (4) that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (3), and an evaporator (5) that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device (4). The refrigerant can exchange heat with outside air in the condenser (3). The refrigerant can exchange heat with cold water in the evaporator (5).

[0049] The chiller system (1) includes a chilled water pipe (8) that connects an evaporator (5) and a demand source (6) to guide the circulation of chilled water. The chiller system (1) includes a pump (7) that is provided to the chilled water pipe (8) to generate a flow force of chilled water.

[0050] When the pump (7) operates, cold water can flow from the demand source (6) to the evaporator (5) via the cooling water pipe (8). In addition, when the pump (7) operates, cold water can flow from the evaporator (5) to the demand source (6).

[0051] The evaporator (5) may be provided with a refrigerant path (5a) through which refrigerant flows and a cooling water path (5b) through which cold water flows. The cooling water path (5b) is formed by a heat transfer tube. Cold water flowing through the cold water path (5b) formed in the heat transfer tube can exchange heat with the refrigerant that comes into contact with the heat transfer tube.

[0052] The evaporator (5) according to this embodiment can use a dropping type evaporator.

[0053] The chiller system (1) includes a vapor-liquid separator (10) that separates the refrigerant flowing to the evaporator (5) into a vapor-phase refrigerant and a liquid-phase refrigerant and supplies them. The vapor-liquid separator (10) and the evaporator (5) can be connected via a first connecting pipe (30) and a second connecting pipe (32).

[0054] The gas-liquid separator (10) is placed between the expansion device (4) and the evaporator (5).

[0055] The gaseous refrigerant separated through the gas-liquid separator (10) can be supplied to the evaporator (5) through the first connecting pipe (30). The liquid refrigerant separated through the gas-liquid separator (10) can be supplied to the evaporator (5) through the second connecting pipe (32).

[0056] Hereinafter, the evaporator and gas-liquid separator of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0057] The gas-liquid separator (10) and the evaporator (5) are connected through two refrigerant pipes (30, 32).

[0058] The refrigerant flowing through the expansion valve (4) can flow to the evaporator (5) via the gas-liquid separator (10). The gas-liquid separator (10) and the evaporator (5) can be connected through the first connecting pipe (30) and the second connecting pipe (32).

[0059] The first connecting pipe (30) can be connected to the lower surface of the gas-liquid separator (10). The second connecting pipe (32) can be connected to the upper surface of the gas-liquid separator (10). The first connecting pipe (30) can be connected to the upper surface of the evaporator (5). The second connecting pipe (32) can be connected to the evaporator (5) at a position spaced apart from the first connecting pipe (30).

[0060] The first connecting pipe (30) has a structure that protrudes and is banded toward the upper side of the gas-liquid separator (10).

[0061] The vapor-liquid separator (10) may be positioned vertically above the evaporator (5). Therefore, the liquid refrigerant separated in the vapor-liquid separator (10) may flow to the evaporator (5) under the influence of gravity.

[0062] Hereinafter, the gas-liquid separator (10) will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0063] The gas-liquid separator (10) includes a separator housing (12) and a plurality of porous plates (26) arranged inside the separator housing (12).

[0064] The gas-liquid separator (10) includes a separator housing (12) in which an inlet (20) through which refrigerant flows in, a first outlet (22) through which gaseous refrigerant is discharged, and a second outlet (24) through which liquid refrigerant is discharged are formed.

[0065] The interior of the gas-liquid separator (10) is formed with an inlet area (12a) where refrigerant flows in through an inlet (20), a porous plate area (12c) where a plurality of porous plates (26) are arranged, and an outlet area (12b) where separated refrigerant is discharged. The volume occupied by the inlet area (12a) within the separator housing (12) may be formed to be smaller than the volume occupied by the outlet area (12b) within the separator housing (12).

[0066] A perforated plate area (12c) can be placed between the inlet area (12a) and the outlet area (12b).

[0067] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing from the inlet region (12a) to the outlet region (12b) flows through the perforated plate region (12c). The refrigerant flowing through the perforated plate region (12c) can be separated into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant while sequentially passing through a plurality of perforated plates (26).

[0068] The separator housing (12) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. Inside the separator housing (12), a space is formed in which the refrigerant flowing into the inlet pipe (40) flows.

