Swirl-Flow Ejector Structure for Shorter Refrigerant Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ejectors with linear mixing portions require a significant length to achieve thorough mixing, making it difficult to reduce the overall size of refrigeration cycle apparatuses, and swirl flow configurations in existing designs do not effectively generate swirl flows on conical surfaces, hindering the reduction of mixing portion length.
Innovation Solution
An ejector design that utilizes a swirl flow by incorporating a suction pipe with inclined nozzle grooves and a movable configuration to form a swirl flow within the mixing portion, allowing the main flow to be swirled and mixed with the suction flow, thereby reducing the length of the mixing portion and facilitating easier fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the length of the mixing portion is increased to achieve thorough mixing, then the mixing efficiency is improved, but the total length of the ejector is increased making it difficult to reduce the size of the refrigeration cycle apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming a swirl flow in the mixing portion using a conical member with a specific curvature radius. The conical member creates a rotational flow pattern that enhances mixing efficiency without requiring a longer mixing portion, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing efficiency and ejector length.
2Length of moving object
If swirl flow is formed in the nozzle section to reduce mixing portion length, then the length of mixing portion is reduced, but the velocity component in swirling direction disappears and linear direction velocity increases making it difficult to generate effective swirl flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dedicated swirl flow generation region using a conical member with specific geometric parameters (curvature radius and half-cone angle) positioned at a specific location in the mixing portion. This localized approach generates effective swirl flow exactly where needed without affecting the overall velocity distribution negatively.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional swirl flow design is used, then the structure is simple, but the swirl flow does not generate effectively on the conical member surface hindering reduction of mixing portion length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric parameters of the conical member, specifically the curvature radius (R1) and half-cone angle (α), to achieve effective swirl flow generation. By carefully selecting these parameters, the invention maintains fabrication simplicity while significantly improving swirl flow generation effectiveness.
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 design effectively reduces the length of the mixing portion while maintaining efficient mixing and pressure increase, enhancing the coefficient of performance of the refrigeration cycle and allowing for a more compact apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a leading end portion an outer surface of which forms a plurality of inclined passages with the nozzle section of the ejector body, the plurality of inclined passages allowing the main flow to be moved to the mixing portion so as to form a swirl flow
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of the mixed refrigerant is increased in a diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
An ejector for a vapor compression system using a swirl flow includes an ejector body comprising a main inlet into which a main flow in high pressure flows, a nozzle section in fluid communication with the main inlet, a mixing portion in fluid communication with the nozzle section, a diffuser in fluid communication with the mixing portion, and a discharge portion in fluid communication with the diffuser. A suction pipe is inserted in a center of the ejector body and includes a through-hole into which a suction flow in low pressure flows and a leading end portion of an outer surface of the pipe forms a plurality of inclined passages with the nozzle section of the ejector body. These passages allow the main flow to be moved to the mixing portion so as to form a swirl flow between the main flow and suction flow when mixed in the ejector.