Distributor, heat exchanger, indoor unit, outdoor unit, and air-conditioning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning devices using flat pipe heat exchangers face challenges in evenly distributing refrigerant due to density differences between gas and liquid phases, leading to inefficient heat transfer and energy degradation, particularly at low operation loads, and previous solutions either fail to improve drift or complicate the structure, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A distributor with a tubular member and partitioning mechanism that includes protruding portions to contact the ends of inserted pipes, creating distinct refrigerant flow paths to evenly distribute refrigerant, ensuring equal distribution even at low operation loads without increasing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a flat pipe heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but refrigerant distribution becomes uneven due to density difference between gas and liquid phases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the header is divided into multiple compartments by partition members, with each compartment serving a specific function (supply region, circulation region, distribution region). This segmentation allows the refrigerant to flow through distinct zones, ensuring uniform distribution to multiple heat transfer pipes while maintaining high heat exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition members extend in the longitudinal direction of the header, creating a three-dimensional flow path structure. By adding this longitudinal dimension to the flow control, the refrigerant is guided through a structured path that prevents stratification and ensures equal distribution to all pipes.
2Productivity
If the sectional area of lower portion refrigerant flow path is decreased, then circulating flow is enhanced, but structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The header internal space is segmented into distinct regions (supply, circulation, and distribution regions) using partition members. This segmentation creates a natural circulating flow path without requiring complex geometric variations in pipe sections, simplifying the overall structure while enhancing circulation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition members act as intermediaries that guide the refrigerant flow between different regions. They create the necessary flow paths and pressure differentials to induce circulation without requiring complex modifications to the pipe geometry itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple communication paths are provided in header internal spaces, then refrigerant drift is reduced, but number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple compartments by partition members, creating multiple flow paths within a single integrated structure. This segmentation reduces refrigerant drift by distributing flow through different zones while maintaining a compact, cost-effective single-piece construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they divide the internal space into regions, guide refrigerant flow paths, prevent drift, and support the overall structural integrity of the header. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 solution effectively reduces refrigerant drift and maintains efficient heat transfer across varying operation loads, providing a simple and cost-effective structure for air-conditioning devices.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant is in two phases of gas and liquid in the header on a refrigerant inlet side. A density difference between the gas and the liquid is great
Data Source
AI summary
A distributor distributing refrigerant to multiple pipes including a tubular member including, at a side surface thereof, multiple insertion ports into which the multiple pipes are inserted and a supply port through which the refrigerant is supplied, a first closing member and a second closing member configured to close the tubular member at two spots positioned along a longitudinal direction of the tubular member, and a partition member extending from the first closing member to the second closing member and configured to divide an internal space of the tubular member into a space on an insertion port side and a space on a supply port side. The partition member includes two protruding portions contacting tip ends of the multiple pipes, and includes a refrigerant flow path between the two protruding portions on a first closing member side of one of the insertion ports closest to the first closing member.