Stacking-Type Header Flow Path for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stacking-type headers suffer from low refrigerant distribution uniformity when the refrigerant inflow direction is not parallel to the gravity direction, leading to deficiencies or excesses in refrigerant distribution.
Innovation Solution
A stacking-type header design featuring a distribution flow passage with a branching flow passage that includes a straight-line part parallel to the gravity direction and a connecting part not parallel to the gravity direction, which helps to uniformize the refrigerant flow and reduce the influence of gravity, ensuring even distribution across multiple outlet flow passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional branching flow passage with grooves perpendicular to refrigerant inflow direction is used, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates when the inflow direction is not parallel to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The branching flow passage is divided into multiple straight-line parts (first, second, third, fourth straight-line parts) that are parallel to the gravity direction, with connecting parts joining them. This segmentation allows the refrigerant flow path to be controlled in a way that counteracts gravity's uneven distribution effect, improving refrigerant distribution uniformity while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stacking-type header is used in non-parallel orientations to gravity, then installation flexibility is improved, but refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates due to gravity influence
Solution Approach 1:
The branching flow passage is designed with multiple straight-line parts parallel to the gravity direction, creating a flow path structure that compensates for gravity's influence. By having the refrigerant flow through vertical segments, the design creates a more equipotential flow distribution that reduces gravity-induced unevenness, allowing the header to maintain good refrigerant distribution uniformity regardless of installation orientation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a conventional distribution flow passage is used, then the device complexity is low, but the refrigerant flow uniformity across outlet passages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The branching flow passage extends in the vertical dimension with multiple straight-line parts parallel to gravity, rather than only in the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows the flow path to better utilize gravity for uniform distribution while maintaining controlled structural complexity through systematic arrangement of the vertical segments.
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 design enhances the uniformity of refrigerant distribution, reducing the impact of gravity and improving the overall performance of the refrigerant distribution system, particularly in non-parallel orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a first straight-line part parallel to a gravity direction, the first straight-line part having a lower end communicating with the opening port through a first connecting part; and a second straight-line part parallel to the gravity direction, the second straight-line part having an upper end communicating with the opening port through a second connecting part
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking-type header includes: a first plate-shaped unit and a second plate-shaped unit having a distribution flow passage that includes a branching flow passage including: an opening port; a first straight-line part parallel to a gravity direction and having a lower end communicating with the opening port through a first connecting part; and a second straight-line part parallel to the gravity direction and having an upper end communicating with the opening port through a second connecting part, in which at least a part of the first and second connecting parts are not parallel to the gravity direction, and in which the refrigerant flows into the branching flow passage through the opening port, and flows out from the branching flow passage through each of an upper end of the first straight-line part-and a lower end of the second straight-line part.