Cold storage evaporator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cold storage evaporator structures, with cold storage containers having dimensions smaller than fins in the stacking direction, result in inadequate cooling performance when the compressor is stopped due to inefficient cryogenic energy storage and increased airflow resistance.
Innovation Solution
The cold storage evaporator is designed with a configuration where the dimensions of cold storage containers in the stacking direction are smaller than those of fins, allowing for more refrigerant tubes and containers without increasing the core's dimensions, and incorporating recessed portions within the containers to enhance energy absorption and emission rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cold storage containers are disposed next to refrigerant tubes with fins interposed, then the structure can include multiple cold storage containers, but the cold storage containers are located only at one side of the fin which fails to achieve desired cooling performance when the compressor is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement where cold storage containers are placed only at one side of fins to a three-dimensional configuration where containers are disposed at both sides of fins in the stacking direction. This dimensional expansion allows cold storage containers to be positioned adjacent to multiple refrigerant tubes separated by fins, thereby improving cooling performance when the compressor is stopped without excessive structural complexity
2Length of stationary object
If cold storage containers have dimensions smaller than fins in the stacking direction, then the core dimensions can be reduced, but the cold storage containers are inevitably located only at one side of a fin which fails to achieve desired cooling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the stacking direction (thickness direction) as an additional dimension to position cold storage containers at both sides of fins. By making the cold storage container dimension in the stacking direction smaller than the fin dimension, the core overall dimensions are kept compact while the containers can still be arranged at multiple locations (both sides of fins) to improve cooling performance when the compressor is stopped
3Quantity of substance
If multiple fins are interposed between cold storage containers, then the structure can accommodate more refrigerant tubes, but the cold storage containers are spaced apart which reduces cooling performance when compressor is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the evaporator to have different configurations. In regions where cooling performance when the compressor is stopped is critical, cold storage containers are positioned adjacent to each other with minimal fins interposed. In other regions, multiple fins can be present to accommodate more refrigerant tubes. This localized optimization balances the number of refrigerant tubes with cooling performance requirements
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 achieves enhanced cooling performance and increased cold storage capability while reducing airflow resistance, ensuring effective cryogenic energy utilization even when the compressor is stopped.
Implementation Method 1
the cryogenic energy of the refrigerant is transmitted from side surfaces of the refrigerant tubes to side surfaces of the cold storage containers and is stored in the cold storage material in the cold storage containers
Implementation Method 2
the cold stored in the cold storage material is emitted to cool the external air for a while
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A cold storage evaporator includes heat exchange units U1, U2, U3, ..., each including a fin 6, a refrigerant tube 5, a cold storage container 7, and another refrigerant tube 5 that are stacked in this order in a direction crossing a direction in which external air passes. A dimension of the cold storage container 7 in the stacking direction is smaller than a dimension of the fin 6 in the stacking direction.