U.S. patent application number 12/872508 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for heat exchanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to Danfoss Sanhua (Hangzhou) Micro Channel Heat Exchanger Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Wang Feng, Lin-jie Huang, Liu Huazhao, Jiang Jianlong.
Application Number | 20110061844 12/872508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41789025 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110061844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jianlong; Jiang ; et
al. |
March 17, 2011 |
HEAT EXCHANGER
Abstract
A heat exchanger is disclosed, which comprises an inlet header
defining a refrigerant chamber therein; an outlet header spaced
apart from the inlet header; a plurality of tubes, two ends of each
tube being connected to and communicating with the inlet and outlet
headers respectively; a plurality of fins, each of which is
interposed between adjacent tubes; and a distribution tube disposed
outside the refrigerant chamber and formed with a distribution
opening, through which the distribution tube communicates with the
refrigerant chamber. According to the present invention, the
distribution tube is easy to assemble, disassemble and maintain.
The refrigerants in the inlet header and the distribution tube do
not disadvantageously affect each other, thus enhancing
distribution of refrigerant.
Inventors: |
Jianlong; Jiang; (Zhejiang,
CN) ; Feng; Wang; (Zhejiang, CN) ; Huazhao;
Liu; (Zhejiang, CN) ; Huang; Lin-jie; (East
Amherst, NY) |
Assignee: |
Danfoss Sanhua (Hangzhou) Micro
Channel Heat Exchanger Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang
CN
|
Family ID: |
41789025 |
Appl. No.: |
12/872508 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 9/0273 20130101;
F28D 1/053 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/173 |
International
Class: |
F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 16, 2009 |
CN |
200910173434.0 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger, comprising: an inlet header defining a
refrigerant chamber therein; an outlet header spaced apart from the
inlet header; a plurality of tubes, two ends of each tube being
connected to and communicating with the inlet and outlet headers
respectively; a plurality of fins, each of which is interposed
between adjacent tubes, and a distribution tube disposed outside
the refrigerant chamber and formed with a distribution opening,
through which the distribution tube communicates with the
refrigerant chamber.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the
distribution tube is mounted onto an outer wall of the inlet
header.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the
distribution tube is formed integrally with a mounting foot,
through which the distribution tube is mounted onto the outer wall
of the inlet header.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of an
inner diameter of the distribution tube to a hydraulic inner
diameter of the refrigerant chamber is within a range of about 0.17
to about 0.79.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a partition is
disposed inside the inlet header so as to divide an interior of the
inlet header into the refrigerant chamber and a cavity isolated
from each other.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein the
distribution tube is disposed inside the cavity.
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a
communication pipe, a first end of which is connected to the
distribution tube so as to communicate with the distribution tube
via the distribution opening and a second end thereof communicates
with the refrigerant chamber.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the
distribution opening comprises a plurality of orifices formed in
the distribution tube and separated from each other.
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the
distribution opening comprises a single slot formed in the
distribution tube.
10. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the
distribution opening is circular and a hydraulic diameter thereof
is within a range of about 0.2 mm. to about 4 mm.
11. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of an
area of the distribution opening to a cross-sectional area of the
refrigerant chamber is within a range of about 0.3 to about 2.
12. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of
distribution tubes are disposed outside the refrigerant
chamber.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a flow
direction of a refrigerant in the tubes is at an angle of about
45.degree. to about 315.degree. with an opposite direction to an
outflow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the
distribution opening.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of and
incorporates by reference essential subject matter disclosed in
Chinese Patent Application No. 200910173434.0 filed on Sep. 16,
2009.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] A heat exchanger generally comprises an inlet header, an
outlet header, flat tubes and fins. In order to eliminate the
gas-liquid stratification of the refrigerant in the headers, a
tubular distributor is generally disposed in the inlet header, the
refrigerant is entered into the distributor from a refrigerant
source and then the distributor distributes the refrigerant into
the interior of the header. Since the distributor is disposed
inside the inlet header, the assembling and disassembling of the
distributor is complex, the distributor is difficult to maintain,
and the refrigerants in the inlet header and the distributor affect
each other disadvantageously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to solve at least one of
the problems existing in the prior art.
[0007] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention provides
a heat exchanger, comprising: an inlet header defining a
refrigerant chamber therein; an outlet header spaced apart from the
inlet header; a plurality of tubes, two ends of each tube being
connected and communicating with the inlet and outlet headers
respectively; a plurality of fins, each of which is interposed
between adjacent tubes, and a distribution tube disposed outside
the refrigerant chamber and formed with a distribution opening
through which the distribution tube communicates with the
refrigerant chamber.
[0008] With the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the
present invention, since the distribution tube is not inserted into
the refrigerant chamber within the inlet header, the distribution
tube is easy to assemble, disassemble and maintain, the
refrigerants in the inlet header and the distribution tube do not
affect each other disadvantageously, thus enhancing distribution of
refrigerant.
