Heat Exchanger Counter-Flow Design for Subcooling Efficiency

The heat exchanger is divided into multiple independent rows, each row functioning as a separate heat transfer channel. This segmentation allows simplified refrigerant flow distribution within each row while achieving high overall heat transfer performance through the combined effect of multiple rows. The refrigerant can be distributed more easily to each row without complex flow paths.

The invention transitions from a single-plane heat transfer configuration to a multi-row three-dimensional arrangement. By stacking heat transfer tubes in multiple rows along the air flow direction, the heat transfer area is expanded in the direction perpendicular to the air flow, improving heat transfer performance without complicating the refrigerant flow distribution within each individual row.

The heat exchanger is segmented into distinct heat exchange rows and subcooling rows. The heat exchange units are arranged in one or more rows, while subcooling units are arranged in separate row(s). This spatial segmentation allows independent optimization of refrigerant flow for each function, simplifying flow management while maintaining high refrigeration cycle efficiency.

Different regions of the heat exchanger are assigned different functions based on local refrigerant temperature and pressure conditions. Heat exchange rows are positioned to handle refrigerant at specific states, while subcooling rows are positioned for refrigerant at other states. This local functional differentiation optimizes heat transfer in each region without requiring complex overall flow management.