CN116697640A

CN116697640A - Evaporator

Info

Publication number: CN116697640A
Application number: CN202310610353.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 彭建平; 周忠清; 邱燮宁; 梅露
Original assignee: York Guangzhou Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Co Ltd; Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
Current assignee: York Guangzhou Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Co Ltd; Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
Priority date: 2023-05-26
Filing date: 2023-05-26
Publication date: 2023-09-05
Also published as: WO2024245049A1

Abstract

The application discloses an evaporator, which comprises a distributing device, wherein the distributing device comprises a distributing device shell, at least one receiving port and at least one distributing part. The distribution device housing is disposed around the heat exchange tube and encloses the ends of the heat exchange tube. At least one distributor is rotatably connected to the distributor housing, wherein the distributor is configured to distribute refrigerant received from the respective receiving ports to the ends of at least a portion of the heat exchange tubes as the distributor rotates. The distributing piece in the distributing device of the evaporator distributes the refrigerant into each heat exchange tube uniformly in a rotating mode, so that the heat exchange efficiency of each heat exchange tube is ensured. Under the condition of the same heat exchange efficiency, the evaporator provided by the application can reduce the number of the heat exchange tubes, thereby reducing the size of the evaporator shell and reducing the cost. And under the condition that the sizes of the evaporator shells are the same, the evaporator can be provided with more heat exchange pipes, so that the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

Description

Evaporator

Technical Field

The present application relates to an evaporator, and more particularly, to a dry evaporator.

Background

Evaporators are a critical component in refrigeration systems, and dry evaporators are a common type of evaporator. The dry evaporator is internally provided with a plurality of heat exchange tubes, wherein the refrigerant flows in the heat exchange tubes, and the water flows outside the heat exchange tubes, so that the refrigerant in the heat exchange tubes and the water outside the heat exchange tubes can exchange heat in the evaporator shell. In the heat exchange process, the refrigerant in the heat exchange tube absorbs the heat of water outside the heat exchange tube and evaporates, thereby realizing the heat exchange function of the evaporator. Therefore, the refrigerant is uniformly distributed in the heat exchange tube, so that the heat exchange efficiency of the dry evaporator can be effectively ensured. However, since the number of heat exchange tubes in the dry evaporator is large, it is difficult to uniformly distribute the refrigerant into each heat exchange tube. It is therefore desirable to provide an evaporator that enables uniform distribution of refrigerant among the multiple heat exchange tubes within the evaporator.

Disclosure of Invention

The present application provides an evaporator comprising: the evaporator comprises an evaporator shell, a pair of tube plates, a plurality of heat exchange tubes and a distribution device. The dispensing device includes a dispensing device housing, at least one receiving opening, and at least one dispensing member. The evaporator housing has a length direction. The pair of pipe plates are respectively connected to two ends of the evaporator shell in the length direction. The plurality of heat exchange tubes are arranged in the evaporator shell and extend along the length direction of the evaporator shell, and the end parts of each heat exchange tube penetrate through the pair of tube plates. The distribution device is connected to one of the pair of tube sheets and configured to distribute refrigerant to at least a portion of the plurality of heat exchange tubes. The distribution device shell is provided with an accommodating space, is arranged around the heat exchange tube and seals the end part of the heat exchange tube. The at least one receiving port is provided on the distributor housing for receiving refrigerant. Each of the distribution members is in fluid communication with a respective receiving port, the at least one distribution member being disposed within the receiving space and rotatably coupled to the distribution device housing, wherein the distribution member is configured to distribute refrigerant received from the respective receiving port to the ends of at least a portion of the heat exchange tubes as the distribution member rotates.

According to the above, each of the distributing members includes a distributing chamber and a plurality of distributing ports communicating with the distributing chamber, and the distributing chamber of each distributing member communicates with one corresponding one of the receiving ports, wherein the plurality of distributing ports are provided on a bottom wall of the distributing member facing the heat exchange tube.

According to the above, the dispensing device further comprises at least one connecting tube. Each of the connection tubes is in fluid communication with one of the distribution members and the corresponding receiving port such that refrigerant received from the corresponding receiving port can flow through the connection tube and into the distribution member, wherein the connection tube is configured to co-rotate with the distribution member.

According to the above, the dispensing device further comprises at least one bearing. The at least one bearing is disposed between the connecting tube and the dispensing device housing.

According to the above, the bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a rolling member disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the outer ring is connected with the distribution device housing, and the inner ring is connected with the connection pipe such that the bearing facilitates rotation of the connection pipe with respect to the distribution device housing.

According to the above, the dispensing device housing includes a mounting groove in which the bearing is received. Wherein the dispensing device further comprises a catch coupled to the dispensing device housing to retain the bearing in the mounting groove.

According to the above, each of the distribution devices includes a guide vane provided at an inside of the connection pipe, the guide vane being provided to extend in a spiral shape to guide a flow direction of the refrigerant as the refrigerant flows through the guide vane, thereby generating a driving force to drive the connection pipe to rotate.

In accordance with the foregoing, the dispensing device housing includes an annular shroud and an end plate connected. The annular shroud and the end plate together define the receiving space, wherein the at least one distributor is rotatably connected to an inner wall of the end plate, the at least one receiving opening is disposed through the end plate, and wherein the annular shroud is connected between the tube sheet and the end plate. Wherein each of the distribution members includes at least one gas jet provided on a side wall of the distribution member facing the annular shroud, the gas jet being arranged to direct gas in the refrigerant to be jetted toward the annular shroud to generate a driving force to drive the distribution member to rotate.

According to the above, the distributing member is in a long tubular shape, the at least one air nozzle includes a pair of air nozzles, and the pair of air nozzles are respectively disposed on a pair of side walls of the distributing member and are respectively disposed at two ends in the longitudinal direction of the distributing member.

In accordance with the foregoing, the dispensing device housing includes an annular shroud and an end plate connected. The annular shroud and the end plate together define the receiving space, wherein the at least one distributor is rotatably connected to an inner wall of the end plate, the at least one receiving opening is disposed through the end plate, and wherein the annular shroud is connected between the tube sheet and the end plate. Wherein the bottom wall of the distributing part is in a circular arc shape, the distributing openings are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the bottom wall, and the distributing openings are arranged to guide at least part of the refrigerant to be sprayed towards the annular coaming so as to generate acting force for driving the distributing part to rotate.

According to the above, the dispenser further comprises a driving motor, and the outer surface of the connection tube is provided with teeth engaged with the driving motor, wherein the driving motor is configured to provide a driving force for driving the connection tube to rotate.

According to the above, the distributing member is in a long tubular shape, and each of the connecting pipes is connected to the middle of the distributing member, wherein the distributing member rotates about the connecting pipe as a rotation axis.

According to the above, the distribution member gradually decreases in size from the middle portion to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the distribution member.

According to the above, each of the dispensing members further comprises a plurality of blocking members. The blocking pieces are arranged in the distribution containing cavity at intervals along the length direction of the distribution piece.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an evaporator of the application;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of a portion of the evaporator of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the dispensing device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a mating block diagram of the distributor and tubesheet of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the dispensing device of FIG. 2A at an angle;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the dispensing device of FIG. 2A at another angle;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4A is an angled perspective view of one embodiment of the dispensing element of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the dispensing member of FIG. 4A at another angle;

FIG. 4C is a mating block diagram of the dispensing member and dispensing device housing shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the dispensing element of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5B is a mating block diagram of the dispensing member and dispensing device housing shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a further angle of the dispensing member shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the dispensing member shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 7B is a mating block diagram of the distributor and tubesheet of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 2A;

fig. 9 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the dispensing device shown in fig. 2A.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. It is to be understood that, although directional terms, such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc., may be used in the present application to describe various example structural portions and elements of the present application, these terms are used herein for convenience of description only and are determined based on the example orientations shown in the drawings. Since the disclosed embodiments of the application may be arranged in a variety of orientations, these directional terms are used by way of illustration only and are in no way limiting.

Fig. 1A and 1B show the structure of an evaporator 100 according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein fig. 1A shows a perspective view of the evaporator 100, and fig. 1B shows a partially exploded view of a distribution device 104 separated from a tube sheet 103 of the evaporator 100. As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the evaporator 100 includes an evaporator housing 101, a plurality of heat exchange tubes 110, a pair of tube sheets 103, and a distribution device 104. The evaporator case 101 is cylindrical, and the cylindrical evaporator case 101 extends in the horizontal direction. The inside of the evaporator case 101 forms a housing space, and both ends in the longitudinal direction of the evaporator case 101 form openings. The pair of tube plates 103 are plate-like and are provided at both ends of the evaporator case 101 in the longitudinal direction. The pair of tube plates 103 are identical in shape and parallel to each other and are each disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the evaporator housing 101. The pair of tube plates 103 are each larger in size than the opening of the evaporator housing 101 at the corresponding end thereof, so that the pair of tube plates 103 can close the openings at both ends of the evaporator housing 101 in the length direction thereof.

The plurality of heat exchange tubes 110 are disposed in the accommodating space within the evaporator housing 101, and the length direction of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 110 coincides with the length direction of the evaporator housing 101. One pair of ends of each heat exchange tube 110 extends through one tube sheet 103. The distribution device 104 is located at one end of the evaporator housing 101 in the length direction and is connected to the outside of the corresponding tube sheet 103. The distribution device 104 distributes refrigerant, such as a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, from an expansion valve to the ends of at least a portion of the heat exchange tubes 110 of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 110 so that the refrigerant can enter the heat exchange tubes 110. On the other side of the tube sheet 103, opposite the distribution device 104, a refrigerant outlet tube 102 is provided, the refrigerant outlet tube 102 being capable of communicating with the heat exchange tubes 110 in the evaporator housing 101 to discharge the refrigerant in the heat exchange tubes 110.

In this embodiment, the dispensing device 104 includes a receiving opening 105, a dispensing device housing 106, and a dispensing member 220 (see FIG. 2A). A receiving port 105 is provided on the distribution device housing 106, the receiving port 105 being connected to the expansion valve through a receiving tube 115 to receive the refrigerant. And the receiving port 105 is in fluid communication with the distribution member 220 inside the distribution device housing 106 such that refrigerant can be distributed into the respective heat exchange tubes 110 through the distribution member 220 upon entering from the receiving port 105. The dispensing device 104 of this embodiment includes one receiving opening 105, and in other embodiments, other numbers of receiving openings 105, such as two, three, etc., may be included. The distributor housing 106 includes an end plate 109 and an annular shroud 108, the annular shroud 108 being connected between the end plate 109 and the tube sheet 103. The receiving opening 105 is provided on the end plate 109. In this embodiment, the distribution device 104 further comprises fasteners 107, the fasteners 107 being for connecting the end plate 109 of the distribution device housing 106 and the tube sheet 103, such that the distribution device 104 can be fixedly connected to the tube sheet 103. In this embodiment, the fasteners 107 are provided as a ring disposed about the peripheral edge of the dispensing device housing 106. In other embodiments, the distribution device 104 may be fixedly coupled to the tube sheet 103 by other means of attachment such as welding. The distribution device 104 further comprises a seal 181, the seal 181 being arranged between the annular shroud 108 and the tube sheet 103. The seal 181 is made of an elastomeric material for sealingly connecting the distributor housing 106 and the tube sheet 103. In this embodiment, the seal 181 is provided as a ring that matches the shape of the annular shroud 108 of the dispensing device housing 106.

