Multi-Channel Heat Exchanger Layout for Uneven Refrigerant Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-refrigeration system air conditioners using multi-channel heat exchangers face inefficiencies due to varying refrigerant and air temperatures across channels, leading to uneven heat exchange performance.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring alternating first and second heat exchange tubes with varying channel sizes and orientations, along with fins and sub-tubes, to optimize refrigerant flow and enhance temperature differences for improved heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a multi-channel heat exchanger is used to share multiple refrigerant circuits, then the device complexity is reduced and space is saved, but the heat exchange performance becomes uneven across different channels due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating channel structures within the heat exchanger. Specifically, it divides channels into high-temperature channels and low-temperature channels with different structural configurations, including varying fin densities, tube diameters, and flow passage areas. This allows each channel to be optimized for its specific temperature range, improving heat exchange efficiency while maintaining the compact multi-channel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heat exchanger into multiple independent channel groups, each handling specific temperature ranges. The segmentation is achieved through separate high-temperature and low-temperature channel systems with dedicated fins and flow passages, allowing independent optimization of each segment while maintaining overall system compactness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If refrigerant flows through channels with varying temperatures, then the heat exchanger can handle multiple refrigerant circuits, but the temperature difference between refrigerant and air varies significantly across channels, reducing overall heat exchange efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating distinct high-temperature and low-temperature channel zones with customized structural parameters. High-temperature channels feature specific fin densities and flow passage dimensions optimized for hot refrigerant, while low-temperature channels have different parameters suited for cold refrigerant. This localized optimization ensures efficient heat exchange in each temperature zone, maintaining high overall efficiency while supporting multiple refrigerant circuits.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform channel structures are used in the heat exchanger, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the heat exchange effect varies significantly between inlet and outlet channels due to temperature gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying structural parameters within different channel regions. Specifically, it implements different fin densities, tube outer diameters, and flow passage areas in high-temperature versus low-temperature channels. While this increases manufacturing complexity compared to uniform structures, the patent maintains relative simplicity through standardized production methods for different component types, achieving a balance between manufacturability and optimized heat exchange performance across temperature gradients.
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 improves overall heat exchange performance by maximizing refrigerant flow and temperature differences, enhancing gas-liquid separation and reducing flow resistance, thereby increasing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fin including a first fin, at least part of the first fin being connected with the first heat exchange tube and at least part of the first fin being connected with the second heat exchange tube
Implementation Method 2
at least part of the first fin being connected with the first heat exchange tube and at least part of the first fin being connected with the second heat exchange tube
Implementation Method 3
the heat exchange tube including a plurality of channels extending along a length direction of the heat exchange tube, the plurality of channels being arranged at intervals in a width direction of the heat exchange tube
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes first to fourth tubes, and first and second heat exchange tubes. The second heat exchange tube includes a first bent section and a first straight section. The first bent section has a first end connected with the second tube and a second end connected with the first straight section. In the width direction, the projection of the second channel of the first heat exchange tube is located between the first channel of the first heat exchange tube and the first channel of the first bent section, and the first channel of the first bent section is located between the second channel of the first heat exchange tube and the second channel of the first bent section.