FLUID DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/566,052, filed on Mar. 15, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The subject disclosure relates to the field of heat exchangers, and more particularly, a fluid distributor assembly for a heat exchanger.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a fluid distributor assembly for a heat exchanger. The fluid distributor assembly comprises a first casing, a second casing configured to be removably attached to the first casing such that a header is formed having an enclosed space therewithin, and a plurality of fluid distributors configured to be removably accommodated on one or more of the first casing and the second casing, wherein at least two fluid distributors among the plurality of fluid distributors have different distribution configurations, wherein the first casing and the second casing are attached to secure the accommodated fluid distributors within the formed header.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of fluid distributors are accommodated at predefined positions on the first casing and/or the second casing such that the plurality of fluid distributors remains in line along a length of the header formed upon attachment of the first casing and the second casing.

In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor assembly or the header is configured to be fluidically connected to a plurality of heat exchange tubes associated with the heat exchanger.

In one or more embodiments, the first casing comprises a plurality of first slots configured to receive an end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes, such that the plurality of heat exchange tubes gets fluidically connected to at least one of the accommodated fluid distributors upon attachment of the first casing and the second casing.

In one or more embodiments, the second casing comprises one or more second slots configured to be fluidically connected to one or more feeder tubes, wherein the plurality of fluid distributors are accommodated on the second casing such that an inlet port of the corresponding fluid distributors is fluidically connected to the corresponding feeder tube.

In one or more embodiments, the second casing comprises one or more second slots configured to be fluidically connected to one or more feeder tubes, wherein the plurality of fluid distributors are accommodated on the first casing such that an inlet port of the corresponding fluid distributors is fluidically connected to the corresponding feeder tube upon attachment of the first casing and the second casing.

In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor assembly comprises one or more connector tubes, each configured to be at least partially disposed through the second casing or within the header via the one of the second slots, wherein a first end of the disposed connector tube is configured to be fluidically connected the inlet port of the accommodated fluid distributor and a second end of the corresponding connector tube is configured to be fluidically connected to the one of the feeder tubes.

In one or more embodiments, one side of the second casing is open and comprises a plurality of sections configured along a length of the second casing, wherein each of the sections is configured to accommodate at least one of the fluid distributors thereon.

In one or more embodiments, one side of the first casing comprises a plurality of sections configured along a length of the first casing and another side of the first casing comprises the plurality of first slots connected to the plurality of sections, wherein each of the sections is configured to accommodate at least one of the fluid distributors thereon.

In one or more embodiments, the fluid distributor assembly comprises one or more isolators, each configured to be coaxially positioned between the adjacent fluid distributors from the plurality of fluid distributors and/or at extreme ends of the corresponding casings to fluidically isolate each of the sections and correspondingly form one or more compartments and the enclosed space within the header upon attachment of the first casing and the second casing.

In one or more embodiments, the header, the accommodated fluid distributors, the plurality of heat exchange tubes, the isolators, and the connector tubes are brazed together to fluidically seal the fluid distributor assembly.

In one or more embodiments, the brazed fluid distributor assembly allows flow of a fluid from the one or more feeder tubes into the plurality of distributors via the one or more (second) slots of the second casing or the one or more connector tubes and further into the plurality of heat exchange tubes via one or more outlet ports associated with the corresponding distributors.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of sections has a profile based on an outer profile of the plurality of fluid distributors to be accommodated thereon, wherein the first casing and the second casing have predefined shapes such that opposite ends of the formed header remains closed and the enclosed space is formed therewithin upon attachment of the first casing and the second casing.

In one or more embodiments, each of the sections have a substantially curved profile, wherein the first casing and the second casing have predefined shapes such that opposite ends of the formed header remain closed and the enclosed space is formed therewithin upon attachment of the first casing and the second casing.

In one or more embodiments, the first casing has a substantially planar profile comprising the plurality of (first) slots of the first casing extending therethrough, wherein the first casing and the second casing have predefined shapes such that opposite ends of the formed header remain closed and the enclosed space is formed therewithin upon attachment of the first casing and the second casing.

