Microchannel Heat Exchanger Dual-Path Layout for Lower Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microchannel type heat exchangers face challenges in maintaining efficient refrigerant flow and pressure management, particularly when configured as evaporators, due to limited design flexibility and high initial investment costs, which leads to increased pressure loss and reduced heat exchange performance.
Innovation Solution
A microchannel type heat exchanger with a dual-path structure comprising two stacked heat exchange modules, each with a unique flow path configuration and baffle system, allowing for increased flat tube capacity in specific paths to manage refrigerant flow direction and pressure loss, thereby enhancing heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional microchannel type heat exchanger is configured with a single discharge port and header structure, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the refrigerant pressure loss increases and heat exchange performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple independent rows (first row, second row, third row) with separate discharge ports for each row. This segmentation allows refrigerant to be discharged from multiple locations simultaneously, reducing pressure loss while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-row configuration to a multi-row stacked configuration, adding a vertical dimension to the heat exchanger structure. This dimensional change enables multiple parallel refrigerant flow paths and multiple discharge ports, significantly reducing pressure loss without complicating the manufacturing process
2Productivity
If a microchannel type heat exchanger uses a two-row structure with header connection, then the heat exchange capacity is improved, but the refrigerant pressure loss increases due to the header flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the header component from the heat exchanger structure. By eliminating the header that causes pressure loss, the design achieves multi-row configuration with separate discharge ports for each row, maintaining heat exchange capacity while removing the source of refrigerant pressure loss
3Shape
If the refrigerant flows upward in the first row and downward in the second row through a header, then the two-row structure is achieved, but the pressure loss occurs due to the header channel flow
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is segmented into multiple independent rows with separate discharge ports. Each row can have independent flow direction (upward or downward) without requiring refrigerant to flow through a connecting header, thus maintaining the two-row structure while eliminating header-induced pressure loss
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a header to connect rows and force refrigerant through a horizontal channel (causing pressure loss), the patent inverts the approach by giving each row its own independent discharge port. This allows refrigerant to flow vertically in each row and discharge directly, reversing the conventional connection method and eliminating the pressure loss issue
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 dual-path configuration reduces refrigerant pressure loss and improves heat exchange performance by optimizing the distribution of flat tubes and flow paths across stacked modules, allowing for greater flexibility in design and reduced operational pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger may be mounted in a vehicle, or a refrigerator, for example, to perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 2
The fin tube type heat exchanger is made of a copper material, and the microchannel type heat exchanger is made of an aluminum material
Implementation Method 3
In a case in which the conventional microchannel type heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant is evaporated while the refrigerant is flowing from the first row 1 to the second row 2
Data Source
AI summary
A microchannel type heat exchanger may include a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, in which a plurality of flat tube may be provided, a first path defined in flat tubes provided in the first heat exchanger, in which refrigerant flows in a first direction, a second path defined in flat tubes provided in the first heat exchanger, in which refrigerant, from the first path, flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a third path defined in the flat tubes provided in the first heat exchanger and a portion of the flat tubes provided in the second heat exchanger, in which refrigerant, from the second path, flows in a third direction opposite to the second direction, and a fourth path defined in the flat tubes provided in the second heat exchanger, in which refrigerant, from the third path, flows in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction.