US20150083383A1 - Heat exchanger and heat exchange method - Google Patents

Heat exchanger and heat exchange method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20150083383A1
US20150083383A1 US14/391,466 US201214391466A US2015083383A1 US 20150083383 A1 US20150083383 A1 US 20150083383A1 US 201214391466 A US201214391466 A US 201214391466A US 2015083383 A1 US2015083383 A1 US 2015083383A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
heat exchange
pipe
refrigerant
pipes
lower header
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/391,466
Inventor
Takashi Okazaki
Akira Ishibashi
Sangmu Lee
Takuya Matsuda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Original Assignee
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp filed Critical Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION reassignment MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MATSUDA, TAKUYA, ISHIBASHI, AKIRA, LEE, SANGMU, OKAZAKI, TAKASHI
Publication of US20150083383A1 publication Critical patent/US20150083383A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28FDETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/26Arrangements for connecting different sections of heat-exchange elements, e.g. of radiators
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28DHEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/16Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged in parallel spaced relation
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/14Heat exchangers specially adapted for separate outdoor units
    • F24F1/16Arrangement or mounting thereof
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B39/00Evaporators; Condensers
    • F25B39/02Evaporators
    • F25B39/028Evaporators having distributing means
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28DHEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/0408Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids
    • F28D1/0417Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids with particular circuits for the same heat exchange medium, e.g. with the heat exchange medium flowing through sections having different heat exchange capacities or for heating/cooling the heat exchange medium at different temperatures
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28DHEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/0408Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids
    • F28D1/0426Multi-circuit heat exchangers, e.g. integrating different heat exchange sections in the same unit or heat exchangers for more than two fluids with units having particular arrangement relative to the large body of fluid, e.g. with interleaved units or with adjacent heat exchange units in common air flow or with units extending at an angle to each other or with units arranged around a central element
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28DHEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/053Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
    • F28D1/0535Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
    • F28D1/05366Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/12Inflammable refrigerants
    • F25B2400/121Inflammable refrigerants using R1234
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28DHEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D21/00Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
    • F28D2021/0019Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
    • F28D2021/0068Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for refrigerant cycles
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28FDETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/02Header boxes; End plates
    • F28F9/026Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits
    • F28F9/027Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits in the form of distribution pipes
    • F28F9/0273Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits in the form of distribution pipes with multiple holes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heat exchanger and a heat exchange method.
  • a parallel flow type heat exchanger As one type of the heat exchanger, a parallel flow type heat exchanger is given.
  • This heat exchanger includes a pair of header pipes, and a plurality of flat pipes provided between those header pipes. This heat exchanger is configured so that after a fluid, which has flowed into one of the headers, flows through the plurality of flat pipes, the fluid flows out to the other of the header pipes.
  • the parallel flow type heat exchanger may have such a structure that the pair of header pipes is horizontally arranged, to thereby suppress the influence of the gravity mutually between the plurality of flat pipes.
  • an existing outdoor unit of an air conditioner may have such a structure that heat exchange surfaces are arranged in a plurality of surfaces of a housing of the outdoor unit.
  • the above-mentioned parallel flow type heat exchanger having the pair of header pipes horizontally arranged is caused to exert its function in the plurality of surfaces of the housing of the outdoor unit, it is necessary to curve each of the header pipes along the plurality of surfaces.
  • the header pipe is curved into, for example, an L-shape or a U-shape, significant loads are applied, and hence there arise problems in that the apparatus is upsized and cost is increased.
  • Patent Literature 1 a heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is given.
  • a pair of header pipes has been prepared separately for each of a plurality of surfaces.
  • Patent Literature 1 has employed such a mode that after the refrigerant, which has flowed through a plurality of flat pipes in certain one surface (first surface), is collected to the header pipe on the outflow side of the one surface (first surface), the refrigerant is guided from this header pipe to the header pipe on the inflow side of the next surface (second surface) and distributed through a plurality of flat pipes of the next surface (second surface), and subsequently, the refrigerant is likewise guided to the next surface in sequence depending on the number of surfaces.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the foregoing, and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger and the like, each of which is capable of suppressing, even with a plurality of heat exchange function surface units, an influence of the gravity exerted on refrigerant, and suppressing reduction of heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces.
  • a heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of heat exchange function surface units; each of the plurality of heat exchange function surface units having an upper header pipe, a lower header pipe, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes provided between a pair of the upper header pipe and the lower header pipe; the plurality of heat exchange function surface units having a parallel connection relationship; a plurality of the lower header pipes being connected to a lower collection pipe through a branch current adjusting section.
  • a heat exchange method of carrying out heat exchange in a plurality of surfaces including: preparing an upper header pipe, a lower header pipe, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes provided between a pair of the upper header pipe and the lower header pipe in each of a plurality of heat exchange function surface units; connecting the plurality of heat exchange function surface units in parallel, and connecting a plurality of the lower header pipes to a lower collection pipe through a branch current adjusting section; and branching, by the branch current adjusting section, refrigerant inside the lower collection pipe in parallel to the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, subjecting the refrigerant to the heat exchange in the each of the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and causing the refrigerant to flow out from a plurality of the upper header pipes so as to be joined together to an upper side collection pipe.
