Header Flow Passage Layout for Even Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heat exchanger designs result in uneven distribution of refrigerant to flat tubes due to inertial forces causing liquid refrigerant to remain in the upper portion of the header tank, leading to inefficient refrigerant distribution.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger incorporates a header design with specific flow passages and connecting passages that allow liquid refrigerant to circulate back to the lower portion, preventing it from accumulating in the upper region and ensuring even distribution across all flat tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the refrigerant inlet is disposed at a lower portion of the header tank, then the two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows upward in the header tank, but liquid refrigerant accumulates in the upper portion due to inertial force, resulting in uneven refrigerant distribution to flat tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The header tank is divided into multiple flow passages (first flow passage, second flow passage, third flow passage) that segment the refrigerant flow paths. Each passage is positioned at different heights and connects to different groups of flat tubes, ensuring that refrigerant is distributed uniformly to all tubes despite the upward flow direction and inertial forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces vertical dimension variation in the flow passage arrangement. The first, second, and third flow passages are arranged at different vertical positions within the header tank, with the first passage at the upper portion, second passage at the middle portion, and third passage at the lower portion. This vertical segmentation compensates for the inertial force effect and ensures uniform refrigerant distribution.
2Quantity of substance
If liquid refrigerant remains in the upper portion of the header tank, then the amount of refrigerant distributed to upper flat tubes increases, but this creates uneven refrigerant distribution across all flat tubes
Solution Approach 1:
Different flow passages are designed with different characteristics suited to their specific locations. The first flow passage serves upper flat tubes, the second flow passage serves middle flat tubes, and the third flow passage serves lower flat tubes. Each passage is optimized for its local position, ensuring that refrigerant distribution is uniform across all tubes despite the varying effects of inertial force at different heights.
3Device complexity
If a simple header tank structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot prevent liquid refrigerant accumulation and ensure even distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The header tank is designed as a multi-functional component that combines refrigerant distribution, flow direction control, and uniformity enhancement in a single structure. The multiple flow passages within the header tank serve both to distribute refrigerant and to prevent accumulation, eliminating the need for separate devices while achieving even distribution across all flat tubes.
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 configuration ensures a more even distribution of refrigerant to all flat tubes, improving the heat exchanger's performance and energy efficiency in refrigeration cycle apparatuses by reducing refrigerant accumulation and enhancing heat exchange efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
liquid refrigerant, which has a density higher than does gas refrigerant, remains in an upper portion of the inside of the header tank because of an inertial force
Implementation Method 2
liquid refrigerant, which has a density higher than does gas refrigerant, remains in an upper portion of the inside of the header tank because of an inertial force
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a plurality of flat tubes and a header
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes flat tubes, a header, and a refrigerant inlet. The header has a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate. The first plate has a ridge portion defining a tank space. The second plate has a first flow passage and a second flow passage. The first flow passage extends in such a manner that an area of the first flow passage coincides with an area of the tank space. The second flow passage extends in such a manner that an area of the second flow passage does not coincide with the area of the tank space. An upper portion of the first flow passage and an upper portion of the second flow passage are connected to each other via a first connecting flow passage. A lower portion of the first flow passage and a lower portion of the second flow passage are connected to each other via a second connecting flow passage. The third plate has a communicating hole that allows the first flow passage and each of the flat tubes to communicate with each other.