Parallel-Channel Refrigerant Distributor for Uniform Two-Phase Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers face challenges in achieving uniform distribution of two-phase refrigerant flow due to stratification, which degrades performance, particularly in air conditioning evaporators where the flow tends to separate into liquid and vapor components as it traverses the tube, leading to non-ideal distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of a distributor with a plurality of substantially parallel plates or channels within an outer housing to partition the input two-phase flow into primarily single-phase layers, ensuring uniform and independent conveyance of the flow through the heat exchanger, thereby maintaining the homogeneity of the refrigerant mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a closed-end tube with holes is used to distribute two-phase flow, then the structure is simple, but the flow distribution becomes non-uniform due to stratification
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is segmented into multiple parallel channels, each independently conveying two-phase flow. This segmentation prevents stratification within each channel while maintaining overall system simplicity, achieving uniform flow distribution without complex structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-tube radial distribution approach to a multi-channel parallel architecture. By adding the dimension of multiple independent flow paths, the system achieves uniform distribution that cannot be obtained through simple hole alignment in a single tube
2Manufacturing precision
If holes are aligned at an angle to address non-uniform distribution, then distribution improves for specific conditions, but the solution lacks robustness across all operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel channel architecture serves multiple functions: it ensures uniform flow distribution, accommodates various operating conditions, and maintains effectiveness across different quality ranges. This universal design replaces the condition-specific angled hole approach with a robust multi-functional structure
3Length of moving object
If two-phase flow traverses a long tube, then distribution points are provided along the length, but stratification occurs due to deceleration and mass differences
Solution Approach 1:
The long tube is divided into multiple parallel channels of reduced length. Each channel maintains flow homogeneity by limiting traversal distance and preventing stratification, while the collective array provides distributed flow along the overall length of the distributor
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from extending length in one dimension to achieving distribution through multiple parallel dimensions. This allows the system to provide long-distance distribution capability while maintaining flow stability within each shorter channel path
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 approach enhances the uniform distribution of refrigerant, improving the performance of the heat exchanger across various operating conditions by maintaining the homogeneity of the flow and preventing mixing across channels, resulting in improved heat transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the flow may tend to stratify as it traverses the tube 102 towards the closed-end 104. Such stratification may be a result of deceleration in the tube 102, and may be due to differences in mass between the liquid component and the vapor component of the two phases.
Implementation Method 2
A two-phase distribution (e.g., a distribution of both liquid and vapor) inside heat exchanger headers has posed a challenge.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger is described comprising a distributor having an outer housing and including a plurality of substantially parallel plates disposed within the housing and configured to partition an input two-phase flow into a series of primarily single-phase layers. A heat exchanger is described comprising a distributor having an outer housing including a plurality of substantially parallel channels disposed therein, each channel configured to uniformly and independently convey a portion of a homogenous input two-phase flow from an input of the distributor to an output of the distributor.