  • the present invention it is possible to suppress, even with the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, the influence of the gravity exerted on the refrigerant, and suppress the reduction of the heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces.
  • FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a structure of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower header pipe, for illustrating a perforated pipe.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating liquid distribution characteristics of a lower header pipe as an example for comparing.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating liquid distribution characteristics of a perforated pipe built-in type lower header pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an external appearance and plan view of a multi-air conditioner outdoor unit for a building according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an external appearance and plan view of a package air conditioner outdoor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a structure of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the heat exchanger of this embodiment functions as an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that is installed in a space of intended use, and carries out heating and cooling. Therefore, the heat exchanger is a parallel flow type heat exchanger in which when the heat exchanger operates as a condenser in a phase of the cooling, refrigerant flows from the top to the bottom as indicated by dotted line arrows in FIG. 1 , and when the heat exchanger operates as an evaporator in a phase of the heating, the refrigerant flows from the bottom to the top as indicated by solid line arrows in FIG. 1 .
  • a heat exchanger 1 has a plurality of heat exchange function surface units 3 .
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which three heat exchange function surface units 3 are provided.
  • the adjacent heat exchange function surface units 3 are structured so as to be directed orthogonal to each other.
  • An upper header pipe 5 , a lower header pipe 7 , and a plurality of heat exchange pipes 9 provided between the pair of upper and lower header pipes 5 , 7 are provided in each of the heat exchange function surface units 3 .
  • a flat pipe is used as the heat exchange pipe 9 .
  • a fin 11 (specifically, a corrugated fin) is provided between the heat exchange pipes 9 .
  • One end of an upper communication pipe 13 is connected to each of the upper header pipes 5 .
  • the other end side of the upper communication pipe 13 is connected to an upper collection pipe 15 .
  • Each of the lower header pipes 7 is connected to a lower collection pipe 19 through a branch current adjusting section 17 described later.
  • the plurality of heat exchange function surface units 3 are arranged in a parallel connection relationship between the upper collection pipe 15 and the lower collection pipe 19 . Note that, although an illustration is omitted, it is assumed that a pair of the adjacent heat exchange function surface units 3 is covered with a blocking member such as a metallic plate so that the fluid to be subjected to the heat exchange is not bypassed.
  • the branch current adjusting section 17 serves to adjust a dryness and a flow rate of the refrigerant to be supplied to the plurality of lower header pipes 7 .
  • this embodiment is described in the form of a configuration in which when the refrigerant flows from the bottom to the top in the phase of the heating, gas-liquid two phase refrigerant is supplied to the plurality of heat exchange function surface units 3 with the equal dryness and flow rate.
  • the branch current adjusting section 17 includes a distributer 21 and at least one (two in the illustration) flow rate adjusting section 23 .
  • One end side of the distributer 21 is connected to the lower collection pipe 19 , and a plurality of connection ports on the other end side thereof are connected to ends on one side of corresponding lower communication pipes 25 .
  • ends on the other side of the lower communication pipes 25 are connected to collection side inlet and outlet ports 7 a of the corresponding lower header pipes 7 , respectively.
  • the distributer 21 connected in such a manner supplies the refrigerant to the plurality of lower communication pipes 25 with the equal dryness.
  • a capillary is used as the flow rate adjusting section 23 .
  • the flow rate adjusting section 23 is provided between the distributer 21 and the corresponding lower header pipe 7 , that is, in the lower communication pipe 25 , the flow rate adjusting section 23 is not necessarily arranged in all the lower communication pipes 25 .
  • the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a of the lower header pipe 7 and a collection side inlet and outlet port 5 a of the upper header pipe 5 are positioned mutually opposite to each other in a direction in which the header pipe extends.
  • the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a of the lower header pipe 7 is provided on one end side of the lower header pipe 7
  • the collection side inlet and outlet port 5 a of the upper header pipe 5 is provided on the other end side of the upper header pipe 5 . That is, refrigerant distribution paths between the collection side inlet and outlet port 5 a and the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a are designed so as to be approximately equal in flow path length even via any of the heat exchange pipes 9 .
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower header pipe, for illustrating the perforated pipe.
  • the plurality of heat exchange pipes 9 and communication holes with the plurality of heat exchange pipes 9 which are supposed to be positioned above the lower header pipe 7 , are omitted in illustration thereof.
  • the perforated pipe 27 is a block-shaped or pipe-shaped member, and is provided approximately in the vicinity of the center of the space inside the lower header pipe 7 in a state in which the perforated pipe 27 is floated from an inner surface of the lower header pipe 7 .
  • a large number of distribution holes 29 are formed in the perforated pipe 27 .
  • the distribution holes 29 are arranged approximately in the lower section of the perforated pipe 27 .
  • a double pipe structure is obtained by a combination of such a perforated pipe 27 and the lower header pipe 7 . Therefore, for example, in the phase of the heating, after the refrigerant, which flows through the lower communication pipe 25 , temporarily flows into the perforated pipe 27 , the refrigerant equally flows out from the large number of distribution holes 29 to the outside of the perforated pipe 27 in a depth direction (in a horizontal direction of the drawing sheet of FIG. 2 ). Further, the refrigerant is equally dispersed inside the lower header pipe 7 to be equally supplied from the communication holes (not shown) of the upper surface of the lower header pipe 7 to the plurality of heat exchange pipes 9 .
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating liquid distribution characteristics of a lower header pipe as an example for comparing, which is horizontally arranged and does not have the perforated pipe.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating liquid distribution characteristics of a perforated pipe built-in type lower header pipe according to this embodiment, which is horizontally arranged.
  • an axis of abscissa represents a path number, that is, numbers of flow paths of the heat exchange pipes arranged in the depth direction of the lower header pipe (flow paths of 28 flat pipes vertically inserted into the upper surface of the lower header pipe).
  • An axis of ordinate represents a liquid distribution ratio for each path number.
  • any of the cases is out of an example of an equal distribution line indicated in parallel with the axis of abscissa.
  • FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an outer appearance and plan view of the multi-air conditioner outdoor unit for a building.
