Heat Exchanger Distributor Design to Reduce Pipe Handling Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers with distributors require increased space for pipe handling and can have variable distribution performance based on the attachment angle, leading to larger air-conditioning apparatus sizes and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design incorporating a distributor with a connection pipe and adjustable refrigerant distribution mechanism that reduces pipe handling space and maintains efficient refrigerant distribution, using a configuration with a U-bent portion and connection pipe to distribute refrigerant evenly across heat transfer tubes, allowing for proper adjustment of refrigerant flow without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional distributor is used to branch refrigerant flow paths, then refrigerant distribution is achieved, but pipe handling space increases and apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is integrated directly with the heat transfer tubes, merging the distribution function into the heat exchange structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate pipe handling spaces and reduces overall apparatus size while maintaining refrigerant distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor utilizes the cross-sectional area of the heat transfer tubes to create multiple flow paths. By branching refrigerant flow in the cross-sectional direction rather than requiring longitudinal pipe extensions, the design reduces space requirements in the apparatus
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributor attachment angle is not standardized, then installation flexibility is maintained, but distribution performance becomes variable
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is designed with an asymmetric structure where the inlet and outlet positions are specifically configured to work at a predetermined attachment angle. This asymmetric design ensures optimal refrigerant distribution when installed at the specified angle, while the patent maintains installation flexibility by accommodating this specific orientation requirement
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plate-shaped fin being elongate in a longitudinal direction, a plurality of heat transfer tubes passing through the fin, and a distributor that distributes refrigerant to, from among the plurality of heat transfer tubes, two heat transfer tubes. The distributor includes an inflow portion being linear and connected to one of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, a turn-back portion continuous with the inflow portion, a first outflow portion being linear, continuous with the turn-back portion and running in parallel to the inflow portion, a second outflow portion being linear, continuous with the turn-back portion and branching from the first outflow portion, and a connection pipe continuous with the second outflow portion and including a plurality of bent portions. The second outflow portion is connected via the connection pipe to the heat transfer tube not adjacent to the heat transfer tube connected to the first outflow portion.