Heat Exchanger Vessel Layout for Even Refrigerant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers in motor vehicles experience uneven refrigerant distribution, leading to reduced efficiency and icing issues due to partial flow through tubular bodies, which results in undesirable performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a connecting line that supplements the inlet/outlet connector to distribute refrigerant more evenly across tubular bodies, allowing additional refrigerant supply to those farther from the connector, thereby improving distribution and flexibility in positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If refrigerant is introduced through a single inlet/outlet connector, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerant distribution over tubular bodies becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The single inlet/outlet connector is segmented into multiple connection points: the original inlet/outlet connector and additional connecting lines that open into the vessel at different positions. This segmentation allows refrigerant to be distributed to multiple locations simultaneously, improving uniformity across tubular bodies while maintaining relatively simple connector construction
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel interior acts as an intermediary chamber that receives refrigerant from the inlet/outlet connector and redistributes it through multiple connecting lines to different tubular bodies. This intermediary structure enables even distribution without requiring complex direct connections from a single point to all tubular bodies
2Manufacturing precision
If the inlet/outlet connector is positioned centrally, then refrigerant distribution is more uniform, but the design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static central connector position to a dynamic configuration where the inlet/outlet connector can be positioned flexibly along the stack direction. The adding of connecting lines allows the system to adapt to different positioning requirements while maintaining uniform refrigerant distribution, making the design more versatile for various applications
3Quantity of substance
If tubular bodies are arranged far from the inlet/outlet connector, then more tubular bodies can be accommodated, but refrigerant flow becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on linear distance from a single connector point, the system uses multiple connecting lines that open at different positions along the stack direction. This dimensional approach allows tubular bodies to be distributed along the length of the vessel with adequate refrigerant supply, accommodating more tubular bodies while ensuring reliable flow to each
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 enhances refrigerant distribution uniformity, increases heat exchanger efficiency, and reduces icing by ensuring consistent refrigerant flow, even in large heat exchangers with varied tubular body arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one connecting line (5) that can be flowed through by the refrigerant, by means of which the connector interior (10), additionally to the direct fluidic connection of the connector interior (10) to the vessel interior (8), likewise fluidically communicates with the vessel interior (8)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of tubular bodies (2) stacked onto one another along a stack direction (S), which in each case delimit a first fluid path (3a) for being flowed through by a refrigerant (K)
Implementation Method 3
In the intermediate spaces, a rib structure with ribs can be arranged in each case, on which the two tubular bodies delimiting the respective intermediate space in the stack direction can support themselves
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1), in particular for a motor vehicle. The heat exchanger (1) includes a plurality of tubular bodies (2) stacked onto one another along a stack direction (S), which in each case delimit a first fluid path (3a) for being flowed through by a refrigerant (K). The individual tubular bodies (2) are arranged along the stack direction (S) spaced apart from one another, so that between intermediate spaces (4) formed between the tubular bodies (2) that are adjacent in the stack direction (S), each form a second fluid path (3b) fluidically separated from the first fluid paths (3a) for being flowed through by air. The individual tubular bodies (2) extend transversely, preferentially perpendicularly to the stack direction (S) along a longitudinal direction (L). On a, with respect to the longitudinal direction (L), first longitudinal end (6a) of the tubular bodies (2) a vessel (7) which extends in the stack direction (S) and fluidically communicates with the tubular bodies (2) is arranged. At least one inlet/outlet connector (9) at least partially delimiting a connector interior (10) projects from the vessel (7) to the outside for introducing the refrigerant into a vessel interior (8) surrounded by the vessel (7). The connector interior (10) opens into the vessel interior (8), so that refrigerant can be introduced into the connector interior and via the same conducted on into the vessel interior. The heat exchanger (1) comprises at least one connecting line (5) that can be flowed through by the refrigerant, by means of which the connector interior (10) fluidically communicates with the vessel interior (8).