Heat Exchanger Head Partitioning for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In micro channel type heat exchangers, refrigerant distribution is uneven, leading to varying flow rates and reduced heat exchange efficiency due to gravity-induced concentration at the lower portion of the outlet, causing inefficiencies in heat transfer between refrigerant and external fluid.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design with vertically oriented heads and partitioned spaces, featuring through holes of varying sizes to uniformly distribute refrigerant across multiple flat tubes, and a baffle system to redirect refrigerant flow and increase contact area for enhanced heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If refrigerant flows into flat tubes without distribution control, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerant concentrates at the lower portion due to gravity causing uneven flow distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The head space is segmented into multiple regions using partition walls, with each region containing through holes of specific sizes. This segmentation divides the refrigerant flow path into multiple controlled channels, ensuring uniform distribution across different flat tubes while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the head are designed with different through hole sizes tailored to local flow requirements. Upstream regions have smaller through holes while downstream regions have larger through holes, creating local quality variations that compensate for gravity-induced flow concentration and achieve uniform refrigerant distribution.
2Manufacturing precision
If through holes of different sizes are used to achieve uniform refrigerant distribution, then flow distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head is divided into multiple regions by partition walls, with each region containing through holes of uniform size. This segmentation strategy simplifies manufacturing by grouping holes of the same size together, reducing the complexity of designing and fabricating non-uniform hole patterns while achieving the desired flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls and through holes are pre-configured in the head design to establish predetermined flow paths and distribution patterns. This preliminary arrangement of structural elements ensures uniform refrigerant distribution from the outset, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If refrigerant flow rate varies across flat tubes, then the system is easier to manufacture, but heat exchange efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head design incorporates local quality variations through strategically positioned through holes of different sizes in different regions. This creates localized flow rate adjustments that ensure each flat tube receives appropriate refrigerant flow, maximizing heat exchange efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple manufactured structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The through hole sizes are varied as a key parameter to control refrigerant flow rates. By changing the size parameter of through holes in different regions, the system achieves uniform refrigerant distribution and optimal heat exchange efficiency without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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
Uniform refrigerant distribution across flat tubes improves heat exchange efficiency by managing flow rates and ensuring consistent interaction between refrigerant and fluid, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
at least two or more through holes defined in the partition part, the at least two or more through holes guiding the refrigerant so that the refrigerant passes through the partition part to flow into the plurality of refrigerant tubes
Implementation Method 2
when a head coupled to at least one side of the flat tubes is vertically disposed, gravity may act on the refrigerant within the head to concentrate the refrigerant into the flat tubes disposed at a lower portion of the outlet side
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger is a part used in a heat exchanger cycle. The heat exchanger may serve as a condenser or evaporator to heat-exchange a refrigerant flowing therein with an external fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes through which a refrigerant flows, the plurality of refrigerant tubes extending in a horizontal direction, a heatsink fin in which the plurality of refrigerant tubes are inserted, the heatsink fin heat-exchanging the refrigerant with a fluid, a head coupled to sides of the plurality of refrigerant tubes to extend in a vertical direction, the head allowing the refrigerant to be distributed into the plurality of refrigerant tubes, a partition part for horizontally partitioning at least one space of an inner space of the head, and at least two or more through holes defined in the partition part, the at least two or more through holes guiding the refrigerant so that the refrigerant passes through the partition part to flow into the plurality of refrigerant tubes.