Heat Exchanger Headers with Partitioned Chambers for Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers face inefficiencies during condensation driving due to increased viscosity and density of condensate, which hinder refrigerant flow and distribution, particularly when upward flow is required, leading to performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates a heat exchanger with a unique configuration of headers and connecting pipes, allowing refrigerant to flow in one direction during condensation and the opposite direction during evaporation, utilizing brazing for coupling and including clad materials, and strategically positioned inlet and outlet pipes to enhance circulation and distribution efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If upward flow is used during heating (condensation driving), then heat exchange can be performed, but condensate is generated in the tubes which increases viscosity and density, creating resistance against refrigerant flow and deteriorating performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic refrigerant flow direction control based on operating mode. During heating mode, the refrigerant flows downward in the tubes to prevent condensate accumulation. During cooling mode, the refrigerant flows upward. This dynamic adjustment of flow direction according to operational requirements resolves the contradiction between maintaining heat exchange capability and preventing performance deterioration from condensate resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow direction parameter of the refrigerant based on the operating mode (heating vs. cooling). By reversing the flow direction parameter, the system avoids condensate accumulation during heating while maintaining effective heat exchange. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different thermal conditions and eliminate the harmful effects of condensate resistance.
2Device complexity
If upward flow is made during heating, then condensation can occur for heat exchange, but the condensate increases viscosity and density acting as resistance against upward flow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing upward flow during heating (which causes condensate resistance), the patent inverts the flow direction and implements downward flow during heating mode. This inversion eliminates the harmful effect of condensate accumulation while maintaining the necessary condensation process for heat exchange. The harmful factor of condensate resistance is avoided by reversing the conventional approach.
3Reliability
If refrigerant flows upward during condensation driving, then heat exchange function is achieved, but refrigerant distribution in the distributor is scattered and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow direction based on operational mode. During heating mode when condensation occurs, the refrigerant flows downward through the tubes, which prevents scattering in the distributor and ensures uniform distribution. This dynamic control maintains both reliable heat exchange function and uniform refrigerant distribution, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 improves refrigerant circulation and heat exchange efficiency by preventing condensate-induced resistance and ensuring uniform distribution across the heat exchange tubes, enhancing overall performance during both condensation and evaporation cycles.
Implementation Method 1
the first header, the second header, the first connecting pipe, and the second connecting pipe are coupled with each other by brazing
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of heat exchange tubes along which a refrigerant flows to exchange heat with outside air
Implementation Method 3
tubes along which the refrigerant flows to exchange heat with outside air
Implementation Method 4
heat exchange fin contacting the tubes to enlarge a radiating area
Implementation Method 5
At least one of the first header, the second header, the first connecting pipe, and the second connecting pipe may include a clad material for brazing coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger according to a concept of the disclosure includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a connecting pipe connecting a first header to a second header, to perform heat exchange while a refrigerant flows in one direction of a up direction or a down direction in the heat exchanger to thereby improve circulation of the refrigerant, wherein each of the first header and the second header includes a plurality of partitioned chambers therein to distribute the refrigerant several times according to a flow of the refrigerant passing through each chamber, thereby improving distribution and mixing of the refrigerant.