Tank housing for refrigerant receiver with integrated heat exchanger function

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank housing (2, 102, 202) for enclosing a refrigerant reservoir (3) of a refrigerant receiver (1, 100, 200), where an internal volume of the tank housing (2, 102, 202) is configured to constitute the refrigerant reservoir (3), and the tank housing (2, 102, 202) has a first refrigerant outlet (66). A first fluid channel structure (20) and a separate second fluid channel structure (30) for integrated heat exchanger functions are integrally formed in a wall of a tank housing (2, 102, 202) enclosing the refrigerant reservoir (3). In order to reduce refrigerant leakage in a refrigerant circuit, in particular for mobile applications, the tank housing (2, 102, 202) comprises an integrated economizer duct (30, 41, 44, 47, 67, 341, 358) for supplying refrigerant from the refrigerant reservoir (3) to the second refrigerant outlet (68), where the second fluid channel structure (30) forms part of the economizer duct (30, 41, 44, 47, 67, 341, 358). At least one of the economizer expansion valve (46) and a mounting (45) for mounting the economizer expansion valve (46) is arranged in the economizer conduit (30, 41, 44, 47, 67, 341, 358) between the refrigerant reservoir (3) and the second fluid passage structure (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank housing for a refrigerant reservoir for encapsulating a refrigerant receiver.

[0002] A typical refrigerant circuit for a mobile cooling application for transporting refrigerated goods includes a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerant receiver having a refrigerant reservoir, an outlet expansion valve, and an evaporator. The mobile cooling application can be, for example, a refrigerated intermodal container, a refrigerated railway carriage, a refrigerated road vehicle (such as a refrigerated truck, trailer, and multi-purpose van), a refrigerated air cargo container, a refrigerated ship, etc.

[0003] In such a refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor. The compressed refrigerant is supplied from the outlet of the compressor to the condenser at a high pressure. The condenser is an air heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerant. After having passed through the condenser, the compressed refrigerant is collected in the refrigerant reservoir of the refrigerant receiver. The liquid refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant reservoir to the outlet expansion valve, which then expands the refrigerant. The expanded refrigerant flows into the evaporator. There, the expanded refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat. The evaporator is installed inside the means for transporting refrigerated goods and cools the interior. For example, the evaporator can be installed inside an intermodal container. After having passed through the evaporator, the refrigerant is drawn into the compressor and compressed again.

[0004] Some refrigerant circuits include an additional economizer installed downstream of the refrigerant receiver. The flow of liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant receiver is split into two flow branches. The refrigerant of the first flow branch enters the economizer directly in liquid form at a high pressure. The refrigerant of the second flow branch is first expanded by an economizer expansion valve and then enters the economizer. Due to the expansion by the economizer expansion valve, it has a lower temperature than the refrigerant of the first flow branch. The economizer acts as a heat exchanger for the two flow branches: in the economizer, the unexpanded refrigerant of the first flow branch releases heat to the expanded refrigerant of the second flow branch. Thus, the unexpanded refrigerant of the first flow branch is additionally pre-cooled. Then, it is directed to the outlet expansion valve. The refrigerant of the second flow branch leaving the economizer is alternatively directed to the economizer inlet of the compressor. This refrigerant typically enters the compressor at an intermediate pressure and an intermediate temperature.

[0005] The additional economizer allows the liquid refrigerant in the first flow branch to be sub-cooled before it enters the outlet expansion valve. This enhances the pulling-down capacity of the evaporator, as more heat can be absorbed at the evaporator. Further, the refrigerant of the second flow branch leaving the economizer enters the compressor at a higher pressure than the refrigerant from the evaporator, and less energy is required to compress it to the desired condensation conditions.

[0006] As a result, the annual refrigerant leakage is particularly high in mobile applications compared to other applications, such as refrigeration applications in buildings.

[0007] The fundamental problem on which the present invention is based is to reduce refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit, especially for mobile applications.

[0008] This problem is solved by a tank housing for enclosing a fluid reservoir, such as a refrigerant reservoir of a refrigerant receiver, wherein a first fluid passage structure for an integrated heat exchanger (function) and a separate second fluid passage structure are integrally formed in the tank housing.

[0009] The tank housing exhibits an integrated heat exchanger function. More specifically, it exhibits an integrated heat exchanger function for heat exchange between the fluid flowing through the first fluid passage structure and the fluid flowing from the second fluid passage structure. In other words, the tank housing of the refrigerant receiver is configured to additionally exhibit an integrated economizer function.

[0010] This significantly reduces the number of components, joints, pipelines, pipeline attachments, seals, and the like in the refrigerant circuit. This results in reduced leakage and improved durability. Less monitoring and / or maintenance is required. Additionally, this reduces the complexity of installing the refrigerant circuit in mobile applications.

[0011] Especially in mobile applications, the joints, seals, and pipeline connectors in the refrigerant circuit are subjected to frequent vibrations, shocks, and changes in environmental conditions (such as temperature, solar radiation, etc.). This promotes the formation of microcracks, especially at joints, seals, and pipeline attachments. Microcracks lead to continuous refrigerant leakage. Further, it has been shown that joints between different components of the refrigerant (such as copper joints) are particularly prone to corrosion. Since the present invention allows a significant reduction in the number of such joints, the risk of problems, leakage, and / or failure due to the corrosion of such joints is small.

[0012] Furthermore, combining different functions provided by several separate components in the prior art, especially at least the refrigerant receiver function and the economizer function, in an integral component helps to reduce the weight and size of the entire refrigerant system. Therefore, better transport efficiency can be achieved in the transportation of refrigerated goods.

[0013] The first fluid passage structure and the separate second fluid passage structure are configured to allow heat transfer to occur between the fluid flowing through the first fluid passage structure and the fluid flowing through the second fluid passage structure. The first fluid passage structure is integrally formed in the tank housing. The second fluid passage structure is also integrally formed in the tank housing, but is formed separately from the first fluid passage structure. This allows refrigerant to flow through the first fluid passage structure at a first pressure while allowing refrigerant to flow through the second fluid passage structure at a second pressure, where the second pressure is different from the first pressure, for example, lower than the first pressure.

[0014] The internal volume of the tank housing can be configured to constitute a refrigerant reservoir of a refrigerant receiver. The internal volume can be referred to as the refrigerant reservoir. In other words, the tank housing itself directly forms the refrigerant reservoir. According to one aspect, the first fluid passage structure and the second fluid passage structure can be integrally formed within the wall enclosing the refrigerant reservoir.

[0015] The tank housing can be configured for fluid supply (especially refrigerant supply) from the refrigerant reservoir (e.g., via an outlet of the refrigerant reservoir) to the first fluid passage structure and / or the second fluid passage structure.

[0016] The refrigerant reservoir can extend along a longitudinal direction. An intermediate section along the longitudinal direction can have a uniform cross-sectional shape. The uniform cross-sectional shape in the intermediate section can be, for example, circular, elliptical, oblong, polygonal (e.g., rectangular, including quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc.), etc.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the refrigerant reservoir can have a basic shape with n-fold discrete rotational symmetry about a central axis, where n is a natural number of at least 3, especially at least 6. In one embodiment, it is (at least substantially) rotationally symmetric about the central axis, corresponding to n = ∞. For example, the refrigerant reservoir has a cylindrical basic shape.

[0018] The central axis can be parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0019] According to one aspect, either the first end or the second end of the refrigerant reservoir can have the following basic shapes in the longitudinal direction (along the central axis): flat, conical, hemispherical, elliptical, semi-elliptical, dish-shaped. The first end and the second end of the refrigerant reservoir can have the same shape or different shapes.

[0020] The first fluid channel structure can be configured such that it continuously guides fluid several times along the refrigerant reservoir in the longitudinal direction (i.e., between the first end and the second end of the refrigerant reservoir). Additionally or alternatively, the second fluid channel structure can be configured such that it continuously guides fluid several times along the refrigerant reservoir in the longitudinal direction. This provides more efficient heat transfer between the fluid in the first fluid channel structure and the fluid in the second fluid channel structure.

[0021] According to one aspect, the first fluid channel structure can include at least one meandering flow path for the fluid, and / or the second fluid channel structure can include at least one meandering flow path for the fluid. The use of the (one or more) meandering flow paths improves heat exchange. The effective area for heat exchange is increased. The meandering shape increases the time taken for the fluid to pass through. The passing fluid can release or absorb more heat. Additionally, the meandering shape of the (one or more) flow paths helps to more evenly distribute heat transfer. This allows for higher efficiency.

[0022] Each meandering flow path can be configured such that it guides the fluid (refrigerant) several times along the refrigerant reservoir in the longitudinal direction through it, for example at least three times, especially at least five times.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first fluid channel structure includes at least two meandering flow paths for the fluid. In other words, the first fluid channel structure includes its at least one meandering flow path and (at least one) additional meandering flow path. This helps to improve the integrated heat exchanger function.

