Vertical Heat Exchanger Tube Layout for Uniform Refrigerant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers with vertically installed heat transfer tubes face issues of frost formation and non-uniform heat transfer due to liquid refrigerant collection at the lower portion, leading to performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a gas refrigerant region, a two-phase refrigerant region, and a liquid refrigerant region, where the liquid refrigerant flows downward and is discharged through the refrigerant outlet port, allowing gas refrigerant to flow in the same direction without pushing up the liquid refrigerant, alleviating frost and distribution issues and preventing non-uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat transfer tube is installed vertically, then frost formation is prevented and refrigerant distribution is improved, but liquid refrigerant collects in the lower portion causing non-uniform heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer tube is divided into multiple sections with different orientations: a vertical section for frost prevention and refrigerant distribution, and an inclined section that prevents liquid refrigerant accumulation. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer tube employs an asymmetric configuration where the lower portion is inclined at a specific angle rather than being perfectly vertical. This asymmetric design creates a slope that prevents liquid refrigerant from collecting at the lowest point, thereby maintaining uniform heat transfer while preserving the benefits of vertical installation.
2Device complexity
If the heat transfer tube is installed horizontally, then refrigerant distribution is simplified, but water remains on the surface causing frost formation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing the heat transfer tube horizontally to simplify distribution, the invention inverts the approach by installing it vertically or at an inclination. This inversion prevents water accumulation and frost formation on the surface, while the segmented design ensures refrigerant distribution remains effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a horizontal (2D plane) installation to a vertical or inclined (3D spatial) installation. This dimensional change allows gravity to work in favor of preventing water accumulation on the surface while maintaining effective refrigerant distribution through the segmented structure.
3Reliability
If the heat transfer tube is installed vertically, then frost formation is prevented, but gas refrigerant cannot push liquid refrigerant causing non-uniform heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer tube uses an asymmetric design where the lower portion is inclined at a specific angle rather than being perfectly vertical. This creates a slope that prevents liquid refrigerant from collecting at the lowest point, thereby maintaining uniform heat transfer while preserving the benefits of vertical installation for frost prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the heat transfer tube perfectly vertical which causes liquid accumulation, the invention inverts the approach by introducing an inclination. This inversion allows gas refrigerant to effectively push liquid refrigerant along the inclined surface, preventing accumulation and maintaining uniform heat transfer performance.
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 enables efficient refrigerant flow in a vertical direction, reducing frost and distribution problems, and preventing non-uniformity in the heat transfer region, while minimizing refrigerant consumption and potentially reducing costs by optimizing the length and configuration of the refrigerant regions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heat transfer tubes formed in a flat shape and configured to change a high temperature gas refrigerant, which is introduced from a refrigerant inlet port, into a low temperature liquid refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
the liquid refrigerant flows downward in the two-phase refrigerant region and flow into the liquid refrigerant region with the momentum
Implementation Method 3
the liquid refrigerant flows downward in the two-phase refrigerant region and flow into the liquid refrigerant region with the momentum
Implementation Method 4
because the gas refrigerant flows downward in the same direction as the liquid refrigerant in the two-phase refrigerant region, the gas refrigerant may flow without pushing up the liquid refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger and an air conditioner including the same. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes formed in a flat shape and configured to allow a refrigerant to flow in a vertical direction therein. The heat transfer tube includes a gas refrigerant region including one end connected to a refrigerant inlet port and another end disposed above the refrigerant inlet port; a two-phase refrigerant region including one end connected to the other end of the gas refrigerant region and another end disposed below a refrigerant outlet port; and a liquid refrigerant region including one end connected to the other end of the two-phase refrigerant region and another end connected to the refrigerant outlet port.