8-Pass Evaporator Layout for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art evaporators exhibit non-uniform refrigerant distribution, leading to increased temperature variation and decreased thermal performance, which results in discomfort for vehicle passengers due to uneven air temperature distribution.
Innovation Solution
An evaporator design with an 8-pass flow from a first area to an eighth area, utilizing a first and second header tank divided by a partition wall, with baffles and tubes of uniform flow path area and circumference length, to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution and maximize heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional evaporator design with inlet and outlet pipes is used, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerant distribution becomes non-uniform leading to temperature variation
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is divided into multiple flow passes (first through eighth areas) with intermediate discharge ports, segmenting the refrigerant flow path to prevent concentration in single areas and ensure uniform distribution across all sections
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the evaporator are designed with specific flow path characteristics, where intermediate discharge ports are strategically positioned to create localized flow control, ensuring each area receives appropriate refrigerant distribution based on its position
2Productivity
If the refrigerant flow rate is increased to improve heat exchange, then thermal performance improves, but temperature variation increases due to non-uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into eight distinct areas with intermediate discharge ports between them, distributing the refrigerant flow uniformly across all sections and preventing concentration effects that would cause temperature variation even at high flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a simple linear flow path to a multi-dimensional flow distribution system with multiple discharge ports at different locations, creating a three-dimensional flow pattern that ensures uniform refrigerant distribution throughout the evaporator volume
3Temperature
If the evaporator is designed with uniform tube flow path area and circumference length, then refrigerant distribution becomes uniform, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the tubes themselves have uniform dimensions, the overall flow path design uses asymmetric baffle arrangements and strategically positioned intermediate discharge ports to create symmetric refrigerant distribution patterns, balancing complexity with performance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The 8-pass flow design reduces temperature variation, enhances heat exchange efficiency, and maintains uniform air temperature distribution, improving passenger comfort and thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporator is a component of an air conditioner system, in which the air introduced by an air blower is cooled by heat exchange while a liquid heat exchange medium is converted into a gas phase
Implementation Method 2
a liquid heat exchange medium is converted into a gas phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an evaporator (1000) and, more specifically, to an evaporator (1000), in which refrigerant is uniformly distributed to each area through 8-pass flow from a first area (A1) to an eighth area (A8) so as to reduce temperature variation and maximize the heat exchange efficiency with respect to outdoor air, and air is discharged to the left and right sides in a vehicle room with uniform temperature distribution so as to maintain the comfort of passengers.