[0024] In particular, the first fluid channel structure branches into its at least one meandering flow path and its additional meandering flow path. The first fluid channel structure can include a common inlet for its meandering flow paths. Additionally or alternatively, the first fluid channel structure can include a common outlet for its (at least two) meandering flow paths. This helps to reduce the number of valves required to control the integrated receiver and economizer functions.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the second fluid channel structure includes at least two meandering flow paths for the fluid. In other words, the second fluid channel structure includes its at least one meandering flow path and (at least one) additional meandering flow path. This helps to improve the integrated heat exchanger function.

[0026] In particular, the second fluid channel structure branches into its at least one meandering flow path and its additional meandering flow path. The second fluid channel structure can include a common inlet for its meandering flow paths. Additionally or alternatively, the second fluid channel structure can include a common outlet for its meandering flow paths. This helps to reduce the number of valves required to control the integrated receiver and economizer functions.

[0027] According to another aspect, the second fluid passage structure may be arranged between the first fluid passage structure and the refrigerant reservoir. The second fluid passage structure may be integrally formed more inwardly within the tank housing than the first fluid passage structure (i.e., integrally formed within the wall enclosing the refrigerant reservoir). For example, the second fluid passage structure is integrally formed within the inner side surface (reservoir side portion) of the wall enclosing the refrigerant reservoir, and the first fluid passage structure is integrally formed within the outer side surface (ambient side portion) of the wall enclosing the refrigerant reservoir. Thus, the fluid flowing through the second fluid passage structure exchanges heat with both the fluid flowing through the first fluid passage structure and the fluid within the refrigerant reservoir. In particular, the refrigerant receiver may be configured such that, at least under certain operating conditions, the fluid flowing through the second fluid passage structure has a lower temperature (and pressure) than the fluid flowing through the first fluid passage structure and the fluid within the refrigerant reservoir, wherein the fluid flowing through the second fluid passage structure absorbs heat from both the fluid flowing through the first fluid passage structure and the fluid within the refrigerant reservoir. This improves efficiency.

[0028] According to another aspect, the tank housing may include a circumferential wall, a lower end portion, and an upper end portion. The circumferential wall may extend, for example, along a longitudinal direction between the lower end portion and the upper end portion. For example, the lower end portion may be fixed to the circumferential wall on one side in the longitudinal direction at a first end, and the upper end portion may be fixed to the circumferential wall on one side in the longitudinal direction at a second end.

[0029] The circumferential wall may have a basic shape of, for example, a hollow cylinder. This results in cost-effective production and good pressure resistance.

[0030] In one embodiment, the lower end portion may be integrally fixed to the circumferential wall by brazing, for example, by a circumferential brazed joint. Additionally or alternatively, the upper end portion may be integrally fixed to the circumferential wall by brazing, for example, by a circumferential brazed joint. This reduces the risk of leakage and ensures high robustness of the tank housing. Further, no separate sealing is required at the corresponding joints.

[0031] Alternatively, at least one of the lower end portion and the upper end portion (e.g., the upper end portion) may be releasably fixed to the circumferential wall, for example, by a screw connection. This is particularly beneficial if the tank housing includes additional heat exchange pipes for external fluids, as described below.

[0032] The tank housing may be configured to be installed such that the longitudinal direction is at least substantially parallel to the direction of gravity during operation, wherein the lower end portion forms the bottom of the refrigerant reservoir, and wherein the upper end portion forms the top of the refrigerant reservoir.

[0033] In one embodiment, the refrigerant reservoir (i.e., the internal volume of the tank housing) extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal direction, wherein the first fluid passage structure includes:

[0034] - Two end-to-end passages (i.e., at least two end-to-end passages) arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, each end-to-end passage extending between the first end and the second end; and

[0035] - A fluid passageway arranged at one of the first end and the second end, and preferably extending in the circumferential direction between these two adjacent end-to-end fluid passages of the first fluid passage structure.

[0036] This fluid passageway allows fluid to flow from one of these two end-to-end fluid passages to the other end-to-end fluid passage.

[0037] The circumferential direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0038] In addition, the first fluid passage structure may include:

[0039] - At least one additional end-to-end passage (i.e., at least a third end-to-end passage), the at least one additional end-to-end passage being arranged adjacent to one of these two end-to-end passages of the first fluid passage structure in the circumferential direction and extending between the first end and the second end, and

[0040] - A fluid passageway arranged at the other of the first end and the second end, and preferably extending in the circumferential direction between the at least one additional end-to-end passage and an adjacent one of these two end-to-end passages of the first fluid passage structure.

[0041] In one embodiment, the refrigerant reservoir extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal direction, wherein the second fluid passage structure includes:

[0042] - Two end-to-end passages (i.e., at least end-to-end passages) arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, each end-to-end passage extending between the first end and the second end; and

[0043] - A fluid passageway arranged at one of the first end and the second end, and preferably extending in the circumferential direction between these two adjacent end-to-end fluid passages of the second fluid passage structure.

[0044] In addition, the second fluid passage structure may include:

[0045] - at least one further end-to-end channel (i.e., at least a third end-to-end channel), which is arranged adjacent to one of the two end-to-end channels of the second fluid channel structure in the circumferential direction and extends between a first end and a second end, and

[0046] - a fluid passage, which is arranged at the other of the first end and the second end and preferably extends in the circumferential direction between the at least one further end-to-end channel and an adjacent one of the two end-to-end channels of the second fluid channel structure.

[0047] According to another aspect, the end-to-end channels (of the first fluid channel structure and / or the second fluid channel structure) can extend straight along the longitudinal direction. This facilitates production. In addition, this can help to reduce the flow resistance of the end-to-end channels.

[0048] (The end-to-end channels of the first fluid channel structure and / or the second fluid channel structure) can be integrally formed in the circumferential wall. In particular, they can be completely formed within the circumferential wall. They can extend in the longitudinal direction along the entire length of the circumferential wall.

[0049] The corresponding fluid passage at the first end (of the first fluid channel structure and / or the second fluid channel structure) can be formed in the circumferential wall and / or the lower end portion of the tank housing. It can be arranged at the joint between the circumferential wall and the lower end portion. In particular, it can be formed by a groove that extends in the circumferential direction in the first end face of the circumferential wall between the end-to-end channels connected by it. Additionally or alternatively, it can be formed by a groove that extends in the circumferential direction in the circumferential contact area of the lower end portion that contacts the first end face of the circumferential wall between the end-to-end channels connected by it.

[0050] The corresponding fluid passage at the second end (of the first fluid channel structure and / or the second fluid channel structure) can be formed in the circumferential wall and / or the upper end portion of the tank housing. It can be arranged at the joint between the circumferential wall and the upper end portion. In particular, it can be formed by a groove that extends in the circumferential direction in the second end face of the circumferential wall between the end-to-end channels connected by it. Additionally or alternatively, it can be formed by a groove that extends in the circumferential direction in the circumferential contact area of the upper end portion that contacts the second end face of the circumferential wall between the end-to-end channels connected by it.

[0051] According to one aspect, at least one of these fluid passages of the first fluid passage structure can connect three end-to-end passages of the first fluid passage structure. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of these fluid passages of the second fluid passage structure can connect three end-to-end passages of the second fluid passage structure. This is particularly relevant for fluid passages that are in direct fluid communication with the inlet or outlet of the corresponding fluid passage structure.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first fluid passage structure is mirror-symmetrical about a longitudinal central plane. Additionally or alternatively, the second fluid passage structure can be mirror-symmetrical about the longitudinal central plane. This ensures a particularly uniform flow of fluid through the corresponding passage structure. The central axis can be located within the central plane.

[0053] The entire circumferential wall can be pre-produced as a single integral part.

[0054] According to one aspect, the circumferential wall of the tank housing is at least one of the following

[0055] - made of aluminum alloy, and

[0056] - made by extrusion.

[0057] Manufacturing the circumferential wall by extrusion, such as by aluminum alloy extrusion, ensures relatively uniform material properties along the entire circumferential wall. This is beneficial for high robustness and reliable high-pressure resistance. Since the circumferential wall can be formed as a single integral part, the leakage risk at the circumferential wall is particularly low. Additionally, producing end-to-end passages is a cost-effective production method.

[0058] Aluminum alloy exhibits relatively high thermal conductivity. This improves an additional integrated energy-saving function. Additionally, aluminum alloy is lightweight and does not rust.

