Stacking-Type Header Branching Layout for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stacking-type headers suffer from low refrigerant distribution uniformity when the refrigerant inflow direction is not parallel to the gravity direction, leading to deficiencies or excesses in refrigerant distribution.
Innovation Solution
The proposed stacking-type header incorporates a branching flow passage with a specific geometry, including parallel straight-line parts and connecting parts that are not parallel to the gravity direction, ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution by minimizing the influence of gravity through controlled flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional branching flow passage with grooves extending perpendicular to refrigerant inflow direction is used, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates when the inflow direction is not parallel to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The branching flow passage is segmented into multiple straight-line parts (first, second, third, fourth straight-line parts) that are parallel to the gravity direction, with connecting parts joining them. This segmentation allows the refrigerant flow path to be divided into controlled segments, ensuring that each segment maintains proper orientation relative to gravity, thereby improving refrigerant distribution uniformity while managing structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage design transitions from a simple two-dimensional groove pattern to a three-dimensional multi-segmented structure with straight-line parts extending in the gravity direction and connecting parts joining them. This dimensional change allows the passage to accommodate non-parallel inflow directions while maintaining gravitational alignment, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and distribution uniformity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stacking-type header is used with refrigerant inflow direction not parallel to gravity, then installation flexibility is improved, but refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates due to gravity influence
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage design creates equipotential conditions by incorporating multiple straight-line parts that are parallel to the gravity direction. These straight-line segments ensure that the refrigerant flows through sections that are properly aligned with gravitational forces, equalizing the flow distribution across different branches regardless of the overall header orientation, thus maintaining distribution uniformity while allowing installation flexibility
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
This design enhances the uniformity of refrigerant distribution, reducing the impact of gravity and improving the overall performance of the heat exchanger and air-conditioning apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant flows into the branching flow passage through the opening port, passes through each of the first connecting part and the second connecting part to flow into each of the lower end of the first straight-line part and the upper end of the second straight-line part, and flows out from the branching flow passage through each of the upper end of the first straight-line part and the lower end of the second straight-line part. Therefore, drift of the refrigerant in a direction perpendicular to the gravity direction is uniformized in the first straight-line part and the second straight-line part, which are parallel to the gravity direction
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
A stacking-type header (2) according to the present invention includes: a first plate-shaped unit (11) having a plurality of first outlet flow passages (11 A) formed therein; and a second plate-shaped unit (12) mounted on the first plate-shaped unit (11), the second plate-shaped unit (12) having a distribution flow passage (12A) formed therein, the distribution flow passage (12A) being configured to distribute refrigerant, which passes through a first inlet flow passage (12a) to flow into the second plate-shaped unit (12), to the plurality of first outlet flow passages (11 A) to cause the refrigerant to flow out from the second plate-shaped unit (12), in which the distribution flow passage (12A) includes a branching flow passage (12b) including: an opening port; a first straight-line part parallel to a gravity direction, the first straight-line part having a lower end communicating with the opening port through a first connecting part; and a second straight-line part parallel to the gravity direction, the second straight-line part having an upper end communicating with the opening port through a second connecting part, in which at least a part of the first connecting part and at least a part of the second connecting are not being parallel to the gravity direction, and in which the refrigerant flows into the branching flow passage (12b) through the opening port, passes through each of the first connecting part and the second connecting part to flow into each of the lower end of the first straight-line part and the upper end of the second straight-line part, and flows out from the branching flow passage (12b) through each of an upper end of the first straight-line part and a lower end of the second straight-line part.