The side of the evaporator housing 101 is provided with a water inlet 111 and a water outlet 112, and the water inlet 111 and the water outlet 112 are respectively communicated with the accommodation space in the evaporator housing 101, so that water can flow into the evaporator housing 101 from the water inlet 111, and after heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchange tube 110, the water flows out from the water outlet 112. The evaporator 100 of the present embodiment includes two water inlets 111 and one water outlet 112. As shown in fig. 1, two water inlets 111 are provided at opposite ends of the evaporator housing 101 in the longitudinal direction, respectively, and a water outlet 112 is provided at an intermediate position of the evaporator housing 101 in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the evaporator 100 can also include a water inlet 111 and a water outlet 112.

Since the water inlet 111 and the water outlet 112 through which the water flows into and out of the evaporator 100 are provided in the evaporator housing 101, respectively, the pair of tube sheets 103, the evaporator housing 101 and the tube walls of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 110 together define a water flow space, and the water flows between the inside of the evaporator housing 101 and the outside of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 110. While the refrigerant flows inside the plurality of heat exchange tubes 110. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchange tube 110 can exchange heat with water flowing outside through the tube wall of the heat exchange tube 110. In the evaporator 100, the water releases heat to reduce the temperature, and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant absorbs heat to be further vaporized into a gaseous refrigerant.

Fig. 2A and 2B further illustrate the structure of the dispensing device 104 to illustrate the principle of operation of the dispensing device 104. Wherein fig. 2A shows a perspective view of the distribution device 104 from the inside to the outside, and fig. 2B shows the mating structure of the distribution member 220 of the distribution device 104 with the tube sheet 103 and the heat exchange tubes 110. As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the end plate 109 of the dispenser housing 106 has a circular plate shape, the annular shroud 108 has an annular plate shape, and the annular shroud 108 and the end plate 109 together define a cylindrical-shaped accommodation space 218 within the dispenser housing 106.

The dispensing member 220 has a two-end-capped elongated straight tube shape having a top wall 223, a bottom wall 221, and a pair of side walls 222 that collectively define a dispensing volume within the interior of the dispensing member 220 (see dispensing volume 336 in fig. 3C). The top wall 223 and the bottom wall 221 are disposed opposite each other, and a pair of side walls 222 are disposed opposite each other. The top wall 223 is flat plate shaped and is disposed toward the end plate 109, and the top wall 223 has a distributor inlet 235 in fluid communication with the receiving port 105 to receive refrigerant from the receiving port 105 through the distributor inlet 235. The bottom wall 221 has a circular arc plate shape provided toward the tube sheet 103 and the heat exchange tubes 110, and a plurality of distribution ports 216 are provided on the bottom wall 221 to distribute the refrigerant to the respective heat exchange tubes 110 through the distribution ports 216. The distributor inlet 235 and the plurality of distribution ports 216 are each in fluid communication with the distribution plenum 336 such that refrigerant from the receiving port 105 can enter the distribution plenum 336 through the distributor inlet 235 and then exit through the plurality of distribution ports 216. In the present embodiment, the plurality of distribution openings 216 are provided in a straight line at the bottommost portion of the circular arc-shaped bottom wall 221, that is, at a position closest to the heat exchange tube 110. And the plurality of distribution ports 216 includes 22 distribution ports 216 which are equally divided into two groups, respectively provided on both sides in the length direction of the bottom wall 221, that is, no distribution port 216 is provided at a position with respect to the distribution member inlet 235. This prevents refrigerant entering through the distributor inlet 235 from flowing directly out of the distributor inlet 235. In this embodiment, the dispensing opening 216 is a circular hole, and in other embodiments, the dispensing opening 216 may be a square hole. And, the number, position and size of the distribution ports 216 can be set according to actual needs.

In the present embodiment, the dispensing member 220 is rotatably disposed in the accommodation space 218. The dispenser inlet 235 is provided at a central portion in the length direction of the dispenser 220, and the dispenser 220 rotates around the dispenser inlet 235 such that the rotation of the dispenser 220 is a circumferential rotation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dispensing member 220 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. With further reference to fig. 2B, the dispensing member 220 is rotated clockwise in fig. 2B. In the present embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 110 are disposed in a cylindrical receiving space in the evaporator housing 101, that is, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 110 are substantially arranged in a circular range. Also in the present embodiment, the length of the distribution member 220 is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the circular range of the heat exchange tube 110, so that the rotation path of the distribution member 220 can cover most of the heat exchange tube 110. Since the refrigerant entering the distributor 220 is in a gas-liquid two-phase mixed state, the refrigerant can have a certain injection pressure. Therefore, even if the length of the distribution member 220 is slightly smaller than the circular range of the heat exchange tube 110, the refrigerant can be distributed to the heat exchange tube at the edge by centrifugal force when the distribution member 220 rotates. Accordingly, by setting the length of the distribution member 220 and the number of the distribution ports 216, the distribution member 220 can distribute the refrigerant from the receiving port 105 to almost all the heat exchange tubes 110 through the respective distribution ports 216 when rotating clockwise.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although in the present embodiment the distribution device 104 includes a distribution member 220, the distribution member 220 has a length that is approximately the same as the circular extent of the heat exchange tube 110. The refrigerant is distributed to almost all of the heat exchange tubes 110 as the distribution member 220 rotates. In other embodiments the distribution device may include more distribution members or the distribution members may have other lengths to enable refrigerant to be distributed to a portion of the plurality of heat exchange tubes in the distribution member rotational path as the distribution member rotates, as will be shown in other embodiments.

Fig. 3A-3C illustrate a more specific construction of the dispensing device 104. Wherein fig. 3A shows an exploded perspective view of the dispensing device 104 from an outside-in perspective, fig. 3B shows an exploded perspective view of the dispensing device 104 from an inside-out perspective, and fig. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device 104 taken along line A-A in fig. 2A. As shown in fig. 3A-3C, the dispensing device 104 further includes a connecting tube 325 and a bearing 328. The connection tube 325 is in the shape of a straight cylinder, one end of which is fixedly connected to the top wall 223 of the distribution member 220, for example, welded connection, and is disposed around the distribution member inlet 235. Thereby, the connection pipe 325 can be used as a rotation shaft to allow the dispenser 220 to rotate circumferentially.

The other end of the connecting tube 325 is connected to the bearing 328 and is aligned with the receiving port 105 such that the receiving port 105 and the dispensing member inlet 235 are in fluid communication through the connecting tube 325. Thus, the refrigerant received from the receiving port 105 can flow through the connection pipe 325 and into the distribution chamber 336 of the distribution member 220. In this embodiment, the distribution device 104 further comprises a deflector 326, the deflector 326 being arranged in the connection pipe 325 to guide the flow direction of the refrigerant when the refrigerant flows through the connection pipe 325. The guide vane 326 extends in a spiral shape in the extending direction of the connection pipe 325 so that the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant generates a driving force to rotate the connection pipe 325 when flowing through the guide vane 326. Under the driving force, the connection pipe 325 drives the distribution member 220 to rotate together. Such as clockwise rotation in fig. 2B.

Bearings 328 are provided between the connection tube 325 and the end plate 109 of the dispensing device housing 106 to assist in the rotation of the connection tube 325. Specifically, the bearing 328 includes an inner ring 342, an outer ring 341, and rolling members 343 provided between the inner ring 342 and the outer ring 341. The outer race 341 is coupled to the end plate 109 of the dispensing device housing 106 and the inner race 342 is coupled to the connecting tube 325 such that the bearing 328 can facilitate rotation of the connecting tube 325 relative to the dispensing device housing 106. In the present embodiment, the inside of the end plate 109 is provided with a mounting groove 332, and the bearing 328 is accommodated in the mounting groove 332. And the dispensing device 104 further comprises a flap 327, the flap 327 blocking the outside of the bearing 328. The blocking piece 327 is fixedly connected with the outer ring 341 of the bearing 328, and the outer edge of the blocking piece 327 is connected with the end plate 109 by a fastener, thereby fixedly connecting the outer ring 341 of the bearing 328 with the end plate 109. The outer end of the connecting tube 325 is fixedly connected, e.g., welded, to the inner ring 342. When the connection pipe 325 rotates, the outer ring 341 of the bearing 328 is fixedly coupled with the end plate 109, and thus the outer ring 341 is fixed. The inner race 342 of the bearing 328 rotates with the connection tube 325. The rolling member 343 supports the inner ring 342 between the inner ring 342 and the outer ring 341, reduces a friction coefficient of rotation of the inner ring 342 and the connection pipe 325, and ensures a revolution accuracy of rotation of the inner ring 342 and the connection pipe 325, thereby assisting rotation of the inner ring 342 and the connection pipe 325 with respect to the outer ring 341. As one example, the end of the connection pipe 325 is not in contact with the end plate 109 but is spaced apart from the groove bottom of the installation groove 332 to further reduce the friction force of the rotation of the connection pipe 325.

A plurality of blocking members 334 are disposed in the dispensing chamber 336 of the dispensing member 220, and the plurality of blocking members 334 are spaced apart along the length of the dispensing member 220. In this embodiment, the blocking member 334 is connected to the inside of the dispensing member 220 by a welding process. In other embodiments, the blocking member 334 may also be assembled as a molded part inside the dispensing member 220. Since the refrigerant entering the distribution chamber 336 from the distribution member inlet 235 is in a gas-liquid two-phase mixed state with a certain pressure, the blocking member 334 disposed in the distribution chamber 336 can block the flow of the refrigerant, so as to prevent the gaseous refrigerant with higher flow speed from directly driving the liquid refrigerant to the two ends of the distribution member 220 in the length direction. Thereby ensuring that as much liquid refrigerant as possible is uniformly distributed along the length of the distribution member 220 and enters the heat exchange tube 110 through each distribution port 216 for evaporation. In this embodiment, a plurality of blocking members 334 are disposed opposite and spaced apart on the inner surfaces of the top wall 223 and the bottom wall 221 of the dispensing member 220. And each blocking member 334 extends perpendicular to the length of the dispensing member 220. As a specific example, each of the stops 334 disposed on the bottom wall 221 is located adjacent the dispensing opening 216, and in particular adjacent the dispensing opening 216 proximate the dispensing element inlet 235. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the size, number, and location of the stops 334 may be provided as desired.

Accordingly, when the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant from the expansion valve passes through the connection pipe 325 via the receiving port 105, the connection pipe 325 and the distribution member 220 can be driven to rotate together, and the refrigerant flows along the longitudinal direction of the distribution member 220 after entering the distribution chamber 336 of the distribution member 220, and is distributed to the heat exchange tubes 110 on the rotation path of the distribution member 220 via the respective distribution ports 216.