[0059] In one embodiment, the tank housing includes additional heat exchange pipes for external fluid that extend through the refrigerant reservoir. The additional heat exchanger can be configured to enable the external fluid to absorb heat from the refrigerant inside the refrigerant reservoir. For example, a refrigerant receiver with a tank housing can be used in the refrigerant circuit of an intermodal container. If the intermodal container is placed inside a ship hull, especially its lower part, it may be difficult to dissipate sufficient heat from the refrigerant circuit through a common condenser (in the form of an air heat exchanger) of the refrigerant circuit. The additional heat exchange pipes can be used to guide cold water (such as seawater or water cooled by seawater) through the refrigerant reservoir to cool the refrigerant stored therein.

[0060] According to one aspect, the tank housing (such as the circumferential wall) includes at least one of the following

[0061] -(a first) sight glass for checking the level of liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant reservoir; and

[0062] -(a first) sight glass mount for the (first) sight glass.

[0063] The (first) sight glass may allow checking of a predetermined low level of liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant reservoir.

[0064] In particular, the tank housing (such as the circumferential wall) may include at least one of the following

[0065] - two sight glasses for checking the level of liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant reservoir; and

[0066] - two sight glass mounts.

[0067] The second sight glass may allow checking of a predetermined high level of liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant reservoir. The first sight glass and / or the corresponding first sight glass mount may be arranged closer to the first end of the refrigerant reservoir than the second sight glass.

[0068] According to one aspect, the tank housing may have a refrigerant inlet for receiving refrigerant into the refrigerant reservoir. The refrigerant inlet may include an inlet port and / or an inlet port mount for releasably mounting the inlet port to the tank housing, such as to an upper end portion. The inlet port mount may be integrally formed in the upper end portion. It may include threads, such as internal threads.

[0069] The tank housing may have a first refrigerant outlet. The first refrigerant outlet may include a first outlet port and / or a first outlet mount for releasably mounting the first outlet port to the tank housing, such as to an upper end portion. The first outlet mount may be integrally formed in the upper end section. It may include threads, such as internal threads.

[0070] In one embodiment, the tank housing includes an integral discharge pipe for supplying refrigerant from the refrigerant reservoir to the first refrigerant outlet, wherein a first fluid channel structure forms part of the discharge pipe, and wherein at least one of the following

[0071] - a discharge expansion valve and

[0072] - a mount for the discharge expansion valve

[0073] is arranged in the discharge pipe, between the first fluid channel structure and the first refrigerant outlet.

[0074] The first refrigerant outlet may be in fluid communication with the refrigerant reservoir via the first fluid channel structure (at least when the discharge expansion valve is open).

[0075] The refrigerant flowing out from the first refrigerant outlet can be directed to the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit adopting the refrigerant receiver with the tank housing.

[0076] The discharge expansion valve can control the expansion of the refrigerant downstream of the first fluid passage structure (and upstream of the first refrigerant outlet). Therefore, the refrigerant entering the first fluid passage structure during operation has the high pressure and high temperature as the refrigerant in the refrigerant reservoir. Therefore, it releases heat in the first fluid passage structure. Thus, the refrigerant is precooled by the economizer function before being expanded by the discharge expansion valve. Therefore, the refrigerant can absorb more heat in the evaporator. The efficiency and / or effectiveness of the refrigerant circuit is enhanced.

[0077] The mounting for the discharge expansion valve can be configured to releasably mount the discharge expansion valve to the tank housing, such as to the upper end portion. It can be integrally formed in the upper end portion. It can include threads, such as internal threads.

[0078] The tank housing can have a second refrigerant outlet. It can include a second outlet port and / or a second outlet mounting for releasably mounting the second outlet port to the tank housing, such as to the upper end portion. The second outlet mounting can be integrally formed in the upper end section. It can include threads, such as internal threads.

[0079] In one embodiment, the tank housing includes an integral economizer duct for supplying refrigerant from the refrigerant reservoir to the second refrigerant outlet, wherein the second fluid passage structure forms part of the economizer duct, and wherein at least one of the following

[0080] - the economizer expansion valve and

[0081] - the mounting for mounting the economizer expansion valve

[0082] is arranged in the economizer duct, between the refrigerant reservoir and the second fluid passage structure.

[0083] The second refrigerant outlet can be in fluid communication with the refrigerant reservoir via the second fluid passage structure (at least when the economizer expansion valve is open).

[0084] The economizer expansion valve can control the expansion of the refrigerant upstream of the second fluid passage structure (and downstream of the refrigerant reservoir). Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the second fluid passage structure during operation has a lower pressure and a lower temperature than the refrigerant flowing through the first fluid passage structure. Therefore, it absorbs heat in the second fluid passage structure. As explained above, vice versa, the fluid flowing through the first fluid passage structure towards the discharge expansion valve (and later flowing to the evaporator) releases heat, thereby improving the efficiency and / or effectiveness of the refrigeration circuit.

[0085] Furthermore, if the second fluid passage structure is disposed between the first fluid passage structure and the refrigerant reservoir, the fluid flowing through the second fluid passage structure additionally absorbs the heat of the fluid in the refrigerant reservoir. This further helps to pre-cool the refrigerant to be discharged to the evaporator via the discharge expansion valve.

[0086] The mounting for the economizer expansion valve can be configured to releasably mount the economizer expansion valve to the tank housing, such as to the lower end portion. It can be integrally formed in the lower end portion. It can include threads, such as internal threads.

[0087] According to one aspect, at least one of the following

[0088] - a refrigerant dryer and

[0089] - the mounting for the refrigerant dryer

[0090] can be disposed in the discharge pipe, such as between the refrigerant reservoir and the first fluid passage structure, and / or in the economizer pipe, such as between the refrigerant reservoir and the economizer expansion valve. This helps to extract moisture from the refrigerant to prevent corrosion. The dryer can include synthetic zeolite as a desiccant.

[0091] According to another aspect, the tank housing can include at least one of the following

[0092] - an isolation valve for opening and closing the outlet of the refrigerant reservoir; and

[0093] - the mounting for the isolation valve.

[0094] The mounting for the isolation valve can be configured to releasably mount the isolation valve to the tank housing, such as to the lower end portion. It can be integrally formed in the lower end portion. It can include threads, such as internal threads. The outlet of the refrigerant reservoir can be located at the downstream end of the refrigerant reservoir. It can belong to the common part of the integral discharge pipe and the integral economizer pipe. The isolation valve can be adapted to prevent the refrigerant from flowing through the discharge pipe and the economizer pipe from the refrigerant reservoir in the closed state.

[0095] In one embodiment, the condenser is integrally formed with the tank housing, such as integrally formed by brazing.

[0096] The tank housing can include a condenser outlet channel. The condenser outlet channel can be integrally formed in the tank housing, such as completely formed within the circumferential wall. In one embodiment, the condenser outlet channel and the end-to-end channel can be formed (in one step) with the circumferential wall by extrusion (such as by extrusion of aluminum alloy).

[0097] The condenser outlet channel may extend along a longitudinal direction. It may have a kidney-shaped cross-section.

[0098] Relative to the refrigerant reservoir, the condenser outlet channel may be formed more outwardly than the first fluid channel structure.

[0099] The connecting pipe may extend integrally within the tank housing for guiding refrigerant from the condenser outlet channel into the refrigerant reservoir. In particular, the connecting pipe may be integrally formed in the upper end portion of the tank housing. It may include at least two branches. This allows for lower flow resistance.

[0100] The condenser may include a plurality of heat exchange conduits. These heat exchange conduits may respectively extend from a common inlet distribution portion to the condenser outlet channel. The condenser outlet channel serves as a common outlet portion for the plurality of heat exchange conduits. All joints (such as circumferential walls) between the heat exchange conduits and the tank housing, as well as the common inlet distribution portion, may be formed by brazing.

[0101] In one embodiment, the condenser is a microchannel heat exchanger. It may be an air heat exchanger.

[0102] The common inlet distribution portion may include a mounting member for releasably mounting the condenser inlet port. The condenser inlet port may include a pressure switch. Depending on the pressure at the condenser inlet port, activation may be dependent. Additionally or alternatively, the condenser inlet port may include a pressure sensor.

[0103] According to another aspect, the tank housing (or the entire refrigerant receiver) has no welded joints. This reduces the risk of accidents during installation and maintenance, especially in the case of using flammable refrigerants.

[0104] Additionally or alternatively, the tank housing (or the entire refrigerant receiver) has no flared connections. This reduces the risk of leakage and improves robustness.

[0105] In one embodiment, the tank housing (or the entire refrigerant receiver) does not contain brass and / or does not contain lead. This is environmentally friendly.

[0106] According to one aspect, the first fluid channel structure and the second fluid channel structure may be concentrically arranged, for example, concentrically around a central axis.

[0107] The above problem is further solved by a refrigerant receiver having a tank housing according to any one of the embodiments described herein, wherein the refrigerant receiver exhibits an integrated economizer function.

