Multi-Path Heat Exchanger Headers for Even Refrigerant Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face inefficiencies in refrigerant flow and heat exchange due to uneven refrigerant distribution and frost formation on fins, which affects performance and installation space.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger design includes multiple rows of tubes with optimized headers and baffles to create multiple refrigerant flow paths and distribution members for even refrigerant distribution, and a fin structure with louvers and flat surfaces to delay frost growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-path refrigerant flow is used, then device complexity is reduced, but heat exchange performance deteriorates due to uneven refrigerant distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The header internal space is segmented into multiple channels (first channel, second channel, third channel, fourth channel) by baffles, creating multiple refrigerant flow paths that distribute refrigerant evenly to different tube areas. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by improving heat exchange performance through better distribution while managing complexity through structured channel division.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of tubes (first area, second area, third area, fourth area) are assigned different refrigerant flow directions and paths tailored to their specific positions. The first and third areas receive refrigerant in one direction while the second and fourth areas receive it in the opposite direction, optimizing local heat exchange quality and resolving the uneven distribution problem.
2Area of stationary object
If tube length is reduced to save installation space, then installation space is saved, but heat exchange area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant flow path is extended by creating multi-directional flow through segmented channels and areas. Refrigerant flows through first area then third area in one direction, and through second area then fourth area in the opposite direction, effectively doubling the heat exchange path length within the same physical space, thus resolving the contradiction between installation space and heat exchange area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigerant flow direction is not optimized, then device complexity is reduced, but frost formation accelerates on heat exchanger fins
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant flow direction is inverted in different tube areas to optimize heat exchange and prevent frost. The first and third areas use one flow direction while the second and fourth areas use the opposite direction, creating alternating flow patterns that prevent frost accumulation and resolve the contradiction between frost prevention and structural simplicity.
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 enhances heat exchange performance by increasing the heat exchange area and maintaining efficiency even with reduced tube length, while also delaying frost formation to maintain performance.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigerant may be heat-exchanged with the outside air while flowing inside the tube
Implementation Method 2
a first baffle dividing an inside of the first header into a first channel and a second channel in a vertical direction and dividing an inside of the second header into a third channel and a fourth channel in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a heat exchanger having an improved refrigerant flow structure. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of tubes arranged in a first row and a second row, a first header connected to one end of the plurality of the first row tubes and a second header connected to one end of the plurality of the second row tubes, a first baffle dividing an inside of the first header into a first channel and a second channel in a vertical direction and dividing an inside of the second header into a third channel and a fourth channel in a vertical direction, an inlet pipe connected to the second channel to allow the refrigerant to flow therein, and an outlet pipe connected to the third channel to discharge the refrigerant.