Evaporator Header Insert With Helical Flow Path for Uniform Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Under adverse gravity conditions, such as in aerospace applications, the flow dynamics into evaporator passages from the header in refrigeration systems result in reduced contact between the working fluid and the evaporator, leading to reduced effectiveness of the system due to non-uniform fluid distribution and heat transfer inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A header insert with a convergent-divergent nozzle shape and a conical tip member is introduced at the evaporator header outlet port, directing fluid flow to enhance contact with the evaporator passage sidewalls, ensuring uniform distribution and efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional header flow distribution is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but under adverse gravity conditions fluid contact with evaporator sidewalls is reduced leading to heat transfer inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A flow distributor insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the header and evaporator passages. This insert features a convergent-divergent nozzle structure that actively shapes and directs the refrigerant flow, ensuring proper contact with evaporator sidewalls under adverse gravity conditions without requiring complete redesign of the header system
Solution Approach 2:
The flow distributor insert modifies flow parameters through its convergent-divergent geometry. The convergent section increases fluid velocity and pressure, while the divergent section expands and directs the flow toward the evaporator sidewalls, optimizing heat transfer parameters under varying gravity conditions
2Productivity
If multiple parallel flow passages are used to remove heat from large footprint area, then heat removal effectiveness is improved, but flow distribution uniformity becomes critical and difficult to achieve under adverse gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The flow distributor insert is designed with multiple outlet ports that correspond to multiple evaporator passages. Each outlet segment independently directs flow to its associated passage, ensuring uniform distribution across all parallel passages while maintaining overall system productivity for large footprint heat removal
Solution Approach 2:
The convergent-divergent nozzle structure provides localized flow optimization at each outlet port. Each segment of the insert is tailored to direct flow specifically to its corresponding evaporator passage, ensuring local flow uniformity while contributing to overall system 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 solution improves fluid distribution and heat transfer efficiency by ensuring the fluid contacts the evaporator passage sidewalls along its entire length, enhancing the overall performance of the refrigeration system under adverse gravity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the body nozzle portion having a convergent-divergent shape so that the body nozzle portion has a convergent segment, a divergent segment and a neck segment therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a conical tip member, fixed to the body outlet end and disposed at least partially within the divergent segment of the body nozzle portion so that a conical outlet passage is formed therebetween
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an internal insert for a header insert of an evaporator header outlet port, comprising: an internal insert tip portion (530A); an internal insert base portion (540A) spaced along a body center axis from the internal insert tip portion; and an internal insert center body portion (550A) extending axially between the internal insert tip portion and the internal insert base portion, wherein: the internal insert tip portion (530A) converges away from the internal insert center body portion; the internal insert center body portion (550A) defines a first axial segment and a second axial segment extending away from one another, wherein the first axial segment extends to the internal insert tip portion and the second axial segment extends to the internal insert base portion; and a helical fluid passage surface (580A), defining a continuous helical fluid passage, is formed into the internal insert center body portion.