Micro Channel Heat Exchanger Multi-Pass Design to Reduce Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro channel type heat exchangers experience pressure loss when used as evaporators due to the structure of refrigerant flow between stacked columns, which affects efficiency and fabrication complexity.
Innovation Solution
A micro channel type heat exchanger configuration with stacked first and second heat exchange modules, featuring multiple passes with varying numbers of flat tubes and baffles to optimize refrigerant flow direction and reduce pressure loss, allowing for a single pass operation and adjustable tube ratios to minimize pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional micro channel type heat exchanger with stacked columns is used as an evaporator, then heat exchange function is provided, but pressure loss is generated due to refrigerant flow structure
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple independent flow channels (first flow channel, second flow channel, third flow channel, fourth flow channel) with distinct inlet and outlet holes. Each flow channel processes refrigerant independently, allowing optimization of flow paths to reduce pressure loss while maintaining heat exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional single-column flow structure by implementing a multi-column stacked structure where refrigerant flows through multiple columns in sequence. The inlet and outlet holes are positioned at opposite ends of the stacked columns, creating a flow path that reduces pressure loss by distributing the flow across multiple segments rather than forcing all refrigerant through a single column.
2Ease of operation
If multiple inflow holes are formed to supply refrigerant to the first column, then refrigerant distribution is improved, but pressure loss increases due to evaporation during flow between columns
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant distribution is segmented into multiple independent flow channels, each with its own inlet hole positioned at the lower end of the first column. This segmentation allows controlled distribution of refrigerant to different columns while maintaining efficient flow paths that minimize pressure loss during evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different flow channels are designed with different characteristics (first flow channel, second flow channel, third flow channel, fourth flow channel) to optimize local refrigerant distribution. Each channel's geometry and positioning are tailored to the specific heat exchange requirements of its associated columns, improving overall distribution efficiency while reducing pressure loss.
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
The configuration reduces pressure loss and enhances efficiency by distributing refrigerant flow effectively across multiple passes, maintaining consistent dryness and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module having a plurality of flat tubes disposed in the exchange modules are stacked
Implementation Method 2
along which a refrigerant flows
Implementation Method 3
there is a problem in that a pressure loss is generated because a refrigerant is evaporated during the process of the refrigerant flowing from the first column 1 to the second column 2
Data Source
AI summary
A micro channel type heat exchanger having a first pass disposed in some flat tubes located in a first heat exchange module and along which a refrigerant flows in one direction, a second pass disposed in some of the remaining flat tubes located in the first heat exchange module and along which the refrigerant supplied from the first pass flows in an opposite direction to that of the first pass, a third pass distributed and located in the remainder of flat tubes located in the first heat exchange module other than the first pass and the second pass and in some flat tubes located in a second heat exchange module, and a fourth pass disposed in the remainder of the flat tubes located in the second heat exchange module and along which a refrigerant supplied from the third pass flows in an opposite direction to a direction of the third pass.