Micro-Channel Evaporator Inlet for Simple Refrigerant Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evaporators in refrigerant circuits, such as those in vehicle air conditioning systems, face challenges with complex process technology and structurally complicated separator geometries, particularly in achieving efficient phase separation using centrifugal force.
Innovation Solution
The evaporator design incorporates micro-channels divided into vapour and liquid phase channels, with specific orifice openings and a distributor tube configuration that allows for simple and efficient phase separation, reducing pressure loss and preventing vapour return flow through a pocket-shaped phase separation space and vapour return flow preventers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugal force is used for phase separation in the evaporator inlet chamber, then phase separation can be achieved, but the process technology becomes complicated and the separator geometry becomes structurally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-channels of the evaporator flat tube are divided into at least one vapour phase micro-channel that forms the bypass line and into at least one liquid phase micro-channel. This segmentation allows automatic phase separation based on liquid level without requiring complex centrifugal separators or distributor tubes, thus resolving the contradiction between phase separation efficiency and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the phase separation function from a separate complex separator component and integrates it directly into the evaporator inlet chamber through simple liquid level-based micro-channel selection. This eliminates the need for additional separator geometry while maintaining effective phase separation
2Reliability
If a complex separator geometry is used for phase separation, then phase separation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator function is merged with the evaporator inlet chamber and micro-channel structure. The phase separation is achieved by the liquid level automatically selecting which micro-channels are filled (liquid phase) and which remain above the liquid level (vapour phase), combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure that is simpler to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural liquid level in the inlet chamber to automatically determine which micro-channels receive liquid phase and which receive vapour phase. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex active control systems or complicated separator geometries, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability
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 enhances phase separation efficiency, reduces pressure loss, and maintains evaporator performance by ensuring effective separation of refrigerant phases with a structurally simple configuration, improving the overall efficiency of the evaporator.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid phase collects on the chamber bottom of the inlet chamber with a filling level
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant liquid phase in the evaporator is therefore evaporated into the vapour phase with absorption of thermal energy from the air flow
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant liquid phase in the evaporator is therefore evaporated into the vapour phase with absorption of thermal energy from the air flow
Data Source
AI summary
An evaporator in a refrigerant circuit, having a bottom-side inlet chamber which is connected in flow terms to an evaporator outlet side via evaporator tubes, a separator being integrated into the evaporator inlet chamber, in which separator a refrigerant which is expanded in an expansion member is divided as a two-phase liquid/vapour mixture into a vapour phase and into a liquid phase which is separate therefrom, the vapour phase being conducted via a bypass line to the evaporator outlet side, and the liquid phase being conducted counter to the direction of gravity into the evaporator tubes, to be precise at least one evaporator tube being a flat tube with a plurality of micro-channels.