Ceiling Air Conditioner Heat Exchanger Layout for Greater Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-way ceiling-mounted air conditioners have limited heat exchange area due to the shape and structure of their branch heat exchangers, which can be improved without compromising productivity.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner features branch heat exchangers divided into first, intermediate, and second end portions, with the first and second end portions bent towards the mechanical fan at different angles, increasing the total longitudinal length and heat exchange area, while facilitating brazing operations and minimizing manufacturing disadvantages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the total longitudinal length of branch heat exchangers is increased to increase heat exchange area, then the heat exchange area is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and productivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The branch heat exchangers are divided into multiple sections (first end portion, intermediate portion, second end portion) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each section to be produced using standard manufacturing processes while the final assembled configuration achieves the increased heat exchange area through the specific arrangement of these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The branch heat exchangers are arranged in a nested or folded configuration within the limited space of the air conditioner housing. By folding the heat exchanger passages back on themselves and arranging them in a compact nested pattern, the total longitudinal length is effectively increased within the same external dimensions, thereby increasing heat exchange area without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the branch heat exchangers are bent at obtuse angles to increase total longitudinal length, then the heat exchange area is improved, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the branch heat exchangers have different bend angles optimized for their specific functions. The first end portion, intermediate portion, and second end portion each have specific bend angles (α and β) that are optimized for their local requirements - some sections have sharper bends to maximize length within space constraints, while other sections have gentler bends to facilitate manufacturing and assembly. This local optimization of bend angles resolves the contradiction between increasing heat exchange area and maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 enhances the heat exchange area and manufacturing efficiency by allowing for adjustable bend angles and compact design, reducing the need for multiple headers and optimizing space for electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger 102 and a turbo fan 103 accommodated in the product main body 101. The heat exchanger 102 is typically made up of two branch heat exchangers 104
Implementation Method 2
outlets formed in the decorative panel along its four sides... outlets in a decorative panel along its two opposite sides... blow out temperature-controlled air into an interior of a room
Implementation Method 3
The mechanical fan is a centrifugal fan located in the product main body such that the mechanical fan has a rotation axis oriented in a vertical direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A ceiling-mounted air conditioner, which has a rectangular shape in a planar view, is provided with: a decorative panel having an indoor outlet along each of the opposite long sides and a product main body that incorporates a mechanical fan and two heat exchangers. The heat exchangers are arranged to sandwich the mechanical fan between the two indoor outlets in a planar view. The intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction of the branched heat exchangers are arranged parallel to the indoor outlets, and both ends of the branched heat exchangers are bent at differing angles with respect to the intermediate portions towards the mechanical fan.