In one or more embodiments, the first casing comprises one or more first fixtures and the second casing comprises one or more second fixtures, wherein the one or more first fixtures are configured to engage with the one or more second fixtures to enable the attachment of the first casing and the second casing.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more first fixtures and the one or more second fixtures are adapted to be clamped or snap-fitted or slidably engage with each other.

In one or more embodiments, a first distributor among the plurality of fluid distributor comprises: a hollow tube of a length, the tube comprises at least one first inlet port, and one or more first outlet ports configured radially along an outer surface of the tube, wherein the one or more first outlet ports are fluidically connected to the at least one first inlet port via one or more channels extending through the tube.

In one or more embodiments, a second distributor among the plurality of fluid distributor comprises: a plate of a length and a thickness, the plate comprises at least one second inlet port, and one or more second outlet ports configured on an outer surface of the tube, wherein the one or more second outlet ports are fluidically connected to the at least one second inlet port via one or more channels extending through the plate, wherein the plate is a laminated plate or a perforated plate.

In one or more embodiments, a third distributor among the plurality of fluid distributor comprises: an enclosure comprising one or more sides and/or one or more surfaces defining a shape and a internal volume, wherein the third distributor is configured to fluidically accommodate the end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes through the one or more sides and/or the one or more surfaces of the enclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the subject disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the subject disclosure.

In the drawings, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary exploded view of an embodiment of the distributor assembly for a heat exchanger, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary exploded view of another embodiment of the distributor assembly for a heat exchanger, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary exploded view of yet another embodiment of the distributor assembly for a heat exchanger, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 1D illustrates an exemplary side cross-section view of an embodiment of the distributor assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary views of a first casing associated with the distributor assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary views of a second casing associated with the distributor assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of an embodiment of the distributor associated with the distributor assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of another embodiment of the distributor associated with the distributor assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary view of yet another embodiment of the distributor associated with the distributor assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the subject disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the subject disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the subject disclosure, the components of described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “first,” “second,” or other like terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, and the components described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

The uniform distribution of fluid (refrigerant) across multiple ports of heat exchange tubes in a heat exchanger plays a crucial role in the overall performance of the heat exchanger and the effective utilization of the heat transfer surface. Existing fluid distribution solutions are complex and difficult to manufacture or assemble. Furthermore, these solutions offer limited flexibility to incorporate different types of fluid distribution devices in a single structure to address flow irregularities or pressure drops. The problem of uneven distribution of the fluid is further exacerbated when micro-channel tubes are implemented within the heat exchanger. Micro-channel tubes also often have flat geometric profiles, with reduce the flow rate of the fluid, thereby increasing chances of maldistribution of fluid. This is essential for achieving evenly distributed flow across the heat exchanger when it functions as an evaporator. Therefore, there is a need for a simple, efficient, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble fluid distribution assembly for heat exchangers. This assembly should uniformly supply fluid (refrigerant) to the ports of the heat exchange tubes and should be easily manufactured and assembled with minimal complexity. Additionally, it should provide the flexibility to use different types of fluid distributor devices within a single assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D, a fluid distributor assembly 100 (also referred to as distributor assembly or assembly 100, herein) for a heat exchanger is disclosed. The assembly 100 may include a first casing 102, and a second casing 104 configured to be removably attached to the first casing 102 such that a header 100A (also known as a manifold 100A) is formed having an enclosed space therewithin. The first casing 102 and the second casing 104 may have predefined shapes such that opposite ends of the header 100A remain closed and the enclosed space is formed therewithin upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104.

