Heat exchanger for micro channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-channel heat exchangers face challenges with noise generation during fluid distribution due to two-phase refrigerant flow and require complex machining and debugging to achieve homogeneous refrigerant distribution, leading to longer development periods and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A micro-channel heat exchanger design featuring a distributor positioned outside the headers with main and secondary outlets, connected by pipes to headers, which separates gas and liquid refrigerant flows using gravity, reducing noise and simplifying assembly and debugging by eliminating the need for internal distributor machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a metal introducing tube with holes or grooves is inserted into the header to distribute refrigerant, then homogeneous refrigerant distribution is achieved, but the technology becomes complicated and machining accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is extracted from the header interior and positioned outside the header. The distributor includes a distributing portion with multiple distributing outlets that connect to the header through connecting pipes, eliminating the need for complex internal machining of the header while achieving homogeneous refrigerant distribution through the external distributor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting pipes serve as intermediaries between the distributor outlets and the header. These pipes facilitate refrigerant flow from the external distributor to the header, simplifying the overall structure by avoiding direct integration of complex distribution channels within the header itself.
2Ease of operation
If holes are perforated in the distributor to distribute refrigerant, then refrigerant can be distributed into flat tubes, but noises are caused when two-phase fluid enters the header and flat tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is positioned in a different spatial dimension (outside the header) rather than inside it. The distributing outlets are arranged on the lateral surface of the distributing portion, allowing refrigerant to be distributed from an external location, which reduces noise by avoiding the confined space effects inside the header.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributing outlets are specifically positioned on the lateral surface of the distributor at locations optimized for noise reduction and uniform distribution. This local optimization of outlet placement on the external distributor structure achieves effective refrigerant distribution while minimizing noise generation.
3Ease of operation
If the distributor is positioned inside the header, then refrigerant can be distributed, but assembly and debugging become difficult and development period increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is extracted from the header interior and positioned outside. This external positioning allows for independent assembly of the distributor and header components, significantly simplifying assembly procedures and enabling easier debugging of the refrigerant distribution system during manufacturing and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant distribution system is segmented into separate components: the distributor as an independent external unit with its own outlets, and the header as a separate component. These segments are connected through connecting pipes, allowing for modular assembly, easier manufacturing, and simplified debugging compared to an integrated internal distributor design.
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
The design achieves quieter operation and more uniform refrigerant distribution, enhancing heat exchange efficiency while simplifying manufacturing and reducing development time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
separates gas and liquid refrigerant flows using gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-channel heat exchanger includes a first header, a second header, multiple sets of flat pipes, and a distributor disposed outside of the first header. The distributor is provided with at least one main outlet and at least one secondary outlet. The first header is provided with at least one main fluid port connected to the main outlet of the distributor through a main connecting pipe. The first header or the second header is provided with a secondary fluid port. The secondary outlet of the distributor is connected to the secondary fluid port through a secondary connecting pipe, and a height of the position where the distributor is located is greater than a height of the first header.