System and method for distributing refrigerant to parallel flow paths of a heat exchanger using flow restrictors

Abstract

A heat exchanger is disclosed that includes a plurality of parallel refrigerant paths, and a distributor for delivering refrigerant to the plurality of parallel refrigerant paths, the distributor defining a flow restrictor at an entrance to each refrigerant path, wherein the flow restrictors are configured to keep the distributor pressurized at a predetermined level and thereby maintain single phase refrigerant flow into each of the parallel refrigerant paths. The flow restrictors further induce even flow distribution by providing choked flow to each refrigerant path.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A heat exchanger comprising:
 a) a plurality of parallel refrigerant paths; and   b) a distributor for delivering refrigerant to the plurality of parallel refrigerant paths, the distributor defining a flow restrictor at an entrance to each refrigerant path, wherein the flow restrictors are configured to keep the distributor pressurized at a predetermined level and thereby maintain single phase refrigerant flow into each of the parallel refrigerant paths.   
     
     
         2 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the flow restrictor at the entrance to each refrigerant path is configured as an orifice dimensioned to choke flow into the refrigerant path. 
     
     
         3 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the orifices are uniformly dimensioned and configured so as to ensure even distribution to the parallel refrigerant paths. 
     
     
         4 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an expansion valve upstream from the distributor for metering refrigerant flow to the distributor. 
     
     
         5 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising a source of pressurized refrigerant upstream from the expansion valve. 
     
     
         6 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the distributor includes an inlet opening for receiving pressurized refrigerant from the expansion valve. 
     
     
         7 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger is configured as an evaporator. 
     
     
         8 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger is configured as a boiler. 
     
     
         9 . A heat exchanger comprising:
 a) a plurality of parallel refrigerant paths; and   b) a distribution manifold for delivering refrigerant to the plurality of parallel refrigerant paths, the distribution manifold defining an orifice at an entrance to each refrigerant path, wherein the orifices are dimensioned to keep the distribution manifold pressurized at a level that is greater than the saturation pressure of the refrigerant and thereby maintain single phase refrigerant flow into each of the parallel refrigerant paths.   
     
     
         10 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the orifices are dimensioned to provide choked flow to each refrigerant path. 
     
     
         11 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the orifices are uniformly dimensioned and configured so as to ensure the even distribution of single phase refrigerant to the parallel refrigerant paths. 
     
     
         12 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising an expansion valve upstream from the distribution manifold for metering refrigerant flow to the distribution manifold. 
     
     
         13 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising a source of pressurized refrigerant upstream from the expansion valve. 
     
     
         14 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the heat exchanger is configured as an evaporator. 
     
     
         15 . A heat exchanger as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the heat exchanger is configured as a boiler.