Abstract: Based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation, the performance of distributors used in plate heat exchangers (PHEs) is investigated for both single-phase flow and two-phase flow. The simulation results of PHEs with and without distributors are compared for the effective analysis of distributors, and the influences of the number of flow channels and mass flow rate and inlet quality of the working fluid on flow distribution between channels are also analyzed. It is found that the distributors can greatly improve the homogeneity of flow distribution between channels, the number of flow channels has greater influence on the homogeneity of flow distribution between channels than mass flow rate of the working fluid. The distribution performance of distributors when in two-phase flow is inferior to when in single-phase flow, it reduces the heat transfer performance of PHEs used as evaporators in refrigerating systems. The research results provide the necessary theoretical basis for further improving the homogeneity of flow distribution between channels of PHEs.

Key words: Computational fluid dynamics(CFD), Distributor, FLUENT software, Plate heat exchanger, Two-phase flow