Micro-Channel Heat Exchanger Return Pipe for Stable Refrigerant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-channel heat exchangers face difficulties in installation and design due to inconsistent outlet and inlet configurations for odd and even flow paths, and lack the ability to adjust refrigerant amounts, leading to unstable refrigeration system operation.
Innovation Solution
A micro-channel heat exchanger design featuring a return pipe that allows easy adjustment of outlet location and serves as a refrigerant container, facilitating installation, stabilizing refrigerant circulation, and preventing liquid slugging and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the micro-channel heat exchanger uses conventional outlet configuration for odd and even flow paths, then the heat transfer performance is optimized, but the installation difficulty increases and work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The return pipe is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a refrigerant return passage and simultaneously functions as a storage container for refrigerant. This multi-functionality allows the heat exchanger to maintain optimized heat transfer performance while providing flexibility in outlet configuration to facilitate easier installation and packaging.
2Device complexity
If the conventional micro-channel heat exchanger is used, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerant amount cannot be adjusted leading to unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the return pipe function with the storage container function into a single integrated component. The return pipe not only transports refrigerant but also serves as the storage container, eliminating the need for separate components and maintaining structural simplicity while enabling refrigerant amount adjustment for stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The return pipe automatically serves as the storage container, utilizing its own structure for dual purposes. This self-service approach allows the system to adjust refrigerant amounts and maintain stable operation without adding complex external components or control systems.
3Reliability
If a separate storage container is added for refrigerant, then refrigerant circulation is stabilized, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The return pipe is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a refrigerant return passage and simultaneously functions as a storage container for refrigerant. This multi-functionality allows the heat exchanger to maintain optimized heat transfer performance while providing flexibility in outlet configuration to facilitate easier installation and packaging.
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 design enhances installation ease, stabilizes refrigerant circulation, reduces waste and pollution, and maintains system balance, resulting in a more compact and efficient heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
a return pipe, a first end of which is connected to the outlet formed in one of the first and second headers and a second end of which is extended towards the other of the first and second headers
Implementation Method 2
The micro-channel heat exchanger is used for heat exchanging
Implementation Method 3
both the micro-channel heat exchanger having an odd number of flow paths and the micro-channel heat exchanger having an even number of flow paths are widely used
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a micro-channel heat exchanger, comprising a first header formed with an inlet; a second header spaced apart from the first header, one of the first and second headers being formed with an outlet; flat tubes, two ends of each flat tube being connected with the first and second headers respectively such that a plurality of micro-channels of each flat tube communicate with the first and second headers; fins, each fin being disposed between two adjacent flat tubes; and a return pipe, a first end of which being connected to the outlet formed in one of the first and second headers and a second end thereof being extended towards the other of the first and second headers. The location of the outlet of the micro-channel heat exchanger is easy to change, and the micro-channel heat exchanger is low in cost, compact in structure and easy to install.