  • the multi-air conditioner outdoor unit for a building is employed as a high-performance apparatus that is larger in size than an outdoor unit for general home use.
  • the heat exchange function surface units 3 are allocated to three surfaces of a housing 103 , respectively.
  • a propeller fan 105 is arranged at the center of these heat exchange function surface units 3 .
  • air is drawn into the housing 103 from three side surfaces of the housing 103 and is subjected to the heat exchange in the heat exchange function surface units 3 .
  • the air is ejected from an air outlet formed in a fan guard 109 provided on an upper surface of the housing 103 (top-flow type).
  • the heat exchanger 1 serving as the outdoor unit operates as an evaporator.
  • the gas-liquid two phase refrigerant, which has entered the distributer 21 becomes a uniform mist flow when passing through an orifice (not shown) to be supplied to each of the lower communication pipes 25 .
  • the uniform mist flow is adjusted in flow rate thereof in each of the flow rate adjusting sections 23 to flow into the lower header pipe 7 of the corresponding heat exchange function surface unit 3 .
  • the refrigerant which has flowed into the lower header pipe 7 through the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a of the lower header pipe 7 , is ejected from the distribution holes 29 of the perforated Pipe 27 to be equally distributed to the heat exchange pipes 9 .
  • the perforated pipe 27 when the dryness is large, minute droplets are ejected from the small holes. When the dryness is small, the bubbles are ejected to the liquid part collected in the annular section. Therefore, the equal distribution is realized independently of the dryness and the flow rate.
  • the refrigerant After the refrigerant is subjected to the heat exchange with the air (not shown) when having passed through the heat exchange pipes 9 , the refrigerant flows into the upper header pipe 5 and then flows out through the collection side inlet and outlet port 5 a on the opposite side to the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a of the lower header pipe 7 .
  • the refrigerant which has flowed out through each of the collection side inlet and outlet ports 5 a , passes through the corresponding upper communication pipe 13 to join another refrigerant in the upper collection pipe 15 . Note that, in the phase of the cooling operation, the heat exchanger 1 operates as the condenser, and hence the flow of the refrigerant is reversed.
  • the header pipes are directed in the horizontal direction, and hence the influence of the gravity can be suppressed for the refrigerant distribution, and the refrigerant can be equally distributed to the plurality of heat exchange pipes.
  • the header pipes are horizontally arranged in such a manner, a plurality of surfaces can be controlled to exhibit the heat exchange function without being impeded by the actual situation that the curve of the header pipe is difficult to form.
  • the heat exchange is carried out in a plurality of surfaces, the refrigerant is branched in distribution thereof in parallel to the plurality of heat exchange function surface units.
  • the upstream/downstream relationship is not generated mutually among the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and hence the satisfactory heat exchange efficiency can be maintained in each of the heat exchange function surface units.
  • the refrigerant is supplied to the heat exchange function surface units in a distributive manner. Therefore, the very satisfactory heat exchange performance can be obtained in all the heat exchange function surface units.
  • the entire heat exchanger does not have such a flow path that the refrigerant, which has been subjected to the heat exchange in the plurality of heat exchange pipes, is collected once, and is branched to the plurality of heat exchange pipes again. Therefore, there is no such problem that the refrigerant cannot be equally supplied to the plurality of heat exchange pipes.
  • the heat exchanger and the heat exchange method of this embodiment even with the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, the influence of the gravity exerted on the refrigerant can be suppressed, and the reduction of the heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces can be suppressed.
  • the inlet and outlet port of the lower header pipe and the inlet and outlet port of the upper header pipe are arranged on opposite sides to each other. Therefore, even when the refrigerant passes through any of the heat exchange pipes, the pressure losses become approximately equal to each other, that is, the equal distribution of the gas-liquid two phase flow can be realized.
  • the perforated pipe is provided inside the lower header pipe, with the result that the minute droplets or the bubbles are ejected from the distribution holes to the annular section of the double structure, to thereby also promote the equal distribution of the gas-liquid two phase refrigerant.
  • the number of distributions to the heat exchange pipes is increased, and the number of times of the distribution is suppressed low (in the example described above, the number of times of the distribution is only one). Therefore, although innumerable heat exchange pipes are used in order to prepare the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, the refrigerant pressure loss can be suppressed low relative to the number of heat exchange pipes. Therefore, in particular, low-pressure refrigerant (such as refrigerant exhibiting a large refrigerant pressure loss), for example, HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze, or R134a can also be effectively utilized.
  • low-pressure refrigerant such as refrigerant exhibiting a large refrigerant pressure loss
  • FIG. 6 A description is made of a second embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 6 .
  • the first embodiment described above exemplifies such a mode that the refrigerant dryness is equally adjusted for the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and the refrigerant flow rate is changed depending on the heat loads (mainly depend on the passing air velocity in the heat exchange section), which are different from one another in the heat exchange function surface units.
  • the present invention is not limited to that mode. That is, the present invention also encompasses such a mode that the refrigerant drynesses and/or the refrigerant flow rates are adjusted so as to be different from one another in the plurality of heat exchange function surface units.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an external appearance and plan view of the application to the package air conditioner outdoor unit.
  • the heat exchange function surface units 3 are allocated to a side surface and a back surface of a housing 203 , respectively.
  • a propeller fan 205 By rotation of a propeller fan 205 , as indicated by arrows 207 , the air is drawn into the housing 203 from the side surface and the back surface of the housing 203 , and is subjected to the heat exchange in the heat exchange function surface units 3 . Then, as indicated by arrows 211 , the air is ejected from an air outlet provided in the front surface of the housing 203 .
  • the influence of the gravity exerted on the refrigerant can be suppressed, and the reduction of the heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces can be suppressed.
  • the mode of formation of the distribution holes is not limited thereto, and the orientation, the number, and the hole shape of the distribution holes may be suitably changed.
  • the structure of the branch current adjusting section described above is also merely an example, and hence may be suitably changed.
  • a branch current adjusting section having such a mode that height positions of a plurality of outlet port side branching pipes such as Y-shaped branching pipes or low-pressure loss distributers are made different from one another, a rate of a branch current of a liquid phase is changed by an influence of the gravity, and the dryness and the flow rate are simultaneously adjusted.

Abstract

A heat exchanger has a plurality of heat exchange function surface units, capable of suppressing an influence of the gravity exerted on refrigerant and suppressing reduction of heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces. The heat exchanger has the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and includes an upper header pipe, a lower header pipe, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes provided between the pair of upper and lower header pipes in each of the heat exchange function surface units. The plurality of heat exchange function surface units have a parallel connection relationship, and a plurality of the lower header pipes are connected to a lower collection pipe through a branch current adjusting section.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to a heat exchanger and a heat exchange method.
  • BACKGROUND ART
  • As one type of the heat exchanger, a parallel flow type heat exchanger is given. This heat exchanger includes a pair of header pipes, and a plurality of flat pipes provided between those header pipes. This heat exchanger is configured so that after a fluid, which has flowed into one of the headers, flows through the plurality of flat pipes, the fluid flows out to the other of the header pipes.
  • In this parallel flow type heat exchanger, when the pair of header pipes is arranged in a vertical up-and-down direction, due to an influence of the gravity, liquid refrigerant in gas-liquid two phase refrigerant is liable to flow into flat pipes positioned on a relatively lower side, thereby being difficult to equally distribute the refrigerant to the plurality of flat pipes.
  • Therefore, the parallel flow type heat exchanger may have such a structure that the pair of header pipes is horizontally arranged, to thereby suppress the influence of the gravity mutually between the plurality of flat pipes.
  • On the other hand, an existing outdoor unit of an air conditioner may have such a structure that heat exchange surfaces are arranged in a plurality of surfaces of a housing of the outdoor unit. When the above-mentioned parallel flow type heat exchanger having the pair of header pipes horizontally arranged is caused to exert its function in the plurality of surfaces of the housing of the outdoor unit, it is necessary to curve each of the header pipes along the plurality of surfaces. However, when the header pipe is curved into, for example, an L-shape or a U-shape, significant loads are applied, and hence there arise problems in that the apparatus is upsized and cost is increased.
  • To address those problems, for example, a heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is given. In the heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a pair of header pipes has been prepared separately for each of a plurality of surfaces.
  • CITATION LIST Patent Literature
    • [PTL 1] JP 2010-107103 A
    SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem
  • However, the above-mentioned heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has employed such a mode that after the refrigerant, which has flowed through a plurality of flat pipes in certain one surface (first surface), is collected to the header pipe on the outflow side of the one surface (first surface), the refrigerant is guided from this header pipe to the header pipe on the inflow side of the next surface (second surface) and distributed through a plurality of flat pipes of the next surface (second surface), and subsequently, the refrigerant is likewise guided to the next surface in sequence depending on the number of surfaces.
  • For this reason, an upstream/downstream relationship is generated among a plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and heat exchange efficiency is more reduced in the surface of the downstream side. In addition, the branch to a plurality of flat pipes and the collection following the branch are repeated, and hence there is a fear in that in the second and subsequent surfaces, the refrigerant after the heat exchange cannot be suitably branched to the plurality of flat pipes again.
  • The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing, and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger and the like, each of which is capable of suppressing, even with a plurality of heat exchange function surface units, an influence of the gravity exerted on refrigerant, and suppressing reduction of heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces.
  • Solution to Problem
  • In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of heat exchange function surface units; each of the plurality of heat exchange function surface units having an upper header pipe, a lower header pipe, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes provided between a pair of the upper header pipe and the lower header pipe; the plurality of heat exchange function surface units having a parallel connection relationship; a plurality of the lower header pipes being connected to a lower collection pipe through a branch current adjusting section.
  • Further, in order to achieve the same object, according to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a heat exchange method of carrying out heat exchange in a plurality of surfaces, the heat exchange method including: preparing an upper header pipe, a lower header pipe, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes provided between a pair of the upper header pipe and the lower header pipe in each of a plurality of heat exchange function surface units; connecting the plurality of heat exchange function surface units in parallel, and connecting a plurality of the lower header pipes to a lower collection pipe through a branch current adjusting section; and branching, by the branch current adjusting section, refrigerant inside the lower collection pipe in parallel to the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, subjecting the refrigerant to the heat exchange in the each of the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and causing the refrigerant to flow out from a plurality of the upper header pipes so as to be joined together to an upper side collection pipe.
  • Advantageous Effects of Invention
  • According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress, even with the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, the influence of the gravity exerted on the refrigerant, and suppress the reduction of the heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a structure of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower header pipe, for illustrating a perforated pipe.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating liquid distribution characteristics of a lower header pipe as an example for comparing.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating liquid distribution characteristics of a perforated pipe built-in type lower header pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an external appearance and plan view of a multi-air conditioner outdoor unit for a building according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an external appearance and plan view of a package air conditioner outdoor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
  • Now, a heat exchanger and a heat exchange method according to embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the drawings, the same reference symbols represent the same or corresponding parts.
  • First Embodiment
  • FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a structure of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger of this embodiment functions as an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that is installed in a space of intended use, and carries out heating and cooling. Therefore, the heat exchanger is a parallel flow type heat exchanger in which when the heat exchanger operates as a condenser in a phase of the cooling, refrigerant flows from the top to the bottom as indicated by dotted line arrows in FIG. 1, and when the heat exchanger operates as an evaporator in a phase of the heating, the refrigerant flows from the bottom to the top as indicated by solid line arrows in FIG. 1.
  • A heat exchanger 1 has a plurality of heat exchange function surface units 3. Note that, FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which three heat exchange function surface units 3 are provided. In addition, in the example of FIG. 1, the adjacent heat exchange function surface units 3 are structured so as to be directed orthogonal to each other.
  • An upper header pipe 5, a lower header pipe 7, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes 9 provided between the pair of upper and lower header pipes 5, 7 are provided in each of the heat exchange function surface units 3. Specifically, a flat pipe is used as the heat exchange pipe 9. A fin 11 (specifically, a corrugated fin) is provided between the heat exchange pipes 9.
  • One end of an upper communication pipe 13 is connected to each of the upper header pipes 5. The other end side of the upper communication pipe 13 is connected to an upper collection pipe 15. Each of the lower header pipes 7 is connected to a lower collection pipe 19 through a branch current adjusting section 17 described later. In such a manner, the plurality of heat exchange function surface units 3 are arranged in a parallel connection relationship between the upper collection pipe 15 and the lower collection pipe 19. Note that, although an illustration is omitted, it is assumed that a pair of the adjacent heat exchange function surface units 3 is covered with a blocking member such as a metallic plate so that the fluid to be subjected to the heat exchange is not bypassed.
