Micro-Channel Flat Tube Layout for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The structure of micro-channel heat exchangers is complex due to the need for a liquid distribution device to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution, which complicates the arrangement of flat tubes in a parallel double-row or multi-row structure.
Innovation Solution
A micro-channel heat exchanger design featuring flat tubes with bent and straight sections, where the straight sections are symmetrically arranged relative to a symmetry plane, and communicated through a bent section, eliminating the need for a liquid distribution device by ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a liquid distribution device is added to ensure uniform refrigerant distribution in flat tubes, then refrigerant distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flat tube structure itself serves the function of distributing refrigerant uniformly through its geometric design. The bent section with specific dimensions (H1≤[(A/B)+1]×T) creates natural flow distribution, eliminating the need for an additional liquid distribution device. The structure serves its primary function while simultaneously performing the secondary function of refrigerant distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flat tube (width A, thickness T, bent section height H1, distance B between adjacent tubes) to achieve optimal refrigerant distribution. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves uniform distribution without additional devices, resolving the contradiction between distribution uniformity and structural complexity.
2Productivity
If flat tubes are arranged in parallel double-row or multi-row structure to enhance heat exchange, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is segmented into multiple flat tubes arranged in parallel rows, with each tube having a standardized bent configuration. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplified manufacturing, as each tube can be produced independently and then assembled into the final heat exchanger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent section of each flat tube features asymmetric geometry with specific dimensional relationships (H1≤[(A/B)+1]×T, A≤H2≤3A, R1≤H3≤1.2R1). This asymmetric design optimizes refrigerant flow distribution while maintaining structural integrity, allowing for efficient heat exchange without requiring complex symmetric arrangements.
3Ease of manufacture
If bent sections are designed with specific dimensional relationships to facilitate machining and assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but heat exchange performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes specific parameter relationships for the bent section (H1≤[(A/B)+1]×T, A≤H2≤3A, R1≤H3≤1.2R1, T+R1≤H≤[(A/B)+1]×T+1.2R1+2A) that simultaneously optimize both manufacturability and heat exchange performance. These parameter ranges ensure easy machining and assembly while maintaining adequate heat transfer surface area and refrigerant flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent section design allows for flexibility in the bending radius (R1) and height (H2, H3) within specified ranges, enabling adaptation to different manufacturing capabilities and assembly requirements. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the same basic design to be manufactured with standard equipment while maintaining performance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the disclosure provides a micro-channel heat exchanger, which includes a flat tube, wherein a width of the flat tube is A, a thickness of the flat tube is T; a plurality of flat tubes are provided, the plurality of flat tubes are arranged in parallel along a first direction, a distance between straight sections of two adjacent flat tubes in the plurality of flat tubes 10 is B, and the first direction is parallel to a symmetry plane; and a length direction of a projection of each of the straight sections on the symmetry plane is a height direction, and a distance between a highest point of the outer bent surface and a lowest point of a top end of the inner bent surface along the height direction on the symmetry plane is H1, wherein H1≤[(A/B)+1]×T.