Heat Exchanger Baffle for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers face challenges in achieving uniform refrigerant distribution, which affects their efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design that includes a collecting pipe with a baffle dividing it into two cavities, allowing the first end of heat exchange tubes to pass through the pipe wall and baffle, ensuring even distribution of refrigerant to multiple tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple collecting pipe structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uniformity of refrigerant distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting pipe is segmented into multiple cavities by baffles, creating separate flow paths that control refrigerant distribution to different heat exchange tubes. This segmentation allows independent control of refrigerant flow to each tube while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Baffles are introduced as intermediary elements within the collecting pipe to mediate refrigerant flow distribution. These baffles act as flow directors that evenly distribute refrigerant to multiple heat exchange tubes without requiring complex external distribution systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the first end of the heat exchange tube passes through the pipe wall and baffle, then the refrigerant distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange tube is segmented into multiple sections that pass through different components (pipe wall, first cavity, baffle) to reach the second cavity. This segmentation enables precise control of refrigerant entry points while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange tube is nested through multiple structural layers (pipe wall, first cavity space, baffle, second cavity) in sequence. This nested arrangement allows the tube to access the second cavity for even refrigerant distribution without requiring separate complex distribution mechanisms.
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 improves the uniformity of refrigerant distribution, enhancing heat exchange efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the baffle extending along a length direction of the collecting pipe, the inner cavity of the collecting pipe being divided by the baffle into a first cavity and a second cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger has a collecting pipe, a separator and a number of heat exchange tubes. The collecting pipe has a pipe wall and an inner cavity. The separator is provided in the inner cavity. The separator extends along a lengthwise direction of the collecting pipe. The separator divides the collecting pipe into a first cavity and a second cavity. The heat exchange tubes are arranged along the lengthwise direction. Each heat exchange tube has a first end and an inner cavity. The first end of the heat exchange tube sequentially passes through the pipe wall of the collecting pipe, the first cavity and the separator to be inserted into the second cavity. The inner cavity of the heat exchange tube is communicated with the second cavity. As a result, uniformity of refrigerant distribution in the heat exchanger is improved.