Fig. 4A-4C illustrate a specific construction of another embodiment of the dispenser 420, wherein fig. 4A and 4B are perspective structural views of the dispenser 420 from two points of view, respectively, and fig. 4C illustrates a mating structural view of the dispenser 420 with the annular shroud 108. As shown in fig. 4A-4C, the distribution member 420 is substantially identical in shape and structure to the distribution member 220, except that the distribution member 420 further includes at least one gas jet 446. In this embodiment, the gas jets 446 are disposed on the sidewall 222 of the distributor 220 and toward the annular shroud 108 of the distributor housing 106, e.g., facing the annular shroud 108, such that the gas jets 446 are capable of directing the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to jet toward the annular shroud 108, generating a driving force that drives the distributor 220 in rotation. The air jets 446 in this embodiment and the flow deflector 326 in the connecting tube 325 may be used together or individually. When the air jet 446 is used with the air deflector 326, the driving force generated by the air jet 446 is in the same direction as the driving force generated by the refrigerant flowing through the air deflector 326 in the connection pipe 325 to co-rotate the distribution member 220 and the connection pipe 325. This driving force enables the dispenser 220 to rotate counterclockwise at the angle shown in fig. 4C, that is, enables the dispenser 220 to rotate clockwise at the angle shown in fig. 2B. As an example, the number of the gas ejection ports 446 in the present embodiment is two, which are provided on the pair of side walls 222 of the distributing member 220, respectively, and the two gas ejection ports 446 are provided on both ends of the distributing member 220 in the longitudinal direction, respectively, on the pair of side walls 222. Thus, the gaseous refrigerant injected from the two gas injection ports 446 impinges on the annular shroud 108, and the direction of the driving force generated to rotate the distributor 220 is uniform.

Fig. 5A and 5B show a specific structure of another embodiment of the dispensing member 520, wherein fig. 5A is a perspective structural view of the dispensing member 520, and fig. 5B is a mating structural view of the dispensing member 520 and the annular shroud 108. As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the dispensing member 520 is substantially identical in shape and structure to the dispensing member 220, except that the plurality of dispensing ports 516 on the dispensing member 520 are disposed at different positions than the plurality of dispensing ports 216. In this embodiment, the plurality of dispensing ports 516 are no longer disposed in a straight line on the bottom wall 221 of the dispensing member 520. The plurality of distribution openings 516 are arranged in two groups, offset from the bottommost portion of the bottom wall 221 toward both sides, respectively, and are provided on the bottom wall 221 adjacent to the side wall 222. That is, the two sets of dispensing ports 516 are offset on either side of the circular arc shaped bottom wall 221. Thus, the distribution openings 516 are no longer disposed directly opposite the heat exchange tubes 110, but are disposed toward the heat exchange tubes 110 but oblique to the tube openings of the heat exchange tubes 110. Upon discharge from the distribution port 516, at least a portion of the refrigerant may be discharged toward the annular shroud 108, thereby generating a driving force that drives the distribution member 220 in rotation. The distribution openings 516, which are still provided in the bottom wall 221, are not facing the annular shroud 108, but more refrigerant is discharged toward the annular shroud 108 than the gas nozzles 446 of the distribution member 420, and thus a driving force can also be generated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dispensing port 516 of the present embodiment may be used with the deflector 326 in the connecting tube 325, or the air jet 446 in the dispensing member 420, or may be used alone. When used together, they produce a consistent direction of driving force.

Fig. 6A and 6B show a specific structure of still another embodiment of the dispenser 620, in which fig. 6A is a perspective structural view of the dispenser 620 and fig. 6B shows a top view of the dispenser 620. As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the dispensing member 620 is substantially identical in shape and structure to the dispensing member 220, except that the dispensing member 620 is gradually reduced in size from the middle toward both ends in the length direction. In this embodiment, the distribution member 620 is not a long straight tube, but a tube with thin ends and thick middle. A pair of side walls 622 of the dispenser 620 extend relatively close together from the middle toward both ends so that the dispenser 620 forms a tubular shape with both ends being thin and the middle being thick. The top wall 623 and the bottom wall 621 of the dispensing member 620 are still disposed opposite to each other and connected between the pair of side walls 622, the top wall 623 having a flat plate shape and the bottom wall 621 having a circular arc shape. And the connection pipe 625 is still connected to the middle of the top wall 623.

In this embodiment, the refrigerant enters the distribution chamber inside the distribution member 620 from the connection pipe 625 at the middle portion of the distribution member 620, and flows toward both ends of the distribution member 620 along the length direction of the distribution member 620. As the refrigerant flows, part of the refrigerant is discharged from the distribution port to the heat exchange tube, so that the refrigerant flows closer to both ends, the amount of refrigerant is smaller. Providing the distribution member 620 in a shape in which the size gradually decreases from the middle to both ends can concentrate the refrigerant at the distribution port, facilitating uniform distribution of the refrigerant within the distribution member 620. As an example, the tubular shape of the distribution member 620 in this embodiment, which is thin at both ends and thick at the middle, may be used in combination with other embodiments.

Fig. 7A and 7B illustrate a specific structure of a dispensing device 704 according to still another embodiment of the present application. Wherein fig. 7A shows an exploded perspective view of the distributor device 704 and fig. 7B shows a mating block diagram of the distributor member and tube sheet 703 of the distributor device 704. As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, in the present embodiment, the heat exchange tube 710 includes two heat exchange tube groups 710a and 710B symmetrically disposed side by side with a space extending in the vertical direction between the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710B. When the evaporator using the distribution device 704 of the present embodiment is in an operating state, the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710b may be operated simultaneously or may be operated independently of each other. That is, the evaporator may have three operating states, in which the first operating state is that only the heat exchange tube group 710a is operating, the second operating state is that only the heat exchange tube group 710b is operating, and the third operating state is that the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710b are simultaneously operating. The specific operating conditions of the heat exchange tube bank 710a and the heat exchange tube bank 710b may be selected according to the needs of the user.

