Refrigerant cycle system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant cycle systems lack effective control over the superheating state of refrigerants, particularly in dual refrigerant circuits, leading to potential performance impairments and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant cycle system with a first cascade unit and a second cascade unit, each comprising a main heat exchanger and a sub heat exchanger, where the sub heat exchanger is designed as a double pipe or a heat exchanger in contact with a pipe, allowing for controlled superheating of refrigerants without compromising heat exchanging capacity or increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dual refrigerant circuit is used without superheating control, then the system structure is simple, but the refrigerant control precision is insufficient leading to performance impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The sub heat exchanger is integrated within the cascade heat exchanger structure, with the sub heat exchanger nested inside the main heat exchanger. This allows superheating functionality to be added without increasing external system complexity, as the superheating process occurs within the existing heat exchange framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The cascade heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it performs both cooling and superheating operations simultaneously. The main heat exchanger handles the primary cooling function while the sub heat exchanger provides superheating, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple thermal management roles.
2Manufacturing precision
If a sub heat exchanger is added to control superheating, then the superheating control is effective, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sub heat exchanger is positioned inside the cascade heat exchanger, utilizing the existing structural framework. This nesting approach allows the addition of superheating capability without proportionally increasing external complexity, as the sub heat exchanger shares the overall structural envelope with the main heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The superheating function is merged with the existing cascade heat exchange structure rather than being implemented as a separate external component. The sub heat exchanger is combined with the main heat exchanger to form an integrated unit that performs both cooling and superheating functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If a sub heat exchanger is added to control superheating, then the superheating control is effective, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the sub heat exchanger within the cascade heat exchanger, the patent reduces the total material requirements and structural support needed compared to having separate external heat exchangers. This integrated approach lowers manufacturing costs while achieving the required superheating control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cascade heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions (cooling and superheating) within a single integrated structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining effective superheating control.
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 system effectively controls the superheating state of refrigerants, maintaining high heat exchanging capacity and compact characteristics while reducing costs associated with additional heat exchanger components.
Implementation Method 1
The first sub heat exchanging unit 21b is configured to cause the first refrigerant that has passed through the first main heat exchanging unit 21a to be in a superheating state
Implementation Method 2
a first cascade heat exchanger (21) that exchanges heat between the first refrigerant that flows in the first refrigerant circuit (1) and the second refrigerant that flows in the second refrigerant circuit (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Refrigerant is caused to be in a superheating state without impairing the performance of a cascade heat exchanger. A refrigerant cycle system (100, 200) includes a first refrigerant circuit (1, 201), a second refrigerant circuit (2, 202), and a first cascade heat exchanger (21, 221). The first cascade heat exchanger (21, 221) exchanges heat between a first refrigerant that flows in the first refrigerant circuit (1, 201) and a second refrigerant that flows in the second refrigerant circuit (2, 202). The refrigerant cycle system (100, 200) includes a switching mechanism (13, 25, 213, 225). The switching mechanism (13, 25, 213, 225) switches a flow path of a refrigerant of at least either one of the first refrigerant circuit (1, 201) and the second refrigerant circuit (2, 202). The first cascade heat exchanger (21, 221) includes a first main heat exchanging unit (21a, 221a) and a first sub heat exchanging unit (21b, 221b). The first sub heat exchanging unit (21b, 221b) is configured to cause the first refrigerant that has passed through the first main heat exchanging unit (21a, 221a) to be in a superheating state.