[0009] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to limit each disclosed embodiment or describe every implementation
of the present invention. The Figures and the detailed description
which follow more particularly exemplify illustrative
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the heat
exchanger taken along line E-E in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 3a and 3b show different types of the distribution
opening in the distribution tube of the heat exchanger;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger
according to still another embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger
according to still another embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0017] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a conventional
heat exchanger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention. The embodiments described herein with reference
to drawings are explanatory, illustrative, and used to generally
understand the present invention. The embodiments shall not be
construed to limit the present invention. The same or similar
elements and the elements having same or similar functions are
denoted by like reference numerals throughout the description.
[0019] In the description, relative terms such as "longitudinal" as
well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "longitudinally", etc.) should
be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as
shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are
for convenience of description and do not require that the present
invention be constructed or operated in a particular orientation.
Terms concerning "connected to" and "communicate with", refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a
conventional heat exchanger. As shown in FIG. 7, the distributor 1'
of the conventional heat exchanger is inserted into the inlet
header 2'. As so positioned, the distributor 1' is difficult to
assemble and disassemble. In addition, the refrigerant in the
distributor 1' and the refrigerant in the inlet header 2'
disadvantageously disturb each other. When a fault occurs in the
distributor 1', it is difficult to find the fault and maintain the
distributor 1'. Further, due to the limitation of the size of the
interior of the inlet header 2', the number of distributors 1' that
can be disposed in the inlet header 2' is limited, so that the
distributed amount of the refrigerant is difficult to control.
[0021] The heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present
invention will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings below.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger according to an
embodiment of the present invention comprises an inlet header 2, an
outlet header 6, tubes 3, fins 7 and a distribution tube 1.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet header 2 defines a refrigerant
chamber S1 therein. Of course, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and
4, the whole inner chamber of the inlet header 2 is the refrigerant
chamber S1. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a partition 4
is disposed inside the inlet header 2 so as to divide an interior
of the inlet header 2 into the refrigerant chamber S1 and a cavity
S2 isolated from each other (which will be described below).
[0024] The outlet header 6 and the inlet header 2 are spaced apart
from each other, and for example, disposed substantially parallelly
to each other. Two ends of each tube 3 are connected to and
communicate with the inlet and outlet headers 2, and 6
respectively, for example by welding, such that the inlet header 2
communicates with the outlet header 6 via refrigerant channels in
tubes 3. The refrigerant channel of tube 3 may be a micro-channel
for instance, therefore the heat exchanger is referred to as a
micro-channel heat exchanger. Of course, the present invention is
not limited to micro-channel heat exchanger designs. Each fin 7 is
disposed between adjacent tubes 3 so as to enhance the effect of
heat transfer.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS. 3a-3b, a distribution
opening 14 is formed in the distribution tube 1. As shown in FIGS.
1-2, the distribution tube 1 is disposed outside the refrigerant
chamber S1, and an inner chamber 13 of the distribution tube 1
communicates with the refrigerant chamber S1 via the distribution
opening 14. Of course, a through hole 21 is formed accordingly in a
wall of the inlet header 2 defining the refrigerant chamber S1.
[0026] With the heat exchanger according to some embodiments of the
present invention, the distribution tube 1 is not disposed in the
refrigerant chamber S1 of the inlet header 2. In other words, the
distribution tube 1 is not inserted into the refrigerant within the
inlet header 2. Therefore, assembling and disassembling of the
distribution tube 1 are simple, the distribution tube 1 is easy to
maintain, and the refrigerants in the inlet header 2 and the
distribution tube 1 do not affect each other disadvantageously,
thus enhancing distribution of the refrigerant.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present
invention, the distribution tube 1 is mounted onto the outer wall
of the inlet header 2 and the distribution opening 14 corresponds
to the through hole 21. Therefore, the refrigerant, which enters
into the inner chamber 13 of the distribution tube 1 from a
refrigerant source (not shown), is sprayed into the refrigerant
chamber S1 via the distribution opening 14 and the through hole 21,
thus eliminating the separation of vapor refrigerant and liquid
refrigerant in the inlet header 2 and enhancing the effect of heat
transfer. In order to further enhance distribution of the
refrigerant, a ratio of an inner diameter of the distribution tube
1 to a hydraulic inner diameter of the refrigerant chamber S1 is
within a range of about 0.17 to about 0.79.
[0028] In order to enhance the convenience of mounting the
distribution tube 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, the distribution tube 1 is formed integrally with a
mounting foot 12 having a surface adapted to outer surface of inlet
header 2, so that the distribution tube 1 is fixed onto the outer
wall of the inlet header 2, for example, by welding the mounting
foot 12 to the outer wall of the inlet header 2. In this case, the
distribution opening 14 penetrates through the mounting foot 12 and
corresponded to the through hole 21.