The assembly 100 may further include a plurality of fluid distributors 106-1 to 106-N (collectively referred to as distributors 106 or distribution devices 106, herein) that may be configured to be removably accommodated on one or more of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104 (i.e., within the header/manifold 100A). In one or more embodiments, at least two fluid distributors 106 among the plurality of fluid distributors 106 may have different distribution configurations, however, in some embodiments, the plurality of fluid distributors 106 may also have the same distribution configuration (i.e. all the distributors 106-1 to 106-N may be identical) without any limitations. Further, once the distributors 106 are accommodated on the first casing 102 and/or the second casing 104, the first casing 102 and the second casing 104 may be attached together and brazed to secure the accommodated distributors 106 within the formed header 100A and form the distributor assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 1D.

In one or more embodiments, the distributor assembly 100 may be configured in a horizontal orientation. Further, in one or more embodiments, the distributor assembly 100 may be configured in a vertical orientation. However, in some embodiments, the distributor assembly 100 may also be oriented at a predefined angle from a horizontal plane or vertical plane.

The fluid distributor assembly 100 or the header 100A may be configured to be fluidically connected to a plurality of heat exchange tubes 108 associated with a heat exchanger as shown in FIG. 1D, such that the heat exchange tubes 108 are also fluidically connected to at least one of the accommodated fluid distributors 106 upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104 or upon formation of the header 100A. In one or more embodiments, the heat exchanger may be a microchannel heat exchanger having microchannel tubes in the heat exchange section. Further, in other embodiments, the heat exchanger may also be an inserted fin heat exchanger.

In one or more embodiments, the first casing 102 may include a plurality of first slots 102-1 configured to receive an end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108, such that the heat exchange tubes 108 are fluidically connected to at least one of the accommodated fluid distributors 106 upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104. The size of the first slots 102-1 may be selected based on the outer profile of the heat exchange tubes 108 to be inserted therethrough. In one or more embodiments, the first slots 102-1 may be made in the first casing 102 during the manufacturing phase, prior to attachment of the first casing 102 to the second casing 104. However, in some embodiments, the first slots 102-1 may also be made in the first casing 102 after attachment of the first casing 102 to the second casing 104 or upon formation of the header 100A. Further, in one or more embodiments, the first casing 102 may have a planar or cuboidal profile having the first slots 102-1 extending through. However, in other embodiments, the first casing 102 may also have other profiles without any limitation.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of fluid distributors 106 may be accommodated at predefined positions on the first casing 102 and/or the second casing 104 such that the plurality of fluid distributors 106 remains in line/alignment along a length of the header 100A formed upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104. For instance, in one or more embodiments, all the fluid distributors 106 may be accommodated on the second casing 104 such that the fluid distributors 106 remain in line along the length of the second casing 104. Further, the first casing 102 may be attached to the second casing 104 to secure the accommodated fluid distributors 106. In some embodiments, some of the fluid distributors 106 may be accommodated on the second casing 104 and the remaining fluid distributors 106 may be accommodated on the first casing 102 such that fluid distributors 106 accommodated on the first casing 102 and the second casing 104 do not overlap or obstruct each other, and all the fluid distributors 106 remain in line along a length of the header 100A formed upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104. Similarly, in some embodiments, all the fluid distributors 106 may be accommodated on the first casing 102 such that the fluid distributors 106 remain in line along the length of the first casing 102. Further, the first casing 102 may be attached to the second casing 104 to secure the accommodated fluid distributors 106.

In one or more embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one side of the second casing 104 may be open and may include a plurality of sections 104-1 configured along the length of the second casing 104. Each of these sections 104-1 may be configured to accommodate at least one of the fluid distributors 106 thereon. Further, the second casing 104 may also include one or more second slots 104-2 configured to be fluidically connected to one or more feeder tubes, where the fluid distributors 106 may be accommodated on the second casing 104 such that an inlet port of the corresponding fluid distributors 106 are fluidically connected to the corresponding feeder tube.

