Flow Distributor Manifold for Uniform Two-Phase Heat Exchanger Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parallel flow heat exchangers suffer from fluid maldistribution, particularly in two-phase flow applications, due to differences in densities of liquid and vapor phases, which affects evaporator performance and overall system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow distributor with a longitudinally extending distributor body and discrete flow passages is introduced within the manifold, ensuring uniform distribution by providing longitudinally and transversely extending passages that communicate with discharge ports, minimizing phase separation and enhancing fluid distribution across multiple heat exchange tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional parallel flow heat exchangers are used with multi-channel tubes, then the heat exchanger structure is simple, but fluid maldistribution occurs among the tubes
Solution Approach 1:
A distributor body is introduced as an intermediary component within the manifold to mediate fluid distribution among multiple tubes. The distributor body includes flow passages that actively control and balance fluid flow to each tube, preventing maldistribution without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor body segments the single manifold flow into multiple controlled streams through discrete flow passages. Each flow passage independently controls fluid distribution to specific tubes, enabling precise flow management while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If two-phase fluid is delivered to the manifold for distribution, then the heat exchanger can perform phase change heat transfer, but flow maldistribution occurs due to density differences between liquid and vapor phases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passages in the distributor body are designed with specific geometric parameters (cross-sectional area, length, orientation) that compensate for density differences between liquid and vapor phases. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves uniform two-phase flow distribution despite the harmful density variations that cause phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the distributor body have locally optimized flow passage characteristics tailored to the specific distribution needs of each tube. This local customization allows the system to address phase separation issues specific to each location, ensuring uniform two-phase flow distribution across all tubes.
3Manufacturing precision
If an elongated distributor tube is inserted within the inlet manifold, then fluid distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor body is nested within the existing manifold structure, utilizing the available space efficiently. This nested configuration improves fluid distribution without requiring a completely redesigned manifold system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving better flow uniformity.
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 effectively reduces fluid maldistribution, improving heat exchanger performance, enhancing the coefficient of performance, reducing power consumption, and allowing for smaller and lighter evaporator designs.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of discrete flow passages extend from a first end of the distributor body and opening through a first surface of the distributor body. The plurality of discrete flow passages includes a plurality of longitudinally extending passages formed along an interface of the second surface of the distributor body with the inner wall of the distributor manifold.
Implementation Method 2
Parallel flow heat exchangers include a plurality of spaced parallel passages for conveying a first fluid in heat exchange relationship with a second fluid.
Implementation Method 3
Each respective subplurality of the transversely extending flow passages comprises a continuous sequential subplurality of the transversely extending flow passages distinct from all other subpluralities of the transversely extending flow passages.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a distribution manifold, a plurality of longitudinally spaced tubes having inlet ends opening into the manifold, and a longitudinally extending distributor body disposed within the manifold. The distributor body has a first surface juxtaposed in spaced relationship with the inlet ends of the plurality of tubes and a second surface interfacing with the manifold inner wall. A plurality of discrete flow passages extend from an inlet end of the distributor body and open through the first surface of the distributor body. The plurality of discrete flow passages includes a plurality of longitudinally extending flow passages formed by channels or grooves extending along the interface of the second surface of the distributor body with the inner wall of the distributor manifold.