Distributor, heat exchanger, and refrigeration cycle device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing distributor designs for heat exchangers, as seen in Patent Literature 1, face challenges in evenly distributing refrigerant due to liquid film concentration at branch points, leading to inefficiencies in heat exchange and refrigeration cycle performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed distributor design incorporates intermediate flow paths that change the fluid flow direction, preventing straight flow from upstream to downstream branching paths and ensuring a homogeneous refrigerant distribution, achieved through strategically positioned through holes and plates that scatter the liquid film, allowing for better adjustment of refrigerant flow ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the distributor uses straight flow paths from upstream to downstream branching points, then the device complexity is reduced, but the refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates due to liquid film concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate flow path as a mediator between the upstream and downstream branching flow paths. This intermediate path forces the refrigerant to change direction and prevents direct straight-line flow, thereby dispersing the liquid film concentration that would otherwise accumulate at the downstream branch points. The intermediary flow path acts as a buffer zone that homogenizes the refrigerant distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a directional dimension change by incorporating flow direction changing portions in the intermediate flow path. Instead of maintaining a simple linear flow path, the refrigerant is forced to navigate through directional changes (e.g., bends or turns) in the intermediate section. This dimensional change in flow trajectory disrupts liquid film concentration and improves distribution uniformity at the downstream branches.
2Loss of energy
If the distributor allows direct flow from upstream to downstream branching paths, then the pressure loss is reduced, but the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates due to non-homogeneous refrigerant distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate flow path serves as an intermediary section that reconciles the conflict between pressure loss and heat exchange efficiency. While it does increase the flow path length slightly, it prevents the more significant energy loss that would result from poor heat exchange efficiency caused by non-uniform refrigerant distribution. The mediator path ensures homogeneous distribution, maximizing heat transfer effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow path parameters by introducing directional changes and intermediate sections. This modification alters the flow dynamics, preventing liquid film concentration and ensuring that refrigerant reaches all downstream branching paths with more uniform parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate). The parameter changes in the flow path geometry directly improve heat exchange efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If the distributor uses simple straight flow paths, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the refrigerant flow distribution ratio adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate flow path with its directional changing portions acts as an adjustable intermediary mechanism. By modifying the geometry, length, or number of directional changes in this intermediate section, the distributor can be designed to achieve different refrigerant distribution ratios at downstream branches. This intermediary structure provides versatility in flow distribution adjustment while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity.
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 heat exchange efficiency by maintaining a homogeneous refrigerant state across all paths, improving the distribution performance and maximizing the performance of heat exchangers and refrigeration cycles.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate flow path causes the fluid flowing from the one end to change a flow direction of the fluid without branching and then flow out of the other end
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A distributor for distributing fluid to a plurality of fluid outlets, the fluid flowing from a fluid inlet, the distributor including a plurality of branching flow paths having an upstream branching flow path, and downstream branching flow paths located closer to the plurality of fluid outlets than is the upstream branching flow path, and an intermediate flow path provided between the upstream branching flow path and at least one of the downstream branching flow paths, the intermediate flow path connecting the upstream branching flow path and the at least one of the downstream branching flow paths. The intermediate flow path has one end connected to the upstream branching flow path and the other end connected to the at least one of the downstream branching flow paths, and causes the fluid flowing from the one end to change a flow direction of the fluid and then flow out of the other end.