Dual Header Tank Structure for Condensate Drainage in Heat Exchangers
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers with a two-row structure face issues with condensate water discharge due to the absence of a drain hole between the first and second rows, leading to inefficient drainage and potential pressure resistance and temperature distribution problems.
Innovation Solution
A header tank structure with a first and second tank spaced apart at a predetermined interval, featuring communication pipes and through-holes for efficient condensate water discharge, along with rounded edges and rib structures for enhanced pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single header tank is used in a two-row heat exchanger, then the structure is simple, but condensate water cannot be discharged efficiently between the rows
Solution Approach 1:
The single header tank is divided into two separate tanks (first header tank and second header tank) positioned in the first and second rows respectively. This segmentation allows condensate water to be discharged from each row independently through各自的 drain holes, solving the inefficiency of the single-tank design while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If tanks are placed close together to reduce space, then the device size is minimized, but pressure resistance and temperature distribution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different parts of the system. The tanks are positioned at specific intervals where they can maintain adequate pressure resistance and temperature distribution locally, while the overall device size is minimized through compact arrangement. The rounded edges and rib structures provide localized reinforcement where pressure resistance is critical.
3Strength
If tanks are spaced apart to improve pressure resistance and temperature distribution, then structural performance is enhanced, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement by positioning tanks in different rows (longitudinal dimension) rather than only separating them in the lateral dimension. This dimensional strategy allows adequate spacing for pressure resistance and temperature distribution while maintaining compact overall volume through efficient three-dimensional packaging.
4Productivity
If drain holes are added between rows, then condensate discharge is improved, but the header tank structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple tanks and drain holes into an integrated header tank system. The first and second header tanks are coupled to communicate refrigerant between rows, while drain holes are incorporated into the tank structures themselves. This merging approach achieves efficient condensate discharge without requiring separate, complex drainage components.
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
Ensures complete condensate water discharge, improves pressure resistance, and maintains temperature distribution, thereby enhancing the cooling performance of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of communication pipes provided between the first tank and the second tank and allowing the first internal space and the second internal space to communicate with each other
Implementation Method 2
cores including tubes and fins are doubly provided to define first and second rows
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange between the air outside the heat exchanger and a heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
upper outer edges of the first and second tanks are formed in a rounded shape, and a rib structure, which is indented inward, is applied to the edge
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a header tank provided in a heat exchanger having a two-row structure in which core parts are provided in two rows, and to a header tank having a structure in which a first tank is coupled to a header, and a second tank is coupled to be spaced apart from the first tank at a predetermined interval, such that condensate water condensed on surfaces of the core parts may be discharged between the first tank and the second tank, thereby satisfying all of pressure resistance of the header tank, temperature distribution of the core parts, and cooling performance of the heat exchanger.