Outdoor AC Refrigerant Storage Layout for Flow Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner outdoor devices experience noise due to refrigerant flow issues, particularly because the refrigerant is not smoothly supplied from the receiver to the gas/liquid separator, and the small volume of the gas/liquid inflow tube exacerbates this problem.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a refrigerant storage system with a first storage part above a second storage part, where the first storage part supplies refrigerant to the second storage part using gravity, and a bypass passage that directs refrigerant flow into the second storage part with a larger volume, reducing noise and improving refrigerant circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the receiver is provided below the gas/liquid separator, then the structure is compact, but the refrigerant cannot be smoothly supplied from the receiver to the gas/liquid separator causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
A bypass passage is introduced as an intermediary channel between the receiver and the gas/liquid separator. This bypass passage allows refrigerant to flow directly from the receiver to the gas/liquid separator, mediating the connection and enabling smooth refrigerant supply without requiring the receiver to be positioned above the separator, thus maintaining structural compactness while eliminating noise.
2Volume of moving object
If the gas/liquid inflow tube has a relatively small volume, then the device size is reduced, but noise due to refrigerant flow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant flow path is segmented into multiple channels: the original gas/liquid inflow tube and the newly introduced bypass passage. By dividing the flow path, the bypass passage can be designed with sufficient volume to accommodate refrigerant flow smoothly and reduce noise, while the gas/liquid inflow tube maintains its small volume for compact device sizing.
3Device complexity
If the receiver and gas/liquid separator are integrated, then the device structure is simplified, but refrigerant supply smoothness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass passage is configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the receiver. This dimensional change in the flow path allows the integrated receiver-gas/liquid separator structure to maintain simplicity while providing an additional flow route that ensures smooth refrigerant supply from the receiver to the gas/liquid separator.
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
This configuration ensures smooth refrigerant supply from the receiver to the gas/liquid separator, reduces noise, and enhances the overall efficiency of the refrigerant system by allowing variable performance without altering the compressor operation rate.
Implementation Method 1
a first storage part (201) above a second storage part (205), and supplied with the refrigerant passing through the evaporator; and a lower cover (214) provided on a lower portion of the case (210), and discharging the refrigerant stored in the second storage part (205)
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor device for an air conditioner is provided that may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, an expansion device that decompresses the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device, and a refrigerant storage that bypasses at least a portion of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser to store the bypassed refrigerant therein. The refrigerant storage may include a first storage that stores the bypassed refrigerant, and a second storage in which the refrigerant passing through the evaporator is introduced. The second storage may discharge a gaseous refrigerant of the introduced refrigerant to the compressor. The first storage may be provided above the second storage to supply the refrigerant stored therein into the second storage.