[0029] In an example of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3a,
the distribution opening 14 comprises a plurality of orifices
formed in the distribution tube 1 separated from each other. The
orifice may be a circular orifice or a slot having any other
shapes. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3b, the distribution
opening 14 may be formed as a single slot extending along the
longitudinal direction of the distribution tube 1. The distribution
opening 14 is circular and its hydraulic diameter is within a range
of from about 0.2 to about 4 mm, thus further improving the heat
transfer effect. Alternatively, a ratio of an area of the
distribution opening 14 to a cross-sectional area of the
refrigerant chamber S1 is within the range of from about 0.3 to
about 2. Experiments conducted by the present inventors prove that
the above range can enhance distribution of the refrigerant.
[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, since the
distribution tube 1 is fixed onto the outer wall of the inlet
header 2, the number of distribution tubes 1 is easy to change. For
example, the number of inlet headers 2 used may be several so as to
satisfy the requirements of the heat exchanger for different
amounts of refrigerant, and the distribution of the refrigerant is
easy to control by controlling individual distribution tubes 1.
[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, an opposite
direction B to an outflow direction of the refrigerant discharged
from the distribution opening 14 is at an angle of about 45.degree.
to about 315.degree. with a flow direction A of a refrigerant in
the tubes 3. The distributing effect of the refrigerant is further
enhanced by setting the angle between the direction A and B in the
above angle range. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the direction B
is at an angle of 180.degree. with the direction A. Alternatively,
in an example of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, the
direction B is at an angle of 90.degree. with the direction A.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, in some examples of the present
invention, the distribution tube 1 without the mounting foot 12
thereon is connected and communicated with the refrigerant chamber
S1 of the inlet header 2 via a communication pipe 5 rather than the
mounting foot 12. A first end of the communication pipe 5 is welded
to the distribution tube 1 at the position of the distribution
opening 14, and a second end thereof is extended into the
refrigerant chamber S1 penetrated through the wall of the inlet
header 2. Of course, the joint of the communication pipe 5 and the
inlet header 2 is sealed, for example, via welding the
communication pipe 5 to the inlet header 2, that is, the gap
between the communication pipe 5 and the inlet header 2 is
sealed.
[0033] The heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the
invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 5, a partition
4 is disposed inside the inlet header 2 so as to divide the
interior of the inlet header 2 into the refrigerant chamber S1 and
a cavity S2 isolated from each other. There will be no refrigerants
in the cavity S2, and the distribution tube 1 is fixed onto the
outer wall of the inlet header 2 and communicates with the
refrigerant chamber S1 via the distribution opening 14 and the
through hole 21. The provision of the partition 4 reduces the
volume of the refrigerant chamber S1, thus further enhancing
distribution of the refrigerant.
[0034] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the distribution tube 1
is formed with a mounting foot, so that the distribution tube 1 may
be fixed conveniently onto the outer wall of the inlet header
2.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the distribution tube
1 is disposed inside the cavity S2 rather than fixed onto the outer
wall of the inlet header 2 and communicates with the refrigerant
chamber S1 via the communication pipe 5. Therefore, the
distribution tube 1 is easy to assemble and disassemble, and is not
affected by the refrigerant in the inlet header 2. Meanwhile, the
volume of the refrigerant chamber S1 is reduced, thus improving the
distributing effect of the refrigerant and improving the aesthetics
of the heat exchanger.
[0036] The operation of the heat exchanger according to an example
of the present invention will be described below.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant enters into the
distribution tube 1 along the direction C, and then sprays into the
refrigerant chamber S1 of the inlet header 2 via the distribution
opening 14, thus eliminating the separation of vapor refrigerant
and liquid refrigerant in the two-phase flow, and finally the
refrigerant flows towards the outlet header 6 along the tubes 3 and
exchanges heat during this period. The refrigerant subject to heat
exchanging enters into the outlet header 6 and is finally
discharged from the outlet header 6 along the direction D.
[0038] Since the distribution tube 1 is not inserted into the
refrigerant chamber within the inlet header 2, the refrigerant in
the inlet header 2 and the distribution tube 1 will not
disadvantageously disturb each other, and the distribution tube 1
is easy to assemble, disassemble and maintain. Meanwhile, the
distribution tube 1 may be disposed in plural numbers, such that
the heat exchanger can satisfy different requirements for the
amount of the refrigerant by controlling individual distribution
tubes 1.
[0039] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment,"
"some embodiments," "one embodiment", "an example," or "some
examples," means that a particular feature, structure, material, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or
example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the
invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as "in some
embodiments," "in one embodiment" "in an embodiment", "an example,"
or "some examples," in various places throughout this specification
are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example of
the invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0040] Although explanatory embodiments have been shown and
described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes, alternatives, and modifications can be made in the
embodiments without departing from spirit and principles of the
invention. Such changes, alternatives, and modifications all fall
into the scope of the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *