Parallel Heat Exchanger Flow Balancing for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchanger units with multiple heat exchangers in parallel face challenges in achieving uniform refrigerant distribution due to differences in pressure loss across outlet pipes, leading to uneven heat exchange efficiency and discomfort in indoor air conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger unit incorporates a distribution system with first and second flow rate adjusters on inlet and outlet pipes, respectively, to equalize pressure losses across each heat exchanger, ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution and circulation, thereby enhancing heat exchange performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single flow rate adjuster is provided at the heat exchanger inlet portion, then the pressure loss is adjusted to improve refrigerant distribution equalization, but the equalization is still insufficient due to varying outlet pipe pressure losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow rate adjustment function into two separate adjusters: a first flow rate adjuster at the inlet portion and a second flow rate adjuster at the outlet portion of the heat exchanger. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of pressure losses at different locations, enabling more precise control over refrigerant distribution to achieve better equalization across multiple heat exchangers.
2Manufacturing precision
If flow rate adjustment is performed at the heat exchanger inlet portion, then the refrigerant distribution equalization is improved compared to no adjustment, but the equalization degree remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure loss adjustment into two independent locations: inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger. This allows the system to compensate for both inlet-side variations (through the first adjuster) and outlet pipe variations (through the second adjuster), achieving superior refrigerant distribution uniformity that cannot be obtained with a single adjuster.
3Productivity
If multiple flow rate adjusters are added to improve refrigerant distribution, then the heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically places flow rate adjusters at specific locations (inlet and outlet portions of the heat exchanger) where they can most effectively influence refrigerant distribution. This targeted segmentation maximizes heat exchange efficiency improvement while minimizing the number of adjusters needed, as each adjuster addresses a specific source of distribution inequality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies flow rate adjustment locally at critical points in the system rather than using a single centralized adjustment mechanism. The first adjuster addresses inlet conditions locally, and the second adjuster addresses outlet conditions locally, allowing each component to optimize its specific region's performance for overall system efficiency.
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 equal distribution of refrigerant to all heat exchangers, improving overall heat exchange efficiency and maintaining consistent air temperature, resulting in a high-performance air conditioner with reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the flow rate adjusters so that pressure losses on inlet and outlet sides of the heat exchangers are equal to each other, the refrigerant can be distributed to the heat exchangers
Implementation Method 2
an air conditioner performs cooling or heating by circulating refrigerant, compressed by a compressor, through a heat exchanger such as a condenser and an evaporator to exchange heat with air
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Heat exchanger unit (100) includes a plurality of heat exchangers (1). Each of a plurality of heat exchangers (1) includes first pipe (6) into which refrigerant flows, a first header flow channel that communicates with an outflow side of first pipe (6), a second header flow channel disposed downstream of the first header flow channel, a plurality of refrigerant flow channels that allow the first header flow channel and the second header flow channel to communicate with each other, and second pipe (7) that communicates with an outflow side of the second header flow channel. Heat exchanger unit (100) also includes first flow rate adjuster (81) provided in first pipe (6) of at least one of a plurality of heat exchangers (1), and second flow rate adjuster (82) provided in second pipe (7) of at least one of a plurality of heat exchangers (1).