In one or more embodiments (not shown), one side of the first casing 102 may include a plurality of sections configured along a length of the first casing 102, where each of the sections may be configured to accommodate at least one of the fluid distributors 106 thereon. Further, another side of the first casing 102 may include the plurality of first slots 102-1 (for heat exchange tubes 108) being connected to the plurality of sections. Further, the second casing 104 may include the second slots 104-2 configured to be fluidically connected to the feeder tubes, such that an inlet port of the fluid distributors 106 accommodated on the first casing 102 may get fluidically connected to the corresponding feeder tube upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A to 1D, in one or more embodiments, the distributor assembly 100 may include one or more connector tubes 110, each configured to be at least partially disposed through the second casing 104 or within the header 100A via one of the second slots 104-2. Further, a first end of the disposed connector tube 110 may be configured to be fluidically connected to the inlet port of the accommodated fluid distributor 106 and a second end of the corresponding connector tube 110 may be configured to be fluidically connected to one of the feeder tubes.

In one or more embodiments, the assembly 100 may include one or more isolators 112, each configured to be coaxially positioned between the sections 104-1 or the adjacent fluid distributors 106, and/or at extreme ends to correspondingly form one or more compartments (C) within the header 100A upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104 as shown in FIG. 1D, such that one of the fluid distributors 106 remains within each of the formed compartments C. In one or more embodiments, the isolators 112 may be a solid member having a predefined thickness and predefined profile based on a cross-sectional inner profile of the formed header 100A, such that the isolators 112 may be coaxially placed and fitted within header 100A while preventing any leakage between the adjacent compartments C upon brazing.

In one or more embodiments, once the fluid distributors 106, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108, the isolators 112, and/or the connector tubes 110 are configured within the header/housing 100A upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104, the complete assembly 100 may be brazed together to fluidically seal the distributor assembly 100. However, in some embodiments, the distributor assembly 100 may not include the isolators 112 and/or the connector tubes 110, and only the formed header 100A (first casing 102 and second casing 104), the accommodated fluid distributors 106, and the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108 may be brazed to form a leak-proof distributor assembly 100. Accordingly, the brazed distributor assembly 100 may allow the flow of a fluid (refrigerant associated with a refrigerant line or heat exchanger) from the feeder tubes into the plurality of fluid distributors 106 via the second slots 104-2 or the connector tubes 110 and further into the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108 via one or more outlet ports associated with the corresponding fluid distributors 106.

In one or more embodiments (not shown), the plurality of sections 104-1 provided on the first casing 102 (not shown) and/or the second casing 104 may have a predefined profile based on an outer profile of the fluid distributors 106 to be accommodated thereon. Further, the first casing 102 and the second casing 104 may have predefined shapes such that opposite ends of the formed header 100A remain closed and the enclosed space is formed therewithin upon attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104. For instance, in one or more embodiments, each of the sections 104-1 may have a substantially curved profile, but is not limited to the like.

