Fluid expansion-distribution assembly

Abstract

A expansion-distribution assembly ( 30 ) for simultaneously throttling, mixing, and distributing refrigerant fluid just upstream of a heat-absorbing component (e.g., an evaporator) of a heatpump system. The expansion-distribution assembly ( 30 ) comprises a valve-nozzle adjustment device ( 34 ) which moves a piston ( 52 ) relative to a nozzle chamber ( 44 ) to vary flow-characteristics therethrough. The piston ( 52 ) is moved during operation of the heatpump system (based on, for example, pressure and temperature data) to dynamically customize the valve-nozzle for the current load of the system.

1 . A expansion-distribution assembly comprising a distributor body and a valve-nozzle adjustment device; 
 the distributor body defining an inlet/outlet chamber, a distribution chamber, a nozzle chamber between the inlet/outlet chamber and the distribution chamber, and a plurality of tubes in direct fluid communication with the distribution chamber;    the valve-nozzle adjustment device including a piston and a drive mechanism for moving the piston is driven to move in the inlet-outlet direction relative to the nozzle chamber; and    wherein is the piston is moveable among a minimum-flow-area position whereat flow area through the nozzle chamber is minimized, a maximum flow-area position whereat flow area through the nozzle chamber is at a maximum, and at least one position therebetween.    
   
   
       2 . An expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle chamber diverges towards the distribution chamber.  
   
   
       3 . An expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises a linear actuator.  
   
   
       4 . An expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism is controlled based on system pressure-temperature conditions.  
   
   
       5 . An expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the piston is in its most extended position when it is in its minimum-flow-area position and in its most retracted position when it is in its maximum-area-position.  
   
   
       6 . An expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the piston comprises a conical nose which tapers towards the nozzle chamber.  
   
   
       7 . An expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein, the nose portion of the piston is situated within the nozzle chamber when the piston is in its minimum-flow-area position.  
   
   
       8 . An expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the nose portion of the piston is situated within the distribution chamber when the piston is in its maximum-flow-area position.  
   
   
       9 . An expansion-distribution assembly as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle chamber diverges towards the distribution chamber and wherein the piston comprises a conical nose which tapers towards the nozzle chamber; 
 wherein the nose portion of the piston is situated well within the nozzle chamber when the piston is in its minimum-flow-area position; and    wherein the nose portion of the piston is situated almost entirely within the distribution chamber when the piston is in its maximum-flow-area position.    
   
   
       10 . A heatpump system comprising a first component which acts as a heat-absorbing component when fluid is flowing in a first direction and the expansion-distribution assembly set forth in  claim 1  upstream of the inlet of the first component.  
   
   
       11 . In combination, an evaporator, a refrigerant fluid, and the expansion-distribution assembly set forth in  claim 1  with its tubes connected to the evaporator, the refrigerant fluid flowing in a first direction from the expansion-distribution assembly to the evaporator.  
   
   
       12 . The combination set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the piston is in its minimum-flow-area position whereat flow area through the nozzle chamber is minimized.  
   
   
       13 . The combination set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the piston is in one the positions between its minimum flow-area position and its maximum flow-area position.  
   
   
       14 . The combination set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the piston is at its maximum flow-area position whereat flow area through the nozzle chamber is at a maximum.  
   
   
       15 . In combination, an evaporator, a refrigerant fluid, and the expansion-distribution assembly set forth in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the tubes of the expansion-distribution assembly are connected to the evaporator;    the refrigerant fluid flows in a second direction from the evaporator to the expansion-distribution assembly; and    the piston is at its maximum flow-area position whereat flow area through the nozzle chamber is at a maximum.