The dispensing device housing 706 of the dispensing device 704 further includes a divider plate 782, which divider plate 782 is attached inside the annular shroud 708 and extends in a vertical direction. When the distribution device housing 706 is connected to the tube sheet 703, a partition plate 782 is correspondingly connected to the space between the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710b to partition the accommodating space 718 into left and right portions corresponding to the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710b, respectively. The seal 781 serves as a sealing connection between the annular shroud 708 and the tube sheet 703. The seal 781 is sized and shaped to match the cross-section of the end of the distributor housing 706 on the side adjacent the tube sheet 703. In the present embodiment, the shape of the seal 781 is adapted to the annular shroud 708 and the partition plate 782 provided inside the annular shroud 708. That is, the sealing member 781 includes an annular portion and a strip portion connected in the annular portion and extending in the vertical direction.

The distributor housing 706 of the distributor 704 is provided with two receiving openings 705 arranged symmetrically side by side, each receiving opening 705 receiving refrigerant independently of the other by a receiving tube 715. Accordingly, the dispensing device 704 also includes two dispensing members 720, each dispensing member 720 being in fluid communication with one of the receiving ports 705 independently, and the two dispensing members 720 being disposed symmetrically within the receiving space 718 in left and right portions separated by a dividing plate 782. Correspondingly, the dispensing device 704 further comprises two bearings 728, two baffles 727 and two connecting pipes 725. Each connecting tube 725 is in fluid communication with a respective one of the distribution member 720 and a respective one of the receiving ports 705. Each bearing 728 is disposed between one of the connecting tubes 725 and the dispensing device housing 706, and each of the tabs 727 connects one of the bearings 728 to the dispensing device housing 706.

With further reference to fig. 7B, the two distribution members 720 include a distribution member 720a and a distribution member 720B, each of the distribution member 720a and the distribution member 720B independently receiving the refrigerant and distributing the refrigerant to the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710B by respective rotational movements. In the present embodiment, the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710b are arranged in a semicircle. The distribution members 720a and 720b are disposed in the middle of the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710b, respectively. When the distribution members 720a and 720b perform circumferential rotation, the refrigerant can be distributed only to the heat exchange tubes at the circumferential portions on the rotation paths thereof. That is, the heat exchange tubes of the top and bottom portions of the heat exchange tube group 710a and the heat exchange tube group 710b cannot be allocated refrigerant. Therefore, the evaporator using the distributing apparatus 704 of the present embodiment may have more operating states according to the unit requirements, but the heat exchange efficiency is lower than that of the evaporator using the distributing member 220.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing device 804 according to yet another embodiment of the application. As shown in fig. 8, in the present embodiment, the heat exchange tube 810 includes four heat exchange tube groups 810a, 810b, 810c, and 810d. Wherein the heat exchange tube group 810a is disposed at the upper right portion, the heat exchange tube group 810b is disposed at the upper left portion, the heat exchange tube group 810c is disposed at the lower left portion, and the heat exchange tube group 810d is disposed at the lower right portion. And the heat exchange tube group 810a and the heat exchange tube group 810d are separated from the heat exchange tube group 810b and the heat exchange tube group 810c by a space extending in the vertical direction, and the heat exchange tube group 810a and the heat exchange tube group 810d are separated by a space extending in the horizontal direction. No space is provided between the heat exchange tube group 810b and the heat exchange tube group 810 c. The heat exchange tube 810 may have four tube passes by correspondingly disposing a tube plate structure of the other end of the evaporator in the length direction.

The dispensing device housing 806 of the dispensing device 804 also includes a divider panel 882, the divider panel 882 being coupled inside the annular shroud 808 and including a riser 886 extending in a vertical direction and a cross-plate 887 extending in a horizontal direction. A cross plate 887 is formed extending horizontally rightward from the middle of the riser 886. The riser 886 is correspondingly connected to the vertically extending intervals between the heat exchange tube group 810a and the heat exchange tube group 810d and the heat exchange tube group 810b and the heat exchange tube group 810c, and the cross plate 887 is correspondingly connected to the horizontally extending intervals between the heat exchange tube group 810a and the heat exchange tube group 810d to divide the accommodating space 818 into three parts corresponding to the heat exchange tube group 810a, to the heat exchange tube group 810d, and to the heat exchange tube group 810b and the heat exchange tube group 810 c. The seal 881 serves as a sealing connection between the annular shroud 808 and the tube sheet 803. In this embodiment, the seal 881 is annular in shape.

The distributor housing 806 of the distributor 804 is provided with a receiving port 805 and a refrigerant outlet port 883. The receiving port 805 receives the refrigerant through the receiving tube 815 and the refrigerant output port 883 discharges the refrigerant through the refrigerant output tube 802. The receiving port 805 is disposed above the refrigerant outlet port 883, and the receiving port 805 is disposed at a position corresponding to the heat exchange tube group 810a, and the refrigerant outlet port 883 is disposed at a position corresponding to the heat exchange tube group 810 d. Corresponding to the receiving port 805, the distribution device 804 further includes a distribution member 820, a bearing 828, a baffle 827, and a connection pipe 825, which are disposed in the portion of the accommodation space 818 corresponding to the heat exchange tube group 810 a. A connecting tube 825 is in fluid communication with the dispensing member 820 and the receiving port 805, a bearing 828 is between the connecting tube 825 and the dispensing device housing 806, and a baffle 827 connects the bearing 828 and the dispensing device housing 806.