[0108] The refrigerant receiver is configured to use the tank housing, especially the first fluid channel structure and the second fluid channel structure, as a heat exchanger to obtain an economizer function.

[0109] The refrigerant receiver can be configured to use R290 as the refrigerant.

[0110] In one embodiment, one, several, or all of the following installations include metal seals:

[0111] - The first sight glass,

[0112] - The second sight glass,

[0113] - The isolation valve,

[0114] - The economizer expansion valve,

[0115] - The service valve,

[0116] - The dryer,

[0117] - The inlet port,

[0118] - The discharge expansion valve,

[0119] - The first outlet port,

[0120] - The second outlet port, and

[0121] - The condenser inlet port.

[0122] Additionally, the respective installation(s) may include O-ring protectors. The O-ring protectors may be arranged on the outer side (environment side) of the respective installation, where the metal seals may be arranged on the inner side (refrigerant side) of the respective installation. The metal seals prevent refrigerant leakage. The O-ring protectors prevent the metal seals from corroding due to moisture from the environment.

[0123] According to another aspect, the refrigerant receiver can be used in a refrigerant circuit for mobile cooling applications, such as for cooling intermodal containers.

[0124] This disclosure also relates to a refrigerant circuit that includes a refrigerant receiver having a tank housing according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a compressor, and an evaporator, wherein a first refrigerant outlet is fluidly connected to an inlet of the evaporator, and a second refrigerant outlet is fluidly connected to an economizer inlet of the compressor.

[0125] This disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a receiver tank, in particular according to any one of the embodiments described herein, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0126] - Forming a circumferential wall including an end-to-end channel (and, if applicable, a condenser outlet channel) by extrusion, such as by aluminum extrusion.

[0127] - Machine - machine the grooves for one or more fluid passages of the first fluid passage structure and / or the second fluid passage structure

[0128] · into the first end face of the circumferential front face, and / or

[0129] · into the circumferential contact area of the lower end portion intended to contact the first end face of the circumferential wall, and

[0130] - Machine - machine the grooves for one or more fluid passages of the first fluid passage structure and / or the second fluid passage structure

[0131] · into the second end face of the circumferential front face, and / or

[0132] · at the circumferential contact area of the upper end portion intended to contact the second end face of the circumferential wall.

[0133] Preferably, these grooves are only machined into the first end face and the second end face of the circumferential wall.

[0134] The method may further include the step of integrally fixing the lower end portion to the first end face of the circumferential wall, for example, by a brazing step. The same brazing step may additionally include integrally fixing the upper end portion to the second end face of the circumferential wall. The same brazing step may additionally include integrally fixing a plurality of heat exchange conduits for the condenser to the tank housing (e.g., fixing to the condenser outlet channel in the circumferential wall) and the common inlet distribution portion.

[0135] The brazing step forms an integral, strong, and unitary tank housing component of the elements joined by the brazing step. Even the heat exchange conduits and the common inlet distribution pipeline can be integrally fixed to the rest of the tank housing in this way.

[0136] The brazing step can be carried out in an oven. It can be carried out at a maximum temperature in the range from 600 °C to 700 °C.

[0137] According to one aspect, the above - mentioned fluid passages of the first fluid passage structure and the second fluid passage structure can be plugged (closed) by the brazing step.

[0138] The embodiments, modifications, and advantages described with respect to any one of the tank housing, refrigerant receiver, refrigerant circuit, and method are correspondingly applicable to the other subjects respectively.

[0139] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0140] Figure 1 A longitudinal section on a central plane of a refrigerant receiver having a tank housing according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0141] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 the refrigerant receiver of Figure 1 in a cross-section along the lateral direction indicated by C2;

[0142] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 the refrigerant receiver of Figure 1 in a cross-section along the lateral direction indicated by C3;

[0143] Figure 4 shows Figure 1 the refrigerant receiver of Figure 1 in a cross-section along the lateral direction indicated by C4;

[0144] Figure 5 is Figure 1 the front view of the refrigerant receiver of

[0145] Figure 6 is Figure 1 the perspective view of the storage tank housing of the refrigerant receiver of

[0146] Figure 7 is the perspective view of the refrigerant receiver having a storage tank housing according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0147] Figure 8 shows Figure 7 the longitudinal section of the refrigerant receiver of

[0148] Figure 9 shows the longitudinal section of the refrigerant receiver having a storage tank housing according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the storage tank housing having an integrally integrated condenser function;

[0149] Figure 10 shows Figure 9 the refrigerant receiver of Figure 9 in a cross-section along the lateral direction indicated by C10;

[0150] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a detailed cross-sectional view along the direction indicated by C11, showing a refrigerant inlet integrally formed in Figure 9 the upper end portion of the storage tank housing of , the refrigerant inlet leading from the condenser outlet passage to the refrigerant reservoir;

[0151] Figure 12 is Figure 9 the perspective view of the refrigerant receiver of

[0152] Figure 13 is Figure 9 the perspective view of the storage tank housing of the refrigerant receiver of

[0153] Figure 14 is for Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 a longitudinal sectional view of a modified lower end portion of a storage tank housing of a refrigerant receiver in a middle plane perpendicular to the central plane, wherein an alternative embodiment of a dryer is mounted to the lower end portion; and

[0154] Figure 15 is Figure 14 a longitudinal sectional view of the modified lower end portion along the central plane.

[0155] Figure 1 FIG. shows a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a refrigerant receiver 1 in a central plane M (see Figure 3 ). The refrigerant receiver 1 includes a storage tank housing 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The refrigerant receiver 1 can be integrated into a refrigerant circuit, for example for mobile cooling applications.

[0156] The storage tank housing 2 includes a circumferential wall 10, a lower end portion 40, and an upper end portion 60. The circumferential wall 10, the lower end portion 40, and the upper end portion 60 enclose an internal volume that constitutes a refrigerant reservoir 3 of the refrigerant receiver 1. The refrigerant reservoir 3 extends in a longitudinal direction L from a first end to a second end. It has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a high degree of rotational symmetry about a central axis (it is at least substantially rotationally symmetric). The central axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Specifically, the central axis corresponds to Figure 1 the line indicating the longitudinal direction L in

[0157] The refrigerant receiver 1 and its storage tank housing 2 are configured to be mounted such that the longitudinal direction L is at least substantially parallel to the direction of gravity during operation, wherein the first end will constitute the lower end as shown in Figure 1 . Accordingly, the second end of the refrigerant reservoir 3 can be referred to as its upper end.

[0158] The lower end portion 40 is fixed to the first end (lower end) of the circumferential wall 10 in the longitudinal direction L. More specifically, the lower end portion 40 is integrally fixed to the front face of the first end of the circumferential wall 10 by a brazing step at a joint 11. Similarly, the upper end portion 60 is fixed to the second end of the circumferential wall 10 in the longitudinal direction L. More specifically, it is integrally fixed to the front face of the second end of the circumferential wall 10 by the same brazing step at a joint 12. The lower end portion 40, the circumferential wall 10, and the upper end portion 60 together constitute an integral monolithic body.

[0159] The storage tank housing 2, in particular its upper end portion 40, includes a refrigerant inlet 61, a first refrigerant outlet 66, and a second refrigerant outlet 68.

[0160] The refrigerant inlet 61 is configured to receive refrigerant into the refrigerant reservoir 3. It may be connected to the condenser of the refrigerant circuit such that refrigerant can be supplied from the condenser to the refrigerant reservoir 3. In this embodiment, the upper end portion 40 of the tank housing 2 includes an inlet mount 61a (see Figure 6 ), which is for releasably mounting an inlet port 61b (see Figure 7 , Figure 8 ). The additional inlet port 61b facilitates the installation and maintenance of the refrigerant receiver 1. Similarly, the first refrigerant outlet 66 includes at least a first outlet mount 66, to which a second outlet port 66b can be mounted. Further, the second refrigerant outlet 68 includes at least a second outlet mount 68a, to which a second outlet port 68b can be mounted. The tank housing 2 may include an inlet port 61b, a first outlet port 66b, and / or a second outlet port 68b.

[0161] According to one aspect, for integration into the refrigerant circuit, first, the corresponding pipes can be brazed to each of the inlet port 61b, the first outlet port 66b, and the second outlet port 68b, respectively. Second, the inlet port 61b, the first outlet port 66b, and the second outlet port 68b, and the corresponding pipes fixed thereto can be releasably mounted to the corresponding one of the inlet mount 61a, the first outlet mount 66a, and the second outlet mount 68a, respectively.

[0162] The circumferential wall 10 includes two sight glass mounts 13, 15 for releasably mounting sight glasses 14, 16. This facilitates manufacturing and maintenance. Alternatively, the sight glasses 14, 16 can be permanently fixed to the circumferential wall 10. In this case, there is no need for sight glass mounts 13, 15 for releasably mounting the sight glasses 14, 16. The housings of the sight glasses 14, 16 can be made of stainless steel.

