Pressure reducing variable expansion disc
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microchannel evaporators face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow and expansion within heat exchangers, as existing technologies lack precise and cost-effective mechanisms for managing fluid pressure and flow distribution.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controllable expansion disc assembly is introduced, comprising a disc body with interposed leaves that can assume closed, fully open, and partial open conditions, driven by a rotary or linear actuator, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and expansion, and integrated with a control element for temperature-based adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve element and expander are arranged at an orthogonal angle with respect to the inlet header body, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the profile of the microchannel evaporator becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging the valve element and expander at an orthogonal angle to the inlet header body, the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning the expansion disc assembly concentrically with the inlet header body. This inversion of the spatial relationship reduces the overall profile while maintaining flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion disc assembly is nested concentrically within the inlet header body, with the disc body positioned inside the header and the actuator arranged within the concentric structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the external profile of the microchannel evaporator while preserving all necessary flow control functions.
2Device complexity
If existing technologies are used for fluid flow control, then simplicity is maintained, but precise control of fluid pressure and flow distribution is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamically adjustable expansion disc assembly with an actuator that can vary the disc position to control fluid flow. This dynamic mechanism enables precise control of fluid pressure and flow distribution, transitioning from static to adjustable control while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion disc assembly changes the flow control parameters by adjusting the disc position and opening area. This parameter adjustment capability allows precise control of fluid pressure and flow distribution, achieving accurate control without requiring overly complex device architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If a cost-effective mechanism is used for fluid flow control, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but precise and efficient control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion disc assembly with actuator provides self-contained flow control functionality, eliminating the need for complex external control systems. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining efficient heat transfer control through integrated temperature sensors and control elements that automatically regulate fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion disc assembly serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow, responds to temperature variations, and regulates pressure distribution. This multi-functionality achieves precise and efficient heat transfer control without requiring separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining high productivity.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and efficient means to manage fluid flow and expansion, optimizing heat transfer and distribution in microchannel heat exchangers, with robust performance across different orientations and reducing the need for complex components.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure reducing variable expansion disc
Implementation Method 2
the disc body is configured such that the two or more leaves cooperatively assume a closed condition by a first shuttering action at which the disc body exclusively inhibits a flow of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger is provided and includes a header, a tubular element and an expansion disc assembly. The expansion disc assembly includes a disc body and an actuator. The disc body includes two or more leaves fluidly interposed between the tubular element and the header and configured to cooperatively assume a closed condition by a first shuttering action at which the disc body exclusively inhibits a flow of the fluid, a fully open condition by a second shuttering action at which the disc body permits the flow of the fluid and partial open conditions between the closed and full open conditions by third shuttering actions at which the disc body exclusively inhibits a portion of the flow of the fluid. The actuator is controllable to cause the disc body to execute the first, second and third shuttering actions to assume the closed, fully open and partial open conditions.