Systems and Methods for Vapor Compression Systems with a Multi-Circuit Heat Exchanger and a Low Cost Distributor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vapor compression systems with multi-circuit heat exchangers face inefficiencies due to uneven distribution of multi-phase refrigerant, particularly liquid refrigerant, leading to reduced performance in certain circuits.

Innovation Solution

A distributor is positioned near the expansion valve to enhance turbulent flow and even distribution of multi-phase refrigerant to each circuit of the multi-circuit heat exchanger, using various channel orientations and configurations to ensure equal distribution of liquid and vapor refrigerant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a distributor is used to divide refrigerant flow into multiple circuits, then the surface area for heat exchange is maximized, but uneven distribution of liquid refrigerant occurs between channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange surface areaVSAvoidrefrigerant distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The distributor is segmented into multiple channels with different orientations relative to the expansion valve outlet. The first channel is oriented perpendicular to the outlet while the second channel is oriented at an angle between 0-45 degrees, creating distinct flow paths that promote even distribution of liquid refrigerant to all circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distributor employs asymmetric channel orientations rather than symmetric perpendicular divisions. By setting the second channel at an angled orientation (0-45 degrees) relative to the expansion valve outlet, the design creates asymmetric flow distribution patterns that compensate for the natural tendency of liquid refrigerant to prefer certain paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If channels are oriented perpendicular to the expansion valve outlet, then flow division is simplified, but liquid refrigerant distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistributor channel configurationVSAvoidliquid refrigerant distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Different channels are given different local orientations to suit their specific distribution needs. The first channel operates perpendicular to the outlet for simplified flow division, while the second channel uses an angled orientation (0-45 degrees) to specifically address liquid refrigerant distribution to its associated circuit, creating locally optimized flow patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 even distribution of refrigerant improves the efficiency of the heat exchanger circuits, enhancing the overall performance of the vapor compression system.

Implementation Method 1

A distributor is positioned in close proximity to the expansion valve and may be oriented with respect to an output of the expansion valve to cause the refrigerant flow to impact the distributor and enhance turbulent flow to facilitate mixing of the liquid and vapor refrigerant.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulent flow: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

a heat exchanger may have multiple circuits, and a distributor may be used to divide the primary flow into multiple refrigerant flows communicated to the multi-circuit heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 3

facilitate mixing of the liquid and vapor refrigerant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20260002706A1Systems and Methods for Vapor Compression Systems with a Multi-Circuit Heat Exchanger and a Low Cost Distributor

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 RHEEM MFG CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for vapor compression systems having at least one multi-circuit heat exchanger and a distributor designed to receive multi-phase refrigerant from an expansion valve and evenly distribute the multi-phase refrigerant using the distributor have been developed for improved efficiency and reduced cost. The distributor may be positioned in close proximity to the expansion valve and may be oriented with respect to an output of the expansion valve to cause the refrigerant flow to impact the distributor and enhance turbulent flow to facilitate mixing of the liquid and vapor refrigerant. Channels extending from the distributor may be positioned with respect to the output of the expansion valve to facilitate even distribution of the multi-phase refrigerant flow. With each circuit of the multi-circuit heat exchanger supplied with evenly distributed multi-phase refrigerant, efficiency will be improved.