A refrigerant distributing device, and heat exchanger equipped with such a refrigerant distributing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant distributing devices face challenges in uniformly distributing refrigerant across heat-transfer pipes due to head differences, especially when headers are mounted vertically, leading to inefficient heat exchange performance.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant distributing device with a header divided into multiple chambers by division plates and connected via capillary tubes, which reduces the impact of head differences by converting the refrigerant flow into a spray flow for uniform distribution across flattened pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a loop-shaped flow path is formed within the header to circulate two-phase refrigerant, then refrigerant distribution is improved, but all heat-transfer pipes communicate with each other in the interior of the header and are influenced by head difference, so the refrigerant distribution effect cannot be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple independent chambers by partition plates, with each chamber connected to specific heat-transfer pipes. This segmentation isolates the flow paths, preventing head difference influence across the entire header while maintaining refrigerant distribution functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Capillary tubes are introduced as intermediary flow path elements connecting the chambers to heat-transfer pipes. These capillary tubes create controlled flow resistance that compensates for head difference effects, enabling uniform refrigerant distribution without complex internal header structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the header is mounted vertically to save space, then installation flexibility is improved, but liquid refrigerant stays in the lower portion under influence of head difference, worsening refrigerant distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The header is segmented into multiple chambers by partition plates, creating independent flow zones. This segmentation prevents liquid refrigerant from accumulating in the lower portion and dominating the entire header, allowing vertical mounting while maintaining uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber structure creates equipotential flow paths where refrigerant pressure is balanced across chambers. This equipotential design counteracts gravitational head difference effects, enabling the header to be mounted vertically without liquid accumulation issues.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple refrigerant inlets are provided in the header spaced apart to jet refrigerant via orifices, then refrigerant distribution is improved, but the header must be horizontally mounted to avoid liquid accumulation, reducing installation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple chambers that can be oriented in any direction. This segmentation allows the header to be mounted vertically or horizontally without liquid accumulation in a single location, providing mounting flexibility while maintaining multiple effective refrigerant inlets through the chamber structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition plates create a three-dimensional chamber structure within the header. This dimensional transformation allows refrigerant to be distributed through multiple chambers in space, enabling uniform distribution regardless of whether the header is mounted horizontally or vertically.
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 enables effective uniform refrigerant distribution, reducing the influence of head differences and enhancing heat exchange efficiency, particularly when the header is mounted vertically, thereby maximizing the capacity of the evaporator and improving heat exchange performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of capillary tubes 50 which connect the respective chambers 12 to the plurality of flattened pipes 20
Implementation Method 2
converting the refrigerant flow into a spray flow for uniform distribution across flattened pipes
Implementation Method 3
the header is divided by one or more division plates 11 in the up-down direction into a plurality of chambers 12
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A header 10a that has a configuration in which the header 10a is connected to one end of each of a plurality of flattened pipes 20 of a heat exchanger 1 that flows a refrigerant in parallel to the plurality of flattened pipes 20 disposed in parallel and an interior of the header 10a is divided by one or more division plates 11 in a parallel direction in which the plurality of heat-transfer pipes 20 are disposed in parallel, the header 10a being mounted so as to stand in an up-down direction, and a distributor 40 configured to distribute the refrigerant to each chamber within the header 10a divided by the division plates 11, are provided.