When the evaporator using the distribution device 804 of the present embodiment is in operation, refrigerant enters the distribution member 820 from the receiving port 805, and is distributed to the inlet end (i.e., the end at the tube sheet 803 as shown in fig. 8) of the heat exchange tube group 810a by the rotational movement of the distribution member 820. The refrigerant then moves along the length of the heat exchange tube group 810a to the outlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810a (i.e., the end at the upper tube sheet in fig. 1), completing the flow of the first tube side. The refrigerant then flows from the outlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810a to the inlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810b (i.e., the end at the tube sheet above in fig. 1), flows lengthwise in the heat exchange tube group 810b to the outlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810b (i.e., the end at the tube sheet 803 as shown in fig. 8), and the flow of the second tube side is completed. The refrigerant then flows from the outlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810b to the inlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810c (i.e., the end at the tube sheet 803 shown in fig. 8), flows lengthwise in the heat exchange tube group 810c to the outlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810c (i.e., the end at the tube sheet above in fig. 1), and the flow of the third tube pass is completed. Finally, the refrigerant flows from the outlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810c to the inlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810d (i.e., the end at the upper tube sheet in fig. 1), flows in the length direction in the heat exchange tube group 810d to the outlet end of the heat exchange tube group 810d (i.e., the end at the tube sheet 803 shown in fig. 8), and after completing the flow of the fourth tube pass, is discharged from the refrigerant outlet 883 and the refrigerant outlet tube 802.

In the present embodiment, the four heat exchange tube groups 810a, 810b, 810c and 810d are arranged in a quarter circle, that is, in a right angle fan shape. The distribution member 820 is correspondingly disposed in the middle of the heat exchange tube group 810 a. When the distribution member 820 makes a circumferential rotation, the refrigerant can be distributed only to the heat exchange tubes at the circumferential portion on the rotation path thereof. A portion of the heat exchange tubes of the heat exchange tube group 810a cannot be allocated refrigerant. Therefore, the evaporator using the distribution device 804 of the present embodiment may have more tube passes, but the heat exchange efficiency is lower than that of the evaporator using the distribution member 220.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a dispensing device 904 according to yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 9, in the present embodiment, the structure of the dispensing device 904 is substantially the same as that of the dispensing device 104, except that the manner in which the driving force is provided to the dispenser 220 and the connection tube 925 is different. In this embodiment, the dispensing device 904 further includes a drive motor 963, the drive motor 963 being configured to drive the rotation of the connecting tube 925. Specifically, the outer surface of the connection tube 925 is provided with teeth 962, the teeth 962 being disposed around the connection tube 925. The end of the drive motor 963 has teeth 964, the teeth 964 engaging with the teeth 962 such that the drive motor 963 can drive the connection tube 925 to rotate, thereby driving the dispensing member 220 to rotate. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the drive motor 963 may also provide drive to the connection tube 925 by way of a belt, chain, or the like transmission.

Although examples of dispensing devices are given above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number, location, size, etc. of the dispensing members, connecting tubes, receiving ports, etc. in these examples may be set according to particular needs. While some means of providing a driving force to the distributor and the connecting tube are shown above, one skilled in the art may provide a driving force to the distributor and the connecting tube in other ways, enabling the distributor and the connecting tube to rotate together. The driving force can be provided independently or in combination, and the driving force provided is consistent.

In the dry evaporator, the refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tubes, and the water flows through the heat exchange tubes, so that the refrigerant needs to be uniformly distributed to the heat exchange tubes. If the refrigerant distributed into the heat exchange tubes is not uniform, the tube walls of part of the heat exchange tubes cannot be fully utilized, thereby affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator.

If the distribution device of the evaporator includes a stationary distribution member, the refrigerant is distributed into the heat exchange tubes by the distribution member. In order to ensure that as many heat exchange tubes as possible can be allocated refrigerant, a plurality of distribution members need to be provided for distributing refrigerant to the heat exchange tubes in different areas. In order to ensure a larger dispensing range of the dispensing element, the dispensing opening of the dispensing element is also required to be designed structurally, so that the dispensing element has a complex structure.

The distributing piece in the distributing device of the evaporator distributes the refrigerant into each heat exchange tube uniformly in a rotating mode, so that the heat exchange efficiency of each heat exchange tube is ensured. The heat exchange tubes of the evaporator are arranged in a full circle shape, so that the space in the shell of the evaporator is fully utilized, the rotating path of the distributing part can be matched, as many heat exchange tubes as possible can be arranged in the evaporator with a certain size, and the heat exchange tubes can be distributed to the refrigerant. Therefore, under the condition of the same heat exchange efficiency, the evaporator provided by the application can reduce the number of the heat exchange pipes, thereby reducing the size of the evaporator shell and reducing the cost. And under the condition that the sizes of the evaporator shells are the same, the evaporator can be provided with more heat exchange pipes, so that the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

The distribution device can drive the distribution piece to rotate by utilizing the characteristic of gas-liquid two-phase mixing of the refrigerant, and can also drive the distribution piece to rotate by an additional motor, so that the distribution device has a simple driving structure and is convenient to install and manufacture.

In the distributing device, the distributing piece pre-distributes the refrigerant from the expansion valve in the distributing cavity, and then distributes the refrigerant to each heat exchange tube through a plurality of distributing ports. The liquid refrigerant is uniformly distributed to each heat exchange tube as much as possible, the pressure loss of the refrigerant is reduced, the refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve is not required to have large pressure, the refrigerant can be uniformly distributed to each heat exchange tube, and a wider range of working condition selection is provided for the design of the unit.

While the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently or later be envisioned, may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the disclosure set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents. The technical effects and problems of the present specification are illustrative and not restrictive. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the present specification may have other technical effects and may solve other technical problems.