[0069] The separator housing (12) includes a first end wall (14), a second end wall (16) spaced apart from the first end wall (14), and a peripheral wall (18) connecting the first end wall (14) and the second end wall (16).

[0070] An inlet (20) is formed on one side of the separator housing (12). The inlet (20) is formed on one side of the peripheral wall (18). The inlet (20) is positioned adjacent to the first end wall (14). The inlet (20) is positioned closer to the first end wall (14) than to the second end wall (16).

[0071] A first outlet (22) is formed at a position spaced apart from the inlet (20). A second outlet (24) is formed at a position spaced apart from the inlet (20). The first outlet (22) and the second outlet (24) are formed on the peripheral wall (18). The first outlet (22) and the second outlet (24) are arranged adjacent to the second end wall (16). The first outlet (22) and the second outlet (24) are arranged closer to the second end wall (16) than to the first end wall (14).

[0072] An inlet (20) is arranged between the first end wall (14) and a plurality of perforated plates (26). A first outlet (22) and a second outlet (24) are arranged between the second end wall (16) and a plurality of perforated plates (26).

[0073] The inlet (20) is arranged in the inlet area (12a). The first outlet (22) and the second outlet (24) are arranged in the outlet area (12b). The inlet (20) can be opened toward the lower side of the separator housing (12).

[0074] The first outlet (22) and the second outlet (24) can be opened in different directions. The first outlet (22) can be opened in an upward direction. The second outlet (24) can be opened in a downward direction.

[0075] An inlet pipe (40) can be inserted through the inlet (20) of the separator housing (12).

[0076] The inlet pipe (40) can supply refrigerant into the separator housing (12). The inlet pipe (40) can be positioned to be inserted into the separator housing (12). The inlet pipe (40) is positioned to protrude into the separator housing (12) by a certain length or more.

[0077] At the inner end of the inlet pipe (40), a discharge hole (46a, 46b) is formed to supply refrigerant into the separator housing (12). The discharge hole (46a, 46b) is arranged at a position spaced inward from the peripheral wall (18). The discharge hole (46a, 46b) can be opened toward the peripheral wall (18).

[0078] The inlet pipe (40) may be formed with two discharge holes (46a, 46b) that open in different directions. The two discharge holes (46a, 46b) may be opened in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of porous plates (26) are arranged.

[0079] The inlet pipe (40) includes a first pipe (42) protruding inward from the peripheral wall (18), and a second pipe (44) arranged at an angle from the first pipe (42) at the inner end of the first pipe (42). The first pipe (42) can extend from the peripheral wall (18) toward the inner center of the peripheral wall (18).

[0080] The second pipe (44) can be arranged perpendicular to the first pipe (42). The second pipe (44) can include a second-first pipe (44a) extending in an inclined direction from the end of the first pipe (42), and a second-second pipe (44b) extending in a direction away from the second-first pipe (44a) from the end of the first pipe (42).

[0081] Discharge holes (46a, 46b) are formed in each of the 2-1 tube (44a) and the 2-2 tube (44b). A first discharge hole (46a) is formed in the 2-1 tube (44a). A second discharge hole (46b) is formed in the 2-2 tube (44b). Each of the first discharge hole (46a) and the second discharge hole (46b) can be opened toward the peripheral wall (18).

[0082] The length (44L) by which the 2-1 tube (44a) or the 2-2 tube (44b) extends from the 1st tube (42) can be formed to be shorter than the length (42L) of the 1st tube (42).

[0083] The plurality of perforated plates (26) includes a first perforated plate (26a) arranged adjacent to the inlet (20), a second perforated plate (26b) arranged adjacent to the first outlet (22), and a plurality of third perforated plates (26c) arranged between the first perforated plate (26a) and the second perforated plate (26b).

[0084] Each of the plurality of porous plates (26) may be formed in a plate shape. Each of the plurality of porous plates (26) may have a circular plate shape. Each of the plurality of porous plates (26) is fixedly arranged inside the separator housing (12). Each of the plurality of porous plates (26) may have a plurality of through holes through which the refrigerant passes. In addition, the plurality of porous plates (26) may be formed in a honeycomb structure having a honeycomb shape inside. A plurality of through holes may also be formed in this structure.

