Device for distributing a refrigerant inside tubes of a heat exchanger constituting a refrigerant circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heat exchangers in refrigerant fluid circuits of motor vehicles face challenges in homogeneously distributing refrigerant fluid, leading to temperature heterogeneity in air flows, which results in undesired temperature differences within the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a duct having orifices of varying passage sections, where the first group of orifices covers two-thirds of the duct's length and the second group covers one-third, with passage sections increasing as a function of distance from the inlet, ensures uniform refrigerant fluid distribution across all tubes, including those furthest from the inlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identical orifices are used throughout the duct, then the device structure is simple, but the refrigerant fluid distribution becomes heterogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the passage section of orifices along the duct length. Orifices closer to the inlet have smaller passage sections, while those farther away have larger passage sections. This local variation compensates for the natural decrease in refrigerant fluid flow along the duct, ensuring homogeneous distribution to all tubes despite the simple overall duct structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform orifice passage sections are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but tubes furthest from the inlet are undersupplied with refrigerant fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of orifice passage section along the duct length. By increasing the passage section of orifices located farther from the inlet, the system compensates for the natural flow decrease due to distance. This parameter variation ensures that tubes furthest from the inlet receive adequate refrigerant fluid supply without complex fabrication processes.
3Area of stationary object
If the duct length is increased to cover more tubes, then more tubes can be served, but the heterogeneity in temperature distribution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting orifice passage sections based on their position along the extended duct. As the duct covers more tubes over a longer length, orifices farther from the inlet are designed with larger passage sections to compensate for the increased distance and flow loss, maintaining homogeneous temperature distribution across all served tubes.
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 solution enhances the homogeneity of refrigerant fluid distribution, improving the efficiency and output of the heat exchanger by ensuring consistent air flow temperatures across the passenger compartment.
Implementation Method 1
the passage section of the orifices is an increasing function of a distance taken between the window and the orifices
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (18) for homogenising a distribution of refrigerant inside tubes of a heat exchanger. The homogenisation device (18) comprises at least one duct (19) provided with N openings (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) with a respective refrigerant flow area (D1, D2, D3, ..., DN) wherein N ≥ 2, in which at least one opening of a first type (22a) includes at least one first flow area (D1) and at least one opening of a second type (22a) includes a second flow area (D2). The first flow area (D1) is smaller than the second flow area (D2). Since the opening of the first type (22a) is positioned at a first distance (W1) from the window (29) and the opening of the second type (22b) is positioned at a second distance (W2) from the window (29), the first distance (W1) is smaller than a second distance (W2).