Micro-channel evaporator having compartmentalized distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In micro-channel evaporators for air conditioning and refrigeration systems, the uneven distribution of cooling fluid due to residual momentum in the flow direction leads to less effective heat exchange in downstream micro-channels and underutilization of upstream channels, resulting in inefficient thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a manifold with a distributor and separators that evenly distribute cooling fluid into micro-channel passageways by positioning separators within the manifold to counteract downstream momentum effects, ensuring uniform fluid distribution across all channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cooling fluid enters the evaporator manifold from the inlet distributor, then the cooling fluid flows through the manifold to the micro-channels, but the residual momentum in the flow direction causes uneven distribution with higher concentration at downstream micro-channels
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold cavity is divided into multiple compartments by separators positioned between the distributor openings and the micro-channel inlets. Each compartment receives cooling fluid from a specific distributor opening and directs it to a corresponding group of micro-channels, ensuring uniform distribution by preventing cross-contamination and momentum carryover between adjacent flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Separators act as intermediary structures between the distributor openings and micro-channel inlets. These separators interrupt the direct flow path, allowing the cooling fluid to lose momentum and redistribute uniformly before entering the micro-channels, thereby eliminating the downstream concentration effect.
2Productivity
If micro-channels are used to increase thermal exchange efficiency, then a single pass through the environment is sufficient, but the small cross-sections of micro-channel inlets restrict flow and enhance downstream momentum effects
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into multiple independent flow compartments by separators, with each compartment feeding a specific set of micro-channels. This segmentation ensures that each micro-channel group receives uniformly distributed cooling fluid from its dedicated distributor opening, preventing the momentum effects that would otherwise cause uneven distribution in high-efficiency micro-channel configurations.
3Quantity of substance
If downstream micro-channels receive higher cooling fluid concentration due to momentum effects, then more cooling fluid flows through downstream channels, but upstream micro-channels operate below their cooling fluid capacity
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the manifold cavity into separate compartments using separators, each upstream and downstream micro-channel group receives dedicated cooling fluid supply from specific distributor openings. This eliminates the momentum-driven redistribution that causes downstream channels to receive excess fluid while upstream channels operate below capacity, ensuring all channels operate at optimal capacity.
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 solution enhances the even distribution of cooling fluid, leading to improved heat exchange efficiency and increased operational capacity of micro-channel evaporators, thereby optimizing thermal performance and reducing the size of the evaporator while providing structural support.
Implementation Method 1
Cooling fluid passes through the evaporator and undergoes a change of state while proceeding from the inlet to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
evaporators to absorb heat from the environment to be cooled
Data Source
AI summary
An evaporator may be provided comprising a manifold, a plurality of micro-channel passageways, a distributor, and a separator. The manifold may comprise a shell defining a cavity. The plurality of micro-channel passageways may extend outwardly from the shell of the manifold, wherein the cavity may be in fluid communication with the plurality of micro-channel passageways. The distributor may comprise an inlet, an elongated body extending into the cavity of the manifold and defining a lumen, and a plurality of openings arranged on an outer surface of the elongated body and spaced along a length of the elongated body, wherein the openings may be configured to allow fluid communication between the lumen and the cavity of the manifold. The separator may be positioned between the plurality of openings within the cavity of the manifold.