[0085] A first connecting pipe (30) is arranged in the first outlet (22). The first connecting pipe (30) can extend upward from the separator housing (12). A second connecting pipe (32) is arranged in the second outlet (24). The second connecting pipe (32) can extend downward from the separator housing (12).

[0086] In the outlet area (12b), an inner wall (28) protruding upward from the periphery of the second outlet (24) may be arranged. The inner wall (28) may have a structure protruding upward from the periphery of the second outlet (24).

[0087] Below, the arrangement relationship of the configuration of the gas-liquid separator (10) is explained with reference to FIG. 4.

[0088] The inlet area (12a) may be formed between the first perforated plate (26a) and the first end wall (14). The outlet area (12b) may be formed between the second perforated plate (26b) and the second end wall (16). The perforated plate area (12c) may refer to a space between the first perforated plate (26a) and the second perforated plate (26b) arranged therein.

[0089] The size of the space where the inlet area (12a) is formed can be formed smaller than the size of the space where the outlet area (12b) is formed.

[0090] The distance (D1) at which the first perforated plate (26a) is spaced apart from the inlet (20) is formed shorter than the distance (D2) at which the second perforated plate (26b) is spaced apart from the first outlet (22). The distance (D3) at which the second end wall (16) is spaced apart from the first outlet (22) is formed longer than the distance (D4) at which the first end wall (14) and the inlet (20) are spaced apart from each other.

[0091] The inlet pipe (40) that is partially positioned inside the separator housing (12) by penetrating the inlet (20) can be formed with a length of at least 1 / 3 of the diameter of the separator housing (12).

[0092] The distance (D5) between each of the plurality of porous plates (26) is formed to be smaller than the diameter (26D) of each of the plurality of porous plates (26).

[0093] The first outlet (22) and the second outlet (24) can be arranged in opposite directions with respect to the separator housing (12).

[0094] Below, the configuration of the evaporator is described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0095] The evaporator (5) includes an evaporator housing (50), a heat transfer tube (not shown), a tube support (70), a refrigerant distributor (60), and a distribution tray (66).

[0096] The evaporator housing (50) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. A first refrigerant inlet (52), a second refrigerant inlet (54), and a refrigerant outlet (56) are formed on the circumferential surface of the evaporator housing (50).

[0097] The first refrigerant inlet (52) is connected to the first connecting pipe (30). The second connecting pipe (32) is arranged to pass through the second refrigerant inlet (54).

[0098] The first refrigerant inlet (52) is positioned lower than the second refrigerant inlet (54). The first connecting pipe (30) is connected to the evaporator housing (50) in the area where the second refrigerant inlet (54) is located.

[0099] The second connecting pipe (32) can be inserted into the evaporator housing (50). The second connecting pipe (32) can be inserted into the evaporator housing (50) and connected to the refrigerant distributor (60).

[0100] A gaseous refrigerant can flow through the first connecting pipe (30). A liquid refrigerant can flow through the second connecting pipe (32).

[0101] Therefore, the gaseous refrigerant can flow to the evaporator (5) through the first connecting pipe (30). The liquid refrigerant can flow to the evaporator (5) through the second connecting pipe (32).

[0102] The gaseous refrigerant flowing through the first connecting pipe (30) is supplied into the evaporator housing (50). The liquid refrigerant flowing through the second connecting pipe (32) is supplied to the refrigerant distributor (60) placed inside the evaporator housing (50).

[0103] The gaseous refrigerant flowing through the first connecting pipe (30) can flow into the evaporator housing (50) and flow into the compressor (2) through the refrigerant outlet (56). The liquid refrigerant flowing through the second connecting pipe (32) flows into the lower part of the evaporator housing (50) through the refrigerant distributor (60). The liquid refrigerant flowing into the lower part of the evaporator housing (50) can change its phase into a gaseous refrigerant by contacting the heat transfer tube and exchanging heat with it. The refrigerant that has changed its phase into a gaseous refrigerant can flow into the compressor through the refrigerant outlet (56).

[0104] The refrigerant outlet (56) may be formed on the upper side of the circumference of the evaporator housing (50). The refrigerant outlet (56) may be opened upward. The refrigerant outlet (56) may be arranged at a certain distance from the second refrigerant inlet (54).

[0105] Although not shown in the drawing, a heat pipe (not shown) may be arranged to penetrate each of a plurality of support holes (72) formed in a tube support (70). A plurality of heat pipes may be provided so as to be arranged in each of a plurality of support holes (72) formed in a tube support (70). The heat pipe may be configured as a heat pipe bundle including a plurality of heat pipes.

[0106] The heat transfer tubes are housed in a housing, and cooling water flows through them to exchange heat with the refrigerant inside the housing. The liquid refrigerant forms a liquid film by contacting the surface of the heat transfer tubes.

[0107] The coolant flowing within the heat exchanger tubes loses heat from the liquid refrigerant, becoming colder. The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the coolant and vaporizes, thus exchanging heat.

[0108] The distribution tray (66) distributes refrigerant to the heat transfer tubes arranged at the bottom. The distribution tray (66) has a plurality of tray holes formed therein so as to distribute refrigerant to the heat transfer tubes. The distribution tray (66) may be arranged spaced apart from the heat transfer tubes upward.

[0109] The distribution tray (66) may be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction of the evaporator housing (50). The distribution tray (66) may have a shape that can accommodate liquid refrigerant and drop the liquid refrigerant downward for distribution.

[0110] The distribution tray (66) may have a tray shape with multiple tray holes formed on the bottom surface. The distribution tray (66) may have side walls formed in the front, back, left, and right directions. The side walls may allow the liquid refrigerant falling onto the distribution tray (66) to flow into the multiple tray holes (68).

[0111] The drawing shows a structure in which one distribution tray (66) is arranged. However, as another embodiment, it is also possible to arrange multiple distribution trays arranged vertically.

[0112] The heating tube can be placed at the bottom of the distribution tray (66).

[0113] The distribution tray (66) can be positioned upwardly spaced from the upper portion of the heat pipe. The distribution tray (66) can distribute refrigerant to the heat pipe positioned below.

[0114] The evaporator (5) may include a refrigerant distributor (60) that supplies liquid refrigerant flowing from the gas-liquid separator (10) to a distribution tray (66). The refrigerant distributor (60) is arranged above the distribution tray (66).

[0115] The refrigerant distributor (60) may be positioned upwardly spaced from the bottom surface of the distribution tray (66). The refrigerant distributor (60) may be positioned inside the evaporator housing (50).

[0116] The refrigerant distributor (60) distributes liquid refrigerant to the distribution tray (66).

[0117] The refrigerant distributor (60) may include an inlet port (62) connected to the second connecting pipe (32). A chamber in which the incoming liquid refrigerant is temporarily stored may be formed inside the refrigerant distributor (60). A plurality of distributor holes (not shown) are formed at the bottom of the refrigerant distributor (60).

[0118] The chamber formed inside the refrigerant distributor (60) can be formed in a tubular shape with a circular or polygonal cross-section.

[0119] Liquid refrigerant can be introduced into the chamber through the inlet port (62). The introduced liquid refrigerant can be distributed to the distribution tray (66) through a plurality of distributor holes formed at the bottom.

[0120] The evaporator (5) may include a tube support (70) in which a plurality of support holes (72) through which heat transfer tubes pass are formed. The tube support (70) may be arranged inside the evaporator housing (50) to support the distribution tray (66). The tube support (70) may support a plurality of heat transfer tube bundles arranged inside the evaporator housing (50).

[0121] The tube support (70) can be placed on the lower side of the distribution tray (66). The tube support (70) can be placed on the lower side of the refrigerant distributor (60).

[0122] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. An evaporator that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and cooling water and supplies the heat-exchanged refrigerant to the compressor; and It includes a vapor-liquid separator that separates the flowing refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and a vapor refrigerant and sends them to the evaporator, and is connected to the evaporator by two refrigerant pipes. The above gas-liquid separator is, A separator housing having an inlet formed on one side through which refrigerant flows, a first outlet formed to send refrigerant to the evaporator, and a second outlet formed to send refrigerant to the evaporator; A plurality of porous plates are disposed inside the separator housing, and have a plurality of porous holes formed therein and are disposed spaced apart from each other. The inside of the above separator housing is formed with an inlet area where the inlet is formed, a porous plate area where the plurality of porous plates are arranged, and an outlet area where the first outlet and the second outlet are formed. The above-mentioned perforated plate area is a chiller system arranged between the above-mentioned inlet area and the above-mentioned outlet area.