  • The branch current adjusting section 17 serves to adjust a dryness and a flow rate of the refrigerant to be supplied to the plurality of lower header pipes 7. Note that, as an example, this embodiment is described in the form of a configuration in which when the refrigerant flows from the bottom to the top in the phase of the heating, gas-liquid two phase refrigerant is supplied to the plurality of heat exchange function surface units 3 with the equal dryness and flow rate.
  • As an example of a configuration for realizing the equalization of such a dryness and a flow rate, the branch current adjusting section 17 includes a distributer 21 and at least one (two in the illustration) flow rate adjusting section 23. One end side of the distributer 21 is connected to the lower collection pipe 19, and a plurality of connection ports on the other end side thereof are connected to ends on one side of corresponding lower communication pipes 25. In addition, ends on the other side of the lower communication pipes 25 are connected to collection side inlet and outlet ports 7 a of the corresponding lower header pipes 7, respectively. The distributer 21 connected in such a manner supplies the refrigerant to the plurality of lower communication pipes 25 with the equal dryness.
  • In the illustrated example, a capillary is used as the flow rate adjusting section 23. Although the flow rate adjusting section 23 is provided between the distributer 21 and the corresponding lower header pipe 7, that is, in the lower communication pipe 25, the flow rate adjusting section 23 is not necessarily arranged in all the lower communication pipes 25.
  • In each of the heat exchange function surface units 3, the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a of the lower header pipe 7 and a collection side inlet and outlet port 5 a of the upper header pipe 5 are positioned mutually opposite to each other in a direction in which the header pipe extends. In other words, the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a of the lower header pipe 7 is provided on one end side of the lower header pipe 7, and the collection side inlet and outlet port 5 a of the upper header pipe 5 is provided on the other end side of the upper header pipe 5. That is, refrigerant distribution paths between the collection side inlet and outlet port 5 a and the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a are designed so as to be approximately equal in flow path length even via any of the heat exchange pipes 9.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 2, a perforated pipe 27 is provided inside each of the lower header pipes 7. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower header pipe, for illustrating the perforated pipe. The plurality of heat exchange pipes 9 and communication holes with the plurality of heat exchange pipes 9, which are supposed to be positioned above the lower header pipe 7, are omitted in illustration thereof.
  • The perforated pipe 27 is a block-shaped or pipe-shaped member, and is provided approximately in the vicinity of the center of the space inside the lower header pipe 7 in a state in which the perforated pipe 27 is floated from an inner surface of the lower header pipe 7. In addition, a large number of distribution holes 29 are formed in the perforated pipe 27. As an example, the distribution holes 29 are arranged approximately in the lower section of the perforated pipe 27.
  • A double pipe structure is obtained by a combination of such a perforated pipe 27 and the lower header pipe 7. Therefore, for example, in the phase of the heating, after the refrigerant, which flows through the lower communication pipe 25, temporarily flows into the perforated pipe 27, the refrigerant equally flows out from the large number of distribution holes 29 to the outside of the perforated pipe 27 in a depth direction (in a horizontal direction of the drawing sheet of FIG. 2). Further, the refrigerant is equally dispersed inside the lower header pipe 7 to be equally supplied from the communication holes (not shown) of the upper surface of the lower header pipe 7 to the plurality of heat exchange pipes 9.
  • Next, a description is made of the effects of the perforated pipe described above. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating liquid distribution characteristics of a lower header pipe as an example for comparing, which is horizontally arranged and does not have the perforated pipe. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating liquid distribution characteristics of a perforated pipe built-in type lower header pipe according to this embodiment, which is horizontally arranged.
  • In addition, in graph parts of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, an axis of abscissa represents a path number, that is, numbers of flow paths of the heat exchange pipes arranged in the depth direction of the lower header pipe (flow paths of 28 flat pipes vertically inserted into the upper surface of the lower header pipe). An axis of ordinate represents a liquid distribution ratio for each path number. In addition, experimental results of three cases 1, 2, and 3 are shown, in which a refrigerant flow rate Gr [kg/hour] and an inlet port dryness X are changed with respect to the lower header pipes of the example for comparing and this embodiment.
  • First, in the example for comparing illustrated in FIG. 3, in the cases 1 and 3 in which the refrigerant flow rates Gr are each 90 [kg/hour] and the inlet port drynesses X are different from each other, the effect is not exhibited that the refrigerant is held in contact with the inside of a lower header pipe 7′, and hence does not bounce off the inside of the lower header pipe 7′. Therefore, it is understood that the refrigerant directly flows into the heat exchange pipes 9, and hence the liquid distribution ratio is larger in the downstream region (the path numbers of No. 23 to 28). In addition, in the case 2 exhibiting the flow rate of 180 [kg/hour], which is more than that of each of the case 1 and the case 3, due to the presence of the liquid refrigerant that is abundantly supplied, the effect that the liquid refrigerant bounces off the inside of the lower header pipe 7′, or the flow is disturbed provides the tendency to relax imbalance characteristics of the liquid to a certain extent. However, any of the cases is out of an example of an equal distribution line indicated in parallel with the axis of abscissa.
  • On the other hand, in the perforated pipe built-in type lower header pipe of this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, it is understood that the satisfactory liquid distribution characteristics shown approximately along the equal distribution line are obtained in the three cases 1, 2, and 3 irrespective of the refrigerant flow rate and the inlet port dryness. This results from the following fact. That is, the perforated pipe 27 is inserted into the lower header pipe 7, and the distribution holes 29 of the perforated pipe 27 are arranged in a downward direction of the perforated pipe 27. In this way, an operation for stirring a liquid film of the refrigerant, which exists in an annular region surrounded by an inner surface of the lower header pipe 7, and an outer surface of the perforated pipe 27, by bubbles ejected from the bottom of the perforated pipe 27 is desirably obtained irrespective of the inlet port dryness and the flow rate. As a result, the equal distribution of the refrigerant is realized.
  • Subsequently, a description is made of a specific application example of the above-mentioned heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 1. Although this embodiment exemplifies such a mode that the refrigerant dryness and the refrigerant flow rate are equally adjusted for the plurality of heat exchange function surface units 3, an application to a multi-air conditioner outdoor unit for a building is given as the specific application example. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an outer appearance and plan view of the multi-air conditioner outdoor unit for a building. The multi-air conditioner outdoor unit for a building is employed as a high-performance apparatus that is larger in size than an outdoor unit for general home use.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 5, in a multi-air conditioner outdoor unit 101 for a building, the heat exchange function surface units 3 are allocated to three surfaces of a housing 103, respectively. In plan view, a propeller fan 105 is arranged at the center of these heat exchange function surface units 3. In addition, as indicated by arrows 107, air is drawn into the housing 103 from three side surfaces of the housing 103 and is subjected to the heat exchange in the heat exchange function surface units 3. Then, as indicated by arrows 111, the air is ejected from an air outlet formed in a fan guard 109 provided on an upper surface of the housing 103 (top-flow type).
