Microchannel Heat Exchanger Distributor for Uniform Refrigerant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-channel type heat exchangers face issues with non-uniform refrigerant distribution, high manufacturing costs due to complex processes, and refrigerant leakage at header-tube couplings, primarily because of the need for multiple baffles and non-uniform refrigerant flow paths.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of distributors that connect refrigerant tubes to headers, featuring guide channels and distribution ribs to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution and alter flow directions, reducing the need for multiple baffles and enhancing heat exchange efficiency by creating counter currents between refrigerant and air flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple baffles are provided in headers to guide refrigerant flow, then refrigerant flow direction is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow guidance function from separate baffle components and integrates it into the distributor structure itself. The distributor includes internal flow path structures that guide refrigerant flow without requiring multiple separate baffle parts in the header, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the header and flow guidance components into a single integrated distributor structure. The distributor combines the header's fluid distribution function with the baffle's flow guidance function, eliminating the need for separate baffle components and reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple baffles are provided in headers to guide refrigerant flow, then refrigerant flow direction is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow guidance function from separate baffle components and integrates it into the distributor structure itself. The distributor includes internal flow path structures that guide refrigerant flow without requiring multiple separate baffle parts in the header, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the header and flow guidance components into a single integrated distributor structure. The distributor combines the header's fluid distribution function with the baffle's flow guidance function, eliminating the need for separate baffle components and reducing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If refrigerant flows in one direction from first header to second header, then flow path is simple, but refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the single-direction flow path into multiple directional sections within the distributor. The distributor includes multiple distribution ports arranged in different directions, creating a multi-directional flow pattern that segments the refrigerant flow into several paths, thereby improving distribution uniformity across the heat exchanger tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional linear flow path to a multi-dimensional flow distribution structure. The distributor creates flow paths in multiple spatial directions (radial, axial, and angular components), adding dimensional complexity to the flow pattern while improving refrigerant distribution uniformity across the tube bundle.
4Manufacturing precision
If distributors with guide channels are introduced, then refrigerant distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs fluid distribution, flow direction guidance, and flow rate regulation functions. By integrating these multiple functions into a single component rather than using separate parts, the invention improves refrigerant distribution uniformity while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 uniform refrigerant distribution, reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the process, and improves heat exchange performance by increasing the refrigerant flow path length without requiring numerous baffles, while preventing refrigerant leakage through secure coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of guide channels changing a flow direction of a refrigerant discharged from one tube channel among the plurality of tube channels
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger is an apparatus used in a heat-exchanging cycle. The heat exchanger may serve as a condenser or evaporator to heat-exchange a refrigerant flowing therein with an external fluid
Implementation Method 3
a fin disposed between the plurality of flat tubes... to allow heat exchange between a refrigerant and external air
Implementation Method 4
the fin(s) functions to increase a heat exchange area between the external fluid and the refrigerant flowing in the tube or the flat tube
Implementation Method 5
improves heat exchange performance by increasing the refrigerant flow path length without requiring numerous baffles, while preventing refrigerant leakage through secure coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger is provided that may include at least one refrigerant tube having a plurality of tube channels; a plurality of headers provided at both sides of the at least one refrigerant tube, and at least one distributor provided between one header among the plurality of header and the at least one refrigerant tube. The at least one distributor may include an opening through which the at least one refrigerant tube may be coupled to the distributor, and a shielding wall having an inlet/outlet that guides introduction or discharge of the refrigerant.