Segmented Header Heat Exchanger for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers have limited heat exchange efficiency due to the restricted area where tubes can be coupled to the header, resulting in reduced refrigerant distribution and heat transfer effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger design includes a header with distinct chambers and a distribution pipe system that allows refrigerant to be uniformly distributed across the header, enabling tubes to be coupled over the entire header area, enhancing refrigerant flow and heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the header area is increased to allow more tube coupling, then the heat exchange area is increased, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that are arranged in series along the refrigerant flow direction. Each chamber receives refrigerant from the previous chamber and distributes it to corresponding tubes, creating a segmented structure that increases the effective header area and tube coupling capacity without requiring a single large complex header.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple chambers are arranged in a longitudinal sequence along the refrigerant flow path, extending the header functionality in the flow direction dimension. This dimensional arrangement allows each chamber to serve a specific zone of tubes, effectively increasing the total heat exchange area without requiring a wider or taller header structure.
2Productivity
If the number of tubes coupled to the header is increased, then the heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The header is segmented into multiple chambers, each responsible for distributing refrigerant to a specific group of tubes. The distribution pipes are also segmented, with each distribution pipe serving a specific chamber and its corresponding tubes. This segmentation ensures that refrigerant is distributed uniformly to each tube group rather than creating imbalances when many tubes are connected.
Solution Approach 2:
Distribution pipes act as intermediary components between the chambers and the tubes. Each distribution pipe receives refrigerant from its corresponding chamber and distributes it to multiple tubes through distribution holes. This intermediary structure ensures uniform refrigerant distribution to each tube, maintaining manufacturing precision even when the total number of tubes is increased.
3Ease of manufacture
If the header structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the heat exchange area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The header is divided into multiple simpler chambers arranged in series, each with its own distribution pipe. This segmentation allows each chamber and distribution pipe to be manufactured as relatively simple components that can be assembled together, maintaining ease of manufacture while the combined structure provides a large total heat exchange area through multiple tube couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a single large complex header, the design extends the header functionality along the refrigerant flow direction by arranging multiple chambers in sequence. This dimensional approach increases the total heat exchange area through the longitudinal arrangement of multiple tube-coupling zones, while each individual chamber remains structurally simple and easy to manufacture.
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 configuration increases heat exchange efficiency by ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution and maximizing the area for tube coupling, thereby improving the overall performance of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger is a device that exchanges refrigerant with outdoor air
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange fins in contact with the tube to increase the heat dissipation area
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a heat exchanger including a plurality of tubes configured to enable refrigerant to flow therein, the plurality of tubes arranged along one direction and divided into a first row and a second row, a header coupled to ends of the plurality of tubes and including a first chamber to supply refrigerant to the first row of tubes and a second chamber to be supplied with refrigerant from the second row of tubes, wherein the first chamber includes a first region defined in the one direction between two tubes disposed at opposite ends of the first row of tubes, and the second chamber includes a second region defined in the one direction between two tubes disposed at opposite ends of the second row of tubes, an inlet pipe communicating with the first chamber within the first region to supply refrigerant to the first chamber, and an outlet pipe communicating with the second chamber within the second region to discharge refrigerant of the second chamber.