Header Tube Loop Structure for Even Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers with vertical header collecting tubes face issues with eccentric refrigerant flow due to varying circulation rates, as throttling mechanisms either suppress or exacerbate flow velocity, leading to inefficient refrigerant distribution across flat tubes at different heights.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a loop structure within the header collecting tube, partitioned into upper and lower spaces with specific communication passages and ports, which regulates refrigerant flow to ensure even distribution and suppresses eccentric flow by allowing looping of refrigerant, regardless of circulation rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a throttle is formed in the header collecting tube to increase flow velocity, then eccentric flow is suppressed at low circulation rates, but at high circulation rates the flow velocity becomes too high causing liquid phase refrigerant to collect at the top and eccentric flow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The header collecting tube is divided into multiple sections with partition members creating separate flow paths. The first partition member divides the tube into a first space (where flat tubes connect) and a second space (opposite side). This segmentation allows different flow control mechanisms to operate in different zones, enabling the system to handle both low and high circulation rates effectively without a single throttle causing problems at extreme rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple throttles with different characteristics positioned at different locations within the header collecting tube. The first throttle is positioned to control flow in the first space, while the second throttle controls flow in the second space. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to adapt to varying circulation rates by utilizing the appropriate throttle characteristics for each operating condition.
2Reliability
If the space on the sides of the header collecting tubes is narrowed by partition members to help refrigerant reach the top, then eccentric flow is suppressed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The header collecting tube is segmented into functional zones using partition members. The first partition member creates the first space where flat tubes connect, and the second partition member further divides this space. This segmentation allows the tube to maintain a relatively simple overall structure while creating localized complex flow patterns that suppress eccentric flow without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition members are strategically positioned to create localized flow control zones rather than uniformly complicating the entire structure. The first partition member is placed at a specific height to create the first space, and the second partition member is positioned to create the second space. This local quality approach allows eccentric flow suppression in critical areas while maintaining simplicity in other regions of the header collecting tube.
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 design effectively maintains refrigerant flow velocity and distribution across flat tubes at varying circulation rates, minimizing eccentric flow and ensuring uniform heat exchange, even during high or low circulation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The header collecting tube has a loop structure. The loop structure includes a first partition member and a second partition member, an inflow port, an upper communicating passage, and a lower communicating passage... causing an ascending flow arises in the first space... guiding the refrigerant that has ascended within the first space into the second space... returning the refrigerant from the second space to the first space
Implementation Method 2
The first partition member partition the internal space of the header collecting tube into upper internal space and lower internal space. The second partition member partitions upper internal space into first space that is space to the side where the flat tubes are connected, and second space that is space to the side opposite from the side where the flat tubes are connected
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes, a header collecting tube connected to the flat tubes, and fins joined to the flat tubes. The header collecting tube includes a first partition member partitioning an internal space into upper and lower internal spaces, a second partition member partitioning the upper internal space into first and second spaces, an inflow port formed at a bottom part of the first space, an upper communicating passage, a lower communicating passage. A third partition member partitions the lower internal space into an ascension space and an inflow space. A lower communicating port allows refrigerant to pass from the inflow space to the ascension space. The lower communicating port and the refrigerant passages of the flat tubes that are connected to the lower internal space are arranged so as not to overlap each other as viewed along the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes.