Refrigerant Guiding Pipe Structure for Uniform Manifold Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant guiding pipes in heat exchangers often lead to non-uniform refrigerant distribution, resulting in inefficiencies and potential layering of gaseous and liquid refrigerants.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant guiding pipe with a protruded wall section inclined at specific angles to guide refrigerant flow, ensuring uniform distribution by creating openings that allow for efficient flow and mixing of refrigerant phases within the manifold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional refrigerant guiding pipe is used, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerant distribution uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe wall is segmented by forming multiple openings to divide the refrigerant flow into multiple streams, enabling uniform distribution of refrigerant to different heat exchange tubes. This segmentation approach transforms a single flow path into multiple controlled flow paths without requiring complex external distribution mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant guiding wall portion is given a specific inclined angle (5-75 degrees) relative to the axial direction to create localized flow guidance properties. This local geometric modification optimizes refrigerant flow direction and distribution characteristics at critical locations within the pipe, improving overall distribution uniformity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the refrigerant guiding wall portion is inclined at a specific angle, then the refrigerant distribution uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined angle of the refrigerant guiding wall portion is optimized within a specific range (5-75 degrees) to achieve the best balance between refrigerant distribution uniformity and manufacturing feasibility. This parameter optimization allows conventional manufacturing processes to produce the inclined structure without requiring specialized equipment or complex multi-step operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If openings are formed in the pipe wall, then refrigerant distribution is enhanced, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small openings are distributed along the pipe wall rather than using a single large opening, which maintains structural integrity while achieving effective refrigerant distribution. The segmented approach to creating flow paths minimizes the impact on overall pipe strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings and refrigerant guiding wall portion are localized to specific regions of the pipe where flow guidance is most needed, rather than compromising the entire pipe structure. This localized modification approach preserves the structural strength of the majority of the pipe wall.
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 enhances refrigerant distribution uniformity, reduces resistance loss, and prevents layering of gaseous and liquid refrigerants, improving the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the refrigerant guiding wall portion is disposed to be substantially inclined with respect to an axial direction of the refrigerant guiding pipe to guide refrigerant passing through the opening
Implementation Method 2
prevents layering of gaseous and liquid refrigerants
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant guiding pipe has a pipe wall in which an inner chamber is formed; an opening formed in the pipe wall; and a refrigerant guiding wall portion, at least a part of an edge of the refrigerant guiding wall portion being separated from the pipe wall, thereby forming the opening. The refrigerant guiding pipe can help alleviate generation of non-uniform distribution of refrigerant due to layering of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.