[0163] The first of the sight glasses 14 (the first sight glass 14) allows inspection of a predetermined low level of the liquid refrigerant within the refrigerant reservoir 3. The second of the sight glasses 16 (the second sight glass 16) allows inspection of a predetermined high level of the liquid refrigerant within the refrigerant reservoir 3.

[0164] The first refrigerant outlet 66 can be fluidly connected to the inlet of the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit.

[0165] The tank housing 2 includes an integral discharge pipe for supplying refrigerant from the refrigerant reservoir 3 to the first refrigerant outlet 66. The discharge pipe extends through the lower end portion 40 of the tank housing 2, through the circumferential wall 10, and through the upper end portion 60.

[0166] The discharge pipe includes an outlet 41 of the refrigerant reservoir 3, a pipe section 48 formed in the lower end portion 40, a first fluid passage structure 20 formed in the circumferential wall 10, and pipe sections 62, 65 formed in the upper end portion 60.

[0167] The tank housing 2 further includes an integral economizer pipe for supplying refrigerant from the refrigerant reservoir 3 to the second refrigerant outlet 68. The economizer pipe extends through the lower end portion 40 of the tank housing 2, through the circumferential wall 10, and through the upper end portion 60.

[0168] The economizer pipe includes an outlet 41 of the refrigerant reservoir 3, a pipe section 44 formed in the lower end portion 40, a second fluid passage structure 30 formed in the circumferential wall 10, and a pipe section 67 formed in the upper end portion 60.

[0169] In other words, the outlet 41 of the refrigerant reservoir 3 constitutes the starting point of both the discharge pipe and the economizer pipe.

[0170] The outlet 41 is integrally formed in the lower end portion 40. The lower end portion 40 includes a mounting member 42 for releasably mounting an isolation valve 43. The isolation valve 43 is configured to close the outlet 41 of the refrigerant reservoir 3 when desired, for example for maintenance. When the isolation valve 43 is closed, both the discharge pipe and the economizer pipe are blocked.

[0171] Downstream of the outlet 41 of the refrigerant reservoir 3 and the isolation valve 43 mounted in the corresponding mounting member 42, the discharge pipe continues with a pipe section 48 formed in the lower end portion 40.

[0172] The first fluid passage structure 20 forming part of the discharge pipe includes

[0173] - a common inlet 25 at the front of the first end of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 4 ),

[0174] - a common outlet 26 at the front of the second end of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ),

[0175] - a plurality of longitudinal end-to-end channels 22 that respectively extend between the first end front and the second end front,

[0176] - a fluid passage 23 at the first end front, and

[0177] - a fluid passage 24 at the second end front.

[0178] The downstream end of the pipe section 48 of the discharge pipe leads to the inlet 25 of the first fluid channel structure 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the inlet 25 is machined into the front face of the first end of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 4 ). Additionally or alternatively, it can be machined into the circumferential contact area between the lower end portion 40 at the joint 11 and the front face of the first end of the circumferential wall 10.

[0179] The first fluid channel structure 20 is formed symmetrically mirror-image about the central plane M (see Figures 2 to 4 ). One meandering flow path 21a of the first fluid channel structure 20 is formed in one (semicircular) half of the circumferential wall 10 along the circumferential direction, and the other meandering flow path 21b of the first fluid channel structure 20 is formed in the other (semicircular) half of the circumferential wall 10 along the circumferential direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the two meandering flow paths 21a, 21b of the first fluid channel structure 20 extend symmetrically mirror-image about the central plane M. The first fluid channel structure 20 branches directly into its two meandering flow paths 21a, 21b at the inlet 25 (see Figure 4 ). They re-converge downstream at the outlet 26 (see Figure 2 ).

[0180] The end-to-end channels 22 of one meandering flow path 21a are uniformly arranged in one half of the circumferential wall 10 along the circumferential direction. The end-to-end channels 22 of the other meandering flow path 22a are uniformly arranged in the other half of the circumferential direction along the circumferential direction. The circumferential width of the end-to-end channels 22 corresponds to at least 2 times the radial width of the end-to-end channels 22.

[0181] The adjacent end-to-end channels 22 of the first fluid channel structure 20 (i.e., only the end-to-end channels 22 of the first fluid channel structure 20 that are positioned adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction) are alternately fluid-connected at the first front face and the second front face. This results in the meandering shape of the meandering flow paths 21a, 21b. The fluid connectors 23, 24 are formed by grooves that extend along the circumferential direction between the adjacent end-to-end channels 22 to be directly fluid-connected.

[0182] For example, two adjacent end-to-end channels 22 belonging to different meandering flow paths 21a, 21b adjacent to the inlet 25 are in fluid communication through a fluid passage defined by one of the grooves 23 formed in the first front face of the circumferential wall 10. The inlet 25 is also in fluid communication with this fluid passage (with this one of the grooves 23), see Figure 4On the left side. Thus, the refrigerant can flow into the two adjacent end-to-end channels 22 from the inlet 25 and first pass through the circumferential wall 10 along the longitudinal direction L. Then, additional fluid passages are formed to the next adjacent end-to-end channels 22 of the same respective meandering flow paths 21a, 21b respectively by corresponding grooves 24 on the front face of the second end of the circumferential wall 10. The refrigerant flows back (downward in Figure 1 in) through the circumferential wall 10 for the second time along the longitudinal direction L. Another fluid passage is formed to the next adjacent end-to-end channels 22 of the same respective meandering flow paths 21a, 21b by the next corresponding groove 23 on the front face of the first end of the circumferential wall 10. The refrigerant passes through the circumferential wall 10 for the third time along the longitudinal direction L and thus along the refrigerant reservoir 3, and so on.

[0183] In Figures 1 to 6 In the exemplary embodiment of the storage tank housing 2 shown, each of the meandering flow paths 21a, 21b of the first fluid channel structure 20 causes the refrigerant to pass through the circumferential wall 10 five times along the longitudinal direction L. Along the flow direction, the last fluid passage between the adjacent end-to-end channels 22 is formed by the groove 24 extending between two end-to-end channels 22 near the outlet 26 in the front face of the second end of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 2 on the right side). It allows the two meandering flow paths 21a, 21b of the first fluid channel structure 20 to re-converge at the outlet 26 of the first fluid channel structure.

[0184] The outlet 26 of the first fluid channel structure 20 leads directly to the pipe sections 62, 65 of the discharge pipe, where the pipe sections 62, 65 are formed in the upper end portion 60 of the storage tank housing 2.

[0185] The mounting 63 for removably mounting the expansion valve 64 to the upper end portion 60 of the storage tank housing 2 is arranged in the discharge pipe 62, 65. Due to its function, the expansion valve 64 can also be referred to as the discharge expansion valve 64. The mounting 63 is arranged between the first fluid channel structure 20 and the first refrigerant outlet 66. Figure 1 The refrigerant receiver 1 with the discharge expansion valve 64 mounted is shown. Figure 6 The storage tank housing 2 without the discharge expansion valve 64 is shown.

[0186] The mounting member 63 for the discharge expansion valve 64 is arranged downstream of the first fluid passage structure 20. In operation, the refrigerant entering the first fluid passage structure 20 from the refrigerant reservoir 3 has at least substantially the same high pressure and at least substantially the same high temperature as the refrigerant in the refrigerant reservoir 3. As it passes through the tortuous fluid flow paths 21a, 21b of the first fluid passage structure 20, the refrigerant releases heat and gradually cools. Most of the heat is absorbed by the refrigerant flowing through the second fluid passage structure 30. Some heat may dissipate to the environment through the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 10.

[0187] As the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge pipe has gradually decreased by passing through the first fluid passage structure 20, the tank housing 2 and the refrigerant receiver 1 employing the tank housing exhibit an integrated economizer function. The refrigerant reaching the discharge expansion valve 64 has been precooled by the integrated economizer function.

[0188] If the refrigerant is expanded by the discharge expansion valve 64 and then flows via the first refrigerant outlet 66 to the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, it can absorb more heat in the evaporator.

[0189] Now turning to the economizer pipe, downstream of the outlet 41 of the refrigerant reservoir 3 and the isolation valve 43 installed in the corresponding mounting member 42, the economizer pipe continues with pipe sections 44, 47 formed in the lower end portion 40.

[0190] The mounting member 45 for removably mounting the expansion valve 46 to the lower end portion 40 of the tank housing 2 is arranged in the pipe sections 44, 47. Due to its function, the expansion valve 46 can also be referred to as the economizer expansion valve 46. In the flow direction, the mounting member 45 is arranged between the refrigerant reservoir 3 and the second fluid passage structure 30. Figure 1 The refrigerant receiver 1 with the economizer expansion valve 46 installed is shown. Figure 6 The tank housing 2 without the economizer expansion valve 46 is shown.

