CO₂ Dry Cleaning Intercooler Using Self-Service Fluid Cooling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current dry cleaning systems using carbon dioxide solvents face inefficiencies due to complex cooling units with moving parts, high energy consumption, and supercooling issues, leading to increased maintenance needs and costs.

Innovation Solution

A cooling unit utilizing cooled fluid from other parts of the system to cool the fluid between compressor stages, eliminating the need for external energy sources and reducing mechanical complexity, thereby achieving optimal temperature for washing cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an air-cooled intercooler with a fan is used to cool the fluid between compressor stages, then the fluid temperature is reduced to safe levels, but the system complexity increases and electrical energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid temperatureVSAvoidcooling unit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling function is merged with the storage tank by integrating a heat exchanger into the tank structure. The storage tank serves dual purposes: storing cooled fluid and providing cooling capacity through its contents, eliminating the need for a separate air-cooled intercooler with fan

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own stored cold fluid to cool the compressed gas between stages. The cold fluid in the storage tank absorbs heat from the warm compressed gas, creating a self-sustaining cooling system that requires no external electrical power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If an air-cooled intercooler with a fan is used to cool the fluid between compressor stages, then the fluid temperature is reduced to safe levels, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid temperatureVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The heat generated by compression is converted into a beneficial cooling effect by using it to pre-cool the fluid before storage, reducing the overall cooling load and maintaining lower temperatures in the storage tank without additional energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Temperature

If the fan in the cooling unit is constantly operating, then the fluid is continuously cooled, but electrical energy is wasted and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid temperatureVSAvoidelectrical energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system operates periodically based on system needs rather than continuously. The heat exchanger activates only when compression occurs, utilizing the stored cold fluid at that moment, eliminating continuous energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Stress or pressure

If supercooled fluid is stored in the storage tank to maintain low pressure, then pressure control is achieved, but the fluid temperature becomes too low for optimal washing performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage tank pressureVSAvoidfluid temperature for washing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid is cooled to the optimal washing temperature before being stored in the tank, rather than allowing it to become supercooled. The heat exchanger pre-cools the compressed gas to the precise temperature needed for washing, maintaining both pressure control and optimal washing temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls the cooling degree to achieve a specific temperature parameter suitable for washing, rather than maximum cooling. By adjusting the heat exchange duration and intensity, the fluid reaches the optimal temperature range for dry cleaning operations while maintaining safe storage pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reduces energy consumption, simplifies the system, minimizes maintenance needs, and maintains optimal fluid temperatures for washing, while being more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

a tube section for conveying the fluid from the first compressor stage to the second compressor stage, arranged such that the fluid in the tube section is fluidly associated with the fluid in the device and cooled by the cooled fluid in the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

the fluid in the tube section is fluidly associated with the fluid in the device and cooled by the cooled fluid in the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10352591B2Cooling device and method therefore for CO2 washing machine

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL AB (PUBL)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cooling unit for cooling fluid in a dry cleaning system and a method therefore. The cooling unit (12) comprises a device (1, 7, 8) containing cooled fluid such as carbon dioxide, and a tube section (11) for conveying the fluid from a first compressor stage (2) to a second compressor stage (3), arranged so that the fluid in the tube section (11) is cooled by the cooled fluid in the device (1, 7, 8).