  • Next, a description is made of an operation of the heat exchanger constructed in such a manner and the heat exchange method according to this embodiment. In the phase of the heating operation, the heat exchanger 1 serving as the outdoor unit operates as an evaporator. The gas-liquid two phase refrigerant, which has entered the distributer 21, becomes a uniform mist flow when passing through an orifice (not shown) to be supplied to each of the lower communication pipes 25. Then, the uniform mist flow is adjusted in flow rate thereof in each of the flow rate adjusting sections 23 to flow into the lower header pipe 7 of the corresponding heat exchange function surface unit 3. The refrigerant, which has flowed into the lower header pipe 7 through the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a of the lower header pipe 7, is ejected from the distribution holes 29 of the perforated Pipe 27 to be equally distributed to the heat exchange pipes 9. In the perforated pipe 27, when the dryness is large, minute droplets are ejected from the small holes. When the dryness is small, the bubbles are ejected to the liquid part collected in the annular section. Therefore, the equal distribution is realized independently of the dryness and the flow rate. After the refrigerant is subjected to the heat exchange with the air (not shown) when having passed through the heat exchange pipes 9, the refrigerant flows into the upper header pipe 5 and then flows out through the collection side inlet and outlet port 5 a on the opposite side to the collection side inlet and outlet port 7 a of the lower header pipe 7. The refrigerant, which has flowed out through each of the collection side inlet and outlet ports 5 a, passes through the corresponding upper communication pipe 13 to join another refrigerant in the upper collection pipe 15. Note that, in the phase of the cooling operation, the heat exchanger 1 operates as the condenser, and hence the flow of the refrigerant is reversed.
  • As has been described so far, according to the heat exchanger and the heat exchange method using the heat exchanger of the present invention, the following advantages are obtained. First, in the heat exchange function surface units, the header pipes are directed in the horizontal direction, and hence the influence of the gravity can be suppressed for the refrigerant distribution, and the refrigerant can be equally distributed to the plurality of heat exchange pipes. In addition, although the header pipes are horizontally arranged in such a manner, a plurality of surfaces can be controlled to exhibit the heat exchange function without being impeded by the actual situation that the curve of the header pipe is difficult to form. Moreover, although the heat exchange is carried out in a plurality of surfaces, the refrigerant is branched in distribution thereof in parallel to the plurality of heat exchange function surface units. Therefore, the upstream/downstream relationship is not generated mutually among the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and hence the satisfactory heat exchange efficiency can be maintained in each of the heat exchange function surface units. In particular, in this embodiment, after the dryness and the flow rate of the refrigerant have been desirably adjusted depending on the conditions of the heat exchange function surface units through the distributor and the flow rate adjusting section, the refrigerant is supplied to the heat exchange function surface units in a distributive manner. Therefore, the very satisfactory heat exchange performance can be obtained in all the heat exchange function surface units. In addition, the entire heat exchanger does not have such a flow path that the refrigerant, which has been subjected to the heat exchange in the plurality of heat exchange pipes, is collected once, and is branched to the plurality of heat exchange pipes again. Therefore, there is no such problem that the refrigerant cannot be equally supplied to the plurality of heat exchange pipes. In such a manner, according to the heat exchanger and the heat exchange method of this embodiment, even with the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, the influence of the gravity exerted on the refrigerant can be suppressed, and the reduction of the heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces can be suppressed.
  • In addition, in each of the heat exchange function surface units, the inlet and outlet port of the lower header pipe and the inlet and outlet port of the upper header pipe are arranged on opposite sides to each other. Therefore, even when the refrigerant passes through any of the heat exchange pipes, the pressure losses become approximately equal to each other, that is, the equal distribution of the gas-liquid two phase flow can be realized. In addition, the perforated pipe is provided inside the lower header pipe, with the result that the minute droplets or the bubbles are ejected from the distribution holes to the annular section of the double structure, to thereby also promote the equal distribution of the gas-liquid two phase refrigerant. Moreover, in this embodiment, the number of distributions to the heat exchange pipes is increased, and the number of times of the distribution is suppressed low (in the example described above, the number of times of the distribution is only one). Therefore, although innumerable heat exchange pipes are used in order to prepare the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, the refrigerant pressure loss can be suppressed low relative to the number of heat exchange pipes. Therefore, in particular, low-pressure refrigerant (such as refrigerant exhibiting a large refrigerant pressure loss), for example, HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze, or R134a can also be effectively utilized.
  • Second Embodiment
  • A description is made of a second embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 6. The first embodiment described above exemplifies such a mode that the refrigerant dryness is equally adjusted for the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and the refrigerant flow rate is changed depending on the heat loads (mainly depend on the passing air velocity in the heat exchange section), which are different from one another in the heat exchange function surface units. However, the present invention is not limited to that mode. That is, the present invention also encompasses such a mode that the refrigerant drynesses and/or the refrigerant flow rates are adjusted so as to be different from one another in the plurality of heat exchange function surface units. As a specific application example, an application to a package air conditioner outdoor unit is given. FIG. 6 illustrates an external appearance and plan view of the application to the package air conditioner outdoor unit.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 6, in a package air conditioner outdoor unit 201, the heat exchange function surface units 3 are allocated to a side surface and a back surface of a housing 203, respectively. By rotation of a propeller fan 205, as indicated by arrows 207, the air is drawn into the housing 203 from the side surface and the back surface of the housing 203, and is subjected to the heat exchange in the heat exchange function surface units 3. Then, as indicated by arrows 211, the air is ejected from an air outlet provided in the front surface of the housing 203.
  • According to the second embodiment as well, similarly to the first embodiment, even with the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, the influence of the gravity exerted on the refrigerant can be suppressed, and the reduction of the heat exchange performance in each of the surfaces can be suppressed.
  • The details of the present invention have been described above specifically with reference to the preferred embodiments, but it is apparent that a person skilled in the art may employ various modifications based on the basic technical thoughts and teachings of the present invention.
  • For example, although in the perforated pipe described above, the large number of distribution holes have been described as being provided in the downward direction, the mode of formation of the distribution holes is not limited thereto, and the orientation, the number, and the hole shape of the distribution holes may be suitably changed. In addition, the structure of the branch current adjusting section described above is also merely an example, and hence may be suitably changed. For example, there may also be used a branch current adjusting section having such a mode that height positions of a plurality of outlet port side branching pipes such as Y-shaped branching pipes or low-pressure loss distributers are made different from one another, a rate of a branch current of a liquid phase is changed by an influence of the gravity, and the dryness and the flow rate are simultaneously adjusted.
  • REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
      • 1 heat exchanger, 3 heat exchange function surface unit, 5 upper header pipe, 7 lower header pipe, 5 a, 7 a collection side inlet and outlet port, 9 heat exchange pipe, 17 branch current adjusting section, 19 lower collection pipe, 21 distributer, 23 flow rate adjusting section, 25 lower communication pipe, 27 perforated pipe, 29 distribution hole.