In one or more embodiments, the second casing 104 may have a substantially C-shaped curved cross-section having closed ends, and an open side without or with the plurality of sections 104-1 for accommodating the fluid distributors 106, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Further, the first casing 102 may have a planar profile having the first slots 102-1 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first casing 102 may be attached to the second casing 104 such that a substantially semi-cylindrical-shaped housing is formed. Further, in one or more embodiments (not shown), the second casing 104 may have a substantially C-shaped curved cross-section having closed ends, and an open side without or with the plurality of sections 104-1 for accommodating the fluid distributors 106. Further, the first casing 102 may also have a substantially C-shaped curved cross-section having the first slots 102-1, where the first casing 102 may be attached to the second casing 104 such that a substantially cylindrical-shaped housing is formed. While various embodiments and the figures herein have been described for the casings 102, 104 and the header 100A having a specific shape and cross-section for the sake of brevity, however, the casings 102, 104 and the header 100A may have any other shape and cross-section as well, without any limitations, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the subject disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the first casing 102 may include one or more first fixtures (not shown) and the second casing 104 may include one or more second fixtures (not shown), where the first fixtures may be configured to engage with the second fixtures to enable the attachment of the first casing 102 and the second casing 104. This may allow the first casing 102 and second casing 104 to be temporarily attached and secure the fluid distributors 106 therewithin during the brazing process. In one or more embodiments, the first fixtures and the second fixtures may be configured to be clamped, snap-fitted, or slidably engaged. However, the first casing 102 and second casing 104 may also be attached together prior to brazing using any means known in the art without any limitation.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one or more embodiments, a first distributor 106-1 among the plurality of fluid distributors 106 may include a hollow tube 402 of a predefined length. The tube 402 may include at least one first inlet port 404, and one or more first outlet ports 406 configured radially along the outer surface of the tube 402. The first outlet ports 406 of the first distributor 100-1 may be fluidically connected to the first inlet port(s) 404 via one or more channels (not shown) extending through the tube 402. The first distributor 106-1 may be coaxially configured in one of the sections 104-1 within the header 100A. Further, the first inlet port 404 of the first distributor 106-1 may be fluidically connected to the second slot 104-2 of the second casing 104 or to the connector tubes 110 at the second slot 104-2, thereby fluidically connecting the first distributor 106-1 to one of the feeder tubes. Furthermore, the end of the heat exchange tube 108 inserted within the assembly 100 may be in fluidic communication or in front of the first outlet ports 406 of the first distributor 106-1 with a gap therebetween to enable the supply of the fluid received from the feeder tube into the corresponding heat exchange tubes 108. In one or more embodiments, the size of the first outlet ports 406 of the first distributor 106-1 may vary along the length of the tube 402, however, the size of all the first outlet ports 406 may also be the same. Further, a gap between the adjacent first outlet ports 406 on the tube 402 of the first distributor 106-1 may vary, however, the gap between the adjacent first outlet ports 406 may also be the same.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one or more embodiments, a second distributor 106-2 among the plurality of fluid distributors 106 may include a plate 502 of a (predefined) length and a (predefined) thickness. In one or more embodiment, the plate 502 may be a laminated plate or a perforated plate, but is not limited to the like. The plate 502 may include at least one second inlet port 504, and one or more second outlet ports 506 configured on the outer surface of the plate 502. The second outlet ports 506 of the plate 502 may be fluidically connected to the second inlet port(s) 504 via one or more channels (not shown) extending through the plate 502. The second distributor 106-2 may be coaxially configured in one of the sections 104-1 within the header 100A. Further, the second inlet port 504 of the second distributor 106-2 may be fluidically connected to the second slot 104-2 of the second casing 104 or to the connector tubes 110 at the second slot 104-2, thereby fluidically connecting the second distributor 106-2 to one of the feeder tubes. Furthermore, the end of the heat exchange tube 108 inserted within the assembly 100 may be in fluidic communication or in front of the second outlet ports 506 of the first distributor 106-2 with a gap therebetween to enable the supply of the fluid received from the feeder tube into the corresponding heat exchange tubes 108. In one or more embodiments, the size of the second outlet ports 506 of the second distributor 106-2 may vary along the length of the plate 502, however, the size of all the second outlet ports 506 may also be the same. Further, a gap between the adjacent second outlet ports 506 on the plate 502 of the second distributor 106-2 may vary, however, the gap between the adjacent second outlet ports 506 may also be the same.

In one or more embodiments (not shown), a third distributor 106-3 among the plurality of fluid distributors 106 may include an enclosure, including one or more sides and/or one or more surfaces defining a (predefined shape) and a (predefined) internal volume. For instance, in a non-limiting example as shown in FIG. 6, the third distributor 106-3 may have an octagonal cross-section having eight planar sides. The third distributor 106-3 may be configured to fluidically accommodate the end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 108 through the one or more sides and/or the one or more surfaces of the enclosure 602. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure 602 may include a third inlet port 604 and any of the sides or surfaces of the third distributor 106-3 may include third outlet ports 606 being internally connected to the third inlet port 604.