Claims

1. An evaporator, characterized by comprising:

an evaporator housing (101), the evaporator housing (101) having a length direction;

a pair of tube plates (103), the pair of tube plates (103) being connected to both ends of the evaporator case (101) in the length direction, respectively;

A plurality of heat exchange tubes (110), the plurality of heat exchange tubes (110) being disposed within the evaporator housing (101) and extending along a length direction of the evaporator housing (101), an end of each of the heat exchange tubes (110) passing through the pair of tube sheets (103); and

-a distribution device (104), the distribution device (104) being connected to one of the pair of tube sheets (103) and being configured to distribute refrigerant to at least a part of the heat exchange tubes (110) of the number of heat exchange tubes (110), wherein the distribution device (104) comprises:

a distribution device housing (106), the distribution device housing (106) having a receiving space (218) therein, the distribution device housing (106) being disposed around the heat exchange tube (110) and closing an end of the heat exchange tube (110);

-at least one receiving port (105), said at least one receiving port (105) being provided on said distribution device housing (106), said receiving port (105) being adapted to receive a refrigerant; and

at least one distribution member (220), each distribution member (220) being in fluid communication with a respective receiving port (105), the at least one distribution member (220) being disposed within the receiving space (218) and being rotatably connected to the distribution device housing (106), wherein the distribution member (220) is configured to distribute refrigerant received from the respective receiving port (105) to the ends of at least a portion of the heat exchange tubes (110) as the distribution member (220) rotates.

2. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein:

each distribution member (220) comprises a distribution plenum (336) and a plurality of distribution ports (216) in communication with the distribution plenum (336), and the distribution plenum (336) of each distribution member (220) is in communication with a respective one of the receiving ports (105), wherein the plurality of distribution ports (216) are disposed on a bottom wall (221) of the distribution member (220) facing the heat exchange tubes (110).

3. The evaporator according to claim 2, characterized in that the distribution device (104) further comprises:

at least one connection tube (325), each connection tube (325) being in fluid communication with one of the distribution members (220) and the corresponding receiving port (105) such that refrigerant received from the corresponding receiving port (105) can flow through the connection tube (325) and into the distribution member (220), wherein the connection tube (325) is arranged to co-rotate with the distribution member (220).

4. A vaporizer according to claim 3, wherein the distribution device (104) further comprises:

-at least one bearing (328), the at least one bearing (328) being arranged between the connecting tube (325) and the dispensing device housing (106).

5. The evaporator as set forth in claim 4, wherein:

The bearing (328) comprises an inner ring (342), an outer ring (341) and a rolling member (343) arranged between the inner ring (342) and the outer ring (341), wherein the outer ring (341) is connected with the distribution device housing (106), and the inner ring (342) is connected with the connecting pipe (325) so that the bearing (328) facilitates the rotation of the connecting pipe (325) relative to the distribution device housing (106).

6. The evaporator as set forth in claim 4, wherein:

the dispensing device housing (106) includes a mounting slot (332), the bearing (328) being received in the mounting slot (332);

wherein the dispensing device (104) further comprises a flap (327), the flap (327) being connected with the dispensing device housing (106) to retain the bearing (328) in the mounting groove (332).

7. A vaporizer according to claim 3, wherein:

each of the distribution devices (104) includes a deflector (326), the deflector (326) being disposed inside the connection pipe (325), the deflector (326) being disposed to extend in a spiral shape to guide a flow direction of the refrigerant as the refrigerant flows through the deflector (326), thereby generating a driving force to drive the connection pipe (325) to rotate.

8. A vaporizer according to claim 3, wherein:

the distributor housing (106) comprises an annular shroud (108) and an end plate (109) connected, the annular shroud (108) and the end plate (109) together defining the receiving space (218), wherein the at least one distributor (220) is rotatably connected to an inner wall of the end plate (109), the at least one receiving opening (105) is provided through the end plate (109), and wherein the annular shroud (108) is connected between the tube sheet (103) and the end plate (109);

wherein each of the distribution members (220) comprises at least one gas jet (446), the at least one gas jet (446) being provided on a side wall (222) of the distribution member (220) facing the annular shroud (108), the gas jet (446) being arranged to direct gas in the refrigerant to be jetted towards the annular shroud (108) to generate a driving force to drive the distribution member (220) in rotation.

9. The evaporator as set forth in claim 8, wherein:

the distributing member (220) is in a long strip shape, the at least one air jet (446) comprises a pair of air jets (446), and the pair of air jets (446) are respectively arranged on a pair of side walls (222) of the distributing member (220) and are respectively positioned at two ends of the distributing member (220) in the length direction.

10. A vaporizer according to claim 3, wherein:

wherein the bottom wall (221) of the distributing member (220) is in the shape of an arc, the distributing openings (216) are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the bottom wall (221), and the distributing openings (216) are arranged to guide at least part of the refrigerant to be sprayed towards the annular coaming (108) so as to generate a force for driving the distributing member (220) to rotate.

11. A vaporizer according to claim 3, wherein:

the dispensing member (220) further comprises a drive motor (963), the outer surface of the connection tube (925) being provided with teeth (962) for engagement with the drive motor (963), wherein the drive motor (963) is arranged to provide a driving force for driving the connection tube (925) in rotation.

12. A vaporizer according to claim 3, wherein:

the distributing piece (220) is in a strip tube shape, and each connecting pipe (325) is connected to the middle part of the distributing piece (220), wherein the distributing piece (220) rotates by taking the connecting pipe (325) as a rotating shaft.

13. The evaporator as set forth in claim 11, wherein:

the distribution member (220) gradually decreases in size from the middle to both ends in the length direction of the distribution member (220).

14. The evaporator according to claim 2, wherein:

each dispensing member (220) further comprises a plurality of blocking members (334), the blocking members (334) being disposed in the dispensing volume (336) at intervals along the length of the dispensing member (220).