Laminated Header Flow Layout to Reduce Refrigerant Heat Exchange Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stacking-type headers experience significant heat exchange loss due to the interaction between superheated refrigerant and low-temperature refrigerant flowing through different passages in the header units.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a stacking-type header with a first and second plate-shaped unit, featuring distribution and joining flow passages, along with through portions or concave portions in the plate-shaped members to optimize refrigerant flow and reduce heat exchange loss, by distributing and joining refrigerant flows effectively between the units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stacking-type header with multiple plate-shaped units is used to distribute refrigerant flows, then the refrigerant distribution capability is improved, but heat exchange loss between different refrigerant streams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple plate-shaped units (first plate-shaped unit with outlet flow passages, second plate-shaped unit with inlet flow passages) stacked together. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of different refrigerant flow paths, enabling efficient distribution while managing heat exchange between streams through structured separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal characteristics to different regions of the header. Specifically, certain portions of the plate-shaped units are designed with through portions or concave portions that provide thermal insulation or heat reflection properties, creating local quality differences. This allows heat exchange loss to be controlled in specific areas where different temperature refrigerant streams are in proximity, while maintaining efficient heat exchange in other regions where needed.
2Volume of moving object
If plate-shaped units are stacked to form flow passages, then the compactness of the header is improved, but heat exchange loss between adjacent passages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the second plate-shaped unit is stacked on top of the first plate-shaped unit, with flow passages arranged in multiple layers. The through portions and concave portions in the plates create nested flow paths that allow refrigerant to flow through different levels while maintaining compact vertical stacking. This nested arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint while managing thermal interactions between adjacent passages through the insulating features.
Solution Approach 2:
The through portions and concave portions act as intermediary elements between adjacent flow passages. These features can be filled with insulating material or create air gaps that serve as thermal barriers, mediating the heat exchange between refrigerant streams in adjacent passages. This allows the compact stacked structure to maintain thermal independence between passages where needed.
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 significantly reduces heat exchange loss, enhancing the efficiency of the refrigerant flow and improving the performance of the heat exchanger and air-conditioning apparatus by minimizing heat exchange between different refrigerant streams.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one plate-shaped member has a through portion or a concave portion formed in at least a part of a region between the flow passage through which the refrigerant passes to flow into the plurality of first inlet flow passages and the flow passage through which the refrigerant passes to flow into the second inlet flow passage
Data Source
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AI summary
A stacking-type header (2) according to the present invention includes: a first plate-shaped unit (11) having formed therein a plurality of first outlet flow passages (11A) and a plurality of first inlet flow passages (11 B); and a second plate-shaped unit (12) stacked on the first plate-shaped unit (11), the second plate-shaped unit (12) having formed therein: at least a part of a distribution flow passage configured to distribute refrigerant, which passes through a second inlet flow passage to flow into the second plate-shaped unit (12), to the plurality of first outlet flow passages (11A) to cause the refrigerant to flow out from the second plate-shaped unit (12); and at least a part of a joining flow passage configured to join together flows of the refrigerant, which pass through the plurality of first inlet flow passages (11 B) to flow into the second plate-shaped unit (12), to cause the refrigerant to flow out toward a second outlet flow passage, in which the first plate-shaped unit (11) or the second plate-shaped unit (12) comprises at least one plate-shaped member having formed therein: a flow passage through which the refrigerant passes to flow into the plurality of first inlet flow passages (11 B); and a flow passage through which the refrigerant passes to flow into the second inlet flow passage (11 B), and in which the at least one plate-shaped member has a through portion or a concave portion formed in at least a part of a region between the flow passage through which the refrigerant passes to flow into the plurality of first inlet flow passages (11 B) and the flow passage through which the refrigerant passes to flow into the second inlet flow passage.