The third distributor 106-3 may be coaxially configured in one of the sections 104-1 within the header 100A. Further, the third inlet port 604 of the third distributor 106-3 may be fluidically connected to the second slot of the second casing 104, or to the connector tubes 110 at the second slot 104-2, thereby fluidically connecting the third distributor 106-3 to one of the feeder tubes. Furthermore, the end of the heat exchange tube 108 inserted within the assembly 100 may be in fluidic communication or in front of the outlet ports of the first fluid distributor 106-1 with a gap therebetween to enable the supply of the fluid received from the feeder tube into the corresponding heat exchange tubes 108. In one or more embodiments, the size of the third outlet ports 606 of the third distributor 106-3 may vary along the length of the plate, however, the size of all the third outlet ports 606 may also be the same. Further, a gap between the adjacent third outlet ports 606 on the plate of the third distributor 106-3 may vary, however, the gap between the adjacent third outlet ports 606 may also be the same.

The design of the fluid distributor assembly 100 of the subject disclosure may also simplify the manufacturing process thereof. The manufacturing method may include processes such as piercing, stamping, and punching different shapes into an elongated rod or a beam to form different embodiments of the fluid distributor assembly 100/manifold 100, as described in the subject disclosure. The use of the first and second casing 102, 104 enables a two-piece manifold construction that, in conjunction with recent changes in industry standards for HVAC heat exchangers (i.e., the shift in burst pressure requirements from three times the maximum operating pressure to two times supplemented by a pressure cycle test, among others) allows for simplification of the manufacturing process. The two-piece construction also allows for the fluid distributors (such as the fluid distributors 106) to have more complex and intricate designs. The flow pattern of the fluid through the manifold 100A may be modified or adjusted independently using the two-piece construction, thereby preventing maldistribution of the fluid.

Further, the design of the fluid distributor assembly 100 (or components thereof) improves the ability of the fluid distributor assembly 100 to be scaled in size. In some applications, such as automotive applications, manufacturing methods fluid distributors may also involve techniques like stamping, piercing, and punching, among others. However, the dimensions of such fluid distributors may be smaller in comparison to the applications of the fluid distributor assembly 100. For instance, fluid distributors in typical automotive applications may have a length of approximately 10 inches (250 mm) or less and a diameter of around 38 mm or less. At such dimensions, maldistribution of fluid within the manifold is often negligible or readily managed with simpler designs. However, the fluid distributor assembly 100 of the subject disclosure designed for HVAC applications may have manifold lengths that are substantially larger, typically equal to or greater than 300 mm (such as 1.5 meters or more). If conventional automotive fluid distributor designs were scaled up to such lengths, the problem of fluid maldistribution may become significantly more pronounced, leading to reduced heat exchanger efficiency. The two-piece construction, the ability to provide intricate geometries of the fluid distributor assembly 100, and/or the use of isolators avoids the problem of maldistribution, thereby ensuring even distribution of the fluid even in applications requiring increased lengths.

While various embodiments herein have been described for the fluid distributors having a tubular design or a plate-type design, however, any other type of fluid distributor known in the art may also be employed in the assembly as well, without any limitations, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the subject disclosure.

It is to be appreciated that the flexibility to allow the use of different fluid distributors having different fluid distribution configurations within the assembly may facilitate independently customizing and optimizing the flow of the fluid (refrigerant) into the ports associated with each of the heat exchange tubes being connected to the assembly length to compensate for flow irregularities or pressure drop and achieve even distributed flow across the heat exchanger.

Thus, the subject disclosure overcomes the challenges associated with existing heat exchangers, by providing a simple, efficient, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble fluid distribution assembly for heat exchangers, which uniformly supplies fluid (refrigerant) to the ports of the heat exchange tubes. In addition, this assembly may be easily manufactured and assembled with minimal complexity. Additionally, the assembly may provide the flexibility to use different types of fluid distributors (having different distribution configurations) within the same assembly.

While the subject disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adopt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the subject disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the subject disclosure includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

In interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.