Claims (11)

1. A heat exchanger comprising:
a plurality of heat exchange function surface units having an upper header pipe, a lower header pipe, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes provided between a pair of the upper header pipe and the lower header pipe;
the plurality of heat exchange function surface units having a parallel connection relationship;
a plurality of the lower header pipes being connected to a lower collection pipe through a branch current adjusting section.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1,
wherein the branch current adjusting section comprises a distributer and at least one flow rate adjusting section,
wherein the distributer is provided between the lower collection pipe and the plurality of the lower header pipes, and equalizes a dryness of refrigerant to be supplied to the plurality of the lower header pipes, and
wherein the at least one flow rate adjusting section is arranged between the distributer and a corresponding one of the plurality of the lower header pipes.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of the lower header pipes comprises a perforated pipe arranged thereinside.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein in the each of the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, a collection side inlet and outlet port of the lower header pipe is provided on one end side of the lower header pipe, and a collection side inlet and outlet port of the upper header pipe is provided on another end side of the upper header pipe.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant to be used comprises HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze, or R134a as low-pressure refrigerant.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. A heat exchange method of carrying out heat exchange in a plurality of surfaces, the heat exchange method comprising:
preparing an upper header pipe, a lower header pipe, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes provided between a pair of the upper header pipe and the lower header pipe in each of a plurality of heat exchange function surface units;
connecting the plurality of heat exchange function surface units in parallel, and connecting a plurality of the lower header pipes to a lower collection pipe through a branch current adjusting section; and
branching, by the branch current adjusting section, refrigerant inside the lower collection pipe in parallel to the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, subjecting the refrigerant to the heat exchange in the each of the plurality of heat exchange function surface units, and causing the refrigerant to flow out from a plurality of the upper header pipes so as to be joined together to an upper side collection pipe.
9. The heat exchange method according to claim 8, wherein the refrigerant to be used comprises HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze, or R134a as low-pressure refrigerant.
10. A refrigeration cycle system comprising the heat exchanger according to claim 1.
11. An air conditioner, comprising the heat exchanger according to claim 1.
US14/391,466 2012-04-26 2012-04-26 Heat exchanger and heat exchange method Abandoned US20150083383A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2012/061232 WO2013161038A1 (en) 2012-04-26 2012-04-26 Heat exchanger and heat exchange method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150083383A1 true US20150083383A1 (en) 2015-03-26

Family

ID=49482407

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/391,466 Abandoned US20150083383A1 (en) 2012-04-26 2012-04-26 Heat exchanger and heat exchange method

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20150083383A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2863161B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6104893B2 (en)
CN (2) CN104335000B (en)
ES (1) ES2702291T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2013161038A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120199313A1 (en) * 2009-10-13 2012-08-09 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Cooling Device For a Hybrid Vehicle
KR20180000492U (en) 2016-08-11 2018-02-21 삼성중공업 주식회사 Ship and method for connecting sensor of ship
US10415860B2 (en) * 2015-09-09 2019-09-17 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning apparatus
US11333401B2 (en) * 2017-07-04 2022-05-17 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Refrigeration cycle apparatus

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20160146885A (en) * 2014-04-22 2016-12-21 미쓰비시덴키 가부시키가이샤 Air conditioner
CN107532864A (en) * 2015-05-12 2018-01-02 三菱电机株式会社 Corrugated-fin type heat exchanger, refrigerating circulatory device, the manufacture method of the manufacture device of corrugated fin and corrugated-fin type heat exchanger
JP6650752B2 (en) * 2015-12-24 2020-02-19 株式会社前川製作所 Air-cooled heat exchange unit and cooler unit
JP2018109455A (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-07-12 株式会社前川製作所 Air-cooled type heat exchange unit and cooler unit
JP2019152367A (en) * 2018-03-02 2019-09-12 パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 Heat exchange unit and air conditioner using the same
JP6576577B1 (en) * 2018-06-11 2019-09-18 三菱電機株式会社 Refrigerant distributor, heat exchanger, and air conditioner
JPWO2020100897A1 (en) * 2018-11-12 2021-06-10 三菱電機株式会社 How to manufacture heat exchangers and heat exchangers
CN112066602A (en) * 2020-09-14 2020-12-11 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Heat exchanger, air conditioner and air conditioner control method and device

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5806586A (en) * 1993-07-03 1998-09-15 Ernst Flitsch Gmbh & Co. Plate heat exchanger with a refrigerant distributor
US6729386B1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2004-05-04 Stanley H. Sather Pulp drier coil with improved header
US7143605B2 (en) * 2003-12-22 2006-12-05 Hussman Corporation Flat-tube evaporator with micro-distributor
US7331195B2 (en) * 2004-10-01 2008-02-19 Advanced Heat Transfer Llc Refrigerant distribution device and method
WO2009117159A2 (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-24 Carrier Corporation A micro-channel heat exchanger suitable for bending
CN101949663A (en) * 2010-09-13 2011-01-19 三花丹佛斯(杭州)微通道换热器有限公司 Refrigerant guide pipe and heat exchanger with same
US20110127023A1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2011-06-02 Taras Michael F Design characteristics for heat exchangers distribution insert
US20110226005A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2011-09-22 Hyung Jun Lee Distributor, and evaporator and refrigerating machine with the same
US8113270B2 (en) * 2005-02-02 2012-02-14 Carrier Corporation Tube insert and bi-flow arrangement for a header of a heat pump
US8408284B2 (en) * 2011-05-05 2013-04-02 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Heat exchanger assembly

