Multi-channel heat exchanger with improved uniformity of refrigerant fluid distribution

摘要

A micro-channel heat exchanger (10) includes an inlet manifold (12) fluidly connected with an outlet manifold (14) by a plurality of generally parallel tubes (16), further defining a plurality of generally parallel micro-channels (18) therethrough. Refrigerant is introduced to the heat exchanger (10) through a distributor tube (22) disposed within the inlet manifold (12). The distributor tube (22) includes a plurality of non-circular openings (28) disposed along the length thereof which act as an outlet for refrigerant flow into the inlet manifold (12) and eventually into and through the tubes (16) and micro-channels (18). The openings (28) are preferably slots arranged along the length of the distributor tube (22) at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the distributor tube (22) and oriented within the inlet manifold (12) for a general direction of refrigerant flow at an angle relative to the general direction of refrigerant flow through the tubes (16). Alternative shapes for the openings (28) are also considered.