Combined Accumulator-Receiver Tank for Refrigerant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems in transport refrigeration require separate accumulator and receiver tanks, which occupy more space and increase production costs due to the need for a reservoir in the accumulator during heating cycles.
Innovation Solution
A combined accumulator and receiver tank design where the accumulator portion is positioned above the receiver portion in a vertical orientation, eliminating the need for a separate reservoir in the accumulator and allowing refrigerant to flow directly to the receiver during heating cycles, with a valve controlling fluid communication between the two parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate accumulator and receiver tanks are used, then the system can store liquid refrigerant in both components, but the space occupation and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accumulator and receiver into a single integrated tank structure where the accumulator portion and receiver portion share common walls and occupy the same physical space. The accumulator portion is positioned above the receiver portion vertically, allowing both functions to be performed within a reduced overall volume while maintaining separate internal spaces for liquid refrigerant storage in each component.
2Reliability
If a reservoir is included in the accumulator during heating cycles, then liquid refrigerant can be retained, but the size and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir function traditionally required in accumulators for heating cycles is eliminated by utilizing the receiver portion below as the storage space. Liquid refrigerant accumulates in the accumulator portion during heating cycles and then drains into the receiver portion through a connection at the bottom, allowing the receiver to serve as the reservoir and eliminating the need for an additional reservoir structure in the accumulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary reservoir component is extracted/removed from the accumulator design. Instead of including a separate reservoir within the accumulator structure, the system uses the existing receiver portion as the storage space, simplifying the accumulator structure to only what is needed for its primary function of trapping liquid refrigerant during cooling cycles.
3Productivity
If the accumulator portion is positioned above the receiver portion, then refrigerant can flow directly between parts, but the vertical space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of accumulator and receiver to a vertical arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to position the accumulator portion above the receiver portion. This vertical stacking allows refrigerant to flow directly between components under gravity assistance while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint, effectively trading vertical height for reduced horizontal space occupation.
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 design reduces the size and production costs of the accumulator, enhances heating and defrost capacity, prevents flooding, and optimizes refrigerant flow, thereby improving system efficiency and reducing the risk of refrigerant entering the compressor during cycle mode changes.
Implementation Method 1
an accumulator portion (319) positioned above a receiver portion (313) in a vertical orientation... liquid refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator portion (319) can flow to the receiver portion (313)
Data Source
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AI summary
A combined accumulator and receiver tank of a refrigeration system is described. The tank may have an accumulator portion positioned above a receiver portion. An accumulator/receiver pipe (AR pipe) connects the accumulator portion to the receiver portion. The AR pipe may have a valve that allows liquid refrigerant to flow from the accumulator portion to the receiver portion during a heating and/or defrost, and prevent the fluid flow when the refrigeration system is in a cooling cycle. In some embodiments, a side opening that is connected to the AR pipe is above an oil pick up orifice of an accumulator suction line pipe.