Tapered Refrigerant Distributor for Even Two-Phase Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses using capillary tubes for distributing refrigerant suffer from vortex generation and sludge deposition, leading to clogging and reduced performance, especially with mixed refrigerants like HFO1123, which are chemically unstable and prone to decomposition.
Innovation Solution
A distributor with tapered paths between refrigerant outflow and distribution paths, where the inlet opening is larger than the outlet opening, preventing drastic narrowing of the refrigerant flow and thus reducing vortex generation and sludge deposition, ensuring even distribution of two-phase refrigerant to the evaporator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If capillary tubes are used to distribute refrigerant, then the refrigerant flow path is drastically narrowed, but this generates vortex and creates dead water region leading to sludge deposition and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow path from a conventional abrupt narrowing to a tapered gradual narrowing. The tapered path has a specific angle (5-15 degrees) that optimizes the balance between maintaining refrigerant distribution efficiency and preventing vortex generation, thereby reducing sludge deposition while keeping the system productive
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a curved tapered path instead of a straight abrupt contraction. The gradual curved transition smooths the refrigerant flow, preventing sudden direction changes that cause vortex formation. This curvature approach maintains flow efficiency while eliminating the dead water regions where sludge accumulates
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerant flow path is drastically narrowed at the entrance of capillary tubes, then distribution is achieved, but vortex is generated and dead water region is created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the flow path geometry by implementing a tapered section with a controlled narrowing angle (5-15 degrees) before the capillary tube entrance. This gradual parameter change allows the refrigerant to transition smoothly from the distribution chamber to the capillary tubes, achieving uniform distribution without generating harmful vortex flows
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mixed refrigerant containing HFO1123 is used, then global warming potential is reduced, but chemical instability increases leading to decomposition and sludge generation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of refrigerant decomposition into a beneficial outcome by designing a tapered flow path that prevents sludge deposition. The gradual narrowing creates smooth flow conditions that prevent the accumulation of decomposed refrigerant byproducts, thereby maintaining system reliability even when using environmentally friendly but chemically unstable mixed refrigerants
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 distributor effectively suppresses vortex formation and sludge deposition, preventing clogging of capillary tubes, ensuring reliable and extended operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus by maintaining even refrigerant distribution to the evaporator.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant flow path is not drastically narrowed in the refrigerant outflow paths. Therefore, the distributor configured as above suppresses generation of a vortex in the refrigerant outflow paths
Data Source
AI summary
A distributor includes a main body. The main body includes a refrigerant inflow path, a plurality of refrigerant outflow paths, a distribution path communicating with the refrigerant inflow path and the plurality of refrigerant outflow paths, and a plurality of tapered paths each communicating between corresponding one of the plurality of refrigerant outflow paths and the distribution path. The tapered paths each have an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the inlet opening being larger than the outlet opening.