Integrated AC Accumulator Heat Exchanger for Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning loops for motor vehicles are complex, costly to manufacture, bulky, and lack compactness, with inadequate oil management and inefficient phase separation and heat exchange between high and low pressure branches of the internal heat exchanger.
Innovation Solution
A combined device integrating an internal heat exchanger and accumulator with a one-piece internal component, featuring a separation zone and accumulation zone, and a conduit connecting them, which facilitates phase separation, oil storage, and enhanced heat exchange, while reducing structural complexity and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the internal heat exchanger and accumulator are associated in a combined device with multiple disparate parts, then the device can perform separation and heat exchange functions, but the structural complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal heat exchanger and accumulator into a single combined device where the heat exchanger is positioned inside the accumulator. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining both separation and heat exchange functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined device performs multiple functions simultaneously: the accumulator provides refrigerant storage and phase separation, while the internal heat exchanger enables heat exchange between high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerant streams. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the combined device includes multiple disparate parts, then it can fulfill multiple functions, but the device becomes bulky and compactness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is nested inside the accumulator, with the heat exchanger coils positioned within the accumulation zone. This nested arrangement allows the heat exchanger to utilize the internal volume of the accumulator, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining both functions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heat exchanger overhangs the liquid accumulation zone, then heat exchange can occur, but the device requires substantial numbers of parts and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger and accumulator are manufactured as an integrated unit or pre-assembled combination, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs.
4Ease of manufacture
If the combined device uses conventional separate components, then assembly is straightforward, but the device lacks optimized oil storage and reintegration capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The combined device incorporates oil storage and reintegration functions into its existing structure. The heat exchanger coils are positioned to facilitate oil collection in the accumulation zone, and the device includes oil return passages that enable oil to be reintroduced into the refrigerant circuit, adding oil management capability without requiring separate dedicated components.
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 integrated device improves phase separation, enhances refrigerant fluid circulation, optimizes heat exchange, and reduces size and weight, while allowing for easier assembly and improved oil management, leading to increased efficiency and performance of the air conditioning loop.
Implementation Method 1
the accumulator comprises a separation zone inside which said phases separate from each other by gravity
Implementation Method 2
The internal heat exchanger is configured so that the refrigerant fluid circulating inside the 'high pressure' branch can transfer heat to the refrigerant fluid circulating inside the 'low pressure' branch
Implementation Method 3
The evaporator is for its part suitable for changing the refrigerant fluid to the liquid state from the expansion device to the gaseous state, at relatively constant pressure, by taking heat from said air flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device (12) has a chamber (26) including an upper partition (27), a lower partition (28) and a peripheral wall (29). The chamber houses an internal heat exchanger (5), a separation area (19) and an accumulation area (20). The chamber houses a one-piece internal component (30) that comprises a definition wall (31) defining the separation area and the accumulation area. The internal component has a confining wall (32) confining the exchanger with respect to the accumulation area, and a conduit (33) that connects the confining wall and the definition wall. An independent claim is also included for an air-conditioning loop comprising a separation area constituted of an area of separation between a gaseous phase of the coolant and a liquid phase of the coolant.