2. In paragraph 1, A chiller system in which the first outlet and the second outlet pipes open in different directions from the peripheral wall of the separator housing.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first outlet is opened upwardly from the peripheral wall of the separator housing, The above second outlet is a chiller system that opens downward from the peripheral wall of the separator housing.

4. In paragraph 1, A chiller system in which the plurality of perforated plates include a first perforated plate positioned adjacent to the inlet, a second perforated plate positioned adjacent to the first outlet, and a plurality of third perforated plates positioned between the first perforated plate and the second perforated plate.

5. In paragraph 4, A chiller system in which the distance between the first porous plate and the inlet is formed shorter than the distance between the second porous plate and the first outlet.

6. In paragraph 1, A chiller system in which the spacing between the plurality of porous plates is formed shorter than the diameter of each of the plurality of porous plates.

7. In paragraph 1, The above separator housing includes a first end wall arranged on one side of the inlet area, a second end wall spaced from the first end wall and arranged on one side of the outlet area, and a peripheral wall connecting the first end wall and the second end wall. A chiller system in which the distance between the second end wall and the first outlet is formed longer than the distance between the first end wall and the inlet.

8. In paragraph 1, A chiller system further comprising an inlet pipe that flows into the separator housing through the inlet.

9. In paragraph 8, A chiller system in which the above inlet pipe protrudes a certain length or more into the interior of the separator housing.

10. In paragraph 8, The above inlet pipe is, It includes a first tube protruding inwardly from the peripheral wall of the separator housing, and a second tube arranged at an angle from the first tube at the inner end of the vertical tube. A chiller system in which a discharge hole is formed in the second pipe to discharge refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe into the interior of the separator housing.

11. In Article 10, The above discharge hole is a chiller system that opens toward the inside of the peripheral wall of the separator housing.

12. In paragraph 10, The above second pipe includes a 2-1 pipe extending in a direction inclined from the end of the first pipe to the first pipe, and a 2-2 pipe extending in a direction away from the 2-1 pipe from the end of the first pipe. A chiller system in which a discharge hole is formed in each of the above-mentioned 2-1 pipe and the above-mentioned 2-2 pipe.

13. In paragraph 10, The above second pipe is a chiller system extending in a direction parallel to the surface formed by the above porous plate.

14. In paragraph 1, A first connecting pipe connecting the evaporator and the vapor-liquid separator to send the refrigerant discharged from the first outlet to the evaporator, A second connecting pipe is included to connect the evaporator and the vapor-liquid separator so as to send the refrigerant discharged from the second outlet to the evaporator, A chiller system wherein each of the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe includes at least one banding area.

15. In paragraph 1, A chiller system in which the second connecting pipe is connected to the evaporator from above the first connecting pipe.

16. In paragraph 15, The above-mentioned gas-liquid separator is placed above the above-mentioned evaporator, A chiller system in which the first connecting pipe has a structure in which it protrudes upward from the gas-liquid separator and is banded.

17. In paragraph 1, The above evaporator, A chiller system comprising an evaporator housing forming a space inside, heat transfer tubes through which cooling water flows, a tube support for fixing the arrangement of the heat transfer tubes, a distribution tray for distributing refrigerant to the heat transfer tubes arranged at the bottom, and a refrigerant distributor for discharging refrigerant introduced through the first connecting pipe to the distribution tray.

18. In paragraph 17, On the circumference of the above evaporator housing, a first refrigerant inlet to which the first connecting pipe is connected, a second refrigerant inlet into which the second connecting pipe is inserted, and a refrigerant outlet through which the refrigerant inside the above evaporator housing is discharged are formed. The above first refrigerant inlet is positioned lower than the above second refrigerant inlet, A chiller system in which the above refrigerant outlet is formed to open upward at a position spaced apart from the second refrigerant inlet.

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