Absorption chiller refrigerator system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorption chiller refrigeration systems have a large footprint due to the use of tube banks and heat exchangers, which hinders their adoption and efficiency, and they suffer from a lower coefficient of performance compared to vapor compression technology.
Innovation Solution
A compact absorption chiller refrigerator system design that integrates an evaporator-absorber section and a generator-condenser section within a housing, using perforated plates with cone-shaped passages to separate and communicate the components, reducing size and improving efficiency by recycling desiccant mixtures and refrigerants without waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional absorption chiller refrigeration systems use tube banks and heat exchangers, then heat transfer efficiency is maintained, but the footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the evaporator and absorber into a single integrated evaporator-absorber section, and the generator and condenser into a single integrated generator-condenser section. This merging of previously separate components into integrated units reduces the overall footprint while maintaining heat transfer efficiency through direct thermal coupling between the paired components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the integrated evaporator-absorber section and integrated generator-condenser section in a nested or closely coupled configuration within the housing. The evaporator is positioned adjacent to the absorber, and the generator is positioned adjacent to the condenser, allowing thermal energy transfer between these paired components without requiring separate heat exchanger assemblies, thereby reducing the footprint.
2Use of energy by moving object
If absorption chiller refrigeration systems replace compressor with absorber-generator-pump combination, then energy efficiency is improved, but the footprint occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator and condenser into a single integrated generator-condenser section, and the evaporator and absorber into a single integrated evaporator-absorber section. This consolidation reduces the space required for the absorber-generator-pump combination that replaces the compressor, while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of absorption refrigeration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical arrangement and three-dimensional space utilization within the housing to accommodate the integrated sections. By arranging components in multiple dimensions rather than spreading them out horizontally, the system achieves compact footprint while maintaining the necessary volume for heat transfer and fluid circulation.
3Device complexity
If conventional absorption chillers use separate heat exchangers, then heat transfer function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four separate heat transfer components (evaporator, absorber, generator, condenser) into two integrated sections. The evaporator-absorber section combines two components that exchange heat with the refrigerant cycle, and the generator-condenser section combines two components that also exchange heat with the refrigerant cycle. This reduces device complexity by eliminating separate heat exchanger assemblies while maintaining all necessary heat transfer functions through direct thermal coupling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact design reduces the overall footprint, enhances condenser and absorption efficiency, and eliminates the need for tube banks, leading to improved performance and energy efficiency while maintaining a compact configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a first refrigerant is evaporated by the evaporator within the evaporator-absorber section to form a first refrigerant vapor
Implementation Method 2
the evaporator and the absorber are separated by a perforated plate within the evaporator section... a first refrigerant is evaporated by the evaporator within the evaporator-absorber section to form a first refrigerant vapor
Implementation Method 3
a second refrigerant is evaporated by the generator within the generator-condenser section to form a strong desiccant mixture
Implementation Method 4
the generator and the condenser are separated by a perforated plate within the generator section... a second refrigerant is evaporated by the generator within the generator-condenser section to form a strong desiccant mixture
Data Source
AI summary
An absorption chiller refrigerator system with an evaporator-absorber section and a generator-condenser section disposed together within a housing. The evaporator-absorber system has an evaporator section having an evaporator and an absorber disposed together within the evaporator section but separated by a perforated plate within the evaporator section. The generator condenser system has a generator section having a generator and a condenser disposed together within the generator section but separated by a perforated plate within the generator section. Perforations in the perforated plate of each of the evaporator section and the generator section are cone-shaped passages.