Heat Transfer Plate Flow Distributor for Even Two-Phase Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat transfer devices face challenges in achieving uniform thermal distribution due to the coexistence of multiple refrigerant states, leading to inefficient heat transfer in compact circuitry systems.
Innovation Solution
A flow distributor with a sheath and insert design that includes a fluid inlet with both inner and outer inlets for mixing two-phase flows, ensuring even distribution into multiple channels, and can be manufactured as a single piece using additive methods, allowing for balanced pressure drops and fluid isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional refrigerant distribution methods are used with multiple layers of passages, then the heat transfer device can handle multiple refrigerant states, but the fluid enters different layers unevenly causing uneven thermal distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution manifold is segmented into multiple independent distribution channels, each serving a specific layer. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of fluid distribution to each layer, ensuring uniform thermal distribution while maintaining the ability to handle multiple refrigerant states simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Each distribution channel is designed with locally optimized characteristics including varying channel diameters, lengths, and configurations tailored to the specific requirements of each layer. This local quality adjustment ensures that each layer receives the appropriate amount of refrigerant regardless of its state, resolving the uneven distribution problem
2Volume of moving object
If circuitry continues to shrink in size, then compactness is achieved, but developing sufficient heat transfer devices becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer device employs a nested structure where multiple layers of passages are arranged concentrically around a central distribution manifold. This nesting approach maximizes the heat transfer surface area within a compact volume, maintaining reliable heat transfer performance while achieving the required compactness for shrinking circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar heat transfer to three-dimensional multi-layer heat transfer by stacking multiple layers of passages vertically around a central manifold. This dimensional change increases the effective heat transfer area within a compact footprint, addressing the challenge of maintaining heat transfer performance as device size decreases
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 ensures even distribution of two-phase flows into heat transfer channels, enhancing thermal performance by maintaining consistent pressure drops and fluid flow across channels, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid inlet includes an inner inlet and an outer inlet radially outward from the inner inlet for mixing a fluid flow (e.g., a two-phase flow) in the fluid inlet for evenly distributing the two phase flow into the fluid channels
Data Source
AI summary
A flow distributor for a heat transfer device (201) having a plurality of channels (205) includes a sheath (101) defining a plurality of distributor holes (107), each distributor hole configured to be in fluid communication with a respective channel inlet (204) of each channel of the heat transfer device and an insert (103) defining a plurality of fluid channels (109) therein and a fluid inlet (105), each fluid channel in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The insert is disposed within the sheath to seal the fluid channels with each fluid channel in fluid communication with a respective one of the distribution holes. The fluid inlet includes an inner inlet (105a) and an outer inlet (105b) radially outward from the inner inlet for mixing a fluid flow in the fluid inlet for evenly distributing fluid flow (e.g., a two phase flow) into the fluid channels of the insert and into each channel of the heat transfer device.