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4373353A (en) * 1977-08-17 1983-02-15 Fedders Corporation Refrigerant control
JPH0626783A (en) * 1992-07-10 1994-02-04 Kobe Steel Ltd Gasification device for liquefied natural gas
JPH06159840A (en) * 1992-11-18 1994-06-07 Nippondenso Co Ltd Heat pump type air conditioner
FR2713320B1 (en) * 1993-12-02 1996-02-02 Mc International Process for continuous control and defrosting of a refrigeration exchanger and installation equipped with such an exchanger.
JPH0942743A (en) * 1995-07-27 1997-02-14 Hitachi Ltd Air conditioner refrigerant branch unit used therefor
JPH10185358A (en) * 1996-10-24 1998-07-14 Showa Alum Corp Evaporator
KR100497847B1 (en) * 1996-10-24 2005-09-30 쇼와 덴코 가부시키가이샤 Evaporator
JPH10160382A (en) * 1996-11-29 1998-06-19 Toyo Radiator Co Ltd Heat exchanger for air conditioning and manufacture of the same
US5842351A (en) * 1997-10-24 1998-12-01 American Standard Inc. Mixing device for improved distribution of refrigerant to evaporator
US7597137B2 (en) * 2007-02-28 2009-10-06 Colmac Coil Manufacturing, Inc. Heat exchanger system
JP2010038439A (en) * 2008-08-05 2010-02-18 Sharp Corp Heat exchanger
JP5385589B2 (en) 2008-10-30 2014-01-08 シャープ株式会社 Air conditioner outdoor unit
CN101907376B (en) * 2009-06-02 2012-07-25 江森自控楼宇设备科技(无锡)有限公司 Device for distributing refrigerant in refrigeration system
CN101762201B (en) * 2010-01-05 2012-07-04 华北电力大学 Flute-shaped current equalizer applied for uniformly distributing two-phase flow of header branch pipe
JP5608478B2 (en) * 2010-08-31 2014-10-15 日立アプライアンス株式会社 Heat exchanger and air conditioner using the same

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5806586A (en) * 1993-07-03 1998-09-15 Ernst Flitsch Gmbh & Co. Plate heat exchanger with a refrigerant distributor
US6729386B1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2004-05-04 Stanley H. Sather Pulp drier coil with improved header
US7143605B2 (en) * 2003-12-22 2006-12-05 Hussman Corporation Flat-tube evaporator with micro-distributor
US7331195B2 (en) * 2004-10-01 2008-02-19 Advanced Heat Transfer Llc Refrigerant distribution device and method
US8113270B2 (en) * 2005-02-02 2012-02-14 Carrier Corporation Tube insert and bi-flow arrangement for a header of a heat pump
WO2009117159A2 (en) * 2008-03-20 2009-09-24 Carrier Corporation A micro-channel heat exchanger suitable for bending
US20110094257A1 (en) * 2008-03-20 2011-04-28 Carrier Corporation Micro-channel heat exchanger suitable for bending
US20110127023A1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2011-06-02 Taras Michael F Design characteristics for heat exchangers distribution insert
US20110226005A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2011-09-22 Hyung Jun Lee Distributor, and evaporator and refrigerating machine with the same
CN101949663A (en) * 2010-09-13 2011-01-19 三花丹佛斯(杭州)微通道换热器有限公司 Refrigerant guide pipe and heat exchanger with same
US20130199764A1 (en) * 2010-09-13 2013-08-08 Danfoss A/S Refrigerant guiding pipe and heat exchanger having refrigerant guiding pipe
US8408284B2 (en) * 2011-05-05 2013-04-02 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Heat exchanger assembly

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120199313A1 (en) * 2009-10-13 2012-08-09 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Cooling Device For a Hybrid Vehicle
US9238994B2 (en) * 2009-10-13 2016-01-19 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Cooling device for a hybrid vehicle
US10415860B2 (en) * 2015-09-09 2019-09-17 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning apparatus
KR20180000492U (en) 2016-08-11 2018-02-21 삼성중공업 주식회사 Ship and method for connecting sensor of ship
US11333401B2 (en) * 2017-07-04 2022-05-17 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Refrigeration cycle apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2013161038A1 (en) 2013-10-31
CN104335000A (en) 2015-02-04
ES2702291T3 (en) 2019-02-28
EP2863161B1 (en) 2018-11-14
JPWO2013161038A1 (en) 2015-12-21
CN104335000B (en) 2016-09-14
EP2863161A4 (en) 2016-03-23
CN203323459U (en) 2013-12-04
JP6104893B2 (en) 2017-03-29
EP2863161A1 (en) 2015-04-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20150083383A1 (en) Heat exchanger and heat exchange method
EP2853843B1 (en) A refrigerant distributing device, and heat exchanger equipped with such a refrigerant distributing device
JP6352401B2 (en) Air conditioner
EP3217135B1 (en) Layered header, heat exchanger, and air-conditioning device
EP2998679B1 (en) Laminated header, heat exchanger, and air conditioner
US10168083B2 (en) Refrigeration system and heat exchanger thereof
WO2017073096A1 (en) Outdoor unit and indoor unit for air conditioner
EP3051245B1 (en) Laminate-type header, heat exchanger, and air-conditioning apparatus
JPWO2016135935A1 (en) Heat exchange device and air conditioner using the same
EP2971982B1 (en) Modular coil for air cooled chillers
WO2014205799A1 (en) Microchannel heat exchangers
WO2019058540A1 (en) Refrigerant distributor and air-conditioning device
WO2015099872A1 (en) Distributor for falling film evaporator
JP2018194251A (en) Heat exchanger
JPWO2014068687A1 (en) Parallel flow heat exchanger and air conditioner using the same
CN109695973A (en) Parallel-flow evaporator
EP3087331B1 (en) Refrigerant riser for evaporator
EP3077756B1 (en) Asymmetric evaporator
CN102679632A (en) Plate type heat exchanger
JP2017141999A (en) Header distributor, outdoor machine mounted with header distributor, and air conditioner
EP4083557A1 (en) Heat exchanger unit and refrigeration cycle device
CN117685693A (en) Refrigerant radiator and air conditioner with same
JP2018096559A (en) Heat exchanger
KR20030042710A (en) Heat exchanger for air conditioner
KR20010018410A (en) Manifold of heat exchanger for air conditioning system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:OKAZAKI, TAKASHI;ISHIBASHI, AKIRA;LEE, SANGMU;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140908 TO 20140911;REEL/FRAME:033921/0072

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION