Accumulator Heat Exchanger Layout for Compact Desiccant Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning circuit accumulators with internal heat exchangers face challenges due to the bulky coil design and manual fixing of desiccant systems in limited spaces, which complicates assembly and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An accumulator design incorporating a stack of fins perpendicular to the axis, supporting both the desiccant system and high-pressure pipe, allowing for automated assembly and improved heat exchange efficiency, with a desiccant container integrated within the fins, eliminating the need for separate fixing and reducing overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a bulky coil is used for the high-pressure pipe in the internal heat exchanger, then the residence time of the fluid is increased and heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the size of the accumulator increases and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear coil configuration to a planar stacked fin configuration, arranging heat exchange surfaces in layers perpendicular to the accumulator axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the high-pressure pipe to be surrounded by multiple fin layers, dramatically increasing heat exchange surface area and efficiency while maintaining a compact cylindrical form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-pressure pipe is nested within the stack of fins, with the pipe positioned centrally and fins arranged in concentric layers around it. This nested configuration maximizes the use of internal space, allowing the heat exchange structure to be compact while still providing sufficient residence time and heat transfer surface area.
2Reliability
If a desiccant system is manually fixed in the limited space at the bottom of the accumulator, then humidity protection is provided, but assembly complexity increases and automated assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The desiccant system is merged with the internal heat exchanger structure by integrating it into the stack of fins. The fins serve dual purposes: heat exchange and structural support for the desiccant container. This integration eliminates the need for separate fixing mechanisms and allows the desiccant system to be positioned in the central axial channel, enabling automated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The stack of fins serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the heat exchange surface, provides structural support for both the high-pressure pipe and desiccant system, and defines the internal geometry of the accumulator. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the desiccant system is integrated into the internal heat exchanger with the stack of fins, then assembly is simplified and automated assembly becomes possible, but the structural complexity of the heat exchanger increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger structure is segmented into discrete modular components: individual fins stacked in sequence, with each fin containing through-orifices for fluid passage. The desiccant system is segmented into a separate container that fits into the central channel formed by the stacked fins. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of components and simplified assembly through modular stacking.
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 simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances cooling efficiency by optimizing the heat exchange surface, while maintaining compactness and eliminating the need for manual desiccant system fixing.
Implementation Method 1
stack of fins for cooling the fluid circulating in said high-pressure pipe via the low-pressure fluid contained in the accumulator
Implementation Method 2
desiccant system in its lower part, in order to protect the various components constituting the air conditioning circuit from humidity
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~8
Figure 9~11
AI summary
The accumulator has an internal heat exchanger (110) comprising a U shaped high pressure channel (112) and a low pressure channel (117) which are covered with a refrigerant, of an air conditioning system. The exchanger has cooling fins (111) cooling the refrigerant circulated in the high pressure channel via a low pressure refrigerant contained in the accumulator. The fins are stacked along the accumulator perpendicular to a longitudinal symmetrical axis (106), and support a desiccation system (113) and the high pressure channel around the axis.