[0191] The second fluid passage structure 30 forming part of the economizer pipe includes

[0192] - a common inlet 35 at the front of the first end of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 4 ),

[0193] - a common outlet 36 at the front of the second end of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ),

[0194] - a plurality of longitudinal end-to-end channels 32 that respectively extend between the first end front and the second end front,

[0195] - A fluid passage 33 at the front of the first end, and

[0196] - A fluid passage 34.

[0197] The downstream ends of the pipe sections 44, 47 of the economizer pipe lead to the inlet 35 of the second fluid passage structure 30. The inlet 35 is machined into the front of the first end of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 4 ). Additionally or alternatively, it can be machined into the circumferential contact area between the upper end portion 60 at the joint 12 and the front of the second end of the circumferential wall 10.

[0198] The second fluid passage structure 30 is formed similarly to the first fluid passage structure 20.

[0199] It is formed symmetrically mirror - image about the central plane M (see Figures 2 to 4 ). One meandering flow path 31a of the second fluid passage structure 30 is formed in one (semicircular) half of the circumferential wall 10 along the circumferential direction, and the other meandering flow path 31b of the second fluid passage structure 30 is formed in the other (semicircular) half of the circumferential wall 10 along the circumferential direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the two meandering flow paths 31a, 31b of the second fluid passage structure 30 extend symmetrically mirror - image about the central plane M.

[0200] Different from the first fluid passage structure 20, the second fluid passage structure 30 branches into its two meandering flow paths 31a, 31b not directly at its inlet 35 (see Figure 4 ), but after its common end - to - end passage 32, which is directly downstream of its inlet 35 (see Figure 2 ). Its two meandering flow paths 31a, 31b re - converge at the outlet 36 (also see Figure 2 ).

[0201] The end - to - end passage 32 of one meandering flow path 31a is uniformly arranged in one half of the circumferential wall 10 along the circumferential direction. The end - to - end passage 32 of the other meandering flow path 32a is uniformly arranged in the other half of the circumferential direction along the circumferential direction. The circumferential width of the end - to - end passage 32 corresponds to at least 2 times the radial width of the end - to - end passage 32. The circumferential width of the end - to - end passage 32 of the second fluid passage structure 30 can be different from (e.g., less than) the circumferential width of the end - to - end passage 22 of the first fluid passage structure 20.

[0202] Adjacent end-to-end channels 32 of the corresponding same zigzag flow paths 31a, 31b of the second fluid channel structure 30 (i.e., only the end-to-end channels 32 of the second fluid channel structure 30 that are circumferentially adjacent to each other) are fluidly connected alternately at the first end face and the second face. This results in the zigzag shape of the zigzag flow paths 31a, 31b. The fluid connectors 33, 34 are formed by grooves extending circumferentially between adjacent end-to-end channels 32 to be directly fluidly connected.

[0203] The common end-to-end channel 32 is fluidly connected to its two adjacent end-to-end channels 32 at the first end face because the common end-to-end channel is used for both zigzag flow paths 31a, 31b.

[0204] For example, two end-to-end channels 32 belonging to different zigzag flow paths 31, 31b adjacent to the common end-to-end channel 32 are in fluid communication with the common end-to-end channel 32 through fluid passages defined by two grooves 34 formed in the second end face of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 2 the right side). Then, additional fluid passages to the corresponding next adjacent end-to-end channels 32 of the same respective zigzag flow paths 31a, 31b are formed by corresponding grooves 33 on the first end face of the circumferential wall 10 respectively (see Figure 4 ).

[0205] In Figures 1 to 6 the exemplary embodiment of the storage tank housing 2 shown, each of the zigzag flow paths 31a, 31b of the second fluid channel structure 30 causes the refrigerant to pass through the circumferential wall 10 seven times along the longitudinal direction L (including passing through the common end-to-end channel 32 once respectively). Along the flow direction, the last fluid passage between adjacent end-to-end channels 32 is formed by a groove 34 extending between two end-to-end channels 32 near the outlet 36 in the second end face of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 2 the left side). It allows the two zigzag flow paths 31a, 31b of the second fluid channel structure 30 to re-converge at the outlet 36 of this second fluid channel structure.

[0206] The outlet 36 of the second fluid channel structure 30 leads directly to a pipe section 67 of the economizer pipe, where the pipe section 67 is formed in the upper end portion 60 of the storage tank housing 2.

[0207] The mounting member 45 for the economizer expansion valve 46 is arranged upstream of the second fluid passage structure 30. In operation, the refrigerant entering the second passage structure 30 from the refrigerant reservoir 3 has passed through the economizer expansion valve 46 and has been expanded by the economizer expansion valve. Accordingly, the fluid entering the second fluid passage structure 30 has a lower pressure and a lower temperature than the refrigerant entering the first fluid passage structure 20. As it passes through the tortuous fluid flow paths 31a, 31b of the second fluid passage structure 30, it absorbs heat.

[0208] The first fluid passage structure 20 is formed in the outward portion of the tank housing 2 facing away from the refrigerant reservoir 3. In particular, its end-to-end passage 22 is formed in the radially outer section of the circumferential wall 10. The second fluid passage structure 30 is formed in the inward portion of the tank housing 2 facing the refrigerant reservoir 3. In particular, its end-to-end passage 32 is formed in the radially inner section of the circumferential wall 10.

[0209] This allows the expanded refrigerant flowing through the second fluid passage structure 30 to absorb heat from both the hot unexpanded refrigerant flowing through the first fluid passage structure 20 and the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant reservoir 3. This results in additional pre-cooling of the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant reservoir 3. This further enhances the efficiency and / or effectiveness of the refrigerant circuit.

[0210] As described above, arranging the first fluid passage structure 20 of the discharge pipe that guides the hot unexpanded refrigerant in the outward portion also has the advantage that more heat can be dissipated to the environment. In addition, the warm outer surface of the circumferential wall 10 reduces the risk that moisture may condense at the outer surface and cause corrosion at the refrigerant receiver 1 or other parts of the refrigerant circuit attached to the refrigerant receiver 1.

[0211] The economizer pipe terminates at the second refrigerant outlet 68. The second refrigerant outlet can be connected to the economizer inlet of the compressor of the refrigerant circuit. Supplying the refrigerant expanded by the economizer expansion valve 46 from the economizer pipe to the economizer inlet of the compressor allows optimizing the operating conditions of the compressor. This helps to achieve higher efficiency. This can also help to prevent damage to the compressor due to adverse operating conditions.

[0212] In the middle section of the circumferential wall 10 along the longitudinal direction L, all the end-to-end passages 22, 32 extend uniformly respectively, and there is no fluid connection between any of the end-to-end passages 22, 32 (see Figure 3 ).

[0213] In Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the duct section 48 of the discharge duct includes a mounting 50 for releasably mounting a dryer 51. The mounting 50 of the dryer 51 branches off from the duct section 48. Here, the dryer 51 includes only a single fluid port 51a, which is formed in the mounting portion 51b of the dryer 51. The dryer 51 further includes a desiccant housing 51c. Inside the interior 51d of the desiccant housing 51c, a desiccant for extracting moisture from the refrigerant is accommodated. The dryer 51 thus helps to prevent corrosion. A snap ring 51e, a spring 51f, and a mesh 51g are inserted into the fluid port 51a. The snap ring 51e supports the spring 51f, while the spring 51f pushes the mesh 51 into contact with an inward flange at the desiccant side end of the mounting portion 51b. The mesh 51g prevents the desiccant from leaving the interior 51d of the desiccant housing 51d. However, the desiccant can be replaced by removing the dryer 51 from the reservoir housing 2 and removing the snap ring 51e, the spring 51f, and the mesh 51g. Thereafter, new desiccant can be filled into the interior 51d and secured therein by reinstalling the mesh 51g, the spring 51g, and the snap ring 51e. Finally, the dryer 51 can be reinstalled onto the corresponding mounting 50 formed in the upper end portion 40 of the reservoir housing 2. The desiccant can include, for example, synthetic zeolite.

[0214] In addition, the reservoir housing 2 includes a mounting 49a for a service valve 49. More specifically, the mounting 49a is integrally formed in the lower end portion 40. It is also arranged in the duct section 48 of the discharge duct.

[0215] An installation arrangement for one, several, or all of the following components can be provided according to the embodiment disclosed in the unpublished European patent application with application number 22203958.8:

[0216] - The first sight glass 14,

[0217] - The second sight glass 16,

[0218] - The isolation valve 43,

[0219] - The economizer expansion valve 46,

[0220] - The service valve 49,

[0221] - The dryer 51,

[0222] - The inlet port 61b,

[0223] - The discharge expansion valve 64,

[0224] - The first outlet port 66b,

[0225] - The second outlet port 68b, and

[0226] - The condenser inlet portion 281 (described below).

[0227] The corresponding components 14, 16, 43, 46, 49, 51, 61, 64, 66, 68, 281 and / or the corresponding mounting members 13, 15, 42, 45, 49a, 50, 61a, 63, 66a, 68a can be configured accordingly.

[0228] The refrigerant reservoir 3 can have a volume in the range from 0.5 l to 5 l.

[0229] For example, the outer diameter of the circumferential wall 10 can be in the range from 6 cm to 25 cm.

[0230] The length of the circumferential wall 10 along the longitudinal direction L can be in the range from 5 cm to 60 cm.

[0231] The basic wall thickness WT of the circumferential wall 10 (see Figure 3 ) can be in the range from 6 mm to 25 mm.

[0232] The end-to-end channels 22, 32 are integrally formed with the circumferential wall 10 by aluminum alloy extrusion. In this embodiment, the fluid passage between the end-to-end channels 22, 32 is constituted by the grooves 23, 24, 33, 34 machined into the first end face and the second end face of the circumferential wall 10 before the lower end portion 40 and the upper end portion 60 are fixed to the circumferential wall 10. The fluid passage (grooves 23, 24, 33, 34) between the end-to-end channels 22, 32 is encapsulated by fixing the lower end portion 40 and the upper end portion 60 to the circumferential wall 10.

[0233] In other embodiments (not shown), before the lower end portion 40 is fixed to the first end face of the circumferential wall 10, grooves corresponding to the groove 23 and / or the groove 33 can be additionally or alternatively formed in the circumferential contact area of the lower end portion 40 at the joint 11. Additionally or alternatively, other types of fluid passages can be provided for connecting adjacent end-to-end channels 22, 32 at the second end. For example, such a fluid passage can be formed by two inclined holes joined together in the lower end portion 40, similar to Figure 11 the refrigerant inlet 261 shown.

[0234] Similarly, before the upper end portion 60 is fixed to the second end face of the circumferential wall 10, grooves corresponding to the groove 24 and / or the groove 34 can be additionally or alternatively formed in the circumferential contact area of the upper end portion 60 at the joint 12. Additionally or alternatively, other types of fluid passages can be provided for connecting adjacent end-to-end channels 22, 32 at the second end. For example, such a fluid passage can be formed by two inclined holes joined together in the upper end portion 60, similar to Figure 11The refrigerant inlet 261 shown.

[0235] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Fig. shows a refrigerant receiver 100 having a tank housing 102 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be explained again. Only the differences from the Figure 1 shown embodiment will be explained below.

[0236] The tank housing 102 includes additional auxiliary heat exchange pipes 170 for an external fluid extending through the refrigerant reservoir 3. Connection ports 171, 172 of the auxiliary heat exchange pipes 170 are formed in the upper end section 160 of the tank housing 102. Otherwise, the upper end section 160 is the same as the upper end section 60 of the above-described tank housing 2. The auxiliary heat exchange pipes 170 include a helical portion disposed in the refrigerant reservoir 3. The helical portion may extend along the longitudinal direction L at least within the lower third of the refrigerant reservoir 3. The pipes of the auxiliary heat exchange pipes 170 may be made of stainless steel. The pipes may be covered with aluminum (alloy).

[0237] An external cooling fluid (such as water) may flow through the auxiliary heat exchange pipes 170 for cooling the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant receiver 3.

[0238] In a variant (not shown), the upper end portion 160 is not permanently fixed to the circumferential wall 10. Instead, it is releasably fixed to the latter, for example, by means of screws. This facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the auxiliary heat exchange pipes 170.

[0239] Figures 9 to 13 Fig. shows a refrigerant receiver 200 having a tank housing 202 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be explained again. Only the differences from the Figure 1 shown embodiment will be explained below.

[0240] In this embodiment, the condenser 280 is integrally formed with the tank housing 202.

[0241] The condenser 280 is a microchannel heat exchanger. It includes a common inlet distribution section 283, a common condenser outlet channel 287, and a plurality of heat exchange ducts 285 extending in parallel from the common inlet distribution section 283 to the condenser outlet channel 287.

[0242] The condenser outlet channel 287 is integrally formed in the circumferential wall 210 of the tank housing 2, for example, together with the end-to-end channels 22, 32 during the extrusion of the aluminum alloy of the circumferential wall 210.

[0243] The refrigerant inlet 261 for supplying refrigerant from the condenser outlet passage 287 to the refrigerant reservoir 3 is formed entirely within the tank housing 202. More specifically, it is formed integrally within the upper end portion 260 of the tank housing 202 (see Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). It has two parallel branches, each branch including two holes joined together.

[0244] The joints 284 between the common inlet distribution portion 283 and the heat exchange conduit 285 and the joint 286 between the heat exchange conduit 285 and the circumferential wall 210 (at the condenser outlet passage 287) can be formed by brazing, especially in the same brazing step of fixing the upper end portion 260 and the lower end portion 40 to the circumferential wall 210. This results in Figure 13 the shown integral housing structure that includes the lower end portion 40, the upper end portion 60, the circumferential wall 210, the heat exchange conduit 285, and the common inlet distribution line 283. In other words, the tank housing 202 integrally includes the condenser function.

[0245] These heat exchange conduits 285 can have a length, for example, in the range from 80 cm to 200 cm. They can extend from the circumferential wall 210 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Additionally or alternatively, the heat exchange conduits 285 can extend along the central plane M.

[0246] The mounting for releasably mounting the condenser inlet portion 281 can be formed at the common inlet distribution line 283, for example, at the upper end of the common inlet distribution line (see Figure 9 ). The condenser inlet portion 281 can include a pressure sensor 282b and / or a pressure switch 282c. In Figure 12 the shown embodiment, the condenser inlet portion 281 includes a connection structure 282a that has ports for the pressure sensor 282b and for the pressure switch 282c, wherein the connection structure 282a is releasably mounted to the mounting for releasably mounting the condenser inlet portion 281. The condenser inlet portion 281 can be configured to be fluidly connected to the compressor outlet.

[0247] Figure 14 and Figure 15 show a modified lower end portion 340 that can be used with any of the tank housings 2, 102, and 202. For the tank housing 202, Figure 15 the right end of the lower end portion 340 in

[0248] Figure 14 may have to project further outwards so as to safely close the condenser outlet passage 287. Figure 5Longitudinal cross-sectional view on the intermediate plane of the central plane M therein.

[0249] According to an alternative embodiment, the modified lower end portion 340 includes a different mounting member 350 (see Figure 15 ), for releasably mounting the dryer 351.

[0250] The dryer 351 includes a dryer housing 352 and a dryer cylinder mounted within the dryer housing 352. When the dryer cylinder is received in the dryer housing 352, a circumferential gap 353 is formed between the outer circumference of the dryer element 354 and the circumferential inner surface of the dryer housing 352.

[0251] The dryer element 354 has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and extends around an internal space 356. This embodiment of the dryer 351 is configured such that refrigerant enters the circumferential gap 353 and then flows radially inwards through the dryer element 354 into the internal space 356. The dryer cylinder includes a bottom cover 355a disposed at the bottom end of the dryer element 354. This prevents refrigerant from flowing directly from the circumferential gap 353 into the internal space 356 at the bottom end of the dryer element 354 without passing through the dryer element 354. The dryer cylinder further includes a top cover 355b disposed at the top end of the dryer element 354. It guides the refrigerant from the circumferential groove 341 of the mounting member 350 into the circumferential gap 353. In addition, the central portion of the top cover 355b includes an opening that allows refrigerant to flow from the internal space 356 into the central fluid conduit 358 in the lower end portion 340.

[0252] The dryer housing 352 is releasably mounted to the mounting member 350 by a plurality of threaded bolts 357. The mounting member 350 includes corresponding threaded holes. In addition, the mounting member 350 includes a circumferential groove 341 for fluid communication with a circumferential clearance 353 in the dryer when the dryer 351 is installed. A fluid pipe connects the outlet 41 of the refrigerant reservoir 3 to the circumferential groove 341. In this embodiment, the mounting member 42 for the isolation valve 43 is disposed within the fluid pipe. The mounting member 350 further includes a central fluid pipe 358 for fluidly connecting the interior space 356 of the dryer 351 to pipe sections 44 and 48 formed within the lower end portion 340. In this embodiment, not only the outlet 41 of the refrigerant reservoir 3 and the mounting member 42 for the isolation valve 43 (with the isolation valve 43, if installed) form part of both the discharge pipe and the economizer pipe. The mounting member 350 for the dryer 351 having the circumferential groove 341, the dryer 351 (if installed), and the central fluid pipe 358 also form part of both the discharge pipe and the economizer pipe. This allows the dryer 351 to also extract moisture from the refrigerant flowing through the economizer pipe, which particularly includes the economizer expansion valve 46 and the second fluid channel structure 30. List of reference numerals:

[0253] 1, 100, 200 refrigerant receivers

[0254] 2, 102, 202 tank housings

[0255] 3 refrigerant reservoir

[0256] 10 circumferential wall

[0257] 11, 12 connectors

[0258] 13, 15 mounting members (for sight glasses)

[0259] 14, 16 sight glasses

[0260] 20 first fluid channel structure 21a, 21b (zigzag flow paths of the first fluid channel structure 20) 22 (end-to-end channel of the first fluid channel structure 20) 23, 24 (circumferential grooves of the first fluid channel structure 20)

[0261] 25 (inlet of the first fluid channel structure 20)

[0262] 26 (outlet of the first fluid channel structure 20)

[0263] 30 Second fluid passage structure 31a, 31b (zigzag flow path of the second fluid passage structure 30), 32 (end-to-end passage of the second fluid passage structure 30), 33, 34 (circumferential grooves of the second fluid passage structure 30)

[0264] 35 (inlet of the second fluid passage structure 30)

[0265] 36 (outlet of the second fluid passage structure 30)

[0266] 40, 340 Lower end portion

[0267] 41 (outlet of the refrigerant reservoir 3)

[0268] 42 (mounting for the isolation valve 43)

[0269] 43 Isolation valve

[0270] 44, 47, 48 Pipe sections

[0271] 45 (mounting for the economizer expansion valve 46)

[0272] 46 Economizer expansion valve

[0273] 49 Service valve

[0274] 49a (mounting for the service valve 49a)

[0275] 50 (mounting for the dryer 51)

[0276] 51 Dryer

[0277] 51a Fluid port

[0278] 51b Mounting portion

[0279] 51c Desiccant housing

[0280] 51d Interior

[0281] 51e Snap ring

[0282] 51f Spring

[0283] 51g Mesh

[0284] 60, 160, 260 Upper end portion

[0285] 61, 261 Refrigerant inlet

[0286] 61a Inlet mounting

[0287] 61b Inlet port

[0288] Pipe sections 62, 65, 67

[0289] 63 Mounting for discharging the expansion valve

[0290] 64 Discharge expansion valve

[0291] 66 First refrigerant outlet

[0292] 66a First outlet mounting

[0293] 66b First outlet port

[0294] 68 Second refrigerant outlet

[0295] 68a Second outlet mounting

[0296] 68b Second outlet port

[0297] 170 Additional heat exchange pipe

[0298] 171, 172 Connection ports

[0299] 280 Condenser

[0300] 281 Condenser inlet section

[0301] 282a Connection structure

[0302] 282b Pressure sensor

[0303] 282c Pressure switch

[0304] 283 Common inlet distribution channel

[0305] 284, 286 Connectors

[0306] 285 Heat exchange conduit

[0307] 287 Condenser outlet channel

[0308] 351 Desiccant

[0309] 352 Desiccant housing

[0310] 353 Circumferential gap

[0311] 354 Desiccant element

[0312] 355a Bottom cover

[0313] 355b Top cover

[0314] 356 Internal space

[0315] 357 Threaded bolt

[0316] 358 Central fluid pipe

[0317] M Central plane

[0318] L Longitudinal direction

[0319] WT Wall thickness

Claims

1. A tank housing (2, 102, 202) for enclosing a refrigerant reservoir (3) of a refrigerant receiver (1, 100, 200), wherein, The internal volume of the storage tank housing (2, 102, 202) is configured to form a refrigerant reservoir (3) of the refrigerant receiver (1, 100, 200), and the storage tank housing has a first refrigerant outlet (66), wherein a first fluid passage structure (20) for an integrated heat exchanger function and a separate second fluid passage structure (30) are integrally formed in the wall of the storage tank housing (2, 102, 202) enclosing the refrigerant reservoir (3), characterized in that the storage tank housing (2, 102, 202) includes an integral economizer pipe (30, 41, 44, 47, 67, 341, 358) for supplying refrigerant from the refrigerant reservoir (3) to a second refrigerant outlet (68), wherein the second fluid passage structure (30) forms part of the economizer pipe (30, 41, 44, 47, 67, 341, 358), and wherein at least one of the following - an economizer expansion valve (46) and - a mounting member (45) for mounting the economizer expansion valve (46) is arranged in the economizer pipe (30, 41, 44, 47, 67, 341, 358) between the refrigerant reservoir (3) and the second fluid passage structure (30).

2. The tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to claim 1, wherein, The first fluid passage structure (20) includes at least one meandering flow path (21a, 21b) for a fluid, and the second fluid passage structure (30) includes at least one meandering flow path (31a, 31b) for a fluid.

3. The tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to claim 2, wherein, The first fluid passage structure (20) branches into its at least one meandering flow path (21a, 21b) and another meandering flow path (21b, 21a) of the first fluid passage structure (20) and / or wherein the second fluid passage structure (30) branches into its at least one meandering flow path (31a, 31b) and another meandering flow path (31b, 31a) of the second fluid passage structure (30).

4. The tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second fluid passage structure (30) is arranged between the first fluid passage structure (20) and the refrigerant reservoir (3).

5. The tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The refrigerant reservoir (3) extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal direction (L), wherein the first fluid passage structure (20) includes: two end-to-end channels (22) arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, each end-to-end channel extending between the first end and the second end; and fluid passages (23, 24) arranged at one of the first end and the second end, and preferably extending in the circumferential direction between the two adjacent end-to-end fluid channels (22) of the first fluid passage structure (20).

6. The tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to claim 5, wherein, The first fluid passage structure (20) includes: at least one additional end-to-end channel (22) arranged adjacent to one of the two end-to-end channels (22) of the first fluid passage structure (20) in the circumferential direction and extending between the first end and the second end, and Fluid passages (24, 23) are arranged at the other end of the first end and the second end, and preferably extend circumferentially between the at least one additional end-to-end channel (22) and an adjacent one of the two end-to-end channels (22) of the first fluid channel structure (20).

7. The tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The refrigerant reservoir (3) extends from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the second fluid channel structure (30) includes: Two end-to-end channels (32) arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, each end-to-end channel extending between the first end and the second end; and Fluid passages (33, 34) are arranged at one of the first end and the second end, and preferably extend circumferentially between the adjacent two end-to-end fluid channels (32) of the second fluid channel structure (30).

8. The tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to claim 7, wherein, The second fluid channel structure (30) includes: At least one additional end-to-end channel (32) that is arranged adjacent to one of the two end-to-end channels (32) of the second fluid channel structure (30) in the circumferential direction and extends between the first end and the second end, and Fluid passages (34, 33) are arranged at the other end of the first end and the second end, and preferably extend circumferentially between the at least one additional end-to-end channel (32) and an adjacent one of the two end-to-end channels (32) of the second fluid channel structure (30).

9. The tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, All end-to-end channels (22, 32) are integrally formed within the circumferential wall (10, 210) of the tank housing (2, 102, 202).

10. The tank housing (22, 102, 202) according to claim 9, wherein, The circumferential wall (10, 210) of the tank housing (2, 102, 202) is at least one of the following - Made of aluminum alloy, and - Made by extrusion.

11. The storage tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tank housing (2, 102, 202) includes an integral discharge pipe (20, 41, 48, 62, 65, 341, 358) for supplying refrigerant from the refrigerant reservoir (3) to the first refrigerant outlet (66), wherein the first fluid channel structure (20) forms part of the discharge pipe (20, 41, 48, 62, 65, 341, 358), and wherein at least one of the following - Discharge expansion valve (64) and - Mounting member (63) for the discharge expansion valve (64) Is arranged in the discharge pipe (20, 41, 48, 62, 65, 341, 358) between the first fluid channel structure (20) and the first refrigerant outlet (66).

12. The storage tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tank housing (2, 102, 202) is configured to supply fluid from the refrigerant reservoir (3) to the first fluid channel structure (20) and the second fluid channel structure (30).

13. The storage tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, At least one of the following - Refrigerant dryer (51, 351) and - Mounting member (50, 350) for the refrigerant dryer (51, 351) Arranged in the discharge pipe (20, 41, 48, 62, 65, 341, 358) between the refrigerant reservoir (3) and the first fluid passage structure (20), and / or arranged in the economizer pipe (30, 41, 44, 47, 67, 341, 358) between the refrigerant reservoir (3) and the economizer expansion valve (46).

14. The storage tank housing (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tank housing (2, 102, 202) includes at least one of the following - An isolation valve (43) for opening and closing the outlet (41) of the refrigerant reservoir (3), and - A mounting (42) for the isolation valve (43).

15. The storage tank housing (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The condenser (280) is integrally formed with the tank housing (210) by brazing.

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