Effects of the Internal Structure on the Distribution Performance of a Refrigerant Distributor

The distribution performance of refrigerant distributors in air conditioner evaporators was examined numerically and experimentally. Internal flow analysis of the distributor by CFD found that the distance from the socket to the cone, the angle of the cone and the base area of the cone were the most important factors affecting refrigerant distribution ability and vortex creation. To enhance distribution performance, two distributors with improved internal structures were designed. To test these new structures, distribution performance was also analyzed by CFD and an empirical experiment was carried out using the water-nitrogen. Experimental results on the distribution fraction of each distributor hole showed a good agreement with the results of the CFD analysis. Thus, the new design of the distributors enhanced distribution performance of the refrigerant distributors.