Centrifugal flash tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flash tank economizers in chiller systems are large and expensive, and inefficient in separating working fluid into vapor and liquid components.
Innovation Solution
A flash tank design that induces a circular flow of refrigerant using a tangential inlet to separate refrigerant into vapor and liquid components by centrifugal forces, reducing size and cost while improving separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flash tank economizers are used, then refrigerant separation function is provided, but the device is large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The flash tank employs a curved inner wall surface that guides refrigerant flow in a circular path, utilizing centrifugal forces to enhance separation efficiency while reducing the overall tank volume required for effective operation
2Reliability
If conventional flash tank economizers are used, then refrigerant separation function is provided, but the device is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The curved inner wall design simplifies manufacturing compared to complex internal component arrangements, reducing production costs while maintaining effective refrigerant separation through centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 2:
The flash tank utilizes the kinetic energy and centrifugal forces of the incoming refrigerant flow itself to perform the separation function, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming components or complex mechanical systems
3Reliability
If conventional flash tank economizers are used, then refrigerant separation is achieved, but separation efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The curved inner wall creates a circular flow path that generates centrifugal forces, causing liquid refrigerant to migrate to the outer wall and vapor to remain in the center, significantly improving separation efficiency and enabling higher mass flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow dynamics parameters by inducing rotational motion through the curved wall geometry, transforming the separation mechanism from gravity-based to centrifugal force-based, thereby enhancing both efficiency and throughput
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
Enhances separation efficiency and allows for higher mass flow rates with reduced flash tank size, leading to cost savings and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
A flash tank design that induces a circular flow of refrigerant using a tangential inlet to separate refrigerant into vapor and liquid components by centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a flash tank configured to receive a refrigerant and to separate the refrigerant into vapor refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The flash tank is configured to generate a flow of refrigerant therein along a circular flow path. The flash tank has a main body having a circular cross-section with a diameter and an inlet coupled to the main body and configured to direct the refrigerant into the main body. The inlet has a center line extending in a common direction with the diameter, and the center line is offset from the diameter in a radial direction.