Ejector Atomization Structure for Liquid-Phase Momentum Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of ejectors in refrigeration cycle apparatuses is limited by the inefficient transfer of momentum between the drive flow and suction flow, particularly when using supercooled liquids as the drive flow, which fails to undergo phase change, leading to suboptimal atomization and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An ejector design featuring a first nozzle for a liquid-phase working fluid, a second nozzle for a vapor-phase working fluid, and an atomization mechanism with an inclined collision plate that maintains the liquid phase during atomization, generating a thin liquid film which breaks into small particles, enhancing momentum transfer and overall performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a supercooled liquid is used as drive flow in the nozzle, then the refrigerant can be supplied in liquid phase, but the phase change does not occur and the drive flow cannot be atomized
Solution Approach 1:
The atomization mechanism segments the liquid jet into multiple paths: part collides with the collision plate to form a thin liquid film, while another part passes through to form liquid threads. Both paths contribute to atomization, ensuring reliable liquid phase supply while achieving effective atomization through multiple mechanisms working simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The collision plate is inclined at a specific angle (45-60 degrees) relative to the center axial line, transforming the collision from a simple linear impact into a multi-dimensional interaction. This angular arrangement creates both a thin liquid film on the plate surface and directs liquid threads into the mixing space, enabling atomization without phase change.
2Productivity
If the collision surface is made larger to improve atomization, then more liquid can be atomized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collision plate has a localized collision surface with specific geometric features (inclined at 45-60 degrees, with defined contour positions) rather than a large extended surface. This localized design achieves effective atomization at a specific point in the flow path without requiring a large overall structure, maintaining simplicity while improving performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The collision plate acts as an intermediary element between the liquid jet and the mixing space. Instead of directly complex atomization structures, the simple inclined plate mediates the transformation of the liquid jet into atomized droplets through collision, forming a thin liquid film that breaks into small particles.
3Productivity
If phase change is induced in the drive flow, then atomization can occur, but the liquid phase cannot be maintained and momentum transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of liquid phase maintenance by controlling the collision geometry and flow conditions. The inclined collision plate at specific angles and the controlled jet impact create atomization through mechanical disruption rather than thermodynamic phase change, preserving the liquid phase while achieving effective atomization and momentum transfer.
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 improved ejector design achieves efficient momentum transfer and increased performance by forming a thin liquid film that breaks into small particles, reducing particle diameter and enhancing the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle, while also allowing for reduced compressor work and smaller apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
an atomization mechanism that is disposed at an end of the first nozzle and that atomizes the working fluid in the liquid phase while maintaining the liquid phase
Implementation Method 2
The collision plate has a collision surface that is inclined with respect to the center axial line of the orifice... generating a thin liquid film which breaks into small particles
Implementation Method 3
The performance of an ejector depends on whether transfer of momentum between a drive flow and a suction flow can be efficiently performed
Implementation Method 4
In the reduced-diameter portion, the flow velocity of the refrigerant increases and the pressure of the refrigerant decreases. Accordingly, the phase of the refrigerant (drive flow), which is supplied to the nozzle 140, changes from a liquid phase to a vapor-liquid two-phase
Implementation Method 5
the phase of the refrigerant (drive flow), which is supplied to the nozzle 140, changes from a liquid phase to a vapor-liquid two-phase in the reduced-diameter portion
Data Source
AI summary
An ejector includes an atomization mechanism that is disposed at an end of a first nozzle and that atomizes a working fluid in a liquid phase while maintaining the liquid phase. The atomization mechanism includes an orifice and a collision plate. When the collision plate is orthographically projected onto a projection plane, in a projection of the collision plate, at least one point on a contour of the collision surface is disposed closer to a reference point than a second reference line, which is a line including the collision end point and perpendicular to the first reference line.