Parallel flow evaporator with variable channel insertion depth

Abstract

In a parallel flow heat exchanger having an inlet manifold connected to a plurality of parallel channels, the degree of insertion depth of the parallel channels into the inlet manifold is variable so as to adjust the impedance to the refrigerant flow into the individual channels. The degree of insertion depth is progressively reduced toward a downstream end of the manifold for the individual channels or for the channel sections. The diameter of the inlet manifold is locally increased or its cross-section area altered in order to accommodate the flow of refrigerant around the tube insertions. Similar technique is applied to the outlet manifold as well to further balance hydraulic resistances.

1 . A parallel flow heat exchanger comprising: 
 an inlet manifold having an inlet opening for conducting the flow of fluid into said inlet manifold and a plurality of outlet openings for conducting the flow of fluid from said inlet manifold;    a plurality of channels aligned in a substantially parallel relationship and fluidly connected to said plurality of outlet openings for conducting the flow of fluid from said inlet manifold;    an outlet manifold fluidly connected to said plurality of channels for receiving the flow of fluid therefrom;    wherein said plurality of channels extend into said inlet manifold at varying depths.    
   
   
       2 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the depths of extension into said inlet manifold for said plurality of channels decrease toward the downstream end of the inlet manifold.  
   
   
       3 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said parallel channels are divided into sections with each section having equal extension depths and the depths of extension into said inlet manifold decreasing from section to section toward the downstream end of the inlet manifold.  
   
   
       4 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of channels are substantially flat in planes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the inlet manifold and further wherein the cross-section areas of said inlet manifold are locally enlarged in the vicinities of those areas surrounding said flat channels to allow for the flow of refrigerant around said plurality of channels.  
   
   
       5 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of channels are substantially flat in planes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the inlet manifold and further wherein the cross-section area of said inlet manifold is of an oval shape.  
   
   
       6 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of channels is substantially flat in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the inlet manifold and further wherein the cross-section area of said inlet manifold is of a rectangular shape.  
   
   
       7 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said plurality of channels extend into said outlet manifold at varying depths.  
   
   
       8 . A parallel flow heat exchanger of the type having an inlet manifold fluidly interconnected to an outlet manifold by a plurality of parallel channels for conducting the flow of a fluid therethrough and adapted for having a second fluid circulated thereover for purposes of exchange of heat between the two fluids; 
 wherein said plurality of parallel channels extend into said inlet manifold at varying depths.    
   
   
       9 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the depths of extension into said inlet manifold for said plurality of channels decrease toward the downstream end of the inlet manifold.  
   
   
       10 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein said parallel channels are divided into sections with each section having equal extension depths and the depths of extension into said inlet manifold decreasing from section to section toward the downstream end of the inlet manifold.  
   
   
       11 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said plurality of channels are substantially flat in planes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the inlet manifold and further wherein the cross-section areas of said inlet manifold are locally enlarged in the vicinities of those areas surrounding said flat channels to allow for the flow of refrigerant around said plurality of channels.  
   
   
       12 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said plurality of channels is substantially flat in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the inlet manifold and further wherein the cross-section area of said inlet manifold is of an oval shape.  
   
   
       13 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth-in  claim 8 , wherein said plurality of channels is substantially flat in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the inlet manifold and further wherein the cross-section area of said inlet manifold is of a rectangular shape.  
   
   
       14 . A parallel flow heat exchanger as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said plurality of parallel channels extend into said outlet manifold at varying depths.